MISSION NOOR.

Nowadays in Pakistan, Mission Noor is underway. The question arises: Whose legacy is Mission Noor?

After the death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, his close companion Hakim Noor-ud-Din was chosen as the first Caliph. Hakim Noor-ud-Din is considered a key figure in the preaching and expansion of the Qadiani (Ahmadiyya) movement, and in remembrance of his services, the community introduced the concept of Mission Noor. This mission forms part of the global missionary activities of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

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Historical and Religious Importance of Mission Noor

Immediately after the passing of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Hakim Noor-ud-Din was elected as the first Khalifatul Masih. He reorganized the community, established educational institutions, and trained missionaries for propagation. Through his leadership, the Jamaat established roots in Britain, Germany, and Africa.

For instance, in 1924 an Ahmadiyya mission was established in Berlin, where the first mosque was named Masjid Noor. Similarly, in Frankfurt (Germany) the Noor Mosque was inaugurated in 1959. Other mosques in different parts of the world also carry the name “Noor,” all in remembrance of Hakim Noor-ud-Din’s “radiant” services.

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Activities of Mission Noor

Mission Noor represents a structured program of worldwide preaching. Each year, the renewal of Bai‘at (pledge of allegiance) takes place on a designated day—usually on May 27, the date of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s death. On this day, Qadianis around the world symbolically reaffirm their allegiance in their homes, mosques, or gatherings.

Young people reaching adulthood participate actively in this, where they formally declare their belief in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a “prophet.” Senior members from various countries travel to London (the current headquarters of the Caliphate) to take Bai‘at directly with the Caliph.

This process is considered the central feature of Mission Noor, reinforcing unity and missionary zeal of the Jamaat. In Rabwah (Chiniot, Pakistan), the ceremony is held on a large scale, drawing thousands of Ahmadis.

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Noor Foundations and Mosques

The Ahmadiyya Jamaat has established institutions under the name Noor Foundation, working in education, healthcare, and missionary services. For example, in Berlin the Noor Foundation serves as a hub for propagation.

The first Ahmadiyya mosque in most countries is often named Masjid Noor, inspired by the original Masjid Noor in Qadian (India). Early annual gatherings (Jalsa Salana) were also held at Qadian’s Masjid Noor.

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Global Expansion

Through Mission Noor, the Jamaat sent missionaries to more than 200 countries. In Africa (e.g., Ghana), the mission has been active since the 1920s, leading to thousands of conversions. Missionaries trained under Hakim Noor-ud-Din laid the foundations in Britain (London Mosque, 1926) and in Germany.

Today, under the leadership of the fifth Caliph, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the mission continues to emphasize peace, education, and religious tolerance.

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Quranic Inspiration

The Qadiani claim that their mission draws inspiration from Surah al-Nur (24:35) of the Qur’an, where Allah is described as “The Light of the heavens and the earth.” They present this as a source of revival for Islam.In Islam, rulings are not rigid, rather they are connected with wisdom, purpose, and intention.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us that it is not only the action itself that matters, but also its effect, objective, and intention.

That is why sometimes even a permissible act can become impermissible due to a wrong intention or resemblance (to non-believers).

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ declared fasting on the 10th of Muharram as Sunnah, but he also said:

“If I live until the next year, I will fast not only on the 10th but also on the 9th of Muharram, in order to differ from the Jews.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Fasting is a lawful and virtuous act.

However, if it is done in a way that resembles the disbelievers or the people of falsehood, then because of intention, that same act may become impermissible or disliked.

Thus, the rulings of actions are not based only on their outward form, but also on the intention, context, and effects.

Some Examples for Clarification

Giving charity

– A very good and lawful deed.

But if it is given to an oppressor with the intention of enabling him to commit more oppression, then this act is not correct.

Speaking a lie

– Normally forbidden.

But if it is spoken to save the life of an oppressed person, it can become permissible.

That is why the Qur’an states clearly:

“Do they not then reflect upon the Qur’an?”

(Al-Qur’an)