Tarikh-e-Mirza

***Tarikh-i-Mirza*** (; English: _The History of Mirza_) is an Islamic book written in the Urdu language in 1923 by Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Ahl-i Hadith movement. The book is primarily known as a critical analysis of the life, claims, and movement of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement. Although finalized in 1923, portions of the work were published as early as 1905. In this book, Amritsari challenges the prophetic claims of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, his various prophecies, and the rise of the Qadiani movement from both historical and theological perspectives.

## Background

At the beginning of the 20th century, when Mirza Ghulam Ahmad declared himself a 'Messiah' and 'Prophet' in the Punjab region of undivided India, a widespread debate ensued between him and mainstream Muslim scholars. Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari was one of his most prominent rivals. Amritsari compiled this book with the objective of refuting the claims made by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

## Contents

The book primarily discusses the following topics:
- **Analysis of Prophecies:** Amritsari argues that the major prophecies made by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (such as those concerning Abdullah Atham or John Alexander Dowie) were not fulfilled in reality.
- **Contradictory Statements:** The author quotes various books of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to point out numerous internal contradictions in his writings.
- **Theological Arguments:** He explains the concept of _Khatam an-Nabiyyin_ (Finality of Prophethood) according to Islamic Sharia to refute Mirza Ahmad's claims.
- **Historical Accounts:** The book documents the family background of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the early events of his movement.

The most significant portions of _Tarikh-i-Mirza_ are considered those where the author presents direct logic and historical evidence to verify the authenticity of Mirza Ahmad's claims.

### Key Influential Sections

1. **List of Failed Prophecies:** This is regarded as the strongest part of the book. Amritsari lists the major prophecies of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and uses historical data to show they failed. This includes discussions on Abdullah Atham, Muhammadi Begum, and Dr. John Alexander Dowie.
1. **The Mubahala (Challenge of Prayer):** A large portion of the book documents the long exchange of letters and challenges between Amritsari and Mirza Ahmad. On 15 April 1907, Mirza Ahmad published an advertisement calling Amritsari a "liar" and praying that the liar should die during the lifetime of the truthful one. After Mirza Ahmad's death in 1908, Amritsari added this incident to later editions of his book as a "Final Decision."
1. **Collection of Self-Contradictions:** Amritsari compiles quotes showing that Mirza Ahmad made different (and often contradictory) claims over time—evolving from a scholar to a reformer (Mujaddid), then to a Messiah, and finally to a Prophet.
1. **Legal and Religious Explanation of Finality of Prophethood:** The book concludes with a Qur'anic and Hadith-based explanation that there is no room for a new prophet in the Ummah of Muhammad.

## Impact

The historical importance of this book stems from the personal rivalry between the author and the subject. Sunni and Ahl-i Hadith readers consider it a fundamental source for refuting Ahmadiyya beliefs. Conversely, the Ahmadiyya community has protested the contents of the book, claiming that Amritsari used quotes "out of context."

## Publication

The book continues to be published in Urdu by various Islamic publishing houses and serves as a reference in research related to the Finality of Prophethood. Modern online editions and summaries are also available.

## Infobox (book)

- **name**: Tarikh-i-Mirza
تاریخ مرزا
- **author**: Sanaullah Amritsari
- **country**: British Raj
- **language**: Urdu
- **genre**: Biography, History, Islam, Comparative religion, Anti-Ahmadiyya
- **release date**: 1923