Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III’s (rh) Fifth European Tour(1976)

Overview

On this historic and blessed journey, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Rabwah on July 20, 1976. During the trip, he visited America, Canada, England, Sweden, Norway, Denmark,  Germany, Switzerland, and Holland. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was in America and Canada from July 25, 1976 to August 15, 1976. During this period, he also addressed the annual convention of American parties. He then returned to London.

From London, on August 18, 1976, His Holiness travelled to Sweden for the inauguration of a mosque in Gothenburg. After visiting other European countries, His Holiness returned to London on September 15, 1976. During this trip, twenty-three people from different countries had the opportunity to accept the truth through the blessed hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh).

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) conducted a detailed review of the Jamaats in England from September 29, 1976 to October 14, 1976. His Holiness left London on October 17, 1976 to return to Rabwah and arrived back on October 20, 1976.

During this trip, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed eleven press conferences and was honoured at eleven receptions. He delivered thirteen Friday sermons, urging the Jamaat to focus on preaching, training, and the responsibilities of being an Ahmadi.

Purpose of the Visit

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) explained the purpose of this trip in a Friday Sermon prior to the journey:

“I am going on a trip to America and Europe tomorrow. Besides inaugurating a newly constructed mosque in Gothenburg, Sweden, I have the intention of visiting the missions in America and Europe as well.”¹

News Prior to Journey

Ahmadiyya Bulletin delivered news of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s arrival in the following manner:

“Our beloved leader, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III, is due to arrive in London on Wednesday, 21st July 1976. The editorial board of the Ahmadiyya Bulletin joins all members of the U.K. Ahmadiyya community welcoming Hazrat Sahib to the U.K. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) will be in London for a short period and is expected to leave for a three-week tour of the United States and Canada on Saturday, 24th July 1976. After his tour of America and Canada, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) will, inshallah, open the new mosque in Gothenburg, Sweden, on the 20th of August 1976. It is hoped that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) will return to the U.K. in September. We all hope and pray for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s safe and successful journey.”²

The Muslim Herald also writes, informing members of the Jamaat of the good news, on Page 4 of its August Edition:

“Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III (rh), the Head of the world-wide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam stopped over in London on 21st July 1976, on his way to America. This is the fifth visit by the present Caliph to this country, the earlier visits being in 1967, 1970. 1973 and 1975. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s visit to America will be the first visit made by any Caliph of the Movement. The itinerary includes visits to the branches of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA, and Canada and culminates with a formal address at the Annual Ahmadiyya Convention on 6th and 7th August. For hundreds of Ahmadis living in that country, it will be the first opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and derive benefit from his warm companionship in America.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) will then perform the opening ceremony of the mosque at Gothenburg in Sweden upon his return to Europe. This mosque is the first European mosque built under the Ahmadiyya Centenary plan with a major part of the finance coming from funds contributed in the United Kingdom.”³

Arrival In England

Before continuing his journey to America and Canada, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III made a brief stop in London after arriving from Pakistan. The Muslim Herald writes:

“Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III (rh), the Head of the world-wide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam stopped over in London on 21st July, 1976, on his way to America.”⁴

A summary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s stay in England is present in The Muslim Herald.

“During Huzur’s brief stay, members were granted private meetings with Huzur during which they shared their problems and worries, returning from the meetings with confidence that their supplications would be answered.

In spite of having had a very light schedule fixed for the itinerary, Huzur was able to relax while attending to the ‘chores’ connected with the office of Khilafat. These included replying to hundreds of letters received daily at the London Mosque from devoted members of the community all over the world, issuing fresh instructions to officials of the community, and, to meet local members of the jamaat in this country, and visitors from abroad.”⁵

On Sunday, July 25, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III left the headquarters of the UK Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at 9.30 am to start his journey to the USA. His Holiness was starting a three-week tour of the USA and Canadian Jamaats of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.

This visit was a historic one, for it was the first time that a Khalifa of the Promised Messiah was going to grace the American continent.⁶

Journey to America

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived at Heathrow at 10:30 am and after staying at a special guest lounge and personally meeting all those who had accompanied him to the airport. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) boarded the plane at 11:30 am The plane took off safely at 12:15 pm on its way to America.

