MANAGEMENT BOARD July 2007, Vol.102, No.07 Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) CONTENTS Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar COMMENT – Elected leader for the Muslims? Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Non-Ahmadi Muslims who want a British elect Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad leader to be the voice of Muslims should see how Khilafat that has existed in Ahmadiyyat for CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER Mansoor Ahmed Shah almost a 100 years can be an effective voice. By Sarah Waseem – UK...... 2 EDITORIAL BOARD Basit Ahmad ESSENCE OF – Part 21 – Bockarie Tommy Kallon Fareed Ahmad , the Mother of all Tongues Fazal Ahmad Fauzia Bajwa The root of all words can be traced to Arabic: Mansoor Saqi. a few words can convey extensive meanings. Mahmood Hanif (as) Mansoora Hyder-Hanif Hadhrat ...... 5 Navida Shahid Sarah Waseem Saleem Ahmad Malik ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE Tanveer Khokhar An address at Roehampton University: true peace depends upon man recognising . SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Amatul Hadi Ahmad The teachings of the Holy Qur'an provide a Farina Qureshi recipe for the establishment and maintenance PROOFREADERS of peace in all parts of the society. Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Hadhrat ...... 19 Shaukia Mir

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanveer Khokhar A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC

PUBLISHER FACTS Al Shirakatul Islamiyyah A response to the objections against the book DISTRIBUTION Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth. Hanif ...... 36 All correspondence should be forwarded to the editor at: The The Mosque 16 Gressenhall Road THE PURITY OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – 5 London, SW18 5QL (From The Review of Religions, 1907). The United Kingdom arrangement of verses and chapters of the Email: (saw) [email protected] Holy Qur'an was done by the Holy

© Islamic Publications, 2007 himself. The objection that verses are not ISSN No: 0034-6721 connected to each other arises from a lack of understanding of the Holy Qur’an. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the ...... 44 Muslim Community EDITORIAL Sarah Waseem – London, UK

In a recent poll conducted in the remained divided along religious UK of Muslims, most said that and political lines. Today at an there should be a single leader international level, Muslims for their religion in Britain to act present a sad sight to the world as as their voice and help them to they fight, brother against integrate. Muslims suggested a brother. Because of this lack of British Mufti who would unity, they are easy prey for their represent them alongside other opponents. religious leaders such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Of course, Muslims need unity. Catholic Archbishop of As Hadhrat Khalifat Masih IV(ru) Westminster and the Chief said in a Question and Answer Rabbi, to ease tensions between session (Ahmadiyya Gazette, Muslims and other groups. Canada. Khilafat Number, May However the poll also indicated 2001): that while 57% of Sunnis and 53% of other Muslim groups are When you go to the mosque in favour of such a leader, the for Namaz [prayer] five times proportion falls to just 30% a day, there must be an Imam. among Britain’s Shi’ite Muslims. Standing behind an Imam is a There are about 1.8m Muslims in demonstration of unity among Britain and more than 80% are people. …..if the Imam believed to be Sunni, which is falters, the entire congre- also the dominant denomination gation must follow his world-wide. mistake even if they know that a mistake has been The results of the poll are committed. … If Imam is unsurprising. For a long while mandatory in a small mosque, Muslims in the UK have then how can the whole of

2 The Review of Religions – July 2007 EDITORIAL

Muslims Ummah survive majority of the Muslim without an Imam. Therefore, community. it is incumbent that Muslims should unite on the hand of ‘According to a large number One Imam. There should be of Muslims the chain of one Imam of the Muslims of Khilafat ended with the the whole world. But without Khilafat of Hadhrat Ali. After Khilafat, it is just impossible. him, there was no Khilafat-e- Khilafat is the successor after Rashida (rightly guided). It the prophet in the form of a was monarchy in the name of person who is representing Khilafat and majority of the deceased prophet and Muslims agree that Khilafat- Khalifa is the vicegerent and e-Rashida ended after his subordinate. He is the Hadhrat Ali. So how can you central authority. This is the start this Khilafat once basic principle of Khilafat. again?

However there is a problem as Muslims believe that no Hadhrat Khalifat Masih IV(ru) prophet, of whatever cate- pointed out. gory, can come now. This means that the single avenue ‘The issue is that once to open the way of Khilafat Khilafat is terminated, then it has been barred. This is the is not within the power of the big issue, which the Muslim people to introduce it again Ummah is facing today.’ themselves…. Khilafat starts after the passing away of the So while Muslims may yearn for prophet and if unfortunately a global leader to represent them, once it is destroyed, it is they first need to reflect on the impossible that it restarts meaning and significance of such without a prophet.’ a leadership.

And herein lies the tragedy of the Non-Ahmadi Muslims also

The Review of Religions – July 2007 3 EDITORIAL

believe in the coming of a descend from skies; Khilafat was prophet. But according to them destroyed but it has returned in this person will be Christ(as) the Ahmadiyya Muslim who will descend with his old community. Now the non- form and body. But fourteen Ahmadi Muslim world needs to hundred years have passed, and reflect on the teachings of the there is no trace of the second Holy Qur’an and the coming of that Jesus. And as they carefully if they are to enjoy its wait, the Muslim world falls benefits. deeper into chaos and despair. The fact is that no one will ever

Verse references to the Holy Qur’an item count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name of ...) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted and should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found at one verse earlier than the number quoted.

In this journal, for the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ after the name of all other is an abbreviation meaning ‘Peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis 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.

4 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM: Part 21 – Arabic, the Mother of Tongues

This series sets out, in the words of the Promised (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 , 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.

It is not true to say that language the equator, he has to be is the invention of man. Research instructed in the art of speaking, has established that the inventor and in the absence of such and the creator of human instruction he would not be able languages is God Almighty, Who to speak. created man out of His perfect power and bestowed upon him a The notion that languages tongue that he may be able to undergo changes under human speak. Had language been the influence is an illusion. These invention of man, it would not changes do not result from have been necessary to teach a conscious human effort, nor can baby to talk. It would have we determine any rule or invented its own speech, as it principle whereby the human grew mature. But it is patent that mind brings about changes in if a child is not taught speech, it languages at certain times. Deep will not be able to speak. reflection would reveal that Whether it is nurtured in a Greek linguistic changes also take place forest or in the British Isles or at under the direction of the Causa

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Causans like all other heavenly and earthly changes.

It cannot be established that at any particular time the whole of mankind collectively, or its different sections separately, had invented the different tongues that are spoken in the world. It may be asked why should it not be supposed that, as God Almighty constantly brings The founder of the Ahmadiyya about changes in languages, in Muslim community was Hadhrat the beginning languages might Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). have been originated in the same The founder of the Ahmadiyya way without the need of Muslim community was Hadhrat (as) revelation? The answer is that in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad . In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of Divine the beginning God had created revelation, that he was the Promised everything simply through His Messiah and whose advent power. Reflection on , had been foretold by Muhammad, earth, sun, moon and on human the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) nature itself would disclose that and by the scriptures of other faiths. the beginning and origin of The founder’s claim constitutes the everything was through the pure basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya operation of Divine power, in Muslim community. which no physical means were involved. Whatever God created For instance, today no child is was a manifestation of His born without the agency of supreme power, which is beyond parents, but if in the beginning the concept of man .... The the same condition had been circumstances of today cannot essential, man could not have serve as a precedent for the come into being. Moreover, there beginning and origin of creation. is a world of difference between

6 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES changes that naturally occur from Supreme in His Being, attributes time to time in languages and the and works. If we are to suppose birth of speech itself in the that Sanskrit is the language of original void. The two concepts Parameshwar, which was are entirely different. revealed to the ancestors of the (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani Hindus, and that other languages Khaza’in, Vol.1, pp.358-404) were invented by the ancestors of other people who were cleverer Are Languages the Invention and wiser than the ancestors of of Man? the Hindus, then could we also Some ignorant Aryas, holding suppose that those other people Sanskrit as the language of were somewhat superior to Parameshwar, consider all other Parameshwar of the Hindus in languages, which comprise of that they, through their perfect hundreds of Divine wonders and power, invented hundreds of curiosities, as the invention of languages and Parameshwar man; as if while Parameshwar could invent no more than one? revealed one language, men Those whose very natures are invented scores of languages permeated with polytheism better than that one. We would consider Parameshwar to be an inquire from the Aryas that if it is equal entity with themselves in true that Sanskrit was issued many respects, perhaps because from the mouth of Parameshwar, they esteem themselves as and all other languages are the uncreated and, therefore, partners inventions of men and have no in the Godhead. The objection as relationship with Parameshwar, to why God did not content what are the particular charac- Himself with the creation of just teristics of Sanskrit which are not one language, results from lack to be found in other languages; of reflection. If a wise person for the speech of Parameshwar were to observe the diversity of must have superiority over the modes and temperaments of inventions of men. He is called people of different countries, he God because He is Matchless and would be convinced that one

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language would not have suited Announcement for the Book all of them. The people of some Minan-ur-Rahman countries can easily pronounce This book is a wonderful certain letters and words, but for production to which we have the people of some other been directed by some of the countries the pronouncing of verses of the Holy Qur’an which those letters and words would be are replete with wisdom. Among a great hardship. How was it then its other bounties the Holy possible that the All-Wise One, Qur’an includes one whereby the loving only one language, should true philosophy of the diversity have ignored the principle of: of languages has been set forth, and we have been apprised of the deep wisdom underlying the Putting a thing in its proper source of all languages. We also place learn therefrom how greatly those people are mistaken who and should have abandoned that do not admit that all languages which would have been have developed under Divine appropriate for the diversity of direction. In this book it has been temperaments. Would it have established as the result of been proper that He should have research that the Holy Qur’an is confined people of different the only revealed book which has temperaments in the narrow cage come down in the language of one language? Moreover, the which is the mother of tongues, creation of a diversity of which has been revealed by God, languages would have been proof and is the source and fountain- of the multiple power of God head of all other languages. It is Almighty. The praise of God patent that the whole beauty and offered by His humble creatures superiority of a Divine book in a variety of languages is in consists in its being in a language itself a most attractive spectacle. that has proceeded from the (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani mouth of God Almighty and Khaza’in, Vol.1, pp.447-456) possesses higher qualities than

