MANAGEMENT BOARD CONTENTS Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar April 2007, Vol.102, No.04 Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad EDITORIAL – Truth Prevails Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad by Bockarie Tommy Kallon – UK...... 2

CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER COMMENT – Seeking a Free World Mansoor Ahmed Shah by Fareed Ahmad – UK...... 5

EDITORIAL BOARD Basit Ahmad ESSENCE OF ISLAM – Part 18 – Spiritual Bockarie Tommy Kallon. Characteristics of Surah Fatihah Fareed Ahmad Recitation of this prayer ushers one into the Fazal Ahmad Fauzia Bajwa fold of Allah’s chosen servants.The standards Mansoor Saqi for a true commentary of the Holy Qur’an and Mahmood Hanif Mansoora Hyder-Hanif the ten systems of roots in the Holy Qur’an. Navida Shahid Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) ...... 7 Sarah Waseem Saleem Ahmad Malik Tanveer Khokhar POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS FACED BY AHMADIS IN RABWAH SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Continuation of the report, ‘Rabwah – A Place Amatul Hadi Ahmad for Martyrs? of the UK’s Parliamentary Human Farina Qureshi Rights Group mission to Pakistan investigating PROOF READERS the internal flight option for Ahmadis. Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Shaukia Mir by Jonathan Ensor, UK ...... 22

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanveer Khokhar THE ROLE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN ENHANCING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE: PUBLISHER Al Shirakatul Islamiyyah THE CASE OF GHANA. A paper presented at a workshop on regional DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif issues and challenges of reconciliation in West Africa. All correspondence should be forwarded to the editor at: The Review of Religions by Maulvi A Wahab Adam – Amir, Ghana ...... 37 The London Mosque 16 Gressenhall Road London, SW18 5QL PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON - WAS HE United Kingdom A MONOTHEIST? Email: [email protected] A compelling argument that Thomas Jefferson negated belief in the divinity of Jesus(as) and © Islamic Publications, 2007 ISSN No: 0034-6721 affirmed the unity of God. Was he influenced

Views expressed in this publication are not by the Holy Qur’an? necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya by Zia H Shah MD - Syracuse, USA...... 44 Muslim Community EDITORIAL Tommy Kallon – London

Truth Prevails status of the Holy Prophet(saw) as As with all other prophets of God, Khataman Nabiyyeen – the Seal of the Promised Messiah(as) was to the Prophets. meet with stern opposition from the very people he had been Even after the demise of the commissioned to guide back unto Promised Messiah(as), such utterly the right path. The Holy Qur’an is false allegations which unfortu- full of examples where the nately all too often gain the assent righteous have become victims of of the unthinking multitudes have physical violence and verbal abuse continued to be made against the at the hands of their adversaries Ahmadiyya Community dissem- who shield their iniquity under the inating far and wide the seeds of guise of zealous religious piety. In prejudice, ignorance and error. the case of the Promised Messiah(as), however, his Especially in Pakistan where the opponents went a step further and Community has its Headquarters, waged a campaign to discredit him it has repeatedly had to defend in the eyes of the uninformed. itself against such outrageous and baseless accusations made through Not only were there personal the media and nourished from the character attacks which embodied pulpits of pseudo-clergy across the a shocking violation of the Islamic nation. The Community has been sense of decency and morals in accused without the least shred of social intercourse, his teachings evidence of being agents of the were deliberately traduced and he Zionist state of Israel; it has been was falsely accused, amongst accused of changing its Qiblah other things, of being sponsored from Makkah to Qadian; it has by the then British Government in been accused of altering the text of his claim to prophethood and that, the Holy Qur’an; it has been God forbid, he repudiated the accused of altering the Islamic

2 The Review of Religions –April 2007 EDITORIAL credo – There is no God but Allah against the falsehood, there should and Muhammad is the Messenger be no need, in a so-called Islamic of Allah – by substituting the name state, for the Community to have the Holy Prophet of Islam(saw) with to defend itself against fabri- that of Hadhrat Ahmad(as), its Holy cations. Islam regards the telling Founder. of lies as a major sin. The Holy Qur’an goes as far as to impute The authorities in Pakistan have idolatry to falsehood. Says the accorded the Community no Holy Qur’an: protection – legal or otherwise – from these false accusations. On Shun therefore the abom- the contrary, they have been ination of idols and shun false complicit in the storm of speech. vituperation and wave of perse- (Ch.22: V.31) cution against the Community caused by such fabricated The Promised Messiah(as) explains allegations because, according to this juxtaposition of falsehood the authorities, they hearthen alongside idolatry. Falsehood is an feelings of ordinary Muslims. idol, he maintains; he who relies upon it ceases to trust in and hence The controversy caused by the loses God. No true Muslim Danish cartoons caricaturing the therefore can resort to such blessed person of the Holy inveracity as we find obtaining Prophet(saw) and the protestations amongst the hostile opponents of they drew from Muslims of all the Ahmadiyya Community. denominations around the world is still fresh in our minds. Some of these protests regrettably were violent, others, as in the case of the Ahmadiyya Community, were peaceful condemnations.

But where Islam and its Holy Founder(saw) strongly admonish

The Review of Religions – April 2007 3 Notes & Comment

Fareed Ahmad – Devon and Cornwall, UK

Seeking a Free World from physical slavery that is Slavery has been a horrid chapter sometimes disguised as bonded in human history and historically labour, to social and economic a part of human life pretty much slavery whereby poorer nations the world over. People of all are trapped by political manoeu- faiths and cultures have both vrings of wealthier nations. suffered and perpetrated slavery at one time or another. In Islam, There is also slavery in the Prophet Muhammad(saw) gave developed world itself in the clear direction to free slaves, yet form of human trafficking (with subsequent generations lost sight women being sold into pros- of this noble message of equality titution) and farm and factory and liberty and reverted to labourers (commonly migrants trading in slaves placing their from Eastern Europe who are greed over their morals. forced to work ghastly hours simply to pay off extortionate Without doubt the commendable loans taken out for the ‘privilege’ efforts of the likes of Wilberforce of such work). It seems that those that resulted in the Abolition of who perpetrate slavery today, as the Slave Trade Act in 1807 in with those who perpetrated it in Britain provide some reassurance the past, have little regard for and faith in humanity. Yet it is compassion and justice provided disheartening to see, that two they can either escape the law, or hundred years on, his vision of a mask their crimes in legal world without slavery is still not terminology and political debate. a reality. It is too easy for us to lose sight Sadly even today slavery exists – of these issues in our daily life

4 The Review of Religions –April 2007 NOTES AND COMMENT but we need to be more vigilant and check our actions to see that Verse references to the Holy Qur’an those with whom we deal share item count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name of Allah...) as the first verse of our values of freedom for all. We each Chapter. In some non-standard are keen to buy cheap food or texts, this is not counted and should cheap clothes but who pays the the reader refer to such texts, the price for our bargains? verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found at one verse less than the number quoted. On this anniversary of the abolition of slavery let us hope In this journal, for the ease of non- and pray that together we can Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or win this war on slavery that has the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. been raging since time They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa immemorial. Our commemo- sallam’ meaning ‘Peace and ration of this great Act will only blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ truly be worthwhile if we use it after the name of all other prophets is to renew our sense of resolve and an abbreviation meaning ‘Peace be commitment to abolish slavery in upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis all forms now and forever. salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.

In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc.

The Review of Religions – April 2007 5 ESSENCE OF ISLAM: Part 18 – Spiritual Characteristics of Surah Fatihah

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

A spiritual characteristic of the visions and express revelations. Surah Fatihah is that to recite it He is counted among those who in one’s prayers with full are close to the Divine and such attention and to establish its wonders of inspiration and teaching in one’s heart, believing acceptance of prayers and the it to be true, brings about the disclosure of hidden matters and illumination of one’s soul. One’s Divine support proceed from him mind is expanded thereby and the the like of which is not found darkness of humanness is among others. For such of our dispelled and the worshipper opponents who deny this, the begins to experience the grace of proof has been set out in this the Fountainhead of grace. He is book. encircled by the lights of being accepted by the Divine and Invitation to All Seekers after progresses towards being Truth honoured by the converse of God This humble one is ready to and derives benefit from true satisfy every seeker after truth

6 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH not only from among our opponents but even among those who agree with us nominally and who are Muslims on the outside, but whose faith is veiled and whose bodies are without life. In this dark age they do not believe in heavenly signs and consider revelation impossible and describe it as illusion and imagination. They have a very narrow concept of human progress confined to intellectual The founder of the Ahmadiyya problems and conjectures. Their Muslim community was Hadhrat concept of God Almighty is that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). of someone extremely weak and The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was Hadhrat lacking strength. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of Divine This humble one submits revelation, that he was the Promised respectfully to all these people Messiah and Mahdi whose advent had been foretold by Muhammad, that if they deny the effectiveness the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace of the Holy Qur’an and adhere to and blessings of Allah be upon him) their old ignorance, they should and by the scriptures of other faiths. take advantage of the opportunity His claim constitutes the basis of the that this humble servant is beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. prepared to satisfy everyone from his own experiences. It is proper, there-fore, that as seekers emerging out of gloom and after truth they should turn to me darkness should enter true light. and should observe for themselves the characteristics of So far this humble one is alive, the Divine Word which have but life is uncertain. It is proper, been mentioned above, and therefore, that on hearing this

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announcement attention should invited openly and had not be paid to the establishment of become aware of my claim so truth and the removal of that he could have followed it up falsehood so that if my claim and asked me for its proof. should not be established a reason may become available for So, brethren and seekers after denial; but if my claim is truth, please observe that I say it established then the opponents openly and, trusting in God, should give up their false notions Whose lights I see day and night, and should embrace Islam so as I assume the responsibility that if to escape humiliation and you will seek the truth with disgrace in this life and sincerity of heart and will keep chastisement and torment in the company with me for some time next. steadfastly and in good faith, it will become obvious to you that Observe, therefore, brethren and the spiritual qualities that have dear ones and philosophers and been mentioned are truly to be pundits and Christian ministers found in the Surah Fatihah and and Aryas and followers of the Holy Qur’an. How blessed nature and Brahmo Samajists, then is the person who, emptying that I proclaim openly that if his heart of bigotry and rancour anyone doubts the characteristics and being eager to embrace of the Holy Qur’an that I have Islam, should pay attention to my mentioned and has any hesitation invitation in sincerity and good in accepting them, he should turn faith for achieving the purpose in to me without delay and by view, and how unfortunate is the keeping company with me for man who should pay no attention some time steadfastly and to this open invitation and should sincerely, should witness the become deliberately an object of accuracy of the above statements the curse and wrath of God with his own eyes, lest after my Almighty. Death is near and the passing away someone might termination of life is at the door. assert unjustly that he was not (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani

