Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908) wrote numerous books to promote the Islamic faith. Living in British Colonial India, he was a leader and teacher who sought to rationally explain the superiority of Islam to Christianity and Hinduism. Later in his life, Ahmad worked to promote a greater respect for Islam in Europe. He was called a “mujaddid,” a reformer and defender of Islam. This viewpoint discusses three levels of moral development open to all humans. The third level, which is the ultimate goal of human life, is complete submission and obedience to the one true God, Allah. The author concludes by listing eight ways to seek this highest state of life.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Ahmad, humans can be motivated in three ways: by animal...