8 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES other languages, and is perfect in Parsees, the Hebrews and the its pattern. When we find such Aryas have laid separate claims, qualities in a language that are is Arabic, and that all other superhuman and beyond human claimants are in error ... skill, and of which all other languages are bereft, and we Why Arabic is Superior to discover in it such properties as Other Languages? cannot be invented by any human In contrast with Arabic words, intellect and proceed only from the words of other languages God’s true and eternal appear lame, maimed, blind, deaf knowledge, we are compelled to and leprous, and entirely bereft confess that such a language has of a natural pattern. The proceeded from God Almighty. vocabulary of those languages is Our perfect and deep research not rich in roots, which is a has revealed that Arabic is that necessary characteristic of a language. Many people have perfect language .... spent their lives in such research and have made great efforts to If any Arya or other challenger of discover which language is the ours is not convinced by our mother of tongues, but as their research, we wish to inform him efforts were not rightly directed, by means of this announcement nor were they bestowed the that we have set out in this book, relevant capacity by God in detail, the reasons in support Almighty, they could not achieve of the superiority, perfection and success. An additional reason excellence of Arabic which fall was that they were prejudiced under the following headings: against Arabic and did not pay due attention to it. Thus, they (1) The perfect pattern of the failed to discover the truth. Now roots of Arabic words. we have been guided by the Holy Word of God Almighty, the Holy (2) Arabic possesses an Qur’an, to the truth that the extraordinarily high degree mother of tongues, to which the of intellectual connotations.

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(3) The system of elementary this dark age, when the Christian words in Arabic is most and the Aryas have complete and perfect. spared no effort to denigrate it (4) In Arabic idiom, a few and to bring it into contempt, and words convey extensive have on account of their meanings. sightlessness attacked this light (5) Arabic has the full capacity in every form that could be for the exposition of all employed by the bigoted and the human feelings and thoughts. ignorant, this eternal light has furnished every type of proof of Now everyone is at liberty after its being from God. the publication of our book to try, if possible, to prove these One of its grand characteristics is qualities in Sanskrit or any other that it sets forth its claims with language. respect to its guidance and its (Dia-ul-Haq, Ruhani Khaza’in, excellent qualities and itself vol. 9, pp. 250,320-321) furnishes the proof of those claims. This grand characteristic Characteristics of the Holy is not possessed by any other Qur’an book. Out of the reasons and The Holy Qur’an is such a proofs that it has set forth in brilliant ruby and a glorious sun support of its Divine origin and its that the rays of its truth and the high-grade superiority, one great flashes that indicate its Divine proof is that for detailed origin are being manifested not exposition of which we have only in one aspect, but in compiled this book. It is a product thousands of them. The more the of the holy spring of the mother of opponents of Islam strive to put tongues, whose water shines like out this Divine light, the stronger the stars, slakes the thirst of those becomes its manifestation, and who are thirsty for compre- the more it attracts the hearts of hension, and washes out the dirt those who possess insight, with of doubt and suspicion. No its beauty and loveliness. Even in previous book has set forth this

10 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES proof in support of its truth. If the mankind should be expressed in Vedas or any other book has set a revealed language which forth such proof, then the should be the mother of tongues followers of such a book should so that it should have a natural present the claim for such proof in relationship with every language the words of that book. The and the speakers of every purport of this proof is that a language, and that being revealed comparative examination of it should possess the blessings different languages discloses that with which everything that all languages are related to each proceeds from the blessed hands other. of God Almighty is invested. But as the other languages were also Further and deeper study not deliberately framed by men establishes that the mother of all and have all emerged under these related languages is Arabic, Divine direction from this holy from which all these languages language, and have been have emerged. A complete and corrupted but are all the progeny comprehensive research then of this language, it was not discloses that its extraordinary inappropriate that for particular qualities compel the acknow- people guidance should have ledgement that Arabic is not only been revealed in those languages. the mother of tongues but is a Yet it was necessary that the revealed language which the first highest and most perfect Book man was taught by the special should be revealed in Arabic design of God Almighty, and that because Arabic is the mother of it was not invented by any man. tongues and is the true revealed This leads to the conclusion that language, having issued from the Arabic alone is suited for the mouth of God Almighty. complete and perfect Divine revelation, inasmuch as it is As this proof is presented only by necessary that the Divine Book the Holy Qur’an and it alone that has been revealed for the claims to be from God, and no guidance of the whole of other Arabic book makes this

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ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ARABIC IS THAT ALL THE MISCE- LLANEOUS QUALITIES OF OTHER LANGUAGES ARE COMPRISED IN ARABIC .... THUS AS CAREFUL STUDY AND DEEP RESEARCH REVEAL THAT ARABIC IS COMPREHENSIVE OF ALL THE MISCELLANEOUS QUALITIES OF OTHER LANGUAGES, IT HAS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ALL OTHER LANGUAGES ARE BRANCHES OF ARABIC.

claim, we are compelled to we would have to pass through acknowledge the Qur’an as three stages: manifestly proceeding from God and its being a Guardian over First stage: Proof that all other books. languages are interrelated.

Therefore, I have compiled this Second stage: Proof that Arabic book so that with God’s help I is the mother of tongues. may establish the mutual relationship of all languages, and Third stage: Proof that on may thereafter set forth the proofs account of its extraordinary of Arabic being the mother of qualities Arabic is a revealed tongues and the true revealed language .... language; and then, on the basis of the speciality that it alone is the The interrelation of languages has perfect, pure and revealed been established so clearly in this language, should expound the book that no further research in certain and conclusive proof that this respect can be imagined.... out of all revealed books the Holy Qur’an alone is the highest, most The second issue is that out of exalted, most complete, most interrelated languages, Arabic perfect and Khatam-ul-Kutub, alone is the mother of tongues, and that it alone is the Mother of the proof of which has been set Books as Arabic is the mother of out in detail, and we have tongues. In this research project established that one of the special

12 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES qualities of Arabic is that it instance, a clever and intelligent possesses a natural pattern and person can sometimes accom- displays the beauty of Divine plish with the movement of a manufacture in the same way as brow, nose or hand that which the other works of God Almighty. normally requires expression in We have also established that all words; that is to say, he can other languages present a dis- convey his meaning through torted picture of the Arabic delicate nuances. This is a language. To the degree to which method also employed by this blessed language has been Arabic. Sometimes by the use of preserved in those languages in ‘Al-’ the definite article it its true form, to that degree they conveys a meaning that would shine like a ruby and attract the need several words in other hearts with their charming languages. Similarly vowel beauty. But to the degree to which points often serve a purpose a language has been corrupted, to which would require long that degree its beauty and phrases in other languages. Some attractions have been reduced. It brief words have surprisingly is obvious that a thing that rich conno-tations; for instance, proceeds from the hand of God ‘aradtu means ‘I have visited continues to display extra- Makkah and Madinah and their ordinary characteristics so long as environs’, and tahfaltu means ‘I it retains its original form, and am accustomed to eating bread man is not able to produce its made of Cheenay (a kind of match. But as soon as it falls cereal half way between millet away from its original condition, and barley [Publisher]) and have its shape and beauty are decided not to eat any other kind’ debased......

The Arabic language operates One of the characteristics of like the wise person of refined Arabic is that all the mis- taste who can express his celaneous qualities of other meaning in diverse ways. For languages are comprised in

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been peopled since a very long THE AND THE time. Besides, distance in time or CHRISTIANS ARE COMPELLED place is not the only cause of TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT diversity in language. A powerful ARABIC IS THE MOTHER OF cause of this diversity is that TONGUES AS THE every region of the earth affects CLEARLY AFFIRMS THAT THERE the throats, tones and pronun- WAS ONLY ONE LANGUAGE IN ciation of its inhabitants in a THE BEGINNING. particular way in consequence of Arabic .... Thus as careful study its latitudinal situation, or its and deep research reveal that juxtaposition vis-a-vis other Arabic is comprehensive of all the planets, or on account of some miscellaneous qualities of other other unknown causes, and these languages, it has to be acknow- factors produce a particular form ledged that all other languages are of speech. That is why the peoples branches of Arabic. of certain countries are not able to pronounce Z or R properly. As Some people raise the objection complexions, spans of life, that if one language is manners, morals and consti- acknowledged as the root of all tutions differ from country to languages, it becomes difficult to country, likewise speech also accept that within three or four differs, for the same causes affect thousand years languages, which speech also; and the degree of had emerged from one root, difference is determined by the became so diverse. This objection degree of the causes. This is an instance of a fallacy upon a difference is not arbitrary but is fallacy. In the first place, it is not determined by physical laws. definitely established that the Thus a change, which occurs in world is only four or five the shape, or manners, or morals, thousand years old and that or thinking of people under the heaven and earth had no existence influence of earthly or heavenly before. On the contrary, there are causes, also affects their speech. If clear indications that the earth has a foreign word or phrase finds its