After a seven and a half hour flight Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived in America at 12:45 pm (Washington time) at Dallas airport, Washington, USA.

The American missionaries, the National Amir of the USA Jamaats and Amirs from eighteen states of the USA together with some 500 Ahmadi men and women were waiting to welcome their beloved leader.⁷

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) went to a special guest lounge where His Holiness met members of the usa jamaat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) met members of the welcoming party individually and talked freely with all those present. H.E. Samuel Ernest, the ambassador of Ghana was also present and he also welcomed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) to America.⁸

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) led the Jumma Prayers in Washington on July 30, 1976, and delivered a soul inspiring sermon in English. Ahmadis had come from very distant places to participate in Jumma Prayers and hear Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s Sermon. 

During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s stay in Washington, he continued to meet people. On July 31, 1976, His Holiness went on an excursion to Charlottesville. This town is some 18 miles from Washington and is in the state of Virginia. It is well-known for its beautiful valleys and countryside. From here Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) went to visit the house of Thomas Jefferson. 

On August 1, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Washington D.C. for Dayton.⁹

During his visit to Dayton, the city commissioner welcomed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and presented him with the key to the city. Similarly, the mayor of Madison welcomed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and presented him with gifts, to which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) responded by gifting the mayor a copy of the Holy Quran.

Jalsa Salana USA

On August 6 and 7, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered the opening and closing sermons at the annual convention of the American Ahmadiyya Jamaat. His Holiness emphasised the importance of training new generations and proposed the establishment of community centres where children could experience a religious environment during their holidays. His Holiness advocated for the creation of training centres by acquiring land and planting gardens with fruitful plants, so that children could enjoy fresh fruits and a pleasant stay during their educational and training periods. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stressed the urgency of setting up recreational and educational centres in fifteen states and initiating training courses, even if they lasted only two months.¹⁰

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) meeting the Mayor of New Jersey, 1976.

Enhancing the System of Publication and Training

To improve the efficiency and productivity of publishing the true religion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) provided valuable instructions to the missionaries in the United States and Canada. Meetings with office bearers were held in both countries, resulting in important decisions aimed at expanding the call to Allah, as well as the education and training system. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) conducted a thorough inspection of the Mission House in Washington and provided guidance on optimising the use of the building. He also visited potential sites in the United States for a community centre.

After concluding his Tour in America, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to the UK. The Muslim Herald states in this regard:

“Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III, the Head of the world-wide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam returned from a historic and highly successful tour of the United States of America and Canada on 16th August, 1976”¹¹

Journey to Sweden

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left for Sweden by car from London on Wednesday August 18, 1976, following a very successful 3-week American tour.¹²

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived at the port of Frederikshavn in Denmark on the night of Thursday, August 19, 1976. There was an official reception committee prepared to greet Him. 

From Fredrickshauvan Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) proceeded to the port at Gothenburg where a large number of Ahmadis were present and greeted him enthusiastically. It was nearly midnight before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) finally arrived at the new mosque. After greeting everyone at the Mosque, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) retired to the residential quarters of the new mosque.¹³

Inauguration of Nasir Mosque, Gothenburg, Sweden

On the following day, Friday, August 20, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) officially opened the Mosque by leading the Jumma Prayers. The honour of giving the first Azan (call to prayers) went to Mr. Shoaib, member of the large Yugoslavian community in Sweden. In his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), said that Almighty Allah is the real owner of the mosque while we are merely its custodians. The doors of the mosque are always open to all those who worship the One and True God. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) declared that Allah exhorted the custodians of a mosque to always keep the mosque absolutely clean so that the righteous servants of Allah can pray in it whole-heartedly. 

Ahmadis from many parts of the world were represented; Guests arrived from Great Britain,  Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, Albania, Indonesia, USA, Cyprus, The Middle East and some other countries.

Messages of congratulations and good wishes were received from Singapore, Switzerland, Monrovia (W. Africa), USA, Pakistan, Denmark and Norway.¹⁴

While inaugurating the mosque in Gothenburg, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stated in his Friday sermon:

“Actually, these mosques are the property of Allah. Our role is only that of caretakers. The doors of our mosques are open to all those who want to worship the One Almighty God.”

