Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad

From WikiAhmadiyya, the free encyclopedia on Islam and Ahmadiyyat
The Fourth Caliph

Reign
1982 - 2003
PredecessorHazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad
SuccessorHazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, (1928-1982) was the fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The son of the second Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Tahir studied Arabic, Urdu and comparative religions from the Jamia theological institute before graduating with an honours degree in Arabic from the University of Punjab. He spent two further years studying at London's School of African and Oriental Studies, during which time he traveled through Western Europe. Tahir's early-life education laid a foundation for his religious knowledge as well as establishing his multi-lingual expertise in Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi and English. 

In 1982 he was elected the fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Escalating state-sponsored persecution in Pakistan forced him to migrate to London in 1984, where he established the MTA International television station. On this channel, he presented numerous religious programmes and gained renown for his charismatic oratory and mastery of discussions in Urdu, English and Arabic. 

His most notable works include:

  • Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge & Truth: an English book based on a lecture he delivered at Zurich University, which explores the revelation of the Quran in light of history and modern scientific knowledge while refuting atheist academics, with specific reference to Richard Dawkins.
  • Darsul Quran: Over 80 televised hour-long episodes of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad offering detailed English commentary of six selected chapters of the Quran: Al Fatiha, Ale Imran, Al Lahab, Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq and Al Nas. 
  • Tarjamatul Quran: Over 300 televised hour-long episodes of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad providing an Urdu translation and brief commentary of the entire Quran.

See also