The article, “My Claim to Promised Messiahship” by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), published in The Review of Religions (September 1904), is a profound exposition of his claim to be the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi for the latter days. As an Ahmadi Muslim, this writing is foundational in understanding his divine mission, the context of his advent, and the responsibilities entrusted to him by Allah.

Spiritual Decline and Divine Intervention

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) begins by describing the state of moral and spiritual decay prevalent in his time. He draws a parallel between the cyclical changes in nature and spiritual conditions in the world. Just as trees lose their leaves in autumn but are revived in spring, human spirituality also experiences phases of decline and rejuvenation. He highlights that the Punjab region, under Sikh rule, was spiritually barren, but the British government brought peace, which allowed intellectual growth. However, this peace led many to become materialistic and indifferent to God, causing widespread immorality and atheism. This spiritual crisis, he explains, necessitated divine intervention for moral and spiritual revival.

The Law of Divine Guidance

Hazrat Ahmad (as) emphasizes that Allah has an eternal practice of guiding humanity through His chosen prophets and reformers. When mankind strays, Allah appoints a person from among them to revive their spiritual connection. This individual receives divine knowledge, develops deep love for God, and works to guide people back to righteousness.

Prophecies of the Promised Messiah

Referring to prophecies from the Qur’an and previous scriptures, Hazrat Ahmad (as) explains that after six thousand years from Prophet Adam (as), God promised to raise a reformer who would resemble Adam (as) in his mission to revive spiritual life. This awaited reformer, anointed by God, was foretold as the Messiah who would engage in a final spiritual struggle against Satan. Hazrat Ahmad (as) boldly declares that he is the Promised Messiah and that his advent fulfills these divine prophecies.

Role and Mission of the Promised Messiah

The mission assigned to Hazrat Ahmad (as) is multifaceted:
1.Restoring the Bond with God: Reviving the pure and loving connection between God and mankind.
2.Establishing Peace: Abolishing religious wars and fostering harmony among various faiths.
3.Reviving True Teachings: Unveiling hidden spiritual truths and dispelling misconceptions.
4.Demonstrating Divine Power: Manifesting God’s powers through prayer and spirituality.
5.Proclaiming Unity of God: Re-establishing pure monotheism, free from all forms of shirk (idolatry).

Fulfillment of Divine Signs

Hazrat Ahmad (as) presents numerous signs supporting his divine claim:
•Celestial Signs: The solar and lunar eclipses during Ramadan, fulfilling a hadith regarding the Mahdi.
•Plague: A devastating plague as a sign of divine displeasure for rejecting the Messenger.
•Global Change: Rapid scientific advancements and global communication as foretold signs of the latter days.
•Growing Community: From isolation, his community grew to over 200,000 followers despite intense opposition.

Prophetic Support and Divine Revelation

Hazrat Ahmad (as) shares that Allah continuously supported him with divine revelations and prophecies. Notably, in his early writings like Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Allah revealed to him that he would gain honor, followers, and divine assistance. These prophecies, which seemed impossible at the time, came true as he gained thousands of devoted followers and successfully refuted critics.