The Heavenly Decree — Page iv
Khalifatul Masih I. On the death of Hadrat Maulawi Nūr-ud-Dina in 1914, Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmada, who was also the Promised Messiah'sas Promised Son, was elected as Khalifa. Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmadra remained in office for nearly fifty two years. He died in 1965 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Hadrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadth, the Promised grandson of the Promised Messiahas. After seventeen years of meritorious services he passed away in 1982. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadh as Khalifatul Masīḥ IV who, having led the Community to its present strength and global recognition, passed away on the 19th April, 2003. Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masīh Vat is the present head of the Community and enjoys the distinction of being the great-grandson of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.