Winter •2007 $4.00

“In the latter days, the sun shall rise from the west” • Holy Prophet (peace be on him)

7 Does the Qur’an 12 Qur’anic 20 The Coming of 34 The End is Sanction Teachings on the Second The Beginning, Theocracy? the Last Day Messiah, A Christian View and Hereafter a Mystery? of the End The Muslim Community

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organization, international in its scope, with branches in over 178 countries in TAfrica, North America, South America, Asia, Australasia, and Europe. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas (1835-1908) in , a small and remote village in the Punjabi province of India. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days, the Awaited One of the world community of religions (The and Messiah). The Movement he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam – peace, universal brotherhood, and submission to of God – in its pristine purity. Hadhrat Ahmadas proclaimed Islam as the religion of man: “The religion of the people of the right path” (98:6).The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was created under divine guidance with the objective to rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values. It encourages interfaith dialogue, diligently defends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. It firmly believes in and acts upon the Qur’anic teaching: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:257). It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason.

After the passing of its founder, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been headed by his elected successors. The present Head of the Community, Hadhrat , was elected in 2003. His official title is Khalifatul Masih V or Fifth Successor of the Promised Messiah.. (1835-1908)

Editor Editor's Notes: Falahud Din Shams The Muslim Sunrise is published by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, Phone 301.879.0110, Fax 301.879.0115, under the auspices of Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, Ameer and National President. The views and opinions expressed by individual contributers in this Editorial Board publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Imam Mubasher Ahmad Community, USA. Hasan Hakeem Dr. Shanaz Butt The Muslim Sunrise welcomes letters to the editor, questions and submissions. Email us at [email protected] or go online to www.MuslimSunrise.com. Amjad Mahmood Khan, Esq. Naveed Malik Library of Congress Call Number BP195.A5 M8

Mailing Address: The Muslim Sunrise, 2 S 510 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, Staff Editors Phone: (630) 790-4100, ext. 206, Fax: (630) 793-4100. Naser Shams Ata-ul Malik Khan Muslims follow the name of God’s prophets with the prayer alaehis salaam or ‘may peace be upon him,’ and for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sallallaho alaehi Bilal Rana wasallam or ‘may peace and blessings of God be upon him.’ Companions of Maham Khan prophets and righteous personalities who have passed away are saluted by Sabiha Khan radhi-Allaho anhu/a or ‘may Allah be pleased with him/her.” While such salutations have been abbreviated in the text for readability (as, sa & ra respectively), we encourage all Muslims to offer these prayers as if set out in Staff Writers full. Zia H. Shah Dr. (1872-1957) was the first Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary Shazia Sohail to arrive in America. In 1921, he founded the Muslim Sunrise, which stands today Saad Ahmad as the longest running Muslim publication in America. The magazine seeks to open Arif Humayun discussions on Islam and topics relating to religion in general. It highlights the role of Islam in an ever changing global society. It provides a platform for public opinion on contemporary issues and presenting their solutions from an Islamic perspective. Hasan Hakeem, Design/Layout Fateh Shams, Circulation www.muslimsunrise.com

2 MuslimSunrise In This Issue

Features

7 Does the Qur’an Sanction Theocracy Part II on true Islamic principles of governance.

12 The Hour Qur’anic Teachings on the Last Day and Hereafter. Winter 2 0 0 7 • Volume 87 • Issue 4

16 Advent of the Promised Messiah: Signs 36 Poetry Corner and Prophecies “Qualities of the Holy Prophet” Prophecies from major religions fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. 37 From the Archives 20 The Coming of the Second Messiah What would the Holy Prophet of Islam would say to Chicagoans in 1930. Solving what world religions consider a mystery.

24 Atheism: Nietzshe & Dawkins News, Views and Reviews A discussion of atheism and rising secularism in Chris- 38 Press Publications tian nations and its impact on societies. On a proposed small town land purchase by Muslims and Islamaphobia. 30 Predicting Earth's Life Expectancy: Scientific theories about the end of the 39 Viewpoint world Religious Freedom in Pakistan: Who is Truly A discussion about the Big Bang Theory and scientific Guilty of Blasphemy? theories concerning the latter days. 41 Book Review 32 The End According to Dowie Islam in America The rise and fall of Dr. John Alexander Dowie, an American false prophet , who declared that he was Elijah preparing the world for the second coming of Christ. 42 Questions and Answers Social and political integration with Christians and other non-Muslims. 34 The End is The Beginning, A Christian View of the End 43 The Interview A Christian perspective on the promised “new reality.” A high school educator discusses an enduring partnership with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Zion, IL. Departments

6 Editorial 45 Perspectives “Missing the Window” 28 The Sermon A discourse on increasing materialism, non-belief, natural disasters and Divine chastisement.

WINTER 2007 3 From the Holy Qur'an Ch. 101, Verses 1:10

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. The Great Calamity! What is the great calamity? And what should make thee know what the Great Calamity is? The day when men will be like scattered moths, And the mountains will be like carded wool. Then, as for him whose scales are heavy, He will have a pleasant life. But as for him whose scales are light, Hell will be a nursing mother to him.

4 MuslimSunrise Opening Commentary The Use of Force is Forbidden by Holy Qurán

he Holy Qur’an clearly seal of their blood? Is it expected of ments of those whose hearts forbids the use of force for them that they should be such are filled with the light of faith the spread of the faith and lovers of Divine Unity that they wherein God alone dwells T should endure every hardship in directs its propagation through its (Tiryaqul Qulub, now printed in Ruhani their travels in the African desert Khazain London, 1984, Vol. 15, pp.51- inherent qualities and the good and spread the message of Islam 53). example of the Muslims. Do not in those regions; or that they should be misled by the notion that in the similarly arrive in China, not as The Promised Messiah has come into the world so that he beginning the Muslims were warriors but as dervishes and should so convey the message of should repel the notion of taking commanded to take up the up the sword in the name of sword. That sword was not the faith, and that through his taken up for the spread of the reasoning and arguments he faith, but in self-defense against should establish that Islam is a faith which does not at all the enemies of Islam and for the need the help of the sword for purpose of establishing peace the purpose of its propaga- and security. It was no part of tion, but that the inherent the purpose of taking it up to qualities of its teaching and have recourse to coercion in its verities, insights, reasons, proofs and the living support the matter of faith (Sitarah and signs of God Almighty Qaisariyyah, p. 16). and its inherent attractions are the factors that have I do not know from where our throughout contributed to its opponents have gathered that progress and its propagation. Islam was spread by the sword. Let all those who proclaim God has set forth clearly in the that Islam had been spread by Holy : “There shall be no Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) the sword take note that their compulsion in religion” (2 :257). claim is false. Islam is not in Then who has prescribed the need of any coercion for its use of force for the spread of the Islam that millions of people of that propagation. Should anyone faith, and what force was available country should become Muslims; or doubt this, let him come to me for the purpose? Do those people that they should arrive in India clad and stay with me for a while and who are converted by force set in the roughest stuff and should observe for himself that Islam such an example of sincerity and win a great part of Aryavart to the proves through reasoning and faith that without any kind of wages allegiance of Islam; or should divine signs that it is a living or compensation two or three carry the credo, “There is no one faith. God Almighty now desires hundred of them issue forth to worthy of worship except Allah”, to and has so determined that all oppose a force of thousands; or the confines of Europe? Now say such objections as have been when their number reaches a honestly whether these can be raised against Islam by evil- thousand they vanquish hundreds the achievements of those who minded people should be of thousands? Is it the characteris- are converted forcibly to Islam, so effectively repelled. Those tic of the forcibly converted ones that they disbelieved in their who allege that Islam was that in the defense of the faith they hearts and professed Islam only should offer themselves to be by their tongues? Indeed not. spread by the sword will now slaughtered like sheep and should be put to shame. testify to the truth of Islam with the These are the achieve- (Malfoozat, Vol. IIL p. 176) WINTER 2007 5 just warnings of the time when the Note on the Spring 2007 Messiah was to appear. These signs article entitled, “The Second Editorial were to let us know to look for the sav- Coming” ior, so that under his teachings and guidance humanity would manage The article mentioned that the eclipse of the sun and moon took place as the sign through the evils of the end times and of the coming of the Messiah, as did rophecies concerning the “end eventually create a harmonious, peace- Haley’s comet. times,” or the “latter days” are ful and unified worldwide society of The latter reference should have been made to the Great Comet of 1882 and not Ppresent in all major religions of human beings. Haley’s comet. It should be noted that the the world. Christians and Muslims in The founder of the Ahmadiyya Mus- sign of the eclipse of the sun and the moon particular have had a considerable lim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam in the month of Ramadhan is the major sign for the appearance of the Messiah accord- as amount of discussion on such prophe- Ahmad , is the only person who ing to the Islamic traditions. However, other cies over hundreds of years. The latter claimed to be such a Messiah and was comets such as the Great Comet were ad- days are the last 1,000 years of the able to establish his community to be- ditional signs according to the prophecies in the Bible. The Great Comet (the bright- 7,000 years cycle of the current human gin the work of dismantling Yajooj, est comet ever seen and visible in day- era according to the Ahmadiyya Mus- Majooj, as well as to dispel the influ- time) appeared in 1882, the year in which lim tradition. ence of the demonic activities of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed to be the Promised Messiah. It was an excep- The Bible has prophesied the appear- Dajjal. He explained that his mission tional comet as mentioned in the following ance of Gog and Magog in the latter would be accomplished through excerpt from the Space.com website. days as well as the Anti-Christ. Simi- prayers, discussions and exchange of We are thankful to Mr. Syed Tahir Ah- mad (Nazir Taleem ) for bringing larly, the Holy Qur’an prophesies about ideas and not through the race of arms this to our attention. Yajooj and Majooj as the political and building and warfare. military powers appearing in the end The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa “GREAT SEPTEMBER COMET OF 1882: This comet is perhaps the brightest times. At the same time, the powerful very clearly declared that no one would comet that has ever been seen; a gigantic Dajjal was to appear in the religious be able to defeat the Dajjal other than member of the Kreutz Sungrazing Group. arena, creating doubts and infidelity the Messiah. Christians and Muslims First spotted as a bright zero-magnitude object by a group of Italian sailors in the throughout the world. There is enor- believe that only after this confronta- Southern Hemisphere on Sept. 1, this comet mous discussion in the Islamic tradition tion will peace on earth be established. brightened dramatically as it approached about the signs of Dajjal and his don- Unless they look for the Messiah and its rendezvous with the Sun. By the 14th, it became visible in broad daylight and key in Sunni as well as Shi’a literature. pledge allegiance to his cause, and when it arrived at perihelion on the 17th it In the latter part of the 19th century work under his guidance, their attempts passed at a distance of only 264,000-miles A.D. (13th century of Islamic calendar) to overpower the Anti-Christ or Dajjal from the Sun's surface. On that day, some observers described the comet's silvery scholars of both Christian and Muslim would be fruitless. radiance as scarcely fainter than the limb faiths started to express that the end of the Sun, suggesting a magnitude some- times were showing their signs. Many Discussion of the end times needs where between -15 and -20! The following day, observers in Cordoba described the organizations started to appear for rec- to be formed through the accomplish- comet as a "blazing star" near the Sun. The ognizing the signs of the latter days and ment of establishing peace on earth. nucleus also broke into at least four sepa- the appearance of the Messiah, who Hopefully, readers will study the articles rate parts. In the days and weeks that fol- lowed, the comet became visible in the was to be the savior for mankind. in this issue with that perspective. It is morning sky as an immense object sport- It is not the destruction, the wars, crucial to have this understanding of ing a brilliant tail. Today, some comet his- the earthquakes and anti-religious phe- the savior in the end times for our re- torians consider it as a "Super Comet," far above the run of even Great Comets.” nomena that need to be the focus when demption from the evils which were (By Joe Rao SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist discussing the end times. They were forewarned hundreds of years ago.‹ posted: 19 January 2007 06:15 am ETSpace.com)

6 MuslimSunrise he rapid and successful growth of the Does the Qur’an Muslim empires Tgave a false Sanction sense of security and accomplishment to the Theocracy? rulers and the clergy. They By Arif Humayun failed to think beyond the Part 2 of 2 agrarian system while the Europeans undertook the After the West’s startling rise to power, explicit answer – the Prophet’s appointment the Ottomans found that they could no longer of Ma’uz as governor is a good example of arduous process of fight as equals with the Europeans, who were this practice. Towards the latter part of the creating an unprecedented society in world Ottoman rule when the empire was in decline transforming their economy history. The Muslim empires were not able to and faced the rising threats from Europe, at- effectively challenge that system and develop tempts were made to conserve a tradition dat- to an industrial based an successful alternative. The Ottoman Sul- ing back to the early days of Islam that had system – a process that tans tried to adapt, but their efforts were su- almost been destroyed. Sunni Muslims be- perficial. Sultan Selim III (ruled 1789-1807), for lieved that there was no need for further inde- took almost four centuries to example, saw the Western threat in purely mili- pendent thought. The answers were all in tary terms. He opened a number of military place; the sharia was a fixed blueprint for so- unfold. This total economic schools with French instructors, where stu- ciety, and independent reasoning (ijtihad), dents became acquainted with European lan- that had driven earlier progress, was neither transformation meant a slow guages and Western books on mathematics, necessary nor desirable. Consequently, inde- but progressive substitution navigation, geography, and history. This su- pendent thinking was discouraged and it was perficial approach was not sufficient to con- declared that “the gates of ijtihad had closed of their agrarian based tain the Western threat because the Europe- […] Muslims must imitate taqlid (historical ans had evolved an entirely new way of life legal precedence) for resolving such matters.1 system to an industrial and thought and operated on entirely differ- In hindsight, the termination of independent ent norms. To be treated as equals, the Otto- reasoning and consensus building on matters based system. This change mans would have needed to evolve a new ra- for which neither the Qur’an nor the Prophet’s resulted in major tional culture based on the spirit of Islamic practices provided an answer, was the root teachings, dismantle the systems built on an cause of their decline. Paradoxically, these dislocations in social and agrarian economic model and evolve a new restrictions went against the very teachings religious systems and system based on an industrial model but us- of Islam. ing the same “Islamic” principles. The Mus- Unknown to these scholars and clergy, intellectual outlook, lim masses, whose minds and hearts were im- was that the industrial age would have re- challenging their traditions bued with the conservative ethos, had to be quired a new set of regulations to cater to the persuaded to accept and understand the need changing social and economic environment and established customs. for such radical changes which had taken the which could have been built on the same Is- During these difficult Europeans almost four hundred years to ac- lamic principles. The clergy refused to accept complish. new knowledge based on secular law and centuries of upheaval in As already stated, the successes of the failed to appreciate that the secular laws, were Europe, the Muslim empires Ottoman empire which resulted from the adop- also based on the principles of equality and tion of astute political administration and the justice. In desperation, the clergy deemed any- enjoyed considerable implementation of the “sharia law” became thing Western, as un-Islamic and even growth and ignored the known as the Golden Period* of Muslim rule. preached against learning Western languages. Prior to and during this time, Muslim jurists Even today, the clergy vehemently pro- major developments that were allowed to exercise their own judgment claims that adopting seventh century prac- ultimately challenged their in order to resolve questions that arose in re- tices will help Muslims extricate themselves lation to theology and law for which neither from the current hopeless situation. Little do “supremacy”. the Qur’an nor established tradition had an these people realize that the seventh century

WINTER 2007 7 practices can only be adopted as rituals because the human intellect is much ad- vanced now and would have to deny modern developments and knowledge, which are the gifts of nature; their denial is contrary to the Qur’anic assertion to The Qur’an thus seek knowledge and use it for the benefi- propounds a cence of fellow human beings. completely secular Forms of Government and impartial mentioned in Qur’an government in which As stated earlier, the Qur’an only matters of statecraft enunciates fundamental principles for good governance and does not prefer any are common and particular form of government. As a uni- equally applicable to versal religion, Islam can not recommend a single system of government without all citizens, without due regard to the fact, that it is not prac- any discrimination, tically possible for a single system to be applicable to all regions and all societies or any consideration for all times. That decision is to be made for religious by the people based on historically es- tablished traditions prevailing in their differences. country. What the Qur’an emphasizes is not the form of government but how the government should discharge itself. Gov- ernments must be responsible for the people’s welfare, assuring the availabil- ity of basic necessities, guaranteeing fundamental human rights and establish- consultation; (4) to make over the trusts faith as that is a personal matter between ing a just society where people can live to those best fitted to discharge them. humans and the Divine. Freedom of reli- in peace without discrimination, as stated Interestingly, the last two requirements gion is a fundamental and inalienable earlier. Any system e.g., democracy, mon- can be loosely related to Abraham human right and people can believe in, archy, etc., can be accommodated under Lincoln’s definition of democracy as be- or worship, anything they please. Islam, if it “discharges the trust owed to ing “by the people” and “for the people”. the subjects”. The weaknesses and However, the Qur’an places the respon- Practical Experience strengths of current systems (democra- sibility for exercising the right to choose of “Sharia” Implementation in cies, monarchies, and dictatorships, etc.), leaders on each individual who, as a Muslim Countries: and the negative influences of corrup- trustee must discharge his trust honestly, tion, pressure groups, etc. have under- as he is answerable to God. This would In contravention of Qur’anic injunc- mined most prevalent systems. These ensure that leaders are elected based on tions, the past century has seen several factors are however, not discussed here. their integrity and piety and not on parti- failed experiments of defining and imple- Suffice it to say that democracy has not san politics.”2 menting “Islamic Law” in so-called Mus- developed enough, even in the most ad- The Qur’an thus propounds a com- lim countries. Pakistan, Afghanistan, vanced nations, to reach the stage of its pletely secular and impartial government Saudi Arabia and Iran are the famous re- ultimate political vision. in which matters of statecraft are com- cent examples, still fresh in our memo- “The Qur’an does speak of a demo- mon and equally applicable to all citizens, ries. cratic system where the rulers can be without any discrimination, or any con- Pakistan was partitioned from India in elected by the people and affairs settled sideration for religious differences. Es- 1947 through a constitutional change. by mutual consultation. The Qur’an’s sentially, this would isolate any govern- Ironically, this constitutionally founded definition of democracy is based on the ment decisions to be influenced by reli- state was unable to write its own consti- four fundamental principles, as listed in gious considerations thereby separating tution till after several decades of inde- earlier section titled “Qur’anic Teachings the government from religion. The Qur’an pendence; the first popularly drafted on Statecraft”: (1) elections must be admonishes Muslims to follow the rule constitution was adopted in 1973. The based on trust and integrity; (2) govern- of law in worldly affairs, to not create any clergy’s demands for Islamization pre- ments must function on the principle of disruption in society, and prohibits state vented the country from being developed absolute justice; (3) decisions, in matters interference in matters of faith. It allows as a progressive secular country where of government, are made through mutual total freedom of belief and profession of all citizens enjoyed equal rights, without

