CONTENTS September 2006, Vol.101, No.9

Editorial: ...... 2 Fareed Ahmad, Newquay – UK

Notes & Comments: Response to the Pope’s address made in Germany on 12 September 2006 ...... 4 Mansoor Ahmed Shah – UK Essence of Islam – Part 11 ...... 6 A selection of writings of the Promised (as) on the truth, wisdom and matchlessness of the Holy Qur'an. Hadhrat (as) – Promised Messiah and – New Zealand ...... 17 The closing address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide Muslim Community at the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Community in New Zealand in 2006. Hadhrat – Khalifatul Masih IV Islamic Terrorism ...... 28 It is important to understand the difference between the teachings of a religion

and the conduct of individual adherents. Hadhrat (ru) – Khalifatul Masih IV The Promised Messiah’s(as) Love of the Holy Qur’an ...... 49 Through his writings, the Promised Messiah(as) explained the truth and wisdom of the Holy Qur'an and showed that it is a source of guidance for humanity. Dr. Ifikhar Ahmad Ayaz - UK

COVER PIC: Geok Depe in Turkmenistan There is no compulsion in religion (Image from Dreamstime photo library) (The Holy Qur’an; Ch.2:V.256)

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 (Chairman) Amatul-Hadi Ahmad Tanveer Khokhar d Fazal Ahmad Farina Qureshi r Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Publisher: a Fauzia Bajwa Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Proofreaders: Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah o Mansoor Saqi. Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Abdul Ghany Jahangeer

B Khan and Shaukia Mir Distribution: Mahmood Hanif Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad l Muhammad Hanif Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad a Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb i r Navida Shahid All correspondence should The © Islamic Publications, 2006 o

t Sarah Waseem be forwarded to the editor at: The London Mosque ISSN No: 0034-6721 i 16 Gressenhall Road d Saleem Ahmad Malik London, SW18 5QL

E Tanveer Khokhar United Kingdom

Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community 1 EDITORIAL Fareed Ahmad – Newquay, UK

In this issue of The Review of something when one should Religions our lead article is the respect Allah, or one is afraid address given by Hadhrat Mirza about it or depends on it Masroor Ahmad, Head of the totally worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community in which he warns of Islam tells us that it is only God the dangers of becoming obsessed Who is able to help, guide and with the material world. He protect man and it is only God presents a timely reminder that a Who has promised that He will prophet was sent to the world in help His servants. Thus, worship is this age when materialism was not a hollow meaningless exercise held higher than God. He cautions but an act that exists solely for us to note that this is nothing short man’s benefit. This issue of of Shirk (associating partners with worship is of such fundamental God) as noted by the prophet of importance in Islam that it is this time. He quotes the Promised actually the subject of the ’s Messiah(as) who wrote, commandment, in which God says, In this age of enlightenment and wisdom, no one really O ye men worship your Lord gets involved in outright Who has created you and those shirk, or idolatry as such. who were before you that you However, in this age of may become righteous. materialistic advancement, (Ch. 2: V.22) the worship of material means has increased This verse also reinforces the fact considerably. that worship exists for man’s benefit and this can be further Hidden idolatry is that one gauged from the use of the word respects something as one Rabb in the above verse. respects Allah or loves

2 The Review of Religions – September 2006 EDITORIAL

Rabb does not merely indicate God as the Master or Lord of all References to the Holy Qur’an item but it also has the wider meaning count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name of of Him being the Creator and Allah...) as the first verse of each Sustainer. Being a sustainer Chapter. In some non-standard texts, implies that He is a living God this is not counted and should the reader refer to such texts, the verse Who provides for His creation, quoted in The Review of Religions and such provision is not restricted will be found at one verse less than to mere survival but extends much the number quoted. further to encompass the complete development of man. God is thus In this journal, for the ease of non- Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ as a Being ‘Who creates and then after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or develops by degrees’1 and enables the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. man to perfect the latent powers They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa within him2. sallam’ meaning ‘Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ Worship therefore is a system for after the name of all other prophets is our own development and benefit. an abbreviation meaning ‘Peace be It is also a reminder that rather upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis than seeking help from that which salatu wassalam’ which are words has been created we should turn to that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that the source of creation Himself and name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) drink from that pure fountain that stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu has given life and sustenance to and is used for Companions of a everything around us. Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ References or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala 1. The Holy Qur’an: Five means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted Volume Commentary by be upon him. Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin (ra) In keeping with current universal Mahmood Ahmad Ch.2: practice, local transliterations are V22, note 28. preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc. 2. ibid.

The Review of Religions – September 2006 3 Notes & CommentsSTOP PRESS! As we go to press, the predictable have the ‘Book’ and the response from certain ill-guided ‘infidels’, he turns to his Muslims following the Papal interlocutor…in these words: address at the University of ‘Show me just what Muhammad Regensburg on 12 September has brought that was new, and there dominated the media. Little was you will find things only evil and said about the injustice of the inhuman, such as his command invasion of Lebanon, even less to spread by the sword the faith about the mistreatment of the so- he preached. The emperor goes called prisoners of war or about on to explain in detail the reasons the irresponsible comments by why spreading the faith through the Vatican and how far they violence is something unrea- have thrown the tottering sonable. Violence is incom- Christian-Muslim dialogue and patible with the nature of God inter-faith understanding. and the nature of the soul. “God is not pleased by blood, and not The Pope quoted Professor acting reasonably (“syn logo”) is Theodore Khoury (Muenster) on contrary to God’s nature. Faith is the part of the dialogue carried born of the soul, not the body. on around 1391 by the Byzantine Whoever would lead someone to emperor, Manuel II Paleologus faith needs the ability to speak and a Persian on the subject of well and to reason properly, Christianity and Islam and the without violence and threats.’ truth of both and states, “Without descending to details, such as the These allegations are not new but treatment accorded to those who have been recycled from the past.

4 The Review of Religions – September 2006 NOTES AND COMMENTS

There is not a single teaching of far but should have looked at the Islam that is evil or inhuman. present. The followers of Jesus Despite the best efforts by its Christ(as) have been commanded opponents, there has not been to turn the other cheek but we do found any shred of evidence to not see this in the wars being prove that Islam was spread by fought by the ‘Christian nations’ the sword. The entire world in the Middle East and beyond. It knows that these are untrue is a sad fact that more blood has accusations that have been been shed by Christian nations squarely dismissed. Why the Pope than anyone else. Who threw the chose this particular passage is bomb on Hiroshima? How much beyond belief. It seems that the blood was shed by the First and Pope forgot the quote from the Second World Wars? These passage chosen by him to speak deeds were not committed by well and to reason properly. One Muslims. can never reason with distorted lies from the past. One hopes that Muslims will act responsibly and in accordance Had the Pope forgotten that at the with the beautiful teachings of time of this dialogue, the Spanish Islam rather than make a fool of Inquisition was at its full swing? themselves and give the Was this dark blot on Christianity opponents of Islam the glee to not evil and opposed to laugh at their response. True humanity? If he wanted to guidance is only available in true illustrate the point about violence Islam and not the version not chiming with God’s nature pedalled by narrow-minded then why did he not use the Muslim clerics. Inquisition as a case in point since its historicity is beyond Mansoor Ahmed Shah doubt?

Perhaps, we are being unkind and should not have gone back so

The Review of Religions – September 2006 5 ESSENCE OF ISLAM: Purpose of Scriptures – Part 11

This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH, THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(saw) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into English, was collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah have mercy on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The English rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, may Allah be pleased with him, and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume 1. All references throughout, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an.

Purpose of Scriptures is the only way by following which We are a witness and testify before a person emerges from the grip of the whole world that we have passion and the darkness of the ego found in the Holy Qur’an the as a snake sloughs off its skin. reality that leads to God. We have (Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, Ruhani heard the voice of God and have Khaza’in, Vol. 13, p.65) witnessed the signs of the mighty arm of Him Who has revealed the It is an obvious fact that the great Qur’an. We believe that He is the merit of anything lies in its True God and is the Master of the fulfilling the purpose for which it worlds. Our heart is filled with this has been made. For instance, if a certainty as the ocean is filled with bullock is purchased for ploughing water. We, therefore, invite land its merit will be judged by the everyone to this faith and to this degree to which it is able to light on the basis of enlightened discharge its function of ploughing. perception. We have found the true In the same way, it is obvious that light which dispels all darkness the true purpose of a heavenly and which really renders the heart Book is that it should rescue its cold to all that is beside God. This followers from every sin and the

6 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 11 sinful life through its teaching and influence, and its power of reform and spiritual qualities, and should bestow a pure life upon them, and after purifying them, should bestow upon them full insight for the recognition of God and should establish a relationship of love and devotion between them and the Peerless Being, Who is the Fountainhead of all joys. In truth, this love is the root of salvation and The founder of the Ahmadiyya this is the paradise on entering Muslim community was Hadhrat which all fatigue, bitterness, pain Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). and torment are removed. Without The founder of the Ahmadiyya doubt, the living and perfect Muslim community was Hadhrat (as) revealed Book is the one which Mirza Ghulam Ahmad . In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of Divine should lead a seeker after God to revelation, that he was the Promised his goal and, rescuing him from a Messiah and Mahdi whose advent low life, should lead him to the had been foretold by Muhammad, the True Beloved, meeting Whom is Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and salvation itself. It should rescue blessings of Allah be upon him) and by the scriptures of other faiths. him from all doubts and should His claim constitutes the basis of the bestow such perfect under-standing beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim upon him as if he can see God. It community. should establish such strong relationship between God and him that he should become a faithful If a book fails to discharge this servant of God and God should be duty, which is its real purpose, and so benevolent towards him that He seeks to establish its merit by should make a distinction between making other irrelevant claims, it him and those beside him with would be like a person who claims diverse types of His help and to be an expert physician, but when support and should open the gates a patient is brought to him and he is of His understanding to him. asked to heal him, he replies that he

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is unable to heal him, but that he inspiring powers as a goat perceives knows how to wrestle, or that he is a tiger which is only two steps away an expert in astronomy or from it. Man needs to be freed from philosophy. It is obvious that such a the fatal passion of sin. The person would be called a jester and greatness of God should so occupy would deserve the condemnation of his heart that it should rid him of the all reasonable people. The chief overpowering desire of passion purpose of a Book of God and a which falls upon him like lightning Messenger of God is to rescue the and instantly consumes his store of world from a life of sin and to righteousness. establish a holy relationship between God and the world. It is not Can such impure passions as attack their purpose to teach people repeatedly like epilepsy and destroy subjects of secular study and to all sense of piety be wiped out by instruct them in worldly inventions. any self-conceived concept of God? Or can they be suppressed by one’s It is not difficult for a reasonable own thinking, or be blocked by an and just person to understand that atonement whose suffering has not the purpose of a Book of God is to been personally experienced? lead people to God, and to make Certainly not. This is not a matter of them believe in Him as a certainty, indifference but in the estimation of and to stop them from committing a wise person it is worthy of sin by impressing the majesty and consideration above all else as to awe of God upon their hearts. Of how he might safeguard himself what use is a book which cannot against the ruin which confronts cleanse a heart, nor can bestow such him on account of his daring and his pure and perfect understanding as lack of relationship with God, the should make one hate sin? The root of which is sin and attraction of sin is a dangerous disobedience. It is obvious, that a leprosy which cannot be healed till person cannot give up a certain the manifestations of the living pleasure for the sake of a understanding of God, and the signs conjecture. It is only a certainty that of His awe, greatness and power, can rescue one from another descend like rain and till a person certainty. For instance, if we are perceives God with His awe- certain that there are a number of

8 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 11 deer in a forest whom we can easily fulfils all these needs. Through it, a catch, we are incited by that person is drawn to God and his certainty to enter the forest for that heart grows cold to the love of the purpose; but if we are also certain world. For those who follow it, that there are half a hundred lions in God, Who is hidden beyond the the forest and thousands of blood- hidden, in the end manifests thirsty pythons, we would be Himself and displays those powers dissuaded from making the attempt. of which outsiders have no notion, Thus, sin cannot be avoided without and informs of His existence by the this degree of certainty. It is only affirmation: I am present. iron that can break iron. There should be that certainty of the But the Vedas certainly do not greatness and awe of God which possess this quality. They are like a should tear up the curtains of worn out bundle whose owner is heedlessness, and should make the dead or is not traceable. The body tremble, and should make Permeshwar towards whom the death appear near. The heart should Vedas call is not proved to be be so overcome by fear that all living. Indeed, the Vedas put relationship with the sinful ego forward no proof that their should be cut asunder and one Permeshwar exists. The misleading should be drawn by hidden hands teaching of the Vedas has rendered towards God and the heart should it doubtful that one could find the be filled with certainty that God Creator through His creation; Who is truly present does not leave inasmuch as, according to the a daring offender without teachings of the Vedas, souls and punishment. What shall a seeker particles are all eternal and after true purity do with a book uncreated, then how can one which does not fill this need? discover the Creator through that which is uncreated? Also, the SUPREMACY OF THE HOLY Vedas shut the door of Divine QUR’AN: revelation and deny the fresh Signs Holy Qur’an Fulfils the Purpose of God. According to the Vedas, of the Scriptures Permeshwar cannot display a Sign I wish to convey it to everyone that in support of His special servants the Holy Qur’an is the Book which which should be beyond the

