44. Is negativity towards Ahmadi Muslims justified?

Negative thinking towards Ahmadi Muslims is a case of extremism exercised by the ulema. It should be understood that calling oneself a Muslim is a prerogative the individual alone. No person has the authority to designate another person as ‘Muslim’, nor does anyone have the right to excommunicate someone from Islam. According to a tradition, narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik, the Prophet of Islam said:

Whoever prays like us and faces our qiblah … is a Muslim and is under God’s and His Apostle’s protection. So, do not betray God by betraying those who are in His protection. (Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith no. 391)

If a person performs prayer facing the Kabah, then according to the above tradition he will be regarded as a Muslim. The claims of the beliefs of Ahmadi Muslims are subject to academic discussion and should be discussed in a peaceful, intellectual and academic manner. Unfortunately, the ulema have made this issue a topic of confrontation instead of using it as an opportunity for intellectual exchange.