8 MuslimSunrise any discrimination, as declared by the and the civil administration has never Pakistani soil. Although meant to support founder, Mr. M.A. Jinnah. It must be been able to effectively run the affairs of its position as a leading ally of the US stated for the record that the clergy in the country. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, (the War on Terror, this acknowledgement undivided India opposed the creation of Pakistani Prime Minister from 1971-77), confirms that Pakistan is indeed a hub Pakistan and, later came to Pakistan after in the last stages of his desperate at- for terrorists. The current events in the disbanding themselves as a lost political tempts to hang on to power after wide- capital, Islamabad, where the Government movement. In their attempts to reestab- spread electoral manipulations, wanted demolished seven illegally built mosques lish themselves and justify their exist- the clergy’s support to remain in power. on encroached government property, re- ence, they required a cause to rally To appease them, he accepted their inde- sulted in male and female radicals kidnap- around.3, 4 Demands for Islamization fensible demand and amended the 1973 ping people, illegally occupying a gave them that anchor. Initially they constitution to declare Ahmadi Muslims children’s library, burning down busi- thwarted the first Constituent Assembly’s as a non-Muslim minority. Again, in to- nesses selling music, and threatening the efforts to draft the constitution by de- tal contravention of Qur’anic and secu- enforcement of their own sharia, is criti- claring that all sovereignty belongs to lar laws, (The Universal Human Rights cally alarming. And the government’s to- God and the government can not be sov- Declaration to which Pakistan is a signa- tal capitulation to these blatantly illegal ereign. This created ripples of uncer- tory), Bhutto disenfranchised minorities activities is even more frightening.10 tainty, instability and confusion for from equal participation in elections and Contrasting with India that also became which successive governments required introduced a separate electorate system independent at the same time and was the clergy’s support for governance. for all minorities. faced with similar problems, it is safe to Later, the clergy demanded that Pakistan’s Under General Zia- ul- Haque’s des- say Islamization has taken Pakistan back- first Foreign Minister, Zafrulla Khan, be potic dictatorship (1977-1988), the clergy wards; it is counted among states on the dismissed as he belonged to a progres- was further patronized, especially after brink of disaster. sive Islamic movement which challenged the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. The destructive affect of Islamization their hegemony over religious matters. Clergy led madrassas, funded primarily of Afghanistan by the Taliban, after the Unable to intellectually deal with the by Saudi Arabia were established where Soviet withdrawal, needs no further ex- challenge to their orthodoxy, the clergy young men were indoctrinate to launch planation. The country is a total basket in Pakistan wanted the state to declare jihad against the infidel. These indoctri- case where corruption, terrorism, opium Ahmadi Muslims as non Muslims so its nated jihadis were armed and trained by cultivation, revenge killing and kidnap- adherents could be killed for apostasy – the US to expel the Russians from Af- ping for ransom, etc. are the norms. an untenable, clergy defined position, in ghanistan.7 Through an Ordinance, Gen The Iranian revolution that brought direct contravention of the Qur’anic Zia- ul- Haque defined the Muslim faith the Shi’a clergy to power, has also failed teaching of no compulsion in religion. A and implemented policies to Islamize Pa- to deliver. In spite of being a regional brief description of this convoluted de- kistan by implementing the so-called power of great economic potential with mand will be helpful in understanding sharia law, introduced public floggings significant oil and gas reserves, Iran has their mischievous mindset. Although the and hangings and the establishment of a failed to modernize and is sliding towards clergy agrees that there is no compulsion Federal Shariat Court. This lopsided radicalism. in religion and welcomes anyone to be- sharia required rape victims to produce Saudi Arabia has followed the Otto- come a Muslim, they argue that after ac- four male witnesses to prove their alle- man model for relying on the clergy to cepting Islam, a Muslim can not change gation. This unreal requirement could ob- legitimize their rule. The Wahabi brand to any other religion. If they do, they viously not be fulfilled by the victims who of Islam, developed by Abd-al-Wahab should either leave that “Muslim state” were then charged with adultery and sub- (1703-1792) after breaking away from Ot- or be killed. According to the clergy, jected to severe prison terms. Fortu- tomans, declared the Ottoman sultan while there is total freedom for non-Mus- nately, Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ide- apostate and their sharia inauthentic. He lims accepting Islam, that freedom is de- ology rescinded this law in 20078 after its called for the return to the pristine prac- nied to Muslims, thus making it a one way disastrous affects became obvious to the tice of Islam by the first community in street! world.9 The Federal Shariat Court is tan- seventh century Arabia. Later, under a The clergy-led riots of 1953 to declare tamount to a parallel judicial system to political arrangement, the Wahabi move- Ahmadi Muslims as non-Muslims re- the secular courts and could conceivably ment became the legitimizing force for the sulted in the imposition of the first mar- undermine the legal authority of the current Saudi Arabian government, much tial law in parts of the country5. An excel- country’s Supreme Court. like the clerics in the Ottoman empire. lent account of the causes of this rioting Without doubt, the radicalization and Saudi Arabia’s failure to develop as an is presented elsewhere6, (which sadly the Talibanization of the Pakistani society economic, political and military power, clergy is still using to gain control of is obvious – and growing – in spite of despite having the world’s largest oil and Muslim societies in other countries). The Gen Musharraf’s best efforts to reverse gas resources and being home to the holy overall effect was the weakening and de- it. The country is a fertile breeding cities of Mecca and Medina, clearly dem- stabilization of the civil governments and ground for terrorists from around the onstrates the disastrous consequences the ultimate military takeovers beginning world. By its own admission, Pakistan has of combining religion and government. in 1957. Since then, Pakistan has gone captured the most terrorists and lost more Common people have no freedoms and from one military dictatorship to the other than 700 men in action against them on rights in this country. Migrant workers

WINTER 2007 9 are exploited and discrimination is ram- Human Rights to which most Islamic coun- secular Western systems. Likewise, the pant. Three pay scales exist for the same tries are signatories. The Qur’an does not prosperity in Dubai where religion is sepa- job, depending on the person’s national- prescribe the establishment of “Islamic rated from governance forcefully proves ity and ethnicity, with the Americans and countries” but requires the establishment this point. It is worth mentioning that the Saudis getting the highest rates. This dis- of “just” societies, based on the prin- combination of religion and politics has crimination is absolutely contrary to the ciples stated above. The sharia, the in- always had disastrous consequences in Qur’anic teachings of equality and justice. terpretation of Qur’anic teachings by reli- other cultures as well. European countries The fact that virtually all September 11 gious scholars and legal experts, was de- failed to develop when religion and poli- hijackers and the al-Qaeda founder were veloped from the ninth to the sixteenth tics were combined but became leaders in Saudi citizens, speaks volumes of the Is- century to build a just society in the ex- science and industry under secular gov- lamic training provided by the Wahabi panding Muslim empire, in accordance ernments when just societies, providing strain. with the Qur’anic principles and the prac- people with equal opportunities under the The above botched examples of inte- tices of Prophet Muhammadsa. It was rule of law, were created. grating Islam with politics, can be con- meant to be a transient process so “Is- It is incumbent upon Muslims to indi- trasted with a successful system within lamic Laws” could be interpreted to meet vidually and collectively take stock of the Muslim world where religion is not the changing needs of the society through their precarious state, denounce the mis- driving politics. That microcosm of suc- ‘mutual consultation’ and consistent with guided clergy, and seek knowledge afresh cessfully separating Islam from politics the development of human intellect. Sadly, to better understand their great faith. stands out as an island of hope within the this process was frozen towards the latter Rather than being divided into sects, Muslim world. Dubai (UAE) provides that years of the Ottoman empire. Had the pro- Muslims should strive to achieve unity by example where, under an overwhelming Is- cess continued, Islamic Law would have objectively understanding opposing view- lamic framework, people have the right to evolved with the changing economic and points, without resorting to violence at the choose and practice their religion privately intellectual paradigms and may well have slightest provocation. Muslims must re- and are free to live according to their retained its leadership position as it had alize that the Europeans had developed wishes, without state interference. There prior to the European industrial revolution. the wisdom of separating religion and poli- are no sharia courts, no public floggings, With the advent of the industrial revo- tics, granting intellectual freedom to indi- beheadings, and no amputation of limbs, lution, the Islamic societies failed to trans- viduals, and accepted the necessity for yet the system is free from major crime and form with changing economic models and the cultivation of rational thought. Sadly, the diversity of its population is contrib- were left behind. The Europeans replaced the Muslims had this wisdom through the uting to enriching its culture, economy the agrarian based system with a new, in- Qur’an, which is the basis of their religion. and social progress. Dubai can rightfully dustrial system which utilized many of the Using this wisdom, earlier Muslim empires boast that it hosts the most nationalities same principles of equality and social jus- succeeded and prospered but declined and religions, living and working together tice that made the earlier Islamic system after having deviated from the fundamen- peacefully; the state ensures them the successful. Instead of reforming their tal principles of separating religion and most freedoms of any country in the Arab system, the political leadership in the Ot- politics, justice and intellectual freedom. or Muslim world. Religion is a private toman empire employed the clergy to jus- Muslims have not yet been able to reclaim matter in this benevolent monarchy which tify their assumption of Caliphate (spiri- their lost glory and appear confused. They is governed by secular law, where all citi- tual authority) and thus empowered the must realize the loss, revert to the zens enjoy equal rights. The widespread clergy to become the self styled custodi- Qur’an’s teachings and strive to reclaim prosperity, diversity and business growth ans of Islam – an act contrary to Qur’anic the lost wisdom. ‹ in this desert state with very little oil re- teachings. sources, confirm the benefits of separat- It is absolutely essential that religion (Endnotes) ing religion and state. and politics be separated; the disastrous Generally regarded during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, in the 16th Century consequences of combining religion and 1 Karen Armstrong, “Battle for God”, p 35 2 , “Islam Concluding Comments politics are evident from the failed societ- ’s Response to Contemporary Issues” p 181-191 3 Report of the Court of Inquiry Constituted under Punjab Act II of 1954 ies in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to enquire into the Punjab Disturbances of 1953 (Munir Commission This discussion demonstrates that the and Iran. The social and moral decay, ram- Report), p 11-13 4 Meghnad Desai and Aitzaz Ahsan, “Divided by Democracy” p 96, 102 Qur’an does not recommend any particu- pant corruption, discrimination, terrorism, 5 ibid, p 101 6 Report of the Court of Inquiry Constituted under Punjab Act II of 1954 lar form of government. It only enunciates denial of basic human rights, lack of edu- to enquire into the Punjab Disturbances of 1953 (Munir Commission fundamental principles for governance, cation, etc., evident in virtually all Mus- Report http://www.thepersecution.org/archive/munir/index.html basing them on essential ideals of abso- lim countries, suggests that either Islam 7 Ahmed Rashid “Tailaban lute justice, equality, freedom of religion has failed to deliver, or Muslims have not – Islam, Oil and the New Great Game in Central Asia”, p 129 8 Dawn, 30 March 2007 and peace; their sole purpose being to properly appreciated the spirit of Islamic www.dawn.com/ develop a system that ensures absolute teachings. Rather than striving for the 9 BBC Report on Mukhtaran Mai: justice, equality, freedom of religion; in clergy induced notion of a Muslim state, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4620065.stm short ensuring the welfare of all citizens. Muslims should strive to establish soci- 10 BBC Report on Lal Masjid These “Islamic” ideals are consistent with eties based on Islamic principles which, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6503477.stm the secular law and the UN Declaration of not surprisingly, are consistent with most

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WINTER 2007 11 The Hour: Qur’anic Teachings on the Last Day and Hereafter By Imam Mubasher Ahmad, M.A., LL.B

he Holy Quran “And they say: ‘There is said, ‘We know not what the makes it clear that nothing except this our present Hour is; we think it to be there are many life, and we shall not be raised nothing but conjecture, and we people who either again.’ And if you could only see are not convinced.’”(45:33.) question the reality when they are made to stand be- Tof the Hour or ignore it, and fore their Lord! He will say: ‘Is The Hour is Sure to Come that their rejection of the not this (the second life) the inevitable is to their own loss: truth?’ They will say. ‘Yes, by For Muslims, belief in the our Lord.’ He will say, ‘Then reality of the Last Day is an “Cursed be the liars, who taste the punishment because article of faith. To have faith are heedless in the depth of you disbelieved.’ (6:30-31). in the reality of the Hour is very their ignorance. They ask: strongly counseled by Allah ‘When will be the Day of But those who are gifted with Himself in the Sura Al- Judgment?’ It is the day when understanding and firmly Qayamah or The Resurrection: they will be tormented at the grounded in knowledge, say: Fire.” (51:11-14) ‘Our Lord! You will certainly as- “Nay! I call to witness the semble mankind on the Day Day of Resurrection! And (in “Woe, on that day, unto about which there is no doubt; support thereof) I call to those who reject, who deny surely, Allah breaks not His witness the self-accusing soul! the Day of Judgment. And promise.’ (3:9-10.) Does man think that We shall none denies it save every sinful not assemble his bones? We transgressor, who, when Our “And when it was said, ‘The have the power to restore his Signs are recited unto him, promise of Allah is certainly true, very finger-tips. But man says: ‘Fables of the and so is the Hour, there is no desires to continue in his evil ancients!’”(83:11-14). doubt about its coming’; you deeds (75:2-6).

12 MuslimSunrise The Holy Quran repeatedly asserts that that when the Hour shall come on them sud- the trumpet will be blown; and you will the Hour is sure to come. To quote a few denly, they will say, O, our grief for our ne- come in large groups; and the heaven shall relevant verses: “The Hour will surely glecting this Hour!”(6:32). be open and shall become all doors; and come; there is no doubt about it; yet many the mountains shall be made to move and men believe not” (40:60). The same term is used in the sense of a shall become as if they were a mirage. crushing defeat that breaks the power of an Surely, Hell lies in ambush, a home for the “Surely, the Day of Decision (Yaum al- enemy: “Are they saying that they are a vic- rebellious; they will tarry therein for ages” Fasl) has an appointed time” (78:18). torious host allied together to help each (78:19-24). other? Soon shall the hosts be routed, and “Surely, the Hour is coming; I am going they will show their backs. Nay, the Hour is The Day shall be of climatic in nature, to manifest it, that every soul may be rec- their promised time, and the Hour is most cosmic in its scope: One of the signs will ompensed for its endeavor” (20:16). grievous and bitter. Surely, the guilty are in be the dark visible Smoke — Al-Dukhan: manifest error, and gone mad. On the day “Then watch for the day when the sky shall “Allah is the Truth, and that it is He when they will be dragged into the Fire on bring forth a dark pall of smoke plainly vis- Who brings the dead to life, and that He their faces, and told: Taste ye the touch of ible, enveloping the people. It will be a has the power over all things; and because Hell” (54:45-47, 49.) grievous torment…We shall remove the the Hour will certainly come, there is no chastisement a little, but they will surely doubt about it, and because Allah will raise The symbol of the Arabs who opposed return to evil” (44:11-12, 16). up those who are in the graves” (22:7-8). the Holy Prophet was the moon, and their power was doomed as the Holy Quran “He keeps asking: ‘When will be the Different Names prophesied: “And the Hour has drawn nigh, Day of Resurrection?’ On the Day, the eye and the moon is rent asunder” (54:2). will be dazzled, and the moon shall be In the Holy Quran, various names are eclipsed, and the sun and the moon would used to allude to the day when the domain The term ‘the Hour’ is also used in the be brought together. On that day man will of the human race shall be completely wiped Holy Quran to indicate the termination of a say, ‘Where to escape?’ Nay! There is no out from the surface of the earth, and a new Prophet’s dispensation. For example, Jesus refuge! With your Lord alone shall be the dimension of life shall commence in the has been called “the Hour” in the sense he place of rest on that day. On that day man Hereafter. In the very beginning of the Holy was the last Prophet in the Mosaic dispen- will be informed of that which he has com- Quran, in Sura Al-Fateha, four major at- sation. “But verily he (Jesus) was a sign of mitted and of that which he had neglected. tributes of God are mentioned, and one of the Hour” (43:62). No prophet appeared In truth, man is aware of his own mind/self, them is that He is Malik-e-Yaum ad Din — among the Jews after him, and the Muslim even though he puts forward his excuses” the Master of the Day of Judgment (1:4). dispensation replaced the Mosaic dispen- (75:7-16.) Other commonly used terms in the Holy sation. Quran related to the inevitable event in the “When the stars are made to disappear, and when the heavens is rent asunder, and future are the Day of Resurrection (Yaum Signs of the Coming of the al Qayamah), the Hour of Doom (Al-Sa’ah), when the mountains are carried away as the Last Day (Yaum al Akhir), and the Day Hour dust, and when the messengers are made of Judgment (Yaum ad Din). The Holy Quran There are several events mentioned in to reach their appointed time” (77: 9-12). gives such importance to the belief in the the Holy Quran as signs of the Hour. They Hour that some of the Suras are wholly de- are to appear prior to the final destruction “When the earth is shaken with her vio- voted to the description of the events that of the present life on the earth. For example, lent shaking, and the earth heaves out her shall take place on that day. One Sura is in Sura Al-Zilzal (The Earthquake), the shak- burdens, and man says, ‘What is the mat- named Al-Qayamah – the Resurrection, ing of Earth is described as follows: ter with her?’ That day will she tell her another is entitled Al-Ghashiya — the Over- news, for your Lord has so directed. On whelming Calamity, and still another is “When the earth is shaken with a vio- that day people will come in diverse groups called Al-Qari’ah — the Striking Calamity. lent earthquake; when the earth ejects out that they may be shown the consequences Dealing with the same subject matter, one her weary loads; when man says in aston- of their action. Then whoso will have done Sura is named Al-Haqqa (the Inevitable), ishment: What is wrong with her? On that the smallest particle of good will see it, and and at other places the Holy Quran calls it day she will disclose her concealed re- whoso will have done the smallest particle Yaum al-Fasl — the Day of Decision and sources; for your Lord will inspire her to do of ill will also see it (99:2-9). Yaum al Hisab —the Day of Reckoning. The so. On that day, men will come forth in sepa- Hour in the sense of ‘end’ or ‘termination’ rate groups to see the consequences of their The rising of super-powers of Ya’juj and has been used in the Holy Quran to indi- deeds. Then he who will have done so much Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) is another sign of cate also the death of individuals as well as as an atom of good shall see it; and he who the approaching End Time: Ya’juj is inter- a crushing defeat of an enemy. For example, will have done so much as an atom of evil preted to be the Christian nations of the ‘The Hour’ used in the sense of a ‘sudden shall see it” (99:2-9). West, and Ma’juj, the atheist nations of death’ is: “They are indeed the losers who Russia and China: “Even when Gog and deny the meeting with Allah, so much so, Again, in Sura Al-Naba: “The day when Magog are let loose, and they shall hasten

WINTER 2007 13 forth from every height; and the true prom- “Do they, then, feel secure from the The Creator and the ise draws near, then behold, the eyes of coming on them of an overwhelming pun- Destroyer is the One those who disbelieve will fixedly stare and ishment from Allah or the sudden coming they will say: Alas for us! We were indeed of the Hour upon them while they are un- “Say: It is Allah Who gives you life, and heedless of this; nay, we were wrongdo- aware?” (12:108). then causes you to die; then He will gather ers!” (21:97-98). you together unto the day of Resurrection (Yaum al-Qayamah) about which there is Another sign is coming out of the A Calamitous Time no doubt. But many people know it not “beast” (da’abbah) from Earth. The Holy The Holy Quran gives a vivid pic- “(45:27.) Quran tells: “When the sentence is ture of the purging as a devastation of uni- passed against them, We will bring forth versal proportions: “The great Calamity! Again, the Holy Quran declares: “It is from the earth a beast/germ unto them [the What is great Calamity? And what should Allah Who created you in a state of weak- unjust] which shall wound them because make you know what the great Calamity is? ness, and after weakness gave strength, mankind had no faith in Our Signs” The day when mankind will be like scattered caused weakness and old age. He creates (27:83). The Arabic word da’abbah con- moth, and the mountains will be like carded what He pleases. He is All-Knowing, the notes an earthly insect/worm/germ and it wool. Then as for whose scales are heavy, All-Powerful. And on the day when the is interpreted either as an appearance of he will have a pleasant life. But as for him Hour shall arrive, the guilty will swear that devastating plagues in the Latter Days, whose scales are light, Hell will be his nurs- they tarried not save an hour – thus were or as the spread of a materialistic craze ing mother. And what should make you they turned away from the right path. But among Western nations ‘whose labor is know what that is? It is a burning those who are given knowledge and faith all lost in pursuit of the life of this world’ Fire”(101:2-12). will say, ‘You have indeed tarried accord- (18:105). ing to the Book of Allah, till the Day of “And indeed We have destroyed people Resurrection (Yaum al-B’as). And this is Some other Signs are narrated in Sura before you who were like unto you. But is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not Al-Takwir: “When the sun is wrapped up, there anyone who would receive admon- care to know.’ So on that Day, their excuses and when the stars are obscured, and ish?”(54:47-52) will not avail the wrongdoers; nor will they when the mountains are made to move, and be allowed to make amends” (30:55-58.) when the she-camels, ten-month pregnant, “On the day when this earth shall be are abandoned, and when the beasts are changed into another earth, and the heav- “Allah originates creation; then He re- gathered together, and when the seas are ens too; and they will all appear before peats it; then to Him shall you be brought made to flow forth one into the other, and Allah, the One, and the Most Supreme” back. And on the day when the Hour will when people are brought together, and (14:49). arrive, the guilty shall be in despair. …And when the girl-child buried alive is ques- on the day when the Hour will arrive – on tioned about, ‘For what crime was she “Verily, that which you are promised that day they will become separated from killed?’ When the books are widely spread must come to pass. So when the stars are one another. Then those who believed, and abroad, and when the heaven is laid bare, made to lose their light, and when the did good works, will be honored, and made and when the Fire is caused to blaze up, heaven is rent asunder, and when the moun- happy in a Garden. But as for those who dis- and when the garden is brought nigh, then tains are blown away” (77:8-11). believed, and rejected Hereafter, these will every soul will know what it has brought be brought forth in punishment” (30:12-17). forward” (81:2-15). “When the heaven is cleft asunder, and when the stars are scattered, and when the The Guilty Shall be Chastised The Hour Will Be Sudden rivers are made to flow forth, and when the graves are laid open, each soul shall then “On the day of Judgment they shall be No one knows the exact time of the know what it has sent forth and what it has driven to a most severe chastisement” End other than God, but whenever it ar- held back” (82:2-6). (2:86). rives, there will be an element of sud- denness and surprise: “And to Allah be- “Do not such (deceiving people) know “Allah will not speak to them on the Day longs the unseen of the heavens and the that they will be raised again unto a terrible of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. earth; and the matter of the Hour is but day, the day when mankind will stand be- And for them is a grievous punishment” as the twinkling of an eye. Nay, it is fore the Lord of the worlds?” (83:5-7). (2:175). nearer still. Surely, Allah has power over all things.” (16:78). “When the heaven bursts asunder, “Allah will neither speak to them, nor and gives ear to her Lord – and this is look upon them” (3:78). “To Him alone is referred the knowledge incumbent upon her – and when the earth of the Hour” (41:48). “Men ask you concern- is spread out, and casts out all that is in “Those who are miserly in respect of ing the Hour. Say: The knowledge of the Hour her, and becomes empty; and gives her what Allah had granted them, their miserli- is with Allah alone. And what will make you ear to her Lord – and this is incumbent ness shall be put as a collar round their know that the Hour is near?” (33:64). upon her” (84:2-6). necks on the Day of Resurrection” (3:181).