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knowledge or experience of the Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 23, average person. The utmost that pp. 305-309) can be said about the Vedas is that they affirm the existence of God God, in whose meeting is man’s like an average being, and do not salvation and eternal happiness, put forward any certain proof in cannot be found without following support of the existence of God. the Holy Qur’ an. Would that people could see that which I have In short, the Vedas cannot bestow seen and they could hear that that understanding which comes which I have heard and give up fresh from God and conveys a following stories and run towards person from earth to heaven. reality. The means of obtaining However our observation and perfect knowledge. through which experience, and of those who have one can see God, the cleansing passed before us, is witness that the water which removes all doubts, Holy Qur’an draws its true and the mirror through which one follower to itself through its can behold that High Being, is the spiritual effect and its inherent converse with God which I have light and illumines his heart, and just mentioned. He whose soul then, by displaying great signs, seeks the truth should arise and creates such a strong relationship search for it. with God as cannot be cut asunder by a sharp sword. It opens the eye I say truly that if souls were of the heart, banks up the dirty inspired by true search and hearts spring of sin, honours one with the felt true thirst, people would look delicious converse of God, for this way and would search for discloses that which is hidden and it. I assure the seekers that Islam helps acceptance of prayer and alone gives the good news of this gives information of it. God way, for other people have since Almighty, through His awe- long sealed up the possibility of inspiring signs, makes it manifest revelation. Be sure that this seal is to everyone who opposes a true not set by God, but as man has follower of the Holy Qur’an that deprived himself of this favour, he He is with that servant of His who seeks excuses for its absence. As it follows His Word. (Chashma-e- is not possible that we should be

10 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 11 able to see without eyes, hear the hearts of those who have a without ears, or speak without a relationship with the straight path tongue, in the same way, it is not are drawn to the Holy Qur’an. possible that we should be able to Gracious God has so fashioned behold the countenance of the their hearts that they are drawn sweet Beloved without the Holy towards this Beloved like a lover Qur’an. I was young and am now and find no rest elsewhere, and old, but I have found no one who hearing a plain and clear directive might have drunk of this clear from it, they listen to nothing else. understanding without this holy They accept joyfully and eagerly fountain. every verity contained in it. In the (Islami Usul ki Philosophy, Ruhani end, it becomes the means of Khaza’in, Vol. 10, pp.442-443) illumination of the heart and lighting up the conscience and of The straight path and the principal wonderful disclosures. It leads means which is full of the light of everyone to the heights of progress certainty and constant experience, according to their capacities. The and is the perfect guide for our righteous have always been in need spiritual welfare and our of walking in the light of the Holy intellectual progress, is the Holy Qur’an. Qur’an which is charged with the settlement of all the religious Whenever Islam has been con- contests of the world. Each and fronted with any other religion in every word of it consistently consequence of some new carries thousands of repeated condition of the age, the sharp and confirmations and it contains a effective instrument that has large quantity of the waters of life immediately come to hand is the for us and comprises many rare and Holy Qur’an. In the same way, priceless jewels which are hidden whenever philosophic thought has in it and are being displayed every been given publicity in opposition day. It is an excellent touchstone to it, the Holy Qur’an has whereby we can distinguish destroyed that poisonous plant and between truth and falsehood. It is has so humiliated it as to provide a the one bright lamp which shows mirror to its students which shows the way of truth. Without doubt, up the true philosophy which is

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contained in the Holy Qur’an alone my heart and I could not have and nowhere else. acquired it by any other means. And Allah is my Witness that if In the modem age, when Christian there had been no Qur’an I would missionaries started their have found no delight in life. I find propaganda and made an attempt to that its beauty exceeds that of a draw away unintelligent and hundred thousand Josephs. I ignorant people from the Unity of incline towards it with a great God and to make them worship a inclination and drink it into my humble creature and employed heart. It has nurtured me as an every kind of sophistry for dressing embryo is nurtured and it has a up their doubtful ideas and thus wonderful effect on my heart. My created a storm in India, it was the self is lost in its beauty. It has been Holy Qur’an which repelled them disclosed to me in a vision that the so that they are not now able to garden of holiness is irrigated by face a well-informed person and the water of the Qur’an, which is a their extensive apologetics have surging ocean of the water of life. been folded up like a piece of He who drinks from it, comes to paper. life; indeed, he brings others to life. (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, (A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Vol. 3, pp. 381-382) Khaza’in, Vol. 5, pp. 545-546)

Beauty and Perfection of the The expression Khatam-an- Holy Qur’an Nabiyyin which has been applied to I call Allah to witness that the Holy the Holy Prophet(saw) demands that Qur’an is a rare pearl. Its outside the Book that was revealed to him, is light and its inside is light and its should be the most perfect of all above is light and its below is light books and should comprise all and there is light in every word of excellences; and indeed so it is. it. It is a spiritual garden whose The rule is that whatever degree of clustered fruits are within easy spiritual power and inner perfec- reach and through which streams tion is possessed by the person flow. Every fruit of good fortune is upon whom the word of God found in it and every torch is lit descends, the same degree of from it. Its light has penetrated to power and majesty is possessed by

12 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 11 that word. As the spiritual power demanded its match from any and inner perfection of the Holy particular point of view, but has Prophet(saw) were of the highest issued a general challenge degree, which no one exceeded or demanding a match from any point will exceed, therefore the Holy of view. From whichever point of Qur’an occupies that high station view it is looked at, it is a miracle. and rank which has not been (Malfuzat, Vol. III, pp. 36-37) reached by any of the previous books or scriptures. The capacity The Holy Qur’an is a miracle the and spiritual power of the Holy like of which never was and never Prophet(saw) were the highest of all, will be. The door of its graces and and all excellences had reached blessings is always open, and it is their climax in him. Therefore, the bright and manifest in every age as Holy Qur’an that was revealed to it was in the time of the Holy him is also perfect and as the Prophet(saw). It should also be borne excellences of in mind that the speech of everyone reached their climax in him, the corresponds to his high resolve. The excellences of the miracle of the higher the resolve and deter- word reached their climax in the mination and the purpose of the Holy Qur’an. Thus he was the speaker, the same will be the case Khatam-un-Nabiyyin and his Book with his speech. Divine revelation was the Khatam-ul-Kutub. From also follows the same rule. The the point of view of every aspect of higher the resolve of the person to a miraculous word, the Holy whom Divine revelation is Qur’an is at the highest stage. vouchsafed, the higher will be the character of the revelation. As the The perfection of the Holy Qur’an circle of the resolve, capacity and is seen and its miraculous character determination of the Holy is proved from every point of view, Prophet(saw) was very wide, the that is to say, from the points of revelation that came to him had the view of excellence of composition, same high rank. No one else will of the sequence of its subjects, of ever attain the same degree of its teaching and its perfection and resolve and courage inasmuch as his of the fruits of its teaching. That is message was not for any limited why the Holy Qur’an has not time or for any particular people, as

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was the case with the Prophets be- or wise man was able to discover fore him. It was said to him: all that knowledge. But in this case, there is a wonder upon wonders, Say, O mankind! truly I am a that is to say, that knowledge and Messenger to you from Allah. insight were bestowed upon one (Ch.7:V.159) who was entirely unlearned. He and again: had never seen a school nor read a book nor kept company with any We have sent thee not but as a learned or wise person. He lived mercy for all peoples. his life among wild people, was (Ch.21:V.108) born and brought up among them and kept company with them. The Who can match him, the range and Holy Prophet(saw)being unlettered is scope of whose Prophethood is so a matter so patent that no historian vast! It is an article of faith with us of Islam is unaware of it. that if any verse of the Holy Qur’an (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani is again revealed to anyone else, Khaza’in Vol. I, pp. 561-563) the scope of his revelation will never be as vast as that of the Holy Matchlessness of the Holy Prophet(saw). (Malfuzat, Vol. III, Qur’an p.57) Whatever comes into being by the exercise of God’s perfect power, The fine verities pertaining to whether it is a part of creation, or it religion, and all the learning is a Holy Book literally revealed by pertaining to the subject of Him, it is necessary that it should Divinity, and conclusive arguments possess the quality that no one out in support of the truth together with of creation should have the power the mysteries and insights that are to produce its like. This is proved set out in the Holy Qur’an, are such in two ways: one is by way of that human faculties collectively deduction. God is One and without are not able to discover them nor associate in His Being, attributes can the intelligence of an and works, and this does not admit intelligent person alight on them on of any partnership with Him in any its own. A consideration of past of His creations, words or actions. ages has shown that no philosopher If such partnership were per-

14 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 11 missible in respect of any of His God has created by His power, then creations, words or actions, then it no part of creation could be cited as would be permissible in all His proof of the existence of the True attributes and actions, and as such Creator and the matter of His it would be permissible that there recognition as the Creator would should be another God. That which become doubtful; for if some of possesses all Divine attributes those things that have been created would be God and that which by God Almighty could be created possesses some of the attributes of by someone else, then there is no the Divine, would be a partner of reason why someone else cannot God in respect of those attributes, create everything that God has and this is contrary to reason. It created. follows that it is necessary that God should be One without Now that it is established that it is associate in all His attributes and necessary that that which God has words and actions, and His Being created should be matchless and its should be free from all those matchlessness is conclusive proof inconsistencies which would lead of its being from God, this is a to someone being His partner. complete refutation of the proposition that it is not necessary Secondly, it is proved by that the Divine word should be observation of all those things matchless, or that its being which have been created by God matchless is no proof of its being that none of them could be created from God … Matchlessness is a by man, not even the least of them speciality of the work and word of like a fly, a mosquito or a spider. God. Every wise person knows that On observing their shape and for- the principal means that reason has mation, one sees such wonders that for establishing the Godhead of the furnish conclusive proof of the Divine is that everything that existence of the Creator of the proceeds from God is so matchless universe. Besides all these argu- that it is conclusive proof of the ments, it is clear to every wise Unity of the Creator. Had this person that were it permissible that means not been available, the way someone other than God could of reason reaching God would have have the power to create that which been closed.

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(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani points of the Qur’an at such length Khaza’in, Vol. 1, pp. 149-182) as to constitute a surging ocean for the satisfaction of a seeker after The Holy Qur’an is a Book which truth. has proclaimed its own (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani matchlessness and has claimed its Khaza’in, Vol. 1, pp. 662-665, own greatness, its wisdom, its footnote 11) truth, the beauty of its composition and its spiritual lights. It is not true that the Muslims have themselves put forward these excellences on behalf of the Qur’an. It sets out its own merits and excellences and puts forward its matchlessness and peerlessness as a challenge to the whole of creation and calls out loudly: Is there any contestant? Its verities and fine points are not confined to two or three which would leave room for doubt on the part of an ignorant person, but are like the surging ocean and are visible in every direction like the stars of heaven. There is no truth that lies outside it. There is no wisdom that is not comprised in it. There is no light that is not obtainable through following it. These things are not without proof and are not mere words. It is an established and clearly proved verity which has been shining through 1,300 years. We have set out this verity in great detail in this book and have expounded the fine

16 The Review of Religions – September 2006 JALSA SALANA: NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS Text of the address delivered by the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya community Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Khalifatul Masih V, at the conclusion of the Jalsa Salana in New Zealand, April 2006.