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Khazain, Vol.1, pp.626-635, It is for this reason that the Holy footnote 11) Prophet(saw) has said that reciting Surah Fatihah, is like reciting The Surah Fatihah briefly the whole Qur’an. The Holy comprehends all the purposes of Qur’an and the Ahadith show the Holy Qur’an. This is referred that the Surah Fatihah is a mirror to in the verse: that displays the Qur’an. For instance, it is one of the purposes And We have, indeed, given of the Holy Qur’an that it sets out thee seven oft-repeated all the perfect praise of God verses, and the Great Qur’an. Almighty and states clearly the (Ch.15:V.88) complete perfection that He possesses. This is briefly set This means that: O Prophet! We forth in the Surah Fatihah in the have bestowed upon thee the verse: seven verses of the Surah Fatihah which briefly compre- All praise belongs to Allah. hend all the purposes of the Holy (Ch.1:V.2) Qur’an and, in contrast with them, there is the Great Qur’an which means that all types of which sets out religious purposes perfect praise are established for in detail. Allah Who is comprehensive of all excellences and is worthy of For this reason, this Surah is every type of worship. known as the Mother of the Book and the Comprehensive Surah. It The second purpose of the Holy is the Mother of the Book Qur’an is that it manifests God’s because all purposes of the Holy being the Perfect Fashioner and Qur’an can be derived from it, the Creator of the universe, and and it is called the sets forth the beginning of the Comprehensive Surah, as it universe, and describes as a briefly comprehends all types of creation of God all that is part of learning contained in the Qur’an. the universe and proves the

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falsehood of those who are Qur’an is to set forth the opposed to this. This purpose is sincerity and servitude and set forth briefly in the phrase: purification of the soul from that Lord of all the Worlds. which is beside Allah, and the (Ch.1:V.2) remedy of spiritual ills and the reform of moral qualities and the The third purpose of the Holy upholding of the Unity of God in Qur’an is to establish the worship. This is included briefly unearned grace of God and to set in the affirmation: forth His general Mercy. This purpose is conveyed briefly in: Thee alone do we worship. (Ch.1:V.5) The Gracious. (Ch.1:V.3) The seventh purpose of the Holy Qur’an is to establish God as the The fourth purpose of the Holy true source of all action, and of Qur’an is to establish that grace all strength and benevolence, and of God which follows upon effort help and steadfastness, and and diligence. This is set forth in: obedience and freedom from sin, and the acquisition of all the The Merciful. means of doing good, and the (Ch.1:V.3) reform of the here and the hereafter, and to emphasise the The fifth purpose of the Holy need of seeking His help in all Qur’an is to set forth the true matters. This purpose is set forth condition of the hereafter. This is briefly in the affirmation: comprehended in the phrase: Thee alone do we implore for Master of the Day of help. Judgement. (Ch.1:V.5) (Ch.1:V.4) The eighth purpose of the Holy The sixth purpose of the Holy Qur’an is to set forth the fine

10 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH points of the straight path and to …those who have not emphasise the need of seeking it incurred displeasure, and through prayer and supplication. those who have not gone This is briefly included in astray. supplication: (Ch.1:V.7)

Guide us in the right path. These are the ten purposes that (Ch.1:V.6) are set out in the Holy Qur’an and that are the roots of all The ninth purpose of the Holy verities. So they are all briefly Qur’an is to set forth the way and mentioned in the Surah Fatihah. manner of those who become the (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani recipients of God’s bounty and Khazain, Vol.1, pp.580-585, grace so that the hearts of the footnote 11) seeker after truth might be comforted. This purpose is Perfection in Conduct by included in: Following the Holy Qur’an Those who put their trust in …the path of those on whom reason alone are as defective and Thou hast bestowed Thy deficient in action, faithfulness blessings. and sincerity of conduct, as they (Ch.1:V.7) are deficient in knowledge, understanding and certainty. Their The tenth purpose of the Holy group has not set up an example Qur’an is to set forth the qualities which should prove that they are and way of those with whom included among millions of holy God was displeased and of those people who are the faithful who lost the way and fell into all servants of God and are sorts of innovations so that the acceptable to Him. The blessings seekers after truth should be of these were so manifested that warned of their ways. This through their preaching and purpose is included in: admonition with prayer and attention, and the influence of

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their company, hundreds of lives, they set a seal upon the people began to tread the straight existence of God. By the blessing path and, becoming the men of of following the Word of God God, turned wholly to their Lord. they acquired such special lights They paid no attention to the as have never been found in world and its contents, and cut off others. Such people were not only altogether from the delights, to be found in ages past, but this comforts, joys, renowns, prides, group of the elect is ever present properties, and kingdoms of this in Islam and refutes its opponents world. They followed the path of by its illumined being. righteousness whereby hundreds of them lost their lives, and Thus we have proved con- thousands of heads were cut off, clusively that as the Holy Qur’an and the earth became wet with the conveys one to the high grade of blood of hundreds of thousands of intellectual perfection, in the holy ones. Despite all these same way, one attains through it calamities, they exhibited such to the stage of perfection in fidelity that like devoted lovers conduct also. The lights and they laughed while their feet were signs of being accepted by God shackled, were joyful while have always appeared and suffering pain, and were grateful continue to appear in those who in the midst of misfortunes. For have followed this Holy Word the sake of the love of the One and not in others. For a seeker they abandoned their homes, after truth this proof which he chose disgrace in place of honour, can observe with his own eyes is distress in place of comfort, enough, namely, that heavenly poverty in place of wealth, and blessings and Divine Signs are were content with indigence, found only in the perfect solitude and helplessness in place followers of the Holy Qur’an and of every kind of relationship, that all other sects, who turn association and joy. By shedding away from revelation, whether their blood and having their heads Brahmos, Aryas or Christians, cut off and laying down their are altogether deprived of this

12 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH light of truth. We make ourselves Followers of other religions responsible for satisfying every- mention the name of God by way one who denies this, provided of a tale, but the Holy Qur’an such a one, being eager to shows the countenance of the embrace Islam sincerely, should True Beloved and makes the turn to us in complete good faith light of certainty enter the heart and steadfastness and sincerity of a person. God, Who is hidden for seeking the truth. from the whole world, is seen (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani only through the Holy Qur’an. Khazain, Vol. 1, pp. 350-352, (Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani footnote 11) Khaza’in, Vol. 23, pp. 271-272)

Prophecies in the Narrated Uniqueness of the Holy Qur’an Stories in the Holy Qur’an in All its Qualities The stories set out in the Holy The Holy Qur’an is not Qur’an are in reality prophecies matchless merely on account of which have been stated in the the beauty of its composition, but form of stories. In the Torah, they is matchless on account of all its are merely stories but in the Holy excellences which it claims to Qur’an, every story is a prophecy comprise and that is the truth, for concerning the Holy Prophet(saw) whatever proceeds from God and Islam and these prophecies Almighty is not unique only on have been very clearly fulfilled. account of one quality but on The Holy Qur’an is an ocean of account of every one of its verities, insights and prophecies. qualities. Those who do not It is not possible that a person accept the Holy Qur’an as should believe fully in God comprehensive of unlimited Almighty except through the verities and insights, do not value Holy Qur’an. A characteristic the Qur’an as it should be valued. special to the Holy Qur’an is that A necessary sign for the by following it perfectly all recognition of the holy and true obstructions that exist between Word of God is that it should be man and God are removed. unique in all its qualities, for we

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‘THE STORIES SET OUT IN THE HOLY QUR’AN ARE IN REALITY PROPHECIES WHICH HAVE BEEN STATED IN THE FORM OF STORIES. IN THE TORAH, THEY ARE MERELY STORIES BUT IN THE HOLY QUR’AN, EVERY STORY IS A PROPHECY CONCERNING THE HOLY PROPHET(SAW) AND ISLAM AND THESE PROPHECIES HAVE BEEN VERY CLEARLY FULFILLED.’

observe that whatever proceeds comprise unlimited wonders and from God Almighty is unique qualities. The verse: and matchless even if it is only a grain of barley, and human Say, ‘If the ocean became ink powers cannot match it. Being for the words of my Lord, matchless means being unlim- surely, the ocean would be ited, that is to say, a thing can be exhausted before the words of matchless only when its wonders my Lord were exhausted, even and qualities are unlimited and though We brought the like have no end. thereof as further help.’ (Ch.18:V.110) As we have just stated, this characteristic is found in supports this, for the whole of everything created by God creation is Words of God... Thus Almighty. For instance, if the this verse means that the qualities wonders of a leaf of a tree are of creation are without limit and investigated for a thousand years, endless. Now when every created that period would come to an thing possesses unlimited and end, but the wonders of the leaf endless qualities and comprises will not come to an end. That numberless wonders then how which has come into being could the Holy Qur’an, which is through unlimited power, must the Holy Word of God Almighty,

14 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH be confined to the few meanings Messenger to you all from which may be set out in a Allah.’ (Ch.7:V.159) commentary of forty or fifty or a thousand volumes, or could have This verse shows that the Holy been expounded by our lord and Qur’an was revealed for the master the Holy Prophet(saw) in a perfection of every capacity. The limited period? To say so would following verse also points to almost amount to disbelief, if it is this: deliberately persisted. It is true that whatever the Holy Prophet(saw) …but he is the Messenger of has set forth as the meaning of the Allah and the Seal of the Holy Qur’an is true and correct, Prophets. (Ch.33:V.41) but it is not true that the Holy Qur’an contains no more than the The notion that whatever the insights that have been set forth Holy Prophet(saw) has said with by the Holy Prophet(saw). Such reference to the Qur’an cannot be sayings of our opponents indicate exceeded is obviously false. We that they do not believe in the have established with conclusive unlimited greatness and qualities and certain arguments that it is of the Holy Qur’an. Their saying necessary for the Word of God that the Holy Qur’an was revealed Almighty that its wonders should for the benefit of the unlearned, be unlimited and matchless. further proves that they are wholly bereft of the light of the If it is objected that if the Holy recognition of the Holy Qur’an, Qur’an comprises hidden and do not realise that the Holy wonders and qualities, then why Prophet(saw) was sent not only for were the earlier people deprived the unlearned, but that people of of their knowledge? The answer all grades are included among his is that they were not deprived followers. God, the Glorious, has altogether of Qur’anic wonders, said: but were bestowed whatever in God’s design was needed by Say, ‘O mankind! Truly I am a them of the knowledge of those

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wonders and whatever was It comprises no verity which is needed in this age has been not supported by ten or twenty manifested in this age. testimonies contained in it. When we interpret a verse of the Holy That which is the basis of faith, Qur’an we should consider by knowing and accepting which whether it contains other testi- a person can become a Muslim, mony in support of the meaning has been proclaimed clearly in that we have adopted. If other every age. I wonder wherefrom testimony is not available and the have these Maulavis, who lack meaning that we have adopted is intelligence, gathered that God found to be opposed to other Almighty was under obligation verses, we should realise that that that whatever of His favours and meaning is false for it is not bounties was to be manifested in possible that there should be any future must be proved to have contradiction in the Holy Qur’an. existed in past ages also. The sign of true meaning is that a (Karamat-us-Sadiqin, Ruhani whole host of clear testimony Khaza’in, Vol. 7, pp. 60-62) from the Holy Qur’an should confirm it. Standards for a True Commentary of the Holy The second standard for a correct Qur’an interpretation of the Qur’an is the The first standard of a true commentary of the Holy commentary on the Holy Qur’an Prophet(saw). There can be no doubt is the testimony of the Qur’an that the person who understood itself. It should be remembered the meaning of the Holy Qur’an that the Holy Qur’an is not like best was our dear and grand other books dependent upon Prophet(saw). Thus if an inter- something else for proof or pretation by the Holy Prophet(saw) disclosure of its verities. It is like becomes available, it is the duty an orderly structure the whole of of every Muslim to accept it which is disturbed by the instantly without hesitation, and displacement of one if its bricks. whoever fails to do this would be