14 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES way into their language, they places. These are: change it about. This is clear proof that speech is affected by First Characteristic: earthly and heavenly causes. The Arabic has a perfect pattern of Jews and the Christians are roots, which is suited to human compelled to acknowledge that needs. Other languages lack this Arabic is the mother of tongues as pattern. the Torah clearly affirms that there was only one language in Second Characteristic: the beginning. The names of God, and of heavenly bodies, vegetables, Some people raise the objection animals, solids, and human limbs that the relationship of some in Arabic comprise great languages with Arabic, for wisdom. Other languages cannot instance that of Hebrew, is much compete with Arabic in this closer than that of other languages respect. like Sanskrit or European languages. The answer is that Third Characteristic: despite this difference it has been The Arabic system of elementary ascertained that the elementary words is perfect, and comprises words and phrases of these all nouns and verbs of the same languages have been derived from roots, and illustrates their mutual Arabic and have been further relationship by arranging them in developed through natural a wise pattern. This characteristic changes. is not found in other languages in the same perfect degree. Special Characteristics of Arabic Fourth Characteristic: There are five special charac- In Arabic idiom a few words teristics of Arabic, which prove comprise extensive meanings. conclusively that Arabic is a Arabic conveys extensive conno- revealed language, which we shall tations through the use of the expound in detail in their proper definite article and vowel points

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AS WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO PROVE AND ILLUSTRATE ALL THESE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ARABIC, IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE SHOULD DO SO IN ARABIC, THEREBY FURNISHING ILLUSTRATIONS OF ALL OF THEM IN THAT LANGUAGE, SO THAT WE MIGHT REQUIRE ANYONE, WHO MAY CLAIM ANOTHER LANGUAGE TO BE REVEALED AND THE MOTHER OF TONGUES, TO ILLUSTRATE THESE CHARACTERISTICS IN THE SAME WAY.

and sequence, for which purpose characteristics to a special other languages have to employ degree, and any scholar of several phrases and sentences. Sanskrit or any other language should succeed in proving that Fifth Characteristic: their language partakes of these Arabic possesses such roots and characteristics to the same or idioms as furnish a perfect means even to a greater degree than for the expression of the most Arabic, then we make a firm and subtle of human thoughts and definite promise that we shall reflections. immediately pay him five thousand rupees. As we have undertaken to prove and illustrate all these special What we demand from the characteristics of Arabic, it is advocates of other languages is necessary that we should do so in that they should prove that their Arabic, thereby furnishing respective languages possess the illustrations of all of them in that qualities that we have established language, so that we might in the case of Arabic. For require anyone, who may claim instance, it is indispensable that a another language to be revealed language, which is described as and the mother of tongues, to revealed and the mother of illustrate these characteristics in tongues should comprise a full the same way .... If we should be stock of roots, for the purpose of proved false in our claim that transmuting human thinking into Arabic possesses those five words in such a manner that when

16 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – ARABIC, THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES a person should desire to make a language – that it comprises in detailed exposition of a subject, itself a beautiful pattern of roots for instance, of the Unity of God, corresponding to the natural or polytheism, or the obligations structure of human ideas, and is due to God, or the rights of man, capable of illustrating in words or religious doctrines and the every subtle distinction between reasoning supporting them, or acts, and its roots are adequate to love and human intercourse, or fill all the needs of ideas – then rancour and hatred, or the praise that language is, without a doubt, and glory of God and His holy a revealed language, inasmuch as names, or the refutation of false it can only be the act of God religions, or stories and biogra- Almighty that, having invested phies, or commandments and man with the capacity of penalties, or the hereafter, or expressing a complex diversity commerce and agriculture and of ideas, he should have been employment, or astrology or supplied with a stock of verbal astronomy, or physics, medicine, roots corresponding to his ideas, or logic, etc., the roots of the so that the word and the work of language should be capable of God Almighty should corres- helping him in such a way that pond to each other at the same there should be available a root level. However, to possess the against every idea that may arise quality of utilising roots in in his mind. particular formations in the expression of ideas is not the This is necessary so that it may speciality of any particular be established that the Perfect language. Many languages suffer Being Who created man and his from the defect that they are ideas also created from the very compelled to employ compounds beginning roots for the in place of elementary words, expression of those ideas. Our which shows that those sense of justice would compel us compounds were formed at the to acknowledge that if this time of need by those who used characteristic is found in a those languages for the con-

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veyance of their ideas. Therefore, Qur’an alone comprises the true, the language that is secure complete and perfect revelation against such deficiencies, that was to be sent to the world. possesses the capacity of filling We shall also develop the thesis its needs with its roots and that, by acknowledging Arabic as elementary words, and is capable a revealed language and the of matching its words to the mother of tongues, not only must works of God Almighty – that is we acknowledge that the Holy to say, to the upsurge of ideas at Qur’an is the Word of God, but their proper level would doubt- we have also to acknowledge that less deserve to be called a it is the Qur’an alone which is the revealed language in accord with complete, perfect and true Divine nature, on account of its revelation which should be extraordinarily high level and its designated Khatam-ul-Kutub. possession of a speciality which We will now proceed with the is not shared by other languages. Arabic part of this book to demonstrate the system of roots Honesty would require the and other qualities. affirmation that the language that is characterised by the high rank that it had issued from the mouth of God Almighty, possesses There is no strength or power extraordinary qualities, and is the except through Allah, the mother of tongues, is the only Exalted, the Almighty. language which truly deserved that the highest and the most [Minan-ur-Rahman, Ruhani perfect revelation should be Khaza’in, vol. 9, pp.128-142] clothed in it. Other revelations are only branches of this revelation as other languages are branches of this language. Therefore, we shall at a later stage expound that the Holy

18 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESTABLISHING Societal Peace An address by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community delivered at the Roehampton University London in the Chapman Hall, Southlands College on 16 April 2007

After welcoming remarks and an introduction to the University of Roehampton by the Vice Chancellor, a recitation from the Holy Qur’an of Ch.4:V.135-136 by Mr Hafiz Fazle Rabbi and the English translation by Mr Salim Malik, and a further introduction by the Pro Vice Chancellor and after , ta’wud and bismillah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V said:

The Pro Vice Chancellor the tip of everyone’s tongue. Roehampton University, Dr Peter Some attribute this to economic Briggs, the Vice Chancellor causes, others to social issues Southlands College, Professor whether on an individual, Mr Paul O’Prey, all the national or international level, distinguished guests yet others point to political causes, whilst others attribute it Peace and blessings of Allah be to religious differences and as a upon you consequence to the very concept of a God. I have been given 40-45 minutes on this topic, so I will try to Time does not permit me to go finish this subject in brief. into its various subdivisions and other causes but if we examine A key issue of the world today is this fairly, the primary cause is Peace. The erosion of peace is on man’s extreme selfishness and

The Review of Religions – July 2007 19 ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE

his neglect of the purpose of his serve Islam nor mankind. creation. As I have just said that all the Be that as it may, I shall say a few causes that disturb peace, be they words on the basis of the major or minor, and whether they teachings of Islam and the Holy are manifest or hidden and Qur’an. In turn, this perspective working underground, are of true Islam is based on the direct attributable to man’s growing guidance received from God selfishness and his forgetfulness Almighty by the Holy Founder of of why he is here in this world. If the Ahmadiyya Muslim one forgets the purpose of one’s community, which he conveyed to creation, one becomes selfish. In us and by means of which we turn, this selfishness and conceit have been shown the ways of at different levels leads to establishing peace in the world. usurping the rights of others. In other words, this is a satanic cycle This is important because some and man is finding it increasingly people who call themselves difficult to find a way out. Despite Muslims do not have a proper the fact that there is a desire to understanding of Islam and are come out of it, there is no easy responsible for presenting such an means out. image of Islam that it is not even remotely connected to the true Now we shall see, what is the and fundamental teachings and Islamic teaching about the the example set by the Founder of purpose of man’s creation and Islam, the Holy Prophet how man can achieve this? God Muhammad(saw). In pursuit of Almighty says in the Holy their personal and selfish vested Qur’an: interests, some so-called Muslim scholars or leaders have created And I have not created the this backward concept to grow and the men but that they amongst a group of ill-informed may worship Me. Muslims. Such people neither [Ch.51:V.57]

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Therefore, it is the basic reality that if man recognises God, peace will be established in the world. It should always be remembered that the lack of peace, whether at domestic or international level, is caused by the unrest of the heart and the unrest of the heart can be removed by the purpose taught to us in the Holy Qur’an.

This commandment, or call it a teaching or formula, is for all kinds of people. Great powerful people who hold personal power have been addressed just as different superpowers and the according to the nature in which very wealthy people as is man has been created and whose obvious from the Arabic word example we can see in an Jinn. innocent child. The child is unattached to the world and all And the word ‘Ins’ or ‘Men’ that is in it. Irrespective of means the ordinary people of a whether it speaks to a dictator or country and poor people and a fakir or a poor man, it says nations who have been asked to whatever it sees because it knows reflect upon their purpose of not the ways of the world. But as creation. When you understand it grows older and in its learning this issue, your priorities will age begins to be reprimanded or change. punished on its deeds, it responds as best befits the situation but When priorities will alter, your that response is removed from life will naturally change that nature of innocence and

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truth. As a result, it gradually deeds in the name of Islam but drifts away from the purpose for this group is not even remotely which man was created. connected to Islam. Because of their deeds, those who do not I should perhaps explain here as believe in religion and deny the to what is meant by worship. existence of God, make religion According to an Ahmadi the primary target for the lack of Muslim, worship is to discharge peace and go so far as to attribute the rights owed to the Creator, to this to the concept of God even bow before the Lord and to though there are many other discharge all the rights of His reasons for this disorder in the creation which include all kinds world as stated earlier. of personal, social, economic and moral rights. Then, as an Ahmadi Muslim, I believe that God sent His To return to the subject, although Messengers to their respective a majority of this world people with moral and spiritual acknowledges that there is a guidance so as to teach man Creator of all that exists in the tolerance, respect and how to live universe, it is in doubt about faith at peace with other people The or considers some faiths, or if I Messengers fulfilled their can be more specific, considers assigned missions. Finally, God Islam neither to be a true religion sent Muhammad(saw) with the nor from God. One reason is the declared message that: unawareness of the true teachings of Islam. Secondly, the And We have sent you not but evil deeds committed by some as a mercy for all peoples. people make them even more [Ch.21: V.108] dubious. Therefore, it is inconceivable As I said earlier, there is, that the Prophet(saw) who was sent unfortunately, a group amongst as a mercy for all people by the the Muslims which commits foul Lord of the heaven and the earth