The Muslim Herald gives a brief description of Nasir Mosque:

“Nasir Mosque has certain unique features. It is the first mosque built in Scandinavia and perhaps the most northerly, latitude-wise. 

The foundation stone was laid less than a year ago, on 27th September, 1975 by Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad. The total cost amounted to some £125.000. The site covers an area of 7,000 square metres and as it is located on a hill, it overlooks the city and is visible for miles around.”¹⁵

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) standing outside Nasir Mosque in Sweden

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) talking to Imam Kamal Yusuf inside the New Mission Hall

Press and Media Coverage

On Friday, August 20, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) granted a press conference and coverage was reported, along with photographs in all national newspapers, in many cases commanding bold headlines on the newsprint. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) answered various questions during the conference regarding the movement, its activities, Islam and mosques. His Holiness said that a mosque was essentially a house of worship and that everyone was welcome to it. The community would only act as custodians.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) at the Press Conference

The ceremony was witnessed by visitors from various countries including the uk, denmark,  Germany, Norway, generous hospitality was provided by the sweden mission. The mosque itself was financed largely from funds donated by members of the UK mission and is the first mosque built in Europe under the Ahmadiyya Centenary Fund. 

After the Inauguration, The Muslim Herald published some positive comments regarding this ceremony:

“The Opening ceremony of the first Mosque in Sweden was indeed an historic occasion. More than 600 people from all parts of the world came to this beautiful Swedish coastal town of Gothenburg to see Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III officially open the first Mosque in Sweden.”¹⁶

Swedish Radio also recorded an interview with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), and His Holiness also addressed a press conference. The opening of the mosque was prominently featured on television, and the radio broadcast the proceedings. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stayed in Gothenburg until August 25, 1976, providing an opportunity for the people of Sweden to meet Him.

The Swedish newspaper ‘Arbetet’ on page 11 of the August 21, 1976 edition says:

“THE FIRST MOSQUE IN SCANDINAVIA

Gothenburg: Sweden has got its first mosque. The Kalif himself, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, performed the opening this Friday in Gothenburg”

Below is a picture of the Article:

Journey to London, England

From August 26, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) travelled through Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, returning to London on September 14, 1976. 

In Frankfurt, the mayor welcomed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) with great honour and presented gifts. In return, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) gifted a German translation of the Holy Quran. 

He also addressed a press conference in Zurich, Switzerland, where Swiss Radio recorded his message for the Eid al-Fitr celebration for the Muslims of Switzerland.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived in the U.K. at 6.00 am on September 14,1976 at Sheerness.¹⁷

After returning to London, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) offered the Eid al-Fitr prayer on September 22, 1976. Following this, he undertook a detailed visit to the Jamaats in England to review and expedite the campaign of calling people to Allah.

Return To Rabwah, Pakistan

On October 17, 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left England to return to Pakistan after a successful tour of this country.¹⁸

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived safely in Rabwah after leaving London for Pakistan at 2:40 pm on Sunday, October 17,1976.¹⁹

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1. Al Fazl, 1970 ↩︎
2. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, July, 1976, Page 12 ↩︎
3. The Muslim Herald, August, 1976 Page 4 ↩︎
4. The Muslim Herald, August,1976 Page 4 ↩︎
5. The Muslim Herald, October, 1976 Page 3 ↩︎
6. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 20 ↩︎
7. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 20 ↩︎
8. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 21 ↩︎
9. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 21 ↩︎
10. Al Fazl, 1976 ↩︎
11. The Muslim Herald, September, 1976 Page 2 ↩︎
12. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 13 ↩︎
13. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, Page 13-14 ↩︎
14. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 14 ↩︎
15. The Muslim Herald, September, 1976 Page 2-3 ↩︎
16. The Muslim Herald, September, 1976 Page 4 ↩︎
17. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, August, 1976 Page 7 ↩︎
18. The Muslim Herald, October, Page 3 ↩︎
19. Ahmadiyya Bulletin, September, October, November, Page 10 ↩︎