14 MuslimSunrise “As for those who persist in unbelief, effort, and We write it down for him” “All beings are destined to taste death; even if they can offer all that is on the earth, (21:95). and on the Day of Judgment you shall be and as much more, to redeem them-selves paid your wages in full” (3:185). from the punishment of the Day of Resur- “And everything they have done is rection, it will not be accepted from them. recorded in the books (zubur). And ev- “On the day when Allah will raise them There awaits them a woeful punishment. ery matter, small and great, is written (those who opposed Allah and His Mes- They will desire to come out of Hell, but they down. Verily, the righteous would be in senger) all together, He will inform them of will not be able to come out. There awaits the midst of Gardens and streams; in the what they did. Allah has kept account of it, them a lasting chastisement (5:37-38). seat of Truth with the Omnipotent King.” while they forgot it. And Allah is Witness (54:53-56). over all things” (58:7). With regards to the Pharaoh who de- nied the Signs of God and persecuted the “Or do they think that We hear not their “Your Lord will judge all their differ- Children of Israel, the Holy Quran declares: secrets and their private counsels? Aye, ences on the Day of Judgment.”(16:125, “He will lead his people on the Day of Judg- Our messengers (that is, the angels) with 45:18). ment and land them into Hell. Evil is the them write down” (43:81). “This is Our place which he will lead them to quench their record that speaks against you with truth. “Whoever acts dishonestly shall bring thirst. There trails them a curse in this world. Surely We wrote what you did” (45:30). with him on the Day of Resurrection that It shall trail them on the Day of Judgment. about which he has been dishonest. Then, Evil is the gift they shall be given” (11:99- “And the book will be placed before every soul shall be fully paid what it has 100). them, then you see the guilty fearful of earned, and shall not be wronged” (3:162). that what which is therein; and they will “We shall gather them on the Day of say: ‘O woe to us! What kind of a book is The God-fearing Shall be resurrection, dragging them on their faces, this! It leaves neither a small thing nor a Rewarded blind, dumb, and deaf. Hell shall be their great one, but numbers them all’ (18:50). resort. As often as its flames die out, We “The life of this world is made to ap- shall make it burn the more fiercely for them. “Nay the record of the wicked is in pear attractive to those who disbelieve; Such shall be their reward; for they rejected Sijjin (a register of a prison). And what and they scoff at those who believe. But Our Signs/revelations, and said: ‘Shall we should make you know what Sijjin is? It is those who fear God shall be above them be raised to a new life when we are reduced a Book written comprehensively” (83:8). on the day of Resurrection; and Allah be- to bones and dust?’”(17:98-99). stows His gifts on whomsoever He pleases “You, O man, are verily laboring without reckoning” (2:213). “But he that neglects My warning shall towards your Lord, a hard laboring; then lead a miserable life; and what is more, We you are going to meet Him. Then as for “Say, ‘Who has made unlawful Allah’s shall raise him blind on the Day of Resur- him who is given his book of record in his beautiful things of adornments and el- rection” (20:125). right hand, he will soon have an easy reck- egance which He has produced for His ser- oning, and he will return to his household, vants and the delicious and pure things of rejoicing. But as for him who will have his (His) providing?’ Say, ‘They are primarily Record Books of Good and book of record given to him behind his meant for the believers in this life, but ex- Evil Deeds back, he will soon call for destruction, and clusively for them on the day of Judgment.’ God has created man with a soul – an he will burn in a blazing Fire” (84:7-13). In this way We explain the Message for a inner self — and all his actions leave per- people who possess knowledge” (7:33). The writing down of good and evil manent impressions upon it to the minut- deeds should not be understood as if pa- “And on the Day of Resurrection, you est detail. Those impressions are ‘saved’, By Maham Khan pers, pen and ink are being used. It is the will see those who lied against Allah with and on the Day of Judgment, they shall preservation of a record of all our actions their faces darkened. Is there not in Hell become manifest. A person shall be able in an unknown domain of God, different an abode for the proud? And Allah will to see and read, so to say, his own book of from the material things. deliver the righteous and lead them to a records of good or bad deeds: place of security and success; evil shall not touch them, nor shall they grieve” “We make every man’s deeds cling to Full Justice Accorded his neck; and on the Day of Judgment We (39:61- 62). shall confront him with a book in which he “And the judging (wazn) on that day will find all his deeds laid bare. It will be will be just” (7:9). “We shall set up just bal- Our Final Prayer said to him: Read your book! Today your ance (mawazin -- measures/scale) on the own conscience will suffice to reckon with Day of Judgment, so that no wrong will be “Our Lord, give us what You have prom- you” (17:14-15). done to anyone; and should there be a deed ised to us through Your Messengers; and as little as the grain of a mustard seed, We disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrec- “So whosoever does good deeds, and will bring it to account; and We need none tion. Surely, You break not Your promise” he is a believer, there is no rejection of his to share the judgment with Us” (21:48). (3:195). Amen! l

WINTER 2007 15 By Saadia Ahmed The coming of a promised reformer in the latter days had been foretold by many previous his is a topic that is prophets like Krishnaas, Jesusas, and Baba Guru overwhelming in its Nanakra, and, of course, the Holy Prophet of Islam. Tscope, as numerous prophecies and signs mentioned Hadhrat Mirza in the holy books of different Ghulam Ahmadasof faiths were fulfilled by the advent of the Promised Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. The coming of a promised reformer Qadian in the latter days had been foretold by many previous prophets like Krishnaas, Jesusas, and Baba Guru Nanakas, and, of course, the Holy Prophet of Islam. Prophet Jesusas had referred to the coming of the Messiah in the latter days as his Second Coming on a number of occasions, as recorded in the New Testament. One only has to look at a sampling of the signs A Promised Messiah and prophecies mentioned in the Prophecies and signs mentioned in the Holy Bible regarding the second holy books of different faiths were ful- advent of Jesusas, and how they filled by the advent of the Promised were fulfilled in the person of the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. The coming of a promised Qadian, to realize that they are a reformer in the latter days had been testament to his veracity. foretold by many previous prophets.

16 MuslimSunrise The majority of the predictions that dis- naked, to meet the Lord. Reverend Coming in 1860; the Sepoy Mutiny in India, 1857; Russia cuss Christ’sas return in the 19th century are his book, The End, written in 1879, concluded against Turkey, 1870; China against Korea, found in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. These signs that all the signs of those days were prepar- 1894; the Boxer Rebellion in China, 1900; Great and prophecies can be divided into five main ing for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Britain against the Boer Republic 1899; and categories: Second Coming of Christ. He wrote, Christ is America against Spain in 1898. at our door. Harriet Livingston a famous Another prediction regarding that time 1. The time of his return, specifically in Washingtonian, preached the Second Com- according to Matthew 24:14 is: years. ing before the House of Representatives in 2. The social environment that mankind this time period.’1 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be would find itself experiencing at that time. In the same time frame in the year 1882, on preached in all the world for a witness unto all 3. Specific events and heavenly signs. the other side of the globe in a remote village nations and then shall the end come.” 4. How the Messiah and his followers are to be of India a humble man of God received the treated. following revelation regarding his appoint- ‘The study of the spread of Christianity 5. The general location of the second coming. ment as the Divine Reformer through the fol- conducted by the millennium scholars of the lowing words: 19th century establishes that this was the time when the message of the kingdom had been The Time of Second Coming “Proclaim; I have been commissioned and conveyed to the entire world. According to I am the first of the believers.” (Braheen-e- the British and American Bible Societies, 421 The Biblical prophecies regarding the re- Ahmadiyya, vol. 3) million copies of the Bible had been distrib- appearance of Christ in the 19th century are so uted in 50 languages in practically every coun- clear and so numerous that hundreds of Chris- In the year 1889 the Promised Messiah re- try of the world. In 1842, Mr. Spicer stated in tian scholars in the 19th century expected the ceived the revelation that: “The Messiah, son Our Day In The Light Of Prophecy, that the immediate appearance of Christ, and many of Mary, prophet of Allah, had died and in his gospel had been spread to 955 of the inhabit- went so far as to precisely predict when he attribute thou hast come in accordance with ants of the earth.’1 was to return. Their interpretation of these the promise. And the promise of Allah was prophecies led them to await the second ad- bound to be fulfilled.” [Tazkirah, revelations Heavenly Signs vent of Jesus between the years 1826- 1870. of the Promised Messiah] For instance, Bengle fixed the date of The next category deals with heavenly Christ’s return at 1836, and from this predic- Hence God had fulfilled the promise that signs, or special astronomical activities. In the tion, others followed in rapid succession. The he had made to mankind through his proph- New Testament, Matthew 24:29 Jesusas, nar- Irvingites in England and Scotland announced ets, and that era, instead of being a great dis- rating the Signs of his Second Coming, says: 1835, 1838, 1864 aand 1866. Mother Lee and appointment, was an era of Glad Tidings, as her Shakers abolished matrimony, as they also hundreds of people were able to embrace the “Immediately after the tribulations of those believed Christ’s return was at hand. truth at the hand of the Promised Reformer of days, shall the sun be darkened and the moon Cunningham predicted 1839, Elliot 1866, the age. shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall Brewer and Decker both predicted 1867 and from the heavens and the power of the heav- Seis favoured 1870. William Miller, who pre- Social Environment ens shall be shaken.” dicted 1844 as the year, had up to 500,000 fol- lowers, many of whom were so convinced of Now let us turn to the second category of The 19th century was marked by an in- Christ’s return on October 22, 1844 that they signs in the Bible that relate to the social envi- creased sighting of comets and meteor show- refused to plant crops, gave away their money, ronment pertaining to the second advent of ers. To the people witnessing these events, it discharged their employees, settled their ac- Jesus. In Matthew 24:6 it is said: would surely have looked as if the stars were counts and made preparations for the climatic falling from heaven. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam midnight cry, found in Matthew 25:6: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of Ahmadas was born in Qadian, India in the year wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all these 1835 and departed from this world in 1908. “And at midnight there was a cry made, things must come to pass, but the end is not Heavenly signs mark both the years of his Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to yet.” birth and death. Haley’s comet made its most meet him.” dramatic appearance of the modern times in The Bible also refers to these times as times 1835, and a great meteor impact occurred in They dressed in shrouds, and stood on of great trouble and tribulations. The 19th cen- Siberia in 1908. Also, the sun and the moon mountaintops in New York State awaiting tury was a century when many wars were were darkened in 1894 and 1895 and the great Christ’s descent. That day has gone down in fought and many significant geographical prophecy of Lunar and Solar eclipses was ful- history as the Great Disappointment. changes and tribulations occurred. To name a filled. It is also of note that Hazrat Mirza A Famous Jewish convert to Christianity, few there was the war between Britain, Prussia, Ghulam Ahmadas was the only claimant to Joseph Wolfe predicted 1847. Claus Epp, a Austria, and Russia against France in 1815; who lived to claim on the basis leader of the Mennonite Brethren in Russia the war of 1818 between America and Britain; of Divine revelation, that the prophecy has predicted March 8, 1889. The Dukhabors set the Crimean War 1853; he Civil War in America been fulfilled in his person. He also declared forth from the Canadian village in 1902, some 1861; the war between Britain and China in on oath that he is the Promised Messiah and

WINTER 2007 17 “A Warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not, but God will accept him and establish his truth by mighty assaults.” Mahdi and these heavenly signs were a mani- Refutation of the Conclusions But with my coming the secret purposes of festation of the truth of his claim. Drawn by Some Christians an affronted God which were hidden so far, became manifest. Says God: ‘We never pun- ish unless we send a Messenger.’ Those Treatment of the Followers Some Christian scholars who were anx- who repent shall find security and those iously awaiting the second advent of Jesus who fear before calamity overtakes them Let us now turn to the fourth category of in the 19th century concluded from the ap- shall be shown mercy.” millennium prophecies, those that describe pearance of these signs, and fulfillment of how the Messiah and his follower were to these prophecies, that since Jesus did not Today we are a witness to the fulfillment be treated. Matthew’s Chapter 24 says: physically descend with the heavenly light of this prophecy. The world is being turned he must have been invisible. These proph- upside down with earthquakes, hurricanes, “Then shall they deliver you up to be ecies point to the presence of Jesus rather fires and storms as has never been seen afflicted and shall kill you and ye shall be than his actual physical descent from heav- before with such force and frequency. The hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And ens. Since the 1920’s, the Watchtower or times of Noah are reappearing in front of then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man Jehovah’s Witnesses have taught that our eyes as the Bible says in Matthew 24:37- in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the Christ was given the kingdom of the world 39 earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of in 1914. They go door to door warning and Man coming in the clouds of heaven with informing people that Christ’s presence is “But as the days of Noah were, so shall power and great glory.” among us and that the present calamities also the coming of the Son of man be. For and moral deterioration in the world are due as in the days that were before the flood Over the course of the last 118 years, the to the world not having recognized this they were eating and drinking, marrying and persecution of Ahmadies because of their presence. giving in marriage, until the day that Noah faith is widely recorded and documented. How similar is this to the revelation re- entered into the ark, and knew not until the They have been murdered in cold blood, their ceived by the Promised Messiahas and re- flood came, and took them all away; so shall mosques demolished, their properties looted corded in his book Divine Manifestations also the coming of the Son of man be.” only because they believed that the Mes- that: siah had come. But despite all efforts to ban- And as the Promised Messiahas says in ish this community from the world, the ban- “A Warner came unto the world, but the his book Divine Manifestations: ishers have themselves been eroded while world accepted him not, but God will ac- the community continues to thrive, hence cept him and establish his truth by mighty “The times of Noah shall reappear be- fulfilling this Biblical prophecy. assaults.” fore your eyes, and your own eyes will be witnesses to the calamity that overtook the Location The difference is that Jehovah’s Wit- cities of Lot.” [Haqitul Wahy] nesses believe that they are a witness to The fifth category of prophecies indi- the second presence of Jesus while we have The implication in this quotation is that cating the general location of the Second been blessed to have recognized the actual salvation in these troubled times lies in rec- Coming is found in Matthew 24:27: Second Coming of Jesus in the person of ognizing and following the reformer of this Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. age. It makes us realize how truly fortunate “For as lightning cometh out of the east, and blessed we are to have been able to and shineth even unto the west, so shall The Promised Messiahas explains this acknowledge and accept this great bounty also the coming of the Son of Man be.” revelation in the following words: of God. There are still many out there who are anxiously awaiting, and desperately Christian scholars interpreted this verse “The days are near, in fact. I can see searching for, the reformer promised by God literally, expecting Christ’s return to be ac- them close at hand, when the world shall for today’s times. And unfortunately there companied by a huge flash of lightning that witness a terrible sight: not only earth- are many who are now questioning the very would travel across the globe. However, the quakes but also many fearsome calamities existence of a god who can be indifferent verse indicates that since Jesusas was in shall overtake man, some from the skies and to the present state of religion. Hence, rec- Jerusalem when he made this prophecy, the some from the earth. This will happen be- ognition of the Messiah has now become a Second Coming would appear east of Jerusa- cause people have stopped worshipping matter of the survival of religion itself. l ‹ lem, and the light or teachings of the Prom- their true God and have become lost in the ised One would first be accepted in the east affairs of the world with all their heart and Bibliography 1. http://www.alislam.org/ror/June_2006.pdf ”The Messiah has Come” and would eventually extend to the west. their effort and intent.” 2. http://www.biblestudents.org/presence/signs.htm The advent of the Promised Messiah in Qa- 3. http://alislam.org/library/books/DivineManifestations.pdf dian, India, is a fulfillment of this prophecy, “If I had not come, these afflictions as Qadian is directly east of Jerusalem. would perhaps have been delayed a little.

18 MuslimSunrise Marriage: Tradition of the Holy Prophetsa

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

“A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, ‘Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven.’ Then one of them said, ‘I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever.’ The other said, ‘I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast.’ The third said, ‘I will keep away from women and will not marry forever.’ Allah's Apostle came to them and said, ‘Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).’”

Narrated 'Abdullah:

“We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle said, ‘O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.’”

