The Holy Prophet (sa) foretold the coming of the Promised Messiah (as) in the latter days, who would distribute true wealth through his writings and teachings. The Promised Messiah (as) wrote more than eighty books in Urdu, Arabic and Persian to show the living truth of Islam and the way to a living relationship with God.

The Promised Messiah (as) urged every member of his Jama’at to read his books at least three times. Few of us have met that standard. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) has observed that Ahmadi youth study very hard to advance in secular education, but often do not make the same effort for religious knowledge. The same is true of many of us at every age: we give time and effort to work, studies and health, and far less to these books.

Like Salat, reading them takes effort, attention and regular practice, and there is no shortcut. Allah promises in the Holy Qur’an: “And as for those who strive in Our path, We will surely guide them in Our ways” (29:70). Once we begin the work of opening these books, they open to us.

Everything needed to start is already free online: English translations, the Urdu originals, and audiobooks in both languages. The challenge below is a simple way to begin.