Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III’s (rh) Sixth European Tour (1978)

Overview

On this historic and auspicious journey, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed from Rabwah on May 8, 1978. He examined the mission houses in Frankfurt, Zurich, and The Hague before arriving in London on May 31, 1978. From June 2 to June 4, 1978, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered the opening and closing addresses at an international conference on the topic of “Salvation through Christ’s Crucifixion.”

After visiting Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, and passing through Paris, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to London on August 18, 1978. He left London on October 8, 1978 and arrived back in Rabwah on October 10, 1978.

During this tour, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) delivered 21 Friday sermons, emphasising educational and training issues within the Jamaat. Eleven receptions were arranged in his honour, and scenes from these events were shown on television. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressed several press conferences, and newspapers gave prominent coverage to his statements, featuring his picture alongside. The television also broadcasted the press conferences.

Purpose of the Visit:

 Before embarking on this historic journey, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stated: 

“I am about to leave for a trip during which I will also participate in an international conference in England, focused on the Quran’s position regarding Hazrat Masih Nazari. This conference has generated significant discussion, but there has been disapproval from the church, and threats to our London mission house have been received via letters. Nonetheless, the guidance given to us by the Quran is:¹

‘Do not fear the people, but only fear Me’²

Therefore, despite these threats, We are undeterred by the grace of Allah.”

The primary purpose of this visit was to hold an International Conference in London on the theme “Salvation through the Crucifixion of Christ” in June 1978. This conference included addresses from prominent figures such as Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarullah Khan Sahib, the Head of the Department of Srinagar University, and Archaeologist Professor Spanish Orientalist Mr. And Rees, Christian Orientalist Dr. Lead Salat Phillip Denmark, Mr. Abdus Salam Medicine B.A, Rafiq Imam Baitul Fazl London, Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Sahib, Christian Researcher, and Christian Researcher Mr. R.S.E. Schofield.

The International Conference

The International Conference on the Deliverance of Jesus from the Cross which was held at London on June 2, 3 and 4, 1978, concluded satisfactorily. This was the first conference ever held on this subject anywhere in the world.

The International Conference was attended by 600 delegates from all over the world and various religious and non-religious denominations that met at the Commonwealth Institute, Kensington

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) addressing the historic Conference of Deliverance from the Cross

The first day’s session concentrated on the more tangible pieces of evidence which point ominously to Jesus’ survival on the Cross.

After the recitation of a portion from the Holy Quran, the official opening speech was delivered by Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. Introducing the delegates to the theme of the Conference

Sir Zafrulla Khan concluded his inaugural address with these words: 

“Thus, whether Jesus did or did not die on the cross is a question in which the Jews, Christians and Muslims are alike keenly interested for the sake of arriving at the truth. It is in this spirit of seeking for and making manifest the truth that the Ahmadiyya Movement has, as an act of service to mankind, organised this conference.”³

Over the course of the next two days, numerous speakers took to the stage to deliver and present their views, opinions, and research. 

Caption reads: ‘The view from the other side just before the Conference opened. This was what it looked like to speakers. Left to right: Dr. Ladislav Filip of Czechoslovakia, Sir Zafrullah Khan and Mr. B. A. Rafiq, Imam of the London Mosque.’

Below is an article, covering the three day International Conference:

The Muslim Herald mentions the proceedings of the third and final day of the International Conference on the Deliverance of Jesus from the Cross in the following way:

“Nearly 1,500 people from all walks of life and representing various faiths, Christians, Muslims and Jews attended the final day of the International Conference on the Deliverance of Jesus from the Cross. The session commenced at 2:30 pm with a packed audience seated and standing on the two-tier gallery overlooking the oval elevated landing where the speaker’s rostrum had been placed and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III. The predominantly male audience comprised some 300 overseas guests and delegates from 19 countries and included the envoys from Mauritius, Liberia, Ghana and the Gambia. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III met the envoys and after a brief introduction was escorted to the centre of the arena. In his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III had presented a gist of the massive evidence piled up against death on the Cross and he shattered to pieces this misunderstanding and its association with the dogma of Trinity. After this, the Imam of the London Mosque proposed a vote of thanks to Huzur for having graced the Conference by his presence and his address and he thanked the panel of speakers, the volunteers and others who had been connected with the Con- ference for all their efforts. Once again, slogans heralded the departure of Huzur from the conference with the envoys rising up to compliment Huzur on his address. Thus ended the International Conference on the Deliverance of Jesus from the Cross, with Jesus having been truly delivered from an accursed death on the Cross. The Conference was a success story right from the word that it was first conceived and by the Grace of God Almighty continued to be so throughout the duration of the Conference. Perhaps not enough, a number of local Christians were present. Coinciding with the International Conference, the Sunday Telegraph carried a colour supplement about the community’s claims and the rationality of such claims along with pictures of the Tomb of Jesus in Kashmir, Huzur’s pictures and snaps taken at the Jalsa Salana, Rabwah. The Putney and Roehampton Herald ran a four page wrapper illustrated with a gist of the community’s claims. The Sunday Mercury also ran a 4-page supplement about the Conference. The BBC Overseas Radio Service also broadcast news of the conference. Similarly, The Muslim Herald had issued a Special Issue which ran into 96 pages and was illustrated with photo blocks.”⁴

During the closing session of the International Conference, more than 1,500 guests participated, including members of the community, delegates, and high commissioners from Mauritius, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, as well as prominent leaders from London. The event generated significant attention and commotion within the British Church. In response, the British Council of Churches issued a press release inviting the Ahmadiyya community to further discuss the topic.

In response to this invitation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stated:

“We accept the invitation extended by the British Council of Churches and also invite the Roman Catholic Church to a similar discussion. We suggest that these discussion meetings be held in London, Rome, a capital city in West Africa, a capital city in Asia, and in the United States, with the dates and terms to be agreed upon by all parties.”⁵

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s engagements in the UK

During his visit, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) engaged in several important activities. After the conference, His Holiness honoured the participants and spoke about the spreading of Islam and the invitation to the true religion. This included interactions with dignitaries and influential figures from around the world.

Regarding the engagements of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), Al Fazl mentions:

“On June 5, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) had the honour of meeting a large number of people who had travelled from various countries to attend the conference. He spent three hours engaging in conversation with them. Later that day, between the Zuhr and Asr prayers at Fazl Mosque in London, Huzur also took time to meet with members of the Jamaat.”⁶

On June 7, 1978, a reception was hosted by Mr. Tom Cox, a Member of the British Parliament, in honour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including mayors, members of Parliament, and respected figures from London, providing an opportunity to discuss the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s activities and mission.

Tom Cox MP meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) outside the House of Commons, London

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returning from house of parliament

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) on his way to lead namaz

The following day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) met with the mission heads of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat from various European countries, including Great Britain, Holland,  Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, and Ghana. His Holiness offered guidance on how to effectively preach and accelerate the propagation of Islam efforts in predominantly Christian regions.

In addition to managing daily correspondence, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) held individual and group meetings with visitors, addressing their concerns and providing guidance.

On July 24, 1978 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) commenced a tour of European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and  Germany. He also addressed press conferences during this period.

Upon returning to London on August 19, 1978 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) experienced some health issues. He departed London on October 8, 1978 and returned to Rabwah on October 11, 1978.

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1. Al Fazl, may,1978 ↩︎
2. Al-Baqarah 2:151 ↩︎
3. The Muslim Herald, July, 1978, Page 21 ↩︎
4. The Muslim Herald, July, 1978, Page 21 ↩︎
5. Al Fazl, July 6, 1978 ↩︎
6. Al Fazl, July 8, 1978 ↩︎