Rabwah (Chenab Nagar)
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) is a city located in the Chiniot district of Punjab, Pakistan, on the banks of the Chenab River. It has a rich history and is known for being the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from 1948 to 1984.
After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a sect of Islam founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Qadian, India, relocated to Pakistan. In 1948, the community leased an area from the Pakistani government to establish their home in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) . This move was significant as it allowed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to continue to practice their faith freely in a new homeland.
Table of Contents
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) History in Urdu
History of Rabwa – Chenab Nagar has been compiled in the Urdu language for you. Here you can read all the main aspects of the History of Rabwa as given below in Urdu.
نام کی تاریخ
ربوہ کا مطلب عربی میں “بلند جگہ” ہے اور اس بستی کا باقاعدہ افتتاح 20 ستمبر 1948 کو پانچ بکروں کی قربانی کے ساتھ ہوا۔
یہ بات بھی قابل غور ہے کہ اس شہر کا نام ربوہ احمدیہ مسلم کمیونٹی کے اس وقت کے رہنما مرزا بشیر الدین محمود احمد نے رکھا تھا۔ اونچی زمین پر قصبے کے محل وقوع کے پیش نظر یہ نام موزوں ہے، جو آس پاس کے علاقے کا شاندار نظارہ فراہم کرتا ہے۔
چناب نگر
تاہم، یہ بدقسمتی کی بات ہے کہ ربوہ کا نام گزشتہ برسوں کے دوران تبدیل ہوا ہے۔ پنجاب کی صوبائی اسمبلی نے 1998 میں ربوہ کا نام تبدیل کر کے “نواں قادیان” رکھنے کی قرارداد منظور کی لیکن بعد میں اسے 1999 میں چناب نگر رکھ دیا گیا۔ دیگر ناموں پر غور کیا گیا جن میں چک ڈھگیاں، مصطفیٰ آباد اور صدیق آباد تھے۔ نام کی تبدیلی کے باوجود ربوہ (چناب نگر) احمدیہ مسلم کمیونٹی کے لیے ایک اہم اور تاریخی شہر ہے۔ اس نے کمیونٹی کی ترقی میں اہم کردار ادا کیا ہے اور مشکلات کے باوجود ان کی لچک اور عزم کی علامت بنی ہوئی ہے۔
محمد بن قاسم
ربوہ کا ایک طویل ماضی ہے، اور وہاں اہم چیزیں ہوئیں۔ محمد بن قاسم نے سندھ اور ملتان کو کامیابی سے فتح کرنے کے بعد اپنی فوج کو دریائے چناب کے پار اور کشمیر تک پہنچایا۔ چندروڑ کے ہندو راجہ کے ساتھ عرب جنگ میں مصروف تھے، جو اس وقت چنیوٹ کا اصل نام بتایا جاتا ہے۔
“شہداء کا قبرستان”
اس خونریز جنگ میں سو سے زائد عرب جنگجو مارے گئے۔ چنیوٹ میں “شہداء کا قبرستان” آج بھی ان لوگوں کی ہمت اور لگن کی یاد دہانی ہے جنہوں نے اپنے مقصد کے دفاع میں اپنی جانیں دیں۔ یہ واقعہ علاقے کی تاریخ میں ایک اہم موڑ کی نمائندگی کرتا ہے اور اس وقت کے باشندوں کے صبر اور استقامت کی مثال دیتا ہے۔
چک دگیاں
ربوہ کی بنیاد رکھنے سے پہلے یہ علاقہ ایک تاریک اور خشک علاقہ تھا جسے چک ڈگیان کے نام سے جانا جاتا تھا۔ احمدیہ برادری نے بڑی تعداد میں قادیان اور ہندوستانی پنجاب کے دیگر علاقوں سے نئے بننے والے ملک پاکستان میں منتقل ہونے کے بعد قریبی جائیداد کو لیز پر دیا۔
احمدیہ کا پہلا قیام
ربوہ پہلی بار اس وقت قائم کیا گیا جب احمدیہ برادری نے جون 1948 میں حکومت سے 1034 ایکڑ زمین لیز پر دی تھی۔ کمیونٹی نے اس زمین کو کاشت اور ترقی کے لیے کئی برسوں میں بہت کوششیں کیں اور اسے ایک پھلتے پھولتے بستی میں تبدیل کیا جو تاریخ کے لیے اہم تھا۔ اور شہر کی ترقی. یہ واقعہ احمدیہ برادری کی غیر ملکی سرزمین میں اپنے لیے ایک نئی زندگی پیدا کرنے کے لیے استقامت اور لچک کو ظاہر کرتا ہے۔
پہلی مسجد
یادگار مسجد، ربوہ کی پہلی مسجد، آخر کار اس جگہ پر تعمیر کی گئی جہاں مرزا بشیر الدین محمود احمد نے شہر کی پہلی نماز ادا کی۔ یہ قصبہ شروع میں عارضی کیمپوں پر مشتمل تھا، جنہیں بعد میں مٹی کے ڈھانچے نے تبدیل کر دیا تھا۔ محمود مسجد اب تک کی تعمیر کی گئی کنکریٹ کی پہلی عمارت تھی۔
ابتدائی ترقی
1954 کے آغاز میں، ربوہ شہر نے بجلی تک رسائی حاصل کی، جو علاقے کے لیے ایک بڑی بہتری تھی۔ یہ واقعات گروپ کی سست ترقی کو نمایاں کرتے ہیں کیونکہ اس نے ربوہ میں ایک نیا گھر تلاش کرنے اور ایک کامیاب کمیونٹی بنانے کی کوشش کی۔ عصری سہولتوں تک رسائی کے ساتھ ایک بالکل نیا گھر بنانے کی کمیونٹی کی کوششیں ان کی استقامت اور عزم کا ثبوت ہیں۔
احمدیہ مسلمانوں کا غالب فرقہ
ربوہ کے 70,000 رہائشیوں میں سے 97 فیصد، یا شہر کی پوری آبادی، احمدیہ مسلمانوں کے طور پر شناخت کرتی ہے۔ عیسائی اور دیگر مسلمان آبادی کا آخری 3 فیصد ہیں۔ ظلم و ستم سے بھاگنے والے احمدیوں کی بہت سی نقل مکانی کے نتیجے میں شہر کا نسلی ڈھانچہ بہت متنوع ہے۔
