Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul Masīḥ III declared in 1973 that Jamā‘at Aḥmadiyya shall celebrate its centenary in 1989 when it would have completed first one hundred years of its life. He directed that the Thanksgiving Centenary will be celebrated in a befitting manner in keeping with its spiritual nature and aims and objects of the Jamā‘at. He therefore launched a worldwide scheme spread over the next sixteen years. Ḥamd (Praise of Allāh) and ‘Azm (Firm Resolve) were made its main themes. The scheme had two aspects spiritual and financial. Under the spiritual scheme, Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul Masīḥ III gave a programme of Prayers, Dhikr and Fasting to the Jamā‘at for the next 16 years. Under the financial scheme, Ṣad Sāla Jubilee Fund was established to finance the following major undertakings in the years ahead:
- To further step up activities in order to spread Islām worldwide, to improve education and Tarbiyat within the Jamā‘at, to build mosques and mission houses in different parts of the world.
- Publication of translations and commentaries of the Holy Qur’ān in major languages of the world.
- Establishment of modern printing presses and publication of literature for the dissemination of Islāmic teachings.
- To strive towards Unity of Mankind, taking necessary measures for the unification of mankind under the banner of Islām in the context of the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).
- Celebrations during the Jubilee year.
- Holding of Jubilee Jalsa Sālāna which shall mark the climax of the Jubilee celebrations.
In order to finance the above mentioned schemes, Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul Masīḥ III appealed for financial contributions. The response to this appeal was overwhelming. The whole scheme envisaged by Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul Masīḥ III and the subsequent additions made to it by Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul Masīḥ IV have been implemented.
Members of the Jamā‘at participated whole-heartedly in the blessed scheme and made all the required sacrifices. This Scheme resulted in a sharp reaction from the traditional religious circles of Pakistan and some other countries who embarked upon a long course of tyranny and persecution against Aḥmadiyya Jamā‘at. The Jamā‘at, however, remained steadfast in the face of this severe opposition and achieved its aims and objects beyond the imagination of opposing forces.
Note: After 1989 Centenary this Fund and the related organisation has been closed.
