Talk:Caliphate Day

Background
Caliphate Day ("Khilafat Day") was commemorated for the very first time on the 27th May 1957. Al-Musleh Al-Maud, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad(RA), went to every possible extent to make the Jama'at realise the blessings, status and importance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (RA) felt that not only more awareness should be raised among the members of the Jama'at about this unique blessing, but they should also be grateful to Allah the Almighty for bestowing this grand blessing upon them.

It was in 1956 when the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya were holding their National Ijtema in Rabwah that they were graced with the attendance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (RA). Addressing the Ahmadi youth, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (RA) said:

“Always remember the blessings of Khilafat. To remember something, nations have historically allocated a day to commemorate it. For instance, the Shiites march in processions once a year so that the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husseinra is not forgotten. Similarly, I advise the Khuddam to dedicate a day and celebrate it as Khilafat Day wherein they should offer their gratitude to Allah the Almighty and revive history. It might be hard to find old newspapers, but Al Fazl has recently retold the whole history; Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra arguments in support of Khilafat and also the abuse hurled at him in return by the Paighamis [the Ahmadiyya Anjuman-i-Ishaat-i-Islam Lahore, who deviated from the system of Khilafat].

“Such passages should be read out from these newspapers. If Khilafat Day is celebrated once a year, the younger generation will listen to them every year and eventually know them by heart. Continue holding these Jalsas until the end of time, so that the Jamaat never forgets the blessings and importance of Khilafat. The Khilafat of Jesusas has been around for around 1900 years. May the Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas – who is higher in rank than Jesusas – remain for 10,000 years. This is only possible if you dedicate a day of the year for this purpose.

“I would also like to instruct the Markaz that, like Sirat-un-Nabi Day, a day should be celebrated as Khilafat Day. The Markaz should advise [the organisers of these Jalsas] as to what topics should be covered in speeches, what parts of Al Fazl to be read out to the youth to make them aware of how Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira upheld the institution of Khilafat and how the Paighamis wrote in opposition. Those dreams and visions should be mentioned that Allah the Almighty vouchsafed to me well ahead of time and how He fulfilled each one of those to show that His blessings are still with Khilafat.”

In light of these instructions by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (RA), Nazarat Islah-o-Irshad, in consultation with the members of the Jama'at, proposed that 27 May be dedicated as Khilafat Day and will be commemorated by all Jama'ats. This announcement appeared in the Al Fazl of 9 November 1956.

Ever since, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, commemorates the blessings of Khilafat on this day, celebrating by offering prayers, recalling the blessings of Allah on the Jama'at through this blessed institution and looking back to see how every passing year brought – and brings – prosperity to the Jamaat under this Divinely guided leadership. Firo Johnson (talk) 17:49, 6 June 2023 (UTC)