Hub for the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) soon became a hub for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and was transformed into a modern city with state-of-the-art facilities. The community built schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure for its residents, and Rabwah became a thriving center of trade and commerce.
However, in 1984, the Pakistani government introduced Ordinance XX, which declared the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community non-Muslim and imposed restrictions on their religious practices. As a result, the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was moved to the United Kingdom, first to London and then to a compound in Tilford, Surrey, in 2019.
Despite this, Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) continues to be an important center of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and is home to many of its members. The city remains a testament to the community’s dedication to their faith and their resilience in the face of adversity.
History of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) ,
Complete history of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) is given below in detail.However, it’s unfortunate that the name Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) has undergone changes over the years. The Provincial Assembly of Punjab passed a resolution in 1998 changing the name of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) to “Nawan Qadian,” but this was later changed to Chenab Nagar in 1999. The other names considered were Chak Dhaggian, Mustafa Abad, and Siddiq Abad.
Name History of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar)
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) means an “elevated place” in Arabic and the formal inauguration of the settlement took place on 20 September 1948, with prayers and a sacrifice of five goats at the corners and center of the area.
It’s also worth noting that the town was named Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) by the then-leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad. The name is fitting given the town’s location on higher ground, which provides a commanding view of the surrounding area.
Despite the name changes, Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) (Chenab Nagar) remains an important and historic city for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It has played a significant role in the development of the community and continues to be a symbol of their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Muhammad bin Qasim in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar)
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) has a lengthy past, and important things happened there. Muhammad Bin Qasim marched his army across the Chenab River and into Kashmir after successfully conquering Sindh and Multan. The Arabs engaged in battle with the Hindu Raja of Chandrod, said to be the original name of Chiniot, at this time.
“Graveyard of Martyrs”
More than a hundred Arab warriors perished in the bloody battle. The “Graveyard of Martyrs” at Chiniot is still a visible reminder of the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in defense of their cause. This incident represents a significant turning point in the history of the area and exemplifies the fortitude and resiliency of the inhabitants at that time.
Chak Digiyaan
The area was a bleak, arid area known as Chak Digiyaan before Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) was founded. The Ahmadiyya community leased the property nearby after moving in large numbers from Qadian and other areas of the Indian Punjab to the newly formed country of Pakistan.
Ahmadiyya First Establishment
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) was first established after the Ahmadiyya community leased 1034 acres of land from the government in June 1948. The community put forth a lot of effort throughout the years to cultivate and develop the land, turning it into a flourishing hamlet that was important to the history and growth of the town. This incident demonstrates the Ahmadiyya community’s tenacity and resiliency in creating a new life for themselves in a foreign land.