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to share His bounties could bring teaching that was to foster love a teaching of cruelty and spread and affection and mercy not only disorder nor is it possible that a amongst the generations that God Who sent such a Prophet followed him but generations could be a God Who should that were yet to come till the end cause His creation to suffer of time providing that they cruelty and transgression. comply with its true sprit and do not confine themselves to the The Prophet(saw) was a mercy for teachings but adopt it in practice. his friends and foes. It was his The history of Islam is full of kindness and compassion that such noble examples. converted the backward and uncivilised Arabs – who neither For instance, the most deprived had regard for relations nor any and worthy of kindness indi- social responsibility – into a viduals in Arabia were the slaves civilised people with high moral that every rich person of that values. In fact I believe that God time possessed. Before the Almighty revealed such a advent of Islam, the slaves were

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treated in a most cruel way. As for the Holy Prophet(saw), he After a hard day’s labour, they himself set free all the slaves he were not even fed properly. possessed long before his claim of . These slaves In order to restore the rights to a became indebted to him. One of deprived class and create a them was Zaid. When his father peaceful society, Islam advo- and his other relatives came to cated the kind treatment of slaves take him back, he refused to go by saying that if you employ with them even though he was them for hard work, help them. free and said: ‘I cannot leave the Then, in relation to the emanci- person who loves me so much pation of slaves, the Holy Qur’an and is so careful about dis- teaches: charging the rights of the poor people.’ And what should make you know what the Aqabah (or The Holy Prophet(saw) advised the ascent) is? It is the freeing of Muslims that if you wish to enter a slave. paradise, free the slaves. There [Ch.90:V.13-14] are two benefits of this teaching. One is a means of entering para- This action of yours against a dise in the hereafter. The other is deprived class whom you have that by granting freedom in this subjugated and whose rights are world to a deprived class you being violated is disliked by God will be able to grant them the in respect of His creation. This is same status of a freeman. This why in the do’s and don’t’s will remove the unrest within mentioned in the Holy Qur’an because it is quite possible that if and in some cases punishments this unrest continues to grow in or expiation has been prescribed, them then a time will come when one of the good deeds is that if the slaves will fight for their you have a slave, he should be set freedom and the societal peace free. will disappear. If a society is peaceful, it can be an example of

24 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE paradise on earth but the lack of tries should help the developing peace can become a hell. world to gain economic inde- pendence. They should assist Just look at today’s society. them so that they are able to When superpowers compel other utilise their own resources to nations to agree to their terms enable them to stand on their and conditions and effectively own feet and thus strengthen hold them in bondage, a time their economy. comes when there is a reaction against this bondage. Past history When each country looks at bears testimony to this and the another country and each nation same is happening today. looks at another nation as an equal, the thought will never A society in which there is peace come to mind that we have to will look beautiful but where monopolise the market. They there is fire and bloodshed, never think that they have to same society will seem like hell. only help the poor nations so that Today, the ways of enslaving and they do not perish or when they bondage have changed but the are about to die, they announce underlying concepts of exploi- some economic aid and inject a tation are the same in that temporary boost of assistance conditions are imposed on weak and publicise by saying that look nations and the developing here how much aid has been countries in respect of debt given to the poor nations. Till provided as aid for their this way of thinking changes, development projects so that they unrest and lack of peace will are permanently held under the continue to be the hallmark of the yoke of slavery. We are world. witnessing the consequence of this unwise logic being suffered It is true that these are the by the whole world. mistakes committed by the people and their leaders and that Therefore, the developed coun- their weaknesses, apathy, worth-

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lessness and selfishness are And those who revert to it, playing a key role. However, if they are the inmates of the there is a desire for true peace, Fire; therein shall they abide. then wealthier nations can relate Allah will abolish interest and their aid to the GDP and pace of will cause charity to increase economic growth of the and Allah loves not anyone developing countries. This is the who is a confirmed dis- only way to emancipate the believer and an arch-sinner. world from economic slavery [Ch.2:V.276-277] and to solve the problem of restlessness that arises from O ye who believe! Fear Allah economic causes. and relinquish what remains of interest, if you are I should mention here the believers. teachings of Islam regarding how But if you do it not, then to end economic unrest and how beware of war from Allah and to create an economically His Messenger; and if you peaceful society. The Qur’an repent, then you shall have says: your original sums; thus you shall not wrong, nor shall you Those who devour interest do be wronged. And if any not rise except as rises one debtor be in straitened whom Satan has smitten with circumstances, then grant insanity. That is because they him respite till a time of ease. say: ‘Trade also is like And that you remit it as interest,’ whereas Allah has charity shall be better for made trade lawful and made you, if only you knew. interest unlawful. So he to [Ch.2:V.279-281] whom an admonition comes from his Lord and he desists, I have cast this Islamic teaching then will that which he here as following the reference to received in the past be his; economic bondage. If we assess and his affair is with Allah. the world today, it is only interest

26 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE that has enslaved the people and preference to interest and as a nations; keep aside the man of a result you will continue to poor nation, even a common man squeeze further an already in the developed world is crushed class. enslaved to interest although apparently the person is the So, if you are a true Muslim, then possessor of property, yet he lend sympathetically and without rarely becomes the true owner of interest because God Almighty the property till the time of his will bless your capital. This act death. His earning power, the will also foster love and affection increase in the rate of inflation for others and a peace-loving and the repayment of interest do society will begin to emerge. not enable the poor man to leave Otherwise, remember this well the world free of debt. The same that by disobeying God, you are is the situation with the poor declaring war against God. Due countries. They are immersed in to interest, the ability to repay debt and this economic slavery will diminish, unrest will perpetuates through generations. increase and a time will come I cannot go into further details on when you will fight against each this issue but if you look into it other. So it is better for you that yourself, you will no doubt agree you stick to your basic capital with me. and with reference to capital, the teaching is that grant him respite Therefore, as I have quoted the till a time of ease and that if you teachings of the Holy Qur’an, remit it as charity, it shall be Islam instructs that you should better for you. not enslave people through interest because when you are I should clarify here that Islam cruel to a needy person, your requires the borrower to honour greed for interest will make your his debt and pledge even if he has thinking evil and cruel. You will to suffer hardship in order to not be counting the true and base repay the debt. In other words, capital but will give greater this is not a one-way street but

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both the lender and the borrower duty to God that it will lead you have been bound that in order to to do good works, at the same maintain social peace they have time, remember the rights of the to work hard together. So, this is weakest in the society. Be very one of the Islamic teachings of kind to your slaves and your task God about honouring the is to try to free them, and never economic rights so as to create try to enslave those who are free economic and social peace in the due to their helplessness, world. whether that enslavement is physical, social or economic. What was the example of the Holy Prophet(saw), with regard to Then, there is another aspect of the repayment of debt. He always maintaining peace. Allah the repaid more than he had Almighty commands: borrowed, that is to say, by repaying more as a reward for the Those who spend in help that was given at the time of prosperity and adversity and need rather than as a pre- those who suppress anger and determined amount agreed at the pardon men; and Allah loves outset. That is why such an act those who do good. leads one to love and affection (Ch.3:V.135) and will guarantee peace and in this regard this was his practice Get into the habit of suppressing with both the Muslims and the anger and forgiving others as this non-Muslims. acts as a guarantee for peace in society. It is not easy to suppress The last words that came from anger and forgive people. his blessed tongue were to draw attention to two very important That is why Allah the Almighty issues. He said: ‘O Ye Muslims! has said that if you wish to Do not forget my teachings about develop your association with prayers and slaves.’ In other Me and if you want to gain My words, while you remember your pleasure, then you will have to do

28 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE good to others without expecting reward of the final Abode. anything in return. Doing good (Ch.13:V.23) means forgiving the guilty despite their wrong-doing. It is clear from these verses that Where, in the beginning, Allah one requires, not only patience to says to spend, this means spend do good and repel evil, but also in the way of Allah, for religious steadfastness. And to achieve needs as well as for fulfilling the this, there is also a command- rights of the people. If you spend ment to not only spend the on the needy without their having money, but also to share all that to ask you, you will guarantee knowledge and utilise all the peace. faculties that are required to spread goodness and stop all evil Then we have been commanded tendencies, using all the to sustain peace because, resources that have been put at whereas we can suppress our the discretion of the well-to-do. anger and forgive temporarily, There is an injunction for both and can also spend for the good individuals and nations that the of others, and treat them with establishment of peace requires kindness now and then, it is very patience and consistency. difficult to continue to do this good work in a steadfast manner. It is not enough to stop evil but it That is why, Allah the Almighty is also essential to do good says in the Holy Qur’an: works. If evil alone is suppressed, there will be a And those who persevere in reaction. There are many who seeking the favour of their incite evil-doers to believe that Lord, and observe Prayer, they have been wronged. But, if and spend out of that with after stopping the evil, all means which We have provided are used for the improvement of them, secretly and openly, the society, they will realise that and repel evil with good. It is the people who advocated doing these who shall have the best good works are really their

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friends and sympathisers who purpose is to create an pointed the evil in the society and environment of peace and at the helped them to move forward same protect the rights of towards goodness. Such action everyone, it is this protection that helps to eliminate evil provides peace to the society. permanently from society. The commandment in the Holy However, this reformation will Qur’an is: neither be permanent nor will it help to establish peace, if all the Verily, Allah enjoins justice action is only to achieve vested and the doing of good to personal interests. others; and giving like kindred; and forbids The Holy Qur’an teaches us that indecency and mani-fest evil in order to maintain peace, it is and transgression. He essential to establish justice in admonishes you that you may society. Besides justice, if good take heed. (Ch.16:V.91) is done in society in accordance with the need, it will help to This verse talks about three good create an environment of love and three evil deeds. The three and affection. good deeds are (1) showing justice; (2) the doing of good to I have deliberately used the others; and, (3) giving like words ‘in accordance with the kindred. The three evils need’, because you will come mentioned are (1) exhibiting across a person who is a habitual indecency; (2) manifesting evil; criminal, and despite all efforts to and (3) transgressing. Going into reform him, he does not change the details of these good and evil his ways; it will be counter- deeds, you will realise that the productive to do good to him. In good deeds are the basics of fact, in such cases, justice establishing peace in a society demands that he be punished so and the evil deeds are the basics that the society can be saved that lead to the destruction of from his harm. Because the real social peace.

