Glossary of Ahmadiyya

Movement-specific structures, titles, and vocabulary

Looking for core Islamic terms (Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, Wahi, Ijma, etc.)?

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Baiat بيعت: The pledge of allegiance taken when joining the Ahmadiyya movement. Members pledge loyalty to the Khalifa.

Chanda چندہ: The system of obligatory financial contributions within the Jamaat. Members are expected to give a percentage of income across multiple categories.

Huzur حضور: Honorific ("his holiness"/"presence") used by Ahmadis for the current Khalifa.

Jalsa Salana جلسہ سالانہ: The annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, emphasising loyalty to the Khalifa and Ahmadiyya identity.
Jamaat جماعت: "Community." The organised Ahmadiyya movement and its administrative structure worldwide (the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community).

Khalifa خلیفۃ المسیح: "Successor of the Messiah." The head of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, based in London. Ahmadis are expected to obey his directives. The current Khalifa is the fifth.
Khuddam خدام: "Servants." The youth auxiliary organisation of the Jamaat for men aged 15–40.

Lajna Ima'illah لجنہ اماءاللہ: The women's auxiliary organisation of the Jamaat.

Masih Mau'ud مسیح موعود: "The Promised Messiah." The title Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed — asserting he was the Second Coming of Jesus and the fulfilment of Islamic prophecies.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908), founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, born in Qadian. His evolving self-claims are documented in his collected works (Roohani Khazain).
MTA: Muslim Television Ahmadiyya — the satellite TV and streaming network operated by the Jamaat from London.

Nizam-e-Jamaat نظام جماعت: "The System of the Jamaat." The administrative hierarchy of the Ahmadiyya community, reporting up through a national amir to the Khalifa.

Promised Messiah: In Ahmadiyya belief, the dual identity claimed by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad — that he was both the promised Messiah and the Imam Mahdi.

Qadiani قادیانی: Derived from Qadian, MGA's birthplace and the movement's founding centre. Used as a descriptor for Ahmadis, particularly in South Asia.

Roohani Khazain روحانی خزائن: "Spiritual Treasures." The ~23-volume collected writings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad — the primary source for analysing his claims, language, and prophecies.

Tahrik-e-Jadid تحریک جدید: "New Movement." A fund established in 1934, primarily for missionary work abroad — one of the major financial schemes members participate in.
Tarbiyyat تربیت: Moral and religious training within the Jamaat, where Ahmadi beliefs and apologetic responses are taught.

Waqf-e-Nau وقف نو: "New Dedication." A scheme where parents dedicate a child from birth to the full-time service of the Jamaat.
Wassiyyat وصیت: "The Will." A scheme (introduced 1905) allowing members to pledge a portion of property and income to the Jamaat; participants are buried in the Bahishti Maqbara.