Contents February 2004, Vol.99, No.2
Editorial The role of absolute justice in the human body and beyond By Fareed Ahmad ...... 2
Notes & Comment Food For Thought: The impact of food on humans and animals. By Fareed Ahmad, UK ...... 3
The Need For Righteousness A look at the true source of righteousness for man from the writings of the Promised Messiah(as) ...... 5
Was Islam Spread by the Sword? How understanding, not force, was the driving force behind Islam’s rapid progress across the globe – Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community...... 15
Balance Within the Body The latent system of justice that governs the microcosm - extracts taken from the book Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship: The Three Creative Principles by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru)...... 27
Moderation in a Fattening World How following Islamic teachings can lead to a healthier life – By Manzural A Sikder, MD, USA ...... 48
The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)? Examining a biblical prophecy about Prophet Muhammad(sa) – By Dr. A.R. Bhutta, Nigeria...... 54
Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah Bockarie Tommy Kallon Management Board: Special contributors: Design and layout: Fareed Ahmad. Mr Munir-ud-din Shams Amatul-Hadi Ahmad Tanveer Khokhar Fazal Ahmad (Chairman) Farina Qureshi Publisher: Fauzia Bajwa Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Proof-reader: Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Mansoor Saqi Shaukia Mir Distribution: Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Mahmood Hanif Muhammad Hanif Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Navida Shahid All correspondence should The Review of Religions © Islamic Publications, 2004 Sarah Waseem be forwarded directly to the The London Mosque ISSN No: 0034-6721 editor at: 16 Gressenhall Road Saleem Ahmad Malik London, SW18 5QL Tanveer Khokhar United Kingdom
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 1 Editorial
From the micro to the macro there is where the punishment is meted out a very refined system of balance in by a force beyond man’s control. our universe. This balance, like the Interestingly enough the punishment universe itself, is not the product of acts as a warning as well as being an chance but is a reflection of a quality action in the interest of man himself, of its Creator. One of God’s as it seeks to limit the wider damage characteristics is that he is ‘al-Adl’ that could result. If man rectifies his i.e. ‘The Just’ and this forms the behaviour he may live on, perhaps fountainhead of absolute justice for with some restrictions, but the the heavens and the earth. The nature objective of justice would have been of this justice permeates every sphere served. If he continues to ignore the of creation and every law of nature, warning signs then he may suffer for without this there can be no even more. Such justice is required to balance or harmony. maintain balance and order within the body otherwise it would cease to In this issue of The Review of function, and to be effective it must Religions two articles examine the operate independent of the will of balance created within man and man. review its impact on man himself. It seems that if there is a disregard for This is a good reflection of the system justice at one level and if this remains that operates at every level in life and unchecked, then action is taken at a man should be ever wary that his different level to remedy it. In the actions never go unnoticed, and if he human body, for example, the mercy ignores the principle of absolute of God has allowed man some justice then he will, without flexibility in the way he looks after exception, be made accountable for his health. However, persistent this neglect. excesses are ultimately punished and Fareed Ahmad disorders such as diabetes and heart disease are an outcome of man’s disregard for the natural limits.
The balance also reflects an in-built system of crime and punishment
2 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Notes and Comment
Food for Thought dwindled. On average each year Twenty years ago it seemed as if a nearly six million Ethiopians are still moment of sanity had swept across kept alive by international aid the world as it responded to the cry of (although this figure was a staggering the dying people in Ethiopia. With 14 million in 2003). governments either unable or unwilling to act, people responded to Ethiopia’s predicament, however, is the plight that was broadcast to their not an isolated one but it does act as a living rooms. Hundreds of millions of stark reminder of the invisible plight dollars were donated to alleviate the of the poor and destitute whose lives s u ffering of those in the famine- are nothing more than a daily struggle ridden country and perhaps also to for survival. The figures make alleviate the donors’ guilt of not shocking reading – compare the six having taken any interest beforehand. million in Ethiopia with the 900 The noble efforts were welcome and million or so worldwide who live in saved up to two million from death, chronic and persistent hunger – that is but as a recent BBC report1 made one person for every seven on the clear, it was not enough; at best it was planet. There are one billion people a palliative measure rather than a surviving on less than one dollar per longer term cure. Sadly, twenty years day, and every day nearly twenty-four on the situation for the poor in thousand die of hunger.2 Although the Ethiopia is no better with more people vast majority of this crisis is faced by facing starvation now than in 1984. the Third World, it is by no means exclusive to it. Those who find The aid that reached Ethiopia was themselves living in the margins of valuable in sustaining life for millions society in the developed world also but there was no real larg e - s c a l e suffer the same torments of hunger development investment in the and poverty. country. The result of this is that its agricultural capacity has weakened Yet, as many economic studies have and hopes of reviving the country’s shown, the problem of hunger is not ability to be self-sufficient in food are due to there being insufficient food in disappearing as fast as its dusty the world. Even now, as noted by the topsoil. Its food production has UN’s World Food Programme, there
The Review of Religions – February 2004 3 Notes & Comment
is enough food in the world not just to disease and other health problems3. keep people alive but to allow them to How strange this must seem to those lead healthy and productive lives. hanging on to life. This is despite a huge population increase in the latter half of the Is this not a reflection of the cruel twentieth century. This abundance of disparity of the modern world? Often food is in line with the Islamic we hear that a key to solving the teaching that God, Who is ar-Rahman problems of the Third World is and ar-Razzaq i.e. The Gracious and education, so that the poor can learn The Provider, has created man and and apply their knowledge for self- provided ample resources so that no advancement. It would seem that the person should go hungry. So where is developed world could also benefit all this food? Some is stockpiled in with a few sharp doses of education the developed world and some is as well – for the sake of their own exported by the third Third world health and the health of the 900 World to finance its debts, wars or million who suffer the pangs of corruption – or in extreme cases all hunger every day. For them, the three. However, it is also disturbing additional amounts spent by people to note that some is simply consumed on overfeeding themselves and their in excessive amounts as a result of pets would be enough to make the greed and indifference. difference between life and death.
In this respect it is rather perplexing Fareed Ahmad – UK to see that as one part of the world is dying as a result of little or no food the other is dying due to too much References food. Obesity and its related problems 1. Ethiopia: A Journey with Michael are on the increase worldwide, but Buerk 11/1/2004. especially in the developed world. 2. World Hunger: 12 Myths. By Furthermore, the findings of a recent Frances Moore Lappe, Institute study by the US based National for Food and Development Policy Research Council show that it is not B a c k g rounder Summer 1998, just people that are becoming Vol.5, No.3. overweight but also their pets. The 3. The Daily Telegraph, 2/1/2004. study reveals that twenty-five per cent of dogs and cats in the western world are obese and at risk of diabetes, heart
4 The Review of Religions – February 2004 The Need of Righteousness
On 8th January 1903, after Maghrib prayers, three people took the Oath of Allegiance at the hand of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The three included Sheikh Noor Ahmad Sahib from Abbotabad and Sayyed Hamid Ali Shah Sahib of Baddumalli and one other person. After the Initiation, the Promised Messiah(as) addressed the assembled group. Presented below is a translation of that address delivered in Urdu. The original text of this address has been taken from Malfoozat, Volume 4, pp 395-402.
[Translator’s Note: The English translation of the Holy Qur’an, presented in italics, is by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib(ra). Where the Promised Messiah( a s ) h a s himself stated a certain inter- pretation of the Arabic verse, this is incorporated in the main body of the text].
( Translated by Amatul-Hadi Ahmad)
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim It is essential for our Community Community was Hadhrat Mirza in these troubled times when the Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of wind of misguided neglect and Divine revelation, that he was the divergence from the guided path is Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose blowing all around, that it should advent had been foretold by adopt Taqwa (that is, Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) and by the righteousness). There is no rev- scriptures of other faiths. erence for the commandments of His claim constitutes the basis of the God in the world today. There is beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim no consideration for rights and Community. covenants. There is an indulgence
The Review of Religions – February 2004 5 The Need for Righteousness
in the material world and its The same fresh Qur’an exists about concerns to an extreme degree. which God Almighty had stated: Upon suffering even the minutest material loss, people are prepared to abandon the religious aspects and squander the rights of God. All these things can be observed in the cases that regularly come Verily, We Ourself have sent before the courts and those that are down this Exhortation, and disputed at the time of sharing of most surely We will be its inheritance. The treatment of Guardian. others is motivated by greed. (Ch.15: v.10) People are found to be very weak in controlling emotional outbursts. A large portion of Ahadith, the They do not dare to commit sins traditions of the Holy Prophet(sa) of until such time as God imposes Islam, with its blessings is also in upon them a state of weakness but existence but there is no faith when they regain strength and they within hearts nor is there the find an opportunity to commit practice of goodness. It is for the sins, they immediately indulge in purpose of regeneration of these sin. Today, in this age you may qualities that God Almighty has search everywhere but you will appointed me [as the Reformer]. find that it is as if true God saw that the field is vacant righteousness has been lifted out but the demand of the attribute of of this world and there is no His Divinity is such that it did not sincerity of faith anywhere. like the fact that the field should However, because God Almighty remain vacant and people should does not desire that the seed of remain so distant. Hence, by way true righteousness and faith should of a challenge, God Almighty now go to waste, whenever He sees that wishes to create a people who are the ‘crop’ is about to be destroyed [spiritually] alive and our c o m p l e t e l y, He creates a new preaching is for this purpose that ‘crop’. the life of Ta q w a, that is, righteousness may be achieved.
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There are many different types of dogs but regrettable is the case of people. There are some who take the person who does not possess great pride in the bad deeds they even the standard of a dog. He commit whereas it is not should then tell us what it is that something that can possibly be he asks of God? God has granted considered worthy of pride. Even to man such faculties that have not the act of merely avoiding the bad been granted to any other creation. is not a deed that can be included However, the capacity of avoiding under acts of virtue nor can it be the bad [in obedience to a termed true virtue as even animals command] is so basic that it is can learn similar behaviour. Mian shared by the beasts. Some horses Hussein Beg who was a merchant are seen to pick up the whip from had a dog that had been trained to the ground, should it drop from the guard over bread and it did so master’s hand and give it to the [without ever daring to eat it]. We master. Similarly, they lie down, have heard of a cat that had been sit or arise at the command of their similarly trained. Some people master and they show full wished to test the cat and it was obedience. Hence, it cannot be the shut up in a room with a few items cause of pride for man that he such as milk, meat and sweet avoids a handful of sins that may halwa that might tempt it. After a be related to his hands, feet or couple of days when the door was other physical parts. Those who opened the cat was found dead actually commit such sins are like without any items of food having beasts. Just as dogs and cats put been touched. One ought to be their mouths in a vessel that may ashamed at the fact that being be left around uncovered and they animals they obeyed human eat whatever they see lying command in such a good manner around, so these people are the and yet there are human beings same [in committing sins] – they who do not obey the command of are like dogs and cats. Ultimately God. There exist many such they get caught and end up in examples that can act as a prison. You should go and see how reprimand for a person’s inner the prisons are full of such self. There exist many faithful ‘Muslims’.