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Therefore, if we want to create Islam advises its believers: peace in our society then we must shun all evils, promote O ye people! Fear your Lord good deeds and fulfil the rights Who created you from a of others selflessly. We must get single being and created rid of the poison of superiority therefrom its mate, and from complex. We must eliminate the the two spread many men and distinction between superpower women; and fear Allah in and the poor developing Whose name you appeal to countries. We must get rid of all one another, and fear Him the national and racial particularly respecting ties of prejudices. In this regard, we kinship. Verily Allah watches will have to set very high targets, over you. free of all prejudices so that (Ch.4:V.2) humanity can advance in doing good to each other. And again Allah reminds us:

Why is this? It is because the O mankind, We created you feelings of superiority and from male and female; and inferiority have become extreme. We made you tribes and sub- tribes that you may recognise We may not agree on this, but the one another. Verily, the most divides between East and West honourable among you, in the and North and South are more sight of Allah, is he who is the prominent. In fact, even today, most righteous among you. the question of black and white is Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, still alive and predominant in All-Aware. some countries. (Ch.49:V.14)

Does this situation provide any This is the teaching of the guarantee for peace of mind? I do Qur’an. It leads us to the point not think so! from where the educated man wants us to move away and that

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is that God exists and by acting testify against yourself or your on His teachings and just trying near ones, then you must testify to gain His pleasure, it will help fulfilling the requirements of man to understand fellowmen. justice. At the same time, it has also said that even the enmity of What does Islam teach on a nation should not make you eliminating prejudices and deviate from justice. thoughts of causing harm to others and to what extent does We can see this commandment Islam emphasise on dealing with being put into practice in the early each other honestly? period of Islamic history. For example, when a dispute between The Holy Qur’an says in this a Muslim and a Jew was brought respect: before Hadhrat Umar, the Second Successor of the Holy Prophet of O ye who believe! Be Islam(saw), he found the Jew to be steadfast in the cause of right and decided in his favour. Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s The Holy Qur’an says: enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. ... And let not the enmity of a Be always just, that is nearer people that they hindered you to righteousness. And fear from the Sacred Mosque, Allah. Surely, Allah is aware incite you to transgress. And of what you do. help one another in (Ch.5:V.9) righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin This is the ultimate state of and transgression. And fear establishing peace with justice Allah; surely Allah is severe that if you have to bear in punishment. (Ch.5:V.3) testimony, you must always remain just. In another place, it See, this is the beautiful enjoins that even if you have to teaching! The people of Makkah

32 The Review of Religions – July 2007 ESTABLISHING SOCIETAL PEACE committed extreme cruelties is the Creator Who should be against the Holy Prophet of worshipped. Islam(saw), and his followers. They were made to lie on burning coal Muslims were told not to indulge because they had accepted Islam. in any excesses but to use piety Muslim women were pierced with and goodness to establish peace lances in their private parts and and to enhance co-operation. If some were tied to two camels you understand the psychology which were then made to run in of the Arabs of that time and how opposite directions thus tearing they used to carry enmities from the women asunder in two parts. one generation to another, you The Holy Prophet(saw) was exiled will realise that it was not with his followers and ostracised possible for the Muslims to act as in a valley outside Makkah for they did without bringing about a two and a half years and they revolution in the psyche of the suffered from shortage of food Arabs with the help of the and other essentials. After all the teachings that the Prophet of sufferings, the Muslims decided Islam brought. to migrate to Madinah. Even then they were attacked. Muslims were I have explained briefly various stopped from going to Makkah to aspects of the peaceful teachings perform the Pilgrimage. Despite of Islam. The question here all these inhuman acts, Muslims arises that this is all very well but were enjoined not to react in who is going to apply these similar fashion; and although they teachings in the world and were victims of many cruelties, among the Muslims? when they entered victorious into Makkah they were taught to The Ahmadiyya Muslim forget the past. They were taught community is of the view and that you are victorious now, believes that God Almighty has therefore, forget old enmities and always sent His messengers and fear Allah because Allah wants to reformers in this world to bring spread peace in the world and He people nearer to God and return to

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the people the rights of human been and is trying to provide beings. In this age also, according assistance to the victims of to the prophecies of the Prophet of natural disasters like earth- Islam(saw) and past prophets, peace quakes, tsunamis, floods etc and blessings be upon them all, without any ulterior motives. It is God Almighty has sent Mirza difficult to go into its details. It is Ghulam Ahmad of (as) worth noting that these expenses whom we believe to be the that the community incurs are not Messiah and the Mahdi, to this obtained from businesses, facto- world, to fulfil His mission. The ries or oil revenues. It is collected voice that was raised more than a from every member of the hundred years ago in a small town community who reduces his own in the in India, has reached expenses to contribute towards 185 countries of the world and his these services for gaining the followers are in millions. This sheer love and nearness of Allah. could not have happened without the Divine assistance. All this is being done to bring humanity nearer to its Creator Along with its efforts to bring and thus fulfil the mission of the man nearer its Creator, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Ahmadiyya community is serving movement. mankind by fulfilling the medical, educational and other financial I would like to end my address requirements of the needy. In poor with a quotation of the Founder countries of Africa and elsewhere, of Ahmadiyya Community. He the community is helping with says: hospitals and schools and is trying to provide water and electricity in ‘The mission for which Allah those regions free of any cost to has appointed me is to renew the poor. the relationship between Allah and His creatures; and Irrespective of race, religion or remove the malice that has nationality, the Community has developed between mankind

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and its Creator; and thus re- ‘… In a University which establish the relationship of takes pride in the fact that we love and sincerity between have a centre for human man and God; to eliminate rights, social justice and wars between religion and lay citizenship – because that the foundation for recon- reflects very much what this ciliation; and bring out the University stands for and is truth and verities that had founded upon – then the disappeared from the world; insight which you have and manifest by example the shared with us about the spirituality that had been teachings of the Holy Qur’an, buried in darkness;….but this of Islam and the work of the will not happen by my power Ahmadiyya Muslim com- alone. It will only come about munity which have a bearing by the power of that on all those issues and Almighty Who is the Lord of brought together in the notion Heaven and Earth.’ of creating a world which is peaceful and which will give Finally, I would like to thank all peace to so many millions of of you who have given your time people who crave peace but to listen to me. I am grateful to who do not find it are the Vice Chancellor for pro- inspirational and insightful. viding me this opportunity and to We are grateful…’ the Principal of Southland College for organising every- thing. May Allah the Almighty bless them and reward you abundantly. Thank you

This was followed by applause and a vote of thanks in which the Vice Chancellor said:

The Review of Religions – July 2007 35 A brief survey of some scientific facts in the book: Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth In the year 2002, certain scientific objections were raised about the book Revelation Rationality Knowledge and Truth written by Hadhrat , Khalifatul Masih IV. Because of Huzur’s illness, the matter could not be investigated. Recently when this matter was brought to the attention of his Successor, the present head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, he instructed me for investigation. According to his instructions, I sent the list of objections to Mr. Masoud A Malik (USA) for careful scrutiny and research. As a result, members of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) USA were assigned the task of conducting this research and offer their collective responses in the light of published scientific literature. The team consisted of Dr Amtul Mujeeb Chaudhry (USA), Professor Hafiz Saleh Mohammad Alladin (guest member from India) and Dr Arshad M Khan (USA). In this report, the team summarises the objections and provides a point by point response to each. We are presenting this research here for the benefit of our readers. Munir-ud-Din Shams (Additional Vakil-ul-Tasneef)

1. Background in this article. There are various theories in science discussed in the book The Holy Qur’an is the Word of Revelation Rationality Know- God and Nature represents the ledge and Truth about which Work of God. In science, we try different opinions and thoughts to understand the working of exist. We mention some of them Nature. The commentaries of the

36 The Review of Religions – July 2007 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH

Holy Qur’an reflect our efforts nature. It highlights the testi- for comprehending the Holy mony of nature to the existence Qur’an. Both in religion and in of an All-Mighty and All-Wise science it should be our aim to God4. The book is based on an attain the truth1. There cannot be in-depth study of the Holy any contradiction between the Qur’an by the saintly scholar Holy Qur’an and science, if we Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) understand them both correctly2. who had a comprehensive The treasures of the Holy Qur’an knowledge of various branches as well as Nature are of science. We strongly feel that inexhaustible3. the book serves as an excellent model of scholarly work regard- The book Revelation Rationality ing the interaction between Knowledge and Truth (RRKT) religion and science, and is contains an excellent com- written by a profound lover of mentary of several verses of the the Holy Qur’an. Holy Qur’an that deal with

The Review of Religions – July 2007 37 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH

In the words of the author: readership and make the sources as accessible as possible. ‘The Divine scriptures are not textbooks of science, hence 2.1 Objection related to the any reference therein to chapter ‘Entropy and the scientific subjects could not Finite Universe’ be merely incidental. The In the chapter ‘Entropy and the main purpose is to establish Finite Universe’, the author the unity of source; to prove explains the term ‘Entropy’ using that the material world and the second law of the spiritual world are both Thermodynamics8. The author the work of the same draws the conclusion that the Creator.’ 5 universe would end when ‘Entropy’ reaches its peak as a The author has drawn attention to result of which the universe will the truths of the Holy Qur’an experience ‘Heat Death’. This verified by science as well as to conclusion has been supported those truths that still await by several scientists9, 10, 11, 12, 13. exploration.6,7 The observer, on the other hand, 2. Research uses the concept of reversible This article presents the findings process14 and the Hawking to some pertinent objections and Principle15 to contradict the refutations made on a few of the author’s point of view. The scientific arguments given in the observer’s conclusion is book, RRKT. The references for supported by another school of this research have been drawn thought16 which does not agree from diversified sources. These with the theory of Heat Death of sources include scholarly the universe. publications, research journals, scientific magazines, internet and Another research that takes into non-technical web links. The consideration the Hawking objective is to cater for a wide Principle (interestingly enough

38 The Review of Religions – July 2007 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH the same principle as cited by the are distinct entities. Therefore observer) points to ‘Cosmo- the wording contradicts the logical Heat Death’17 of the definition of a single unique universe. Other ideas about the universe. fate of the universe include concepts like ‘Big Crunch’18, This controversy is not new. In ‘Big Freeze’19 and ‘Big Rip’20, 22. fact it has been and still is a critical subject of speculation24, The fate of the universe has been 25, 26, 27, 28 in the field of and still is a subject of rival cosmology. scientific theories and serious scientific investigations20, 21, 22. Hence, the author’s choice of Despite this controversy, the words is scientifically valid and laws of Thermodynamics (as correct. used by the author) continue to be part of the latest academic 2.3 Objection related to the curricula23. chapter ‘The Essential Role of Clay and Photosynthesis in Hence the author’s conclusion Evolution’ about the fate of the universe is a The observer refers to page 384 scientifically valid conclusion. of the book, RRKT, where the author states: ‘To those 2.2 Objection related to the pondering over the origin of life, Chapter ‘The Qur’an and it is classic chicken and egg Cosmology’ problem – which came first the The observer has raised an protein or the DNA.’ The objection regarding the statement observer points out that this of the author about the problem has been resolved by the movement of universe in space. Crick’s postulate. The argument is that the wording ‘movement of the universe in The author has referred to a space’ (as used in RRKT) classic paradox about whether implies that universe and space DNA or protein was the first to

The Review of Religions – July 2007 39 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH

appear in early pre-biotic Earth. The observer reports on another Despite the formalisation of the school of thought which suggests ‘Central Dogma’ of molecular that chirality is related to the biology by Crick in 195829 arrangement and position of (which states that information atoms in a molecule38, 39, 40. passes unidirectionally from nucleic acid to protein, that is Scientists have also discovered from RNA to protein), it is now an aspect which states that understood that there are chirality can be switched in multiple ways of interpreting the molecules by the addition or Central Dogma29, 30. In addition, removal of electrons41. there are many exceptions to this formalisation30, 31, 32, 33. These Hence, the refutation made by exceptions could lead to multiple the observer regarding the interpretations about the origin of author’s statement is not valid. life and the roles of DNA, RNA and protein in this process. 3. Conclusion Currently there is no scientific Detailed research was carried out consensus on this issue, due to to investigate the objections some controversial aspects. made on some of the scientific evidence presented in the book, Hence the author’s statement in RRKT. the book is scientifically valid and correct. In three instances (‘entropy and heat death’, ‘universe and space’, 2.4 Objection related to the ‘chirality’), the objections only chapter ‘Chirality or Sidedness reflect a different school of in Nature’ thought as compared to the idea In this chapter, the author reports presented by the book, RRKT. on one school of thought which References have been provided states that ‘chirality’ or sidedness in this article to prove the in molecules is related to their existence and wide support of the spin34, 35, 36, 37. author’s idea in the scientific

40 The Review of Religions – July 2007 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH realm. Hence the author’s References and Notes statements are perfectly valid 1. Revelation Rationality Knowledge scientific statements. and Truth (RRKT), 1998. p.256, para 2.

In one instance (‘chicken and egg 2. Ibid., p. 286, para 3; p. 300, para 3; p. paradox’) the objection was 344, para 4. found to be incorrect. References have been provided for this 3. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.15:V.22 result. 4. RRKT, p.386, para 3; p.569, para 1

Scientific research is a dynamic 5. Ibid., p. 285, para 4 activity which continues to expand upon earlier findings, 6. Ibid., p. 303, para 2; p. 331, para 4; proving or refuting them or p. 333, para 2; p. 334, para3; and p. pointing out their limitations. 488, para 3 The Holy Qur’an, on the other 7. Ibid., p. 314, para 2 hand, is a universal truth independent of any argument or 8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second _ scientific developments. Hence, law_of_thermodynamics when scientific reasoning enters a conflict due to ongoing 9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_de- research, it should not confuse ath the reader about the conclusions 10. http://www.physlink.com/Education/ of the author that are guided and AskExperts/ae261.cfm based upon the Qur’anic prophecies. We strongly believe 11. http://www.alamut.com/subj/ideolog- that the book, Revelation ies/pessimism/entropy.html Rationality Knowledge and Truth, serves as an excellent 12. http://srikant.org/core/node10.html model of a scholarly work that 13. http://www.avogadro.co.uk/h_and_s/ diligently examines the inter- entropy.htm actions between religion and science. 14. http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~vawter/Ph-

The Review of Religions – July 2007 41 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH

ysicsNet/Topics/ThermLaw2 10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.071301. /ThermalProcesses.html. 23. Griffiths, T. (2007). The Physics of 15. Barrow, J. D. and Tipler F. J., (1988) Everyday Phenomena (5th ed.). The Anthropic Cosmological McGraw Hill, p.6 Principle, Oxford University Press. 24. Munitz, M.K. (1951) One Universe 16. math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Rel- or Many. Journal of the History of ativity/ BlackHoles/ hawking.html Ideas, 12(2): 231-255

17. , F C. and Laughlin, G. 25. Luminet, J-P. and Boudewijn F. R. (1997). A Dying Universe: The Long (1999). Topology of the Universe: Term Fate and Evolution of Theory and Observations. Astrophysical Objects. Reviews of Proceedings of Cosmology School Modern Physics 69, 337-372, held at Cargese, Corsica, August http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/astro- 1998. ph/pdf/9701/9701131.pdf 26. Luminet, J-P., Weeks J., Riazuelo A., 18. Davies, P. (1997). The Last Three Lehoucq, R. and Uzan, J-P. (2003). Minutes: Conjectures About the Dodecahedral space topology as an Ultimate Fate of the Universe explanation for weak wide-angle temperature correlations in the http://en.allexperts.com/e/u/ul/ultimat cosmic microwave background. e_fate_of_the_universe. htm Nature 425: 593

19. http://en.allexperts.com/e/b/bi/big_fr- 27. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe eeze.htm 28. Holt, J. My So-Called Universe; 20. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate http://slate.msn.com/id/ 2087206/ _fate_of_the_Universe 29. Thieffry, D. and Sarkar, S. (1998). 21. http://www.cnn.com/TECH/9701/15 / Forty years under the central dogma. end.universe/ Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 23:312-316. 22. Caldwell, R.R., Kamionkowski, M. and Weinberg N.N. (2003). Phantom 30. Hunter, N. (1999). Prion diseases and Energy and Cosmic Doomsday. the central dogma of molecular Physical Review Letters 91(7) DOI: biology. Trends in Microbiology,

42 The Review of Religions – July 2007 A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME SCIENTIFIC FACTS OF REVELEATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE & TRUTH

7:265-266. 37. ‘Purdue Scientists Discover Why we’re All Lefties Deep Down’, 31. Henikoff, S. (2002). Beyond the Science Daily, central dogma. Bioinformatics http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/ 18:223-225. 2003/08/030806075413.htm

32. Mattick, J. S. (2003). Challenging the 38. Pelzl G., Diele S., Jakli A., Lischka dogma: the hidden layer of non- C., Wirth I.., and Weissflog W. protein-coding RNAs in complex (1999). Preliminary communication organisms. BioEssays 25:930-939. helical superstructures in a novel smectic mesophase formed by achiral 33. Rose, S. P. R. (2003). banana-shaped molecules. Liquid Communication: from neurons to Crystals, 26 (1) people; from present to future. Biochemical Society Transactions 31 39. Barlow, S.M. and Raval, R. (2003). (Part 1):159-161. Complex organic molecules at metal surfaces: bonding, organisation and 34. Johnston, C. et al., (1993). Chiral chirality. Surface Science Reports, effects in spin-dependent elastic 50(6-8): 201-341. electron scattering from molecules”. J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 40. Flack, H.D. and Bernardinelli G. 26:965-985. (1999). Absolute structure and absolute configuration. Foundation 35. ‘Chirality of Photons and Electrons’, of Crystallography. 55 (part 5) 908- The Gay Group, University of 915. Nebraska http://physics.unl.edu/~tgay/content/C 41. ‘NYU chemist develops molecule PE.html. with switchable chirality’, EurekAlert. 36. ‘Polarized Electron – Chiral Molecule Scattering Experiments’, Behlen http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea Laboratory of Physics, University of sses/2000-05/NYU-Ncdm- Nebraska-Lincoln, by Green, 2505100.php. Mark Rosenberry and Tim Gay.

http://physics.unl.edu/~tgay/content/ Abstract.html

The Review of Religions – July 2007 43 The Purity of the Text of the HOLY QUR’AN PART 5 From the Review of Religions, 1907