By the Grace of Almighty Allah, An Ahmadi should not be content the Jalsa Salana of New Zealand is simply because all new inventions coming to a conclusion. have been pressed into the service of the true servant of the Holy This is the first Annual Convention Prophet(saw) for the spread of his held in the presence of the Khalifa message. Nor should one be happy of the time. Secondly, although not merely because Allah the this address, the Friday Sermon Almighty, through His Grace, has before it was broadcast directly to provided you the opportunity to the world through MTA join Ahmadiyyat. These are the International. This is the age when, Blessings from the Almighty Allah in accordance with the prophecies that He has bestowed on us and on of the Holy Prophet(saw), the the Jama’at of the Promised message of Islam was to spread in Messiah(as). It is certainly our good all corners of the world through his fortune that Allah enabled us to spiritual son. The world was to accept the Promised Messiah(as). It contract into one global village and is the Favour and Beneficence of the new inventions were to aid and Almighty Allah that we have been assist the Promised Messiah(as) in included amongst those respon- this task. Today, your country has sible to fulfil the prophecy of the also become a witness to the fact Holy Prophet(saw). that the message of Ahmadiyyat, that is true Islam, has reached here We are fortunate indeed that through the Promised Messiah(as) Almighty Allah has enabled us to and is being heard all over the convey to the Promised Messiah(as) world. in accordance with the prophecy of

The Review of Religions – September 2006 17 JALSA SALANA – NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS BY HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V

the Holy Prophet(saw) his greetings Therefore, this is a serious moment of peace. All these are blessings of for every Ahmadi to ponder. He Allah the Almighty. should assess his own life and see how he can transform his life to Having received so many blessings, fulfil the expectation that our Imam we have certain responsibilities that expects from each one of us, and we should bring about special how we should spend our lives. If reformation in ourselves. This is we develop the realisation of self- because the Reformer, the Messiah assessment, the changes in our lives and the Mahdi, with whom we will begin to occur. associate ourselves, and announce that that Messiah and the Mahdi that When we assess ourselves, we was supposed to come, according to should see what the Promised the prophecies of the Holy Messiah(as) expects from us. I place Prophet(saw), has come and that we before you the words of the are his followers. Promised Messiah(as) for self- examination. He states: We invite: ‘O people of the world, join this Community if you want to ‘It must be remembered that improve yourselves in this world not obeying some of the and have a good life in the injunctions of Almighty Allah, Hereafter.’ So if we do not realise is tantamount to rejecting all our responsibilities and do not bring the commandments.’ about changes in our lives after accepting Ahmadiyyat, then our Allah the Almighty does not like to claims and slogans will be hollow. share if one portion belongs to The world will ask us the difference Satan and the other to Allah the between them and us. If having Almighty. This principle has been believed in the Promised Messiah(as) created so that man can come we do not cause any reformation to nearer to Allah the Almighty. occur within us, there would be no visible difference in our lives and Although it is difficult to achieve theirs. nearness to God and it requires a sort of death, yet in this is the In fact, we may be doubly guilty. existence of real life. Blessed is he

18 The Review of Religions – September 2006 JALSA SALANA – NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS BY HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V who throws out the satanic portion stand firm on the covenant that one from his life. As a result, his has undertaken in ‘Ba’ait’. Do not household and his self and his town cause any harm to God’s creatures. become recipients of that blessing. Study the Holy Qur’an with full attention and act on its injunctions. But if he receives only a small Avoid frivolous and idle talk and portion, then it will not be a shun idolatrous assemblies. blessing until he affirms his Establish the five-time prayers. ‘Ba’ait’ by his conduct. In itself, ‘ba’ait is nothing. Just as a person In short, there should be no Divine will not be happy with you if you commandment that you defer. talk a lot but do not deliver, Keep your body clean and purify likewise Allah the Almighty has your heart of any grudge, malice or the highest self-respect amongst envy. These are the things that God the most respected. Can it be that desires from you.” on the one hand you obey Him and on the other obey His enemies? So, this is a fundamental matter This would be hypocrisy. that he has told us about. It is not possible that you accept some of One should not care about Tom, what Almighty Allah says and Dick or Harry in this regard. One accept some of what Satan says. should remain steadfast to the last There has to be one: you either breath of one’s life. become the Servant of Allah or you can follow Satan. Evil is of two kinds. One is to associate others with God; not to Remember that when Satan understand His Magnificence and disobeyed Allah, Allah the Majesty; and to be lax in His Almighty declared him as the worship and in His obedience. rejected and disgraced. Satan Second, is to show no affection to promised God, ‘I will continue to his servants; and not to remit the beguile Your servants. I will rights that belong to them. It is continue showing them the worldly necessary that one should refrain attraction and I will sit in the way from both evils. One should remain that leads to You so that I can steadfast in obedience to God and continue to seduce Your servants.’

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Allah the Almighty made it clear to ment in the Holy Qu’ran that one him, ‘I will fill Hell with those who who associates partners with Allah listen to you.’ cannot be a Muslim. Allah the Almighty has made it very clear Indeed, ever since the creation of that He will never forgive anyone Adam, Almighty Allah had who associates partners with Allah. determined that those who associate with Satan would sever As He says: their relationship with God Almighty. Surely, Allah will not forgive that any partner be assocciated Therefore, the first thing that the with Him. Promised Messiah(as) told us when (Ch.4: V.49) we accepted Ahmadiyyat was to develop a relationship with Allah meaning that Allah will never for- the Almighty; and he stated that give that any partner is associated Allah the Almighty has established with Him. Because of this Jama’at Ahmadiyya so that those fundamental commandment, the who join this Jama’at are the ones Promised Messiah(as) has made it who establish a special relationship the first condition of ‘Ba’ait’ that with Allah the Almighty. He said, the one taking ‘Ba’ait’ should ‘There is a custom in this world promise with total sincerity that, in amongst friends, that a friend does future, he would avoid associating not want the other to keep partners with Allah the Almighty friendship with his enemy. until he enters his grave. In other words, he would make it Similarly, Allah’s self-esteem compulsory for himself that he would not tolerate that one should would not go anywhere near this claim friendship with Allah the association. Almighty and promise to follow His commandments after taking The Promised Messiah(as) has given Ba’ait at the hand of the Promised a very fine explanation of this Messiah(as), and yet associate any association. If we look at our partners with Allah. everyday life, we would be This is a fundamental command- horrified lest we come under the

20 The Review of Religions – September 2006 JALSA SALANA – NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS BY HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V displeasure of God. He states, Some people do not perform their ‘Shirk’ (associating partners with Salat on time or because they are Allah) does not only mean that busy in their worldly work and stones or inanimate objects are pursuits, they sometimes forget worshipped. that it needs to be observed on time. They cannot say their Prayers In fact shirk is that the worldly at work or at their place of means are worshipped and business. emphasis is placed on ‘worldly gods.’ Then he states, ‘ The other This only means that they consider kind of shirk is to place too much their work or their business more reliance on worldly means like important than the worship of God saying that had such and such had the Almighty. Instead of believing not happened, I would have died. God Almighty as their Provider, This is also a shirk.’ they consider their work or their business as the source of their He said: ‘In this age of income. enlightenment and wisdom, no one really gets involved in outright Had they placed God Almighty shirk, or idolatry as such. However, above everything and had thought in this age of materialistic that whatever they receive is due to advancement, the worship of the blessings of Allah, they would material means has increased have first thought of worshipping considerably.’ Him and prostrating before Him.

The Promised Messiah(as) further It is the five prayers which if states, ‘Hidden idolatry is that one performed with total devotion and respects something as one respects purity of heart, that show that the Allah or one loves something when person has the real fear of Allah the one should respect Allah, or one is Almighty in him and before Him afraid about it or depends on it everything else is insignificant. totally.’ See, to what depths of idolatry, he has drawn our Therefore, every Ahmadi should attention. firmly keep in mind that our Provider, our Sustainer and Creator

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is our Allah. He is the One who and the post office instituted a nurtures us and He is our Sustainer. criminal case in the court against the Promised Messiah(as). The In short, the highest sin is to proposal of the lawyers was to say associate anything or anyone with that he did not personally place that Allah the Almighty and specially letter in the parcel. the hidden idolatry. Another form of idolatry is to tell a lie in order to The Promised Messiah(as) cate- gain some benefit or advantage. gorically stated that he would never Lies are told in the course of tell a lie and that he was not going to conducting a business or to make offend his God out of fear of some false statements in the court of Law punishment. When the case started, to win a case. the judge asked him if he had included the envelope in the packet. Once, the opponents of the The Promised Messiah(as) replied, Promised Messiah(as) filed a suit ‘Yes!’ and said that the subject against him. The nature of the case matter of the letter was related to the was such that, in the opinion of the subject of the manuscript and that lawyers, if the Promised Messiah(as) he never intended to insert that letter did not make the statement as the to save any money. The judge was lawyers wanted, they felt certain so impressed by this statement, that that he would be found guilty. The he acquitted the Promised fact was that the Promised Messiah(as) . Messiah(as) had sent by post a manuscript to a press for Besides this case, the Promised publication. In the same package Messiah(as) was involved in many that contained the manuscript, he other court cases but he always enclosed a letter of instructions in a spoke the truth and always separate envelope. submitted himself to God Almighty.

According to the rules of the post The Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) office, this was an offence. was also worried about his Because of the enmity of the owner followers that they may fall into the of the press, the owner informed practice of idolatry. One tradition the post office about the offence states:

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‘Abada bin Nasi told us about desire.” Shaddad bin Aws that he was (Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal; crying. vol. 4, p.124, Beirut publication) When it was enquired from him as to why he was crying, he Keep these matters in mind and replied, “I have remembered look around you. The world is something that I had heard immersed in a lot of artificiality from the Holy Prophet and pretence. Even the Muslims Muhammad(saw) that made me are not exempt from this. Some say cry. I heard the Prophet of their prayers to show-off to others. Allah(saw) say: Some go to perform their Hajj as a false pretence. ‘I worry about my followers and about their hidden desires There are many other hidden and idolatry.’ The narrator desires. As I have already states that he asked: ‘O Prophet mentioned, many forego their daily of Allah! Do you think your prayers in preference to their followers will indulge in worldly pursuits. In fact, the Holy idolatry after you?’ Prophet Muhammad(saw) has already said that one who is fasting On this, the Apostle of Allah will break his fast to get involved replied, ‘Yes! However, my in other affairs. followers will not start worshipping the Sun or the The Promised Messiah(as) has then Moon or idols or stones but said that the second evil is not to they will indulge in hypocrisy fulfil the rights of human beings. It in their daily actions and they is your duty to treat fellow human will suffer from hidden desires. beings with affection. End all grievances. Purify yourselves of If any of them started the day in malice and envy. a state of fast and some desire caused any interference with it, It is a fundamental principle that in then he would abandon the fast order to create a peaceful atmos- and would be occupied with his phere of love and brotherhood in

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any society, one has to sacrifice In short, when each Ahmadi one’s emotions. The more one is controls his anger, only then will able to sacrifice one’s feelings, the he win the hearts of others by his more his heart would be rid of all conduct and spread the perfume of grievances and malice and the love and affection in the society. more he would develop the emotions of love and affection. The Promised Messiah(as) says:

The Promised Messiah(as) has made ‘Remember, there is great it a condition for every Ahmadi enmity between emotions and that he will not be overcome by reason. When anger and sensual desires whatever the emotions take over, reason circumstances. He further stated cannot exist. But the one who is that it is incumbent on every patient and shows tolerance, is Ahmadi to desist from causing given a Divine Light that harm or unnecessary hardship creates in one new powers of through his emotions to his fellow reflection and wisdom. Then beings in general and to the light manifests light. Because Muslims in particular. He should hearts and minds become dark do this neither by his tongue nor by with anger and emotions, this his hands. This is the discharge of darkness produces further the rights due to man and darkness.’ wonderful proclamation of promoting love and affection in Hence, if you want to enlighten the society that an Ahmadi makes world, you have to create an when he joins Ahmadiyyat. environment of love and affection starting from your own homes to He who does not act on this the entire society and indeed the injunction, should ask himself if he world. We will have to curb and is being sincere to the promise he control our emotions of anger to made at the time he took his bai’at spread this Divine light that has at the hands of the Promised been given to us by the true servant Messiah(as). How is he going to tell of the Holy Prophet others if he is not being sincere to Muhammad(saw). In this way, while himself? we will be creating an atmosphere

24 The Review of Religions – September 2006 JALSA SALANA – NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS BY HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V of love in our own society, we will become your spiritual brother also be fulfilling our pledge that we in faith, whether he is your real made to the Promised Messiah(as) brother or father or son. and be able to absorb the love of Allah the Almighty. They all have a special spiritual affinity. The other is true What expectations does the sympathy for all human beings. Promised Messiah(as) have from his Jama’at? The most significant right due to Allah is to worship Him and I mentioned some before. I present this worship should not be another extract that clearly shows based on any personal need. how he was occupied day and night in improving the standard of piety Indeed, He should be in his followers and thinking how worshipped even if there is no he could mould them to discharge heaven or hell and the love that the rights that belong to Allah as a creature should feel towards well as those that belong to his Creator should not wane in mankind. any way. This is why there should be no question of In this respect, the Promised heaven or hell in these rights Messiah(as) states: that belong to Allah.