The Review of Religions – February 2004 7 The Need for Righteousness
There is now an opportunity [for like a great goddess, the closer one rejuvenation] and these are the gets to them the harder the heart days when there is a surge of becomes. We do not prohibit God’s [mercy]. There are some anyone from carrying on trade to periods that are the time of God’s the extent that it be given up mercy in which people find the altogether but we say this that capacity [and power to attain people should reflect upon the spiritual progress]. The present is question as to where their such a time. We do not suggest forefathers are now? They should that the business of worldly affairs consider how we have those who should be abandoned altogether. are very dear to us and then they What we wish is that efforts for slip out of our very hands when worldly affairs should be made up death creates a great distance to a point and the world should be between them and us. earned with the intention that it should become a servant of religion. It is not at all right that a person should become so engrossed in the world that he Who knows the account of the f o rgets the aspect of faith year ahead altogether when he is neither W h e re are the friends who aware of fasting nor of Salat as is were with us the year before? the condition of the people these days. Take for example the mass At the present time the scourge of gathering at Delhi where it is said the plague is upon the land and it is nearly one hundred and fifty said that it spans a period of thousand people were gathered - in seventy years and nothing is of any my view all of them are only use before it – all effort is useless – interested in worldliness. and it comes for the purpose of reinforcing the belief in the It has been stated in a Hadith, [that existence of God. Hence, know that is, tradition of the Holy Prophet He does truly exist and that nothing Muhammad(sa) of Islam], that God can save one from the affliction that dislikes kings the most because, comes from God except God. You
8 The Review of Religions – February 2004 The Need for Righteousness should adopt true righteousness in man, there is a transformation in order that God may be pleased with him but to attain it prayer is you. When a human being becomes essential. Sa l a t alone is such a good like a rebellious horse, he suffe r s act that its performance removes punishment. Those who are the satanic weaknesses and it is this distinguished understand a hint just that is termed ‘prayer’. Satan as a trained horse does. Such good desires that a human being should people are recipients of revelation stay weak in its observance because from God - they receive wa h i and a he knows that when a person very fine point here is this that the reforms himself, the person meaning of wahi is also given as achieves such reform by himself. ‘indication’ or ‘hint’. However, Hence, it is a condition that one when the time of receiving should become clean and pure – punishment passes, the time for Satan loves man as long as there is wa h i begins and this is necessary filth attached to him. because this matter is not easily resolved. Taq w a , righteousness, is Respectful reverence is essential not such an easy matter that it can before one can request favours of be achieved merely through some God. The wise always keep in verbal utterances, rather it contains view the respect due to a king within it a share of the satanic sin. before seeking something from a Its example is like that of a sweet of king. This is the reason why God which even a tiny amount can has taught, in the Chapter A l - attract countless ants. The same is Fatiha, the manner in which a true of satanic sin and it informs of prayer should be offered and it is human weakness. If Allah had so taught that: willed He would not have placed such weakness in man but Allah desires that man should know that the fountainhead of all power is All praise belongs to Allah A l l a h ’s Being. No Prophet or who is Lord of all the worlds Messenger has the power to grant (Ch.1: v.2) this capacity to others. However, when Allah grants this power to
The Review of Religions – February 2004 9 The Need for Righteousness
of God as being the unseen but now he considers Him to be present and he calls out to Him: The Gracious. (Ch.1: v.3)
that is One Who gives without Thee alone do we worship and begging or asking. Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path (Ch.1: Vs.5,6)
The Merciful. ..the path that is absolutely straight (Ch.1: v.3) without any flaws. There is a path of the blind in that they make that is the One Who bestows upon strenuous efforts without man the best fruit of his true effort. achieving any desired outcome. After this, [the prayer taught in al- Fatiha continues]:
Master of the Day of Judgement. (Ch.1: v.4) the path of those upon whom Thou has bestowed blessings. that is, all matters of judgement (Ch.1: v.7) are in His hand – He can punish or f o rgive. The judgement of the and this path is exactly that path other world as well as of this which leads to the reward of world, all is in His hands. When a [special] blessings for those who person praises God this much, he tread upon it. After [this it states]: becomes aware of the Greatness of God who is Rab, Rahman and Raheem (the Lord, the Gracious and the Merciful O ne). A person had hitherto thought
10 The Review of Religions – February 2004 The Need for Righteousness
That is, not [the path] of those and station to which one can who incurred thy displeasure progress. nor of those who have gone astray. [Returning to the main topic of (Ch.1: v.7) righteousness, the Promised Messiah(as) continued], in order to [The prayer contained in verse 6 of become righteous, it is necessary a l - F a t i h a], Ihd-e-nassirat-al for a person that he should become Mustaqim, Guide us in the right steadfast in abandoning and path, applies to the way of all abstaining from such sins as things – worldly or religious. For a d u l t e r y, theft, meanness, instance, until a physician finds haughtiness, usurping the right of the ‘straight path’ [to a patient’s others and demeaning others. illness] he cannot cure a patient. However, it is also essential that Similar is the case of lawyers and while one becomes steadfast in all other professions. There is a abstaining from the bad straight path for all knowledge and characteristics, one should at the occupations – upon finding this same time inculcate the noble path everything becomes easy.] characteristics such as kindness, graciousness and sympathy for [At this point someone raised the others and should show sincere question as to why Prophets are in loyalty and be true to God. A need of this prayer when they are person should seek to serve in already on the straight path to such a manner that it would earn which the Promised Messiah ( a s ) him the lofty station of praise from replied that] they supplicate with God. It is through such means that this prayer in order to attain a person is called a Muttaqi , that greater progress and a higher is, a righteous person and those station. This prayer I h d - e - who are the embodiment of such nassirat-al Mustaqim is a qualities collectively are the truly supplication that the believers will righteous, (that is, the term make even in the other world Muttaqi is only fully applicable because just as there is no limit to when the noble characteristics are God so there is no limit to the level collectively found in a person and
The Review of Religions – February 2004 11 The Need for Righteousness
not if these qualities are found God swoops down on him as a individually). It is for such [truly lioness pounces upon whoever righteous] people that [the Holy may dare to snatch away her cubs. Qur’an states]: The true principle of gaining benefit from the fountainhead of God’s Mercy is [to remember that] it is a distinctive characteristic of God that [His attitude to a human And no fear shall come upon being reflects the action of that them, nor shall they grieve. human being] – if a person takes a (Ch.2: v.63) step [towards God] then God, too, moves [towards that human After this what else could they being]. However, the special possibly want? God becomes the Grace and Mercy of God is not guardian of such people as is with every one and for this reason stated: when these are bestowed upon someone they are referred to as being a sign for them. [Its example can be seen in the life of the Holy And He protects the righteous. P r o p h e t( s a ) of Islam]. The (Ch.7: v.197) opponents of the Holy Prophet(sa) did their utmost to defeat him but It is stated in a Hadith that God their efforts came to nothing. They becomes the hands with which a even planned to take his life but person holds, the eye with which ultimately they were defeated. he sees and the ear with which he Such is the [nature of goodness hears and the feet with which he and trust] that is proposed by God walks. It is narrated in another [in order to be the recipient of His Hadith [that God states] ‘he who special grace]. The special efforts is an enemy of My friend, I say to that are made [for the attainment him be ready to face Me’. In of God’s special grace] should be another place it is stated that when presented before God and not someone attacks a friend of God, before us. Let your hearts flow
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TH E T R U E P R I N C I P L E O F G A I N I N G B E N E F I T F R O M T H E FOUNTAINHEAD OF GOD’S MERCY IS [TO REMEMBER THAT] IT I S A D I S T I N C T I V E C H A R A C T E R I S T I C O F GO D T H AT [ HI S ATTITUDE TO A HUMAN BEING REFLECTS THE ACTION OF THAT HUMAN BEING] – IF A PERSON TAKES A STEP [TOWARDS GOD] THEN GOD, TOO, MOVES [TOWARDS THAT HUMAN BEING]. with the love of God and with the before God is certainty that he is acknowledgement of His standing before the most powerful Greatness and for the attainment Being Who listens and knows and of such a state there is nothing Who could grant there and then greater than S a l a t. Compulsory should He so desire through fasting comes but only once a year kindness. One should supplicate for a month and Zakat is only for with deep felt emotion without those who possess wealth but becoming disheartened. A Salat is such that each one of persistence in such practise would every condition has to perform it lead a person to see (the pleasure five times daily and you should of) it very soon and other blessings not waste it at all. It should be of God would also be with him repeated often and it should be and he will eventually find God. performed in such a way that one This then is the method that should feels that one is standing before be practised with steadfastness. the most powerful Being Who can, However, it is the case that prayer should He so desire, accept one’s of the cruel transgressor does not prayer there and then – in that find acceptance because such a state, at that moment even at that person is neglectful towards God. very second. Worldly rulers are Should a son not care about his dependent upon material wealth, father and have no sense of his hence, their concern about the obligations to his father, the father, depletion of their wealth but God’s too, would not care about the son. treasury is always full. All that is Then why should God care about required when a person stands such a person?
The Review of Religions – February 2004 13 The Need for Righteousness
sustenance but the [Arabic] term [Here someone raised the question ‘Astafeena’ is for special instances as to how was it that the prayer of [where special favours are Bal’am Ba’our was accepted to sought]. which the Promised Messiah ( a s ) replied] that was a trial not a prayer and in the end he was destroyed. Prayer is the supplication of those who are dear to God. Otherwise it is the case PLEASE NOTE: that God listens to [the prayers of In this journal, for the ease of all mankind including] the Hindus, non-Muslim readers, ‘(sa)’ or for instance, and some of their ‘sa’ after the words, ‘Holy wishes are fulfilled but the word P rophet’, or the name for that is trial not prayer. For ‘Muhammad’, are used. They stand for ‘Salallahu alaihi example, if such a person were to wassalam’ meaning ‘Peace and ask for bread, would God not give Blessings of Allah be upon him bread? He has made a promise him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ to this effect [and the promise is or ‘as’ after the name of all contained in the following verse of other prophets is an the Holy Qur’an]: a b b reviation meaning ‘Peace be upon him’ derived fro m ‘Alaih salato wassalam’ for the respect a Muslim reader utters. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahtala’ and is used for Companions of a P rophet, meaning Allah be there is no creature that moves pleased with him or her (when in the earth but it is for Allah to followed by the relevant Arabic provide it with sustenance. pronoun) (Ch.11: V.7) Also ru or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta ’ a l a m e a n s the Mercy of Allah the Exalted Dogs and cats too fill their bellies. be upon him. Worms and insects also find their
14 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
A Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V on 20 June 2003 at the Fazl Mosque London, transcribed and translated by Saleem Malik, published at its own responsibility by The Review of Religions.
Holy Qur’an), Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, right has become distinct from wrong; so whosoever refuses to be led by those who transgress, and believes in Allah, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Ch.2: V.257)
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V stated:
‘Nowadays, the whole of the After Tashshhad (bearing witness Western world is busy imputing to the Unity of Allah and the that Islam is a religion of violence. affirmation that Muhammad(sa) is It is because of the fundamentalist His Messenger) and Ta u d h practising violence that J i h a d i (seeking refuge from the accursed o rganisations [organisations that Satan) and reciting the S u r a h mistakenly believe that Muslims Fatiha (the opening chapter of the should engage in a holy war and
The Review of Religions – February 2004 15 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
either ask non-Muslims to accept grasped a strong handle which Islam or put them to the sword: knows no breaking. And Allah Ed] are operating in the Islamic is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. world. (Ch.2: V.257)
All Ahmadis are fully aware that Commenting on this verse, this is slanderous and an indecent Hadhrat Musleh Maud, Khalifatul imputation on Islam. Islam is a Masih II (ra) says: religion that teaches love, a ffection and brotherhood. The ‘It is strange that Islam is stress that Islam places on the criticised for teaching that faith basic human rights cannot be should be spread by force. found in any other religion. Islam prepares Muslims to be U n f o r t u n a t e l y, some extremist ready for Jihad, as Allah says: groups that have no relation with ‘Fight in the way of Allah the true teachings of Islam, have, those who fight with you’ for the sake of the satisfaction of (Ch.2: V.191). On the other their own ego, created a dreadful hand, Allah says There is no image of Islam by associating compulsion in re l i g i o n Islam with Jihadi organisations. meaning that the injunction This has distorted the beautiful about fighting does not mean teachings of Islam. This is not a that the use of force is service to Islam. On the contrary, permitted to convert people to this has brought Islam into Islam. In fact, the order to fight disrepute. The translation of the is to remove the mischief and verse that I have recited from the eliminate the wicked designs Holy Qur’an just now is: of the enemy. Had compulsion been permitted, how could the There should be no compulsion Holy Qur’an require the in religion. Surely, right has Muslims to fight and yet in the become distinct from wrong; same Chapter enjoin that so whosoever refuses to be led compulsion is not permitted in by those who transgress and religion? Is it not but obvious believes in Allah has surely that Islam does not permit the
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use of force in matters of and compulsion. The police can religion under any circ- arrest someone who has umstance? Therefore, this committed a crime, but religion verse not only clearly states deters you from the intention of that the use of compulsion is sin. Therefore, when man unlawful but also the placing accepts the rule of religion, then of this verse at that particular there is no need for police to point in the Holy Qur’ a n safeguard it. Allah the clearly shows that Islam is Almighty says that force and totally against compulsion. compulsion have no bearing The allegation of Christian with religion; therefore, do not orientalists that Islam orders coerce anyone because one who the use of sword to bring non- is not a believer at heart, is a Muslims in the fold of Islam is hypocrite. According to Sh a r i a totally untrue. The fact is that (Law), hypocrites and non- Islam is the first religion that believers are in the same pot. It presented the teaching to the is by mistake only that stories world that everyone has full have been given currency that freedom of conscience and that Islam was spread by the use of there is no compulsion in sw o r d . religion.’ ‘It is also alleged that the (Tafseer-e-Kabir, vol.2, pp 585 Emperor Aurangzeb was cruel – 586) and forced people into Islam. This is a fallacious statement. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I( r a ) The Chief of his army was a states: Hindu. A large part of his life was spent in fighting his ‘T h e re is no compulsion in brothers, even his death rel i g i o n ’ : There is a way of the occurred when he was fighting prophets and there is a way of Tana Shah. Also, Islam is not the kings. It is not the custom of responsible for the actions of the prophets to use force, the kings. Muslims made a oppression or compulsion. terrible mistake when they Ho w e v e r , kings use both force accepted the accusations of its
The Review of Religions – February 2004 17 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
TH E R E F O R E, I T I S A D U T Y O F T H E AH M A D I Y YA C O M M U N I T Y TO D AY TO L A U N C H A W O R L D W I D E CAMPAIGN TO PRESENT THE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS OF PEACE AND HARMONY THAT ISLAM COMMANDS ALL MU S L I M S TO F O L L O W. TH E M E M B E R S O F T H E COMMUNITY SHOULD EXPLAIN TO THE WORLD THAT ISLAM HAS BEEN THE DEFENDER OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
objectors even though Islam as well, the attitude and means sincere love and behaviour of the Holy Prophet acceptance of truth with of Islam s a was exactly the candour. That is why there is same. When we read through no compulsion in Islam.’ the unbiased history, we cannot (Haqaiqul Furqan, vol.1, find even a single instance p.391) when the great emperors (Mahmood Ghaznavi, Sultan Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I( r a ) Salahuddin, Aurangzeb) ever further comments: forced a single person to accept Islam. On the other ‘In Kitabe Maghaazi (however hand, people of other religions unreliable it may be), we find found favour with them on no example whatsoever where merit and held many the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) prominent offices in the used force or employed the administration of these Muslim sword to bring into Islam any rulers. This is an abundant person, any family or any tribe. proof that with the exception Sir William Muir clearly states of the sword being used for the that out of thousands not even defence of the nation, the one person was forced to sword was never employed for become a Muslim in the city of the spread of Islam. Madinah and that, in Makkah
18 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
‘According to the Islamic laws, Islam(sa) refrained them from their subjects of other faiths in action on the very basis that ‘there Islamic empires had full is no compulsion in religion’. The religious freedom. The verse background to how these children T h e re is no compulsion in had begun to live amongst the re l i g i o n, (Ch.2: V. 2 5 7 ) is a Jews goes back to the pre-Islamic clear proof that Islam allows days of ignorance when some full freedom in matters of faith Arab families who had no male and religion and enjoins children used to pledge that if the Muslims to use compassion next child were male they would when dealing with non- make him a Jew. Thus such Arabs believers. used to hand over their male (Fasalul Khitab, second children to Jewish families. So this edition; vol. 1; pp.83-84) is the beautiful teaching of Islam that once you hand over your own Therefore, it is a duty of the son to someone else and that Ahmadiyya community today to someone else makes your launch a worldwide campaign to descendant an adherent of another present the beautiful teachings of faith, you cannot take him back by peace and harmony that Islam force. commands all Muslims to follow. Another unique example is what The members of the community happened at the time of the peace should explain to the world that treaty signed at Hudaibiyya. The Islam has been the defender of Quraish laid down some strict and justice and equity from the very unfair conditions and as a result beginning. The events 1400 years many Muslims felt humiliated and ago fully testify to that assertion some even demonstrated their when the tribe of Banu Nadhir was unwillingness to accept the treaty. exiled from Madinah. It included But the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) many children of the Ansar had unshakable conviction that the (Muslim inhabitants of Madinah). victory would ultimately belong to When the Muslims showed their Muslims because the All-Hearing, intention to detain their All-Knowing God had promised descendants, the Holy Prophet of him that the victory would be his.
