Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III’s (rh) Second European Tour (1970)

Overview

For the propogation of islam Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) conduted his second tour of Europe. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Rabwah on April 4, 1970. He reached London via Tehran and Istanbul, from where he started his tour. He visited missions in Switzerland, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, Holland, Great Britain ,Spain, and evaluated the propagation of Islam in Africa. During this tour, for the assistance of the African people, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) announced the Nusrat Jahan Scheme, which included the establishment of medical centres for medical services and secondary schools to equip them with education. This initiative aimed to enlighten future generations of African countries with worldly sciences along with spiritual education.

Apart from this, His Holiness reviewed the situation in Spain, and during this trip, a historic night came when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) prayed all night for the revival of Islam in Spain. As a result, Allah told him through revelation that his prayer would definitely be fulfilled at the appointed time.

During this tour of Europe and Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed 10 press conferences, participated in 12 welcoming ceremonies, and attended 4 official banquets. His Holiness inaugurated 5 mosques and laid the foundation stones for 4 mosques. His Holiness met with the heads of 6 countries, addressed over a thousand scholars at two universities, inaugurated one mission house, and laid the foundation stone for another. He also gave interviews on television and delivered 9 Friday Sermons.

After visiting the countries of Europe and Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to Rabwah on 8 June, 1970.

Objectives and purpose of the Tour:

Before heading out for his tour, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) explained the purpose of his visit in these words:

“In the name of Allah and trusting in Him… Tomorrow morning I will leave for a West Africa tour. I go to those nations who have been oppressed for centuries. These nations have awaited the great Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for centuries. They have been waiting for the great spiritual son of the Holy Prophet, the Promised Mahdi, and among them, with few exceptions, none have had the opportunity of visiting the Promised Messiah and the Mahdi. This longing has entered their hearts that any of the Promised Messiah’s caliphs should reach them. Through visiting a caliph from among the caliphs, they shall fulfil the delight of their eyes. After centuries of waiting, if Allah wills, they will be blessed with this opportunity. With this support and faith, I am embarking on this journey, believing that Allah Almighty will create such means with his grace that the days of victory will come soon.”¹

Departure from Rabwah, Pakistan

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Rabwah by car on April 4, 1970, and travelled to Karachi, where His Holiness had a short stay.

Departure from Karachi, Pakistan

On April 5, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed from Karachi, Pakistan, embarking on an extensive journey that would take him across several countries and continents. His Holiness’ first stops included Tehran, Istanbul, and London and finally Zurich, where He stayed briefly before continuing his travels.²

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) leading a silent prayer at Karachi airport before the departure of his tour to Europe and West Africa, April 4, 1970

Arrival In Zurich, Switzerland

The flight from Istanbul departed on April 5, 1970 at 3:30 pm. During the flight, the captain announced that because of severe snowing in Geneva the plane was being directed straight for London. 

The flight reached London, where after an hour, the flight continued on to Zurich.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) spent the next few days meeting members of the Jamaat.

Arrival in Frankfurt, Germany

On April 9, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) travelled by train to Frankfurt, Germany. The following day, April 10, 1970, His Holiness led the Friday prayers at Masjid Noor, a significant event for the local Ahmadiyya Muslim community.³

Journey to Lagos, Nigeria

On April 11, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed from Frankfurt and arrived in Lagos, Nigeria. During his stay, His Holiness met with delegations and members of the local Jamaat, held conferences, and inaugurated a new mosque in Abuja, marking a significant milestone for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Nigeria.⁴

On the evening of April 12, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) went to Ijebu Ode where the Ahmadiyya community has a beautiful mosque and a large mission house. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was warmly welcomed by the Jamaat there. A foundation stone was laid by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (rh) on the opening of the mosque. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered a speech here to an audience of nearly 4,000 people.⁵

Al Fazl also speaks about this town in the south-western part of Nigeria:

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III inaugurated a mosque in Ijebu Ode, marking a significant milestone for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the region. The total expenditure for the construction of this mosque was £35,000, making it the third mosque to be established in this city.“ ⁶

Visit to Ghana

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Nigeria on April 18, 1970, and travelled to Accra, Ghana, where nearly ten thousand people had gathered to see His Holiness.⁷

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was taken in a procession to the Mission house where more than ten thousand people including chiefs, the industrialists, the ambassadors and the other elites of the public had gathered. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) gave a speech on this occasion. His Holiness also laid the foundation stone of the mosque In Accra.

In Ghana, His Holiness engaged with local Jamaat members and visited various cities. On April 20, 1970, His Holiness had a notable meeting with the President of Ghana, Mr. Hilla Limann. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then travelled to Kumasi.

The following day, April 21, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) inaugurated a new school, the Kumasi Secondary School, further contributing to the educational development in the region and also delivered a speech which was translated into 4 local languages.⁸

On April 22, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited the town of Techiman, where he laid the foundation stone of a mosque and delivered an inspiring speech. The same evening, His Holiness returned to Accra.⁹

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III’s (rh) arrival in Techiman, Ghana, April 22, 1970.

Arrival in Ivory Coast

On the morning of April 27, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed from Accra, Ghana, arriving in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in the afternoon. During his stay, His Holiness delivered two sermons and visited a school in Arbak, engaging with the local community and reinforcing the educational mission of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) also met with the acting president and some TV representatives.¹⁰

Visit to Liberia

On April 29, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Ivory Coast for Liberia. After arriving in Robertsfield Airport, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) travelled in the president’s car to the Hotel. 