‘Until a man keeps his affairs With respect to the sympathy with Allah clean and clear, and for all human beings, my faith fulfils these two rights, he can is that the heart is not fully achieve nothing. cleansed until we pray for our enemy. As I have said these rights are also of two kinds: the rights Call on Me, I respond. that belong to Allah and the (Ch.2:V.187) rights that belong to mankind. The rights that belong to Allah the Almighty has placed mankind are also of two kinds. no constraint that if you pray First is for him who has for your enemy, He will not

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accept it. Indeed, it is my practice, there will be no religion that praying for your difference between them and enemy is a practice of the Holy others. Prophet(saw). In my opinion, it is essential Hadhrat Umar(ra) became a that if one forms a spiritual Muslim because the Holy friendship with someone and Prophet(saw) used to pray often one of his relative is of lower for him. Therefore, you should status, then he should treat him not hold any personal enmities with brotherliness and affection and you should not become a and should love him because true tyrant. this is the Glory and Majesty of God. I am most grateful that I cannot see a single opponent of mine Therefore, those of you who for whom I have not prayed have developed a relationship two or three times. I advise you with me, should become such a the same and instruct you the people about whom it is stated same. Allah the Almighty is as in the Holy Qu’ran displeased with a person who holds unjust malice and injures others as He is with those who associate partners with Him. meaning that it is such a nation He does not want separation on whose companion cannot be one hand while on the other He ungracious. This is the does not want any association, summary of this teaching that that is to say the separation of has been presented in the human race and the association of partners with Him and this is the very same path that we should pray for the (Malfoozat; vol. 3, pp. 96-97) unbelievers. This cleans and opens the heart and raises the In short these are the teachings and spirit. Therefore, as long as our the high moral values that the Jama’at does not adopt this Promised Messiah(as) wants to

26 The Review of Religions – September 2006 JALSA SALANA – NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS BY HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V inculcate in us. Its summary is Jama’at of the Promised that: Messiah(as), should try to unite the world. We should also try to • The love for Allah the Almighty create their relationship with and a relationship with Him Allah the Almighty, because should be such that it is free of Allah the Almighty does not any selfish motives. Worship keep His relationship with the towards Him because that is the one who does not do this. object of worship and it is the realisation that you have to If Allah the Almighty severs His appear face to face before Him relationship with us then the and not to obtain any personal very reason for our life is benefit. finished. Hence, it is the responsibility of every Ahmadi • Secondly, love and sympathy for that he should create pious fellow-beings should be such changes in his life and thus fulfil that the slightest injury to the purpose of the advent of the anyone should become a cause Promised Messiah(as) of pain for you, so much so that if your opponent, who is always May Allah enable us to do so! ready to cause you hardship, Whatever spiritual benefit we have encounters any difficulty, you gained from this Jalsa, may we be pray for him. Pray for the able to make it a part of our lives removal of his hardship and pray and may we take away all the for his reform. blessings, and may we continue to create an environment of love and • Thirdly, the Promised Messiah(as) affection in our society! said that Allah the Almighty wants to bring His creatures May Allah enable us to do that! together: firstly, unity between AMIN each other and secondly within themselves. This is why Prophets are sent to impart teaching and guidance. Therefore, we, who are in the

The Review of Religions – September 2006 27 ISLAMIC TERRORISM – Part 9 Ninth extract specifically written in 1989 for the book Murder in the Name of Allah by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru). The labelling of the term ‘Islamic Terrorism’ represents not only a lack of understanding of the religion but is part of a political agenda designed to exploit Islam.

What is ‘Islamic’ terrorism, I terrorism, Christian terrorism, wonder? Islam is as closely related Jewish terrorism, atheist terrorism, to terrorism as light is to darkness Buddhist terrorism, Animist or life is to death or peace is to terrorism and pagan terrorism? war. They do come into contact with each other, of course, but It is not easy to close one’s eyes to from directions diametrically various brands of terrorism which opposed. They are found unfortunately flourish all over the grappling with each other but world; in fact, it is impossible for never walking hand in hand an observer not to be aware of the happily together. persecution, bloodshed and murder, often in the name of some However, one cannot deny that on purported ideal or noble cause. many occasions some Muslims are Terrorism is a global problem and found involved in terrorist needs to be studied in its larger activities either on behalf of a perspective. Unless we understand group or on behalf of a country the forces behind the violence, we with a predominate Muslim shall not be able to understand population. why some Muslim groups and states are turning to terrorism to Are there not equally, other groups achieve certain objectives. involved in terrorism and subver- sion throughout the world? Would I am fully convinced that almost it be fitting to label all brands of every form of communal violence terrorism by using the same witnessed in the world today, principle which gave birth to the wherever that is and whatever term ‘Islamic terrorism’ creating a cloak it wears, is essentially list of Sikh terrorism, Hindu political in nature. Religion is not

28 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM the exploiter; it is itself exploited It is common knowledge that in by internal or external political the days of the Shah there was interests. great prosperity. The highly ambitious industrial and economic For instance, we find terrorism development plans augured a generated by racialism – but that, bright future for the country. But in the final analysis, is essentially can man live by bread alone? As political in nature. There are other far as Iranians under the despotic small expressions of terrorism rule of the Shah were concerned, born out of rebellion and hatred the answer was an emphatic ‘No’. against prevailing social systems They wanted to have a responsible and cultures. These are generally share in the running of affairs in regarded as acts of madmen and their own country. They could no anarchists. There is a special kind longer just be satisfied with full of terrorism which is related to the stomachs. Their hunger for self- Mafia’s struggle for supremacy; respect and dignity and their this terrorism is directed by certain craving for freedom and liberation factions against other factions from a highly regimented system within the Mafia. Obviously, this of oppression made them more terrorism is really a power struggle and more restive and volatile. This and therefore political. situation was ripe for a violent and bloody revolution. When we examine so-called ‘Islamic terrorism’, we discover If the nature of this imminent political forces working behind an revolution had not been essentially Islamic facade. More often than Islamic, it would have been a not, the real manipulators and communist revolution and could exploiters are not even Muslims have been even bloodier and more themselves. Let us turn to some extreme. The turmoil which was to particular illustrations of terrorism shake Iran from north to south and in order to diagnose the underlying east to west was a natural and maladies. We shall begin with Iran inevitable consequence of a long and see how Khomeinism came to political oppression and negation be born. of fundamental human rights and

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liberties, and also of subversion mentioned above, led to a situation and exploitation by a great ripe for revolution motivated by a Western foreign power. Iran was consuming fire of hatred. aware of the fact that the despotic regime of the Shah was fully The situation was capitalised upon backed, supported and sanctioned by Ayatollah Khomeini. The by the government of the United ideology which he propounded to States of America. The people’s give colour and complexion to his hatred and urge for revenge did revolution was Shia Islam. But was not stop at the toppling of the it really a love of Shia Islam which Shah’s regime and the destruction generated hatred against the USA, of all internal forces which in one or was the name of Islam a mere way or another had been facade to hide the underlying responsible for the maintenance of motives? Had Khomeini not raised the monarchy. the banner of Islam, would there not have been a revolution in some The consciousness of American other name? Is it not a fact that had support had brought out in the Shah Khomeini not exploited the the very worst of his despotic situation and given it an Islamic tendencies. He had been held in colour and complexion, the same awe to begin with, but gradually situation of hatred could have been awe gave way to terror. The fear of equally well exploited by a non- revolt stiffened his attitude even religious philosophy such as more with the passage of time. nationalism or scientific socialism? Gradually a police state of the worst type came to be born in Iran. In fact Khomeini outpaced forces With the passage of time, Iranians which were coming fast at his became aware that the police state heels and which, given time, might was fully and unequivocally have overtaken him and all he supported by the government of the stood for. That is why the situation USA. The Shah played the part of a in Iran became extremely mere puppet whose strings were complicated and confused. The tied to the subtle, manipulating basic urge of the revolution was fingers of USA. This, as has been not against communism or any

30 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM leftist philosophy but was aimed at revolution. At best, you can, if you the Shah and his mentors. But wish, call what happened and is because there was a real likelihood happening in Iran Khomeinism. of leftist leadership taking over the The real forces at work are not reins of revolution from truly and essentially religious in Khomeini, he had to fight on three character. Political powers have fronts simultaneously. After exploited the reaction of the toppling the Shah, he not only Iranians against the Shah to undertook to eradicate and achieve purely political ends. exterminate all supporters of the former Shah, but also to root out There is a long history of a American influence wherever it growing Iranian consciousness of was suspected to be. That in itself its exploitation and enslavement could have lent support to the by foreign powers of one type or leftist ideology which, if permitted another. Despite the fact that a to flourish unchecked, might have very large majority of Iranians are succeeded in snatching the power Muslims, one cannot ignore the from Khomeini’s hands and fact that Iranians have never been replacing the Islamic ideology able to forget or forgive the with Marxism-Leninism. conquest by Arabs of their homelands. Although the wounds Fortunately for Ayatollah appeared to have been healed long Khomeini, he was shrewd and ago and many potent factors such powerful enough to wield the as commonality of religion and double-edged sword of Islamic common enmity against other ideology not only against countries have played an American rightism but as important role in cementing the effectively against Russian Iranians to the Arabs, it cannot be leftism. denied that there is still an undercurrent of dissatisfaction at But when all is said and done, it is the Arab domination of Iran for clear that, whatever else it was, it the past few centuries. One must certainly was not Islam which also bear in mind that in the pre- guided and instructed the Iranian Islamic era, Iran could boast one

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of the most powerful and Enough of Arab-Iranian feuds of illustrious civilisations ever to have the past. Let us now turn to more influenced mankind anywhere in modem times. It is not against the the world. At the inception of Arabs alone that the Iranians have Islam, the Arabs knew of only two been nursing their grievances. worlds – that in the West, During the Second WorId War, the dominated by the Roman Empire, Iranians were subjected to a worse and that in the East, commanded kind of domination by pre- and governed by the Chosroes of dominantly British forces. Whilst Iran. The memories of that remote in the Arab case there had at least and glorious past, though subdued been the redeeming factor of a to some extent by the strong common cultural and religious influence of Islamic brotherhood, bond, in the case of the British the could not entirely be wiped out. chasm between the ruler and the There always has been a long and ruled, rather than narrowing, grew lingering shadow of the great wider. Nor could it be bridged by Iranian civilisation in the hearts of any social, cultural or religious Iranian intellectuals. similarities.

The long history of Iranian-Arab After the decline of British feuds and Iranian punitive excur- influence, there followed an era of sions into Arabia also left ugly and indirect control and subjugation of irritating scars on the Arab minds Third World countries by the major which even the great healer, time, powers through stooges and puppet could not obliterate. This is only regimes. It was in this period of human. People throughout the neo-imperialism that the Iranian world may sometimes find it protégé was transferred from the difficult to dissociate themselves British lap to the American lap. The from the past or to forget injuries Shah of Iran thus became a symbol and insults to their honour. Such of American imperialism which chapters of history are never supported conflicting ideologies to permanently closed but are opened its own as it does today, for again and again. example, in Poland, Nicaragua, Israel and South Africa.

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The fuel of hatred which was face in order to support and ultimately sparked off by the perpetuate a junta of Muslim Khomeinian revolution was not ‘clergy’, the situation would most only a product of American certainly have been exploited by oppression but had been Iranian leaders of leftist accumulating for centuries, like the inclination. The same Iran which subterranean reserves of oil and we see as green sprinkled with red gas. The important point to note is today would have instead appeared that this hatred was not essentially to us entirely red. It would be naive religious in origin. If Khomeini had to say that the communist not exploited the hatred in the leadership created and trained by name of Islam, some communist Dr. Mossadeq had been weakened leader would certainly have and enfeebled to such a degree at exploited it in the name of social the time of the Shah’s overthrow justice. Whatever religious or that it could not have played an irreligious name was given to the effective and revolutionary role at revolution, the underlying forces this epoch-making juncture of and factors would remain the same. Iranian history. In fact, the communist leadership was well I have pointed out many times to supported and trained. It was those who regard excesses commit- entirely ready to seize an ted by Khomeini against some of opportunity. But for Ayatollah his own people, and acts of revenge Khomeini, Iran could well have perpetrated in other countries as ended up as a radical Marxist Islamic in character that Islam as a regime. Such an event would have religion has nothing to do with the had disastrous consequences for expression of Iranian dissat- the oil-rich but militarily weak isfaction. In a manner of speaking, Middle East. So even Khomeinian the West should treat Ayatollah Islam – however gory and Khomeini as their benefactor rather loathsome it may appear to the than as their enemy. I say this West – could be seen as a blessing because I am quite positive that if in disguise. The role of Ayatollah Khomeini had not exploited the Khomeini should be seen in this situation and given it an Islamic perspective.

