Overview
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) embarked on his seventh and final trip of his caliphate on June 26, 1980, leaving Rabwah and arriving in Frankfurt on June 29, 1980. During this journey, His Holiness travelled through Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Spain, Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, the United States of America, and England, before returning to Rabwah on October 26, 1980.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited thirteen countries across three continents over four months, purely for religious purposes. During this extensive campaign to call people to God and provide spiritual training, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) met prominent intellectuals and important personalities from Germany, Switzerland-Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Spain, Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, the United States of America, and England. His Holiness taught them the true religion and demonstrated its superiority over other religions.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered 20 speeches aimed at the moral and spiritual training of Ahmadis living in these countries, presented 16 Friday sermons, and addressed 14 crowded press conferences. He corrected hundreds of misconceptions about the true religion and presented the teachings of the Holy Quran in their original, bright, and timeless form to the people of the West.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) assessed the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in these thirteen countries, discussed the campaign to call people to Allah, and reviewed the moral and spiritual training of Ahmadis with the missionaries. He inaugurated a new mission house and mosque in Oslo, Norway, and visited West African countries where the Jamaat is providing educational and medical services. He also approved the establishment of numerous medical centres and secondary schools.
Purpose of the Trip
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) outlined the purpose and goals of this journey:
“This visit has become necessary due to several reasons. Allah the Almighty has recently granted us numerous favours and opened new avenues for development in foreign countries. It has become essential to visit these countries to take advantage of these opportunities and to expedite the work of the true religion. In 1970, when I went to Spain, I sought a small, dilapidated, and uninhabited house for prayer. Although the government was willing to accommodate us, strong opposition from the priests prevented this. However, in the ten years since, a remarkable transformation has occurred. Allah Almighty granted us a piece of land near the city of Cordoba, which we acquired at a significant cost, and the government has granted us regular permission to build a house of worship there. Recently, Allah the Almighty has blessed us with a magnificent three-story building near Oslo, which can be effectively used as a house of worship and mission house. Additionally, in Nigeria, Allah Almighty has given us the opportunity to build three more large mosques in different areas, and they wish for me to inaugurate them during this visit.
I have requested prayers in Rabwah and now ask you to pray, especially for seven days, that Allah the Almighty bless this visit with success in all respects and that this trip may be fruitful for the advancement of the true religion.”1
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) leaving for spain
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) at the airport
The Historical Day of October 9, 1980
October 9, 1980 was a historical day when the foundation stone of the Basharat Mosque, Spain was to be laid. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) had given special instructions that no interview was to be given on that day because His Holiness wished to devote all his time for special prayers and he did not want to be disturbed.
Ahmadis from all corners of the globe had gathered there to celebrate that historical day. Delegates had come from America, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Nigeria, Great Britain, Holland, Iran and Pakistan.
The divinely blessed group of humble devoted Muslims, which history cannot overlook, proceeded towards Pedro Abad where the foundation stone was to be laid, singing praises of the beneficence of God Almighty. Pedro Abad is a small town 32 kilometres away on the main motorway. The site acquired for the mosque is on a prominence a little less than two acres in area and situated on the motorway from Madrid to Cordoba.
At 3:40 pm sharp Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) approached the place where the foundation stone was to be laid. By that time the number of local onlookers, including men, women and children, had reached many a hundred. Sayyad Mahmud Ahmad Nasir, holding the slab brick in his hand, stood next to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) near the spot where the foundation brick was to be laid. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) blessed the brick, touching it with the ring of the Promised Messiah and said that He would, for a little while, say some silent prayers and then would lay the foundation, and among tears of joy Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) began saying, call to mind also when Ibrahim (as) and Ishmael (as) raised the foundations of the House and they prayed:
“Our Lord, accept this offering from us, it is Thou Who art All-Hearing. All Knowing. Our Lord, make us submissive to Thy will and pleasure and make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee. Teach us our appropriate ways of worship, and turn to us in mercy, for Thou art Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful.”2
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) laying the Foundation Stone of Basharat Mosque, Pedro Abad, Spain
Love For All, Hatred For None
While addressing a large congregation where Hazrat Khalifatual Masih III (rh) laid the foundation stone of the first mosque in Spain in 700 years, His Holiness stated:
“Islam teaches us to live with mutual love and affection and with humility. It teaches us no distinction between a Muslim or a non-Muslim. My message to everyone is that you must have ‘Love for All, Hatred for None!”3
Press Conference
Following this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed a crowded press conference:
Question: Why did you choose the place of Pedro Abad for the mosque?
Reply: We have not chosen this place; God has chosen it. The people here are very nice, which is also a reason for our choice.
