Foundation Brick of Tucson Mosque

Missionary Ata’ullah Kaleem, Missionary and Amir Jama’at USA, laid down the foundation brick of the Tucson Mosque in 1982. Khalifatul-Masih III (may Allah shower His mercy on him) mentioned this mosque at Jalsa Salana (annual convention) at Rabwah in 1982. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 287).

A 2.5 Acre piece of land was bought by Dr. Ahsan Zafar for $62500 in Willingboro in 1982 and donated to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA. (General file America 1984, pp. 280-81).

Missionary Azhar Haneef devoted his life at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV.

Mian Muhammad Ibrahim Returns to Rabwah

Missionary Mian Muhammad Ibrahim returned to Rabwah Headquarters in December 1982. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 43).

Muhammad Din Passes Away

Maulawi Muhammad Din, the second Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary in the US, passed away. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV lauded his achievements in his Friday sermon of 11 March 1983. (Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 2, pp. 155-6).

Khalifatul-Masih IV Sends Message to Canada

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) sent a message to Canadian Ahmadis on 20 March 1983 to leap forward like American Ahmadis and collect $300,000 in the next 3 years for new mission houses, mosques, and extension of existing mission houses. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 112).

Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad Martyred

Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad of the USA was martyred on the night between August 8 and 9 by a hired thug. The body reached Rabwah and Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV led his funeral prayer. He said: O martyr of Ahmadiyyat, peace be on you; You did illuminate the name of Ahmadiyyat. (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, 50th Jalsa Salana Souvenir, June 1998, p. 22).

The Detroit Mosque which was bought in 1980, was set on fire by terrorists on 8 August 1983 resulting in the martyrdom of Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad. The mosque was repaired in 1989 and was named Bait-ul-Muzaffar. Another house and a large piece of land was bought in the vicinity of the mosque. (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, 50th Jalsa Salana Souvenir, June 1998, p. 22).

Buyut-ul-Hamd Scheme Launched

Buyut-ul-Hamd Scheme was launched on 29 October 1983 to build houses for the poor and widows as an expression of gratitude to Allah for Basharat Mosque in Spain. The US Jama’at joined the scheme immediately. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 111).

Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad – Amir and Missionary In-Charge

Shaikh Mubarak Ahmad was appointed Amir and missionary in-charge from 26 November 1983.

The mosques in Cleveland, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, OR and Willingboro, NJ and the mission houses in Detroit, Houston, New Orleans and the National Mosque were built or acquired under his leadership. (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, 50th Jalsa Salana Souvenir, June 1998).

The foremost task assigned to missionary in-charge Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, (Amir USA from November 1983 to June 1989) by Khalifatul-Masih IV, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (Rahimahullahu Ta‘ala) was to launch a scheme to establish major Ahmadiyya Centers in the five important cities of Washington DC, New York, Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 50).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV asked all Chanda paying Ahmadis of the US Jama’at that they should try to pay a minimum pledge of $3800 for building five new mosques in the USA. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, July 1983, p. 1).

Properties Acquired

A larger building was procured for $450,000 in Queens after selling the existing New York mission house. (General file Mission America 1984, pp. 245-246).

In Zion a Flat and a house was bought for $30,000 in 1984. It has a hall and flat on the first floor. There is adequate space for car parking. (File Mission Houses and Centers America, p. 1).

A 6-acres piece of land was acquired in Detroit. (File Zafar Sarwar 1984-5, p. 17 and General file America 1984, p. 245).

New York Mission House

A house was bought in New York for $24900 for a mission house. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad on 23 March 1984. (General file America 1984, p. 90).

Hijrat of Khalifatul Masih IV

Three days after the notorious Ordinance XX on 26 April 1984, the fourth Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Islam, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah shower His mercy on him), was forced to migrate from Pakistan to England due to the cruel and discriminatory regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. Jama’at office was set up in London. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 110).

Thirty-Sixth Annual Ahmadiyya Convention

The Thirty-Sixth Annual Ahmadiyya Convention USA was held at University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, September 1984, pp. 15-20, Souvenir USA, 50th Jalsa, June 1998, p. 17).

National Ijtima of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya

The National Ijtima of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, USA was held in Groveland-Oaks Park, near Detroit. About eighty-five attended. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, January 1985, p. 7).

Thirty-Seventh Annual Ahmadiyya Convention

The Thirty-Seventh Annual Ahmadiyya Convention USA was held at University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) sent a message which was read by Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Amir and missionary in-charge, USA. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, August-September 1985, pp. 1-2, Souvenir USA 50th Jalsa June 1998, p. 17).