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The Iraq-Iran war may not appear duped by their leadership. Islam to be relevant to the subject under was neither here nor there. The discussion but it does throw some Holy Qur’an states: light on the nature of explosive events in a part of the world of Allah will surely defend those Islam. Both countries claim to be who believe, Allah loves not Muslim and purport to draw their the perfidious and the inspiration for hating, destroying, ungrateful. Permission to fight and annihilating each other from is granted to those against the sacred name of Islam. whom war is made, because they have been wronged, and All the soldiers who died in the Allah indeed has the power to battle on the Iraqi side were help them. They are those who applauded as great martyrs by the have been driven out of their Iraqi media. All the Iranian homes unjustly only because soldiers who died at the hands of they affirmed: our Lord is the Iraqis were condemned as Allah. If Allah did not repel the infidels dispatched straight to hell aggression of some people by by the Iraqi media. Exactly the means of others, cloisters and same story was repeated in reverse churches and synagogues and day in and day out on the other , wherein the name of side of the border in Iran. Allah is oft commemorated, Whenever an Iraqi soldier was would surely be destroyed. bayoneted to death the battlefield Allah will surely help him who resounded with the cry of ‘Allahu helps His cause; Allah is Akbar’ (God is the greatest). On indeed Powerful, Mighty. which side was Islam? One (Ch.22:Vs.39-41) wonders! All this demonstrates the hollowness of these slogans. The Whenever they kindle a fire to only point which can be proved start a war, Allah puts it out. beyond a shadow of doubt is that They strive to create disorder the Iraqi and Iranian soldiers who in the land and Allah loves not laid down their lives for an those who create disorder. apparently noble cause were (Ch.5:V.65)

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If two parties of believers 1987 pilgrimage and the extreme should fall out with each other counter-measures taken by Saudi and start fighting, make peace Arabia were much talked about in between them. Then if one of the Western media. The Holy them should transgress against Qur’an, however, teaches all the other, fight the one that Muslims: transgresses until it submits to the command of Allah. Then if But fight them not in the it should so submit, make proximity of the Sacred peace between them with Mosque unless they fight you equity, and act justly. Verily, therein, should they fight you Allah loves the just. All even there, then fight them; believers are brothers; so such is the requital of make peace between your disbelievers. brothers, and be mindful of (Ch.2:V.192) your duty to Allah that you may be shown mercy. One benefit which all the great (Ch.49:Vs.10-11) powers (which have overtly or covertly been supporting Israel), During the war, the above chief among them being the USA, teachings were ignored by the have drawn from Khomeini and warring nations. In Makkah, Khomeinism is that Khomeini was during the times of the annual left with no choice but to prolong pilgrimages some attempts were the Iraq-Iran war. That diverted made by Iran to deliver the the attention of the Muslim world message of Khomenian revolution from a most irritating thorn in their to the rest of the Muslim world side, Israel, towards a completely through the pilgrims who came different issue. The consciousness there. Unfortunately, these of an external enemy threat gave attempts sometimes resulted in way to a growing mistrust between very ugly situations, to the one Muslim and another. extreme embarrassment of Muslims. For instance, what The Middle Eastern world was happened in Makkah during the torn apart. The ‘fear’ of Israel was

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shelved as a minor and latent of rivalries and discrimination of danger which could be attended to any sort. But when Muslims later. The fear of one section of ceased to live by the teachings of Muslims for another was a far Islam, brothers became foes and more pressing and demanding tribal rivalries returned to the factor which put into oblivion real forefront. So what we observe in or imaginary fears about an the world of Islam is not truly external enemy. Of course, to dupe Islamic in character. It is another the simple common soldier, the case of the revival of old slogan that Islam was in danger feudalistic tendencies. was often used on both sides. In reality, what was happening was The great powers roundly the revival of historic rivalries and condemned the war and repeatedly jealousies between the Arabs and demanded a cessation of hostil- the Iranian ajm (non-Arabs, ities, but they were themselves aliens). It was not a question of responsible for a constant supply Islamic versus non-Islamic forces of arms to both Iraq and Iran. After or Shiaism versus Sunnism, but a all, warplanes, rockets, missiles, simple and straightforward re- cannons, tanks, other artillery enactment of feuds surviving over vehicles and destructive weapons thousands of years. That is why which were freely used by both even those Arabs who had warring factions were not formerly been critical of Iraq and manufactured on their own soils. Saudi Arabia were inevitably led Overtly and covertly, Middle to taking the side of Iraq. It was Eastern oil and Western weapons simply a matter of Arab survival changed hands. The fire of war against the growing challenge and was fuelled, in the ultimate threat from Iran. analysis, by the oil which was produced by Iraq and Iran and The Arabs indulged in prolonged converted into weapons by inter-tribal feuds over petty Western and Eastern non-Muslim matters before the advent of Islam. powers. As far as the West was Islam put a stop to this. It joined concerned, this was not a bad Muslims into a brotherhood, free bargain at all – Middle Eastern oil

36 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM was bought in exchange for during times of war can be obsolete or relatively old weapons. employed immediately afterwards What more advantageous bargain not just to rehabilitate the could be envisaged than this? economy but to give it a tremendous boost. The destructive As we have seen, even the Israeli wars give rise to new constructive arch-enemy was totally forgotten. ideas and breakthroughs in Muslims killed Muslims. The oil scientific and industrial achieve- of the Muslim world was used to ments. Therefore, though impov- burn and destroy the economy of erished materially as a result of a the Muslim world. The painstak- prolonged war, they can be greatly ing economic achievements of the enriched in order to build a better previous decade were nullified. As future. far as progress and prosperity were concerned, instead of moving Such, alas, is not the case in the forwards both Iraq and Iran started scientifically and economically to travel backwards in time. backward countries which indulge in the luxury of war. Their only Of course, all wars have choice is to sell whatever they devastating effects on economic have and even pawn their future development, material and human by making arrangements with resources, cultural achievements scientifically and industrially and industry. But in the case of advanced countries to supply them advanced countries, the war with war materials. Without doing industry can be supported from that, it would be impossible for their own resources or those of any war in the Third World to be their allies. The demands and prolonged for such a long time and pressures of war and the struggle with such devastating effect, as for survival do not simply drain happened in the Iraq – Iran war. their resources; it enriches their The responsibility for whatever scientific knowledge and technical atrocities these countries commit know-how to a remarkable degree against each other and in a short span of time. The occasionally against other knowledge and expertise gained countries must, to some extent, be

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shared by those who are there is any such thing as Islamic responsible for the supply of arms terrorism. Maybe some other and ammunition to them. terms applicable to various modes of war will become attached to the When all has been said and done, prefix ‘Islamic’. Why do we not all debts settled, and the exchange hear of a Christian nuclear bomb, a of commodities taken into Jewish nuclear bomb, a Hindu account, perhaps it would be nuclear bomb, an Apartheid bomb pertinent to consider the question or a Shinto bomb? It is strange that of who after all is the beneficiary with the possibility of referring to of the hostilities? thousands of other ‘religions’ bombs, the Western media has We have seen that Islam is chosen only to pick upon, identify condemned as a barbaric religion and censure the single Islamic which upholds terrorism, preaches bomb, whose very existence is hatred and intolerance and divides doubtful. adherents into opposing camps of bloodthirsty foes. This is not As stated earlier, the real forces at surprising. There are fringe work are not truly and essentially benefits to be obtained by those religious in character. Why single who design, plot, implement and out ‘Islamic’ whenever terrorist provide the instruments of forces are at work today in Muslim destruction to the most unfortunate groups or countries? Those powers warring factions of the Muslim responsible for the prolongation of umma. the Iraq-Iran war by ensuring a constant supply of arms cannot Incidentally, the term ‘Islamic escape their responsibility for the terrorism’ leads to another immense waste of life and interesting term which has been property and the indescribable coined by the Western media in human suffering that has resulted the last decade: ‘Islamic nuclear from it. Whatever their ulterior bomb’. is alleged to motives may have been, they will possess this. Of course, there has only help Khomeinism to survive to be an Islamic nuclear bomb if longer. Had the warring countries

38 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM been left alone with their meagre regime is replaced by leftist or resources, Khomeinism might rightist forces or by whatever is have started to decline. left of the middle-roaders, there will certainly be a great battle to Among other things, this war gain supremacy and take over the revived and strengthened a government. Everything will go nationalist spirit which diverted back into the melting-pot and the attention of the Iranians from nobody can say for certain what is internal problems towards the in store for Iran. Allah knows best. threat of an external enemy. But I can only pray for the people of for the war, the Iranians might Iran that their difficult times may have become disillusioned much come to a peaceful and happy more rapidly with the overly conclusion. They are a brave and intolerant and stiff cult of gifted people indeed. They have Khomeinism. Within Iran, there is suffered so much in the past and a very strong tendency towards are still suffering, both at the assessing the values of the hands of non-Iranian and Iranians revolution and judging its pros and – and, ironically, they have also cons. Though a major part of the acquired a bad name into the elite has been wiped out, the bargain. May Allah show mercy intellectuals who have survived upon them and deliver them from are bound to reassess their losses their great predicament. and gains during the Khomeinian revolution. A move towards Now we turn to another aspect of finding a new order for Iran could the Khomeinian revolution in Iran. be imminent. Soon after coming to power, Ayatollah Khomeini planned not During the war, the need to keep only to change the life-style of up the morale of the common Iranian Muslims from overt or masses in Iran was amply met by covert foreign domination, but he the excitement of the conflict. also committed himself to bring When Iran runs out of morale, that about similar revolutions in be the day of great neighbouring Muslim states. He uncertainty. Whether the present also made it known to the Muslim

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world that he would play a responsibility for this mainly lies stronger role in helping the on the shoulders of Saudi Arabia, Palestinians and defeating the which is attempting to capture the Zionist forces. Obviously, neither imagination of the whole Muslim the other Muslim states nor the world and seems resolved to state of Israel were willing to spread its political influence under receive couriers of the Iranian a religious guise. As it enjoys the revolution with open arms, so the unique advantage of being the export could not be effected custodian of the two holiest cities through legal and peaceful means. in Islam, Makkah and Madinah, it Iran has failed to deliver the is certainly in a position to exploit revolutionary goods to neigh- this situation to its best advantage. bouring Muslim countries. It has achieved a measure of success, The religious philosophy of the without doubt, in the Palestinian – Saudis emanates from Wahabism, Israeli sector. As I have already which draws its inspiration from explained, the terrorist activities the non-tolerant world of medieval carried out in this area, whether Islam rather than from the more directed against Israel or against benign understanding of Islam at representatives of Western the time of the Holy Prophet(saw). powers, take their licence not from The spread of Saudi influence is Islam but from the philosophy of aided by Saudi petro-dollars and the Iranian revolution alone. the colossal size of Saudi bank balances in major banks The growing talk of militancy and throughout the world. It is to the the use of force which we hear credit of Saudi Arabia that part of needs to be carefully analysed the interest accruing from these before we can understand the colossal investments is being used importance of this bizarre to form channels of aid from Saudi phenomenon. The narrow, non- Arabian coffers to the poorer tolerant attitude is certainly Muslim nations with sizeable becoming more popular with the Muslim populations. More often Muslim ‘clergy’ in almost all than not, this aid is provided not to Muslim countries. The boost their ailing economies, but

40 The Review of Religions – September 2006 MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN to build mosques, training schools not non-Muslims but some sects of and institutes producing scholars Islam within the world of Islam. of a Saudi brand. The awakening militant tenden- cies are much more directed by Hence, wherever you follow the Muslims of one sect against flow of Saudi aid, you will also Muslims of another sect than observe a rapid increase in the against non-Muslims. This is why narrow, non-tolerant attitudes of so much stress is laid by them on Muslim ‘clergy’’. No doubt, when capital punishment for apostasy. the Christian world hears these That is their weapon against voices roundly condemning all Muslims who differ on some non-Islamic values and preaching doctrinal issues from the majority jihad (that is, holy war), against sect of a country. These sects are, non-Islamic governments, they are in fact, dealt the death blow in two led to believe that the talk of this steps – first, their doctrines are holy war will readily be translated declared to be non-Islamic, which into actual belligerency. What is earns them the title of apostates; happening is in fact completely and second, the doctrine of death different. being the penalty for apostasy, they are considered liable to be The Muslim ‘clergy’ talk loudly executed. about holy wars and the utter destruction of non-Islamic forces. A neutral observer will agree that What they actually mean by non- this growing militant tendency is Islamic forces is not Christian, creating disorder among the Jewish, Buddhist, or atheist forces. Muslims themselves and that it is According to their view, all responsible for generating extreme Muslim sects other than their own hatred in the hearts of adherents of are either non-Muslim in their one sect against the adherents of character or hold to doctrines that another. render them liable to earn the wrath of Allah and His true As far as the non-Muslim powers servants. The real enemies of are concerned, they can feel Islam, as they discern them, are completely safe and should rest