The First Mosque in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar)
The Yadgaar Mosque, Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) first mosque, was finally built on the place where Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad said the city’s first-ever prayers. The town initially consisted of makeshift camps, which were later replaced by mud structures. The Mahmood Mosque was the very first concrete edifice ever built.
Initial Development
Beginning in 1954, the city of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) acquired access to electricity, which was a big improvement for the area. These incidents highlight the group’s slow development as it sought to find a new home and create a successful community in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar). The community’s attempts to build a brand-new house with access to contemporary conveniences are evidence of their tenacity and commitment.
Ahmadiyya Muslims Dominant Sect
A whopping 97 percent of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) 70,000 residents, or the city’s entire population, identify as Ahmadiyya Muslims. Christians and other Muslims make up the final 3% of the population. The city has a very diversified ethnic makeup as a result of the many migrations of Ahmadis fleeing persecution.
The distinctive population makeup and rich cultural landscape of the city serve as a powerful reminder of how crucial the Ahmadiyya community has been to Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) growth. The group has been successful in establishing a significant presence in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar), providing a safe haven for their beliefs and culture while experiencing persecution and prejudice in other areas of Pakistan.
Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) Location
Rabwah is located in the Central Punjab region of Pakistan, which is known for its fertile land and agricultural production. The River Chenab is an important water source for the area, providing irrigation for crops and supporting local wildlife.
The dry hills surrounding Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) offer a natural barrier against floods, which are common natural disasters in many parts of Pakistan. However, the area is not immune to other environmental challenges, such as drought, soil erosion, and deforestation.
Despite these challenges, the people of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar) have developed a thriving community and economy, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare. The Ahmadi community, in particular, has played a significant role in the development of the city, with many of its members contributing to local institutions and initiatives.
Place Famous to visit in Rabwa (Chenab Nagar)
- Masjid Aqsa Rabwa
Due to the increasing population and inadequate capacity of Masjid Mubarak in Rabwah, there was a desire to construct a Jama Masjid in the city in 1964. To fund the mosque’s construction, an appeal for donations was made through the Al-Fazl newspaper on 7 July 1964. Remarkably, the necessary funds were raised within two weeks, and the appeal was halted by 21 July 1964.
The foundation stone for the Jama Masjid was laid on 28 October 1966 by the late Mirza Nasir Ahmad. This was a significant event attended by 5,000 guests. The foundation stone was taken from the Aqsa Mosque in India, adding to the mosque’s symbolic and spiritual significance. The construction of the Jama Masjid is a testament to the Ahmadi community’s commitment to their faith and community.
- Nusrat Jahan Schools
These are a set of non-profit, private educational institutions located in Rabwah, established under the Nusrat Jahan Scheme, which was launched by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to enhance the education of its members. The educational institutions under the scheme include the Nusrat Jahan Academy Boys School, Nusrat Jahan Academy Girls School, Nusrat Jahan Boys College, and Nusrat Jahan Girls College, offering primary, secondary, higher secondary, and higher education programs. These institutions are run by Nazarat Taleem Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Pakistan.
Publications in Rabwa
First Newspapers
Al Fazl is an official daily newspaper of the Ahmadiyya community published by the Ziaul Islam Press located in Rabwah. It is one of the oldest newspapers in Pakistan and started as a weekly in 1913 in Qadian before moving to Rabwah after the partition of India.
Restriction
The newspaper covers news and articles related to the community and its faith, as well as national and international news. However, due to Ordinance XX, it is not allowed to use words considered “Islamic,” such as Muslim, Islam, and shaheed. In December 2016, the newspaper’s publication was suspended after a raid by Pakistan’s security forces.
Others
Apart from Al Fazl, there are several other publications in Rabwah catering to different audiences. The Rabwah Times is an independent publication founded in 2006 by Ehsan Rehan. Misbah is a magazine designed for women, while Tashhez ul Azhan is directed toward children. Khalid includes articles written by and for youth, and Ansarullah is aimed at the elderly.
Famous Personalities of Rabwa – Chenab Nagar
Rabwah, being a significant city for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has been home to various notable personalities, including:
- Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad – The eldest son of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the founder of Rabwah (Chenab Nagar). He was also known as Khalfatul Mash II, the second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
- Mirza Nasir Ahmad, commonly known as Khalifatul Masih III, was the third Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. From 1965 through 1982, he was the community’s leader.
- Mirza Tahir Ahmad, also known as Khalifatul Masih IV, was the fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. From 1982 through 2003, he was the community’s leader.
- Mirza Masroor Ahmad, also known as Khalifatul Masih V, is the fifth and current Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He has been the community’s leader since 2003.
History of Pakistan Cities