The Review of Religions – February 2004 19 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
Allah had heard his supplications sufficient. You will only succeed if and the time of acceptance of these you firmly hold on to the prayers was near. With absolute commandments of Allah and His belief, the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) P r o p h e t( s a ). According to the accepted all the conditions and prophecies of the Holy Prophet of taught his companions that the Islam(sa), the Promised Messiah(as) victory of Islam would not come is that strong handle today that by fighting wars, but by peace, presents to you the true goodwill and by acting on the true interpretation of the Divine commandments of Allah. commandments. He is the one who reiterates to you the true God willing, the victory of Islam teachings of the Holy Prophet of in this age will also come about by Islam(sa). You will only succeed if following this principle. It is you act on these instructions. important that Muslims also Because of their sad conditions, understand clearly that although Muslims remained distressed for a the eventual victory of Islam is long time and kept on waiting for certain, it will not come about by the Messiah and Mahdi to appear force. The victory of Islam will so that they could join him and only come by the sheer blessings witness the victory of Islam. and Grace of Allah and by the Those who truly cared for Islam Muslims following the com- kept on praying and supplicating. mandments of Allah and by But, what happened when the following the example and the advent of this Promised One took teachings of our beloved Prophet place? A large number refused to Muhammad(sa). accept him simply because he had brought the message of peace, As Allah explains in the verse that harmony and brotherhood. when you left the ways of error and joined the ways of Allah, it is Then, in his commentary on Ch.2: as though you have got hold of a V.257 (quoted at the beginning), strong handle which knows no Hadhrat Musleh Maud, Khalifatul breaking. But merely uttering the Masih II(r a ) ex p o u n d s : words ‘I believe’ are not
20 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
‘In this verse, acceptance and ‘By stating ‘Urwa’ man is also belief means that one rejects the informed that if he holds it evil of Satan and accepts the firmly, it will help him at all command of Allah. Such a times of difficulty. person is described as ‘ h a s su r ely grasped a strong handle ‘Urwa’ also points to the fact which knows no bre a k i n g . ’ that religion is the only really (Ch.2: V. 2 5 7 ) ‘ U rwa’ a l s o beneficial possession that will means a handle by which you help both in this world and the hold a pan; a thing that can be next. All other relationships trusted; anything towards are temporary and are cut off which one turns at the time of one by one at the time of need. need; that which is everlasting Although man certainly and cannot be diminished; and considers his relations and can also mean the best wealth. friends as his best companions If the meanings are taken as a yet ‘a friend in need is a friend handle then this verse would indeed’ and they can show mean that Allah the Almighty weakness and disloyalty at has compared faith to subtle times. Only then he finds out contents contained in a pan and that the real relations were which is safe or preserved and those based on religion as they someone has taken possession bestow the real blessings.” of this pan firmly by the handle. (Tafseer-e-Kabir, Vol.2; pp.587 –588) ‘Urwa’ in this verse also points to the fact that faith is what one Addressing the Muslims, the uses as a support when one is Promised Messiah(as) says: afraid of falling, just as one holds on to a rope when ‘According to your belief, climbing a ladder. Similarly, Messiah the son of Mary will religion is also a support like descend from Heaven and that rope and one holds on to it joining forces with the Mahdi when one is afraid of falling. will start a war to convert everyone by force to Islam.
The Review of Religions – February 2004 21 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
This preposterous belief brings the Almighty says, Islam into disrepute. Where in ‘Permission to fight is given to the Holy Qur’an is it those against whom war is mentioned that compulsion is made, because they have been permitted in religion? On the wronged – and Allah indeed c o n t r a r y, the Holy Qur’ a n has power to help them’ says,‘There is no compulsion (Ch.22: V. 4 0 ) – i . e . t h o s e in religion’. (Ch.2: V. 2 5 7 ) . Muslims against whom the How, then, will Messiah the infidels are fighting are son of Mary be given the right permitted to confront them to use force? That is to say to because they have been use force to such an extent that oppressed and Allah is Mighty accept Islam or be killed, so and has the power to help much so that even the option of them. Then, there were those Jizya [(a tax imposed on non- wars that were fought as Muslims guaranteeing their defensive wars. Either the protection and not requiring enemies were advancing with them to be part of the Muslim aggressive designs to exter- army] will be cancelled? From minate Islam or they were which part or chapter of the using torment and inquisition Holy Qur’an is this contention on Muslims in their countries supported? The whole of the to stop the spread of Islam. The Holy Qur’an keeps saying wars were fought with such repeatedly that there is no enemies for protection, or for compulsion in religion. It is obtaining independence in evident that the wars that the defence or to create freedom in Holy Prophet of Islam ( s a ) a country. Except for the three conducted against various scenarios mentioned above, adversaries were as a neither the Holy Prophet of punishment for their crime of I s l a ms a nor the revered the massacre of Muslims in Khalifas of the Holy Prophet(sa) l a rge numbers and sending fought any wars. In fact, Islam others into exile and inflicting s u ffered inquisition and cruelty upon them. As Allah persecution at the hands of
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foreign nations with such should be to eradicate with true patience that you would not proofs the false beliefs of find another example amongst crucifixion instead of going other people. around smashing the golden, s i l v e r, bronze or wooden ‘What sort of persons would crucifixes. If you use then be Jesus the Messiah and compulsion, then your force the Mahdi who would start the only testifies that you have no killing instantly so much so convincing argument about that he would refuse to accept your truth. Whenever any fool Jizya even from the people of or tyrant runs out of the Book; and would thus arguments, he resorts to the abrogate the verse of the Holy gun and the sword. But a Qur’an which enjoins, ‘Until religion that needs sword for they pay the Jizya (tax) with its propagation can never be their own hand submissively from God Almighty. If you do and acknowledge their sub- not refrain from such Jihad jection.’ ( C h . 9 : V. 2 9 ) . W h a t and, in anger, call the righteous sort of supporter of Islam by the names of impostors and would he be that he would heretics, then I end my dis- even abrogate the verses of the course with the words, – ‘Say! Holy Qur’an that had not been “O ye disbelievers! I worship abrogated in the times of the not that which you worship”’ Holy Prophet( s a ) and despite (Ch 109: V.2-3).’ this revolution the issue of (Tafseer, Hadhrat Masih Maud(as), Khatme Nabuwwat would be Vol. 1; pp. 747-748) unaffected? In this age, after 1300 years of the prophethood The Promised Messiah(as) further have passed and Islam itself says: has been divided into 73 sects, the duty of the Messiah should ‘Whatever Allah the Almighty be to win the hearts not by the does, He does for the sake of use of sword but by arguments teaching and training. Since and persuasion. His duty the period of glory lingers on,
The Review of Religions – February 2004 23 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
and Muslim power and glory ‘There should be freedom in had prevailed over a long matters of faith. Allah the period and their conquests Almighty says that, ‘There is stretched to the far corners of no compulsion in re l i g i o n . ’ the world, some fools began to (Ch.2: V.257) You will not find think that Islam was spread by such a sentence anywhere in force although its teaching is the Holy Bible. People have T h e re is no compulsion in misunderstood the true cause religion (Ch.2: V.257). To of wars. If war was the prove its truth, Allah the commandment, then the Holy Almighty sent his Khatamul P r o p h e t( s a ) wasted thirteen Khulafa (the Most Perfect of years of his life when he did Vicegerents) and by giving not lift the sword once. The him the task of ‘Ya d h a ’ u l permission is granted to fight Harb’ (ending wars) gave him only those who fight with you. the second task of ‘ L e It has never been the principle Yudhhirahu ‘aladdeen-e- of Islam to initiate wars. Allah kullihi’ (that He may make it Himself has explained the prevail over every other reason for war by saying religion Ch.9: V.33). In other ‘Dhulimu’ (because they have words he would bring about been wro n g e d Ch.22: V. 4 0 ) . the victory of Islam by When Allah saw that His evidence and arguments and people are oppressed and would remove fighting and persecuted, only then did He wars. Those who are waiting permit them to fight in self- for a blood-thirsty Mahdi and defence. Allah never declared blood-thirsty Messiah are in that now the time for the sword great error’. has come and you should (Al-Hakam, vol. 6; No. 24; 10 convert people to Islam by July 1902; p.3) force. Instead, Allah enjoined that since you are victims of Again, the Promised Messiah(as) oppression, you should fight states: back. In fact, all laws of the world permit victims of
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oppression to fight for their other people who can show life’. comparable miracles. They will (Al-Badr, Vol. 2; No. 1-2; 23 never, never, never come forward! January 1903) They will never be able to show even one miracle even if they die In this context, the Promised trying. Their gods are artificial. Messiah(as) further elaborates: They do not follow a true God. Islam is an ocean of miracles. ‘The opinion of Nawab Siddiq Islam has never used any Hassan that in the time of the compulsion nor has there been any Messiah, people will be compelled need for it’. to become Muslims, is incorrect. (Appendix to Haqiqatul Wahy; pp. God Almighty says, There is no 35-36) compulsion in re l i g i o n. (Ch.2: v.257) Yes, once, Christians used The Promised Messiah( a s ) s t a t e s to use force to convert others to further: C h r i s t i a n i t y. But ever since the advent of Islam, Islam has been ‘In their foolish ignorance, against the use of force. Only these illiterate clerics promptly those who possess no Divine sign declare that Islam was spread resort to force. But Islam is an by the sword. The obtuse ocean of Heavenly Signs. No Christian clergy is also wedded prophet ever showed as many to these doubtful ideas. There miracles as were shown by our can be no bigger lie than to Holy Prophet(sa). The miracles of accuse a religion whose first the earlier prophets died with their teaching happens to be There is death, but the miracles of our no compulsion in re l i g i o n. P r o p h e t( s a ) are still being (Ch.2: V.257) of compulsion manifested today and they will and the use of force. The continue till the Judgement Day. battles that our beloved Whatever is being demonstrated in Prophet(sa) and his companions my support are, in fact, the had to fight were purely to miracles of the Holy Prophet(sa). defend themselves and to Where are those priests or Jews or create peace. Those who pick
The Review of Religions – February 2004 25 Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
up the sword to stop the faith by the excellence of its teachings. have to be stopped by the Tell those who are associating sword’. Islam with the sword that they are (Tiriyaqul Qaloob, p.16) following the wrong course. Explain to them and pray for them The Promised Messiah( a s ) because they come in the category continues: of ‘Inna hum La Ya’alamoon’ – Verily, they do not know. It is the ‘The true Muslims of the past crying need of the time to never believed in the use of convince the world that Islam sword for propagating Islam. spread during the time of the Holy Instead, Islam spread all over Prophet(sa) because of his prayers the world because of its own and supplications; and in this age, attributes. Therefore those who God willing, this will happen only call themselves Muslims, and by presenting the true teachings of know only that Islam should be Islam as expounded by the spread by the use of sword, do Promised Messiah( a s ), the true not know of the beauties of devotee and servant of the Holy Islam. Their actions are no Prophet of Islam(sa). better than the actions of beasts’. ( Tiriyaqul Qaloob, footnote p.167)
Therefore, it is a duty of every Ahmadi today that he should take this message to the whole world that the true teaching of Islam is the one that has been given to us by the Promised Messiah(as). They should take the message of love, peace and brotherhood; and declare to the whole that Islam was not spread by the sword but
26 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body
This article is an extract from the book Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship: The Three Creative Principles, in which the author, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad – Khalifatul Masih IV, elaborates on the three stages of human relations; namely Adl (Absolute justice), Ihsan (to grant someone more than his due) and Ita’I Dhil-Qurba (to treat someone with such grace and overw h e l m i n g benevolence as one would treat one’s kindered). This section follows a discussion of one meaning of verse nine of Surah Al- Shams (‘And He revealed to it what is wrong for it [fujoor] and what is right for it [taqwa]’), and focuses on another aspect of its meaning.