A Message from Khalifatul-Masih IV

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) sent a message through Wakil-ut-Tabshir. He said: Most earnest and special attention should be paid towards those who have newly joined Ahmadiyyat. The right way of becoming Da’i Ilallah (i.e., the one who calls to Allah) and joining the system of regular contribution should be introduced to them immediately.” (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, January 1986, p. 3).

Land Procured

Jama’at Ahmadiyya Cleveland bought a piece of land for $50,000 in 1986. (Letter Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad 1985-11-30, File Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad 1985, pp. 60-2).

In 1986, initially a 9.1-acre lot was purchased for Bait-ur-Rahman Mosque. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 378).

25th Majlis Ansarullah Ijtima

Majlis Ansarullah USA held 25th Ijtima. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) sent a message. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, May-June 1986, p. 3).

Thirty-Eighth Annual Convention

Thirty-Eighth Annual Convention of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA was held at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Nearly 2,000 attended. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, September 1986, p. 7)

Fourth West Coast Convention

Jama’at Ahmadiyya Los Angeles hosted the fourth West Coast Convention at Crown Valley Community Park—a suburb of Los Angeles. Approximately three hundred attended the convention. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, October 1986, p. 7).

Majlis-i-Shura, USA

Majlis-i-Shura of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, USA, was held at Bait-uz-Zafar, New York. It was chaired by Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Amir and missionary in-charge. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, December 1986, pp. 3-6).

Thirty-Ninth Annual Ahmadiyya Convention

The Thirty-Ninth Annual Ahmadiyya Convention USA was held at University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland. (Souvenir USA 50th Jalsa, June 1998, p. 17).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV Tour of USA

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) toured 11 states of USA from 30 September to 14 November 1987. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 13).

Reception at the Marriott

Jama’at Ahmadiyya USA arranged a reception in Marriott on 1 October 1987 in honor of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) where 250 politicians were invited. The representatives of the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City presented an address of welcome.

 In the afternoon, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV addressed the faculty and students of the Department of South Asian Studies of Columbia University.   (American Ahmadiyya Centennial Souvenir 1889-1989, p. 43, the Ahmadiyya Gazette, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 115).

Majlis-i-Shura Meeting Held

Majlis-i-Shura (Advisory Council Meeting) was held on 3 October 1987 under the chairmanship of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV. The election of the national Executive body was also held and Khalifatul-Masih accorded its approval. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 115).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV Visits Jamaats

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) visited Ahmadiyya Community in Philadelphia and Willingboro. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 13).

Land Procured

Jama’at Ahmadiyya Willingboro procured a house with 5.3-acre land in 1983. The house was converted to a mosque. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV came here and inaugurated the mosque. A reception was arranged in his honor. The mayor announced 8 October 1987 as “Mosque Inauguration Day.” Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV named it Nasir Mosque. He unveiled a plaque of the mosque. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 117).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV in Dayton, OH

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) arrived in Dayton OH. A reception was arranged which was attended by dignitaries of town council. The mayor presented Khalifatul-Masih with an insignia. The reception was covered by local media. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 117).

Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) arrived in Chicago and members of the Ahmadiyya Community welcomed him. People came from Milwaukee, Zion and St. Louis. He was also welcomed when he arrived in Hinsdale Hall of University of Chicago where 150 non-Ahmadis from different sections of society were present. Another reception was arranged in the same university’s Banquet Hall. Khalifatul-Masih IV answered questions on Islam from the audience. The Mayor of Chicago was invited to yet another reception. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 117).

Khalifatul-Masih IV in Zion

Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) addressed a public reception at Zion where the mayor of the city of Zion welcomed him. Later, he was interviewed by TV reporters. The local media covered the event. (American Ahmadiyya Centennial Souvenir 1889-1989, p 44).

Build Dignity of Character

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) delivered Friday Sermon at Detroit, Michigan. He said: “Build dignity of character. It abolishes the feeling of inferiority complex. There is no discrimination of White-Black in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.” (The Detroit address, 16 October 1987 by Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih IV, the Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 118) [For details, see “The Detroit Address,” published by MKA USA].

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) laid the foundation stone of a mosque and a mission house in Troy MI.

He traveled to Miami FL, St. Louis MO and gave an audience to the members there. (American Ahmadiyya Centennial Souvenir 1889-1989, p 45).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV Visits LA

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) was welcomed to Los Angeles. He addressed Lajna Ima’illah of Los Angeles. He also addressed a press conference which was covered by local media. Channel 18 televised a one-hour documentary of the Los Angeles tour. (American Ahmadiyya Centennial Souvenir 1889-1989, p 45, the Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 118).

Majlis-i-Irfan in San Francisco

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) met with intellectuals and held Majlis-i-Irfan [a question/answer session] in San Francisco. (American Ahmadiyya Centennial Souvenir 1889-1989, p 45).