(Ahadith, Sahih Bukhari)

Keep The Company of the Righteous

The Holy Prophet hended from evil all that he can expect is Muhammadsa friends and vicious that a spark may alight always preferred to keep companions by saying: upon his clothes and set company with the virtu- ‘A man who keeps com- them on fire or that the ous and if he observed pany with virtuous gas emitted by the char- any weakness people is like a person coal may upset his in any of his who carries about musk brain’.” Companionsra he admon- with him. If he partakes ished him gently and in of it he derives benefit He used to say that a private. from it, if he sells it he man’s character takes on makes a profit out of it the color of the company Abu Musa Ash‘arira re- and if he merely keeps he keeps and that there- lates: “The Holy it he enjoys its perfume. fore one should be care- Prophetsa illustrated the ful to spend one’s time in benefit to be derived A man who keeps com- the company of the good. from good friends and pany with evil persons virtuous companions and is like one who blows (Bukhari and Muslim) the injury to be appre- into a charcoal furnace;

WINTER 2007 19 The Coming of the Second Messiah: A Mystery According to World Religions

By Arif Humayun

ost religions agree in an ultimate and central powerful authority When religious teachings fail to satisfy M(generally referred to as Bhagwan, Jehovah, Yahweh, God, Allah, etc.), the Cre- the evolving spiritual and intellectual ator and Sustainer of the universe. For sim- inquisitiveness, scholars and clergy plicity, that ultimate central authority will be referred to as God in this discussion. Reli- present new concepts to explain gions concur that human beings were prima- rily created for serving humanity as manifes- hitherto unexplained phenomena. tations of God’s attributes and to illustrate and practice Divine traits in their lives. Religions provide the roadmap and religious practices the training towards achieving that objective. If people fail to fulfill their responsibilities, they do not in any manner defeat the purpose of God’s creation but simply dislodge themselves from that position of honor. Each religion traces its origins to a founder who, in some faiths is considered part of Divinity (e.g., Chris- tians) while a human and the bearer of God’s message in others (e.g., Jews and Muslims). In any event, the Divine origin of the message is not disputed. Most of these teachings have been communicated to succeeding generations through oral traditions and translations; these are subsequently explained and amplified by later prophets, who, within each dispensation, proclaim Divine authority. Additional transla- tions and explanations by scholars and clergy tend to add to the original content which con- tinue to serve as a guide towards attaining Godly traits. Thus the religious orders con- tinue to propagate; prophets become a cen- tral figure in each religion, and the adherents look up to them for continued guidance. At intellectual and spiritual needs of its adher- Thus, each religion has been divided into sub- some distant point after its revelation, that ents. Leaders, however, struggle to retain groups or sects which are essentially based teaching becomes stagnant and unable to ex- control (power) over their followers as their on different interpretations or concepts pre- plain scientific and historic phenomenon ei- financial contributions provide sustenance. It sented by their respective intellectuals. ther due to its inherent limitations or subse- becomes a necessity for their very survival! Fortunately, each major religion also be- quent interpolations. Political considerations come into play and lieves in the second coming of their founder When religious teachings fail to satisfy the entire concept of religion for developing or his designated nominee to reinvigorate its the evolving spiritual and intellectual inquisi- Godly traits takes a back seat. Misinterpreta- true message before the end of time. Adher- tiveness, scholars and clergy present new tion and/or misrepresentations creep in and ents of several religions claim that their concepts to explain hitherto unexplained phe- people lose sight of the primary objective of founders have ascended to heavens and await nomena. The initial simplistic explanations their creation. They thus revert to their de- their second coming. For example, the Hin- begin to unravel and the leaders stress reli- fault mode and seek after worldly distractions. dus await the reincarnation of Krishna, Bud- ance on ‘belief’ over reason and rationality. Sadly, the original scriptures of most religions dhists await Buddha, Zoroastrians their sav- Myths develop and religion devolves to have not been preserved and there is no way ior, Jews await the Jewish Messiah, and Chris- dogma and is no longer able to satisfy the to reestablish or recreate the original message. tians await the second coming of Jesus. Sikhs

20 MuslimSunrise await the return of Baba Nanak while Mus- tive scriptures will reveal evolutionary trends Testament, Elijahas went up to Heaven in a lims, like Christians, also await the second leading to a broadening and unifying message. chariot of fire and his return to earth would coming of the Messiah – Jesus, Son of Mary This is akin to gradually upgrading the spiri- herald the coming of the Jewish Messiah. – and the Mehdi (reformer). Adherents of each tual teaching and training to guide human When Jesusas claimed to be that Messiah, the religion believe that the second coming of their beings to transform from basic instinctive be- Jews rejected his claim citing that Elijahas had founder or their designated representative will havior to the ultimate saintly stage where the not yet returned. Jesusas clarified that mis- lead them to victory over other faiths, con- individual’s only concern is the welfare of oth- conception by identifying John the Baptist as firming their superiority and truthfulness. Vic- ers – a Divine attribute. If that assumption is the second (spiritual) advent of Elijahas. Thus, tory would mean ‘non believers’ embracing accepted, then the second coming of all lead- Jesusas had established that the second com- their faith to earn a place in Heaven; failure to ers should coincide into one personality who ing would be a spiritual and not a physical do so will cause them to perish and burn in would usher in an era of peace. His message phenomenon. This interpretation is critically hell. In short, most religions claim an abso- will prevail not by the use of force but by com- important and consistent with the laws of na- lute monopoly over truth, proclaiming exclu- passion, logic and reasoning – a situation re- ture. The physical second advent of Elijahas sivity over Heaven for their followers, and sembling Heaven on earth! A detailed analy- and the advent of the Jewish Messiah have predicting a violent and destructive end for sis of this evolutionary trend among Semitic not yet occurred for the Jews. Those who ‘non believers’ – a position that is totally un- scriptures is presented elsewhere.1 accepted Jesus’as message overcame that in- tenable. A similar analysis can be extended to in- tellectual hurdle. Similarly, the Old and New A critical overview of the situation pre- clude non-Semitic scriptures. For example, Testament foretells the advent of a New, Uni- sents a very dangerous and confusing pic- Pundit Vaid Prakash of Ilahabad University versal Law which would last until the end of ture. Assuming the “end of the world” event asserts that the Final Reformer awaited by the time.4 will occur at a common time for all people, it Hindus (Kalki Avatar) is none other than The Qur’an happens to be that New Law would be reasonable to assume that the sec- Prophet Muhammadsa (Appendix 1). Similarly, which fulfills the prophecies of all earlier scrip- ond coming of all religious founders (or their some scholars believe that Hindus are Prophet tures. Revealed through Prophet designated nominees) should also coincide. Noah’sas followers or are the Sabians that are Muhammadsa , the Qur’an addresses all man- Adherents of each religion will acknowledge referred to in the Qur’an.2, 3 These references kind and delivers an unequivocal message of the second coming of their founder and will cite similarities between the Qur’an and peace, universal brotherhood, absolute jus- strive hard to establish their righteousness; Vedas2, actually comparing several Qur’anic tice, and equality. It makes the individual re- in their newfound zeal, no stone would be left and Vedic verses to show virtual unanimity sponsible for their actions and, leaving judg- unturned to prove their point. A scenario of between the two. For example, according to ments about spiritual matters to God, rejects religious wars with utter chaos and destruc- these sources, the Hindu temple and the Mus- the notion that truth and salvation can be tion is easily conceivable. In their enthusi- lim mosque are built on the same East-West monopolized by any group. The Qur’an enun- asm and frenzy, no group will consider mak- axis. Like Muslims who make seven rounds ciates broad principles of human behavior and ing any compromises with other groups as between Safah and Marwah during Hajj, the in some cases, allows people to deliberate that would be tantamount to ceding or com- Hindus also go around the fire seven times upon the details, consistent with the needs of promising their truthfulness. Either way, the during their religious ceremonies. Similarly their time and place. Claiming to be devoid of situation would be unprecedented to say the the dress code for the Muslim Hajj and the all internal and external inconsistencies, the least resulting in several simultaneous Arma- Hindu Teerat Yatra is virtually identical. Sev- Qur’an is capable of explaining scientific dis- geddons of Biblical proportions. In short, eral other similarities are also documented by coveries and providing insights of what is to accepting each religion’s claim at face value is these sources. The only reason for interject- come. Unlike earlier scriptures, the Qur’anic fraught with destruction and goes against the ing this comparison is to demonstrate the com- text has been preserved in its original form, in very essence of religions and the creation of monality of purpose and practice between the the language it was revealed and it has no human beings. earliest and the latest religions. generally accepted textual variants. Thus, the It is inconceivable that the same God would Rejecting the assumption of multiple Gods original text can be consulted for independent send contradictory religions to the world. God, as untenable and further developing the sec- research in case of any dispute. who created humanity to exhibit the manifes- ond assumption that one God sent the same The Qur’an has the unique distinction of tations of His attributes, cannot even be ac- message to different people at different times, acknowledging the truthfulness of all past re- cused of such gross injustice. This situation actually makes more sense. In that case, a ligions. It affirms that innumerable (greater can be resolved by two simple assumptions – final universal message to upgrade and blend than 124,000) prophets have been sent to all either there is a multitude of Gods guiding their earlier messages into one will be consistent people at different times with the same uni- followers in different, conflicting directions or with the unity of purpose that all religions pro- versal message of God’s unity. The scope of there is only one God who sent down His fess. Accepting this assumption, the concept earlier messages was limited and of regional message incrementally to match the evolving of the second coming makes more sense and character to prepare people for the ultimate, human intellect and humans have miscon- is consistent with the object of creation. Let comprehensive teachings when they were in- strued His message by not recognizing the us now consider the concept of the second tellectually capable of appreciating it. Islam’s subsequent updates. Most religions can eas- coming in this light. concept of “the People of the Book,” which ily reject the former assumption as outrageous The Old and New Testaments explain the traditionally is taken to mean Jews and Chris- but will also find accepting the latter difficult. concept of the second coming and that may tians, can be viewed in a broader context. The However, an exhaustive review of their respec- apply to founders of all religions. Per the Old Qur’an declares Adamas to be the first prophet

WINTER 2007 21 The Muslims’ current spiritual and moral condition is a good barometer to comprehend the meaning of Prophet Mohammad’ssa prophecy. Muslims today are absolutely confused and have lost the essence of Qur’anic teachings. and the first Muslim because he submitted to progeny is Osama Bin Ladin’s Al-Qaida and that is prophets (the other being God, Angels, the will of God. Of the more than 124,000 their affiliates. These organizations have re- Revealed Books, Day of Judgment). The prophets sent to all people throughout the defined Islamic precepts to suit their selfish Muslims’ dilemma can be explained by the world, only about 50 can be identified through objectives and some even proclaim terrorism concept of a subordinate prophet, like Jesus, the Bible and the Qur’an; the identities of oth- and killing innocent people as a noble reli- whose only role will be to reinterpret the ers are not known. These prophets and their gious obligation. They issue religious decrees Qur’an like Jesus did to the Law of Moses. followers were obviously Muslims, per the (fatwas) at will and enforce them by force, if Thus the title “Seal of the Prophets” for Qur’an, and their message was ultimately up- necessary. Interestingly, each of the several Prophet Mohammadsa can be interpreted to graded to Islam. It can thus be hypothesized dozen groups (or sects) among Muslims do mean “authentication of all earlier prophets” as that followers of all prophets, between Adam not agree on their interpretation of the Qur’an because the Law he brought is comprehen- sa and Mohammad , can be accommodated in and those differences are so significant that sive and encompasses all previous Laws. The the expanded concept of “the People of the each group has declared all others non-Mus- Qur’an asserts this position and is not con- Book.” This serves to reconfirm the unity of lim. Their main objective is to claim dominance trary to the coming of the Messiah as a subor- purpose and universal brotherhood among all over Islam by all possible means. In other dinate prophet. human beings. words, the same Qur’anic text in Arabic has at The other question regarding Jesus’ cru- As already stated, Muslims also await the least several dozen significantly different in- cifixion, ascension and second coming in the second coming of the Messiah and Mehdi (re- terpretations, which needless to say, are based latter days is discussed elsewhere.7 Suffice it former). The Promised Messiah has been iden- on the intellectual limitations of the translator to say, that Jesusas did not die on the cross as tified as Jesus , son of Mary. The advent of and the stage of understanding amongst his but was taken down alive after 3-4 hours. As 5 the Messiah had been foretold in the Qur’an contemporaries. The Muslims are bitterly di- part of the great Divine plan, he had to fulfill 6 and his role has been clarified in the Ahadith vided and in utter spiritual chaos, frantically his mission by preaching to the twelve tribes sa (the Prophet Mohammad’s traditions) awaiting the Messiah to guide them out of of Israel (ten of which had been exiled “East whereby he declares that the essence of Islam this morass. They must resolve their intellec- of the Euphrates” as prisoners by the will be lost amongst the Muslims in the latter tual differences to fully understand their faith. Babylonians before Jesus’ birth and are known days and the Messiah’s role will be to restore It is easy to comprehend that there can only as “the lost tribes”). After surviving the cross, the Qur’an’s original meaning, consistent with be one correct interpretation of the Qur’an and Jesusas traveled east through Afghanistan to contemporary developments. it will be the Messiah’s role to provide it. This Kashmir in India where those “lost tribes” had The Muslims’ current spiritual and moral is exactly what Jesus did for the Jews – he settled. He preached to them and died a natu- condition is a good barometer to comprehend reinterpreted and restored the Mosaic Law, ral death and is buried near Srinagar in Kash- sa the meaning of Prophet Mohammad’s proph- the original essence of which had been lost mir (India). Accepting that would further rein- ecy. Muslims today are absolutely confused and reduced to myth and dogma. The role of force the concept of the spiritual second com- and have lost the essence of Qur’anic teach- Messiahs in all faiths has to be the same. ing. Per the New Testament,8 Jesusas proph- ings. They have adopted conflicting and con- Thus, the importance of the reference to esied that “all tribes of the world will mourn” tradictory positions about fundamental con- Jesus, son of Mary, as the Muslim Messiah is on his second coming. This prophecy is sig- cepts like Jihad, women’s education, freedom to show the similarity of purpose. Over the nificant as it does not exclude any group or of speech and choice, blasphemy, etc., and centuries, Muslims have come to accept that tribe from mourning, even those that existed even the Messiah’s second coming. While no other prophet can come after Prophet before his second coming, even those that many scholars are convinced about his spiri- Mohammadsa because they believe he was the had accepted him as the Jewish Messiah when tual second coming, some deny that concept “Seal (meaning absolute end) of Prophets.” he made the initial claim. One logical interpre- altogether while another segment is fully con- This is contrary to Qur’anic teachings and the tation of this prophecy can be that each tribe vinced about his physical descent from Prophet’s traditions. Paradoxically, they also or group will realize their folly after Jesus’as Heaven in full glory. Some diehard scholars accept that the awaited Messiah and Mehdi second coming that they will mourn their mis- have even identified a location in Syria for would be appointed and guided by God for understanding of his message. Jesusas will this ‘magnificent’ descent. Myths have crept reforming them in the latter days. By accept- assemble a new following from among the into the Muslim faith and the teachings have ing belief in a God appointed Messiah and believers and that new tribe will spread his become mere dogma. The true Messiah may Mehdi, they default into accepting the message. be the Muslims’ last hope for spiritual and person(s) as prophet(s) because a God- ap- Thus, the mystery about each religion’s moral redemption. pointed person, charged with conveying guid- Messiah descending from the heavens to de- The resultant chaos has given rise to self ance to people, has to be a prophet (not nec- feat the opposing Messiah and proclaim vic- proclaimed guardians of faith like Egypt’s essarily true – consider mujaddids & ulema). tory and lead their followers to salvation is Muslim Brotherhood, Pakistan’s Jama’at-e- Of the five fundamental articles of belief men- simply a myth. Earlier religions, the scope of Islami and several similar organizations whose tioned in the Qur’an, only one is human and which were regional and meant for specific

22 MuslimSunrise people, have been updated and superseded research work. Important religious books of India mention the guide heavens. The riding on ‘Buraq’ and ‘Meraj’ by the Prophet Muhammed by Islam – a message which not only authen- and prophet by the specific name of “Kalki Autar” it denotes the great (saw) proves what? man Muhammed (saw) who was born in Makkah. […] As an argument 8. It is also written in the Hindus’ books that ‘Kalki Autar’ ticates them, but upholds their prophets’ righ- to prove the authenticity of his research, Pundit Vaid Parkash quotes will be strengthened and heavily helped by Bhagwan. And we know teousness. Hence, it is logical to conclude from the Veda, a sacred book among Hindus: this fact that Muhammed (saw) was aided and reinforced by Allah that only one comprehensive Messiah is re- (saw) through His angels in the battle of Badr. quired to reform the world in the latter days 1. Veda mentions that ‘Kalki Autar’ will be the last Messen- 9. Hindus’ books also mention that ‘Kalki Autar’ will be an ger/Prophet of Bhagwan (Allah) to guide the whole world. After quot- expert in horse riding, arrow shooting, and swordsmanship. What Pundit through logic and reasoning, rather than my- ing this reference the Pundit Parkash says that this comes true only in Vaid Parkash comments in this regard is very important and worth thology and dogma. This is the only way to the case of Muhammed (saw). attention and consideration. He writes that the age of horses, swords, satisfy the goal of religion for promoting 2. According to a prophecy of Hinduism, ‘Kalki Autar’ will and spears is long ago gone and now is the age of modern weapons like brotherhood among humans, to coexist in be born in an island and that is the Arab territory which is known as tanks, missiles, and guns, and therefore it will be unwise to wait for ‘jazeeratul Arab’. ‘Kalki Autar’ bearing sword and arrows or spears. In reality, the men- peace, and exhibiting manifestation of God’s 3. In the ‘sacred’ book of Hindus the father’s name of ‘Kalki tion in our books of ‘Kalki Autar’ is clearly indicative of Muhammed attributes. That is the only way of achieving Autar’ is mentioned as ‘Vishnu Bhagat’ and his mother’s name as (saw) who was given the heavenly book known as Al-Qur’an. ‘somanib’. In Sanskrit, ‘Vishnu’ stands for Allah (saw) and the literal the ultimate objective for the creation of hu- (Endnotes) man beings. l ‹ meaning of ‘bhagat’ is slave. ‘Vishnu Bhagat’ therefore, in the Arabic 1 Humayun, Arif. Islam: The Summit of Religious Evolution, language will mean Allah’s slave (Abdullah). ‘Somanib’ in Sanskrit London: Islam International Publications means peace and tranquility which in Arabic is denoted by the word Appendix 1 ‘Amina’. Whereas the last Messenger Mohammed’s (saw) father and 2 Usmani, Shams Naveed and S. Abdullah Tariq. “Agar ab bhi na jagay tho.” Delhi: Sartaj Company Excerpts from English Translation of a Hindi article by Pundit mother’s names were Abdullah and Amina respectively. Vaid Parkash of Illahabad University, India; translated by Mir Abdul 4. In the big books of Hindus, it is mentioned that ‘Kalki 3 Dubois, Abbe J. A. Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Majid and published in October 1997 in Message magazine. Autar’ will live on olive and dates and he will be true to his words and Delhi: Book Faith India. honest. In this regard Pundit Parkash writes, “This is true and estab- The Last Kalki Autar (Messenger) that the Veda has foretold and lished only in the case of Muhammed (saw)”. 4 Humayun, Arif. Islam: The Summit of Religious Evolution, London: Islam International Publications, p 145 who is waited on by Hindus is the Prophet Muhammadsa ibn Abdullah 5. Veda mentions that ‘Kalki Autar’ will be born in the re- spected and noble dynasty of his land. And this is also true as regards 5 Khan, Muhammad Zafrullah. Deliverance From The Cross, p 73- […] The author of this important research work “Kalki Autar” Muhammed (saw) as he was born in the respected tribe of Quraish 75 (Citing Qur’an 62:4-5) i.e. “guide and Prophet of whole universe” comes of a Bengali race who enjoyed great respect and high place in Makkah. and holds an important portfolio at Illahabad University. Pundit Vaid 6. ‘Kalki Autar’ will be taught in the cave by Bhagwan 6 Humayun, Arif. Islam: The Summit of Religious Evolution, London: Islam International Publications, p 154-156 Parkash is a Brahman Hindu and a well known Sanskrit scholar and through his own messenger. And it is very true in this matter. research worker. Pundit Vaid Parkash, after a great deal of toil and Muhammed (saw) was the only one person in Makkah who has taught 7 Humayun, Arif. Islam: The Summit of Religious Evolution, hard-work, presented the work to as many as eight great Pundits who by Allah’s Messenger Gabriel in the cave of Hira. London: Islam International Publications, p 102-116 are themselves very well known in the field of research in India, and 7. It is written in the books which Hindus believe that are amongst the learned religious leaders. Their Pundits, after thor- Bhagwan will provide ‘Kalki Autar’ with the fastest of a horse and with 8 The Holy Bible, Matt 24:30 ough study of the book, have acknowledged this to be true and authentic the help of which he will ride around the world and the seven skies/

To Marry or Not to Marry, According to the Bible “The Lord came unto the prophet Jeremiah and expressly forbade him to marry and have children” (Jer. 16:1-2).

“He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife” (1 Cor. 7:32, 33).

“He who marries does the right thing but he who does not marry does better” (1 Cor.7:38);

“It is better not to marry” (Matt. 19:10). “The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage; But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, nei- ther marry, nor are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35).

