Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s Writings about Jesus

I, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, have devoted my life to uncovering the truth about many religious subjects, including the life and mission of Jesus. My interpretations challenge conventional beliefs and seek to harmonize Islamic teachings with historical accounts. In my book, Jesus in India, I declare, "The truth which I have discovered is that Jesus, on whom be peace, did not die on the Cross, nor did he go up to the sky; rather, he went to Kashmir and died there."

The Ahmadiyya Perspective on Jesus

In the Ahmadiyya Muslim tradition, I offer a comprehensive analysis of Jesus' life, mission, and legacy. I affirm that Jesus was a prophet of God, not divine, and his mission was to guide the Children of Israel. This interpretation aligns with the Quranic view, which acknowledges Jesus as a revered prophet but rejects the concept of his divinity and crucifixion. I wrote, "Jesus was a human prophet who lived a mortal life and accomplished his mission among the lost tribes of Israel."

The Crucifixion and Survival Theory

One of the most notable aspects of my writings is the theory regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. I challenge the mainstream Christian belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. I argue that Jesus survived the crucifixion, a view supported by several pieces of evidence presented in my writings. I suggest that Jesus was taken down from the cross in a state of unconsciousness and later revived. As I stated, "The duration of Jesus' stay on the cross was too short to cause death. Historical evidence supports that Jesus was alive when he was taken down."

I refer to historical texts, including the Gospel of John, to support my claim that Jesus did not die on the cross. I point to the short duration of Jesus' crucifixion, which was unusual given the typical time it took for crucifixion victims to die. Additionally, I highlight the presence of medicinal herbs like aloe and myrrh brought by Nicodemus, which were used to heal Jesus' wounds. "Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. This was not for embalming a dead body, but for treating wounds," I explained.

Journey to the East

Another significant element in my writings is the assertion that Jesus traveled to the East after surviving the crucifixion. I claim that Jesus embarked on a journey to regions like India, Kashmir, and Tibet to continue his mission of preaching to the lost tribes of Israel. This theory is elaborated upon in my book, Jesus in India. "After escaping death on the cross, Jesus journeyed towards India, eventually reaching Kashmir, where he continued his ministry," I wrote.

In this work, I present various pieces of evidence to substantiate my claim, including ancient manuscripts, local traditions, and historical records from these regions. I also point to the existence of tombs in Kashmir, which are believed by some to be the final resting place of Jesus. "In Kashmir, there exists a tomb known as the Rozabal, which local tradition and historical records suggest is the burial site of Jesus," I wrote.

Prophecies and Miracles

I also discuss the prophecies and miracles attributed to Jesus in my writings. I acknowledge the miraculous birth of Jesus, his ability to heal the sick, and his other supernatural acts, but I interpret these miracles in a manner consistent with Islamic teachings. I emphasize that these miracles were performed by the will of God and not by Jesus' own divine power. "The miracles of Jesus were acts of God, demonstrating His power through His chosen prophet," I asserted.

Jesus in Islamic Eschatology

My writings also delve into the role of Jesus in Islamic eschatology. According to mainstream Islamic belief, Jesus will return in the latter days to restore justice and defeat the Antichrist. However, I interpret this prophecy metaphorically. I claim that the second coming of Jesus is not to be understood as a physical return but rather as the coming of a reformer in the spirit and power of Jesus. "The prophecy of Jesus' return is metaphorical, indicating the advent of a reformer who will embody the spirit and mission of Jesus," I wrote.

I present myself as the promised Messiah and Mahdi, fulfilling the prophecies about the second coming of Jesus. I argue that my own advent was foretold by various religious texts and that my mission was to revive and reform Islam. "I am the one whose coming was foretold, to revive the true teachings and spirit of Islam," I proclaimed.

Response to Critics

My unconventional views have been met with criticism from both Islamic and Christian scholars. Critics argue that my interpretations deviate from traditional beliefs and lack historical and scriptural support. I address these criticisms in my writings, defending my theories with detailed arguments and evidence. "Critics often resist new interpretations, but truth stands firm against scrutiny, and the evidence I present is robust," I wrote.

I emphasize that my interpretations are rooted in a sincere attempt to reconcile religious teachings with historical facts. I encourage my readers to approach my works with an open mind and to consider the evidence I present critically. "Let us approach these truths with an open heart and mind, weighing the evidence impartially," I urged.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of my writings about Jesus continues to influence religious discourse today. My perspectives offer an alternative understanding of Jesus' life and mission, prompting discussions and debates among scholars and theologians. "My work aims to spark a deeper exploration and understanding of Jesus' true mission and life," I wrote.

My work has also contributed to the broader dialogue between Islam and Christianity. By presenting Jesus as a figure who bridges both religious traditions, my writings encourage interfaith understanding and respect. My emphasis on rational interpretation and historical evidence challenges believers to reconsider their assumptions and to seek a deeper understanding of their faith. "Through rational discourse and historical analysis, we can foster greater interfaith harmony," I advocated.

Conclusion

My writings about Jesus provide a thought-provoking and detailed examination of one of the most influential figures in history. My unique perspective, grounded in Islamic teachings and supported by historical evidence, offers an alternative narrative that challenges conventional beliefs. Through my extensive works, I have left an enduring impact on religious thought, encouraging believers to explore their faith with intellectual rigor and an open heart. "My mission is to illuminate the truths about Jesus, guiding believers towards a more profound and enlightened understanding," I concluded.

By Claude D. Rhodes 32*