16 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH guilty of heresy and philoso- witness that this is the true way. phising. The light of his heart is a good The third standard is inter- standard for testing the truth. pretation by the companions of Unless a person is purified in the Holy Prophet(saw). There is no practice and passes through the doubt that the companions of the narrow path through which the Holy Prophet (saw), were the first Prophets have passed, he should heirs of the lights of the Holy not become a commentator of Prophet(saw) and of his knowledge, the Qur’an out of impertinence and that they were bestowed great and arrogance, for his grace by God Almighty and their commentary would be based perception was aided by God for upon his opinion and such they not only professed but commentary is forbidden by the practised. Holy Prophet(saw) who has said:

The fourth standard is reflection ‘He who interprets the Qur’an upon the Holy Qur’an with one’s on the basis of his opinion is in pure spirit, inasmuch as the Holy error, even if he should put Qur’an has a relationship with forward a commentary which he purity of spirit. God the Glorious considers right.’ says: The fifth standard is the Arabic Which none shall touch except lexicon, but the Holy Qur’an those who are purified. supplies so many means itself (Ch.56:V.80) that it is not very necessary to have recourse to the lexicon, This means that: A person with a though it adds to one’s under- purified heart appreciates the holy standing. Sometimes by having insights of the Qur’an on account recourse to the lexicon attention of his relationship with the is drawn to the mysteries of the Qur’an. He recognises them and Holy Qur’an and a hidden matter smells them and his heart bears is discovered.

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The sixth standard of appre- change in the text or sequence of ciating the spiritual system is the any verse in the Word of God, physical system, for there is except when the Holy Prophet(saw) complete accord between the himself should have done so and two. it can be proved that he did so. In the absence of such proof we The seventh standard is the cannot disturb the sequence of revelation and visions of the the Holy Qur’an, nor can we add saints. This standard in a way anything to it. If we do so, we comprises all other standards as would be guilty of an offence and the recipient of revelation is a would be accountable for it. complete reflection of the (Itmam-ul-Hujjah, Ruhani Prophet whom he follows, and Khaza’in, Vol. 8, p. 291) with the exception of Prophethood and new com- Ten Systems of Roots in the mandments, he is bestowed Holy Qur’an everything that is bestowed on It should be remembered that the the Prophet. The certain and true Holy Qur’an is comprehensive of teaching is disclosed to him and ten systems of roots: he receives everything by way of bounty and favour that is 1. The system in which the bestowed on the Prophet whom existence of God and he follows. He does not indulge arguments in support of it, in conjecture, but speaks having and such Divine attributes, seen and expounds having heard. names, actions, ways and This way is open for the habits are set out as are Muslims for it cannot be that special to the Being of Allah, there should be no true heir. the Glorious; also those (Barakat-ud-Du’a, Ruhani phrases which relate to His Khazain, Vol. 6, pp. 17-21) perfect praise regarding His glory, beauty and greatness. It should be remembered that we are not permitted to make any 2. The system which is compre-

18 The Review of Religions –April 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURAH FATIHAH

hensive of the Unity of God 6. The system that sets out what and arguments in support of is Islam and what is disbelief, it. and what is shirk, and arguments in support of 3. The system in which the Islam, and answers to qualities and actions, and objections. conduct and habits, and spiritual and physical con- 7. The system which refutes all ditions are manifested by the false doctrines of the creatures in the presence of opponents of Islam. God Almighty in accord with His pleasure or contrary to it. 8. The system that comprises warnings and good news, 4. The system which contains promises and sanctions, complete guidance from God world of the hereafter and concerning admonitions and miracles, illustrations and the teaching of moral prophecies which foster faith, qualities and doctrines, and and such stories as serve to the rights of God and the admonish, warn or convey rights of His creatures, and good news. wise knowledge, and limits and commandments, and 9. The system that comprises the directions and prohibitions, life history and holy qualities and verities and insights. of the Holy Prophet(saw) and his excellent example, and the 5. The system which expounds arguments in support of his what is true salvation and Prophethood. what are the true means of achieving it and what are the 10. The system that sets forth the signs and conditions of the qualities of the Holy Qur’an believers and of those close to and its effects and its God who have achieved characteristics. salvation.

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These are the ten systems which came into the world which was to are found in the Holy Qur’an in serve the welfare of mankind their perfection like ten circles. forever. It was revealed with the In these ten circles, God ten perfect circles, and its system Almighty has made use of such of roots is in accord with its pure and distinct roots that sane educative system, and every one reason immediately testifies that of its ten circles is accompanied this complete and perfect system by its system of roots according of roots was appointed in the to its natural quantity and values Arabic language for the service in which distinct roots are of the Qur’an. That is why this appointed for the manifestation system of roots is in full accord of Divine attributes, and for the with the educative system of the explanation of four types that Holy Qur’an, which is complete have been mentioned, and for and perfect. The system of roots every circle of teaching a perfect of other languages is not in circle of roots is available. accord with the educative (Minan-ur-Rahman, Ruhani systems of those books which are Khaza’in, Vol. 9, pp. 150-152, called Divine, and which are said footnote) to have been revealed in those languages; nor are the ten circles mentioned above found in those books. It is one of the strong proofs of the deficiency of those books that they are deprived of the necessary circles, and that the roots of the language have not been able to keep company with the teaching of those books. The reason for this is that those books are not the real books, and served only a temporary purpose. There is only one real Book which

20 The Review of Religions –April 2007 An independant report (reproduced with prior permission) that destroys the myth that being a majority in their headquarters, Ahmadis may be able to obtain police protection. A chilling reminder of the ostracisation of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, their continuing persecution and the absence of any protection by the authorities in Pakistan. Rabwah: A PLACE FOR MARTYRS? Part two Report of the UK Parliamentary Human Rights Group mission to Pakistan into internal flight for Ahmadis. Mission members: Frances Allen, Michael Ellman, Jonathan Ensor.

By Dr Jonathan Ensor – UK

Potential Risk Factors Faced therefore be read taking account by Ahmadis in Rabwah of the perspective offered in the Prior to travelling to Pakistan the previous section, ‘The Position mission identified potential risk of Ahmadis in Pakistan’. factors faced by Ahmadis. The interview questions and sources The potential risk factors were selected to investigate identified by the mission are: the these factors with a focus on the blasphemy laws; practising or treatment of Ahmadis in expressing the Ahmadi faith; Rabwah. As previously noted, it preaching by Ahmadis; threats quickly became apparent to the and physical attacks; and attacks mission that an understanding of on property. Evidence collected the national context is important by the mission relating to each when considering the potential factor is set out below. However, risks to and protection for it should be noted throughout Ahmadis in Rabwah. The that, according to the British following material should High Commission, there is

The Review of Religions – April 2007 21 RABWAH – A PLACE FOR MARTYRS?, PART TWO

under-reporting of Ahmadi disaggregated by location. persecution, making it difficult to make an accurate assessment The Ahmadi community of the frequency of attacks explained that once an against Ahmadis. individual receives bail they are required to appear at a case Blasphemy laws hearing approximately every The mission were provided with month. The location of the case a report detailing prosecutions of hearing will depend on where Ahmadis during 2005 compiled the FIR has been lodged. This by the community in Rabwah allows a complainant to lodge an through their contact with FIR in, for example, Karachi, Ahmadis throughout Pakistan with the effect that a resident of (Appendix D). The report Rabwah would be required to documents a total of 60 FIRs travel a great distance every registered against Ahmadis, 25 month. The community pointed of which were recorded at out that travelling to repeated ‘Chenab Nagar’ (Rabwah) bail hearings is expensive, may police station (note that FIRs cost the individual his job may be registered at any police through regular absence, and station regardless of the place of may place the Ahmadi at risk as residence of the accused). The he has to travel the same route same document also provides a on regular occasions. The summary of cases recorded testimonies of Rabwah residents against Ahmadis from April Rashid Ahmed, ‘MN’ and Abdul 1984 to Dec 2005. The summary Shakoor to the mission, recorded catalogues the total number of in Appendix A, provide cases by the description of the examples. In January 1990, transgression: for example, a Rashid Ahmed received bail total of 404 FIRs instituted following the registration of a against Ahmadis for posing as a case under section 298c. Since Muslim. These statistics are not then he has had to attend court in

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Chiniot (approximately 30 Applications to have his case minutes drive from Rabwah) dismissed have been made, all every 15 days, sometimes without success (see Appendix having to wait all day for his A for the testimonies of ‘MN’ case to be called. Each time the and Abdul Shakoor). police fail to produce witnesses and the case is adjourned, Addressing the lengthy without any criticism of the prosecution of FIRs in court, police. He has applied for the DPO Salimi pointed out that case to be dismissed, but he cases against Ahmadis often believes the magistrate is too have ‘complicated social frightened of the mullahs to implications’ quite different to order this: he has been told the normal criminal activity. The police will arrange for all the police often do not want to witnesses to come together on prosecute, but they have to, even one occasion. In a separate case, where the complaint itself is ‘MN’ has to attend court in ‘very stupid’. If a witness then Chiniot every 15 or 30 days fails to attend court, they can be following an FIR under section arrested, but ‘it is a tricky 298c that was registered in 1988. business,’ and not usually the The court refuses to dismiss his fault of the police. The Senior case and his bail has been Government Advisor fleshed out cancelled on two occasions. these problems, noting that the Similarly, Abdul Shakoor had social pressure around the four FIRs lodged against him in Ahmadi issue has a real impact December 1990 by a mullah in on the effectiveness of all levels Rabwah: Mr Shakoor has to of the police and judiciary (see attend court in Chiniot every section 4.2, ‘State Protection’, month but each time the case has below). been adjourned because the mullah has failed to appear and The Ahmadi Community has not been arrested to do so. Representatives informed the

