Charles Francis Sievwright (born 1862, Melbourne, Australia – died 1933, Los Angeles, USA), later known as Muhammad Abdul Haq, was a notable Australian convert to Islam and an early member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Born into a Catholic family, Mr Sievwright's interest in spiritual matters led him to convert to Islam in 1896 [1]. Mr Sievwright adopted the Muslim name "Muhammad Abdul Haq" upon his conversion. He was a well-travelled individual who visited various countries, and in 1903, he represented the British and Indian Empire League of Australia [2]. His journey ultimately led him to Qadian, India, where he met Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, in 1903 [3].

Journey to Islam

Mr Sievwright’s conversion to Islam occurred on 23 March 1896, when he publicly declared the Kalima, accepting the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. This marked his rejection of the orthodox Christian doctrine he had been raised with, particularly the idea of Jesus as the divine Saviour. He found that the monotheistic concept of God in Islam, as presented in the Holy Quran, was more logical and in harmony with his reasoning [4]. Reflecting on this, he wrote, "There can be but one Truth, one Wisdom, one Religion" [5]. His conversion sparked a lifelong journey of studying Islamic philosophy, ethics, and theology.

Meeting with the Promised Messiah (as)

Mr Sievwright visited Qadian on 22 October 1903, where he spent two days, during which he alslo met Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) [6]. He was initially cautious about the Promised Messiah (as) due to warnings received during his travels, but his doubts were dispelled after the meeting, which he described as a "miraculous encounter" where "soul spoke to soul" [7]. Hazrat Ahmad (as) emphasised the gradual nature of spiritual progress, explaining that spiritual development comes through prayer and focused attention (tawajjuh) [8]. Mr Sievwright, recognising the damage caused by incorrect translations of the Holy Quran in the West, expressed the urgent need for a proper translation and commentary [9]. Hazrat Ahmad (as) confirmed that the community had plans to address this issue [10].

Declaration of Allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as)

After many months of reflection following his visit to Qadian, Mr Sievwright publicly declared his allegiance to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in an article published in the Review of Religions in April 1906. Writing from New Zealand, he affirmed his decision: “I have become a member of the Ahmadiyya Society of Qadian, so as to be associated with the most advanced sections of the Muslim Students of all the important religions of the world” [11]. Mr Sievwright maintained that his declaration was a significant turning point in his life, marking his full commitment to the Ahmadiyya cause. He remained steadfast in his pledge to the movement, affirming, “We must cooperate before God can operate” [12].

Contribution to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Following his declaration of allegiance, Mr Sievwright moved to the United States, where he later also assisted Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (ra), the first Ahmadi missionary to America, in establishing a foothold for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in North America [13]. Mr Sievwright actively participated in spreading the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, continuing his efforts to propagate the faith through lectures and writings. His lasting dedication was evident in his appeal to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, calling for cooperation in furthering the cause of Islam [14]. Sievwright passed away in 1933 and was buried in Forest Lawn-Glendale Cemetery in Los Angeles [15].

Legacy

Mr Sievwright’s legacy as a devoted Muslim and early Ahmadi missionary continues to be remembered within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His conversion, his significant meeting with the Promised Messiah (as), and his efforts in spreading the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat across various continents highlight his lifelong service to Islam.

Key Facts

Full Name: Charles Francis Sievwright
Islamic Name: Muhammad Abdul Haq
Born: 1862, Melbourne, Australia
Died: 1933, Los Angeles, USA
Religion: Islam (Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat)
Significant Event: Met Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Qadian, 1903; Declared allegiance to Ahmadiyyat in 1906
Known For: Propagating Islam in the West, supporting Ahmadiyya missionary efforts in the USA

References:

1. The Review of Religions, April 1906, “Ten Years in Islam,” p. 144-150.
2. Muslim Sunrise, 1903, Issue 4, pp. 143.
3. Malfuzat, Vol. 5 [2016], 23 October 1903, p. 299
4. The Review of Religions, April 1906, “Ten Years in Islam,” p. 144-150.
5. Ibid.
6. Al Hakam, 14 May 2021, “Charles Francis Sievwright’s Meeting with the Promised Messiah – Part I”.
7. The Muslim Sunrise, Issue 4, 1922, p. 143-145.
8. Al Hakam, 14 May 2021, “Charles Francis Sievwright’s Meeting with the Promised Messiah – Part I”.
9. Al Hakam, 4 June 2021, “Charles Francis Sievwright’s Meeting with the Promised Messiah – Part II”.
10. Ibid.
11. The Review of Religions, April 1906, “Ten Years in Islam,” p. 144-150.
12. The Muslim Sunrise, Issue 4, 1922, p. 143-145.
13. "Hazrat Masih-e-Maud (as) Ke Ehd-e-Mubarak Main Maghrabi Mamalik Se Qadian Anay Walay Afrad", Al Fazl International, London, 17-30 March 2020, pp. 51-52)
14. Ibid.
15. Ibid.