The Inbuilt Criterion for Good and good for it and what is bad for it Bad within its own tiny world of the barest God has endowed the human form of existence. Even the amoeba physiology with intrinsic potentials to has its limitations of health and distinguish disease from health and disease, what it should endeavour to creative phenomena from destructive possess and what it should avoid and phenomena. This system of dis- evade. But in man it is so highly crimination works without the developed and complex, that even a knowledge of human consciousness cursory glance at its function is and as an ongoing self-flowing absolutely astounding. phenomenon. In fact this applies not only to human beings but to all forms The process of selection and rejection of life as well. Each species, whether is observed in perfect operation at elementary or advanced, is well every level of human existence; the equipped with that inbuilt ability following simple illustration will help which informs each individual elaborate the case in point. belonging to any species of what is
The Review of Religions – February 2004 27 Balance Within Man’s Body
IN SHORT, IN TERMS OF HUMAN PHYSIQUE, THIS VERSE OF SURAH AL-SHAMS INDICATES THAT HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE PORTAL SYSTEM, INTRAVENOUS SYSTEM AND GLANDULAR S Y S T E M, A N D T H E I M M U N E S Y S T E M A R E A L L W E L L EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS GOOD AND BAD FOR THEM, AND HOW TO AVOID EVIL AND ADOPT A HEALTHY COURSE.
The appetite in man creates in him constituent materials and purifying it the awareness of the requirements of from alien matters not needed by the en e rg y . The sense of sight, smell, body and purifying it from bacterial touch and taste, and even in some or viral impurities and breaking it cases the sense of hearing, all into such chemical elements as can immediately begin to take an active be readily assimilated by the system part in determining what is good and and recycled into other more what is bad, and to what extent complex organic materials after something is good and to what extent having being introduced into the something is bad for the man in need bloodstream of man. of some form of energ y. Then if a morsel of something is introduced These are but a very few into the mouth, the taste buds and oversimplified examples of how the heat buds and the sensory org a n s human body is equipped to create a relating to touch etc., the teeth and balanced diet for human con- salivary glands and jaw bones and sumption. If the balance is disturbed, the nerves attached to the teeth, then the quality of human life and muscles of the jaws and circular health is adversely affected. The fibres around the oesophagus and balance needed within the system of trachea, all begin to play a perfectly life in human beings is so perfectly balanced role, as if dancing in perfect measured and precisely proportioned, harmony in step with the music of that even a slight disturbance in life. Then, when at last something is mutual proportions can turn life into swallowed, the selection process death. begins to play a more profound role in disintegrating the food into its
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Here it would be logical to translate Q u r’anic statements. There is an Fujoor as changes threatening the amazing balance between man’s healthy progress of life, and Taqwa as propensity to fall ill and catch measures of the potential ability to diseases and his potential ability to avoid the dangers which may lead to cure himself from all forms of disease illness and death. This also has a of which he may be stricken. Even connotation of protective capabilities cancers can be cured without or defensive measures. intervention of physicians or oncologists. In fact there are some In short, in terms of human physique, terminal cases of cancer which are this verse of Surah Al-Shams duly recorded in medical history indicates that human physiology and where the patient made a complete anatomy and the nervous system and r e c o v e r y, defying the scientific the portal system, intravenous system understanding of how it could have and glandular system, and the happened. The specialists’ know-how immune system are all well equipped is disregarded when terminally ill with the knowledge of what is good patients begin to recover and return to and bad for them, and how to avoid life without any understandable evil and adopt a healthy course. A cause. The scientists are in minute study of just one of the unanimous agreement however that systems alluded to would virtually the intricacies of the human immune require volumes to be written; yet by system are as yet superficially no means would the subject be understood. Yet only this much we exhausted. To say that this magical can say with certainty, that our and wonderful would be naive. To defence system is provided with compare the intricacies and the tiers limitless possibilities. upon tiers of mysteries with which human life is endowed is like placing Despite its perfection no defence Alice in Wonderland. In comparison apparatus in man can bring him to the wonders of human creation all eternity. In each system that man is fiction relating to mystery and endowed with there is an inherent wonder is paled into nothingness. counter system which works in measured tones for its ultimate When we study the scientific destruction. Everything is precisely explanation of how the human body measured and proportioned. The functions, we are amazed to notice estimated duration of the life of each how perfectly they verify the relevant cell of the human body is
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predetermined by the most intricate remains intact. After a pre-calculated dominant and recessive charac- size is reached, suddenly a perfect teristics etched onto the genes. It is balance between the rate of growth also clearly predetermined as to how and the rate of wear and tear is long the growth rate for certain delicately maintained, so leaving organs would move at a faster pace injury through disease and accident than the death rate of the same organ. aside, they remain in a perfectly Also it is clearly predetermined as to healthy and balanced state with no the age at which the pace of growth apparent changes occurring in their and destruction would remain length and size. perfectly matched, and again it is also predetermined as to the time after Ordinarily people think they have which the rate of death would outpace grown and stopped growing, and that the rate of growth. None of these is is all that there is to it. This naive accidental. concept is farthest from the truth. If they had stopped growing they would Physical Growth have ground into nothingness in a Let us study by way of illustration the matter of weeks and months. If on the simple example of the growth of other hand, the rate of growth teeth. The milk teeth as we know continued to remain the same as was them are governed and are being operative in the initial stages, they constantly monitored in the rate of would have continued to grow longer growth and decay, so that for some and longer till the lower teeth would years the rate of growth outpaces the have jutted out of the top of the rate of decay. For some years the human skull and the upper teeth balanced stage is reached where the would be seen hanging below the jaw. rates remain constant. Then suddenly the balance is tilted in favour of death So it is not an unmeasured, uncon- and decay, and the days of the milk trollable phenomenon that we are teeth are numbered. After that begins observing. All the factors responsible the age of the adult teeth. The rate of for measuring growth to a certain growth in the beginning is much period and the change in the rate of faster in this case than the rate of the growth after a certain period of time wear and tear. Up to a certain stage, and the mutual balance between the when they reach their predetermined rate of growth and decay, are an size of length, breadth and thickness, extremely complex set of instructions the balance in favour of growth specifically and clearly written into
30 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body the blueprint of human creation. constantly require sugar as a source of When they act in detail, it is mind en e r gy for their survival. There are so boggling to realise how the blueprint many glands involved in this complex of human design and engineering task. Even if the animal does not eat unfolds itself and works in such an sugar directly, various forms of amazing and intricate manner. carbohydrates he consumes in the forms of starches, powders, fruits and The safe removal of the waste vegetables etc., are broken down into products through the human sugar by certain glands in the body. excretory system is also a system in This sugar, or any other sugar directly itself which astounds human consumed by an animal is a ready understanding. Here of course the source for all his requirements of principle of Adl is applicable with no e n e rg y, but it cannot be directly awareness on the part of the human utilised by any human organ or part of mind. Only when he treats the teeth the body without the help of insulin. with injustice does he begin to realise But if insulin is produced in excessive the outcome of his folly through the quantities, a disease which is the damage that he himself inflicts on his opposite of diabetes can be caused and own teeth. And within a small sphere this is called hypoglycaemia. In this he begins to observe another form of disease, the sugar level is so lowered justice in play, that is the justice by over-consumption or by other operative in the phenomena of crime factors, that if it is not immediately and punishment. rectified it can result in sudden death or a deep coma which is damaging for Diabetes the brain and other vital orga n s . Diabetes is a common disease which can be used to illustrate the mysteries To keep a counter check on of balances. Among other things, production of insulin there is a diabetes is caused by imbalances in complex signalling system at work in the secretions of some vital glands in the body which sounds an alarm as if the human assimilative system. announcing the fact that all the insulin that was needed has been produced The pancreas produces two types of and no more is required. This counter secretions or chemicals. One is called insulin secretion is also produced in insulin and is largely responsible for the same area of the glandular system the assimilation of sugar into all parts which is responsible for the of the organs of the body, which production of insulin. When secretion
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is released the production of insulin electrolyte system in which the cells suddenly halts and the animal seems are suspended. This bi-layered to enter a state of perfect satiation. envelope provides a very effective Tilt the balance to either side and the preventative cover to each cell. But it health will be adversely influenced to creates its own problems. some degree. Sugars are found dissolved in the But this is not all to the story of bloodstream and the same double insulin and measures created by God cover preventing the solution of blood to keep it in check and balance. from reaching the nucleus also prevents sugar from reaching the Each human organ requires insulin nucleus where it is vitally needed far for the assimilation of sugar, but also survival. Also, a well-proportioned other rare elements and secretions are amount of insulin must somehow be needed to support this complex transported into the cell. So to keep system. Every cell in the bloodstream perfect balance between both constantly needs energ y. After the requirements and provide eff e c t i v e consumption of energ y, the waste measures against both dangers (either product needs to be thrown out. For side), God has designed the two covers this, adequate measures are taken of the cells to meet the situation whereby the waste product and toxins pe r f e c t l y . Both covers have certain etc. are secreted out of the system. pores through which a molecule of sugar is transported with an attached All the above functions are performed molecule of insulin into the heart of through the agency of the blood- the cell where it is immediately stream. Talking of the bloodstream, consumed. The waste products are this in itself offers limitless wonders. carried back through the pores of the The problem with the bloodstream is same covers to the bloodstream where that it can be self-destructive. The they are washed out to the porous skin medium of liquid in which blood cells in the form of perspiration, or highly of different types are suspended can complex mucous membranes in the destroy the nucleus of the cell kidney etc. This transportation of immediately if it is permitted to flow sugar into the cell and the expulsion of into the cell freely. To counter this waste product occurs at unbelievably danger there is a bi-layered envelope high speeds. around each cell which cannot be penetrated directly by the liquid This is the energy transportation
32 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body system; but this again is not all. There levels of existence. Hence they may is far more to it. Each human organ, not be referred to as absolute justice, including cells in the bloodstream, but one cannot escape the fact that requires a certain amount of sugar justice and perfect balance are two constantly for survival. But of course names for the same phenomenon. In there are priorities, the priority of the other words, we can say without fear brain is supreme over all the organs of of contradiction that perfect health is the body. If the sugar level in the another name for absolute justice. bloodstream sinks, the brain must somehow be guaranteed a constant To understand the issue of balance in supply till the entire reserve of sugar relation to sugar in the human body, is depleted. If every organ and let us discuss the specific example of cellular tissues of the body had equal how much sugar is needed, and what access to the consumption of sugar, are the minimum and maximum there would always be a danger of the levels. For each 100 ml of blood, brain being deprived of its vital there must always be at least 60 mg of supply of sugar because of over- sugar available for consumption. But consumption elsewhere. Hence to on the other side of the equation the keep the balance between various sugar level must not exceed 180 mg priorities, glands also create other per 100 ml of blood (Textbook of secretions which direct the Medical Physiology, Arthur C. consumption of insulin in a complex Guyton, 5th Edition, Saunders, 1976, and controlled manner. Chap, 78.). If it exceeds that level then the state of imbalance is referred If the sugar falls below a certain level to as blood sugar. where the supply to the brain could be threatened, the relative glandular To keep the balance correct if the secretions would stop all supply of insulin fails to maintain the balance, insulin and sugar to other organs of the excess sugar in the blood is the body including blood particles. washed out by the kidneys so that the The entire stock will be stopped for excessive presence of sugar in the the survival of the brain. The balances blood may not corrode the cellular are not only in one place. Tier after tissues of the body. When the excess tier of extremely delicate balances are is passed out into the urine what we created and maintained. In short, this have is a case of diabetes with the is absolute justice which works unwarranted presence of sugar in the unconsciously in man at diff e r e n t urine. Sometimes the threshold of the
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kidneys is high and the excess of Protection Against Disease sugar in the blood is not washed out, Let us now turn our attention to resulting in dangerously high levels certain other examples of balances of sugar in the blood. This has a created by God for the healthy corrosive effect on some organs; the maintenance of human life. Not only heart valves can also be eaten up by human life of course, the entire the excessive flow of sugar through universe of innumerable species of them (like acid corroding the life are firmly controlled and run channels it flows in). The extra sugar under the absolute and unwavering is somehow deposited where the flow principle of justice. Where violated, of the blood is slow, in places like the inadvertently or intentionally, one capillaries, causing many types of will never fail to discover the irritation and damage. When this presence of disease. happens in the blood capillaries of the eyes, the person may suffer from There is an amazing system of cataract and glaucoma and other types balance within our bodies. Any of eye diseases. It can slow down the imbalance may cause complications, impulses carried through the nerves eventually leading the patient to and create dangers directly resulting death. If we know how this intricate from this lethargic state of transport system of balance, which God has through the nerves. created in our bodies, works we will only appreciate it more. How In every day experience we find that unfortunate is the case of man, some diabetic patients remain otherwise such a proud animal, unaware of pain they should feel as a conscious of being at the head of all result of spasms around the heart. By evolutionary achievements of life, missing these signals they may be being equipped with the most taken by a surprise heart attack. So complex faculties of thinking and talking of the balance of justice is not computation, yet he remains unaware just an academic luxury. The of the most complex system of persistent lack of justice or balance God has provided him with. disproportion in balance is unlikely to This in itself is an injustice. In fact go unpunished in nature. Alas, this there is a vast internal universe of lesson is ignored by man and he lives innumerable correlating factors, under the illusion that he can escape suspended in perfect balance and the consequences of injustice. But harmony constantly taking care of life that we will turn to later. in every aspect of its requirements.