The same evening Hazrat met the President, Mr. Tubman, at the Executive Mansion, the official residence of the President. The next day, April 30, 1970, at 4:30 pm Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed a press conference. The same evening, His Holiness had dinner with dignitaries of Liberia.¹¹

Representative of the President of Liberia with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) proceeding to a reception held in honour of His Holiness at the Hotel Intercontinental, Monrovia, Liberia, April 29,1970.

Journey to Gambia

Following his visit to Liberia, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) travelled to Gambia on May 1, 1970.

On May 2, 1970, His Holiness met with the President of Gambia and gave him an English translation of the Holy Quran as a gift. His Holiness also addressed the members of the Jamaat. 

The following day, May 3, 1970 in Serrekunda, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) laid the foundation stone for a new mosque and the Nusrat Secondary School, marking a pivotal moment for the local community and the expansion of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mission in the region. ¹²

Arrival in Sierra Leone

On May 5, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived in Bathurst, Sierra Leone, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his journey in Sierra Leone. his visit commenced with a series of press conferences, where He addressed various issues and shared the vision of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. His Holiness also had an important meeting with the Governor General of Sierra Leone, Jazeel Hijaski, strengthening diplomatic and community ties.

A few days later on May 7, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Freetown and addressed the pupils and the staff. About 25 students of the final year accepted Ahmadiyyat on that occasion

The following day, May 8, 1970, His Holiness inaugurated the Nazir Ahmad Ali Mosque in Freetown, named in honour of Nazir Ahmad Ali Sahib, a key figure in the Ahmadiyya mission in Sierra Leone who was the first missionary to be there and died a martyr.

On May 9, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived in Bo, another important city in Sierra Leone. The next day, on May 10, 1970, His Holiness laid the foundation stone for a new mosque in Bo, further expanding the community’s religious infrastructure. 

On May 11, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Bo and participated in a prize distribution. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to Freetown on May 12, 1970, from where He flew back to Holland on May 14, 1970. ¹³

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) cutting the ribbon to commemorate the inauguration of Nazir Ali Mosque in Sierra Leone, May 8, 1970.

Some members of the Jamaat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), Sierra Leone, 1970.

Arrival in Holland

On May 14, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed for Holland, continuing his global mission to promote the teachings of Islam and engage with various communities. Upon arrival, His Holiness quickly immersed himself in activities that would strengthen the bonds of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the region.

On May 15, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered the Friday sermon at Masjid Noor in The Hague. This sermon provided an opportunity for local community members to gather, reflect on their faith, and receive guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), reinforcing the spiritual connection among the Jamaat members.

Journey to London, England

Following his engagements in Holland, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left for London on May 17, 1970. This transition marked a continuation of his outreach efforts, as His Holiness prepared for significant events planned in the UK.

Inauguration of Mehmood Hall

On May 23, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) inaugurated Mehmood Hall, a vital addition to the community’s infrastructure in London. This hall is expected to serve as a centre for various community activities, fostering unity and collaboration among members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

Arrival in Spain

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) embarked on a significant journey to Spain on May 25, 1970, immersing himself in a land rich with Islamic history. Upon arrival, His Holiness expressed a profound connection to the past, stating that He could hear the “hooves of the horses of Hazrat Tariq,” a reference to the historic Islamic conquest led by Tariq ibn Ziyad. This statement symbolised the potential revival and flourishing of Islam in Spain.

Visits to Historic Sites

On May 23, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited the Alhambra in Granada, a testament to Spain’s Islamic heritage. After spending time in Madrid, His Holiness travelled to Cordoba on May 27, 1970, a city known for its grand mosque and historical significance in the Islamic world. His journey also included visits to Toledo and a return to Madrid, where His Holiness engaged with the local community and reflected on the deep-rooted Islamic presence in the region.

Media Engagement and Departure

During his stay in Spain, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was interviewed by the newspaper Pueblo. In this interview, His Holiness emphasised the equality of all people and articulated that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community represents the true essence of Islam. This message resonated with the ideals of peace and unity that the community strives to promote.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s tour concluded with his departure to London on June 1, 1970, after a series of impactful engagements that highlighted the historical and spiritual connections between Islam and Spain.¹⁴

During his stay in London, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) engaged in several Majlis Irfan gatherings, which are spiritual meetings where His Holiness interacted with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. These gatherings provided an opportunity for members to seek guidance and ask questions on various spiritual and religious matters.

On June 6, 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed from London and arrived in Karachi, Pakistan, on June 7, 1970. His return marked the conclusion of his travels, during which His Holiness engaged with communities and reinforced the mission of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community through various activities and interactions.

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1. Al Fazl 9 April 1970 ↩︎
2. Al Fazl, April 8, 1970 ↩︎
3. Al Fazl, April 14, 1970 ↩︎
4. Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 26, Page 52 ↩︎
5. The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
6. Al Fazl, April 16, 1970 ↩︎
7. The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
8. Al Fazl, April 21-22, 1970/ The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
9. Al Fazl, April 26, 1970 ↩︎
10. The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
11. The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
12. Al Fazl, May 6, 1970/ The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
13. The Muslim Herald, August, September, 1970 ↩︎
14. Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 26 page 93 ↩︎