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mission that if an individual fails not known if this database is to appear at a bail hearing interrogated to find missing or several actions are put in proclaimed offenders. The motion: first, the police will look services identified by the Ahmadi for the person. Next, if s/he is Community Representatives as not found, they are then ‘at requiring production of an ID large’ and the case is reported to card included: the court, at which point the person becomes a ‘proclaimed’ 1) passport/ driving licence offender. Anyone can arrest a 2) water/ electricity proclaimed offender within one 3) schooling month of the proclamation, after 4) employment which time the person’s property 5) buying/ renting land is sold. The warrant issued by 6) hospital visits the court is valid anywhere in Pakistan. The Representatives Moreover, there are police noted that a common (but checkpoints on the roads and illegal) practice is to detain police will often ask for ID cards family members of the accused. from those travelling by public DSP Tatla, however, insisted transport at night. that the police do not interrogate family members of accused During the mission’s interview people, unless they are with the Ahmadi Community personally concerned in the Representatives it became clear charge. The Representatives also that blasphemy FIRs are informed the mission that when registered as a result of relocating in Pakistan access to complaints from three main many everyday services requires sources: those lodged by the production of an identity members of Khatme Nabuwwat, card. All details are held by the those precipitated by police or national Database and government intervention, and Registration Authority. It was those used to settle personal

24 The Review of Religions –April 2007 RABWAH – A PLACE FOR MARTYRS? PART TWO rivalries or enmity. Examples of an attempt was made to do so, each follow. they were sure the police would not accept it). Mr Rabnawaz FIRs instigated by Khatme stated that the cases go on for a Nabuwwat long time, as do all cases in Mr Rehman noted that Khatme Pakistan, but he said that it was Nabuwwat are present in usually about 6 months from Rabwah and are known for both FIR to conclusion of case. instigating FIRs, and identifying Sometimes they were adjourned those with outstanding FIRs and at the Ahmadi defendants’ own passing them to the police. Mr request, or because only one of Rehman’s comments are borne several defendants had turned up out in the cases of ‘MN’ and as they had fled the country and Abdul Shakoor, related to the were ‘criminals living in mission and recorded at Europe’. Appendix A. Both cases revolve around blasphemy FIRs lodged FIRs instigated through police by Mullah Khuda Bakhsh, a or government intervention member of Khatme Nabuwwat. The Ahmadi Community Mr Rabnawaz agreed that Representatives highlighted the Khatme Nabuwwat had filed fact that some FIRs are filed FIR’s against Ahmadis, and said against Ahmadis by the police, that Ahmadis had filed FIRs whilst others follow the direct against his members including intervention of the Federal one pending against him Government. The testimony personally (the Ahmadi provided by Rashid Ahmed to Community Representatives the mission (Appendix A) subsequently denied that they provides an example of this had successfully filed FIRs practice, in which Mr Ahmed against Mr Rabnawaz’s was charged with blasphemy members or against Mr under an FIR registered on 22 Rabnawaz, and they stated that if May 1989 on the order of the

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Home Secretary of the North West Frontier Province Provincial Government, Punjab. (NWFP) – and provincial police The mission were also shown a officers. The circular asks the variety of examples of this recipients to take action against practice by the Ahmadi Ahmadi activities involving the Community Representatives: an distribution of letters and FIR dated 15 December 1989, newspapers, propagation of the filed by the Station House Ahmadi faith, and collecting Officer in Rabwah, which is funds. The mission were also against the entire population of shown a second circular, dated 8 Rabwah (accused under 298c of June 2006, addressed to the practising Islamic social Deputy Inspector General of etiquettes and worship. See Police Karachi (with copies to Appendix B3: Police report Station House Officers, (FIR) against the entire Karachi). This second document population of Rabwah, 15 states that the contents of the December 1989); a June 2006 circular has been duly noted and FIR filed by the District Police instructions have been given to Officer (DPO) against Latif Butt Station House Officers to take FIR 21/06 for preaching; and a immediate action, including recent circular issued by the preventative measures (see Ministry of Interior. The Appendix B4: Circulars from circular requests provincial the Ministry of Interior, authorities to take immediate Government of Pakistan, 8 May action against the circulation of 2006 and 8 June 2006). Ahmadi literature. The document is dated 8 May 2006 The mission asked DSP Tatla and is from the Ministry of (Rabwah) about the circular. Interior, Government of DSP Tatla explained that he had Pakistan addressed to Home received the circular from the Secretaries of four provinces – Ministry of the Interior and that Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and it is normal to receive such

26 The Review of Religions –April 2007 RABWAH – A PLACE FOR MARTYRS? PART TWO circulars from the Government. however, the FIR does not specify In this instance, an FIR was any extracts from the newspaper issued in September 2006 as a that are defined as objectionable. result of the circular, citing the The Community Representatives Ahmadi newspaper ‘Alfazal’ for told the mission that on 9th printing ‘objectionable material’ September 2006 the offices of (see Appendix B9: Press report of Alfazal were raided by the police. closure of Alfazal, September The editor, publisher and printer 2006). DPO Salimi (in Jhang), were not present at the offices but however, was not aware of the the police arrested two men not circular and doubted its connected with the newspaper. In authenticity: he stated that it was a further raid at his home Mr not uncommon to see forged Sultan Ahmad Dogar, a printer, letters. He had not received this was arrested. Two days after his particular circular, but had only arrest Mr Dogar was presented been in post since the middle of before the Anti-terrorism Court in September. Referring to the Faisalabad. The Judge ordered his Alfazal incident, the Ahmadi return in a week and he was Community Representatives remanded. On 18 September Mr noted that the FIR resulting in the Dogar was refused bail and a closure of the newspaper was hearing date of 25 September was ordered by the Assistant Inspector set for trial. On 25 September the General of Police (Operations) case did not proceed and Mr acting on the government’s Dogar was remanded again until initiative. There was no civilian 4 October. As of October 2006 complainant involved. The case the case is still pending and Mr was listed as FIR No. 480/06 Dogar remains on remand. (See dated 9 September 2006 at Appendix B10 Translation of FIR Chenab Nagar Police Station, 480/06, provided by the Ahmadi District Jhang. The FIR states that Community, Rabwah; and B9: the Alfazal promotes hatred and Press report of closure of Alfazal, injures the feelings of Muslims; September 2006).

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blasphemy prosecution. The FIRs resulting from personal community explained that their enmity books and literature are banned, The Ahmadi Community public meetings are not allowed Representatives informed the and there is a ‘constant fear of mission that FIRs are also used prosecution’ under the blas- to settle personal scores. For phemy laws (see section 2.3 example, in a case known to the ‘Blasphemy Laws and First community an Ahmadi became a Information Reports’ and village headman through the Appendix B1: Notifications local tradition of primogeniture. from the Government of the However, his first cousin (a non- Punjab banning Ahmadi Ahmadi) wanted to take over the materials, 19 July 2006; 1 headman role, and so filed a September 2006; and 9 blasphemy charge against him. September 2006). The Ahmadi subsequently spent four years in prison. As noted above, the mission were provided with a report Practising or expressing faith detailing prosecutions during The Ahmadi Community 2005 compiled by the Representatives explained that community in Rabwah through the blasphemy laws severely their contact with Ahmadis restrict the ability of Ahmadis to throughout Pakistan (Appendix practise their faith as a group or D). The report documents a total as individuals. The laws create a of 60 FIRs registered against situation where even carrying Ahmadis, 25 of which were out everyday religious practices recorded at ‘Chenab Nagar’ runs the risk of prosecution. As (Rabwah) police station, and Ahmadis are ‘non-Muslims’ in provides a summary of cases the eyes of the law, even using recorded against Ahmadis from the greeting ‘Assalamu April 1984 to Dec 2005. The Alaikum’ can result in a summary catalogues the total

28 The Review of Religions –April 2007 RABWAH – A PLACE FOR MARTYRS? PART TWO number of cases by the understanding of the finality of description of the transgression: the Prophet through preaching for example, a total of 404 FIRs and books, not through force. instituted for posing as a Muslim. These statistics are not See also section 3.1 ‘Blasphemy disaggregated by location. laws’, above. When asked about the Ahmadi faith, Khatme Nabuwwat Preaching (Islamabad Chapter) informed The Ahmadi Community the mission that anyone who Representatives explained that claims that there was a Prophet they are a ‘preaching religion’ in after Muhammad is an infidel the sense that they have a moral and their claim is false, baseless obligation to spread their beliefs. and a crime. Khatme However, no pressure is placed Nabuwwat’s view is that on people to convert. The risk of freedom of religion has prosecution under the limitations and does not include blasphemy laws for even freedom to misinterpret Islam. everyday religious practices Ahmadis should not assert means that individuals tend to themselves to be Muslim convey the message of their because they do not believe in religion to people they know, the laws of the Prophet – this such as relatives and friends who view is endorsed by Parliament are usually other Ahmadis or and the constitution. Khatme sympathetic to their cause. Nabuwwat see them-selves as However, if they are asked a ‘protectors’ of Islam: Islam has question about their religion, or the right to the protection of its if their beliefs are challenged, ‘life, religion, property and then they are under a ‘moral honour’. When asked how they obligation’ to explain their faith. achieve this, the Chapter As noted above, the community informed the mission that emphasised that the blasphemy Khatme Nabuwwat spread laws are framed in such a way as

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to create a ‘constant fear of and madrassa in Rabwah. The prosecution’ for Ahmadis in community repre-sentatives Pakistan (see section ‘2.3 referred to graffiti on the wall of Blasphemy Laws and First the mosque in the Muslim Information Reports’, above, Colony of Rabwah which reads and Appendix C: Copy of ‘wholesome security of Islam Ordinance No. XX Of 1984 and and the faith lies in total 1986 Amendment to the section liquidation of Ahmadis’ (see 295c of the Pakistan Penal Appendix B2: Photographs Code). supplied by the Ahmadi Community). The community The community also informed stated that they face threats from the mission that in June 2006 the Khatme Nabuwwat’s members District Police Officer (DPO) and supporters within Rabwah, ordered a case be filed against and from those coming to Latif Butt for preaching (FIR Rabwah from other areas of number 21/06). Pakistan for conferences. The mission was told that the See also section 3.1 ‘Blasphemy Ahmadi community feel laws’, above. particularly intimidated and threatened on these occasions. Threats and physical attacks The senior community members The Ahmadi Community advise their community to stay Representatives stated that in indoors and women are told not Rabwah they felt intimidated to attend prayers. and were frequently threatened. They informed the mission that Mr Rehman confirmed that the main perpetrators of attacks Khatme Nabuwwat are present on persons and property in in Rabwah and are known to Rabwah were members or incite people to attack Ahmadis supporters of Khatme in speeches broadcast on loud- Nabuwwat who have a mosque speakers from their mosque.