WINTER 2007 23 ATHEISMNietzshe & Dawkins “When By Zia H. Shah, MD you

“Surely, Prayer restrains one stare from indecency and manifest into the evil; and the remembrance of abyss Allah is the greatest virtue. And the Allah knows what you do.” Holy Qurán 29:46 abyss stares “By the Time, Surely, man is ever in a state of loss, Except back at those who believe and do you.” righteous deeds, and exhort — Friedrich Nietzsche one another to preach Truth, and exhort one another to be

steadfast.” Dawkins claims that God is not needed to man. It is quoted in its entirety in the book 4 Holy Qurán 103:2-4 have morality. The verses quoted in the start The Meaning of Life, edited by ED Klemke. of the article would suggest otherwise. How- “The madman in the early morning hours burst ever, as some of the readership may be non- into the marketplace, lantern in hand, crying, ‘I “Freud has unfortunately overlooked Muslim it would be worthwhile to argue from seek God! I seek God!’ Since many of those the fact that man has never yet been secular philosophies also. Dawkins’ tall claims standing about did not believe in God, he pro- able single handed to hold his own reminded me of Nietzsche. Comparing the ideas voked much laughter. ‘Did God get lost?’ they against the powers of darkness — that of the two will clarify the issue and help refute taunted him. ‘Or is he hiding? Or maybe he has is, of the unconscious. Man has the claims in chapters six and seven of gone on a voyage or emigrated!’ Thus they always stood in need of the spiritual Dawkins’ book, pertaining to morality. yelled and laughed. Then, writes Nietzsche, help which each individual’s own the madman turned in their midst and pierced religion held out to him.”1 —Carl Jung Nietzshe them with his eyes. Introduction “When you stare into the abyss the abyss “Whither is God?’ he cried, ‘I shall tell stares back at you.”3 —Friedrich Nietzsche you. We have killed Him, you and I. All of us Professor Richard Dawkins in his 2006 are his murderers. But how have we done this? book, the Delusion of God, makes a case for Friedrich Nietzsche was a German classical How were we able to drink up the sea? Who his belief in atheism and launches sweeping scholar, philosopher, and critic of culture, who gave us the sponge to wipe away the entire criticisms against all monotheistic religions. became one of the most influential modern horizon? Dawkins describes that one of the goals of the thinkers. His attempts to unmask the motives What did we do when we unchained this book is to raise the atheist pride. He writes, that underlie traditional Western religion, mo- earth from its sun? Whither is it moving now? “Being an atheist is nothing to be apologetic rality, and philosophy deeply affected genera- Away from all suns? Are we not plunging con- about. On the contrary, it is something to be tions of theologians and philosophers. He died tinually? Backward, sideward, forward, in all proud of, standing tall to face the far horizon, in 1900 AD. He fully realized that all human directions? Is there any up or down left? Are for atheism nearly always indicates a healthy societies owed their moral teachings to reli- we not straying as through an infinite noth- independence of mind and, indeed, a healthy gions and their concepts of God. His main ing? Do we not feel the breath of empty space? mind.”2 We shall examine, how much focus, of course, was Christianity, and how it Has it not become colder? Is not night and (unclear…how much of what?) that can be was impacted by the progress of science. more night coming on all the while? Must not supported with facts. Let us review Nietzsche’s story of the mad- lanterns be lit in the morning? Do we not hear

24 MuslimSunrise anything yet of the noise of the gravediggers Hashr: “And be not like those who forgot Al- who acquired HIV that year. Current projec- who are burying God? […] God is dead […] lah, so He caused them to forget their own tions indicate that an additional 45 million And we have killed him. How shall we, the souls. It is they that are the transgressors.” people will become infected by 2010. What murderers of all murderers, comfort our- (59:20) leads to such large scale self condemnation?9 selves?”5 For centuries religion significantly influ- Sexual Addiction “The crowd stared at the madman in si- enced human behavior. That gradually eroded lence and astonishment. At last he dashed his in the last century in line with Nietzshe’s pre- The following table examines the preva- lantern to the ground. ‘I have come too early,’ dictions! In July of 2007, myspace.com an- lence of HIV in different African countries and he said. ‘This tremendous event is still on its nounced that the online site has found more their religious affiliations. The countries are way - it has not yet reached the ears of man.’ than 29,000 registered sex offenders among its arranged in decreasing order of HIV preva- Men did not yet truly comprehend the conse- 180 million members. This may only be the tip lence. The HIV data is gathered from US Doc- quences of what they had done in killing God. of the iceberg. In the last three decades 65 tors for Africa website, USDFA.org.10 But Nietzsche predicted that someday people million people have condemned themselves to would realize the implications of their atheism; capital punishment through HIV. HIV/AIDS It is amply clear from the chart that HIV and this realization would usher in an age of represents the single greatest humanitarian prevalence decreases as Muslim propor- nihilism - the destruction of all meaning and crisis in modern history. Since the beginning tions of the population increase. The value in life. The end of Christianity, wrote of the epidemic nearly 20 million people have seven countries with the least prevalence Nietzsche, means the advent of nihilism. This died from the disease. By the end of 2003 over and the maximum prevalence are in bold most gruesome of guests is standing already 40 million people were living with HIV/AIDS fonts for convenience of comparison. at the door.”6 around the world, including 5 million people There is a strong correlation between the

In the words of William Lane Craig, Re- Countries HIV prevalence Muslims Christians Others search Professor of Philosophy at Talbot Botswana 38.80% 0.20% 70.00% 29.80% School of Theology, La Mirada, California, Swaziland 33.40% 0.00% 50.00% 50.00% “Most people still do not reflect on the con- Zimbabwe 33.70% 1.00% 75.00% 24.00% sequences of atheism and so, like the crowd Lesotho 31.00% 0.00% 78.00% 22.00% Namibia 22.50% 0.00% 80.00% 20.00% in the marketplace, go unknowingly on their Zambia 21.50% 1.40% 85.00% 13.60% way. But when we realize, as did Nietzsche, South Africa 20.00% 1.50% 79.50% 19.00% what atheism implies, then his question Kenya 15.00% 10.00% 80.00% 10.00% presses hard upon us: how shall we, the mur- Mozambique 13.00% 18.00% 41.00% 41.00% derers of all murderers, comfort ourselves?”7 Central African Republic 13.00% 16.00% 70.00% 14.00% Cameroon 11.90% 25.00% 69.00% 6.00% Côte d’Ivoire 9.70% 38.00% 32.00% 30.00% Friedrich Nietzsche, after analyzing the Liberia 9.00% 20.00% 40.00% 40.00% secular philosophy of Europe declared in his Gabon 9.00% 7.00% 78.00% 15.00% dramatic style, “God is dead.” This was a pro- Rwanda 9.00% 11.00% 81.00% 8.00% found statement that helped him and others Burundi 8.00% 3.00% 90.00% 7.00% think through the consequences of the triumph Tanzania 8.00% 35.00% 30.00% 35.00% Republic of Congo 7.20% 1.00% 91.00% 8.00% of the Enlightenment’s secularism. What was Sierra Leone 7.00% 60.00% 10.00% 30.00% not immediately obvious, however, was that if Ethiopia 6.00% 50.00% 0.00% 50.00% God be dead then so is humanity. Without Burkina Faso 6.00% 50.00% 18.00% 32.00% God humanity has no morality or any human- Togo 6.00% 24.00% 51.00% 25.00% istic values left. Men did not, in Nietzsche’s Angola 5.50% 0.00% 94.00% 6.00% Nigeria 5.80% 50.00% 40.00% 10.00% time, appreciate fully the consequences of Uganda 5.00% 16.00% 66.00% 18.00% what they had done in killing God. But Democratic Rep of Congo 4.90% 10.00% 70.00% 20.00% Nietzsche was smart enough to predict that Niger 4.00% 98.00% 0.00% 2.00% some day people will wake up to fully realize Chad 3.60% 55.00% 28.00% 17.00% the implications of their atheism. “Our whole Benin 3.60% 20.00% 30.00% 50.00% Ghana 3.00% 16.00% 63.00% 21.00% European culture is moving for some time now,” Eriteria 2.80% 48.00% 47.00% 5.00% wrote Nietzsche with his saber-like pen, “with Sudan 2.60% 70.00% 5.00% 25.00% a tortured tension that is growing from decade Mali 1.70% 87.00% 2.00% 11.00% to decade, as toward a catastrophe: restlessly, Muritania 1.80% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% violently, headlong, like a river that wants to Guinea 1.54% 85.00% 0.00% 15.00% Somalia 1.00% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% reach the end, that no longer reflects, that is Senegal 1.00% 94.00% 5.00% 1.00% 8 afraid to reflect.” Egypt <1.00% 90.00% 10.00% 0.00% Libya 0.20% 97.00% 3.00% 0.00% This was as if Nietzsche was waking up Morocco 0.10% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% from a nightmare with full realization of the Algeria 0.10% 97.00% 0.00% 3.00% natural results of lack of belief in God as de- Tunisia 0.10% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% scribed in the following Qur’anic verse in Sura Sources: http://www.globalintegrity.org/reports/2006, http://www.24-7prayer.com/ow/index.php

WINTER 2007 25 influence of Islam on people’s moral be- havior and HIV prevalence. It is suffi- ciently clear from this data that Islamic teachings of sexual morality have had a very positive impact on African society.

This epidemic has caused immense hu- man suffering. The manifestations are slightly different from country to country. For example, Zambia does not have the highest overall prevalence but has the highest level of AIDS orphans in the world (over 650,000). Families are overstretched and too poor to look after all of them - 90,000 are left to live on the streets.

Psychiatric research now suggests that sexual promiscuity is a form of addiction like other forms of addiction including al- coholism. In other articles we will estab- lish the best solution to addictions is be- lief in a supernatural being or God. Secu- lar treatments are limited.

Let no one take refuge in an assump- tion that the consequences of immorality are for Africa only. Our country, United States of America is not immune from it. Professor Richard Dawkins in his 2006 book, the Delusion of God, makes a case for his belief in The manifestations are different but the atheism and launches sweeping criticisms against all monotheistic religions. consequences are similar. It is easy for anyone to do a quick search on the preva- lence of different sexually transmitted dis- In a world without God, there can be no objective eases and prevalence of domestic abuse right and wrong, only our culturally and personally and sexual abuse of the children. relative, subjective judgments. It would be No Absolute Standards impossible to condemn war, oppression, or crime for Morals without God as evil.

In the words of William Lane Craig, “If law-giving God. But to say that something ply the universe itself, then they must there is no God, then there can be no objec- is wrong […] even though no God exists be our own inventions. Thus it came to tive standards of right and wrong. All we to forbid it, is not understandable. […] The be believed that moral rules must be are confronted with is, in Jean-Paul Sartre’s concept of moral obligation is unintelligible merely an expression of our own likes words, the bare, valueless fact of existence. apart from the idea of God. The words re- and dislikes. But likes and dislikes are Moral values are either just expressions of main but their meaning is gone.” notoriously variable. What pleases one personal taste or the by-products of socio- man, people, or culture displeases an- biological evolution and conditioning. In the In a world without God, there can be other. Therefore morals are wholly rela- no objective right and wrong, only our cul- words of one humanist philosopher, ‘The tive. “This obvious conclusion from the moral principles that govern our behavior turally and personally relative, subjective idea of a purposeless world made its ap- are rooted in habit and custom, feeling and judgments. It would be impossible to con- pearance in Europe immediately after the fashion.’ In a world without God, who is to demn war, oppression, or crime as evil. One rise of science, for instance in the phi- say which values are right and which are could not praise brotherhood, equality, losophy of Hobbes. Hobbes saw at once wrong? Who is to judge that the values of and love as good. Good and evil could not that if there is no purpose in the world Adolf Hitler are inferior to those of a saint?” exist in a universe without God - only the bare valueless fact of existence, and there there are no values either. ‘Good and , The concept of morality loses all mean- is no one to say you are right and I am evil,’ he writes, ‘are names that signify ing in a universe without God. As one con- wrong. our appetites and aversions; which in dif- temporary atheist ethicist points out, “To ferent tempers, customs, and doctrines of say that something is wrong because […] If our moral rules do not proceed from men are different. […] Every man calleth it is forbidden by God, is […] perfectly un- something outside us in the nature of the that which pleaseth him, good; and that derstandable to anyone who believes in a universe, whether we say it is God or sim- which displeaseth him, evil.’”11

26 MuslimSunrise In the words of Walter T. Stace, who taught theory of knowledge and metaphys- ics at Princeton University, “This doctrine Do we really need policing whether by God of the relativity of morals, though it has or by each other - in order to stop us from recently received an impetus from the stud- behaving in a selfish and criminal manner? ies of anthropologists, was thus really im- plicit in the whole scientific mentality. It is disastrous for morals because it destroys sniper killed a provincial police officer, ri- cept of absolute standards. An atheist’s their entire traditional foundation. That is oters broke into several hotels and restau- mind is on a relative scale, with no certain why philosophers who see the danger sig- rants, and a doctor slew a burglar in his yard stick of what is right or wrong. nals, from the time at least of Kant, have suburban home. By the end of the day, six been trying to give to morals a new foun- banks had been robbed, a hundred shops Many of those who grew up in the dation, that is, a secular or non-religious had been looted, twelve fires had been set, West, seem to have a tendency to limit their foundation. This attempt may very well be 40 carloads of storefront glass had been choices between Christianity and atheism. intellectually successful. Such a founda- broken, and three million dollars in prop- Christianity is not satisfying to a devel- tion, independent of the religious view of erty damage had been inflicted, before city oped mind which cannot put its reason or the world, might well be found. But the authorities had to call in the army and, of science in a separate box. This limitation question is whether it can ever be a practi- course, the Mounties to restore order. This of Christianity puts them in a catch 22 or cal success, that is, whether apart from its decisive empirical test left my politics in double bind situation. The only way out 13 logical validity and its influence with in- tatters. . .” is the religion of Prophet Muhammadsaw. tellectuals, it can ever replace among the Islam in its pure form as presented by the masses of men the lost religious founda- Wasn’t the Montreal strike a pretty Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam should be tion. On that question hangs perhaps the good experiment to test the hypothesis considered as a distinct solution to our future of civilization. But meanwhile disas- that belief in God makes us good? Just contemporary problems. In the words of ter is overtaking us.”12 like the fear of police is a deterrent, so is Sir George Bernard Shaw, who was awarded the fear of All Knowing God for those who the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, “I Yet More Refutations of truly believe. have always held the religion of Muham- Dawkins mad in high estimation because of its won- Conclusion derful vitality. It is the only religion which Do we really need policing whether by appears to me to possess that assimilat- God or by each other - in order to stop us Is belief in God or Allah a pre-requisite ing capacity to the changing phase of ex- from behaving in a selfish and criminal for maintaining high moral standards in a istence which can make itself appeal to manner? The answer is apparently clear society? Should we believe Nietzsche or every age. I have studied him - the won- to those who had seen the events of Dawkins? Nietzsche says that atheism derful man and in my opinion far from be- Katrina and lawlessness in New Orleans slowly degenerates humanity and Dawkins ing an anti-Christ, he must be called the unfold on the television screen in 2005. thinks that atheism is uplifting. The testi- Savior of Humanity.”14 At another occa- Others may recall earlier events like the monies of the Holy Qur’an, logic, common sion he said, “I have prophesied about the faith black out in New York City when electric- sense and data certainly support of Muhammad, that it would be acceptable to ity was cut off. For a less commonly Nietzsche. Nietzsche wins and Dawkins the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to known example, listen to Steven Pinker’s loses! But the real loser is the humanity, be acceptable to the Europe of today.”15 disillusioning experience of a police strike unless they pay heed to the Quranic teach- in Montreal, which he describes in The ing of Sura Al Asar mentioned in the be- Blank Slate: ginning of the article. (Endnotes) 1 Dr. Carl Jung. Modern Man in Search of a Soul. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Book, 1933. Page 240. “As a young teenager in proudly Regardless of the origin of the human 2 Richard Dawkins. The delusion of God. Houghtom Mifflin Company, 2006. Page 3. peaceable Canada during the romantic conscience, one can yield to the atheists 3 http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Friedrich_Nietzsche/ 4 ED Klemke, the editor. The Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, 1960s, I was a true believer in Bakunin’s that human conscience is common between 2000. Page 46. anarchism. I laughed off my parents’ argu- the religious and them. It does indeed pro- 5 Friedrich Nietzsche. The gay science, in the Portable Nietzsche, ed. and trans. W Kaufmann. New York: Viking 1954. Page 95. ment that if the government ever laid down vide some degree of inertia for them from 6 ED Klemke, the editor. The Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, 2000. Page 46. its arms all hell would break loose. Our gradually going downhill on a moral scale. 7 ED Klemke, the editor. The Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, 2000. Page 46. competing predictions were put to the test What is, however, not shared by them is 8 Friedrich Nietzsche, “The Will to Power,” translated by Walter Kaufmann, at 8:00 A.M. on October 17, 1969, when the concept of a Living God who is All in Existentialism from Dostoyevsky to Satre, second edition. New York: New American Library, Meridian, 1975. Pages 130-131. the Montreal police went on strike. By Aware of human actions and holds them 9 http://www.usdfa.org/abouthiv.htm 10 http://www.usdfa.org/images/map.swf 11:20 A.M. the first bank was robbed. By accountable. This additional force is there 11 ED Klemke, the editor. The Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, noon most downtown stores had closed in the case of a true believer but completely 2000. Page 88. 12 ED Klemke, the editor. The Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, because of looting. Within a few more absent in the case of an atheist and par- 2000. Page 88. 13 Richard Dawkins. The delusion of God. Houghtom Mifflin Company, hours, taxi drivers burned down the ga- tially absent in believers with atheistic ten- 2006. Page 228. 14 Sir George Bernard Shaw in ‘The Genuine Islam,’ Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936. rage of a limousine service that competed dencies. The other important issue in 15 Sir George Bernard Shaw in ‘The Genuine Islam,’ Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936. with them for airport customers, a rooftop which an atheist may be lacking is the con-

WINTER 2007 27 The Friday Sermon

Delivered on August 24, 2007

Do, then, those who devise evil plans, feel secure that Allah will humiliate them in their own land, or that the punishment will not come upon them whence they do not know? Surah Al-Nahl 16:46

Khalifatul Masih V delivered his Friday Sermon from Bait ul Noor, Holland. There are very few people who appreciate that Khalifatul Masih V cited verse 46 of Surah all the blessings in this world are from God and Al Nahl (16:46) and gave a discourse on it is Him alone who has given man the capacity increasing materialism, non-belief, natural disasters and Divine to invent things to facilitate convenience and chastisement. safety. Rather than be grateful people are Khalifatul Masih V said increasing increasingly opting for self-gratification and materialism has taken mankind away from moral values, religion and God. There are religion and God are subject to open derision. very few people who appreciate that all the blessings in this world are from God and it is Him alone who has given man The fact is that they can see that and that Qur’an itself is based on the capacity to invent things to facilitate Islam is the only religion that presents a aggression and extremism. He said he is convenience and safety. Rather than be real concept of religion. It is shocking fed up with worship of God in Holland. grateful people are increasingly opting how some among them, the so-called Khalifatul Masih V said Geert for self-gratification and religion and God enlightened, upholders of freedom and Wilder’s objection that the Holy Prophet are subject to open derision. Atheism is ‘non-interfering’ people have exceeded (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) on the increase and books purporting it all limits in their disrespect of Islam. was inclined to extremism with age is are best-sellers. Many of these people are As most of you must already know, a simply a reflection of his extreme bias. helpless in the sense that their religion politician from here (Holland) called Geert Clearly he has not read the Qur’an and is has not given them the inner-peace that Wilders has gone to the extent of calling defacing history based on hearsay. can not be attained apart from the One, for the ban of the Holy Qur’an. He has Explaining, Khalifatul Masih V said, what Living God. There is also a section of maintained that the Holy Prophet (peace is the teaching in Surah Al Maidah people who are so prejudiced against and blessings of Allah be on him) (Chapter V); a Surah revealed after Hijrah, Islam that they daily churn out objections acquired an extremist personality with the and which all traditions indicate to have about Islam as well as the Holy Prophet passing of age, especially during his time been revealed in the last year of the life (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in Medina. He also maintains that Surah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings in avant-garde ways. They associate Taubah (9:5) incites to violence against of Allah be on him). Indeed the Surah extremely far-fetched things with the the Jews and Christians adding that the says “…And let not the enmity of a Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (peace Qur’an does not have any concept of people…incite you to transgress…” (5:3). and blessing of Allah be on him). separation between religion and politics Those who are blind cannot see the light. 28 MuslimSunrise values. Khalifatul Masih V said the having brought about a pure change in message of God should be taken to himself/herself, needs to take this “And when the forbidden people and the reasons of the chaos in message to the world. Khalifatul Masih months have passed, slay the world explained to them; it should V enumerated all the disasters occurring be explained to them that peace of mind around the world in this year so far. the idolaters wherever you is not in the bedazzlement of this world, These included floods and earthquakes find them and take them or in intoxicants, it is only to be found in Indonesia in February, a huge in turning to God. Those who exceed all earthquake in the Solomen Islands, captive, and beleaguer limits and in particular show aggression floods in Pakistan, hundreds of them, and lie in wait for to Islam should also be reached and told thousand effected in Baluchistan. Then not to provoke the sense of honour of there was flooding in Bangladesh (June) them at every place of am- God. Explain to them the natural as indeed there was in India (July). The bush. But if they repent and disasters occurring around the world are UK too had extensive flooding in July. a warning that no one is safe in the Then there was huge earthquake in observe Prayer and pay the world. Khalifatul Masih V said most of Japan. A natural disaster occurred in Zakaat, then leave their Holland is below sea-level any way. USA in August, there were floods in Following a massive flood in 1953 the China, heavy rainfalls and flooding in way free. Surely, Allah is government launched a vast N. Korea and the Peru earthquake, more Most Forgiving, Merciful.” construction designed against the threat flooding in Pakistan. In Australia natural of flood. It is known as Delta Works. disasters caused havoc with the Surah Taubah 9:5 Khalifatul Masih V said that he went motorways. There was horrendous to visit Delta Works where the engineer/ rainfall in Burkina Faso; a hurricane guide told him that they have protected caused havoc in Hawaii as well an As regards Surah Taubah , their country against floods to which earthquake. An unprecedented tropical Khalifatul Masih V said if it is seen Khalifatul Masih V responded that cyclone occurred in the Arabian Sea, abandoing the obvious bias and indeed they had but only made the best there was a tornado in Alabama USA and prejudice it will be clear that here attempt to protect against flooding and flooding in South Africa. permission to fight those hypocrites is that complete protection is only with All this, Khalifatul Masih V said is being given who would not desist and God. Khalifatul Masih V said he agreed indicative that Allah’s decree is on in who continued to create disorder. [The and all his subsequent talk referred to motion that that people should take note verse] refers to the fact that as the Delta Works as an ‘attempt’ and he thus and not exceed limits, just as Khalifatul Islamic rule was established and the affirmed the existence of God four or five Masih V said the Qur’anic verse he cited hypocrites continued to flame the fan times. Khalifatul Masih V said his at the beginning of the sermon refers to. of hostility, Muslims should fight them. remarks in the visitor’s book were that Lessons should be learnt from these Khalifatul Masih V said if the Delta Works is indeed a good human relatively smaller natural disasters by according to [Geert Wilders] there endeavor and a tremendous plan, people from the East and the West and should be a free reign in a situation however, it should always be borne in people of all religions. Khalifatul Masih such as described above then maybe mind that the real planning is God’s and V said indeed the Promised Messiah (on he ought to introduce legislation in his in order to be really protected whom be peace) had said that had his country of unbridled liberty. remembrance of God is required. advent not taken place the [natural] Khalifatul Masih V said time to time Khalifatul Masih V said the world is disasters could have been deferred, an upsurge against Islam emerges in deeply absorbed in materialism, both in otherwise he had indeed declared that Holland, however, it does not signify the East and the West, then there is the Europe, Asia or the Oceania, none were that the entire Dutch people. Indeed vulgarity. All this provokes the wrath of safe, that Allah was unhurried in His many prominent Dutch people God. Each Ahmadi should take the wrath and people should pay heed so responded against Mr. Wilders’ message of Islam to the world, to the that they are shown mercy. statement. Khalifatul Masih V Muslims as well, who reject the Promised Khalifatul Masih V said we need to enumerated a few statements from Messiah (on whom be peace) despite the take this message to everyone. May we political figures which denounced Mr. signs of his truthfulness. Khalifatul also be enabled to understand and Wilders and added that a foreign affairs Masih V said a review of the last 100 comprehend the True God and may the minister had said that Holland had no years shows that natural disasters world also be able to do so, in that His plans to ban the Holy Qur’an. occurring in this period were far greater mercy, rather than His wrath may be Khalifatul Masih V said it is the in number than natural disasters attained. z obligation of each Ahmadi to not only occurring in the previous 1,200 years. respond and refute the objections This year again, Khalifatul Masih V said raised by the opponents but also to there have been so many natural thank those who still uphold high moral disasters. This is a warning. An Ahmadi,

