The Theology of Missions

to serve as a starting point and he began preaching Islam in earnest. He soon attracted
several Kikuyus and Wakambas, who became his disciples.
In 1380, Karim ul' Makhdum the first Arabian Islamic missionary reached the Sulu
Archipelago and Jolo in the Philippines and established Islam in the country. In 1390,
the Minangkabau's Prince Rajah Baguinda and his followers preached Islam on the
islands. The Sheik Karimal Makdum Mosque was the first mosque established in the
Philippines on Simunul in Mindanao in the 14th century. Subsequent settlements by
Arab missionaries traveling to Malaysia and Indonesia helped strengthen Islam in the
Philippines and each settlement was governed by a Datu, Rajah, and a Sultan. Islamic
provinces founded in the Philippines included the Sultanate of Maguindanao, Sultanate
of Sulu, and other parts of the southern Philippines.
Modern missionary work in the United States has increased greatly in the last one
hundred years, with much of the recent demographic growth driven by conversion. Up
to one-third of American Muslims are African Americans who have converted to Islam
during the last seventy years. Conversion to Islam in prisons, and in large urban areas
has also contributed to Islam's growth over the years.
An estimated US$45 billion has been spent by the Saudi Arabian government financing
mosques and Islamic schools in foreign countries. Ain al-Yaqeen, a Saudi newspaper,
reported in 2002 that Saudi funds may have contributed to building as many as 1,500
mosques and 2,000 other Islamic centers.
Ahmadiyya Islam Missions
Missionaries belonging to the Ahmadiyya thought of Islam often study at International
Islamic seminaries and educational institutions, known as Jamia Ahmadiyya. Upon
completion of their degrees, they are sent to various parts of the world including South
America, Africa, North America, Europe, and the Far East as appointed by Mirza
Masroor Ahmad, present head and Caliph of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim
community. Jamia students may be appointed by the Caliph either as Missionaries of
the community (often called Murrabi, Imam, or Mawlana) or as Qadis or Muftis of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim community with a specialisation in matters of fiqh (Islamic
Jurisprudence). Some Jamia alumni have also become Islamic historians such as the
late Dost Muhammad Shahid, former Official Historian of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
community, with a specialisation in tarikh (Islamic historiography). Missionaries stay with
their careers as appointed by the Caliph for the rest of their lives, as per their
commitment to the community.
Early Islamic Missionaries During Muhammad's Era
During the Expedition of Al Raji in 625, the Islamic Prophet Muhammad sent some men
as missionaries to various different tribes. Some men came to Muhammad and
requested that Muhammad send instructors to teach them Islam, but the men were
bribed by the two tribes of Khuzaymah who wanted revenge for the assassination of
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