34 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body
This micro-universe of symphony in room for excess. This is only the man is the greatest wonder that God dictate of justice. But God has has created. Man is the masterpiece of provided animals with far greater G o d ’s creation and is so naively possibilities to meet the eventualities unaware of his own creative wonders of excessive eating on their part. With that he consequently remains some effort of course everyone can oblivious of the gratitude he owes to digest twice the amount of food his Creator. required for healthy living. When that is exceeded, then the domain of But there is more to it than just Adl. punishment begins. When one begins God in His extreme beneficence has to become a habitual violator of taken measures to provide an justice a breakdown follows at long additional system of cushioning and length. This is a very primitive and resilience to the working of the simple example of the provisions of human body, which strictly speaking Ihsan in all functions of human and does not belong to the realm of Adl animal life. and justice. It is something extra, as if unearned, granted to the body entirely The Production of Insulin by way of special kindness. Looking In order to illustrate this point further at it from another angle, one can say we look at the example of the daily that in view of human faults, requirements of sugar of every animal excessive negligence and even and see how the factors of accidents, a system of compensation benevolence perform rescue is provided by God. When viewed operations and shield the patient’s from the vantage point of conscious health from the bad affects of human actions, it appears much like indulgent eating. For instance, if the the term Ihsan in action, as we have insulin produced by the pancreas was previously discussed at same length. in exact proportion to the daily requirements of sugar by an animal The benefaction of Ihsan and Ita’i then this would only fulfil the Dhil-Qurba are granted to protect the requirements of Adl and benevolence system of justice. Far instance, if man would have no part to play. But God was provided with digestive juices has granted the pancreas the s u fficient to meet the daily capability to produce more insulin requirements of food, that would than is the ordinary requirement. If a imply that each animal eats exactly healthy man consumed ten to twenty what he requires with there being no times more sugar, his metabolism
The Review of Religions – February 2004 35 Balance Within Man’s Body
would not allow him to suffer from taste. The amount of food consumed diabetes. Also, if the pancreas is is such a variable factor that no damaged by disease or accident, so regular measured intake could be that only one-seventh remains guaranteed to suit each individual functional, still the daily requirements animal. Yet scientifically it can be of the insulin supply could be determined as to how much average maintained. intake of food is required by each animal of certain weight, size and It is interesting to note here that if the physique. So when we talk of daily pancreas produced less insulin than requirements we talk in terms of the required amount, this too would averages, while the actual intake of violate the principle of justice. It food may change almost daily. would be befitting here to elaborate this discussion a little further for the The pancreas is not only equipped to benefit of the lay people, who produce the average need of the normally do not understand the animal, but the production system is workings of the scientific so well regulated and monitored that phenomena. somehow messages are delivered to it, informing it of the exact measures The production of insulin is not in any of insulin needed at a certain time. way accidental. When we say it can produce insulin matching exactly the Hence every time the animal requires need for insulin, we do not mean that insulin for the breakdown of sugar automatically the pancreas produces a intake, the pancreas produces the certain amount of insulin irrespective exact amount that is needed. First of of the presence of sugar in the body all, the point worthy of note is the system. That would be extremely fact that no blind accidents seem to unjust. The intake of food in all take place in creation. Otherwise in animals is not measured or regulated some animals the pancreas would to ensure that every animal takes the always fail to produce the daily exact amount of needed sugar, requirement of the animal and such directly or in the form of animals would ultimately die due to carbohydrates. Animals have no lack of energ y. In other animals it is knowledge of what they require, only possible for the pancreas to overwork a vague craving for eating, which and overproduce insulin which compels them to eat whatever satiates would result in another unhealthy their hunger and is palatable to their state. This chaotic behaviour could
36 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body result from their being provided by Merciful, has taken into account the more or less potential than needed. accidental or intentional excesses on Also it could result from lack of a the part of animals, particularly in the monitoring system. case of man. Hence, potentially, human beings are provided by so What we observe in real life, many times more pancreatic material h o w e v e r, is the most beautifully so that even if a person were to balanced state of affairs. The size and consume so many times more sugar, production of pancreas in each this crime would be overlooked and he animal is exactly made to measure. would not be immediately punished When there is less need for the for such occasional excesses. But if he production of insulin, or no need at continues to disregard the dictates of all, the pancreas slow down or cease justice and if he constantly violates the functioning accordingly. The principles of healthy living by eating pancreas would constantly receive disproportionately to his requirements, signals which would will it to sleep. then a time may come when the hand When the intake of sugar requires of Ih s a n would be withdrawn, and production of insulin, immediately pure and simple justice would take the entire factory will begin to ov e r . The pancreas would break down function at maximum capacity until and cease to work the extra load; such the need is met. Then suddenly it will transgressors would then suffer from receive signals transmitted from what we call diabetes. somewhere, ordering the pancreas to cease to function at once. What we Even at this stage we find the are talking about by way of elements of Ita’i Dhil-Qurba coming illustration is that the provision of to the rescue of such sufferers. If the I h s a n is beyond the discussion of sugar level were to then rise to a genuine demand and supply. dangerous level in the bloodstream, the kidneys would be ordered to start We are talking about accidental or excreting extra sugar to the maximum intentional over-pumping of sugar into capacity. Here again we observe the the system. If only the system of fascinating display of balance and justice had been operative, the preference. The kidney suffers of principle of crime and punishment course, but by way of sacrifice for the would continue to punish the animal more vital organs. It suffers because it forthwith for all excesses committed. can take more of the suffering. But God, the most Beneficent and
The Review of Religions – February 2004 37 Balance Within Man’s Body
If the kidney were designed to excrete kidney would be sufficient, and it blood sugar automatically as a routine would require no extra cushioning in function, no sugar in the blood would case of accidental disease or excesses be left for the normal consumption of by gourmet eaters. It is a fascinating the human body. It would constantly display of Ihsan and Ita’i Dhil-Qurba leak out into the liver if so. On the together. other hand, if the kidneys were designed never to excrete sugar from The kidneys are fashioned to take the complicated and highly designed eight times more load than the membranes, then every diabetic ordinary requirement of the day-to- patient would hasten to his end faster. day bodily functions. That is to say In the case of those whose kidneys that if there is a constant disregard excrete excessive amounts of sugar, towards the dictates of justice and this over and extra kindness above the towards the beneficence of God, and routine benevolence of Ihsan can be if man were to lose seven parts of his linked to Ita’i Dhil-Qurba. When the kidneys out of his eight parts, still he kidneys take the load of excreting could survive as a normal healthy sugar, it is a self-sacrifice on their person, provided he learns his lesson part. But the kidneys themselves are a and returns to a normal balanced life. marvel of creation. Thus we see that absolute justice and All the human waste in the benevolence in most situations can bloodstream which is constantly flourish together without one produced through metabolic activities interfering with the other. However, if is channelled out of the human system there is a danger of a clash occurring through various organs. It is not the between the two, then benevolence is normal function of kidneys to excrete not permitted to play a role and sugar; the normal function of kidneys absolute justice must prevail. If the is to excrete waste products of coming into play of benevolence metabolism. If the human body is requires the sacrifice of justice, that is healthy and enjoys a balanced diet, to say if favours can only be shown at the metabolic waste would require a the cost of justice, then the course of certain size and weight for the kidney benevolence cannot be permitted to to perform its function of excretion. If function. As long as benevolence the kidneys are only made to measure coexists without interfering into the in accordance with this requirement, domain of justice it will be permitted one-eighth of the size of the human to survive and function. Although
38 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body benevolence is a thing of a higher the pancreas working normally. So order, justice is more fundamental in f a r, scientists have discovered its nature and fundamentals are never hundreds of possible factors which sacrificed on the altar of what is extra play a role in the maintenance of the and optional. complex sugar absorption system in the body. Yet, in the final analysis, the We shall now consider the above emphasis is on perfect balance, or an mentioned example in the light of a absolute justice, as it has also been tradition of the Holy Prophet(sa) that: referred to.
‘A non-believer may eat seven Calcium times more, in comparison to a Calcium also plays an important role believer.’ in keeping man’s health in good (Muslim Kitab-ul-Ashreba, Ch. order. His health is at a great risk if 34, Hadith 182, 184.) the balance of calcium is somehow disturbed even ever so slightly. In this This tradition so accurately demon- respect, the margin between health strates the minimum maximum and disease is much narrower than capacity of the digestive system. that which exists in the case of the glucose level in the blood. A healthy H o w e v e r, this subject is vast and body needs a minimum amount of requires a deeper study to reach the 9.2% calcium and a maximum of intricate workings of the mechanism 10.4% calcium (Textbook of Medical of digestion of sugar into the system Physiology, Arthur C. Guyton, 5th and the maintenance of the relevant Edition, Saunders, 1976, Chap. 79.). balances. Again, the subject is so Any rise or fall in the proportion of complex that by no means could it so calcium may cause severe damage to accurately be kept in poise and health, even resulting in sudden balance through accidental creation. death. A study of a disease not Insulin is just one factor which is uncommon among cattle would be largely involved in the transportation helpful in demonstrating how of sugar from the blood system to the important it is for calcium to be areas of requirements. But hundreds present in the body in exactly the of other factors are responsible for right proportions. perfect balance of insulin-related activities. Hence it is possible for a Sometimes due to viruses or patient to suffer from diabetes despite environmental factors, the cattle
The Review of Religions – February 2004 39 Balance Within Man’s Body
begin to show signs of sudden loss of The poor condition of the cells and energy which is perplexing for the teeth and excessive irritability a r e farmer, as there is no outward reason among the symptoms possible for for this to happen. A cow, perfectly indicating a shortage of calcium, healthy the night before, suddenly whereas too much calcium may result buckles in at the knees and drops like in mental confusion and the lethargic a dead weight and simply cannot rise condition of the body. again. There is no fever and no sign of any disease, just a slump into death. A Inside the cell is the living protoplasm capable veterinary could of course which is surrounded by a tough save the cattle by the injection of membrane. Any deficiency of readily soluble calcium which would calcium in the membrane removes its miraculously inject life into the dying toughness, consequently making the cattle. This is how important it is for cell weaker. This may result in the calcium not to drop below the protrusion of protoplasm. Among minimum required level. humans, the intake of calcium varies according to what they consume and Sometimes persistent progressive where they live. Thus any deficiency debility amongst humans is traced to of calcium or its excessive intake can the gradual decrease in calcium. So make their lives vulnerable to far, the principle to understand is that diseases. An imbalance of calcium in the delicate levels of calcium should the bone tissue and bloodstream can not be disturbed, as this would be be responsible for the following dangerous for human health. disorders: Generations of scientists working on this may not have quite understood all • Vasodilation resulting in a drop in the factors responsible for blood pressure. maintaining this delicate balance. • Reduced contractility of the heart Its role in the composition of the muscles. human body is a complex one. Calcium phosphate gives rigidity to • The change in bone tissue which the human skeleton and the calcium results in rickets. salts provide the hard structure of the bones and teeth and give hardness to • Serious osteoarthritis where the the membranous tissues covering the ratio of calcium is disturbed and cell. also involves angina attacks. The
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drop in the calcium level is because The body adjusts its absorption rate of the drop in the blood pressure and according to the supply of calcium in causes serious and permanent the diet – a low dietary intake means damage to the brain and tissues. the absorption is high, and a high intake means that the excess will be Hence God has provided man’s body stored in the bones until an optimum with another protective system which is reached, and then the absorption keeps the balance of calcium in order. from the gut is slowed down. The The factors responsible for maintaining presence of Vitamin D increases the the delicate balance in calcium are absorption of calcium. Hence, in numerous and intricately interrelated. tropical countries, even though the This monitoring and corrective system diet may be deficient in calcium, the can be likened to the phrase in Surah high level of Vitamin D in the body Al-Shams, verse nine. Taqwa, in this (from exposure to the sun) will make context would mean, ‘We have the absorption of calcium more computed into the building material of efficient. life the instructions concerning the areas of dangers which should be Regulation of the calcium balance is avoided, as well as the detailed under control of a hormone called instructions of how they could be parathormone, which is produced by avoided.’ Accordingly, the calcium the parathyroid glands. This works in balance also has many inherent conjunction with Vitamin D to adjust monitoring systems which constantly the absorption of calcium to meet the guard over it and, whenever necessary, requirements of the body. Calciton is call for remedial measures. The call is another hormone which plays a role immediately responded to by the in regulating the balance of calcium. complex glandular system, which is If there is too much calcium in the well equipped with the necessary blood, calciton takes the excess back mechanism to create the supply of the to the bone. It also slows down much-needed remedies. absorption from the gut.