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Khatme Nabuwwat are repeat- Rabwah that are escorted by the edly in the news, for example for police (the mission viewed a inciting violence or attacking the video showing a march through library at Rabwah. In a Rabwah; see also Appendix B2: testimony recorded by the Photographs supplied by the mission, Ahmadi community Ahmadi Community). member ‘ZB’ told the mission that her husband was attacked by The Ahmadi Community a mob in Sialkot following an Representatives described how edict by the local head of the marches are accompanied by Khatme Nabuwwat, Mullah the shouting of ‘filthy, dirty Manzoor. The edict resulted slogans that are designed to from his conversion to the provoke’; one common slogan is Ahmadi faith. Following his ‘death to Ahmadis’. The events attack, the police refused to enter sometimes result in violence, an FIR and he fled to Rabwah. In such as in 2004 when Rabwah 2004 he was shot at whilst in resident Ghulam Tahir was Rabwah following the distri- attacked by a mob. The bution of his photograph at a community told the mission that Khatme Nabuwwat conference. this year two major Khatme The full testimony of this case is Nabuwwat conferences were held recorded at Appendix A. in Rabwah during September despite the Government of The Ahmadi Community Punjab directing all district Representatives told the mission governments to forbid religious that although the Ahmadis have meetings and rallies for 30 days not been granted permission to from 1 September 2006. Special hold their annual convention in permission was granted to the Rabwah since 1983, Khatme clerics to hold these conferences. Nabuwwat hold 3-4 large events On 7 September 2006 (the each year. These events have anniversary of Ahmadis being marches through the streets of declared non-Muslim) the 19th

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Annual International Khatme Nabuwwat explained that Nabuwwat Conference was held Khatme Nabuwwat hold at the Madrassa Usmania in the meetings in different places, one Muslim Colony of Rabwah, of which is Rabwah. In contrast whilst on 21-22 September 2006 to Mullah Arshad, the Chapter Khatme Nabuwwat held their members stated that the main 25th annual two day conference Rabwah gathering brings at Rabwah. Mullah Arshad 15,000-20,000 people to the confirmed that Khatme town from all over Pakistan. Nabuwwat holds three When pushed as to the reason conferences in Rabwah each for staging such a large meeting year, on the anniversary of the in Rabwah, it was stated that birth of the Prophet, and on 7 Khatme Nabuwwat want it to be and 21-22 September. known to everyone that Rabwah According to the Mullah, the is a part of Pakistan and that latter is a national event that there is no exclusive city in attracts about 50,000 people; the Pakistan for Ahmadis: ‘Rabwah others are local with 4,000-5,000 is not their place.’ attendees. When asked why When asked about Khatme Khatme Nabuwwat meets Nabuwwat’s mission to invite regularly in Rabwah, Mullah Ahmadis to rejoin Islam, one Arshad explained that Khatme member of Islamabad Chapter Nabuwwat’s mission is to invite explained that their aim was to Ahmadis to rejoin Islam and persuade Ahmadis to repent. therefore they hold large However, in accordance with the gatherings where there are the Islamic teachings, as an apostate greatest number of Ahmadis. an Ahmadi will be given three Khatme Nabuwwat have been days to repent and if s/he fail to refused permission to hold do so s/he will be sentenced to meetings, but the last time this death. None of the Chapter happened was in 1997. The members were willing to Islamabad Chapter of Khatme elaborate on this comment.1

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killing Ahmadis. The Mullah did The mission asked the members not believe that the sloganeering of the Islamabad Chapter of might incite violence against Khatme Nabuwwat about reports Ahmadis: nothing of the sort from sources such as the US happens in Rabwah. (DPO Department of State human Salimi informed the mission that rights reports and the Ahmadi the expression ‘Death to Community of violence against Ahmadis’ was ‘just a slogan’, Ahmadis, marches and shouting and he did not think it amounted of slogans that demand that to an incitement to violence.) Ahmadis be killed. The Chapter Reflecting the statements of the members insisted that the reports Islamabad chapter, Mullah were false and that the marches Arshad maintained that Ahmadis were staged by the Ahmadis who have made up stories of their are ‘great conspirators’. The arrest: they even dress in police Khatme Nabuwwat conferences uniforms and go and arrest other never march through the town – Ahmadis to create a story and so only within the perimeter of their they can escape to Europe and mosque, however it was not make money. When asked about explained how this was achieved reports of arson and violence, Mr with many thousands of Rabnawaz denied there had been participants. Khatme Nabuwwat cases of arson against Ahmadi do not attack or kill and the homes and stated that any Chapter members had not seen or shooting that had occurred had heard of slogans advocating been between the Ahmadis violence. By contrast, Mullah themselves. Moreover, Ahmadis Arshad acknowledged and had fired on Muslims and Mr supported the slogan ‘death to Rabnawaz himself had been Ahmadis’ and stated that it refers abducted and tortured. The case to the fact that the Ahmadi belief is still ongoing as the defendants, is a dead belief and Ahmadis are Mr Rabnawaz claimed, had causing a schism in society. The escaped and are now living in Mullah does not believe in luxury outside Pakistan.

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members insisted that ‘Rabwah Responding to the suggestion is not their place.’ that abusive sloganeering and violence are associated with the Attacks on property Khatme Nabuwwat conferences, As noted above, the mission Mr Rabnawaz stated that the were informed by the Ahmadi Ahmadi community have full Community Representatives that religious freedom, yet they will the main perpetrators of attacks not allow Muslims into Rabwah, on property in Rabwah were even as hawkers. Similarly the members or supporters of Islamabad Chapter of Khatme Khatme Nabuwwat. The Nabuwwat told the mission that Community told the mission that Rabwah has been totally reserved they face a constant threat of for Ahmadis and Muslims are not physical violence, including permitted to enter. However, the against their mosques and mission met with DSP Tatla and educational establishments. The Mr Ibrahim, Secretary to the marches following anti-Ahmadi Mayor of Rabwah, both non- conferences have resulted in Ahmadi Muslims, in the centre arson and attacks on Ahmadi of Rabwah. Moreover, Mr mosques, in one case resulting in Ibrahim stated that all 11 the destruction of a mosque. Mr members of the Local Council in Rehman noted that Khatme Rabwah are non-Ahmadis, whilst Nabuwwat are repeatedly in the the HRCP noted that the police in news, including, for example, for Rabwah are all non-Ahmadis. attacking the library in Rabwah. Nevertheless, the Islamabad The Ahmadi Community Chapter of Khatme Nabuwwat Representatives noted that the stated that they want it to be violence is different in different known that Rabwah is a part of places and at different times, Pakistan and that there can be no highlighting the example of the exclusive city in Pakistan for destruction in the village of Ahmadis. Referring to the Jhando Sahi which had been Ahmadi community, the Chapter reported by the Pakistani press

34 The Review of Religions –April 2007 RABWAH – A PLACE FOR MARTYRS? PART TWO and documented by Amnesty themselves and then blame International (see Appendix B8). Muslims. The Ahmadis have a During mob violence in June security system at the cemetery 2006 the whole Ahmadi and moreover Muslims do not community had their homes and believe in and condemn the businesses attacked by local non- desecration of graves. Mr Ahmadis. Rabnawaz stated that photographs of desecrated The Ahmadi Community gravestones were fabricated. Representatives also told the mission of the desecration of Ahmadi graves. The Ahmadi community in Rawah have a 1. This is a controversial and cemetery on the edge of the contested reading of the town, next to which is the teachings of Islam. mosque belonging to Khatme Nabuwwat’s Mullah Arshad. The Ahmadi community explained how they had built a wall to protect their cemetery but the Khatme Nabuwwat members still entered the site and damaged grave stones. The mission visited the cemetery and photographed the damage to the gravestones, located immediately adjacent to the cemetery boundary with the Khatme Nabuwwat mosque (see photographs in Appendix F). Mullah Arshad insisted that there was no truth in the story that Khatme Nabuwwat desecrated Ahmadi graves: Ahmadis do it

The Review of Religions – April 2007 35 The Role of Truth and Reconciliation in Enhancing Democratic Governance: the case of Ghana A paper presented at a workshop on ‘West Africa: Regional Issues and Challenges of Reconciliation’ held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra from May 3rd- 5th 2006.

By Maulvi A Wahab Adam – Accra, Ghana Reconciliation, from the shocked at the enormity of their religious perspective, is very crime and the realisation that important for peaceful societal Joseph(as), in his position, could existence as it allows man to exact his pound of flesh, they demonstrate the moral quality of confessed: benevolence. For this reason I have chosen to preface this ...We have indeed been presentation with the story of sinners. Joseph(as) and his brothers as (Ch.12: V.92) narrated in the Holy Qur’an. Responding, Joseph(as) told them: Having been thrown into a well and left for dead, having been No blame shall lie on you this found by a trader and sold as day; may Allah forgive you! merchandise, and having spent And He is the Most Merciful some time in prison, Joseph(as) of those who show mercy. was elevated to a very high (Holy Qur’an, Ch.12: V.93) status in the court of a king. It was during this period that an This large-hearted and generous opportunity came for Joseph(as) to pardon granted by Joseph(as) to remind his brothers of what they his brothers, constitutes his did to him. Crestfallen and greatest and most outstanding

36 The Review of Religions –April 2007 THE ROLE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN ENHANCING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE resemblance to the Holy Prophet Cedis has been allocated for the Muhammad(saw). provision of reparation to victims of human rights Like Joseph(as), the Holy violations who petitioned the Prophet(saw) gained honour and Commission for redressal of power in flight and banishment. their grievances. It is my hope When, after years in exile, he that the reparations and further entered his native town as a counselling for the victims conqueror and Makkah lay would contribute immensely to prostrate at his feet, he asked his healing and closure for the people what treatment they victims and also impact on the expected from him. ‘The reconciliation process. treatment that Joseph accorded to his brothers’, they replied, to Having served as a which the Holy Prophet(saw) Commissioner on Ghana’s declared, ‘Then no reproach National Reconciliation shall lie on you this day.’ Commission, I have come to appreciate, for its healing value, An unparalleled example of the urgent necessity for every reconciliation! nation to make the effort to confront its past. Let me say that I accepted to be a member of the the agonising and incredulous National Reconciliation stories which assaulted my ears Commission out of my deep and imagination, can only be religious conviction of the value described as evil and inex- of reconciliation as a condition plicable. But I have come for peace in our dear country of through that experience with Ghana. It is refreshing that this hope and confidence in the workshop is taking place some future of mankind and my dear three weeks after the country in particular. This hope Government announced that an is anchored on the fact that most amount of 13 billion Ghanaian of the victims, after narrating

The Review of Religions – April 2007 37 THE ROLE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN ENHANCING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

their testimonies of pain and and fulfilling the goals of our suffering, at the loss of dear national motto: Freedom and ones, and of a future destroyed, Justice.’ expressed their willingness to forsake revenge and commit In all, over 4,000 persons themselves to forgiveness and petitioned the Commission. reconciliation. It is this truth that During the hearings, which were gives me hope for the future. held in the national capital and regional capitals to give the The National Reconciliation people easy access and a sense of Commission opened its doors to participation in the national victims of human rights viola- reconciliation process, victims tions on September 2, 2002. spoke, some amid tears, of Public hearings began on killings, torture, detention, January 14, 2003 at the Old disappearances of relations, Parliament House, where almost seizure of property, ill treatment fifty years earlier, on March 5 and dismissals. For some 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had petitioners, the Commission was tabled the motion of the destiny able to exhume and hand over to for Ghana to become the first them, the remains of relations, colony, South of the Sahara, to who had been executed and achieve independence from buried in mass graves. colonial rule. At the inauguration of the Commission in 2003, the Working parallel to the public then Attorney General, Nana hearings were five committees Akuffo Addo said: that examined possible institutional culpability in ‘The inauguration of the fostering a climate that allowed public hearings is one more human rights violations to thrive. milestone on our tortuous, The five committees were those but determined path towards on security services, the legal consolidating our democracy profession (including the