WINTER 2007 29 today, a concept also mentioned in the Qur’an verse 51:48: “And the heaven We built with Our Own powers and indeed We go on expanding it” Countless fields of science including pa- leontology and earth science focus on un- derstanding the past. Paleontologists ex- amine the fossil record and determine the age and structure of extinct species. In do- ing so, paleontologists have introduced the idea of Pangaea. Pangaea is a term that de- scribes the earth pre-historically as one huge landmass. Evidence of this probability lies in the fact that similar fossils of extinct ani- mals and plants have been found on the coasts of countries separated by today’s oceans. Consequently, with so many theo- ries about the beginning of time, scholars and intellectuals have naturally begun to ask the inevitable, “When will it end?” The earth, as man knows it, has existed approximately 4.5 billion years. Throughout this existence, it has suffered countless col- lisions with asteroids and meteors, which is evident in its terrain. One of the most appar- ent problems for the earth is being hit by an asteroid large enough to upset the natural forces that work in our small world. The as- teroid belt between the orbits of Mars and “Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a Jupiter is one of the reasons asteroids pose closed-up mass, then We clove them asunder? And We made a real threat to the earth. It is generally agreed by scientists that such an incident from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” played an important part in the extinction of Holy Qurán: 21:31 the dinosaurs. This type of collision has the immediate potential of wiping out entire con- tinents, and the resurgence of another ice Predicting Earth's Life Expectancy: age. An asteroid merely 15 kilometers wide or larger has a potential similar to this and Scientific theories about the end of the world possibly greater. If an asteroid of this size were to hit San Francisco, the effects would By Aasim Ahmad of the earth and the universe. They conclude reach New York in a matter of hours. The the entire universe formed from a very hot collision would completely obliterate San Recorded human history bears the scars spherical object, containing a combination of Francisco on impact and carve out a crater of men and women who struggled to under- primordial elements and the forces presently 181 kilometers wide. Though the probabil- stand the creation and destruction of the known to the world. It is generally accepted ity of such an event is not high, if it were to earth. They stretched the borders of their that the universe began to form following the occur, it would not be missed by any con- minds to make sense of the gaps between “Big Bang,” a term describing the explosion scious thing on the planet. The only way to what they saw and what they believed. Myth of everything within the previously mentioned avoid this catastrophe successfully is to al- making became the art of filling those gaps. sphere. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad RA felt God ter the path of the asteroid enough so that it Recent history has allowed scientists to fight encapsulated this theory 1,400 years ago in does not get pulled into the earth’s gravita- back with explanations of their own. Eager to verse 21:31 of the Qur’an which states, “Do tional field. leave their historical legacy, scientists have not the unbelievers see that the heavens and Other than asteroids and comets, the developed several theories to explain creation the earth were a closed-up mass, then We earth has a few other cosmic catastrophes and the inevitable end of times. These theo- clove them asunder? And We made from wa- to fear. One of the most powerful devasta- ries offer a fresh interpretation of the miracu- ter every living thing. Will they not then be- tions is a gamma ray burst. A gamma ray lous verses of the Qur’an. lieve?” burst is a surge of energy emitted from the Scientists have spent much time experi- Since the Big Bang the universe has poles of a collapsing Giant Star, which then menting and theorizing about the beginning been expanding and growing to what it is becomes a black hole. Such an event, con-

30 MuslimSunrise sidering the blast hit the earth, would chemi- cally alter the atmosphere by tearing apart oxygen and nitrogen molecules. The end result would destroy the ozone layer and give the sun free reign to pound all life with massive doses of ultraviolet radiation. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules would form nitrogen oxides. Eventually, if enough of these dark gasses are created, the sky will darken and block out sunlight. The earth would be crippled by the destruction of the ozone as well as the lack of sunlight. A gamma ray burst has far greater destruc- tive power than an asteroid because by the time a gamma ray is predicted to hit the earth it will be too late. Another cosmic event that can wipe out man’s existence originates with the very ob- ject that sustains it: the sun. Like every- thing else in the world, the sun is going to grow older and die. Eventually, the sun is going to burn up all of its readily available fuel (Hydrogen) and, consequently, collapse. Although the sun still has an estimated 5-6 billion years of life left, it will become too hot for life in a mere billion. A billion years from now the sun will become hot enough to burn up all the oceans and water sources on earth and mankind will die out soon after- wards, unless new technologies prevent such a catastrophe. The only method of survival is to leave the orbit of the sun; how- ever, nearly all forms of life including man go supernova it is more or less an explo- til 4 days after the fact. Whichever sci- will still die, but later rather than sooner. The sion. When a star has consumed all of entific explanation proves true, it sup- most apparent fate of the earth will most its energy, it reaches the end of its life. ports the grim reminder in the Qur’an, “All likely be destruction by the aging sun. The Unlike the situation with the sun, which that exists upon this earth is to perish, earth will ultimately fall apart and drift into only needs to become a red giant to oblit- except for the Countenance of thy Lord, space or be consumed by the sun. erate the ozone, a nearby star must be at the Possessor of Glory, the Possessor of A collision between galaxies is another the very end of its life to affect the earth. Honor.” (55:27-28) potentially dangerous event for all life on The explosion does not need to be close Although scientific theories of the earth. The Andromeda Galaxy and the enough to incinerate the planet. A earth’s end are in their infancy, they all Milky Way Galaxy are due for a collision nearby supernova need only send its agree on one thing – it will happen. This within 3-4 billion years. A galactic colli- harmful radiation to our atmosphere and is similar to the message the Qur’an con- sion is as amazing an event as it is vio- take out enough of the ozone. The sun veys regarding our own lives. The ques- lent. Two entire galaxies gradually pull would complete the destruction with ul- tion is not whether our lives will come to together while whipping each other traviolet radiation. The unfortunate fact an end, but rather how and when. What around. Eventually, it is very possible is that man is already weakening the we do from now until that point is com- for the earth to spiral out of orbit and drift ozone layer himself. pletely and entirely up to us. However, to the outer reaches of the Milky Way The cosmic events that will destroy as we live our lives, we cannot deny the along with the sun. Consequently, the the world are not bound to happen any awesome powers of the universe and our earth will likely become colder and the time soon. Hundreds of years of scien- insignificance before them; yet we often climate will shift dramatically. However, tific advancement are required to avoid overlook how much greater our insignifi- given the time period, life will already the destructive powers of the sun and cance in the Face of the One Who cre- have been wiped off the face of the earth asteroids. Even with our current technol- ated them. Our boasts of our scientific due to the inevitable effects from the sun. ogy, scientists cannot track everything in progress, as if to compete with the Lord Another cosmic event that has the po- space. For example, on March 8th 2002, for praise, only confirms and adds to our tential to destroy life on earth is a nearby an asteroid 50-100 meters wide passed insignificance in the grand scheme of His star undergoing supernova. When stars near the earth without any detection un- creation.‹

WINTER 2007 31 Dr. John Alexander Dowie, after founding the Christian Catholic Church in Zion, dreamed of a city where his congregation would be free from the evils of the world, a city where God would be the ruler. In the fall of 1899, Dowie visited the land north of Waukegan, Illinois be- DowieA false American prophet preparing tween Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and envisioned what the way for Christ's return to earth. he would come to name "Zion City". After successfully securing Proclaiming himself as options on approximately 6,600 acres of land, he unveiled his overseer of the city of Zion, it plan for Zion City on New Year’s eve 1900. was obvious that something was amiss. Soon after some It would be a city where his congregation could worship, ministers came to Dowie and work, and play free from the temptations of the world. There proclaimed that he was would be places of employment - he imported a lace mill from Elijah foretold to come in the England — schools, and recre- ational facilities, all controlled by bible. At first Dowie Dowie. The land would be leased to the people, with definite denounced them, but the restrictions, for 1,100 years. words kept ringing in his Dowie reasoned that Christ's return was to be within 100 ears and sadly he embraced years and then the millennium, after which there would be no it and called himself Elijah. need for leases. -- Five Fold Ministries

32 MuslimSunrise ohn Alexander Dowie was by birth a whether Dowie's god is true or our God. That of Mary is from me and I am from God. Blessed Scotsman. He was born in Edinburgh in way is that Mr. Dowie need not repeatedly is he who recognizes me and most unfortu- J1847 and studied for the Church in his announce his prophecy of the destruction of nate is he from whose eye I am hidden.” (Review early years.In 1872 he went to Australia as a all Muslims, but should keep me alone in his of Religions, Urdu, Vol. I, No.9, pp. 342-348). The excerpts in this article cleric and acquired a certain degree of reputa- mind and should pray that of the two of us, were taken from the book, Ahmadiyyat: The Renaissance of Islam by tion for healing. In 1888 he went over to the the one who is false may die before the other. Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. The book can be found at www.alislam.org. United States of America and started the pub- Dowie believes in Jesus as god and I consider lication of paper called Leaves of Healing. In him a humble creature and a prophet. Dowie’s death, a grand prophecy 1896 he founded the Christian Catholic sect. “The matter in issue is which of us two is In 1901 he started building a town in the State in the right? Mr. Dowie should publish this Thus the issue was squarely joined be- of Illinois which he called Zion City. He estab- prayer which should bear the testimony of at tween Ahmad and Dowie. From that moment lished many factories within the area of the least one thousand persons. When the issue Dowie entered upon a progressive decline of town and became in effect the uncrowned king of the paper that contains this announcement all his affairs. His health began to deteriorate, of Zion City. In the same year he claimed to be reaches me I too will pray accordingly and his followers began to have doubts and ques- Elijah III. shall append to my prayer the testimony of a tioned his claims, he began to encounter fi- Dowie was a bitter enemy of Islam and of thousand persons, if God so wills, I am sure nancial difficulties. In 1905 he suffered a se- the Holy Prophet, peace be on him. He gave that through the adoption of this course a way vere stroke of paralysis and was directed by repeated expression to his hostility towards shall be opened for Mr. Dowie and all the his physician to move to a warmer climate. He Islam in his speeches and writings which were Christians for the recognition of the truth. was taken to Mexico and later to Jamaica. The published in the Leaves of Healing. On one “I have not been the first to propose such affairs of Zion were handed over to a nominee occasion he delivered himself of the follow- a prayer. It is Mr. Dowie who, through his an- of his who soon turned against him. His wife ing despicable verbal caricature of Islam: nouncements, has put himself in that posi- and children deserted him and he was charged I think of the falsehood of Muhammad tion. Observing this, God, Who is jealous, has with diverse il1icit and immoral practices. On with great contempt. If I were to accept those urged me towards this confrontation. It should March 9, 1907 he died a miserable death, The falsehoods I would have to believe that in be remembered that I am not just an average prophecy of Ahmad was truly and completely this gathering and indeed in any part of God's citizen of this country. I am the Promised Mes- fulfilled.The exchange was covered by not earth there is no single woman who possesses siah, who is being awaited by Mr. Dowie. The only the Herald, but by a number of other an immortal soul. I would have to acknowl- only difference is that Mr. Dowie says that newspapers of the United States, such as: edge that you women are but wild animals the Promised Messiah will appear within * The Chicago Inter Ocean, June 28, 1903 which can be used for an hour or a day as twenty-five years, and I proclaim that he has * The Telegraph, July 5, 1903 playthings and that you have no eternal ex- appeared already and that I am that person. * The Literary Digest, June 20, 1903 istence, and that when those who are domi- Hundreds of Signs have appeared in my sup- * The New York Mail & Express, June 25, 1903 * The Herald Rochester, June 25, 1903 nated by bestial passions have satisfied their port in the earth and from heaven. My Com- * The Record Boston, June 27, 1903 lust with you, you would die the death of munity numbers approximately a hundred * The Advertiser Boston, June 25, 1903 * The Pilot Boston, June 27, 1903 dogs. This would be your end. This is the thousand and is rapidly increasing. * The Pathfinder Washington, June 27, 1903 religion of Muhammad (Leaves of Healing, “The method I propose is that Mr. Dowie * The Detroit English News, June 27, 1903 * The Democratic Chronicle Rochester, June 25, 1903 Vol. VII, No.5, 26 May 1900). should come into the field against me with the * The Burlington Free Press, June 27, 1903 permission of his false god. I am an old man of * The Albany Press, June 25, 1903 * The Baltimore American, June 28, 1903 On another occasion he said: more than sixty-six years of age. I suffer from * The Buffalo Times, June 25, 1903 diabetes, dysentery, migraine, and deficiency * The Groomshire Gazette, July 17, 1903 * The Houston Chronicle, July 3, 1903 I warn the Christian people of America of blood. I realize, however that my life de- * The Trichmond News, July 1, 1903 and Europe that Islam is not dead. Islam has pends not upon the condition of my health * The Argunaut San Francisco, Dec. 1, 1903 great strength;, though Islam and Muham- but upon the command of God. If the false See: The Sunday Herald--Boston, June 23, 1907, Magazine Section. madanism must be destroyed. The ruin of Is- god of Mr. Dowie possesses any power he The Danville Gazette of 7, June 1907 wrote: lam will not be compassed through the supine will certainly permit him to come forth against Latin church or the powerless Greek church. me. If instead of the destruction of all the 'Ahmad and his adherents may be par- (Leaves of Healing, 25 August 1900, p. 7) Muslims Mr. Dowie's purpose can be served doned for taking some credit for the accuracy Being provoked by his reviling of Islam by my death alone, he will have established a with which the prophecy was fulfilled a few and the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, and great sign, in consequence of which millions months ago.' of people will acknowledge the son of Mary his eagerness to destroy Islam and the Mus- The Truth-Seeker of 15 June 1907 wrote lims, The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim as god and will also believe in Dowie as his Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, of apostle. I affirm it truly that if the disgust that The Qadian man predicted that if Dowie ac- Qadian, India, confronted him with the fol- the Muslims of the world feel towards the god cepted the challenge, he would leave the world lowing challenge in September 1902: of the Christians were to be placed on one before his eyes with great sorrow and torment. “As regards the Muslims, we wish to side of the scale and the disgust that I feel If Dowie declined, the Mirza said, the end would point out respectfully to Mr. Dowie that there towards him were to be placed on the other only be deferred; death awaited him just the is no need for the fulfillment of his purpose to side of the scale my disgust would be found same and calamity would soon overtake Zion. subject millions of Muslims to destruction. to be heavier than the disgust of all the Mus- That was the grand prophecy: Zion would fall There is a very easy way of determining lims of the world. The truth is that Jesus son and Dowie would die before Ahmad.

WINTER 2007 33 The End is the Beginning, A Christian View of the End By Rev. Diana Facemyer

he word we use is Eschatology. It means the study of last T things; a study of what God intends as history comes to an end and the prom- ised “new reality” begins. That “new reality” envisioned by Christians is a world, an exist- ence beyond this one, com- monly referred to as Heaven. And the most glorious promise of Heaven to the Christian heart is that humanity will live fully in the presence of God who, at the end of history, will make His home among us. In that place of full restoration of God and God’s creation, harmony among God’s people and the natural order will be restored. War will And the most glorious be no more, fear will be no more, and all of creation will be promise of Heaven to the absent any form of evil. The vic- Christian heart is that tory of good over evil will have been won. At the end of history, humanity will live fully in we will meet God. Christian the presence of God who, Eschatology is not so much at the end of history, will about what will happen and when it will happen (although make His home among us. people have spent much en- ergy speculating on these things), Christian Eschatology is about whom we will meet.

34 MuslimSunrise The book of Revelation is sited as the text viduals as well as nations. “When the Son most explicit in its eschatological themes. Rev- of Man comes in his glory, and is seated elation itself borrows from the images and on his throne, then all the nations will be themes of the Hebrew text of Daniel—lan- gathered before him.” (Matthew 25: 31-32) guage that would have been more familiar to Long held Christian teachings affirm: first century Christians than to people today. that Christ will return to judge the living But the intent of both texts are clear. Both and the dead; that all people who are be- Daniel and Revelation were written to encour- lievers will one day share eternity with age people who were experiencing persecu- Christ and fellowship with those who have tion, oppression, and hardship to remain faith- believed, and that those who have re- ful to the God of their ancestors—to remain jected God and refused God’s grace will focused on God’s sustaining presence and the be cut off from eternal fellowship with God. promise of God (the good) who will one day Christian teaching has not presumed to defeat the power of evil. Those who remain describe the details of what Heaven or hell faithful, the writer of Revelation says, will one will be like, has not presumed to know day wear a crown of victory and be rewarded God’s timeline for the culmination of his- for their faithfulness by being brought into tory, and does not teach that any human the presence of God, Himself. being has the right to judge who will go From a Christian point of view, we are al- to Heaven and who will not. Like a cater- ready living the “end of times,” the “last pillar trying to imagine what being a but- days.” This has been true since the birth of terfly will be like, there is a lot we can not Jesus in Bethlehem. His coming signaled the imagine about how the world will end and beginning of the end. That truth teaches us what life in its renewed form will be like. that we should know well both the value and But we have these hopes: the mystery of each day so we can live it in 1. That Jesus said, “ I am the holy reverence and honor God with it. But as resurrection and the life. Those Jesus’ life on earth came closer and closer to who believe in me will not its end, the disciples were anxious to know perish, but have everlasting Jesus’ teachings about the “end times.” “Tell life.” (John 11:25-26) us, when will it be, and what will be the signs Who knows when the 2. That our Lord promised. “ In my of your coming, and of the end of the father’s house there are many age?”(Matthew 24:3) Jesus’ words were em- end will come? Jesus rooms. When I go, I go to phatic, yet many persist in missing them. Who prepare a place for you that knows when the end will come? Jesus an- answered, “But where I am, you may be also.” swered, “But about that day and hour, no one about that day and (John 14: 1-4) knows, neither the angels of Heaven, not the 3. That in Jesus’ second coming, Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24: 36) hour, no one knows, the Day of Judgment there will To know the time and exact circumstance is neither the angels of be a reckoning. People will be God’s business and God’s business alone. judged by what they did with A precious expression of Christian Hope Heaven, not the Son, the possibilities entrusted to is in the return of Jesus Christ. This Hope is them and by how they treated as old as the church itself. When the disciples but only the Father.” their fellow human beings. saw their Lord ascend into Heaven 40 days (Matthew 24: 36) 4. That human kind will endure after his resurrection, they were assured by much hardship and trial before two men in white robes, “This Jesus, who has Two great Creeds of the Church, the the culmination of history. In been taken up from you into Heaven, will come Apostles Creed and the Nicean Creed af- the mean time, we are to remain in the same way as you saw him go into firm this expectation of Jesus’ return and faithful to God and know that no Heaven.” (Acts 1:1) And so, it is that the in the “judgment” that will follow, where situation we face will be able to church has believed that Jesus Christ would we shall meet the one in whom we have separate us from God’s love and one day return and at that time receive all who believed. Jesus himself spoke of that Day care. And that, have believed and who have lived their lives of Judgment when he warned, “I tell you, 5. One day all obstacles that now by faith, both the living and the dead. This on the Day of Judgment, you will have to hinder us from experiencing the second coming of Jesus has been seen either give an account for every careless word full presence of God will be as the culmination of history and the begin- you utter.” (Matthew 2: 36) gone and we will dwell forever ning of the new creation or, as the announce- Jesus taught about the Day of Judg- in the embrace of God’s love ment of that culmination giving believers still ment in many of his parables. He spoke of and in fellowship with one more time to turn their lives faith-ward. it as a specific time of reckoning for indi- another. ‹

WINTER 2007 35 Poetry Corner

“Qualities of the Holy Prophet” By Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas Today the mean try to put out English rendering of an Arabic poem And extinguish the light of his guidance.