Arrangement of the Verses and tant question before us, therefore, Chapters of the Qur’an now is whether the Holy It has already been shown that the Prophet(saw) himself arranged the Holy Qur’an was both written verses and chapters in an order and committed to memory in the different from that of their life-time of the Holy Prophet(saw). revelation, and, if so, whether the But we also know that the Qur’an present arrangement of the verses was revealed piecemeal during a and chapters is the same as that long period extending over which prevailed in the life-time twenty-three years. Some of the of the Holy Prophet(saw). In other chapters were revealed complete words, was the Holy Qur’an left but the revelation of many others by the Holy Prophet(saw) in the was fragmentary and extended same condition as regards the over long periods. It also arrangement of its verses and happened often that while one chapters as that in which we now chapter was still unfinished, a find it, or is its present condition new chapter was revealed, and different from that in which the sometimes verses belonging to Holy Prophet(saw) left it? more than two unfinished chapters were revealed at one and Both intrinsic and extrinsic the same time. Now the evidence conclusively show that arrangement of chapters and the present arrangement of the verses in the copies of the Holy chapters and verses of the Holy Qur’an at present in the hands of Qur’an was effected by the Holy the Muslims does not follow the Prophet(saw) under the guidance of order of revelation. The impor- Divine revelation. But as the

44 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 intrinsic evidence on this point Surely upon us rests its requires a separate treatment, I collection and its recital. so shall not attempt to give it here. when We recite it, then follow The different verses in different thou its recital. chapters and the chapters themselves are so well arranged These verses clearly show that that no better arrangement is the collection of the Qur’an, that conceivable. It is only ignorance is its gathering into one whole of the Holy Qur’an and Arabic with an arrangement of its idiom which has made some various parts, was brought about critics remark that there is no by the guidance of Divine connection between certain verses revelation. Arrangement and or that there are some chasms. A collection were according to deep reflection over the Holy these verses as much the work of Book reveals a close connection Divine revelation as the reading between verses which are of a verse to the Holy Prophet(saw), considered by hasty writers to be i.e., its revelation. The Qur’an disconnected. But we leave this itself, therefore, asserts, not only point for a separate discussion and that it is the Word of God, but that would refer here only to the its collection and arrangement extrinsic evidence which proves were also brought about by that the present arrangement of Divine revelation. It should be the verses and chapters of the borne in mind that the word Holy Qur’an is not the work of Jam’a in the above verse Abu Bakr or Zaid, but that of the (Ch.75:V.18) implies both Holy Prophet(saw) himself who did collection and arrangement, since it under the guidance of Divine no collection could be brought revelation. Such evidence is not about without an arrangement. only met with abundantly in the Now the verse shows that this traditions of the Holy Prophet(saw), arrangement was different from but it is also contained in the Holy the order of the revelation of the Qur’an. Thus in Ch.75:Vs.8-19 verses. It describes arrangement we read: and collection as a process

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different from the revelation of a 1. Was any arrangement followed verse to the Holy Prophet(saw), thus by the Prophet(saw) himself and showing that from the first it was by his companions in his life- meant that the verses and the time? chapters of the Holy Qur’an 2. Was that arrangement should be arranged in an order different from the order in different from that of their which the verses or the revelation. If the order in chapters were revealed? collection were to be the same as 3. Is the present arrangement the order of the reading of the different from that followed different verses to the Holy by or in the life-time of the Prophet(saw), i.e., the order of their Holy Prophet(saw)? revelation, collection and reading would not have been described in That such a large book treating so the verse quoted above as two many and such varied subjects different things. The reader may should have been committed to also consult Lane’s Lexicon memory and regularly recited in which gives ‘arranging’ as a and outside prayers and taught by significance of the word Jam’a. one man to another without there being any settled arrangement of It is in authentic traditions, its parts is a most preposterous however, that we meet with the proposition, but there is hardly a clearest proof that the Holy Christian critic of Islam who has Prophet(saw) left at his death the not advanced it. The grounds for complete Qur’an with the same this assertion are the same in arrangement of the verses and the every case. Not the least regard is chapters that we have now in paid to historical evidence, and every Arabic Qur’an. We will the supposition that no arrange- consider the arrangement of ment is discoverable in the verses verses and that of chapters and chapters at present is the only separately and in each enquiry we basis on which the proposition is shall have to discuss the based. Even Muir who sat down following points: to write his Life of Mahomet on a

46 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 strong historical basis has in this time; and it is inconceivable respect followed the earlier that Mahomet should have Christian critics and shut his eyes enjoined its recital invariably to the whole historical evidence. in this order. We must even The following short paragraph doubt whether the number of from Muir’s introduction is not Suras, or chapters, was only illustrative of the assertions determined by Mahomet as of Christian critics in general, but we now have them. The it also shows how the author internal sequence at any rate himself has evaded the historical of the contents of the several evidence. He says: Suras cannot, in most cases, have been that intended by the ‘We are not, however, to Prophet.’ assume that the entire Qur’an was at this period repeated in Some of the footnotes given any fixed order. The present under this paragraph show the compilation, indeed, is held struggle in the writer’s mind by the Moslims to follow the between historical facts and arrangement prescribed by religious prejudice. Thus while Mahomet; and early tradition denying the existence of any might appear to imply some fixed order in the Qur’an in the known sequence1 But this life-time of the Holy Prophet(saw), cannot be admitted; for had Muir had to admit that ‘we read any fixed order been observed of certain companions, who could or sanctioned by the Prophet, repeat the whole Coran in a given it would unquestionably have time, which might be held to been preserved in the sub- imply some usual connection of sequent collection. Now the the parts.’ In another footnote it is Coran as handed down to our admitted that there were four or time, follows in the five persons who could repeat disposition of its several parts ‘with scrupulous accuracy’ the no intelligible arrangement whole of the Qur’an, and ‘several whatever, either of subject or others who could very nearly

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repeat the whole before division of at least some part of Mahomet’s death.’ Again while the revelation into Suras, if not a denying that even the number of usual order in repeating the Suras Suras was determined by the themselves. Holy Prophet(saw), for fear of being contradicted he cautiously adds ‘The liturgical use of the Suras by the following footnote: Mahomet must, no doubt, have in some measure fixed their form, ‘But there is reason to believe and probably also their that the chief Suras, including all sequence.’ passages in most common use, were fixed and known by name or In connection with the same other distinctive mark. Some are subject, it is said in another spoken of, in early and well footnote that ‘the traditions just authenticated traditions, as cited as to the number of Suras having been so referred to by which some of the companions Mahomet himself. Thus he could repeat, and which recalled his fugitive followers at Mahomet himself repeated on his the discomfiture of Honein, by death-bed, also imply the shouting to them as “the men of existence of such Suras in a the Sura Bacr”(i.e., Sura Ch.2). complete and finished form.’

Several persons are stated by In this manner, almost every tradition to have learnt by heart a remark made in the paragraph certain number of Suras in quoted above is contradicted in Mahomet’s life-time. Thus the footnotes on the basis of Abdulla bin Masud learned historical facts met with in seventy Suras from the Prophet’s authentic traditions. And though own mouth – and Mahomet on the statements in the footnotes are his death-bed repeated seventy made reservedly, yet the Suras, ‘among which were the contradictions are too clear to seven long ones.’ These escape unnoticed by any careful traditions signify a recognised reader, and the struggle in the

48 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 writer’s mind can be easily complete and finished form.’ discovered. In the text it is This conclusion becomes clearer asserted that there was no fixed still when it is borne in mind that order or arrangement in the the same writer has also admitted verses and chapters of the Holy that there were several com- Qur’an, and historical evidence is panions who could repeat, not produced in the footnote showing only seventy Suras, but the whole that there was a connection. The Qur’an and that too ‘with text makes the allegation that scrupulous accuracy.’ even the Suras were not distinctly marked out by the Holy As regards the stale assertion that Prophet(saw) and their number was the Qur’an follows no arrange- not determined by him. Yet the ment in the disposition of its footnote brings forward historical several parts, it arises only out of testimony to the effect that there an ignorance of the Holy Book. was a recognised division and There exist commentaries in the that form of the chapters was, no Arabic language which show the doubt, fixed. The reservations connection of the verses and the contained in such expressions as chapters to each other, but the ‘some part’ and ‘some measure’ subject is not suited for a short were only natural considering the article in a monthly. I would, allegations in the text. It can be however, give one example of the easily seen that if ‘seventy Suras real connection between verses including the seven long ones’ which a superficial reader would existed ‘in a complete and think to be totally unconnected. finished form’ as the footnote From the 156th verse the second admits, and there is no evidence chapter runs thus: ‘With some- showing that the remaining forty- what of fear and hunger and loss four short Suras which were, no of wealth and of lives and of doubt, generally recited in fruits, will We surely prove you: prayers did not exist in the same but bear good tidings to the form, the presumption will be patient, [157] who, when a that all the Suras existed ‘in a calamity falls upon them, say:

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‘Verily we are God’s and verily to mercy from the Lord. The verse Him do we return. [158] On such which speaks of Safa and Marwa the Lord sends down His is really only an illustration of the blessings and mercy, and these — principle laid down in these they are the rightly guided. [158] verses. It mentions two hills Verily, Safa and Marwa are which were the scene of the among the Signs of God: sufferings of a faithful servant of whoever, therefore, makes a God who, because of the pilgrimage to the House or faithfulness and patience shown performs Umrah to go round under the heaviest sufferings, was about them both. And whoever rewarded with the greatest of does good in obedience to God, blessings from heaven, so much then verily God is Grateful and so that these very hills became Knowing.’ Apparently the 158th the Signs or sanctuaries of God. verse abruptly introduces a Going round these hills was a subject foreign to the purport of commemoration of the events the context. A little reflection, which befell Hajar and the however, makes it clear that this patience and faithfulness which verse has a deep connection with she showed in that trial which had the preceding verses. been sent upon her by God. Her reward was great, for the Safa and Marwa are the two hills descendants of Ishmael were which were the scene of Hajar’s made a great nation and it was suffering when she ran hither and from among them that the Holy thither in search of water for her Prophet Muhammad(saw), was infant child. Now the previous raised. These facts reveal the verses state that when Almighty existence of a deep connection God tries His servants by sending between verses which to a down any suffering upon them superficial reader of the Qur’an and they are patient and faithful would appear as having not the and trust in God, they are least connection with each other. rewarded with great blessings and

