The Ahmadiyyah Movement: An Analytical Study of the Views of the Western Thinker H. A. Walter

تحریک احمدیت : مغربی مفکر ایچ اے والٹر کی آراء کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

The belief in the Finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat) is a foundational tenet of Islamic faith, emphasizing that the Holy Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) is the last messenger of Allah, and no new prophet or divine law will follow. Despite this, throughout history, various individuals have falsely claimed prophethood, creating theological and social disruptions. One such instance was the emergence of Mirzā Ghulām Aḥmad Qādiānī in the Indian subcontinent, who declared himself a prophet, challenging the established Islamic belief in the Finality of Prophethood. This article critically examines the views of H.A. Walter, a Western scholar, on the Ahmadiyya Movement. Walter, with his background in comparative religion, analyzed the life, claims, and teachings of Mirzā Ghulām Aḥmad, providing a unique perspective on the movement. By juxtaposing his insights with those of Islamic scholars who have consistently refuted the claims of false prophets, this study explores Walter’s contributions to understanding the historical and theological dimensions of the Ahmadiyya Movement. This research offers a nuanced appraisal of Walter’s work and its relevance to the broader discourse on religious reform movements and interfaith interactions during the colonial period.