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assured that there is no danger non-Muslim powers. The same whatsoever to them from the so- principle is applicable to countries called militant tendencies of the like Libya and Syria, which enjoy Muslim world. To demonstrate more cordial relationships with this, one has only to consider the Eastern powers than with Western relationship of Saudi Arabia with ones. the West, particularly the USA. It is inconceivable that Saudi Arabia No one who has even a remote or countries under her influence understanding of modem warfare could even dream of raising the can imagine a real threat from so- sword against the USA or her called ‘Islamic’ militancy. Of allies. The Saudi regime is 100 per course, there is danger in these cent dependent for survival on the growing tendencies and one is USA. Almost the entire wealth of bound to be perturbed by them. the ruling family is deposited with The danger from ‘Islamic’ American and Western banks. On militancy is a threat to the world of top of this, the dependence upon Islam itself; it is an inward- the West for internal and external looking threat which is destroying security is so obvious that it need the peace of Muslims everywhere. not be dwelt upon here. These two All the intolerance, narrow- factors alone guarantee that mindedness and bigotry which we neither Saudi Arabia nor any observe in the Muslim world today Muslim country under her is playing havoc with the peace of influence can ever pose a threat to the Muslim world. Alas! the non-Muslim West. Moreover, the very fact that none of the I am conscious of the fact that, Muslim states is today self-reliant strictly speaking, the word in its production of war materials, ‘terrorism’ applies to acts of terror, and has to depend either upon the attempts to cause bomb West or East for all of its defensive explosions, and so on. But I do not or offensive requirements, believe that this is the only type of provides more than enough of a terrorism the world is suffering guarantee for the safe and peaceful from. I believe that whenever conduct of their relations with repressive measures are taken by

42 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM governments against their own Amnesty International draw the countrymen to still the voice of attention of the world to such cruel disagreement, those measures too acts of persecution, torture, and should be included within the term denial of human rights, such ‘terrorism’ and be as strongly and events are only mildly roundly condemned as any other condemned, if at all, by world form of terrorism. I consider all governments. More often than not, oppressive measures taken by these are considered to be internal governments against the left or matters for the countries con- right within their own countries as cerned. Instead of being described terrorism of the worst type. When as acts of terrorism, they are acts of terrorism are directed widely mentioned as government against foreign governments and efforts to suppress terrorism in take the form of the use of explo- these countries, and to establish sives here and there, or the peace, law and order. hijacking of planes, such events gain a great deal of attention. I am quite convinced that in World opinion sympathises with essence all restrictive and punitive the victims of such callous measures taken by a government terrorist acts, as indeed it should. against its own people to suppress Such sympathies are not merely a popular movement or suspected voiced, but are generally followed opposition, more often than not, by constructive means to prevent go beyond the limits of genuine and pre-empt such attempts in the legal measures and end up as future. However, what about those brutal acts of violence designed to hundreds of thousands of people strike terror in the hearts of a suffering under the stem and dissatisfied section of their own merciless hands of their own people. Humanity has suffered far governments? Their cries of more through such acts of State anguish are seldom heard outside. terrorism than through all acts of Their cries of protest are very sabotage or hijacking put together. often muffled by the application of As far as Islam is concerned, it strict measures of censorship. categorically rejects and con- Even if philanthropic agencies like demns every form of terrorism. It

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does not provide any cover or violence are put together and justification for any act of wrapped up in the package of violence, be it committed by an ‘Islamic terrorism’. individual, a group or a govern- ment As far as Salman Rushdie is concerned, no sane person with There are, of course, regions of any real knowledge of the Holy restlessness in the Muslim world Qur’an can agree with Imam where groups, organisations, and Khomeini that his death sentence sometimes even governments, is based on any Islamic injunction. seem to be committed to acts of There is no such punishment for terrorism, violence and sabotage. blasphemy in the Holy Qur’an or Palestine, Lebanon, Libya and in the Traditions of the Holy Syria are often in the news. In a Prophet of Islam(saw). Blasphemy majority of cases, those concerned against God is mentioned in the happen to be Muslim by faith, but Holy Qur’an in the following there are exceptions. Amongst words: Palestinians, for instance, there are many who have pledged And abuse not those whom themselves to terrorism against they call upon besides Allah, Israel but happen to be Christian lest they, out of spite abuse by faith. For convenience or Allah in their ignorance. through lack of knowledge they (Ch.6: V.I09) are all dubbed by the Westem media as Islamic terrorists. In No authorisation has been granted Lebanon, there have been Muslim to any man to inflict any pun- terrorists and Christian terrorists, ishment for blasphemy against and also Israeli agents and soldiers God. involved at one time or another in terrorist activities which appal Blasphemy was committed by human sensitivities. But you will Jews against Mary, the mother of not hear of Jewish or Christian Christ(as). It has been mentioned in terrorism in relation to what is the Holy Qur’an, where it says: happening in Lebanon. All acts of

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And for their disbelief and for Muslims and Christians and, if one their uttering against Mary a can judge from the comments in grievous calumny. some letters to national (Ch.4: V.151) newspapers, to have unleashed the forces of racial intolerance. Again no punishment other than by God Himself is prescribed. It is Let it be very clear that I do not both tragic and deplorable that justify terrorism of any kind Imam Khomeini has thus inadver- whatsoever, whatever the colour, tently maligned Islam rather than religion, sentiment or objective the defending it and has caused terrorist may claim to represent. immense damage to the image of Islam is my faith and religion; and Islam in the free world. Islam does not approve of disorder in any form. Islam is far from The Imam of the Grand Mosque of teaching terrorism. Azhar, in Cairo, has already discredited Imam Khomeini’s What is the religion of the edict, and I am certain that there terrorism organised and supported are also many Shia Muslims who by Colonel Qaddafi’s oil-dollars, would disagree with Imam one may ask? What again is the Khomeini in this instance. religion of terrorist activities that Syria has been indulging in in the Despite all this, it would be unjust past? Is it Islam? If so, what is the if one were to ignore the real issue. difference between this Islam and I feel it is unfair, as some scientific socialism? Is it not a fact politicians and scholars have done, that the Green Book of Colonel to condemn Khomeini only rather Qaddafi is only green in colour of than Salman Rushdie, who has its binding? The contents of the produced a book whose extreme book are red through and through. language is deliberately offensive to the many millions of Muslims If the terrorist activities of the throughout the world. Nor is this Muslim ‘fundamentalists’ of Iran all. The book has helped to or Libya are to be dubbed as undermine peace between ‘Islamic terrorism’, the colour of

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their Islam would appear to be Numerous helpless women at dark green. How could the concept various times, were put to death of Islam be diametrically opposed because they were said to be to itself and how could Islam be witches and there was a distorted ‘green’ and ‘red’ at the same time, notion that this was the Christian one wonders? If anything, Libya’s way of dealing with witchcraft. terrorism can only be seen as nationalist terrorism in disguise. However much these acts were Incidentally, it reminds one of related directly to Christianity, the Fidel Castro of Cuba. He marches crimes against humanity were a far ahead of Colonel Qaddafi in product of a very dark age when his taste for violence and ignorance ruled supreme. When terrorism. Yet one never hears his will man begin to understand the deeds described as Christian difference between the conduct of terrorism. a person and the teachings of his religion? If one confuses the two One thing leads to another: the and tries to understand religion by discussion of terrorism conjures studying the conduct of its up before one’s vision various adherents, many questions arise. phases of history. Christianity has The conduct of adherents of every been purportedly involved in ugly religion varies from country to acts of persecution and torture, country, from sect to sect, from and some Christian monarchs have age to age, and from person to indulged in brutal acts of violence person. and persecution under the misguided notion that they were How very different is the conduct serving the religion of Christ(as). of Jesus’(as) disciples from those in During the years of the Black Pinochet’s Chile, or in South Death, 1348-9, were not many Africa, who claim to uphold Jews burnt alive in their homes? In Christian values. Which is to the age of the Spanish Inquisition, represent Christianity? Are we a long reign of terror prevailed entitled to describe the First and under the guidance and direction Second World Wars, in which of some Christian priests. millions of people lost their lives1,

46 The Review of Religions – September 2006 ISLAMIC TERRORISM as Christian wars against against Muslim powers or is it the humanity? In the Second World old wine of the orientalists’ venom War, Russian losses alone are against Islam served in new estimated to have exceeded 6.1 goblets? The idea that Islam was million. Three-quarters of the spread by the sword is highly entire population of Bosnia was questionable. The wars of Muslim wiped out. The loss of property and governments should be judged material are of such magnitude as according to the prevailing to be almost impossible to assess2. principles of politics and Will this enormity be described as international relations and not on Christianity in action or shall we the basis of religion. take our understanding of Christi- anity from those early Christians The expression of violence is who, having been struck on one symptomatic of the many diseases cheek, turned the other cheek in society. The Muslim world towards the striker, and those who today does not know which way to were fed to beasts and burned alive turn. People find themselves in their homes rather than answer dissatisfied about many things over violence with violence? I would which they have no control much rather choose the latter. whatsoever. They are dead-meat for exploitation by their own Any act of war in a Muslim corrupt leaders or agents and by country is perceived in the West as stooges of foreign powers. Unfor- the extension of ‘Islamic terrorism’ tunately, many leaders in Muslim but in any other country such an countries themselves seek sanction act is seen as a political dispute. from Islam for their acts of Why must such dual standards of violence and oppression, as justice prevail in this day and age? happened in the time of the late One really begins to wonder if General Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan. there is an undercurrent of hatred Bloody revolutions are totally alien for Islam beneath the apparently to the philosophy of Islam and calm surface of Christian have no place in Islamic countries. civilisation. Is it perhaps a hang- over from centuries of Crusades As a man of religion, and head of

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a spiritual community of followers This War Business, London: who have faced a century of Bodley Head, 1951, and US persecution, terror and cruelty, I Department of Defence.) The most strongly condemn all acts Carnegie Endowment for and forms of terrorism because it International Peace has is my deeply rooted belief that not estimated that the First World only Islam but also no true War cost $400,000,000,000, religion, whatever its name, can excluding civilian property sanction violence and the damage and the cost of loss of bloodshed of innocent men, life. According to one women and children in the name estimate, the direct costs of the of God. Second World War for the participating nations were a God is love, God is peace! staggering grand total of Love can never beget hatred, $1,098,938,000,000. and peace can never lead to war. 2 William 1. Roehrenbeck, Collins Encyclopaedia, vol. 23, article headed ‘War Costs and References Casualties’.

1 In the First World War, the mobilised forces of the Allies totalled 42.6 million and the Central Powers had 22.85 million. Total casualties on both sides were 57.6 per cent. In the Second World War, the peak armed strength was 72,581,566, out of which 16,829,758 were killed or missing (presumed killed) and 26,698,339 were wounded. (Source: Arthur Guy Enock,

48 The Review of Religions – September 2006 Love of the Promised Messiah(as) for the Holy Qur’an Based on a speech delivered by Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz OBE, at the Annual Convention of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, July 2006

The verse of the Holy Qur’an from That exactly was the scenario before Sura Al-Furqan (Chapter 25) holds the advent of the Promised a prophecy about the latter days. Messiah(as), and in accordance with The prophecy was: the saying of the Holy Prophet(saw) that nothing will remain of the Holy And the Messenger will say, ‘O Qur’an except its name, the Holy my Lord, my people indeed Qur’an was no more than a piece of treated this Qur’an as a thing to decoration kept on the shelf and a be discarded.’ number if ill-fated customs and rituals were associated with it. Our Master Hadhrat Muhammad Perilously, both by virtue of Mustafa(saw) had given the glad meaning and by virtue of practice, it tidings of the advent of The had been completely forsaken. Promised Messiah(as) and the Blessed Guided One, who would It was the time of the fulfilment of hold the principal mission of that great prophecy of the Holy exposing the superiority and Qur’an and the Holy Prophet of excellences of the Holy Qur’an and Islam(saw), and Allah The Exalted its dissemination and promulgation. raised that true and devoted lover of the Holy Qur’an, Mirza Ghulam The Holy Prophet(saw) said, ‘When Ahmad of , the Promised faith will rise to the Pleiades, then a Messiah(as) and the Guided One, man from Persia will bring it back’. who with fathomless depth of love In some other narrations it is and devotion submerged into the mentioned that knowledge of the waters of the Holy Qur’an and Holy Qur’an will vanish and the secured such precious and priceless Holy Qur’an will be discarded. gems which were the need of the time.

