1.1 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

The religious organization known as the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded in the late 19^th century, in India, by a gentleman named Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who claimed, among other things, to be a Divinely appointed reformer for Islaam.

I was a member of this organization for many years but recently (in November 2003) decided to dissociate myself from it since I no longer accept Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s claims as true. This document explains why.

When I originally started making notes pertaining to my recent detailed study of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, including the references to his writings that were helping me assess him and his Movement, it was solely for my own use. Even when I started more formal documentation, it was partly as a personal aid. Firstly, outlining the issues methodically served as a validation for myself, helping me ensure that I was clear in my own mind as to why I was leaving. Secondly, I wanted to properly record all the references for my own future use and for anyone else who might be interested. Related to this was the motivation that if I was to explain to my friends and family the reasons for my change of faith – which I anticipated doing – I would need to have them documented, along with the relevant references, even if it was only for my own consultation while providing an oral explanation (over the telephone or in person). And, obviously, having my explanation written had the advantage that it could be handed or mailed to anyone, obviating the need for a lengthy conversation.

The purpose and scope of the document evolved, however, while I was conducting my study and writing the document. The document is now a rather detailed treatise, providing a critique of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, in his capacity as a claimant of Divine office, and of his claims. I have tried to make it readable by a wider audience, even by non-Muslims, in case any are interested, for example, for research purposes. However, the document is still focused on my reasons for not believing in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad; it is not meant to state all possible criticisms of him and his Movement.

My reasons for rejecting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad are based on rational and moral grounds; they are not theological. I will further elaborate upon this statement at the beginning of Chapter 3.

The purpose of this document is not to invite debate. I have no desire to get into an argument; if my readers think I am misguided and have presented invalid arguments, then that is that. (However, if you are very concerned about my salvation and feel compelled to show me that I am wrong, then you may send me a response to the issues I raise but please see the Preface for information regarding this; please do not send me a response without reading the Preface.)

Since the document is quite long, most readers will probably not want to read all of it. I have included a variety of material since different readers might be interested in different things. The next section of this chapter, Section 1.2, “Overview of the Document”, meant to give you an idea of the content and structure of the document, will point out where in it you will find summaries and selection aids that may help you decide what to read. I also encourage you to take a look at the Detailed Table of Contents available at the beginning of the document; that may help you decide what to read and what to skip.