647,000 More People Accept Islamic Caliphate

During the largest Islamic convention in the UK, the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community announced that over the past year 647,869 people from 129 countries had accepted the Ahmadiyya Caliphate, before taking an oath from 35,000 Muslims forming a human chain from his hand, as well as millions across the world, during a live televised ceremony.

The Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the leader of tens of millions of Ahmadi Muslims was delivering the community’s annual report in which he also announced that over the past year the community had built 411 new mosques worldwide.

Today (Sunday), the Caliph extended his hand to over 35,000 people initiating a live pledge of allegiance at the largest convention of Muslims in the UK. The ceremony, known as the _International Bai’t_, was also televised across the world on television, radio and online.

Ahmadi Muslims have travelled from more than 100 countries for the _Jalsa Salana_, which takes place on a 200-acre farm in Hampshire, owned by the community.

On Saturday, the Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, conducted proceedings from the ladies marquee. 15,000 Muslim women witnessed the Caliph award prizes to women for academic achievements. In his keynote address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the impact excessive use of tablets and other electronic devices is having on the family unit and the development of children.

HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD SAID:

“_Modern technology has many benefits but it also has certain harmful effects that should be guarded against. As a result of people spending hours upon hours each day on electronic devices, family members are becoming distant from one another. Family life is breaking down. Instead of sitting together as a family and talking, it is common for each family member to be engaged in their own world on their own electronic device._”

THE CALIPH ADDED:

“_The development of young children is being proven to suffer because of excessive use of electronic devices. Furthermore, instead of talking through issues with their children, some parents just leave them to their own devices and so parents are not aware of the issues their children are facing. The unity of family life is facing a grave crisis and so it is necessary for parents to maintain close relations with their children and to take them outdoors for recreational activities and to encourage them to read and study things that can benefit them and society._”

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE THE CALIPH TOOK FROM HIS FOLLOWERS IS AS

FOLLOWS:

I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.

_I have firm faith that Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah is Khataman Nabiyyeen, the Seal of all the Prophets._

“I also believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the same Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiah whose advent was prophesied by Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, will deliver five speeches over the course of the weekend.

The Jalsa focuses on increasing the spirituality of participants, whilst also tackling issues facing the world’s second largest religion – including the rise of so-called Islamic extremism, the growing threat of the far-right and Islamophobia.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 in India and is led by a spiritual caliphate, with tens of millions of adherents.

The Jalsa concludes on Sunday.