Shahi Imam of Punjab calls for political boycott of leaders attending Qadian events
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), December 27, 2025: The National President of Majlis Ahrar Islam Hind and Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi, on Friday announced a call for the boycott of political leaders who attend gatherings of the Qadiani (Ahmadiyya) community during the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference here, the Shahi Imam alleged that the Qadiani community’s beliefs are fundamentally at odds with core Islamic doctrines and claimed that participation by political leaders in their annual congregations has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. He said a campaign would be launched against such leaders during the elections.
Maulana Rehmani referred to historical developments during the British era, alleging that the Qadiani movement was promoted at that time to weaken Muslim participation in India’s freedom struggle. He reiterated the long-held theological position of many Islamic scholars that the community’s beliefs are not accepted within Islam, a matter that has been a subject of religious and political debate for decades.
The Shahi Imam claimed that leaders from certain political parties, including the Congress, have attended Qadiani gatherings in the past, which he said amounted to ignoring Muslim religious sensitivities. He warned that any political party or leader extending support to the community would face organised opposition in the Assembly elections.
He also appealed to the Punjab government and civil administration to ensure that the Qadiani community is treated as a separate religious group and not identified as Muslim in official dealings. Additionally, he urged religious leaders of other faiths to refrain from participating in Qadiani events, alleging that the community misrepresents Islamic teachings.