A small amount of calcium is needed Sodium and Potassium by the blood and soft tissues, the rest is Let us illustrate the system of Fujoor stored in the teeth and bones. If a n d Taqwa from another angle. calcium in the blood is in short supply Sodium and potassium are two it is replenished from the store in the elements which are essential for the bo n e s . maintenance of human life, and a
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balance has to be kept between them. c o u n t e r-balances that exist in our H o w e v e r, the necessary sodium- bodies. potassium ratio varies with the d i fferent parts of the body. For Cell Division example, the bones and the flesh Similarly, the process of cell division require more potassium than they do is very interesting. Every seven years, sodium, whereas blood cells need each cell in the body is replaced under more sodium than they do potassium. the highly complicated system of An imbalance between these salts can catabolism. Catabolism is the process lead to dangerous consequences. The whereby cells are constantly balancing of these two chemicals in consumed and destroyed. However, all parts of the body is not accidental we are not aware that this either, but is part of a well organised phenomenon is taking place as none scheme. of our physical features change radically. Also, the health of the nervous system is largely dependent on both sodium It is possible that with the passage of and potassium, but the requirement of time, one may improve in health and nerves for each chemical changes gain weight, or deteriorate and lose according to the situation. Nerve cells flesh, but the personality of one’s pass messages to other nerve cells in physical being remains exactly the a chain, so that the messages same. Each new-born cell which eventually reach the part of the body replaces the dying one is born almost that they are intended for. In the in the image of its predecessor which transfer of messages from nerve cell is destroyed in the process of to nerve cell, sodium flows into the catabolism. cell while potassium flows out. If this process is then not reversed To illustrate this point perhaps the immediately and potassium is not most commonly known example is rehabilitated to its resting level then that of fingerprints. The thumb the result can be spontaneous death. impression of the newborn babe in its intricate pattern remains exactly the It is from this that we can deduce the same as when he grows up to a ripe meaning of the Qur’anic expression old age. The thumb impression does Fa Sawwaka Fa Adalaka. One short not change. phrase summarises the entire complex system of balances and This subject is related to the system of
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Adl in that the cells which replace the than are born, then man’s physique dead ones are born in accordance with would expand out of all proportion. the needs and requirements of the On the other hand, if dying cells were b o d y. The body organs need a not replenished at the required rate, constant system of repair because man would fade out of existence. every organ would diminish in size unless the cells lost in the process of A Look Into the Insect Kingdom its function are replaced. If the rate of Although we are discussing human supply of cells rises higher than the life, it should be borne in mind that requirement, the organ will continue this system of absolute justice to grow beyond its designed size. If it encompasses all forms of life. is less than the needed rate, then the organ in question will diminish in Justice, in application to the size. governing of life processes, means that everything is kept within its If human cells which are perpetually designed limits and is not permitted to consumed for one reason or the other transgress into others’ areas of rights. are not replaced by almost exactly the If every cell of a living body, same number as those lost, an whatever the nature of the tissue it imbalance will occur causing serious belongs to, has a definite function to disorder in the human physique. By perform the principle of absolute applying this principle to any organ of justice requires that the function of the body one can easily visualise the each must be confined within the abominable consequences. Take the limits of its design and should not be eyeball, for instance. During the daily permitted to outgrow and run amok function of the eye, we are constantly without any control. using life cells in every part of the eye. If replacements are made at a In application to the insect kingdom, rate faster than consumption, the it becomes evident that it is this eyeball will begin to grow out of its intricate system of control which socket. If the balance is tilted on the keeps them within a limited level of other side, the eyeball would reduce growth. Each insect has a in size until it becomes a mere dot predetermined dimension, which before passing into nothingness. could be disturbed to an unman- ageable degree if strict controls were To sum up, if the balance in man’s not applied against the overgrowth of body is disturbed, and fewer cells die its tissues. Insects constantly
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consume certain types of food Imbalance and Disease suitable for the maintenance of their If man were to reflect on his true life. If unchecked by the laws of worth, he would realise that he is no nature they would grow to such more than a handful of dust. All that gigantic sizes as to fill the earth from he is arrogant about is vain pride, end to end. Why should their growth while he possesses nothing. All come to a halt at a certain stage? belongs to Allah. Man has been What are the forces which impose granted such a perfect body, but when such limits? What is the system which in health he fails to comprehend that keeps them within a limited level of he is dependent on a grand and growth? These are questions which intricate system of balances. When he are as yet to be understood by falls ill, his discomfort, pain and scientists. To let them grow would suffering bring out the realisation in appear to be an act of kindness, but at him of his frailty. It is then that his what cost? At the cost of all other dependence on God begins to dawn forms of life. upon him. It is God who prevents him from falling victim to the numberless So balance, or absolute justice in diseases which hover around him. But human terminology, is not kept he is protected from each by an a u t o m a t i c a l l y, but is imposed and inbuilt defensive mechanism which is controlled by certain forces as yet not constantly on the watch. Even a fully comprehended. Previously we minute lapse here or there would mentioned the example of growth make him a victim of disease. within each organ of the body. The mechanism which controls the The point to be highlighted here is growth of teeth and eyeballs etc. that even if a small and insignificant within every individual human being, part of the body is permitted to fall ill, also seems to be operative in relation while the remaining parts stay to one species and the other. perfectly healthy, the diseased person suffers in totality. A small sore on the Alas, man is ingrate. In spite of tip of a finger, a corrosion of a tooth, intelligence, he remains heedless of an infection in a part of the eyelid, can that Omnipotent Being, while every make one suffer so intensely that particle of the universe bears witness people are known to have taken their to His existence! own lives in order to escape the agony caused by such apparently minor ailments. The growth of a gland in the
44 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body brain could make a person epileptic, a Such was the treatment by suffering not only to himself but to Shakespeare of Julius Caesar when in his entire circle of family and friends one of the masterly strokes of his as well. genius he shows Julius Caesar at the height of his glory and majesty at one Only in such cases can the immense moment, and writhing in pain and beneficence of God be fully realised; s u ffering under a severe epileptic a beneficence which is constantly attack-like a mere worm of the earth- showered on every living creature. in another moment This realisation can only dawn on those who have the faculty to think And when the fit was on him, I and be grateful. Again in the final did mark analysis, disease is nothing but the How he did shake; ‘tis true, this disturbance of balance which we term god did shake; as absolute justice. His coward lips did from their colour fly, A mere imbalance in the elements of And that same eye whose bend the body can cause a number of fatal doth awe the world diseases. Many a great man, king, Did lose his lustre; philosopher and scholar, who Julius Caesar (Act I, Scene II) commanded respect and earned great renown at various times in history, But little do these observations make when afflicted with disease and impression on the ego of man. The suffering, lost all dignity and self- moment he returns to health, he respect and stooped to the level of completely forgets those trying begging abjectly for help from those moments of his life and loses no t i m e of their attendants who themselves in returning to his vanity. Epilepsy, had no power to help them ease their which can make a person feel as if he suffering. Great emperors who struck had been robbed of his dignity, is in terror into the hearts of men far and fact caused by a minor imbalance in wide, when afflicted with paralysis, the nervous system. The imbalance or palsy or epilepsy, appeared so is so minor, that very often it is not small and insignificant and possible to determine which part of meaningless, that the meanest of their the nervous system is affected, and servants and slaves would not h o w. exchange their slavery with the sovereignty of those moments.
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Guardian Angels The Excesses of Man The path to progress is fraught with If given leave, man would transgress pitfalls and dangers. Each step all boundaries. But it is a great bounty towards advancement can, if of God that he has little control over carelessly taken, lead to destruction. the enormous workshop which There is no exaggeration in this. Even operates within his body. He is the minutest details of the workings unaware of what goes on inside him of life and death seem to go hand in and is incapable of manipulating his hand. Protection of life is a own internal mechanisms. An profoundly well organised mech- overwhelmingly large number of anism which is still to be fully functions of human life run without comprehended. But whatever of it has conscious control of the possessor of been understood, to a degree, is life. astounding. There are of course some limited Behind this apparently self-flowing areas where he is able to exert his mechanism, according to religious influence. For example, excessive understanding, there are some eating, indulgence in carnal invisible conscious forces who have pleasures, habits and lifestyles are different dimensions than ours and the few areas where he is free to are known as angels. The entire exercise his will. We know well the universe is run by the laws of nature, havoc he plays in the areas under his which are governed, maintained and c o n t r o l . implemented in the minutest details by these governing agents – the Yet in spite of all the licenses he angels. The same applies here. One takes, and the excesses he commits can visualise for instance, any unit of against himself, there runs an innate life advancing in time. At every system of well cushioned protection minute step it takes, there is always within his physical mechanism. This the attendant danger of taking the protective system is designed to bear wrong turn to death. The angels of with many a fault to a certain extent. life guide each step of the But if man continues to commit components of life in the right mistakes, or takes suicidal steps direction, but when the moment of beyond all limits, then the punitive death is decreed it is the angel of system takes over. Even then, a death who takes over and every step struggle begins between disease and of living is turned towards death. health, life and death, with each step
46 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Balance Within Man’s Body being provided with all of the From a study of the physical world, requisite devices for prolonging this we can draw safe and dependable struggle against the destructive conclusions to guide our steps in the forces, with a fair chance of victory. spiritual and religious world. What we understand in religious Likewise man can draw his lessons by terminology as indecency or lax critically examining his social, behaviour or decidedly abhorrent political and economic behaviour. It attitudes, or at a third stage, rebellion is not difficult for him to discover that against all order, are in fact if he were to conduct himself applicable to the physical world as carelessly in any area of his activity, well in all these three categories of he is likely to suffer the consequences progressive transgression. Of course of his digression from the path of we do not mean to apply the same justice. terms to the physical counterparts of spiritual behaviour, but the similarities are so strong that one is tempted to use the same terminology.
To find appropriate descriptions for the three categories of’ transgression, perhaps we could coin our own terminology, with the first stage being that of carelessness and lack of responsibility in maintaining one’s health. The second stage would be described perhaps as positive degradation from the principle of health with incautious indulgences. The third stage could of course be appropriately described as blatant rebellion against all norms and principles. Yet it should not be forgotten, that even at such extreme stages, the benevolence of God and Hs limitless mercy can still come to man’s rescue.
The Review of Religions – February 2004 47 Moderation in a Fattening World
By Manzurul A Sikder, MD – New York, USA
Although many concerned of Chinese children to be over- clinicians and activists have been weight, with urbanized areas of warning the world about ‘fattening sub-Saharan Africa not far of humanity’, serious attention has b e h i n d .i i Without immediate been paid to obesity in the western intervention, our future looks society only recently. The present bleak indeed. situation is in such a brink that some advocates have even brought What solutions can Islam present lawsuits against fast food to this worldwide epidemic? restaurants that serve greasy foods. Perhaps it is because of the Experts agree that obesity, overwhelming burden on the especially fat-eating habits learned national economy that has finally in childhood, is associated with triggered a response from the familial and socio-cultural factors. authority. Obesity is a risk factor A recent article in the Journal of of contracting a broad range of the American Dietetic Association debilitating conditions, including suggested that, ‘Attitudes about heart disease, hypertension, food and eating are learned and diabetes and cancer. In all, the cost reinforced within the home.’iii If of obesity in the United States we are to, therefore, strike at the alone is estimated to be $99.2 root of its cause, we must modify billion annually.i eating habits within the family at an early age. This once affluent-only illness is not limited to the western nations The religion of Islam deals with any longer. Obesity and its every aspect of human existence. associated morbidities have fast In providing man with a complete crept into many parts of Asia and and perfect code of life, it has laid Africa in the past few decades. out numerous guidelines for his Time magazine quotes ten percent physical and spiritual progress.