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The Promised Messiah(as) was copy of the Holy Qur’an with him constantly devoted to the cause and which he used to recite and mark at study of the Holy Qur’an. His relevant places. It could be said unflinching loyalty and devotion to without exaggeration that he had it and the intense feelings with read it thousands of times. Unlike which he expressed his love of the other writers, scholars or speakers Holy Qur’an leaves one bewildered, who would refer to relevant perplexed and breathless. literature when preparing their works, the Promised Messiah(as) His knowledge of and reliance on invariably referred to the Holy the Holy Qur’an as a potent source Qur’an. That is why in all his of guidance was only as a result of writings one cannot help noticing fervent prayers in solitude, through Qur’anic verses being profusely which he addressed his Lord and quoted. In short, the entire literature Creator. produced by him is a treasure of exhaustive commentaries of the Once, it was discovered that whilst Holy Qur’an. The knowledge of the studying and reflecting upon the Holy Qur’an he exposed and the Holy Qur’an the Promised way he inspired and prepared his Messiah(as) was intently addressing followers to cling to it and make it God prayerfully: ‘O my Creator, the order of their lives, is an this is Your message and I can astonishing achievement, the like of appreciate it only if You teach me’ which the world has never (Hayat en Nabi). witnessed.

Every fibre of his being and every The Promised Messiah(as) states in thought which dominated his heart one of his writings: was his intense love for the Word of God and every interest of his life ‘The light of the Holy Qur’an was immersed in this. has penetrated to my heart and I could not have acquired it by When compiling his masterpieces any other means. And Allah is of writings he would walk up and my witness that if there had down his room with the Holy been no Qur’an I would have Qur’an in his hands, reading and found no pleasure in life’. meditating upon it. He always had a (Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,

50 The Review of Religions – September 2006 LOVE OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH(AS) FOR THE HOLY QUR’AN

Ruhani Khazain, vol. 5, pp. 545- Teachings of Islam was read before 546). a mammoth audience. This was a masterful exposition of the five In this context, Hadhrat Khalifatul assigned themes of the Conference Masih IV(ru) said: from the Holy Qur’an by the Promised Messiah(as). ‘The presentation of the Holy Qur’an as understood by the Those around him felt that the entire Promised Messiah(as), is the most existence of the Promised attractive way of preaching and Messiah(as) was for the cause of the the strongest possible way’ Holy Qur’an. (Majlis Shoora Pedrobad, Spain, Sept. 1982). An old lady by the name of Hayat Bibi, daughter of Late Fazal Deen Not only did the Promised Sahib, narrates that her father was Messiah(as) read, study and meditate very close to the Promised upon the Holy Qur’an but he Messiah(as). He used to collect and advised his followers to do likewise. deliver food to Huzur. He said that He also loved to listen to the Huzur would go inside, close the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Once, door and sit in the courtyard reading he went for a walk when someone the Holy Qur’an. Sometimes he told him that the son-in-law of Haji would go into lengthy prostrations Habib-ur-Rehman Sahib, amongst and cry so much that the ground the party, recited the Holy Qur’an in would become soaked by his tears. a melodious voice. The Promised Messiah(as) sat down by the roadside The Promised Messiah(as) says: and requested him to do so which he willingly did. While listening to the ‘It is not possible that a person recitation, tears rolled down his should believe fully in God cheeks. Almighty except through the Holy Qur’an. For this His unparalleled love and devotion characteristic is special to the to the Holy Qur’an also found vivid Holy Qur’an that by following it expression at the Conference of perfectly all obstacles that exist Great Religions when his between man and God are monumental work Philosophy of the removed. God, Who is hidden

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from the entire world, is seen from Patiala, was a frequent visitor only through the Holy Qur’an’ to Qadian to see Hadhrat Mirza (Chashma-e-Marifat, Ruhani Ghulam Murtaza Sahib, father of Khazain, vol. 23, pp. 271-272). the Promised Messiah(as). He knew the Promised Messiah(as) from an And by God! we are a witness that early age. He testified that when the so many of his companions and so Promised Messiah(as) was about the many in Jamaat Ahmadiyya today, age of 14 or 15 years, he spent by Allah’s Grace, have experienced almost his entire day reading the God in their lives through their Holy Qur’an and writing notes on it devotion and dedication to the Holy in the margins. The father of the Qur’an. This is the revolution which Promised Messiah(as) commented the Promised Messiah(as) created that he was not concerned about through his love for the Holy anything else and spent his day Qur’an. And this distinguishes him reading the Holy Qur’an in the as the most outstanding unique mosque (The Review of Religions, lover and servant of the Holy Urdu, Qadian, January 1942, p. 4). Qur’an in this age, beyond compare. Once, the Promised Messiah(as) was The son of the Promised Messiah(as), travelling in a Palanquin from Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Qadian to Batala. The journey took Ahmad (Allah be pleased with him), about five hours. Just as he left narrates that the Promised Qadian, the Promised Messiah(as) Messiah(as) was most of the time opened his pocket edition of the absorbed in studies and he Holy Qur’an and started reading the particularly concentrated on the first Chapter, Sura Al-Fatiha and for Holy Qur’an. five hours he was completely absorbed in the study of this short Those who saw him found him Chapter as if it was a vast deep reading the Holy Qur’an with such ocean in which he was diving to attention and devotion that he would great depths in search of the pearls be completely engrossed in its of love and mercy of his eternal meaning. beloved- the Holy Qur’an (Seerat- ul-Mahdi, vol. II). It is said that a non-Ahmadi tax- collector, Munshi Adbul Wahid Deep and true love for the Holy

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Qur’an and by the blessings of And he abundantly benefited from devotedly following it, the Promised that goodness and blessings Messiah(as) was granted intimate throughout his life. He dived deep knowledge of the Holy Qur’an by into the ocean of the wisdom and Allah. knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and surfaced such pearls and jewels The fact is that the Promised which left the world dumbfounded Messiah(as) was sent for the service of and stunned. It was the intensity of the Holy Qur’an. He himself states: his love that he presented the Holy Qur’an before the world as a perfect ‘God Almighty has raised me so and living scripture. that I expose to the world those buried treasures of the Holy In his grand publication Baraheen- Qur’an and purify and cleanse i-Ahmadiyya, he splendidly estab- them of the vicious filth of lished forever the verity, veracity, objections heaped upon them by truth and perfection of the Holy the opponents of Islam. Allah’s Qur’an by irrefutable arguments torrential passion for the care of and convinced the world that it was the honour of the Holy Qur’an at the only scripture that would live till present is over-whelming and the Day of Judgement. He called Allah is determined to sanctify upon followers of all other religions and safeguard the honour of the to contest the superiority of the Holy Qur’an against the Holy Qur’an regarding any matter tarnishing objections of the on the condition that their claims wretched enemy’ and their arguments must be based (Malfoozat vol.I, p.38). on their religious scriptures. It was such a valiant challenge that it After the Promised Messiah’s(as) reduced all other faiths to silence. divine commission, the Holy No one has ever accepted that Qur’an furthermore became the challenge to this day, and no one order of his life. God Almighty will ever have the courage to do so revealed to him: till the Day of Judgement. That is the legacy he left behind for the ‘Every kind of goodness and Ahmadiyya community, and in fact blessing can only be found in the for the entire humanity. To ensure Holy Qur’an’. that it lasts till the Day of Judgement

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in its pristine purity, Allah graced Is that it has come from Thee, him with the re-establishment of the and my heart remains restless to system of divine succession kiss and circuit it over and over (Khilafat). Today, we are blessed again.’ with the fifth chapter of Khilafat and (Qadian ke Arya aur hum) we find the gems of the Holy Qur’an offered to us by our beloved Khalifa It is indeed the love of Allah from (may Allah support him with His which sprouts the love of the Holy mighty help), to reform and enrich Qur’an. our lives and enjoy the real, everlasting prosperity. To the Promised Messiah(as), the Holy Qur’an was the remedy to all We have at our disposal, over eighty ills, whether physical or spiritual. books of the Promised Messiah(as) which unfold for the world the Hadhrat Dr. Mir Mohammad Ismail authenticity, truth and wisdom of the Sahib (may Allah be pleased with Holy Qur’an. It is a legacy of him) narrates that on the day when immeasurable treasure provided to the Ambassador from Rome was us to publicise the Holy Qur’an all visiting Qadian; after Maghrib over the world and resolutely prayer, when Huzur was sitting on a respond to any objection against it. seat, he felt pressure in his head so he lay down on a mat on the floor. The Promised Messiah(as) was The Companions moved in to press immersed in the love of the Holy his head but Huzur soon stopped Qur’an on account of its unique them and when most of them had message and uncountable beauties. left, he requested Maulvi Adbul But the founding sentiment of his Karim Sahib(ra) to recite some love for the Holy Qur’an was in portion of the Holy Qur’an. Maulvi reality the love of God, as he says in Sahib compiled and continued to an Urdu couplet: recite in a melodious voice until Huzur said that he felt better ‘The beauties of the Holy (Seerat-ul-Mahdi, Narration No. Qur’an are conspicuously 459). obvious, but the real cause of my love for it O my heavenly The Promised Messiah(as) inun- Master. dated mankind with the gushing

54 The Review of Religions – September 2006 LOVE OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH(AS) FOR THE HOLY QUR’AN rivers of the teachings and wisdom the footsteps of the Promised of the Holy Qur’an. He presented Messiah(as) have moulded their lives the Book of Allah as a living Book. in the template of the Holy Qur’an. He unveiled the real holy and radiant face of the Holy Qur’an by The Promised Messiah(as) further exposing the light of wisdom and states: knowledge granted to him by Allah. In all his publications and speeches, ‘By raising me at the head of the he vehemently proved by powerful fourteenth century, Allah the reasoning that each and every letter Exalted commissioned me to and word of the Holy Qur’an is revive and rejuvenate the safeguarded and will be meti- vigorous faith of Islam. It is my culously preserved from any sort of mission that during these interpolations till the Day of tumultuous times I manifest the Judgement. beauties and the greatness of both the Holy Qur’an and the Addressing the Jama’at, the Holy Prophet of Islam(saw), and Promised Messiah(as) states: with all the light and blessings and miracles and divine ‘I am repeatedly admonishing knowledge Allah has given me, you that genuine love and defend Islam against the attacks obedience of the Holy Qur’an of all its enemies’ and the Holy Prophet(saw) turns a (Barakatud Dua, p.36) person into a man of miracles and the doors of the unseen are This remains the primary mission of opened upon such a perfect soul’. Jama’at Ahmadiyya today. There are (Zameema-i-Anjam Atham, p.61) no people on this earth today beside the Ahmadiyya Jama’at who are How many outside the panel of ever ready to lay their lives for the Ahmadiyyat today can dare to make honour and sanctity of the Holy such a claim and produce even one Qur’an. Indeed, it is the Ahmadis person who by the blessings of the who have been slain and tortured Holy Qur’an has become a man of and locked up in the terrifying dark miracles and the doors of the unseen cells for expressing their love and have been opened upon him? This is devotion to the Holy Qur’an. They an exclusive honour for those who in have been made victims of

