The Need for the Imam — Page iv
Masīḥ I. On the death of Hadrat Maulawī Nūr-ud-Dinta in 1914, Hadrat Mirza Bashīr-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmada, who was also the Promised Messiah'sas Promised Son, was elected as Khalifa. Hadrat Mirza Bashīr-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmada 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 Ta- hir Ahmadth as Khalifatul Masih IV who, having led the Community to its present strength and global recognition, passed away on the 19th April, 2003. Hadrat Mirza Mas- roor Ahmad Khalifatul Masīḥ Vat is the present head of the Community and enjoys the distinction of being the great-grandson of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. iv