Rizwan Mosque Opened

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) opened Rizwan Mosque in Portland and delivered Friday sermon. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 118).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV Returns to Washington, DC

After delivering Friday Sermon in Calgary, Canada, on November 6, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV returned to Washington D.C. on 8 November 1987. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 13).

Majlis-i-Shura, USA

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV presided over the Majlis-i-Shura of Jama’at Ahmadiyya USA in New York. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette, USA, Vol. 72, Nos. 10-12 and Vol. 73, Nos. 1-9, October 2020-September 2021, p. 13).

Khalifatul-Masih IV Challenges Zia

With the Pakistan government’s persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community intensifying beyond all previous thresholds, Khalifatul-Masih IV challenged Zia to a prayer duel in his Friday Sermon of 3 June 1988.

In a question-and-answer session, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the Fourth Caliph, said: “I swear by God that when our Lord comes to assist us, there shall be no one there who will help you. When God’s decree will shatter you into pieces, all traces of your identity shall be wiped out, and the world shall forever remember you with disgrace and disgust.” Five days later on 17 August 1988 his plane was blown from the sky. In the following week’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad said: God has given his decision. Ahmadis are happy because they have witnessed the victory of God. It is a great heavenly sign of the succor that God has extended to us. (Friday Sermon of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih IV dated 19 August 1988, Khutbat-e-Tahir Vol. 7, pp. 559-579).

George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush was inaugurated as 41st US President on 20 January 1989. He remained in the office till 20 January 1993. (Wikipedia).

Centennial of Islam-Ahmadiyyat

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) sent a message on the completion of one hundred years of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. He outlined the aim and objectives of the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). He said, “Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian laid the basis for the unification of mankind in a unique manner. He resolved the conflicts and paradoxes prevailing in the religious work regarding the advent of a global Reformer.” (The Muslim Sunrise, March 1989, Vol. LV, No. 2, pp. I to IV).

Khalifatul Masih IV Visits the US

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) visited the USA for the second time. He went to Rochester, Amsterdam, New York, Willingboro, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Los Angeles in California. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, April-Sept. 2020, pp. 121).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) held a question/answer session. The news media asked numerous questions, especially on the unique status of Ahmadiyyat in the contemporary world, on the mission of the Promised Messiah, on the achievements of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the world over the last one hundred years and on its future in the next one hundred years. He said, “If the community had already spread to over 122 countries of the world in its first one hundred years, then one could well imagine what the next one hundred years would bring.” (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-Sept. 2020, p. 121).

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) traveled to Amsterdam, a scenic town in upstate New York. The combined Chambers of Commerce of the surrounding towns held a reception at a luncheon in his honor. A large number of guests, mayors of the local towns and members of the Ahmadiyya Community from Rochester and New York attended. Khalifatul-Masih IV spoke on freedom of conscience in Islam in response to the raging global debate raised by a notoriously offending book that evoked strong sentiments across the western and the Muslim worlds. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-Sept. 2020, p. 121).

Khalifatul-Masih IV Presides Over Annual Convetion

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) presided over the concluding session of the annual convention. A poem written by him for martyrs in Pakistan was read by missionary Zafar Ahmad Sarwar in his melodious voice. He wept quietly as the painful tragedies were recounted in the poem. Then, he delivered his concluding address. (The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, pp. 121-2).

Sahibzadah Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Assumes Charge

Sahibzadah Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad assumed charge as Amir Jama’at USA in 1989. (50th Jalsa Salana Souvenir-June 1998, the Ahmadiyya Gazette USA, Vol. 72, April-September 2020, p. 122).

Change in Auxiliary Organization

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah shower His mercy on him) announced in the course of Friday sermon at Fazl Mosque London 3 November 1989, the following changes in the auxiliary organizations all over the world. These changes have come into force at once.

1. The national Nazim A‘la of Majlis Ansarullah will henceforth be designated as Sadr Majlis Ansarullah of that particular country.
2. The national Quaid of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya will henceforth be designated as Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya of that particular country.
3. The national President of Lajna Ima’illah will henceforth be designated as Sadr Lajna Ima’illah of that particular country.
4. The national Sadrs of all these auxiliary organizations shall henceforth
5. i) Seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV and shall be answerable to him in all matters pertaining to the concerned auxiliary organization.
6. ii) Send a monthly brief of their activities to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih with a copy to the Amir/National President.

iii) Refer to Khalifatul-Masih all cases of appointments and removal of office bearers along with the recommendations of the Amir/National President.

1. iv) The sphere of Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Sadr Lajna Ima’illah in Rabwah shall henceforth be restricted to Pakistan only.

(Khutbat Tahir Vol. 8, Friday Sermon 3 November 1989, pp. 709-724).