Intro
A few days ago, Sheikh Asrar Rashid published a letter that he received from an Ahmadi named
Rana Saeed Rehman from Yorkshire, UK, who saw the recent debate and is frustrated with Maulvi Razi’s behavior.
Assalāmu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullāhi wa Barakātuhu
I am an ordinary member of Jama’at Ahmadiyya and watched the “True Islam” debate live yesterday, 21/06/2026, between yourself and the representatives of the Jama’at-e-Raziullah.
At the outset, I would like to make it clear that my belief in Jama’at Ahmadiyya remains completely unchanged. I remain firm in my belief in MGA, the death of Hadhrat ‘Isa (as), and the finality of Prophethood as understood by the Jama’at. My purpose in writing is not to discuss my beliefs, but to share my observations regarding the debate itself.
Viewing the debate purely from an academic perspective, my honest assessment is that you appeared to win the debate. I felt that throughout the discussion you maintained an academic approach, remained focused on the agreed topic, and generally adhered to the conditions and format of the debate. Regardless of differences in belief, I appreciated the manner in which you presented and defended your position.
In contrast, I was disappointed with the representation of Razi and Raheel for the Jama’at. In my personal opinion, the difference in preparation, confidence, and effectiveness was so significant that at times it felt less like a debate between two equally matched representatives and more like watching a man debating a child. I do not say this out of hostility towards the Jama’at, but simply because that was the impression the debate created for me as a viewer.
As an Ahmadi, it was disappointing to see individuals who have spent years studying and training appear, in my opinion, unprepared to deal with the challenges raised during the discussion. I also felt that many opportunities to present stronger arguments and evidence were missed. The questions raised by our side often seemed repetitive and lacked the depth that I would have expected from trained missionaries.
Another point that stood out to me was your consistency in maintaining an academic approach despite clear disagreements on matters of belief. While I strongly disagree with many of your conclusions regarding Ahmadiyyat, I nevertheless appreciated the effort you made to engage with the subject matter directly and substantively. As an ordinary Ahmadi, I used to watch a lot of your videos on different matters, but since your remarks about the appearance of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad with Declan, I have stepped back from your videos. As you hold Ahmad Rida Khan dear to yourself, you would not stand for anyone speaking anything against him or his appearance. This is the same as my love for MGA, who is like a spiritual father.
I was also concerned by the allegation raised during the debate regarding the recording and use of a private conversation. If events occurred as described, I believe such actions would be morally wrong and inconsistent with Islamic principles. Matters of this nature can undermine trust and generate unnecessary controversy. In my view, these actions were inappropriate and deceptive, and they created a negative impression of the integrity of the Jama’at. However, I do not believe they reflect the character or conduct of the Jama’at as a whole, nor do they in any way reflect the noble character and teachings of MGA. As an ordinary member of the Jama’at with no authority or influence over such matters, I can only offer my sincere and unconditional apology for the unprofessional conduct displayed by the moderator and debaters, Raziullah, Ibrahim Ikhlaf and Raheel, while representing the Jama’at.
The debate has encouraged me to spend more time studying different perspectives for myself. My intention is to better understand the arguments presented by all sides and to strengthen my ability to defend the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and MGA through knowledge and understanding.
Although my beliefs remain firmly rooted in Ahmadiyyat, I appreciate the academic viewpoint you brought to the discussion and the manner in which you articulated your arguments. It is important that difficult religious discussions are conducted seriously, respectfully, and with intellectual honesty.
If I do get any time in the future, I would be interested in visiting you and having a conversation with you in person. While we may continue to disagree on many theological matters, I believe there is value in respectful dialogue and sincere discussion.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Continue reading “An Ahmadi named Rana Saeed Rehman from Yorkshire, UK wrote a letter to Sheikh Asrar Rashid about his debate vs. Maulvi Razi” →
