One of the signs of the advent of the Promised Messiah as described by the Holy Prophet (sa) was that he will be raised near a white minaret east of Damascus.

Although the real meaning of the minaret is symbolic, it was the practice of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) to endeavour to fulfil every prophecy in its literal form as well. For this reason and in accordance with divine instructions he laid the foundation stone of this minaret on Friday 13 March 1903. In his lifetime it was raised to 6 feet, then due to lack of funds, the work on the structure had to be suspended.

It was resumed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) by laying a brick again on 27 November 1914.

The structure was completed, at the cost of Rs. 5,963 (excluding the 6 feet of the first phase) in early 1916. It has three stages, 92 steps and the total height is about 105 feet. The clock was fixed in 1933. The minaret was designed by Syed Abdul Rashid and supervision of the second phase of construction was carried out by Hazrat Qazi Abdul Rahim Bhatti. In 1938-39, during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra), the minaret was coated with plaster of white marble.

It was veneered with white marble slabs for the total cost of Rs. 8,021,35.51 in 1980-81 in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). Qadian is situated to the east of Damascus and the white minaret is the sign of peace and proclaims the Advent of the Prince of Peace, The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).