48 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Moderation in a Fattening World
The Qur’an teaches us, ‘O to eat only the clean and children of Adam! look to your wholesome portions,v i lest it adornment at every time and place affects our relationship with the of worship, and eat and drink but Creator negatively. exceed not the bounds; surely, He does not love those who exceed the The Holy Prophet of Islam(sa), the bounds.’iv Eating and drinking are personification of the code of natural habits of man that are living prescribed by the Holy carried out in order to survive. But Qur’an, reminds us, ‘Whoever has even in doing something as simple food enough for two persons, as eating, one must exercise should take a third one (from excellent judgment. In this verse, among them), and whoever has God admonishes us to set certain food enough for four persons, limits: while we should keep our should take a fifth or a sixth.’vii physical well being intact, we And: ‘When your servant brings should also maintain social order your food to you, if you do not ask and bear in mind the true purpose him to join you, then at least ask of our lives. him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat When done properly our eating (while cooking) and has taken and abstinence from food should pains to prepare it nicely.’viii be an extension of our worship, as we are told, ‘On those who believe The Prophet(sa) was very careful and do good works there shall be against excesses of food. Abu no sin for what they eat, provided Huraira(ra) narrated, ‘The family of they fear God and believe and do Muhammad(sa) did not eat their fill good works, and again fear God for three successive days till he and believe, yet again fear God died.’ix The Holy Prophet’s pious and do good. And Allah loves consort Hadhrat Aisha(ra) reported those who do good.’v Paying heed that the ‘Prophet(sa) died when we to our eating habits is our duty, it had satisfied our hunger with two being a part of our state of black things: dates and water.’x He righteousness. Even of those food admonished his companions, ‘A items that are lawful, we are urged Muslim eats in one intestine (that
The Review of Religions – February 2004 49 Moderation in a Fattening World
is, he is satisfied with a little food) digestive tract a well-deserved while an unbeliever eats in seven rest. In addition, it boosts our intestines (eats much).’xi immune system. Fasting also makes us conscious of worldwide Narrated ‘Umar bin Abi Salama(ra), s u ffering through hunger and “I was a boy under the care of thirst. It teaches us to curb our Allah’s Apostle(sa) and my hand self-indulgence, and be mindful of used to go around the dish while I our own eating while so many go was eating. So Allah’s Apostle(sa) without food. It fights against an said to me”‘O boy! Mention the astonishing statistic that “nearly Name of Allah and eat with your 80% of all malnourished children right hand, and eat of the dish what in the developing world live in is nearer to you.’”xii countries that report food surpluses.’xiv At the end of meals the Prophet(sa) used to pray, ‘Praise be to Allah Short-term starvation, as in the Who has satisfied our needs and case of fasting during Ramadan, quenched our thirst. Your favour has been shown to have many cannot be compensated or denied, health benefits including increased nor can be dispensed with, O our insulin sensitivity, stress Lord.’xiii resistance, reduced morbidity, and increased life span. x v I n s u l i n Ramadan gave Muslims a timely resistance seems to play an opportunity to remember and integral role in many common abide by these golden guidelines. human disorders such as obesity, During that month, healthy diabetes, hypertension, non- Muslims all over the world alcoholic fatty liver disease, abandon food and drink for a great polycystic ovary syndrome and part of the day, and along with gallstone disease. As energy in the spiritual benefits, look to attain form of sugar becomes readily physical cleansing. Fasting available due to obesity, cells initiates mobilisation of stored fat. become more and more resistant to In the long run, it lowers our total this anabolic hormone. This in blood cholesterol. It gives our turn stores further body fat, and
50 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Moderation in a Fattening World the vicious cycle continues. Newer cause of heart attacks. Although a research also demonstrates that the salted diet appears to be a sine qua once known metabolic disease of n o n for the development of Syndrome X (combination of essential hypertension, low salt obesity, diabetes and hypertension, diets often have a modest or even which often presents as heart negligible impact on blood attack) is mainly due to body’s pressure of hypertensives. increasing resistance to insulin. Therapeutic fasting, however, has been shown to put a limit on On the other hand, leptin and modern, rich diet, and adiponectin, two fat-derived subsequently lower elevated blood hormones, increase sensitivity to pressure. xviii This again is thought insulin, control body weight, to be related to the fact that fasting prevent atherosclerosis and minimizes insulin secretion and negatively regulate haema- has the potential to break the topoiesis and immune functions.xvi vicious cycle mentioned earlier. A A recent study conducted at meta analysis of multiple clinical University of Louvain Medical studies concurred with these School in Brussels, Belgium results: it was found that along demonstrated that plasma with nearly 10% decrease in body adiponectin levels were 30% weight and 9% drop in serum higher in anorectic (food cholesterol, twelve weeks of deprivation or fasting state) than in energy-restricted diets were also control subjects. When normalised associated with an 8-9% decrease for fatness, adiponectin values in both systolic and diastolic blood almost doubled in these subjects. pressures. Larger reductions in Insulin sensitivity tended to be these values were observed with 40% higher in anorectic than in larger weight losses.xix control subjects.xvii In brief, food deprivation over Heart attacks remain the number time decreases insulin resistance, one killer of both men and women an identified culprit in many life- in the western world, and high threatening illnesses. blood pressure is the number one
The Review of Religions – February 2004 51 Moderation in a Fattening World
The study conducted by the concluded that, ‘Intermittent National Institute on Aging 1 5 fasting schedule itself is neu- further illustrated that rats that roprotective independent of overall were sustained on intermittent caloric intake.’ (defined as ‘alternate-day’) fasting had a ‘dramatic increase in life Although the next Ramadan is not span’ in comparison to animals due until October, the discipline that ate ad libitum. They attributed and benefits of the last Ramadan this to the moderate decrease in should not be forgotten. Besides blood level of insulin-like growth spiritual gains, one of the objects factor 1 (IGF-1) achieved on of Ramadan is to improve the intermittent fasting schedule. physical well-being of a person. In a world that is suffering from Furthermore, several other well- excessive consumption, Muslims designed experiments over the last should take the lead under the three decades have demonstrated instructions of the Qur’an and that dietary restriction reduces fight against excesses. cancer formationx x , x x i and kidney Encouraging our youngsters to fast d i s e a s e ,x x i i and increases the for a few days during Ramadan resistance of neurons to can lower their fat burden and help dysfunction and degeneration in them achieve a leaner body. experimental models of Ramadan promotes a sense of A l z h e i m e r’s and Parkinson’s health, which will stay with them diseases as well as stroke and into their adulthood and will se i z u r e . xx i i i , x x i v, x x v, x x v i The last effect is hopefully continue to the next thought to be due to increased generations. To fight the dangers production of ketone bodies as an of obesity and its related health e n e rgy source, which provide problems, Islamic solution of neuroprotection. Fasting increases conscientious moderation and the survival of CA3 and CA1 abstinence in the form of fasting neurons in the hippocampus of the can certainly go a long way. brain. Loss of these pyramidal neurons induce seizures in experimental mice. The researchers
52 The Review of Religions – February 2004 Moderation in a Fattening World
References xvi Tierney, Jr LM, et al., Ed., Diabetes i Wolf AM, Colditz GA. Current mellitus and hypoglycemia. Current estimates of the economic cost of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment obesity in the United States. 1148-9, 2004 Obesity Research 1998; 6:97-106 xvii Delporte ML, et al., ii Gibson H. Obesity goes global. Hyperadiponectinaemia in anorexia Time August 25, 2003 nervosa. Clin Endocrinol ( O x f ) 58:22-9, 2003 iii Bruss MB et al. Prevention of childhood obesity: Sociocultural xviii McCarty MF, Fasting as a strategy and familial factors. Journal of the for breaking metabolic vicious American Dietetic Association cycles. Med Hypotheses 60:624-33, 2003 vol 103, no 3 2003 iv The Holy Qur’an 7:32 xix Anderson JW, et al., Importance of v Ibid. 5:94 weight management in type 2 diabetes: review with meta-analysis vi Ibid. 2:169 of clinical studies. Journal Am Coll vii Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Nutr 22:331-9, 2003 Number 781 xx Blackwell BN, et al., Toxicol Pathol viii Ibid., Volume 7, Book 65 (Book of 23:570-82, 1995 Food and Meals), Number 370 xxi Mukherjee P, et al., Br Journal ix Ibid., Number 287 Cancer 86:1615-21, 2002 x Ibid., Number 295 xxii Fernandes G, et al., Proc Natl Acad xi Ibid., Number 308 Sci USA 75:2888-92, 1978 xii Ibid., Number 288 xxiii Bruce-Keller AJ, et al., Ann Neurol xiii Ibid., Number 369 (Arabic prayer: 45:8-15, 1999 Al-hamdu lillah kathiran taiyiban xxiv Duan W & Mattson MP, Journal mubarkan fihi ghaira makfiy wala Neurosci Res 57:195-206 muwada’ wala mustaghna’anhu xxv Yu ZF & Mattson MP, Journal] Rabbuna) Neurosci Res 57:830-9 xiv Gardner G, Halweil B. Underfed xxvi Zhu H, et al., Brain Res 842:224-9, and overfed: The global epidemic of 1999. m a l n u t r i t i o n. Washington, DC: Worldwatch Institute; 2000 xv Anson RM, et al., Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100:6216-20, 2003
The Review of Religions – February 2004 53 The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)?
An examination of the prophecy of prophet Moses(as) regarding the advent of a great future prophet. by Dr. A.R. Bhutta, published in The Truth, Nigeria, August 1986
Chapter 18 of Deuteronomy, the 5th to pass that whosoever will not book of the Bible, mentions in very hearken unto my words which he clear and concise words, a prophecy shall speak in my name, I will about the advent of a prophet after require it of him. But the prophet, Moses(as). Moses(as) is reported to have which shall presume to speak a revealed this prophecy to the word in my name, which I have assembly of Israel after his return not commanded him to speak, or from the Mount Horeb. He told them: that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that pro p h e t ‘The Lord thy God will raise up shall die.”’ unto thee a Prophet from the midst (Deut. 18:15-21) of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; The prophecy quoted above happens A c c o rding to all that thou to be the most important and desiredst of the Lord thy God in significant prophecy of the Bible. Horeb in the day of assembly, This is one prophecy which all the saying, “Let me not hear again priests and prophets of Israel have the voice of the Lord my God, been preaching and propagating neither let me see this great fire among their people, right from the any more, that I die not.” And the days of Moses(as) down to the days of Lord said unto me, “They have J e s u s( a s ) and his disciples,. ‘F o r well spoken that which they have Moses truly said unto the fathers, A spoken. I will raise them up a prophet shall the Lord your God raise P rophet from among their up unto you of your brethren, like brethren, like unto thee, and will unto me; him shall ye hear in all put my words in his mouth; and he things whatsoever he shall say unto shall speak unto them all that 1 you. command him. And it shall come
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And it shall come to pass, that every come, or because they were still soul, which will not hear that prophet, confused and confounded by the shall be destroyed from among the appearance, and disappearance, of a people. Yea, and all the prophets from Messiah who had eluded their death Samuel and those that follow after, as sentence and had vanished into thin many as have spoken, have likewise air leaving an empty tomb. But for the foretold of these days.’ Christians to reject that prophet was (Acts 3:22-24). most unfortunate indeed. Since they could find no excuse for their refusal In fact one main theme of the whole to accept that prophet they quickly Bible in general and of the New retraced their steps back to the days of Testament in particular, has been to J e s u s( a s ), and came out with the emphasise the importance of this explanation that this prophecy had prophecy and to prepare the minds of already been fulfilled by the the people for its forthcoming appearance of Jesus(as) Christ and that fulfilment. Little wonder then, that the they never expected any other prophet whole Biblical era resounds with the after him. This theory of the praises sung for the prophet promised Christians now accepted and in that prophecy and all the people of preached by them today is merely an Israel have been eagerly looking afterthought and has no basis at all. forward to his blessed advent. The long wait and watch for that prophet Little do they realise, that in their came to an end when that prophecy re- desperate bid to refute the Qur’anic echoed in the Holy Qur’an with a version, they are actually renouncing happy note that it has been fulfilled in the testimony of their own holy Book. the person of Muhammad, the Holy In the light of their holy Book we Prophet of Islam(s a ) . examine that prophecy to ascertain who out of Jesus ( a s ) a n d This claim of the Holy Qur’ a n , M u h a m m a d( s a ) really fulfilled that however, was deeply resented and prophecy of Moses(as). Before we take rejected by most people of the Book, up the contents of the prophecy, we because they found it quite shall study its context first, because it inconsistent with their own views and can be grossly misleading to study wishes. If the Jews failed to accept any statement out of context, that long awaited prophet, it could be particularly when that statement is because they were still lost in the controversial and open to various heavens looking for their Elijah to interpretations.