38 The Review of Religions –April 2007 THE ROLE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN ENHANCING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE judiciary), the media, organised our past mistakes or mis- labour and students movement, fortunes. Doing so would professional bodies (other than produce nothing but further legal), and religious bodies and suffering. Instead, we have to the chieftaincy institution. With make serious efforts to put all hindsight, I think another the pains behind us, and help committee to look at ethnicity as to build a new Ghana where being responsible for some of the the conditions that produced human rights violations, could such pain and suffering have been worthwhile. Besides, would not be permitted to the institutional hearings should recur. Every Ghanaian must have been conducted in public make a personal pledge that and opened its doors to ‘NEVER AGAIN!’ shall testimony from members of the such wrongs be a feature of public. governance or a feature of life on this beautiful land of On October 13, 2004, the our birth.” Commission submitted its report to His Excellency, the President If a feature of governance that of the Republic of Ghana. The shall not accommodate such report embodies recommen- wrongs is democratic gover- dations for reparations, the nance, then the question to be source of funding for repa- asked is has the National rations, institutional reforms, and Reconciliation Commission en- specific actions for the nation to hanced democratic governance in symbolically demonstrate con- Ghana? trition and acknowledgement towards vic-tims of human rights Answering this question must violations. The report had this take into account the work of a conclusion: truth commission as both a forward-looking and backward- “We must not be tied down to looking exercise. As a nation

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looks back at its dark past and four well-known categories: acknowledges responsibility, it must look into the present and a) Full defeat in an armed war the future and make them e.g. the treatment of become illumined by the past. Germany after World War II; Successful truth commissions are those that leave in their place b) Transition through a follow-up institutions to dictator’s loss in an election facilitate the implementation and e.g. Chile; monitoring of the recommen- dations of the commission. c) Transition through compro- mises and negotiation e.g. The completion of the work of a South Africa; and truth commission is the end of the beginning. Much more d) Transition from a long remains to be done in Ghana’s standing communist regime pursuit of a human rights culture. e.g. East European countries. Thus the responsibility has now shifted away from the Ghana’s truth commission was Commission to the state and to set up 10 years after the country civil society. The extent to which had returned to democratic the National Reconciliation governance following eleven Commission has impacted years of military rule during positively on democratic gover- which a lot of human rights nance can be located in the violations occurred. Three performance of the two elections had been held, the last important factors. one leading to a change of government. During this time, It is worth noting that Ghana’s indices of democratic gover- truth commission was dictated nance were present, however by its own mode of transition. It imperfect: constitutional rule, was not defined in terms of the independent judiciary, rule of

40 The Review of Religions –April 2007 THE ROLE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN ENHANCING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Law, free media, civil society media, defeated the ruling party and a certain level of in the 2000 elections. In its government accountability. manifesto, it had promised to set up a truth commission to Significantly, the then president, investigate human rights a military dictator turned violations as part of the process politician, acknowledged the towards reconciliation. These are need for reconciliation and set in the antecedents to the establish- motion a process to de- ment of Ghana’s National confiscate properties earlier Reconciliation Commission. Any confiscated. It was an ad hoc assessment of the role it has arrangement that did not go far. played in enhancing democratic A truth commission, that would gover-nance will have to look at have subjected his human rights the level of democratic record to public scrutiny, was not governance in the pre-NRC even discussed. period and attempt to establish whether there has been an This was unlike that of South improvement over that in the Africa where the ANC set up a post NRC period. commission to probe human rights violations allegedly In the absence of any empirical committed by its members evidence, any conclusion on during the liberation war well improved democratic gover- before the South African Truth nance after the NRC will be and Reconciliation Commission speculative. However, there are was set up. areas that attention must be focused. No doubt civil society The government that set up the has become more active. national reconciliation com- Advocacy is being intensified to mission, then in opposition, had increase public participation in political space to sell its message policy making, legislative and with the support of a free process and social dialogue. That

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the Domestic Violence Bill, vincing them that an Freedom of Information Bill and incompetent constitutional the Disability Bill are being laid government, founded on the rule before Parliament for passage of law, is better than a military testify to the active advocacy of government and therefore there civil society. The Coalition is the need for patience until the Against Water Privatisation has next elections during which they virtually put a hold on will exercise their franchise to government action in the sector. retain or change it. In the area of conflict prevention and resolution, civil society has If these modest indices constitute been playing a crucial role. For an enhancement of democratic the current level of stability in governance in the country, then Dagbon and the ending of the 80 the National Reconciliation year-old Alavanvo-Nkonya Commission was not set up in dispute, credit should go to the vain. involvement of civil society, including the religious bodies.

More importantly, Ghanaians have recognised that perennial political instability has not benefited the country and they have a shared responsibility to help sustain the current democratic dispensation. Above all, the gross human rights violations that occurred under the various military regimes and the First Republic that reduced the dignity and self-esteem of the people, have contributed in con-

42 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON – Was he a monotheist?

By Zia H Shah MD, Syracuse, USA

Say, ‘He is Allah the One! congressional library that had Allah the Independent and been burned by British troops the Besought of all. He begets year before, in the War of 1812. not, nor is He begotten. And The book’s leather binding was there is none like unto Him.’ added in 1919. Inside, it reads, (Ch.112: Vs.2-5) ‘The Koran, commonly called ‘The Alcoran of Mohammed.’ First Muslim in US Congress Jefferson marked his ownership Keith Ellison made history in by writing the letter ‘J’ next to January 2007 by becoming the the letter ‘T’ that was already at first Muslim member of the US the bottom of pages. Congress and embellishing the occasion by taking a ceremonial Speaking to ABC News in a oath on the copy of the Holy broadcast, Ellison said it was Qur’an once owned by the third only natural that he would take President of the USA, Thomas his oath on the Holy Qur’an, the Jefferson. Mr. Ellison is an Afro- book of his Islamic faith. ‘It’s the American who converted to scripture that I read every day Islam during his college years. In and it’s the book that I draw a very strategic move, he inspiration from,’ said the succeeded in taking his oath of incoming lawmaker, who office using Thomas Jefferson’s converted from Roman own copy of the Holy Qur’an. Catholicism to Islam while a The Qur’an was acquired in 1815 student in college. Ellison, who as part of a 6,400-volume is also the first black US collection that Jefferson sold for lawmaker from Minnesota, said $24,000 to replace the that as he goes about the business

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of learning to be a lawmaker, he meaning of the American will take a page from the book of Revolution. baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who made history as the first Edwin Gaustad has written a black player in the sport’s major religious biography of Thomas league. ‘It’s like Jackie Jefferson titled Sworn on the Robinson: Did he worry about Altar of God. He writes: being the first black baseball player? No. He worried about ‘Jefferson would gather ideas getting a hit. He worried about as a reaper gathered corn, getting on base’, said Ellison. He selecting and retaining the also remarked that he chose this most delectable, ignoring or copy of the Holy Qur’an because discarding what he regarded it showed that a visionary like as unsuitable to his taste. Jefferson believed that wisdom Many of Jefferson’s fellow could be gleaned from many deists found English and sources. Scottish thinkers more congenial, less radical, less Thomas Jefferson unnerving than those of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) France. But Jefferson reaped was the principal author of the there too.’1 Declaration of Independence (1776) of the United States and In other words he sought ideas the nation’s first secretary of from all sorts of philosophers state (1789-94), second vice from all different times. Jefferson president (1797-1801), and third seemed to have a special ability president (1801-09). Jefferson to decipher right from wrong and was an early advocate of the total useful from useless. He showed separation of church and state that in so many different spheres (Virgina Statute for religious of life. Jefferson liked books as Freedom), and the most eloquent they gave him new and good American proponent of indi- ideas. He was a great collector of vidual freedom as the core books. When Thomas Jefferson

44 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST? went abroad as an emissary to 18th century Europe or America France in 1785, the opportunities to give credit to the Muslims, the for book buying marvellously Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) or multiplied. Reading readily in to the Holy Qur’an. We will French, Jefferson devoted every examine this issue later in the free afternoon to examining all article. But if this be true, the the principal bookstores, turning result of this phenomenon is that the leaf of every book with his we cannot examine the question own hand and trying to absorb as to what Jefferson borrowed everything which related to from the Holy Qur’an in any America, and indeed whatever reasonable fashion, as there is no was rare and valuable in every written proof of that. On the science. Gaustad writes: contrary, it is much easier to examine as to whether his ideas ‘Besides haunting the were closer to the Holy Qur’an bookstalls in Paris, ‘I had or to the Holy Bible? By standing orders’, Jefferson answering this question we can wrote, ‘during the whole time make some judgement to the first I was in Europe on its issue as to what he may have principal book-marts, partic- ‘borrowed’ from the Holy ularly Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Qur’an. Madrid, and London.’”2 The balance between human Who was this genius Jefferson? knowledge gained by experi- What were his religious beliefs? mentation or observation and the What ideas did he ‘borrow’ from ‘revealed truth’ has been a the Holy Qur’an? Were his ideas constant dilemma for mankind. closer to the Holy Qur’an or to This was a burning struggle for the Holy Bible? Jefferson also. His struggle was compounded by the fact that the Influence of Islam main revelation with which he It was generally not customary in was familiar was the Bible.