Sooner or later, O my Heart! Remember Ahmadsa;1 Allah will manifest his light. Source of guidance and annihilator of enemies O rain that pours day and night, He is pious, kind and benevolent; You have been safeguarded from An ocean of bounties and beneficence. destruction. You have nourished the trees of low landsAnd high lands with your bounties. He is bright like the full moon; Praiseworthy in all his qualities. We have found you to be the heaven of refuge; Hence after finding such a great His benevolence captures hearts; haven, We are no longer afraid of adverse His beauty quenches the thirst. circumstances, Nor are we scared of the horrors of any sword. The oppressors rejected him, So unjustly, and with such arrogance! We fear not the vicissitudes of time; Nor are we frightened by threats. No one can deny the truth When it becomes manifest. At the time of every crisis, We turn to our Lord. Go and find someone perfect like him; You will be humbled and bewildered. In many a contest, Between me and the opposing hordes, We have not seen anyone like him I emerged victorious, honored, Who so wakes up the sleeping ones. And a recipient of divine succor.

He is the light of God that has resuscitated Praise be to Allah! Praise be to Him! All branches of knowledge afresh. As we have recognized our guide.

He is elect, the chosen one; My friend! It is Allah indeed, The guide, and the source or grace. Who has favored us with this gift.

The rain of guidance is but a part He is the Night of Decree, Of the heavy rains of his generosity. Whose bounties are perennial.

The world forgot its light drizzle, 1 Ahmad was also the name of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him. When they saw the torrential rain from this leader.

36 MuslimSunrise help the poor and needy in any way he From the can – with money, with wisdom, influ- ence and friendship. *For every one hundred dollars Archives which a man possesses beyond his ac- “What Would the tual needs, he should contribute no less than two dollars and a half or one-forti- sa Prophet Muhammad eth of his income every year to help the poor. Picture to your mind what a Say to Chicago?” change it would bring to Chicago, if two 1930—Third Quarter and a half percent on every hundred dollars, out of the surplus money, would A short lecture delivered by Sufi M. R. be collected from the well-to-do Chica- Bengalee on March 31, 1930, at the goans and invested towards relieving poverty. Let me hold before you the People’s Church, Chicago, Ill., to a picture: The unemployment question huge gathering of 2,500 people. would not exist and most of the suffer- ings of the poor would be wiped out. 1. If Muhammad (Peace be upon him) were to come to Chicago, he would meet 6. Prohibition would emphatically be the people of this large city with his fa- Wrigley Building, Chicago 1930 endorsed by Muhammad (Peace be on mous and joyous greeting, Assalamo him). He would ask every Chicagoan to Alaikum – Peace be upon you. Thereby Muhammad (Peace be on him) make the prohibition law a success. Just he would make an implied request to the would ask each and every as oil and water cannot be mixed to- people of Chicago to lay the solid foun- gether, so also intoxicating drink and Is- dation of peace and brotherhood, fel- Chicagoan to help the poor lam cannot be joined together. lowship and friendship. Islam – which and needy... When Muhammad (Peace be on him) means Peace – Peace within and Peace came to Arabia 1,350 years ago, the Ara- without – Peace with God and Peace bian people were much more addicted with man – that would be the keynote and Mahdi, the founder of the Ah- to drink than are the people of Chicago of his message. madiyya Movement in Islam. now. Muhammad (Peace be on him) put his absolute veto on all intoxicants and 2. Muhammad (Peace be on him) 4. Muhammad (Peace be on him) never since then in a Muhammaden [Is- would ask all the people of Chicago to would ask the people of this great city lamic] country has drinking been preva- believe in and worship the one and the to be truly democratic. Democracy lies lent. only God. It is not merely the lip pro- not in theories and political institutions. In short Muhammad (Peace be on fession. It is to live the life in confor- Democracy lies in human conduct. De- him) would ask the people of this great mity with the unity of God. He would mocracy lies in putting the principles of metropolis to find happiness in the ser- ask Chicagoans to pray several times a democracy into the life and action of so- vice of God and in the selfless service day and strive to realize God as a helper ciety. of man. in all their affairs and undertakings, thus On the other hand, he would pay his establishing a permanent relationship Muhammad (Peace be on him) would strongest tribute to the tremendous with God resulting in the life of ever- say: “Treat the colored people in a truly progress, which Chicago has made. He lasting happiness and endless spiritual democratic spirit. Do not shut the doors would highly appreciate her spirit of tol- progress. of your churches, hotels, schools and erance, quest of knowledge and unpar- homes against them. Let them enjoy alleled achievements.‹ 3. Muhammad (Peace be on him) freely all the privileges, which you pos- would ask the people of Chicago to be- sess. If they are poor, help them; if they Footnote: lieve in the founders of all the religions. are backward, uplift them, but for *This refers to the institution of Zakat, which They were the common benefactors of Heaven’s sake, do not despise them. is a tax of 2.5% per annum on the total wealth of mankind. One cannot be a Muslim with- the capitalists for the benefit of the poor. It is about this Zakat (poor tax) that Joseph Hell writes out believing in Jesus, Moses, Krishna, Towards the foreigners too, Muham- in his book, “The Arab Civilization”: “Besides the Buddha and all other religious founders. mad (Peace be on him) would ask the common prayer, the conception of social equality He would ask Chicago people also to be Chicagoans to be truly democratic. God was an innovation peculiar to Islam. Help and main- ready to accept the divine reformers or is the God of the East and the West, of tenance of the poor thus became a sacred trust. It spiritual guides who are to come in the all countries and all peoples. was left no longer to individuals to give what they pleased, but the poor tax (Zakat) became an obliga- future. One of these leaders has re- tory duty, and was collected in a central treasury, cently come in the person of the 5. Muhammad (Peace be on him) and administered therefrom.” l prophet, Ahmad, the Promised Messiah would ask each and every Chicagoan to

WINTER 2007 37 News, Views and Reviews Press Publications Originally printed in the 8/9/07 edition of the Hartford Advocate

While I appreciate [Jennifer Abel’s] en- thusiasm in writing about [her] experience at the Mosque [“Culture Clash,” Aug. 2], I en- courage [her] to explore the concept of purdah as well. Men are encouraged to re- spect women with a high degree of honor. In the East, when a person respects another a great deal, they usually look down or away when speaking to that person, out of that respect. This is opposite to cultural habits of the West where respect is shown by looking at someone directly in the eye. Rest assured, Ralph Whitmore, the town burgess, or mayor of Walkerville. Baltimore Sun Photo. the people of that Mosque did not mean any disrespect. Rather, they were honoring [the writer] in a way that I fully admit may seem Originally printed in the 9/7/07 president of the International Court of Justice strange. I apologize that [she was] made to edition of the Baltimore Sun (1970-1973), and Professor Abdus Salam, the feel uncomfortable and I would encourage first Pakistani Nobel laureate (Physics), were [her] to continue to come to the mosque as Re: “Muslim sect causes stir in both members of the Ahmadiyya Community. making [her] uncomfortable would certainly Walkersville” (Rona Marech, 8/30/07) It is my sincere hope that Walkersville’s not have been their intent. More than likely, residents embrace progressive Muslim minori- it seems that some degree of a misunderstand- The tragic irony of the persecution of the ties like the Ahmadiyya Community. This is ing took place through no fault of anyone in Ahmadiyya Community is that its members the only way that commonalities between the particular. I am sure they too will express their represent the moderate brand of Islam aston- West and Islam may be preserved in the pres- sorrow that they put [her] in a seemingly ishingly well. In the face of brutal persecution ence of a militant perversion of Islam rather compromising position. in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, mem- than be destroyed by it. As far as the role of women, I again assure bers of the Ahmadiyya Community advocate you, it is not restricted to that of a wife, daugh- universal human rights, tolerance, and delib- Amjad M. Khan, Esq. ter, or mother. By looking at the very wives of eration. They have condemned militant mani- Los Angeles, California the Prophet of Islam this is found to be an un- festations of Islam in vociferous terms. founded claim. Khadija, the Prophet’s first wife, Indeed, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Originally printed in the 10/18/07 was a wealthy business owner, much respected Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, emphati- edition of the Maryland Gazette by all Muslims alike. She was also the first per- cally condemned any violence in the name of son to accept Islam. Ayesha, another of the “jihad.” His illuminating treatise on this sub- I have followed the controversy regarding Prophet’s wives, is recognized as one of the ject, British Government and Jihad (1900), is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s acquisi- greatest scholars of Islamic history. Her abili- a must read for all Americans interested in lis- tion of the Walkersville property with interest. ties to teach and provide guidance to the Mus- tening to a moderate Muslim voice ahead of We, as Americans, are a nation that be- lim ummah have been crucial to understanding his time. lieves in facts and not fears. The fact is that Islam from a historical as well as theological The Ahmadiyya Community has set up Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has an 87- standpoint. Islam gives women the right to hold schools, hospitals and welfare programs. mem- year history of peaceful existence in United political office, become a scientist, a doctor, a bers of the Ahmadiyya Community have built States. Men and women of this community journalist, and, yes, even a housewife, mother, inter-religious coalitions against affronts to serve in our hospitals, schools, philanthropic and daughter. If historical examples are not basic civil and religious liberties. Some esti- organizations and armed forces. enough, here is a modern example. I am a Mus- mates calculate that the Ahmadiyya Commu- As far as the verses of Qur’an are con- lim and my own fiancé is completing her PhD in nity in Pakistan, though only representing 3 cerned, let’s ask them as to how they under- economics. Perhaps she will work for a univer- percent of the country’s total population, rep- stand them. As a diverse nation, we have al- sity, perhaps for the United Nations, or perhaps resent nearly 20 percent of its literate popula- ways solved tough issues by intellectual dia- for a major corporation. Perhaps she will be- tion. logue and finding common grounds. I hope come [a colleague] in journalism! The point is, Two of Pakistan’s most respected person- that we do not base our decisions upon per- Islam clearly gives her that choice. alities, Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, ceptions, doubts and suspicions. Pakistan’s first foreign minister and the only Qasim Rashid, person ever to serve as both the president of Faheem Younus Qureshi, M.D. Chicago, Illinois the UN General Assembly (1962-1963) and Baltimore, Maryland

38 MuslimSunrise News, Views and Reviews Viewpoint Religious Freedom in Pakistan: Who is Truly Guilty of Religious Blasphemy? By Naser-ud-Din Shams

he recently released International Religious Freedom TReport commented on Pakistan’s progress in protecting religious minorities. While this year’s report indicated significant improvements in Pakistan, serious problems remain. The unresolved crisis questions whether Pakistan can uphold basic principles of Islam, much less understand them.

Background

Article 18 of the UN International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights states, “Everyone Pakistan’s influential orthodox clergy remain in denial, entertaining the self- deception that they are representing Islam. They fail to acknowledge that shall have the right to freedom of thought, con- religions undergo a Divinely ordained survival of the fittest. science and religion. This right shall include freedom…to manifest his religion or belief in Overall Results worship, observance, practice and teaching.” damaging, or desecrating the Qur’an, and a 10 year prison sentence for “insulting” another’s It goes on to say, “No one shall be subject to Although some progress was cited, par- religious feeling. Religion is documented on coercion which would impair his freedom to ticularly in women’s rights, Pakistan is plagued passports and national identity cards used to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.” by religious bigotry. Its laws discriminate vote. Those desiring the designation of a against minority religions. Unless this funda- In upholding this universal right, the U.S. Muslim must take an oath denouncing the mental issue is rectified, sectarian violence will Ahmadiyya Community’s founder as a false Congress passed the International Religious claim more lives. The report cited numerous prophet and his followers as non-Muslims. Freedom Act in 1998. It established the Office abuses which expose Pakistani legal enforce- This effectively bars Ahmadi Muslims from of International Religious Freedom (IRF Office) ment as little more than a modern day witch performing the annual pilgrimage to Mecca hunt, rooted in personal jealousies and mal- in the State Department and mandated the pub- (the Hajj). In addition, Ahmadis have opted ice. The mob mentality fueled by the ignorant to boycott elections rather than swear to an lication of the Annual Report on International clerics, or mullahs, is highly effective in pres- oath of hypocrisy to get their national iden- Religious Freedom. The report documents suring government authorities to persecute tity cards. abuses against the fundamental right to pick the very people they should protect. The re- The wording in the legal code has wide port exposes the hypocrisy and double stan- and practice one’s faith – an inalienable right application to the extent Ahmadi Muslims can dards that have worked to undermine the value be imprisoned for saying the Muslim greet- mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as, “There is no system of Pakistan. ing, “Peace be upon you,” (As-Salaamu compulsion in matters of faith” (2:257). In es- Alaikum) – the crime being they are posing as sence, this report measures compliance to this Blasphemy Laws Muslims. Unfortunately, the promulgators of elementary Islamic principle. Pakistani law seem to be unaware that this Specifically, the anti-Ahmadiyya and blas- greeting was used by Christians centuries This year’s International Religious Free- phemy laws provide the death penalty for any- before Islam. The gospels state that Jesus dom Report was released September 14, 2007 one who “defiles” Islam or its prophets (peace (peace be upon him) greeted his disciples with by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, be upon them). Other penalties under the blas- “Peace be unto you” (Luke 24:36, John 20:19) and Labor. phemy laws are life imprisonment for defiling, and advised his followers likewise (Luke 10:5).

WINTER 2007 39 In addition, the Holy Qur’an states, “When greeted with a prayer, greet ye with a Ahmadi cemetery under pressure from local extremist elements. better prayer or at least return it” (4:87). How- Discrimination ever, the understanding of the mullahs deems Ahmadis were for all practical it fit to respond with prison sentences. purposes barred from voting. The by State listing of the community on a separate voting list, which effec- Apostasy The gravest act of discrimination by tively categorized them as non- the State against a specific group Muslims, led Ahmadis to boycott Apostasy is punishable by death, but this took the form of laws that barred local government polls held at the is nowhere to be found in the Holy Qur’an. Ahmadis from freely practising their end of 2005. While the govern- Misunderstandings exist because the Holy faith, from calling themselves ment maintained a joint elector- Muslim and from preaching their ate had been restored, in practice Prophet (peace be upon him) had ordered the faith. separate lists were usually capital punishment for certain apostates. maintained for non-Muslims. In However, this punishment was only given in Early in 2006, the Punjab Housing some cases, separate polling cases where the apostates were guilty of capi- and Town Planning Agency, a public stations were allotted to them, tal crimes. They were not executed for their sector body, advertised the auction thus largely defeating the pur- of plots for low-income earners in pose of a joint electorate by apostasy. newspapers in the Jhang area. A keeping minorities marginalized. It would be highly unlikely that a punish- note in the auction notice barred ment worthy of death would have been omit- Ahmadis from participating in the The State promoted violence by ted by a book as complete as the Qur’an (see bidding. An affadavit as to religious failing to act against those attack- 4:138, 3:87-90, and 47:26). Killing any non- belief was handed out at the ing non-Muslims or their proper- bidding, and anyone taking part ties [See sections on Ahmadis, Muslim because of faith, apostate or not, is required to sign it. The notice Christians and Hindus.] tantamount to killing their opportunity to ex- banning Ahmadis from buying land plore, repent and/or accept Islam – a burden had also been pasted on walls in The voices that as usual which Muslims and mullahs should clearly Chiniot and Rabwah (renamed prevailed.Blasphemy laws, which understand before they carry it. Chenabnagar by the Punjab provided the death penalty for government). defiling the name of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and life imprison- Social Prejudice Ahmadi shops were attacked in ment for defiling, damaging or Rahimyar Khan in February, during desecrating the Holy Quran, were used against non-Muslims – Aside from the explicit legal code, social protests against cartoons per- ceived by most Muslims as blas- although the number of instances prejudices run rampant in Pakistan. Minori- phemous, which had been pub- in which they were abused to ties complained of discrimination in employ- lished in a Danish newspaper. settle petty scores with other ment, benefits, and opportunities. A general Muslims had risen sharply over sense of intolerance reigns as the norm. In April, local authorities in Kasur the past years. Christians were also ruthlessly targeted. dug up the grave of an Ahmadi girl, Nadia Hanif, 17, buried in a Muslim Photo and article, courtesy of Churches were desecrated and Christians were graveyard, ten days after her www.thepersecution.org intimidated by bigoted Muslims. Ironically, death and moved her body to an whereas the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) invited the Chris- tians of Najran to pray in his own mosque, the points have been silenced by force. mony to the religious clergy’s inability to bigoted mullahs of Pakistan won’t allow Chris- As for retaliating against blasphemous meet the challenges of our time, and their tians to pray in their own houses of worship. remarks, the Holy Qur’an has a simple solu- failure to spread Islam on its own merits. The Holy Qur’an encourages the defense of tion – leave and find better company. This is Their inadequacies and ignorance have re- churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques the only punishment mentioned in the Qur’an sulted in the need to coerce minorities – as wherein the name of God is glorified (22:41), (see 4:141, 6:69, and 6:109). if they’re advertising their fears that Islam but the Pakistani clergy allow themselves to cannot compete with invading philosophies. do the opposite. Conclusion Pakistan needs to wake up to the fact that those accusing others of blasphemy are Pakistan’s law suppresses the preaching Pakistan’s influential orthodox clergy re- themselves guilty of that very crime – a re- and discussion of viewpoints differing from main in denial, entertaining the self-deception alization as embarrassing as it is ironic. mainstream Islam. However, this is contrary that they are representing Islam. They fail to to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which acknowledge that religions undergo a Di- As has always been the case in the past, encourage open dialogue and freedom of vinely ordained survival of the fittest. Only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s re- speech. The Qur’an states, “Call unto the way those philosophies which satisfy the nature sources are available and willing to help the of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhorta- of humankind will survive and spiritually pro- people of Pakistan form a true Islamic Re- tion and argue with them in a way that is best” create into new members. public which will stand with dignity and re- (16:126). Unfortunately, this verse has no ap- spect in the demanding court of international plication in Pakistan because differing view- Pakistan’s discriminatory laws bear testi- opinion. ‹