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Context Of The Prophecy who shall receive His words, will be Let us start with the background of raised not from them but from their the prophecy. brethren. (Deut. 4:10-14; 5:23-28; 9:8,9; 18:15-18) 1. From the Bible we learn that before Moses(as) went up the Mount Horeb to Now with this background in mind, it receive the commandments, he is simply impossible to believe that ordered all the people of Israel to the prophet mentioned in that assemble near the mountain so that prophecy could be raised from the they could also see the glory of God nation of Israel, because it was the and hear His voice. As these people refusal of the children of Israel to hear stood at the foot of the mountain, the word of God again that had thick clouds and darkness came over prompted God to reveal that prophecy them and then they saw a big fire on to Moses(as). It is, therefore, clear that the mountain and heard the voice of the prophet promised through God coming out of that fire. Moses(as) could never be a prophet from Israel and that it could only be They were scared to death at this sight from the brethren. and even feared that they might be burnt to death. All the heads of their Now Jesus(as) was a prophet raised tribes, therefore, went to Moses(as) from the Israel. He was born and bred and told him that they did not want to as a Jew. He was baptised as a Jew see the glory of God or hear His voice and he was sent only to the Jews. He any more, lest they die. They told preached and practised the Law of Moses(as) that he should go up the Jews and in fact he was sent to fulfil mountain and hear for them what God that Law of Jews. He, therefore, could had to say. never be the prophet mentioned in that prophecy of Moses(as). (Mat. 2:2- We are further told in the story that 6; 5:17-20; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21) God was displeased at this impertinence of Israel and told Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Moses(as) that He had heard what his Islam(sa), on the other hand, was a people had said. Then God went on to prophet raised not from Israel but reveal that prophecy to Moses(as) in from the Gentiles. He in fact is the which the people of Israel were only prophet who appeared from the informed that according to their own Gentiles and who claimed at the same desire, the next prophet like Moses(as) time that he had been sent according
56 The Review of Religions – February 2004 The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa) to the prophecies of the Bible. As an he baptising the people. (John 1:19- immediate inference, therefore, we 2 5 ) . will have to believe that the prophecy of Moses ( a s ) was fulfilled in Now this conversation between the Muhammad(sa), the prophet from the Jews and John the Baptist( a s ) s h o w s Gentiles and not in Jesus ( a s ), the clearly that at that time the people of prophet from the Jews. Israel were looking forward to the advent of three prophets according to It may be mentioned here rather the prophecies of the Old Te s t a m e n t . sadly, that the children of Israel were They were expecting Elijah, the a very rebellious people, and they Christ and ‘the prophet’. All the were afraid of hearing the word of reference books and the God and had told Moses(as) to go to commentaries of the Bible agree that his God and hear it for them. They the prophet referred to in that were afraid of fighting for their conversation was the prophet promised land and had told Moses(as) promised in that prophecy of that he and his God should go and M o s e s( a s ). fight for them. Consequently they lost both the next Law of their God and All these three prophets were the Land of their promise; one expected to appear as three distinct permanently, the other temporarily. personalities with different missions (Deut. 18: 15-20; 1:26-40). to perform. It is also clear from this conversation that three and only three 2. The second context of this prophets were expected to come at prophecy is provided by the Gospel that time. No more, no less. No of John. We are told in this Gospel prophet other than these three was that when John the Baptist started his supposed to come and baptise the m i n i s t r y, a delegation of Jews went to people; and no prophet out of these him to enquire from him, who he three could fail to come and was. They asked him if he was disappoint the people. Elijah; and he replied in the negative. Then he was asked if he was the Now we know that Elijah came in the Christ; and again he said he was not. person of John the Baptist( a s ), and Finally they asked him if he was ‘the Christ came in the person of Jesus( a s ), prophet’. Then the delegates asked but what about that prophet? It is, him if he was neither Elijah, nor the therefore, clear from the above Christ, nor the Prophet, then why was mentioned context that the prophet
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promised in the prophecy of Moses( a s ) looking forward to the advent of who was still being expected at that these prophets. time, had to appear apart from the Christ sometimes after the Christ; Moreover we know, and Jesus ( a s ) and that Jesus( a s ) who appeared as the again confirmed, that the Jews were Christ could not be the ‘prophet’ right in expecting the advents of mentioned in the prophecy of Moses. Elijah(as) and the Christ; therefore if Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of they were right in expecting the first I s l a m( s a ), therefore, turns out to be the and the second prophet, why could only prophet who could have they not be right in expecting the third possibly fulfilled that prophecy of one? (Mat. 16:14; 17:11-13). M o s e s( a s ). The Jews, therefore, might have A Baseless Argument failed to accept and respect these It is sometimes argued that the prophets when they actually Pharisees and the Scribes of Jews appeared, but they could not be might have misunderstood the wrong in expecting their appearance prophecies about the advent of these in the light of their Scriptures. This is prophets and might have been particularly true of the prophet incorrect in expecting these prophets promised through Moses(as) because as three different personalities. there is Biblical evidence to show that all the prophets who came from It may be noted in this connection Moses(as) down to the days of Jesus(as), that the Pharisees and scribes of Jews had been preaching and proclaiming knew their holy Books very well and the advent of that prophet (Acts 3: 20- could not have been preaching about 24). How could the Jews be confused the prophets they were not very sure and mistaken about a prophecy of and clear about. Even Jesus( a s ) h a d prophets for more than a thousand accepted and approved the authority years? How many more prophets did of these Scribes and Pharisees as the they need to understand the real teachers and preachers of the Law of importance of that prophecy? M o s e s( a s ). Jesus( a s ) in fact had advised his disciples to do and observe what It is, therefore ridiculous to think that they preached and had condemned all the prophets and priests of Israel only their hypocrisy and evil were confused about the advents of practices (Mat. 23:1-15). The Jews, the Christ and that prophet and that therefore, could not be mistaken in the real truth dawned only upon
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Christians; and that too after the 14: 16). advent of Muhammad(sa). The term ‘another Comforter’ used by Jesus(as) shows that he 3. For the third context of this too, considered himself to be a prophecy, let us see what we can learn Comforter. Since Jesus came as from Jesus (as) on this issue. If all the a prophet, the coming of prophets from Moses ( a s ) down to ‘another Comforter’ after Jesus(as) had been talking about this J e s u s( a s ) can only mean the prophecy, as Bible says they did, then coming of another prophet after Jesus(as) could not have been silent on Jesus(as). (Mark 6:4,15). such a hot issue of the Biblical era. In fact, Jesus(as) a prophet immediately (b) We are told by Jesus(as) that the before the advent of that prophet, had Comforter would come and a primary duty to clear the air, if any, ‘teach the people all things’ and on this issue and prepare the ground ‘guide them into all the truth, for its forthcoming fulfilment; and (John 14:26; 16:7-13). Jesus(as) actually did that duty very well. This part of the statement clearly means that the world had not yet There are many statements of Jesus(as) been ‘guided into all the truth’ recorded in the Gospels that directly and ‘taught all the things’ by or indirectly refer to this prophecy J e s u s( a s ) and all the other and its fulfilment, but I shall confine prophets who came before him; myself to only two of them. and that the ‘whole truth’ the ‘perfect guidance’ was to be (i) First and foremost, I refer to the revealed through the Comforter. statement of Jesus ( a s ) about the Now, we know that Jesus(as) and ‘Counsellor’ or a ‘Comforter’ that he all the other prophets who came said would come after him. This before him had been teaching prophetic statement is very long and and preaching the Law of elaborate and again 1 shall refer to Moses(as). Jesus(as), in fact, had only a few important features of it. been sent to fulfil the Law of M o s e s( a s ) (Matthew 5:17). All (a) Jesus(as) is reported to have said these prophets of God had done that when he is gone from this their best to teach and guide the world, God would send another people through that Law of God ‘Comforter’ into the world (John which Moses(as) gave them.
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If teaching and preaching of the This feature of the Comforter is Law of Moses(as) by all these very important and significant. It prophets could not guide the makes it clear to us that the people into all the truth and ‘ Word of God’ given to that teach them all the things, then, Comforter will not be in the does it not automatically follow form of written tablets or any that the coming Comforter other form but in the form of would have to bring something words of God, not on his own better than the Law of Moses(as) authority, but under the control if he were to guide the people and command of God. into ‘all the truth’, and teach them ‘all the things’? In fact, Now if we can remember, this nothing less than a complete and exactly is the feature of ‘that perfect Law of God was required prophet’ mentioned in that if he were to be such a perfect prophecy of Moses ( a s ) teacher as portrayed by Jesus(as). (Deut.18:18). After all, if the other prophets could not do a perfect job, it was (d) Finally, Jesus(as) is reported to not because they were inefficient have said: but because the Books they were supposed to teach were ‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth. deficient. They were not It is expedient for you that I go supposed to go beyond the limits away. For if I go not away, the laid down by the Law of God. Comforter will not come to you’. (John 16:7) So we see that the ‘Comforter’ promised by Jesus(as), was not This again is a very significant only a prophet but also a prophet aspect of the advent of that with a Law, and that too a Law Comforter. We are told that the far better than the Law of Moses. Comforter would not come as long as Jesus(as) was there in the (c) Then we are told that the world. For the Comforter to Comforter ‘will not speak on his come, Jesus(as) had to go. But own authority but whatever he why? will hear he will speak’ (John Two or more prophets have been 16:13). preaching at the same time in the
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past. Jesus ( a s ) and John the Je s u s (a s ) rightly said. Baptist(as) have been preaching at the same time and to the same In the same vein we can see that the nation. Why then was Jesus(as) so Comforter could not be a prophet from incompatible with the the Israel because he had to come and Comforter? abrogate the Law meant for Israel and establish a universal Law for the whole The reason is not far to seek. wo r l d . Two or more prophets can appear at the same time and even A collective look at the various work together if they are features of the Comforter makes it teaching and preaching the same abundantly clear that the Comforter Law. But if they have different promised by Jesus(a s ) could be no other Laws, obviously they could not person than the ‘prophet’ promised by be preaching together at the Mo s e s (a s ) ; and the only prophet who same time and to the same appeared after Jesus(a s ) and who can people. We have already seen answer the description of the above that the Comforter Co m f o r t e r , in all its details, is the Holy expected to come after Jesus(as), Prophet of Islam(s a ) . was a prophet who was to come with a new Law, quite different (ii) For the second testimony of from and far superior to, the Law Je s u s (a s ) on this issue, I refer to his of Moses(as). parable of ‘Vineyard and wicked tenants’. This parable is very clear and Je s u s (a s ) on his own part, was sent to convincing in its moral and message preach and propagate the Law of which Jesus(a s ) wanted the Jews to get; Mo s e s (a s ) which was meant only for the nevertheless, concluding his, parable, nation of Israel. Naturally, therefore, Je s u s (a s ) is reported to have told them the two could not be working together rather candidly: preaching different Laws. Jesus(a s ) ha d to go, winding up the spiritual rule of ‘Th e re f o r e I say unto you, that The Israel in this world and clearing the Kingdom of God shall be taken from way for that Comforter so that he you and given to a nation bringing could come with his perfect Law and fo r th fruits there o f’ .. teach us ‘all the things’ and ‘guide us (Matthew 21:43). into all the truth’. This evidently was This declaration by Jesus(as), again is to the advantage of the whole world as very significant. We are told that the
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Kingdom of God was with the nation when a ‘new Moses’ with a new Law of Israel and that it was to be taken of God will be raised from that away from them and given to another nation. nation. Needless to say that this declaration What was so special about that nation by Jesus(as) was simply a brief and of Israel that they were considered to modified version of the same be a ruling nation in the Kingdom of prophecy of Moses ( a s ) about that God? prophet; and it was fulfilled when Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of The only answer is that on account of Islam(sa) was raised with a new Law God’s covenant with Ibrahim, Israel from the other descendants of was reckoned as a ‘chosen nation’ of Abraham(as). God. The Kingdom of God was established among them when God 4. For the fourth and final context of raised from them a great prophet, that prophecy of Moses(as), let us go to Moses(as), and gave them His Law the Acts of the Apostles and try to through Moses(as), so as to guide and find out what the disciples of Jesus(as) govern their lives. Naturally, as long thought about the fulfilment of this as that Law of Moses(as) was in force, p r o p h e c y. The testimony of the the Kingdom of God was to stay with disciples, in fact, may prove to be a the nation of Israel. Now that we deciding factor in this case because if know the nature of the Kingdom of the disciples are found to be still God and also how and why the people looking forward to the fulfilment of of Israel came to have it, we can that prophecy even after the advent of understand the implication of that Jesus Christ ( a s ), then it will statement of Jesus ( a s ). When he immediately clinch the argument in declared that the Kingdom of God favour of Muhammad, the Holy will be taken away from the Jews and Prophet of Islam(sa), and close that given to another nation, he was case against Jesus(as) as the possible simply trying to remind the Elders of contender for that particular post the Jews that the time was near when mentioned in the prophecy. the Law of Moses ( a s ) shall be abrogated, putting an end to their In the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ we are Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of told that one day Saint Peter, God will now be established afresh in accompanied by Saint John, was another equally chosen people of God preaching to a gathering of Jews. He
62 The Review of Religions – February 2004 The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa) told them how Jesus Christ(as) came remain in heaven and could not come and suffered at their hands and then for the second time until all that was he went on to say: foretold by all the previous prophets was fulfilled; and what remained to ‘And now, brethren, I know that you be fulfilled was that prophecy of acted in ignorance – But what God Moses(as). f o retold by the mouth of all the p rophets, that His Christ should Saint Peter not only referred to that s u f f e r, He thus fulfilled. Repent prophecy but also repeated it to the therefore, and turn again that your hearing of the Jews, warning them sins may be blotted out – and that He that they have to repent and accept may send the Christ appointed for that prophet if they wanted to see the you, Jesus, whom heaven must Christ in his ‘second coming’. This receive until the time for establishing statement of Saint Peter proves all that God spoke by the mouth of his beyond any shadow of doubt that holy prophets from of old. Moses said, even after the appearance of Jesus ‘The Lord GOD will raise up for you Christ(as), his disciples believed that a prophet from your brethren as he the prophecy of Moses(as) about ‘that raised me up. You shall listen to him prophet’ had yet to be fulfilled and –’ And all the prophets who have that it was to be fulfilled sometimes spoken, from Samuel and those who before the Second Advent of the came afterw a rds, also pro c l a i m e d Christ. these days.’ (Acts 3: 17-24) One wonders how, in the presence of This short but comprehensive sermon this testimony of Saint Peter, of Saint Peter is very clear and hardly somebody can think, even remotely, needs any comments. It emphasises of Jesus ( a s ) in that prophecy of two major issues which have been the M o s e s( a s ). Since Jesus( a s ) had been focal point of all the predictions and counted out of the race by his own preaching of the Biblical prophets. disciples, that prophecy of Moses(as), therefore, was fulfilled by the advent Firstly, we are mistakenly told that of Muhammad (sa), and Muhammad(sa) Christ came and suffered as was alone. foretold by the various prophets; then he went back from where he came. Continued next month Secondly, it is said that Christ had to
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