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Having read the Holy Qur’an in a reveal himself solely to one period which was extremely small nation in the eastern hostile to Islam, he could not Mediterranean and to leave possibly fully embrace it. the rest of the world in utter Moreover, George Sale’s English ignorance of his existence? It translation that he owned was not seemed even more irrational unbiased either. Did revelation as to believe that the Supreme he knew it in the form of the Being of the cosmos had ‘sent Bible have any role in human his only begotten son’, who affairs? ‘And if God spoke to had not offended him, to be humankind mainly or even sacrificed by men, who had exclusively through the medium offended him that he might of nature, what did nature tell us expiate their sins, and satisfy about that God? About His his own anger.’4 eternal truths? About the nature and destiny of women and Jefferson, like many of those men?’3 The adulterated accounts authors whom he had read in his of the Bible did not satisfy youth, had no trouble accepting Jefferson. After extensive studies the argument for God’s existence of different books Jefferson from the magnificent design concluded: evident in Allah’s creation. His thoughts were perfectly in ‘Christianity had traditionally keeping with the verses of the rested not upon reason or Holy Qur’an quoted above and experience but upon mystery the verses of Surah Al-Hashr: and miracle. The Bible, moreover, portrayed a deity He is Allah, the Creator, the quite different from that Maker, the Fashioner. His are revealed in nature, a deity that the most beautiful names. All reason could neither explain that is in the heavens and the nor defend. How rational earth glorifies Him, and He is could it possibly be for the the Mighty, the Wise. God of the whole universe to (Ch.59: V.25)

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‘It was impossible’, Jefferson For example, the Holy Qur’an wrote to John Adams, ‘for the says: human mind not to perceive and feel a conviction of design, Do they not then look at the consummate skill, and indefinite camel, how it is created? And power in every atom of its at the heaven, how it is raised composition.’ This was the case high? And at the mountains, whether one contemplated the how they are firmly rooted, heavens above (‘the movement and at the earth, how it is of the heavenly bodies, so spread out? exactly held in their course by (Ch.88: Vs. 18-21) the balance of centrifugal and centripetal forces’) or the earth And again: below (‘the structure of our earth itself, with its distribution of Verily, in the creation of the lands, waters, and atmosphere, heavens and the earth and in animal and vegetable bodies… the alternation of night and insects as mere atoms of life, yet day, and in the ships which as perfectly organised as man or sail in the sea with that which mammoth’).5 profits men, and in the water which Allah sends down from Qur’an and the study of the sky and quickens there- Nature with the earth after its death Every enlightened reader of the and scatters therein all kinds Holy Qur’an knows that it urges of beasts, and in the change us to reflect on the Laws of of the winds, and the clouds Nature. It draws examples from pressed into service between cosmology, biology and physics, the heaven and the earth – among other branches of science, are indeed Signs for the as signs for all men of people who understand. understanding. (Ch.2: V.165)

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Seven hundred and fifty verses of The physicists are working on a the Qur’an (almost one eighth of string theory that will unite all the Book) exhort believers to forms of matter and energy into study nature, to reflect, to make one. If there had been other gods the best use of reason in the besides Allah in the heavens and search of the Creator, the the earth, then there would have Almighty Allah. This contrasts been chaos in the universe.8 with 250 verses in the Holy Qur’an with regard to different Sir Isaac Newton saw that there commands.6 is no changing of the laws of nature and that the universe One Creator of the Universe follows the rules of mathematics. Jefferson was not only a genius In other words, he understood the but also a free and an true meaning of the verse of independent thinker. It was easy Surah Rum: for him to see that our universe speaks of one Creator, call Him So set your face towards Allah or by whatever Name but religion ever inclined to truth there cannot be three creators of – and follow the nature of this world. There are no creations Allah after which He of the Holy Ghost or of Jesus fashioned all mankind. There Christ(as) that we can see.7 We is no altering the creation of Muslims love Jesus(as) dearly and Allah. That indeed is the applaud him as a prophet. But he religion which is firmly did not create anything to merit a upright and supports others status equal to Allah Almighty. to be upright. There is one theme in the (Ch.30: V.31) creation of this universe be it living or non-living. In the living Pertaining to Jefferson, Edwin beings, there is similar RNA and Gaustad writes: a common kind of DNA. The theory of evolution ties all living ‘Newton taught Jefferson that beings to one ancestry or lineage. God’s world was orderly,

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dependable, regular and believed that God continued to predictable. From his create and sustain the world Principia (1687), the whole moment by moment. Gravity was Western world learned that not a property of matter: it was patient observation and God’s law for the orderly careful mathematical calcu- operation of matter, one of the lation could reveal previously means by which he brought order unknown truths about the out of chaos.10 To a close nature of the universe. Planets observer of nature, which did not ‘wander’ but moved Jefferson surely was, the according to specific laws; conclusion could not be denied: like all matter in motion, they we see ‘evident proofs of the proceeded not by chance but necessity of a super-intending by design. England’s power to maintain the universe in ‘greatest and rarest genius’ its course and order.’11 (in David Hume’s words) placed science firmly in the Here again his thoughts were centre of the modern world; perfectly in keeping with the indeed, Newton helped create throne verse of the Holy Qur’an: the modern world.’9 Allah – there is no God but For Jefferson, the laws of Nature He, the Living, the Self- were God’s laws; they did not Subsisting and All- have an independent status all Sustaining. Slumber seizes their own. They came into being Him not, nor sleep. To Him by God’s decree, and they belongs whatsoever is in the continued to operate, as Newton heavens and whatsoever is in demonstrated, through God’s the earth… His knowledge unceasing providential direction. extends over the heavens and Unlike many other deists, the earth; and the care of Jefferson did not hold that God them burdens Him not; and created the world and then retired He is the High, the Great. from the scene; rather, he (Ch.2: V.256)

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Jefferson’s views were far more Heresy of the Diabolical Sect in line with the sublime teachings of the Saracens and segued of the Holy Qur’an than any repeatedly into spluttering rudimentary mention of this intransigence. Words failed subject in the Holy Bible. Yet the Peter when he contemplated Holy Qur’an historically got no the ‘bestial cruelty’ of Islam, credit for these views. Why? I which, he claimed, had believe the answer is obvious. established itself by the The political and the religious sword. Was Muhammad a atmosphere of the West was not true prophet? ‘I shall be conducive to giving any credit to worse than a donkey if I the Holy Qur’an, to the Holy agree,’ he expostulated, Prophet Muhammad(saw) or to ‘worse than cattle if I Islam. It does not allow that even assent!’”12 today. Perhaps Karen Armstrong, an Orientalist who used to be a She concludes her essay by catholic nun knows best the stating that this prejudice is still reasons for this. Explaining the all too pervasive: prejudices of the west towards Islam she writes: “Neither the Danish cartoonists, who published “In the 12th century, Peter the the offensive caricatures of Venerable, Abbot of Cluny, the Prophet Muhammad last initiated a dialogue with the February, nor the Christian Islamic world. ‘I approach fundamentalists… would you not with arms, but with ordinarily make common words,’ he wrote to the cause with the Pope; yet on Muslims whom he imagined the subject of Islam they are reading his book, ‘not with in full agreement.”13 force, but with reason, not with hatred, but with love.’ History of Scientific Thought Yet his treatise was entitled The West learned a lot from the Summary of the Whole Muslims. What does the West

50 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST? owe to the East? To give the zero and Arab numerals. Before reader a glimpse let us go back in him the Roman numerals history, the place is Baghdad. followed were actually alphabets Muhammad ibn Musa al- like X, C, L, XII etc. It was not Khawarizmi was a mathe- possible to make simple matician and an astronomer additions. It was Al-Khawarizmi whose major works introduced and other Arab mathematicians Arabic numerals and the con- who showed that if we line up cepts of algebra into European 1000, 100,005 and 101 in proper mathematics. Al-Khawarizmi order it is easy to add these three lived in Baghdad, where he numbers. worked at the ‘House of 1000 Wisdom’ under Caliph al- 100,005 Ma’mun. The House of Wisdom 101 acquired and translated scientific ______and philosophic treatises, 101106 particularly the ones in Greek. It also published original research. Contrast the simplicity of this Al-Khawarizmi’s work on addition to adding relatively elementary algebra, Al-kitab al- smaller numbers XXIV and mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wa’l- LXXVI to get C. Roman muqabala, was translated into numbers were used in Europe Latin in the 12th century, from until the middle ages. Today which the title and term Algebra simple additions appear as derives. The English translation common sense to us but in the for the name of the book is The past, a vast majority of Compendious Book on population could not do simple Calculation by Completion and calculations. There used to be Balancing. specialists like modern day accountants who were in charge Al-Khawarizmi made many of the tedious tasks of addition contributions to mathematics and and subtraction, and earned their gave mankind the concept of living as such.

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The very first step in the civilisation, has gone through development of science was cycles, I recalled in my Nobel accurate quantification of diff- lecture, a historical episode, erent parameters. Mathematics when some 760 years ago, a and Algebra were absolutely young Scotsman left his native essential for the young tree of glens to travel south to Toledo science in Europe to blossom. in Spain. His name was Carly Firoina, Ex CEO of Michael, his goal to live and Hewlett-Packard, had this to say work at the Arab universities of in 2001: Toledo and Cordova. Michael reached Toledo in 1217 AD. ‘Although we are often Once there, Michael formed the unaware of our indebtedness ambitious project of to Islamic civilisation, its introducing Aristotle to Latin gifts are very much a part of Europe, translation not from our heritage. The technology the original Greek, which he industry would not exist knew not, but from the Arabic without the contributions of translation which was then Arab mathematicians.’ taught in Spain. From Toledo, Michael travelled to Sicily, to Dr Abdus Salam, the first the Court of Emperor Frederick Muslim Nobel laureate in II. Visiting the medical school Physics, writes about the at Salerno, chartered by contribution of Muslims to Frederick in 1231, Michael met science and the process of the Danish physician Hendrik transmission of knowledge from Harpestraeng, later to become the Muslims to Europe in the Court Physician of King Eric following words: IV Waldermarrson. Hendrik the Dane had come to Salerno to ‘To emphasise that science is compose his treatise, preserved the shared heritage of mankind, in seven volumes at the and that the history of scientific National Library in Stockholm, discovery, like the history of all on blood-letting and surgery.

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Hendrik’s sources were the philosophers, finding it illogical medical canons of the great and untenable. For the atheist, clinicians of Islam, Al Razi and said Jefferson, the universe had Avicenna, which only Michael simply always existed. It has no the Scot could translate for cause, no beginning in time. For him. The schools of Toledo and the deist, on the other hand, the Salerno mark the beginning of great canvas of creation cried out the creation of Sciences in the for a First Cause, possessing West. At these schools a candle intelligence and power; power in was lit from a candle already the production, and intelligence burning brightly in the lands of in the design and constant Islam.’14 preservation of the system.16

Mr. Zakaria Virk, a Canadian Jefferson’s belief in a God, Who Muslim historian, has examined is the creator of the universe, can this subject in greater depth in be seen from the clues in the US some of his writings. In his Declaration of Independence in article published in The Review terms like ‘Creator’ and of Religions in 2003, he starts his ‘Nature’s God’. description by quoting from Robert Briffault’s The Making of Corruptions in Christianity Humanity: Joseph Priestly was a chemist who had created a name for ‘It was under the influence of himself in discovering Oxygen Arabian and Moorish revival and Carbon Dioxide. But he was of culture and not in the 15th as notorious in Europe as he was century, that the real famous. He received his renaissance took place.’15 notoriety from writing a book: History of the Corruptions of Jefferson was a believer; he was Christianity originally published a believer in One God. He in 1782. Priestley was besieged unhesitatingly rejected the by mobs in Birmingham, atheism of some of the French England, and having lost both his

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home and his laboratory to their example, that the real ‘mystery’ fury, had retreated in 1791 to of the Trinity was that so many London. Even there his Christians believed it, for Jesus(as) radicalism in religion and his did not teach it, the Bible did not embrace of France magnified his proclaim it and Reason could not unpopularity and aggravated the honour it. Jesus(as) lived as a danger he faced. So in 1794, at human being, claimed to be the urging of Jefferson and nothing more than the ‘son of others, he migrated to America, man’, whose mission was to settling in Pennsylvania for the show all humankind how it last decade of his turbulent life. should live and what God In 1797 in Philadelphia, Priestly expected of it. The Old delivered a series of lectures on Testament honoured mono- Christianity. It was here that theism, as did the New Jefferson met him and learned Testament. much from Priestley’s lectures, but he gained even greater Jefferson embraced Priestly’s intellectual satisfaction from views whole-heartedly. The reading his book. In any case, description of President Thomas this one book influenced Jefferson in Wikipedia.com is Jefferson’s religious views very revealing: profoundly. In reading it, Jefferson made a critical ‘Miracles and references to discovery for and about himself. the Trinity and the divinity of He thought that he had utterly Jesus are notably absent from rejected Christianity; now he the Jefferson Bible. The Bible found to his relief and perhaps to begins with an account of his delight as well, that he had Jesus’ birth without refer- only rejected a hopelessly ences to angels, genealogy, or corrupted form of Christianity. prophecy.’ Somewhere underneath all the layers, pure gold could yet be In August of 1804, Jefferson found. Priestley argued, for wrote to Benjamin Rush: ‘I shall

