# Rabwah

> city in Punjab, Pakistan

**Wikidata**: [Q1069835](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1069835)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabwah)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rabwah

## Summary
Rabwah is a city in Punjab, Pakistan, founded in 1948 by Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad. Originally named Rabwah, it was officially renamed Chenab Nagar in 1999 but remains widely known by its historical name. The city serves as the global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and is located in the Chiniot District near the Chenab River.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: September 20, 1948, by Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad.
- **Official Name Changes**:
  - Rabwah (ربوہ) from 1948 to December 11, 1998.
  - Nawan Qadian from December 12, 1998, to February 3, 1999.
  - Chenab Nagar (چناب نگر) since February 4, 1999.
- **Location**: Chiniot District, Punjab, Pakistan, near the Chenab River.
- **Coordinates**: 31.75°N latitude, 72.916666666667°E longitude.
- **Area**: 24 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 53,965 (as of 2009).
- **Elevation**: 300 meters above sea level.
- **Postal Code**: 35460.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 047.
- **Aliases**: Chenab Nagar, Chanab Nagar, ربوة, ربوة (باكستان).
- **Identifiers**:
  - VIAF ID: 305322217.
  - GeoNames ID: 1167507.
  - Freebase ID: /m/023bn0.
  - OpenStreetMap Node ID: 11194946098.
  - Google Maps Customer ID: 5831722810948137204.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Available in 17 languages, including English, Urdu, Arabic, and French.
- **Commons Category**: [Rabwah](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rabwah).

## FAQs
**What is the historical significance of Rabwah?**
Rabwah was founded in 1948 as the new headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community after the partition of India. It replaced Qadian, which became part of India, and has since been a central hub for the community’s religious and administrative activities.

**Why was Rabwah renamed to Chenab Nagar?**
The city was officially renamed Chenab Nagar in 1999, likely to reflect its proximity to the Chenab River. However, the name Rabwah remains widely used, especially within the Ahmadiyya community.

**Where is Rabwah located?**
Rabwah is situated in the Chiniot District of Punjab, Pakistan, near the Chenab River. Its coordinates are 31.75°N latitude and 72.916666666667°E longitude.

**What is the population of Rabwah?**
As of 2009, the population of Rabwah was 53,965. The city covers an area of 24 square kilometers.

**What are the alternative names for Rabwah?**
Rabwah is also known as Chenab Nagar, Chanab Nagar, ربوة, and ربوة (باكستان). These names reflect its official renaming and linguistic variations.

## Why It Matters
Rabwah holds profound religious and cultural significance as the global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, one of the largest Islamic reform movements. Founded in the aftermath of the 1947 partition of India, the city symbolizes resilience and continuity for the community, which faced displacement from its original headquarters in Qadian. Rabwah’s establishment ensured the preservation of the community’s administrative and spiritual center, playing a pivotal role in its global expansion. The city’s renaming to Chenab Nagar reflects its geographical identity but also underscores the enduring legacy of its original name, Rabwah, which remains deeply tied to the community’s history and identity.

## Notable For
- **Founding by a Prominent Leader**: Established by Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, the second caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
- **Religious Headquarters**: Serves as the global center for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, hosting key institutions like the Jamia Ahmadiyya (a theological seminary).
- **Historical Renaming**: Underwent multiple name changes, from Rabwah to Nawan Qadian and finally to Chenab Nagar, reflecting political and cultural shifts.
- **Strategic Location**: Located near the Chenab River in Punjab, Pakistan, making it a geographically significant settlement.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Documented in 17 languages on Wikipedia, highlighting its international recognition.
- **Unique Identifiers**: Assigned multiple global identifiers (VIAF, GeoNames, Freebase) for digital and academic referencing.

## Body
### History and Founding
Rabwah was founded on September 20, 1948, by Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, the second caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The establishment of the city was a direct response to the partition of India in 1947, which resulted in the community’s original headquarters, Qadian, becoming part of India. The move to Pakistan ensured the continuity of the community’s administrative and spiritual functions. The city was initially named Rabwah, derived from an Arabic word meaning "elevation" or "hill," symbolizing its role as a new beginning for the community.

### Name Changes and Official Designations
Rabwah underwent several name changes reflecting political and cultural dynamics:
- **Rabwah (ربوہ)**: Used from 1948 to December 11, 1998.
- **Nawan Qadian**: A temporary name from December 12, 1998, to February 3, 1999.
- **Chenab Nagar (چناب نگر)**: The official name since February 4, 1999, reflecting its proximity to the Chenab River.

Despite the official renaming, Rabwah remains the widely recognized name, particularly within the Ahmadiyya community and international references.

### Geography and Demographics
Rabwah is located in the Chiniot District of Punjab, Pakistan, near the Chenab River. The city covers an area of 24 square kilometers and has an elevation of 300 meters above sea level. As of 2009, its population was 53,965. The city’s coordinates are 31.75°N latitude and 72.916666666667°E longitude, placing it in a strategically important region of Punjab.

### Infrastructure and Identifiers
Rabwah is well-documented in digital and academic systems, with multiple identifiers:
- **Postal Code**: 35460.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 047.
- **VIAF ID**: 305322217.
- **GeoNames ID**: 1167507.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/023bn0.
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 11194946098.
- **Google Maps Customer ID**: 5831722810948137204.

These identifiers facilitate global recognition and referencing in maps, databases, and academic research.

### Cultural and Religious Significance
Rabwah is the global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, hosting key institutions such as the Jamia Ahmadiyya, a theological seminary. The city plays a central role in the community’s religious, educational, and administrative activities. The Jamia Ahmadiyya Senior Aqsa Mosque, depicted in the city’s Wikimedia image, is a notable landmark.

### Digital Presence
Rabwah has a significant digital footprint, with Wikipedia articles available in 17 languages, including English, Urdu, Arabic, and French. The city’s Commons category on Wikimedia contains images and media related to its landmarks and community life. This multilingual presence underscores its international relevance and recognition.

### Related Entities and References
Rabwah is linked to several external databases and references:
- **Wikidata**: Classified as a city with 18 sitelinks.
- **Commons Category**: [Rabwah](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rabwah).
- **Google Maps**: Listed with a customer ID and detailed location data.
- **Academic References**: Cited in sources like VIAF and GeoNames, ensuring its inclusion in global knowledge systems.

### Community and Legacy
The city’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s history. Its founding marked a pivotal moment in the community’s survival and growth post-partition. Today, Rabwah (or Chenab Nagar) remains a symbol of resilience and faith, attracting members and visitors from around the world. The city’s unique blend of religious significance, historical depth, and modern infrastructure makes it a distinctive urban center in Pakistan.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. Quora
5. [Chenab Nagar - Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chenab+Nagar,+Jhang,+Punjab,+Pakistan/@31.7569917,72.8783104,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3922256a2aa2594b:0x50ee70ffaf1b30f4!8m2!3d31.7583766!4d72.916528)