Question: What is the importance of the mosque?
Reply: The purpose of the mosque is to be a place where we can worship God together.
Question: There is a conflict going on between Muslims. What are your thoughts on this?
Reply: The true religion teaches peace. The conflict among Muslims at present is contrary to the teachings of the true religion. We do not hold the true religion responsible for this. Similarly, during the last two world wars, Christian governments fought against each other, but we do not blame Christianity for that. The Quran is a great book that provides solutions to all human problems. It does not create discrimination between a Muslim and a non-Muslim in terms of humanity.4
Journey Through Europe
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited European countries from July 29, 1980 to August 7, 1980.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) arrived in Frankfurt on June 29, 1980. During his visit, His Holiness met with members of the Ahmadiyya community in Germany and travelled to several other countries, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, and Great Britain. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) held press conferences in Zurich, Frankfurt, and Oslo, and on August 1, 1980, he inaugurated the first mission centre in Oslo, Norway. This ceremony was attended by Mr. Munir ud Din Shams, Deputy Imam of the London Mosque, who also participated in the European Missionary Conference in Oslo. The Ahmadiyya community eagerly awaited the arrival of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). His Holiness arrived in the United Kingdom on Thursday, August 7, 1980, and was warmly welcomed at Heathrow Airport.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s engagements in the UK
From August 7 to 16, 1980, His Holiness stayed in London. Upon his arrival at the London Mosque, young Ahmadis were provided with an opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). His Holiness received a warm welcome from the UK Jamaat. Initially, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) met with the members of the Executive Committee of the Jamaat and the local presidents, followed by individual meetings with each community member. This significant event was covered by The Guardian, a local newspaper. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was accompanied on this visit by his wife.
Besides attending to the hundreds of letters which poured in from all over the world, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) granted meetings to several visitors from Nigeria, France and Trinidad, and led the daily prayers at the London Mosque. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) also led the Friday prayers, the Eid prayers and followed this with a faith-inspiring Eid sermon on the ‘Love of God Almighty’.
On August 14, 1980, a press conference was held at the Café Royal in Piccadilly, attended by over sixty reporters and photographers. The event attracted significant media attention. Coverage was provided by various publications, including The Guardian, Sunday World, Arab Times of Kuwait, Birmingham Post, Church Times, Sunday Post, some Indonesian papers, and the Daily Jang.
During the conference, a reporter from The Daily Telegraph posed a question regarding the perceived conflict between the Ahmadiyya sect and the broader Muslim world, asking how Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) reconciled the peaceful nature of his religion with ongoing wars in the Middle East. In response, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) highlighted that the Christian world had initiated the two world wars, resulting in millions of casualties, thus suggesting that the presence of conflict does not negate the peaceful teachings of a religion.5
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) speaking to the press in London.
Journey to West Africa
From August 17 to 31, 1980, His Holiness travelled to the West African countries of Nigeria and Ghana.
On August 17, 1980, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed England for a tour of Ghana and Nigeria. While preparing to depart for Lagos from Amsterdam Airport, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was engaged in conversation with members of the Jamaat in the VIP lounge when the Prime Minister of Holland, Mr. A. Finn Acht, arrived from America. He, along with some of his personal staff, came to the lounge to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and expressed his pleasure in the meeting.
During his visit to Ghana, His Holiness travelled to the Ashanti and Central Regions and inaugurated a new mosque and mission at the Movement’s headquarters in Accra. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) emphasised the importance of keeping mosque doors open to everyone, stating that once a mosque is built, it belongs to God and not to man. Additionally, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) engaged in a conversation with the Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra Leone during his visit.
In West Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) inaugurated three mosques and discussed strategies to accelerate the work with the missionary-in-charges of the African countries. The President of Ghana also had the honour of meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) twice. Throughout his time in Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was warmly welcomed by thousands of people and announced the establishment of numerous new medical centres and secondary schools.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) during an interview with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria, 23 August 1980.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s engagements in the UK
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), accompanied by his wife and other members of his entourage, left the London Mosque on September 30, 1980 for a tour of the North of England, principally to open the newly acquired mission centres.
Darul Aman, Manchester
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s entourage reached Manchester at about 7 pm and were enthusiastically received by the President, Mr. Anwarul Haq, and members of the Mosque Committee.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) inaugurated the Mission Centre there by offering Maghrib Prayers in it and later addressed the members. He said that mosques are open for people of all religions so long as they worship One God. The Holy Prophet, peace be him, set the example by-allowing Christians to pray in his mosque.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) in Manchester
Nasir Mosque, Huddersfield
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stayed in the Mission House for almost two hours and then left for Huddersfield.