40 MuslimSunrise News, Views and Reviews Book Review Webb draws lessons taught it and never heard of it.” He says Islam in America, Muhammad “taught no new religious from history, citing that system, but sought to revive that one Muhammad Alexander Russell eternal truth . . . His claim was neither Webb (Magribine Press 2006) while “no religious more nor less than that made by Jesus, system can fairly be who never claimed to be God, in the Reviewed by Bilal Rana sense in which some misguided people judged by the acts and believe he did.” He cites John 8:58: slam in America & Other Writings by “Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily I say Muhammad Alexander Russell expressions of all its unto you, I am what Abraham was before me;” that is to say, an inspired Prophet IWebb, published in 2006 by professed followers,” Magribine Press, is new publication of like Abraham.” the writings of one of the first converts nevertheless historically Extolling the beauties of Islam, Webb to Islam in America. continues: “But its chief beauty, viewed Webb initiated study circles for Is- Muslims will still superficially, is its perfect adaptability to lamic learning in sev- the spiritual needs of all classes of hu- eral major United States “show a cleaner moral manity, from the humblest laborer to the cities and publish the record and higher most advanced thinker and man of let- first Islamic journal, ters. There is nothing in it that does vio- The Moslem World, spiritual perceptions lence to reason or common sense, or that which did not see more is in any degree contrary to the natural than several issues in than the Christian.” instincts of justice and mercy.” print. In addition, he Webb gives a splendid philosophical served as the Turkish Webb’s central aim was to break away exposition on the practice of fasting and emissary to the United from “soul-destroying religious supersti- its effect on the body and soul, as well States, and in 1887, he tions” that had crept into the American as the Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca. He de- was appointed by way of spiritual life, which he character- votes an entire chapter to “Polygamy and President Grover Cleveland as United ized as “passive belief” into doctrines Purdah,” contending that many social States Consul in the Philippines. In es- “contrary to reason and commonsense.” evils rampant in American and European sence, he was fully American and a fully He sets out to encourage Americans to civilizations are rarely found in Islamic devoted Muslim at the same time. He was consider seriously a “calm and unpreju- countries where pure Islam is practiced a man of social statue in the public diced investigation of Islam.” Raised a Webb’s concise and powerful exposi- sphere of lie, as a quintessential Ameri- Presbyterian Christian, Webb was told by tion of the inner beauties of Islam is per- can in post-Civil War United States – this his church that his questions regarding haps the book’s most significant asset. is hard to match even today among the the trinity and salvation in Christianity For example, he describes the Islamic Muslims in America a century later. His were “mysteries” and “beyond the com- system as “the most perfect system of father was a well-known journalist and prehension of ordinary mortals.” soul-development ever given to man, and editor of the New York’s Hudson Daily Webb draws lessons from history, cit- the only one applicable to all the classes Star. ing that while “no religious system can of humanity.” He further comments: This gracefully written text was first fairly be judged by the acts and expres- “[T]he essence of the true faith of Islam published in the late Nineteenth Century. sions of all its professed followers,” nev- is resignation to the will of God, and its It is as compelling and engaging today ertheless historically Muslims will still cornerstone is prayer. It teaches univer- as it must have been in the era of Victo- “show a cleaner moral record and higher sal fraternity, universal love, and univer- rian America in which it was first pub- spiritual perceptions than the Christian.” sal benevolence, and requires purity of lished. Webb’s writing is soulful, intelli- Regarding the allegations against Mus- mind, purity of action, purity of speech gent, articulate and confident. This new lims engaging in Holy War, he concedes: and perfect physical cleanliness. It is the edition begins with two biographical “So far as blood-stains are concerned, I simplest and most elevating form of reli- sketches of Webb’s life, one written by hardly believe that Islam has any reason gion known to man.” the publishers, and the other written to blush when she compares her garments Webb’s profound insights provide a about Webb during his own lifetime. It with those of Christianity.” lens by which to examine the impact of also includes other writings, including Webb argues forthrightly that Chris- Islam on American society. This new pamphlets which he wrote for propaga- tianity began with St. Paul, while “the publication will undoubtedly serve as a tion It is as important a work as any that dogma of the trinity was invented by the crucial addition to the burgeoning schol- collects classics in American Islamic lit- Bishop of Antioch 300 years after the arship on the historical roots of Islam in erature. death of Jesus, and that the latter never America. ‹

WINTER 2007 41 lievers see that the heavens and the Earth were a closed-up mass, then We Why were three Christians clove them asunder? And We made of murdered in Turkey for hiding water every living thing.” (21:31) bibles in their house? Why would they have to hide them It speaks about the expanding uni- to begin with? Why did Saudi verse: “The heavens We have built with Arabia reaffirm that any non- power. Verily We are expanding it.” Muslim religious objects, includ- (51:48) ing the Star of David, be strictly forbidden in the country? It speaks about the orbital motion of the sun and the moon: “And He it is Who As Ahmadi Muslims we believe that created the night and the day, and the any kind of coercion based on religion is sun and the moon, each gliding along un-Islamic. Does verse 29 of chapter three of smoothly in its orbit.” (21:34) the Qur’an prevent social and The Qur’an speaks of the Torah and political integration with Fifteen centuries ago no man could the Bible as revealed books and repeat- Christians and other non- have made up these verses, and many edly draws our attention to the prophe- Muslims? others like it. Long before he became a cies contained in them. How could it be prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) un-Islamic to own these books? The import of 3:29 is that alliances not was known among his people as the be made with non-Muslims in a way that “truthful” and the “trustworthy.” “Surely, We sent the Torah wherein may harm the interests of other Muslims. was guidance and light. By it did the Verses 60:9 and 60:10 shed more light on If your contention is that the state of Prophets, who were obedient to Us, judge this subject: Muhammad’ssa power is not at issue due for the Jews, as did the godly people and to the fact that it is God’s words, not those learned in the Law; because they “Allah forbids you not respecting Muhammad’ssa, I will say ‘while God may were required to preserve the Book of those who have not fought against you speak, it is still being heard by human Allah, and because they were guardians on account of your religion, and who ears which are prone to hear what they over it.” (5:45) have not driven you out from your homes, most wish to hear.’ that you be kind to them and deal equita- “And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, bly with them; surely Allah loves those Referring to Prophet Muhammadsa the to follow in their footsteps, fulfilling that who are equitable.” (60:9) Old Testament says, “I will raise them up which was revealed before him in the a prophet from among their brethren like Torah; and We gave him the Gospel which “Allah only forbids you respecting unto thee. And put my words in his; and contained guidance and light, fulfilling those who have fought against you on he shall speak unto them all that I shall that which was revealed before him in the account of your religion and have driven command him.” (Deut. 18:18-19) Torah; and a guidance and an admoni- you out of your homes, and have helped tion for the God-fearing.” (5:47) others in driving you out, that you make And Jesusas said “How be it when he, friends with them, and whoever makes the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide It goes on to promise salvation to ev- friends with them - it is these that are the you into all truth; for he shall not speak eryone who is true to his/her own set of transgressors.” (60:10) for himself; but whatsoever he shall hear beliefs. that shall he speak and he will show you These verses clearly do not apply to things to come, he shall glorify me.” (John “Surely, those who believe and the political conflict; they apply only to spe- 16:12-14) Jews and the Christians and the Sabians cific religious conflicts. If something like - whichever party from among these truly this had been mentioned in the Old Tes- The Qur’an states: believes in God, and the Last Day, and tament perhaps the Nazis would not have does good deeds, shall have their reward been able to elicit the help of some Jews “And in accordance with the require- with their Lord, and no fear shall come in rounding up other Jews. ments of truth and wisdom We have sent upon them, nor shall they grieve.” it down, and with truth and wisdom has (2:63)‹ Why should we believe that it descended. And we have sent thee only Qur’an is the word of God? as a bearer of good tidings and a Warner.” (17:106) Go online and ask Fortunately the Qur’an itself is the greatest proof of its own authenticity. Scriptures from three different reli- your questions at gions are testifying that a truthful per- It speaks about the creation of the son has the capacity to relay exactly www.muslimsunrise.com Universe (Big Bang): “Do not the disbe- what he hears.

42 MuslimSunrise organization “Partners Across The Ocean”. This grew from a school to school partnership with a South African high school and is now emerging into an organization seeking to improve the overall education of students in the impoverished townships of South Africa. It is an all-volunteer organization connecting community members and teachers in this effort. In the past we have organized two teacher training INTERVIEWtrips, built two computer laboratories and brought three exchange students to Zion for their education. Currently, those students are being assisted in their university expenses back in South Africa. It has been quite a story in partnership wrapping together individuals, service organizations, businesses and the local Rotary Club into this partnership. The Shades organization has also been heavily involved and often our high school kids are the most determined to make a difference.

I also am working on an Alliance of African- themed non-profit organizations, based in this area to do an awareness program or perhaps even organize mutual projects in South Africa in the future.

At school the Shades organization has been a big part of my routine. I also am the Public Address Announcer for football and basketball games. Previously I coached basketball for sixteen years but have taken Andrew Gomez of the Zion Benton Township High School presents students time off lately for my family. with the Bilal - Rising above the Rest scholarships at a Black History Program sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Zion. Photo: Hasan Hakeem MS: Members of the Zion chap- ter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim The Muslim Sunrise interviews MS: Why did you select this Community have known you noteworthy personalities from the U.S. and abroad, to learn about their career path? for several years and have seen background, beliefs and contribution to your dedication to the commu- society. Gomez: Being a teacher was really the nity, particularly young adults. only serious career choice I ever had. I What motivates you? In this issue, we sat with Andrew would say that I was motivated in this Gomez of the Zion Benton Township direction by the teachers and coaches that I Gomez: It would have to be my two best High School located in Zion, IL USA. had grown up with. They did their jobs with teachers, my mom and my dad. They each enthusiasm and humor; they worked very had their own “causes” they were hard but yet always had time for the kids. involved in and spent time helping others, Muslim Sunrise: Tell us a little usually in a very anonymous capacity. My about yourself, your back- MS: Are you involved in any mother for many years ran a clothing ground, and what you do. community service or extracur- distribution center for Native Americans ricular activities? residing on the various reservations of Andrew Gomez: For the past sixteen years South Dakota. She spent hours collecting I have been teaching history here at Zion- Gomez: In the past I have participated on give away clothing, mending and washing Benton Township High School [ZBTHS]. I various culture-based committees and even them and arranging various pick ups when have also served as sponsor of the ZBTHS political action committees from the area. people needed clothes for whatever Multicultural Student Organization called Currently, a great deal of my time is devoted reasons…maybe job interviews or school “Shades” for the past ten years. to being President of the non-profit needs, whatever was pressing for them.

WINTER 2007 43 My Dad was in a variety of service MS: How did you first come in soldiers to make a program happen. organizations like the Lions’ Club and contact with the Ahmadiyya Currently in Zion we have many dedicated the Knights of Columbus. He also read Muslim Community? Describe community-based groups; we have elected books into a tape player that were then some of the interactions governmental officials interested in mass copied and distributed to the you’ve had with us. positive change and unifying the city all at blind—this was before you could buy the same time. We have to use this “books on tape” like you can today. In opportunity to make those changes; Gomez: Most of my connections with his retirement years he has volunteered especially in regards to programs uplifting himself as a museum curator for at least the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community have and providing opportunities for the young ten years. In the case of both parents been related to our Shades Club people of this area…the time is now. this was always in addition to their activities. I believe it was in 2001 when regular jobs. Both in some capacity the organization began an annual Black MS: What if anything would History Month program. I was recruited worked in State government. My Dad you say to the international was an administrator and political by Zakee Darr to organize a group of Zion-Benton students to present at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Commu- campaign advisor. My mother was nity and its leadership? primarily a housewife but worked when event. I was happy to do so and we have the State Legislature was in session. attended and participated in every program by the group since. It’s Gomez: Thank you, stated simply. I might also add that I have noticed and MS: What do you dream of interesting to see how these programs have evolved over the years as well. For appreciated your various campaigns to accomplishing in life and do example at the 2006 program the AMC raise public awareness. We all realize that you think you’ll be success- presented five scholarships to well- September 11th exposed the gap of ful? Why or why not? deserving Zee-Bee students. knowledge that Americans have for the Muslim faith. I have seen successful Gomez: Hmm, not an easy question to We also worked in partnership with the events both locally and internationally that answer…I would say, especially in light Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) in you have championed which serve to put a of my connection to the Ahmadiyya 2003 to host a holistic program, “Girl human face on the Muslim community. Muslim Community and its goals and Talk”; my young ladies still discuss this This is absolutely crucial, hard work, but values, that we, and I can’t say “I,” as event today when they come back to so important. I also appreciate the all of this is completed in partnership, visit. Also in 2002, we participated in the commitment that this program has had for that the hope is that young people will “Youth for Truth” Summit and hosted by youth. High school age young men and see each other as equals - that we will the Muslim community and held at women don’t always realize or appreciate erase some of the intolerance of our ZBTHS. I had students on the panel for what has been done for them by world extended to those who are discussion and enjoyed hearing all of the community focused groups. It then different. different viewpoints. We also had the becomes necessary that we as adults who chance in 2005 to thank the AMC for their perhaps see a broader picture point this I have a lot of hope in our young people efforts when we nominated them for a out. The scholarships awarded are my that they will rise above some of the community excellence award, presented point here. We are proud in our Shades bars of intolerance and prejudice that by our Board of Education. I was pleased organization that every officer in our have been laid out for them. And it’s not when the nomination was accepted. existence has received a university a community problem, it’s a world Lastly, the AMC, either by individual or in scholarship after high school. This is problem. I also hope that we have mass, have always been in attendance at simply not possible without your taught them to think of others, to reach our events or even presented organization that recognizes kids out to those who are less fortunate and scholarships. regardless of grade point average or provide the assistance that they can, religious faith or any other qualification. whatever that might be. You might say MS: Based on your We can have students with vision, with that we have tried to replicate the observations, what academic skill and ambition, but if they African concept of “Ubuntu” in some opportunities exist to lack the financial backing for further ways here in Zion. The idea that we are strengthen the city of Zion, education their talents will be ill-used and all interconnected, that we only become and how can organizations their future possibilities limited. Some of who we are through other people and the students you have honored have been like the Ahmadiyya Muslim because of others, not in spite of outstanding; others have been those others. I think that’s an excellent model Community help? whom a normal scholarship program would for the whole world. When I see the overlook and not be willing to take a students get excited about a project Gomez: A city needs its spiritual chance on. helping people they’ll never know, organizations because they bring people making someone breathe a bit easier, it together allowing you to get a message So, as I said, I would just like to say, “Thank does makes me proud. across. They also provide you foot you,” very simply.

44 MuslimSunrise Perspectives

was never a parade freak. I did go to a few Colum- bus Day parades when I could stand in the cold without catching one. It wasn’tI because I was a fan of Columbus. Although, he should be honored for being the “new dealer” of them all. He started out not knowing where he was headed, and going back, didn’t know where he had been. The most wonderful part was that he did it all with someone else’s money. I just thought the Columbus Day parade was “Missing“Missing“Missing better than most of them. Going to see a parade is wonderful. You see all the thethethe people cheering and clapping. thethe I am sure the loudest of them are the paper and balloon business owners. WWWindoindoindow”w”w” The big drawback to see a parade is that you have to get there on time. Once you miss a part of it, you have to wait a In Medina, a man named Thaluba used as compared to when you are rich?” He whole year to see it again. We to come from a nearby valley to visit the kept on insisting that the Holy get many windows of Holy Prophetsaw. I’ll tell you the story of Prophetsaw pray for him to get rich. opportunities in our lives. how he missed his window of opportu- The Holy Prophetsaw took another ap- nity. proach with him. He said, “Why don’t Once we miss them, like the Everyday, he would walk and get to you follow my example? I live a very parade, we have to wait a very Medina about noon prayer time. He would simple life. You know, if I were to ask God long time to see them open say his Zuhr (middle day) prayer and to make the hills of Medina turn into gold converse with the Holy Prophetsaw and and silver, he would do that for me. But, I again. Sometimes they never others. He would go back to his valley don’t ask for that.” Thaluba was still not reopen. It’s no different than after the afternoon (Asr) prayer. One day convinced. He kept on repeating his re- when you get too old to stand he asked the Holy Prophetssaw to pray quest. for him that he would become a rich man. The Holy Prophetsaw told him he in the cold for six hours to see The Holy Prophetsaw said to him, would get in trouble if he were to become youngsters dancing on the “Thaluba, why do you want to become rich because he might not be able to ful- deck of a paper ship. rich? You know that it is much easier to fill his obligations to Allah. Thaluba said, fulfill your obligation when you are poor “O Prophet of Allah, I swear in the name

WINTER 2007 45 turned away in aversion.” WWWe hahae vvve to be on waaatctctch ffh or our windowswsws Thaluba, of course, was not there, but ofofof opportunitytunitytunity... WWWe hahae vvve gge ot to stesteot p upupp one of his relatives was. He figured that these verses fit Thaluba exactly. So after to the plate at the right time. Jumah prayers, he went to see Thaluba. This relative told Thaluba that the of Allah when I become rich, I will fulfil all quired of a Muslim and it was an option situation had now exceeded all limits. my obligations to Allah and His Prophet.” to give other things in charity as they Even verses of the Holy Qur’an are be- Finally the Holy Prophetsaw gave up and pleased. The Holy Prophetsaw instructed ing revealed about him. Thaluba knew he told him that he would pray for him. them to be sure to go to Thaluba and messed up. So he took a few camels, In the normal course of business, another person from the Abee Saleem goats and other goods and came to saw Thaluba bought a few goats. These par- tribe because Allah had blessed both of Medina to see the Holy Prophet . He ticular goats started multiplying like gnats them with wealth. said that he felt ashamed and he would in the rainy season. In a very short time The collectors stopped at Thaluba’s like to give charity and Zakat. his valley was goats wall to wall. Thaluba valley because it was the closest to That’s when he got the bombshell of was a rich man. Medina and told him about the instruc- his life. saw Managing a business always takes tions of the Holy Prophetsaw. He looked The Holy Prophet said, “Allah time. Even the goat business back then was at the Zakat rates and remarked that it has commanded me not to accept any a time consuming proposition. You needed looked like some kind of tax system. He charity from you.” to hire people to milk them, deliver the milk said to them, “Why don’t you go to other Thaluba insisted and begged but to surrounding areas, collect the money, villages. On the way back, you can stop there was no way that the Holy saw clean the stalls and keep the boss happy. here. I would have made up my mind by Prophet was going to disobey Allah’s You need to do the payroll for your em- then.” instructions. Thaluba left to go back to ployees and maintain controls over all The collectors visited other villages his valley in despair. The window of phases of the business. I didn’t even men- and collected contributions. They vis- opportunity had been closed. tion the subsidiary that had to handle the ited the person of Abee Saleem tribe and We too get opportunities like that in goats to be sold to the butchers. That’s gave him the message. He not only gave our lives. We are asked to participate in another bloody business to be controlled according to the rates but also selected a mosque-building project. If we don’t, and monitored. the best camels and sheep he had and the parade is gone and we don’t know Thaluba was a rich man now but also a gave them as charity. He was that grate- when we will see the next one. The worst busy one. He started skipping Zuhr ful to Allah. Even the collectors felt em- thing is that a point may come when Al- prayers. After a while, he could only come barrassed while accepting the best of his lah rejects anything we offer in His saw to the Prophet’s Mosque on Fridays, for cattle. On the way back, they stopped at cause. The Holy Prophet is not Jumah prayers. The pressures of busi- Thaluba’s valley. physically among us to inform us of such ness had gotten to Thaluba and he Thaluba had made up his mind. He a time, but we know from the above story started to offer his Jumah prayers in his said he could not give anything this year that it can happen, and how. We have to valley as well. Parts of the Holy but they should check with him the fol- be on watch for our windows of oppor- Prophetsaw’s fears were already coming lowing year. The collectors came back tunity. We have got to step up to the to pass. and related everything to the Holy plate at the right time. The Holy Prophetsaw would occa- Prophetsaw. Once again he felt sorry for In case you are wondering, Thaluba sionally ask others about Thaluba. They Thaluba and the trouble he had gotten tried to offer charity to Hadhrat Abu Bakr would tell him that he was too busy with himself into. when he became Khalifa, then to Hadhrat his business now. The Holy Prophetsaw At each Jumah, it was the practice of Omar and then Hadhrat Usman. Their an- would show his disappointment that the Holy Prophetsaw to recite the newly swers were the same: If the Holy saw Thaluba had gotten himself in trouble. revealed verses of the Holy Qur’an. At Prophet didn’t accept it, who are we He did not have the blessings of saying one Jumah, the verses he announced are to? Thaluba died in Hadhrat Usman’s prayers in the company of the Holy part of the Surah Tauba (chapter nine): time. Prophetsaw. He exchanged it for the money “And among them are those who I don’t care if you like the Columbus he had wished for. made a covenant with Allah, saying, ‘If Day or Rose Bowl parades. Just make One year, the Holy Prophetsaw sent He give us of His bounty, we would most sure you show up on time. two people as collectors to neighboring surely give alms and be of the virtuous. Yes, you can watch the parade on TV, towns with written instructions. Fixed But when He gave them of His bounty, but no matter what you say, it is not the rates were listed for Zakat that was re- they became niggardly of it, and they real McCoy. -- Falahud Din Shams

46 MuslimSunrise Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with prosperity. The Muslim Sunrise Staff

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WINTER 2007 47 Love For All. Hatred For None.

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