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blasphemy by those who have interpolations till the Day of totally discarded the Holy Qur’an Judgement. and their example, practice and behaviour, tarnishing the very name The Promised Messiah(as) says: of the Holy Qur’an, and who, by writing misconceived com- ‘I hereby assure the audience mentaries of the Holy Qur’an, that God, on whom depends the continue to strengthen the hands of salvation and everlasting the opponents of Islam and are in prosperity of man, cannot be fact themselves a disgrace to Islam. found other than through Whatever they do, let them know following the Holy Qur’an. that each and every Ahmadi, man Understand with conviction that and women, old and young, is ever just as it is not possible for us to ready to offer every sacrifice for the see without eyes, listen without honour of the Holy Qur’an. It is ears or speak without a tongue, through this Jamaat and only this similarly it is not possible to set Jama’at that the Holy Qur’an will our eyes on that Beloved become the order of this world soon. without the Holy Qur’an’ (Philosophy of the Teachings of With the blessings of the knowledge Islam) bestowed upon him by Allah the Exalted, the Promised Messiah(as) Stating the excellences and the inundated mankind with the gushing greatness of the Holy Qur’an, the rivers of the teachings and wisdom Promised Messiah(as) says: of the Holy Qur’an. He presented the Book of Allah as a living Book. ‘The Holy Qur’an has expressed He unveiled the real holy and radiant its eloquence and richness by its face of the Holy Qur’an by exposing truth, wisdom and encom- the light of wisdom and knowledge passing all the rightful needs of granted to him by Allah. In all his humanity, and in an amazing publications and speeches, he manner has absorbed the truths vehemently proved by powerful of all faiths. There is no truth reasoning that each and every letter which is not contained in the and word of the Holy Qur’an is Holy Qur’an. The beauty of it is safeguarded and will be meti- that not even a single word in culously preserved from any sort of the Holy Qur’an is excessive

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and there is nothing that is Aqwal specifically criticising and irrelevant. Its luminous style is vilifying the Holy Qur’an. In reply, beyond imagination. Its bound- the Promised Messiah(as) wrote the less richness is absolute-ly book Noor-ul-Haq, in which he fabulous, reflected in the beauty profusely revealed the depth of of its arrangement, succinctly knowledge and distinguished covering mountains of know- teachings of the Holy Qur’an. There ledge from the beginning to the are not a few, but several such end’. instances found in his publications, (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Vol IV) where he proved the falsehood of untrue religions from the Holy As such, the Promised Messiah(as) Qur’an. Accordingly, he exhorted firmly relied on the Holy Qur’an to every believer to always base the retaliate and defend Islam against claims of faith and support the attacks of the opponents. reasoning on the Holy Qur’an. Whichever part, or verse of the Holy Qur’an was targeted by the Those who love and take that opponents, the Promised Messiah(as) passion to its ultimate heights responded promptly in a smashing always eulogize and portray their manner, completely crushing the beloved in various ways and sing in enemy’s will to move any further. praise of its beauties and attributes. Such an awe inspiring way of In the same tone, the Promised protecting the grandeur of the Holy Messiah(as) revealed glimpses of the Qur’an manifests the infinite intensity of his love for the Holy passion and love of the Holy Qur’an Qur’an in various ways. with which he was inebriated. For instance, Hadhrat Yusuf(as) is His love was not limited to said to be exceptionally handsome, expressions of sentiments; he but in the sight of the Promised brought forth the miraculous power Messiah(as) the Holy Qur’an is far of the Holy Qur’an in such a superior in its attractiveness, beauty, forceful manner that the entire charm and elegance. He says: world of religion was spellbound. ‘It is said that the beauty of A Christian Priest, Imaduddin, Yusuf(as) was very attractive, but wrote a book by the name Zain-ul- the Holy Qur’an is unique in its

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quality and charm; You have spiritual garden whose clustered heard that Yusuf fell into a gorge fruits are within easy reach and but this Book rescues those who through which streams flow. are in the gorge and that is its Every fruit of good fortune is claim’. (Durrisameen, Urdu) found in it and every torch is lit from it. I was magnetised And he says: towards it and it is firmly lodged in my heart. It has nurtured me ‘The elegance and beauty of the like a baby is nurtured in its Holy Qur’an is the soul of every mother’s womb. It has an Muslim. astonishing impact upon my heart. Its beauty has charmed Crescent is the moon of others; me. I have seen in a vision that all honours and blessings are Our moon is the Holy Qur’an’. irrigated by the waters of the Holy Qur’an which is a surging The Promised Messiah(as) writes: ocean of the elixir of life. He who drinks from it comes to life; ‘I always felt my heart inclined Indeed, he brings others to life. towards the subtleties, intri- By God! Its face is more cacies and vastness of the beautiful than everything else. It knowledge of the Holy Qur’an is a face which has been and I was enamoured by its moulded in the template of fathomless beauty. I have seen beauty and crowned with that it gives me the knowledge splendour’ and so many different kinds of (Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, fruit of wisdom which will Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp.545- never run out and neither shall I 546). ever be deprived of those. It is my conviction that the Holy Regarding the authenticity of the Qur’an strengthens faith and Holy Qur’an, the Promised enriches belief. By God! It is a Messiah(as) said, the Holy Qur’an is priceless, matchless pearl. Its superior to and is a divine inner self is light and its outer arbiter to check the validity and self is light and its each and authenticity of a Hadith. However, every word is light. It is a he further stated that:

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‘It is incumbent upon our His doctrine is that the Holy Qur’an Jama’at that if a Hadith, that is a superseded all previous scriptures saying of the Holy Prophet(saw) is and laws, but itself it can never be not against the Holy Qur’an and abrogated as it is the Word of God. practice, then whatever its rank, The earth and the heaven can it should be accepted and vanish, but the Law, the followed in practise and given Commandments and any verse of priority over man-made juris- the Holy Qur’an can never be prudence’. altered. He stated that if someone (Al-Haq Ludhiana Debate, believes in abrogation, he is in 1891, Review Debate Chakralvi, hissight excluded from the group of p. 506). believers and is a non-believer heretic. Before the advent of the Promised Messiah(as), several Muslim sects The Promised Messiah(as) states: believed that some verses of the Holy Qur’an had been abrogated ‘The Holy Qur’an is that and were not worth practice authentic, pure and final word of anymore. They were there merely God in which man has for recitation and it was not absolutely no involvement, not incumbent to follow them in even to the extent of a dot or practice. The incandescent fervent stroke. In all its contexts, in all love of the Promised Messiah(as) for its words and meaning, it is from the Holy Qur’an could not stand this Allah the Exalted in totality, and abrogation of the verses of the Holy no sect of Muslims has any Qur’an and with utmost conviction excuse not to accept it as such. he proclaimed that not even a dot of Its each and every word has an the Holy Qur’an had ever been excellent order of continuation repealed and it would never be and succession. It is an repealed. He was that ardent and immutable revelation- the letters genuine lover of the Holy Qur’an of which have been counted and who was bent upon protecting the because of being a miracle in Holy Qur’an and strived in itself, it will always remain safe announcing that today only those from any kind of change or would be honoured in Heaven who interpolation’. would honour the Holy Qur’an. (Azala i Auham, Vol.2, P.219)

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Hence, the Promised Messiah(as), the Holy Qur’an. Such an with his profound sentiments of overwhelming effect cannot be love for the Holy Qur’an, found in any other book which eradicated and eliminated all is considered revealed by any misconceptions about the Holy other faith’. (Zamima Chashma Qur’an, and restated its irrevocable i Maarfat, page 59) honour. In each and every book of the The Promised Messiah(as) not only Promised Messiah(as), there are himself gained mastery over the glimpses of the love of the Holy knowledge of the Holy Qur’an, but Qur’an in one way or another. His also provided assured guidance to versified writings in Urdu, Arabic others to understand the Holy and Persian, equally demonstrate Qur’an. Undoubtedly it was an the depth of his boundless passion adorable service to the Holy Qur’an. and love for the Holy Qur’an in such a touching manner that there is There was a time when people no example of its kind anywhere thought that no one can either else. understand the Holy Qur’an, nor follow it in practice, but he He says: unleashed and scattered before the world all the secrets and gems of its ‘The light of the Holy Qur’an is understanding. a light more clear and bright by far than any other kind of light! The Promised Messiah(as) says: And Holy indeed is He, Who is the source of this veritable river ‘The one who as a devoted of radiance! O Lord! Does Thy follower of the Holy Qur’an Word constitute only a book? Or genuinely pursues and is it a Universe in itself? For, perseveres in pure love and whatsoever was indispensable enhances it to limits, is graced as for mankind, for progress of the a shadow to manifest the human mind, we find amply attributes of Allah the Exalted. provided in this marvellous All that is the result of that scripture!’ ferocious power and impact that (Durrisameen, Urdu) we witness in the discourse of

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Similarly, in an Arabic verse, the ment and fondness of the Holy Promised Messiah(as) says: Qur’an was limitless. He says:

‘A holy book which is the ‘Ay ye those who read Ummul embodiment of all distinctions, Kitab, that is Sura Al-Fatiha! it causes its faithful to drink Now watch this sun with my cups of knowledge and never eyes. Ponder upon the stops providing more. We have supplication of Al-Fatiha again observed in it, manifest signs of and again. It manifests the guidance and we have found in reality of it all.’ it wisdom which saves from (Durrisameen, Urdu) destruction and blesses with prudence’. He further says: (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya) ‘The light that is emanated by To express the beauty, the glow, the the Holy Qur’an exceeds that of enticement and captivation of the a thousand Sun.’ beloved, the lovers correlate it with (Durrisameen, Urdu) the sun and the moon. But the Promised Messiah(as) beautifully Addressing the Jama’at, the expresses his innermost sentiments Promised Messiah(as) exhorts: for his beloved, the Holy Qur’an, in a Persian couplet when he says: ‘You should study this Holy Scripture with the utmost ‘The eye that has not accessed attention and deepest delib- light from the Holy Qur’an, eration and cherish it with love. By God! It will never be You should love it as you have relieved of spiritual blindness all never loved anything else. its life. Indeed, God has conveyed to I cannot compare this light with me: “All good lies in the the light of the sun because I can Qur’an”. All kinds of good is to see that hundreds of Sun are be found in it and this is the encircling the Holy Qur’an’. truth. Unfortunate indeed are (Durrisameen, Farsi) those who give preference to other things over it. The Holy The Promised Messiah(as)’s attach- Qur’an is the fountainhead of all

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salvation, for all betterment and lantern reciting the Holy success. There is not a single Qur’an. It was a truly capti- spiritual need which has not vating scene’. In a nutshell, he been met for you in this Holy said that ‘in Ahmadiyya Qadian Book. It is the Holy Qur’an that, I could see nothing but the Holy will testify the truth or falsehood Qur’an everywhere’. of your faith on the Day of (AlHakam, Qadian, reproduced Judgment. Appreciate therefore Alfazl, , 4-01-2006) the value of blessings bestowed upon you. It is a precious That is the atmosphere we need to blessing and a great treasure. revitalise and sustain in our lives Without the Holy Qur’an, the everywhere. Our true love for the whole world would have been Promised Messiah(as) can best be no better than a dirty clot of expressed through our love for the half-formed flesh. Indeed, it is a Holy Qur’an and the devotion of book compared to which all our life to its service. other sources of guidance amount to nothing’ The inestimable meritorious service (Noah’s Ark, p.36-37) of the Holy Qur’an inaugurated by the Promised Messiah(as) is being During the time of the Promised vehemently pursued and developed Messiah(as), a journalist once visited by Jamaat Ahmadiyya today. The Qadian and he was amazed to see Jama’at is restless to continue and the earnestness and fervour of accomplish the mission of the everyone for the Holy Qur’an. He Promised Messiah(as) to uphold the wrote: honour, purity and superiority of the Holy Qur’an and ensure that it ‘The genuine and true love for reaches each and every household the Holy Qur’an that I saw in on this planet, and its dazzling light this Jama’at in Qadian, I have obliterates darkness for ever from never seen anywhere else the hearts of mankind. before. After morning prayer in Let me conclude with a heart rending the , I went Persian couplet of the Promised round for a walk and saw Messiah(as): everyone without exception, young and old, sitting by a ‘O ye ignorant, tighten up your

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belt for the service of the Holy Qur’an before you hear that so and so is dead.’ (Durrisameen, Farsi) Advertise your business in Let us take that message to our The Review of Religions hearts. Let us live for the Holy Qur’an. There should be none and see sales scale to new amongst us who misses on the daily heights. recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Each and every one of our household Existing adverts can be should remain perfumed with the fragrance of the Holy Qur’an. Let us placed and sponsorship on put our heart and soul into its regular features is understanding. Let us follow its teachings faithfully in our lives so available in this longest delete we are accepted into the fold running of the beloveds of Allah. Remember, that, that is the only way to the love worldwide Muslim of Allah. Let us be amongst those monthly chosen to illuminate the entire world with the glow of the Holy Qur’an magazine in the English and bring lasting peace to the world language. through its teachings and lead humanity out of darkness into the Rates available on request ever shining light of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Allah enable us to do from the Manager at: so. That then would indeed be an honourable tribute to the love of the The Review of Religions Promised Messiah(as) for the Holy Qur’an! 16 Gressenhall Road, London SW18 5QL

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