54 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST? some of these days ask you to One of the most striking read the little volume on Jesus.’ examples of this occurs in Rush, who had responded chapter 13, where Jefferson positively to an earlier work by included the verses (21-26) Jefferson named ‘the Syllabus’ relating to the Last Supper. Then sent the year before, now gave a verse 31 begins, ‘Therefore, disconcerting reply. Rush was when he was gone out, Jesus not ready to give up his ideas said…’ about the divinity of Jesus(as). So he wrote back, unless Jefferson’s What Jesus(as) said at that point little volume advanced the was, ‘Now is the Son of man divinity of Jesus(as) ‘and renders glorified, and God is glorified in his death as well as his life him.’ But Jefferson dropped that necessary for the restoration of and the two following verses to mankind, I shall not concur with jump abruptly to the moral its author.’ Jefferson, who had message: ‘A new commandment abandoned all notions of I give unto you, That ye love one atonement and divinity, another; as I have loved you, that therefore, declined to send his ye also love one another’ (v. 34). modest editing effort to his good friend.17 When quoting from John, Jefferson kept his blade busy. Divinity of Jesus(as) Finally, in passages treating the In the Gospel according to John, last days of Jesus(as), Jefferson where Jesus(as) makes the most stayed with the mortal man who unambiguous claims to divinity died on the cross and was buried. (‘the Father is in me, and I in After the soldiers pierced him’; ‘I am the way, the truth, Jesus(as)’ side with a sword, and the life: no man cometh unto ‘Joseph of Arimathea… besought the Father but by me’; ‘I am in Pilate that he might take away the the Father, and the Father in me’; body of Jesus and Pilate gave him etc.), Jefferson repeatedly turned leave.’ (John 19:38). After away from all such claims. preparing the body for burial,

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disciples transported it to a new Original sin, if such a thing even tomb in the crucifixion garden. existed, was ignorance, said At that point, taking fragments Volney. It was definitely not, for from John and from Matthew, the Jeffersonian, an Edenic Jefferson’s scriptures concluded: action that forever after ‘There laid they Jesus and rolled paralysed humankind, corrupted a great stone to the door of the one’s nature, or destroyed one’s sepulcher, and departed.’ No moral sense. Man was not a resurrection, no appearances of a worm, not a moral midget, but risen Lord, no ascension into one designed by God and heaven. A great teacher, the empowered by him to conquer greatest of all moral teachers, had the infirmities, moral or physical, died and was buried.18 of this world.20 These were again the views completely in John Adams was an early agreement with the teachings of advocate of American indepen- the Holy Qur’an. The Holy dence from Great Britain and Qur’an gives a repeated message became the second President of personal responsibility and (1797-1801) of the United stresses one’s good deeds for States.19 The origin of evil, John one’s salvation. The concept of Adams noted, was perhaps atonement is totally foreign to known only to omniscience, but the teachings of the Holy Qur’an we can be sure that it did not all and also to teachings of the Torah begin in a garden. We poor for that matter. mortals have nothing to do with it, but to fabricate all the good we After his presidency years, can out of all inevitable evils.” expressed general agree-ment One way to eradicate a large class with his friend Joseph Priestley’s of evils, Adams added, was to Unitarianism, that is, the employ our reason to dispose of rejection of the doctrine of our own unnecessary Trinity. In a letter to a Ohio apprehensions and imaginary pioneer he wrote: fears.

56 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST?

‘I rejoice that in this blessed religion and most scholars agree country of free inquiry and with the claim that Jefferson was belief, which has surrendered a deist, a common position held its conscience to neither kings by intellectuals in the late 18th or priests, the genuine century.22 He believed in One doctrine of only one God is God and was a Unitarian. reviving, and I trust that there is not a young man now Historically, Unitarianism living in the United States believed in the oneness of God who will not die a and not the Christian doctrine of Unitarian.’21 the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one God) proclaimed at His dream, however, of large the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. scale conversion to the belief in Historic Unitarians believed in One God was not to come true in the moral authority, but not the the time of his contemporaries. It deity, of Jesus(as). Throughout the had to wait until the advent of world, many Unitarian Islam in the West. But it certainly congregations and associations seems that he was laying down belong to the International the groundwork for the grand Council of Unitarians and prophecy of the Holy Qur’an: Universalists. In the United States and Canada many He it is Who has sent His Unitarians are Unitarian Messenger with the guidance Universalist or UU, reflecting an and the Religion of truth, that institutional consolidation He may cause it to prevail between Unitarianism and over all religions, even if Universalism. Today, most those who associate partners Unitarian Universalists do not with God dislike it. consider themselves Christians, (Ch.61: V.10) even if they share some beliefs quite similar to those of His belief in One God mainstream Christians.23 There is Jefferson wrote at length on a small percentage of Unitarian

The Review of Religions – April 2007 57 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST?

Universalists who have a autobiography talking about the Christian-centric belief system. year 1769 Thomas Jefferson writes: If the Holy Qur’an has a fundamental claim to any idea ‘Our minds were circum- then it is to the idea of scribed within narrow limits monotheism. It is said that one by an habitual belief that it third of the Holy Qur’an is was our duty to be sub- dedicated to this fundamental ordinate to the mother country Islamic doctrine. The Torah also in all matters of government, has a claim to monotheism but it to direct all our labours in is only the Holy Qur’an that offers subservience to her interests, monotheism which is not limited and even to observe a bigoted to a select few but is available for intolerance for all religions but each and every human being and hers.’24 is preserved in its pristine purity and unparalleled beauty. However, he was certainly a strong proponent of One God and It is hard to know whether denied Trinity in very Thomas Jefferson borrowed the unambiguous terms. This was as idea from the Holy Qur’an if he was professing his belief in directly or indirectly. But the fact the first half of the Creed of Islam, remains that the Holy Qur’an has ‘There is no God but Allah.’ been the best and the most articulate advocate of mono- Jefferson formulated a Bible for theism. So, it will not be partiality his own use. He took two copies to give it credit whenever a good of the New Testament in the King case is made for monotheism in James Version and cut out those more recent history. Even if verses from the Gospels of Thomas Jefferson learnt Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John monotheism completely from the that in his view best conveyed the Holy Qur’an, it was not possible ‘pure and unsophisticated for him to give credit to it. In his doctrines’ of Jesus(as). Having

58 The Review of Religions –April 2007 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST? undertaken the task of separating Jefferson worked without know- the authentic and original Jesus(as) ledge of manuscript transmission from the later Platonised and or oral traditions or any of the mythical Jesus, Jefferson told biblical apparatus that later John Adams: centuries would introduce. Rather, taking reason and nature ‘We must reduce our volume as his trusted guides, he to the simple evangelists, determined by sense and sound select, even from them, the what had fallen from the lips of very words only of Jesus, Jesus(as) himself. The result was paring off the amphibol- pure gold, gold separated from ogisms into which they have the dross, as he told William been led, by forgetting often, Short much later. In examining or not understanding, what the Gospels carefully, Jefferson had fallen from him, by giving found ‘many passages of fine their own miscon-ceptions as imagination, correct morality, his dicta, and expressing and of the loveliest unintelligibly for others what benevolence.’ Jefferson noted they had not understood that all that beauty sat trapped in themselves. There will be ‘so much ignorance, so much found remaining the most absurdity, so much untruth, sublime and benevolent code charlatanism, and imposture.’ of morals which has ever been Something had to be done to offered to man. I have extract the gold. He also pointed performed this operation for out ‘and I found the work my own use, by cutting verse obvious and easy.’26 by verse out of the printed book, and arranging the matter Conclusion which is evidently his, and Jefferson was not just an which is as easily individual; he held several distinguishable as diamonds in institutions in himself. It is a dunghill.’25 important to study him from different angles, especially his

The Review of Religions – April 2007 59 PRESIDENT THOMAD JEFFERSON – WAS HE A MONOTHEIST?

ideas on the separation of church Altar of God: A religious and state as exemplified by his biography of Thomas Jefferson. writing of the Virginia Statute for William B Eerdmans Publishing Religious Freedom (1779, 1786), Company, 1996, pp. 22-23. a statute that forms the backbone 5 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Altar of God: A religious of many religious freedom biography of Thomas Jefferson. legislation. The world is badly in William B Eerdmans Publishing need of his ideas on religious Company, 1996, p.36. freedom and keeping the politics 6 Dr. Mohammad Iqbal. ‘Life: Its away from religious intolerance Meaning and Origin.’ The Review and bigotry. It is hoped that other of Religions, February 1994. Muslim writers with a 7 The Holy Qur’an, Ch.46:V.5. background in politics, law and 8 The Holy Qur’an, Ch.21:V.23. history will endeavour in this 9 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the rich field. Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing References Company, 1996, p.21. 1 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the 10 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Altar of God: A religious Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996, p.25. Company, 1996, p.36. 2 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the 11 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Altar of God: A religious Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996, pp.19-20. Company, 1996, p.36. 3 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the 12 www.guardian.co.uk/comment/st Altar of God: A religious ory/0,1874653,00.html biography of Thomas Jefferson. 13 www.guardian.co.uk/comm William B Eerdmans Publishing ent/story/0,,1874653,00.html Company, 1996, pp.22-23. 14 Dr. Abdus Salam, a Nobel 4 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Laureate. Ideals and Realities.

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World Scientific Publishing Writings. The Library of America, Company. eighteenth printing. ISBN 0- 15 www.alislam.org/ror/July_2003 940450-16-x. Page 5. i.pdf 25 www.cooperativeindividualism.o 16 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the rg/jefferson_m_03.html Altar of God: A religious 26 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the biography of Thomas Jefferson. Altar of God: A religious William B Eerdmans Publishing biography of Thomas Jefferson. Company, 1996, p.37. William B Eerdmans Publishing 17 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Company, 1996, p.119. Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996, p.120. 18 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996, pp.130-131. 19 www.eb.com under John Adams. 20 Edwin Gaustad. Sworn on the Altar of God: A religious biography of Thomas Jefferson. William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996, p 37. 21 Letter to Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse June 26, 1822 22 Avery Cardinal Dulles, ‘The Deist Minimum’ First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life Issue: 149. (Jan 2005) p. 25, www.firstthings.com/ftis sues/ft0501/articles/dulles.htm 23 www.uua.org/news/011205.html 24 Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson

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