Al-Hakam, the first weekly newspaper of Ahmadiyya Jamaat started its publication in 1897. Hazrat Shaikh Yaqoob Ali Irfani^(ra) was its proprietor and editor. During the first year it was published from Amritsar, but in 1898 it was transferred to Qadian. Another newspaper Badr started publication in 1902 that was edited by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq^(ra). These two periodicals played a pivotal role in preserving revelations, speeches and table talks of the Promised Messiah^(as), besides recording many milestones in the early history of Ahmadiyya Jama’at. Review of Religions, the monthly periodical in English was established in 1902 and has been published consistently.

In January 1898 Huzoor, peace be on him, published a book Kitab al-Bariyya. In it he published an announcement for a cash prize of 20,000 Rupees to be awarded to any person who would bring forth a single tradition of the Prophet of Islam^(saw) indicating that Hazrat Isa^(as) has bodily ascended to the heaven and would return in the latter days.

Over one hundred years have gone by since this challenge was given to the world. Of those who hold the belief that Hazrat Isa^(as) is alive & sitting in the heavens, none of them has dared to accept this challenge. This itself is an undeniable proof that this belief is irrational and against the sublime teachings of Islam and admonitions of our Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace & blessings of Allah be on him.