Upon arrival, Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad introduced to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), the members of the Jamaat who had lined up in the hall to welcome their beloved leader.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) declared the Mission Centre open with Isha Prayers and afterwards he sat amongst the members and addressed them for some time. He also answered some questions asked by the members of the Jamaat. It was almost half past ten when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and his party arrived at Dr. Hamidullah’s residence, where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was going to stay for the next three days.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) in Huddersfield
Baitul Hamd, Bradford
After a day’s rest on Thursday October 2, 1980, it was the turn of Bradford Mission House. Early in the morning, the members started arriving at the newly acquired site, from where a motorcade of 30 cars proceeded to Dr. Hamidullah’s residence to escort Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) to the Mission House.
On arrival, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was received by the Deputy Mayor and other office bearers within the Jamaat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then proceeded to the main entrance of the building where he unveiled the plaque of the Mission Centre.
After the opening ceremony, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed the Press, which included the local press and Yorkshire TV. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), by the grace of Allah, replied to their numerous questions with great confidence.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and his party left for London.
Bradford Mission House inauguration
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) at Bradford Mission House in 1980
Bradford Mosque Local Journalist interviewing Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) in 1980
Meeting with Khuddam
One of the many blessings of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s visit to this country has been the reorganisation and revitalisation of the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Association in this country. Khuddamul Ahmadiyya were fortunate that despite his very busy schedule, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was able to address the Khuddam on two separate occasions. On 4th October 1980, he attended a special meeting arranged by the vice-president of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Association worldwide, for all qaids and their executive members. On this occasion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) expressed his concern at the lack of organisation and progress being made by the youth of this country.
Mahmood Hall, Khuddam event with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), 1980
Khuddam reciting the pledge in Mahmood Hall, 1980
Jalsa Salana UK
On Sunday, October 5, 1980, the Ahmadiyya Community in the UK celebrated its 15th Annual Convention, which took place at Cranford Park, Middlesex.
After lunch, everybody eagerly awaited the arrival of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). When he arrived, a great sense of relief and happiness was felt by all that Allah had enabled him once again to be present among the community in the Annual Gathering.
After Zohr and Asr prayers, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then distributed prizes to various members of the community for their services to Islam and Ahmadiyyat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) finally took the stand for the main event of the day, which everybody had so eagerly and patiently awaited. Having regard to those members of the audience who are not familiar with the Urdu language, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) compensated for this by giving his speech in English first of all, followed by another in Urdu,
During this emotional and moving speech, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) pointed out the importance of sacrifice:
“If Islam is to triumph over other faiths, we have to be ready to make the same sacrifices as did the Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)…. Unless we are prepared to make such sacrifices, Allah will raise another people through whose efforts and sacrifices Islam will triumph”
The 15th Annual gathering was brought to a close by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) with silent prayer.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returning after leading namaz
Darus Salam, Southall
On October 18, 1980, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) kindly and graciously opened the Southall Mission Centre, named Dar us Salam.
A large crowd tightly packed the Mission Centre and grounds around it to celebrate the occasion.
A number of non-Ahmadi guests and representatives of the press were also present.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then addressed the community by praising the immense progress they made and pointed out the trials and tribulations faced by the early Muslims. His Holiness concluded the ceremony with a silent prayer, joined by all present.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) in Southall
Imam Bajwa reciting Quran at Southall Mission opening
Southall Mission House opening interview with Press
Darul Barakat, Birmingham
Because of his heavy schedule, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was unable to go to Birmingham to open the Mission Centre there. However, on the day when he opened the Middlesex Mission Center, His Holiness also declared the Birmingham Mission Centre opened.
The Jamaat at.Birmingham was in continuous contact with Southall by telephone, and when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) offered prayers at Southall, the Jamaat in Birmingham also joined in the prayer simultaneously.
Eid al-Adha
On Sunday, October 19, 1980, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) led the Eid al-Adha prayer at London Mosque, where over 3,000 members participated in this celebration. After delivering the Eid sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) spent two hours shaking the hands of all the male attendees.
Tea Party with Khuddam
On the eve of his departure to Rabwah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) graciously accepted an invitation to a tea party in his honour, organised by the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Association UK. This proved to be a well-organised and very successful party, attended by the dignitaries of the Jamaat and hundreds of Khuddam from most parts of the UK.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) directed his attention to the training of the Khuddam. His Holiness emphasised the necessity of reading the books of the Promised Messiah (as) in order to understand the true meaning of Islam.
The party was brought to a close by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) leading a silent prayer.6
Departure to Rabwah, Pakistan
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned successfully to Rabwah on October 26, 1980.
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