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The allegation that there is no have followed a different connection between the verses as arrangement? Does any tradition at present arranged is, therefore, support these absurd assertions? the result only of the ignorance of What order did the reciters of the the deep significance of the Holy Qur’an follow? Or did each Qur’anic words and expressions. reciter follow a different order? As it is only upon this one What again was the order of the supposition that the whole verses followed by those who led historical evidence concerning the public prayers? It is the arrangement of the Holy inconceivable that a book which Qur’an is rejected, we may after was so widely committed to having shown the error of this memory and which was so supposition proceed to consider frequently recited by thousands the evidence itself. of men existed in such an orderless state. The assertion that no arrangement was followed in the case of single If there were no other evidence to verses revealed at different times show that the verses in the is so absurd on its very face that it different chapters of the Holy hardly requires a refutation. How Qur’an followed some arrange- was it possible for any body to ment, the mere fact that the Holy commit the Holy Qur’an to Book was committed to memory memory if there was no settled by the companions would be order in which the verses were sufficient to establish that con- read? What order did the different clusion. There are many chapters copies follow? Or was it that each containing more than a hundred copy of the Holy Qur’an current verses each, and unless these at the time followed a different were arranged in a settled order, order? Could every man who no one could be said to have knew any portion of the Holy committed to memory the whole Qur’an, and every one of the of any chapter. Take the different companions knew some portion, permutations of only a hundred

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...WE LEARN FROM AUTHENTIC TRADITIONS THAT WHEN ANY PERSON, WHILE RECITING A PORTION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN FROM MEMORY, MADE A MISTAKE OR LEFT OUT A VERSE, SOMEONE OF THOSE WHO LISTENED TO HIM CORRECTED THE MISTAKE OR POINTED OUT THE PARTICULARS VERSE. NOW THIS COULD NOT BE DONE UNLESS THE SAME ARRANGEMENT OF VERSES WAS FOLLOWED BY ALL.

verses, and no two out of a arrangement which they hundred thousand men could followed. have agreed upon one arrange- ment. In such a case there would Considerations such as the above have been not one Qur’an which clearly show that some arrange- the companions could learn from ment of verses was necessarily each other, but everybody would followed. Was it the order of have his own Qur’an, and no one revelation? There is clear could be certain of the historical evidence that the Holy correctness of what his friend Prophet(saw) arranged the verses recited. Moreover, we learn from not according to their authentic traditions that when any chronological order of receipt but person, while reciting a portion of accord-ing to matter. There were the Holy Qur’an from memory, no doubt many chapters that were made a mistake or left out a verse, revealed complete, but there someone of those who listened to were others, particularly the him corrected the mistake or longer ones, that were revealed pointed out the particular verse. by portions. Chronologically Now this could not be done verses of one chapter were unless the same arrangement of followed by those of another, and verses was followed by all. In hence in the arrangement of fact, it was simply impossible to verses in chapters the chrono- commit thousands of verses to logical order could not be memory unless there was some observed. The practice of the

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Holy Prophet(saw) in such cases is revelation, the next question that clearly stated in authentic arises is, was that arrangement traditions. As Othman tells us in a different from the one upon tradition already quoted: ‘it was which the whole Muslim world is customary with the Messenger(saw) now agreed? We must answer this of God, when portions of question in the negative. The different chapters were revealed arrangement of the verses in the to him, that when any verse was Qur’an we have in our hands is revealed he called one of the not in accordance with the order amanuenses [persons who write of revelation, and hence if there is what another dictates] and said to no trace in the history of the him “write these verses in the Qur’an of any change having chapter where such and such been brought about in the verses occur.”’ From this it arrangement of its verses at any appears that the place and chapter time, the conclusion that the for every verse were pointed out present arrangement is exactly by the Holy Prophet(saw) himself. the same as that followed by the With such clear and conclusive Holy Prophet(saw) will be testimony before him, no sensible absolutely certain and final. Now person would deny that the work it is admitted on all hands, and the of the arrangement of the verses truth of the fact has not been in every chapter was done by the questioned by the hostilest critic Holy Prophet(saw) himself and as of Islam, that there has not been the Holy Qur’an tells us it was the slightest change in any word done under the guidance of or letter of the Qur’an or in the Divine revelation, and that that arrangement of its verses or arrangement did not follow the chapters since the time of chronological order of the Othman, the third of the Muslim revelation of verses. Caliphs. Our copies of the Qur’an are admittedly exact copies, true If the arrangement of verses was and authentic in every way, of the different from the order of their collection made by Othman, and

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hence to prove that the arrange- Prophet(saw) were still living, and ment of verses and chapters at no change in the arrangement of present is the same as that verses could have remained followed by the Holy Prophet(saw), unnoticed. Moreover, the task of we have only to show that the making the required copies was collection made by Othman not in the charge of Othman followed the original arrange- personally, but in that of several ment. It can be easily seen that at of the most well-known com- the time of his making the panions reputed for their collection, Othman had no knowledge of the Qur’an, and motive for changing the fixed none of these can be shown to arrangement which up to that have had any motive for altering time was followed by the the arrangement of verses companions of the Holy existing at the time. Nor is there Prophet(saw) That an arrangement the slightest trace in the historical different from the order of record of the time that the revelation was followed by the arrangement was altered. Holy Prophet(saw) and that the same arrangement was followed No charge has ever been by the companions in the learning preferred against Othman by any and teaching of the Holy Qur’an sect of Islam or any individual has already been shown. that he had changed the arrangement of the verses in the Such an arrangement was chapters of the Holy Qur’an. In changed by Othman is for him to fact the only charge against him show who makes the assertion. is that he disallowed certain When Othman began to make his readings. The nature of this collection, or more correctly charge we will describe later on when he began to make copies of when we have occasion to write the Qur’an from Abu-Bakr’s(ra) about the various readings. But collection, thousands of the there is absolutely no mention companions of the Holy whatever in any tradition

54 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 authentic or unauthentic of any not have referred to two verses as alteration in the arrangement of the last two verses of a certain verses. chapter. The tradition shows clearly that every verse had a Besides the negative proof cited known and fixed place in a above which conclusively shows chapter and no reciter of the that at no time in the history of Qur’an could change its place. the Qur’an was the arrangement of its verses altered in the sIn the second place, this slightest degree, there is positive tradition shows that the verses evidence leading to the same with which the chapter entitled conclusion. This evidence may be the Baqarah or ‘Cow’ now ends gathered from incidental remarks were also the concluding verses made in certain authentic of that chapter in the time of the traditions. Under the heading Holy Prophet(saw), and therefore ‘The excellence of the chapter the arrangement in the copies of entitled Al-Baqra’, Bukhari the Qur’an at present is the same relates the following tradition: that was followed by the Holy ‘The Holy Prophet(saw) said: Prophet(saw). “Whoever reads the last two verses of the chapter entitled In support of this we may cite Baqara on any night, they are another tradition which is sufficient for him.”’ This accepted as authentic by the tradition which reports the exact authorities on tradition. In this words of the Holy Prophet(saw) tradition these two verses, i.e., the shows two things. Firstly, that the concluding verses of the chapter Holy Prophet(saw) himself entitled the ‘Cow’ are identified followed an arrangement which with the 285th and 286th verses he made known to his of that chapter as enumerated in companions and they all followed Rodwell’s translation or 286 and the same arrangement, for if such 287 according to our Review of had not been the case, he could Religions referencing. (See for

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this tradition the Fath-ul-Bari.) Qur’an in an unarranged form, According to another authentic different arrangements of verses tradition the Holy Prophet(saw) told would no doubt have been his followers to recite the ‘first followed by different companions ten verses’ of the chapter entitled and in the great mass of traditions the ‘Cave’ at the appearance of there would have been references the anti-Christ. Had there been no to some of these arrangements. arrangement of verses, the ‘first But the absence of any such ten verses’ would have been a reference shows conclusively that meaningless phrase because it there was only one arrangement would not have indicated any of verses which was followed by particular ten verses. This all the companions and that tradition occurs in the Sahih arrangement was the same as we Muslim. The first ten verses as in have now in our copies of the our copies of the Qur’an are Qur’an, because there is no plainly the verses meant, as in reference at all to any change these verses the doctrine of the having been introduced at any sonship of Jesus, a doctrine time. There is only one tradition indentified with the teaching of which speaks of Ali having made the anti-Christ by the Holy a collection of the Qur’an in the Qur’an, is refuted in forcible order of its revelation, but if true words. This tradition also shows this only supports the conclusion that the arrangement of verses in we have already arrived at as to the time of the Holy Prophet(saw) the present arrangement being the was the same as it is now. Other one in existence at the time of the traditions to the same effect may, Holy Prophet(saw). The fact, if true, if necessary, be quoted. is mentioned only on account of the peculiarity of the arrange- In no tradition any arrangement ment, its distinction from the of verses other than the one recognised and accepted arrange- which exists in the current copies ment. Had there been a third of the Holy Qur’an is hinted at. arrangement besides these two, Had the Holy Prophet(saw) left the we should also have had a

56 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 reference to it. The order of chapters in the current copies of revelation as we have seen was the Holy Qur’an was not not followed by the Holy followed by the Holy Prophet(saw) Prophet(saw), for his arrangement and that it ought to be superseded was according to matter and not by chronological arrangement. chronological. Ali might have These considerations clearly thought of preserving the order of show that the arrangement of revelation for historical purposes. verses in the copies made by In the time of Othman, when Othman was recognised by all the copies of the Qur’an were made companions without a single for distribution, Ali was one of exception to be the arrangement the companions who super- followed by the Holy Prophet(saw). intended the copying and there is Had it not been so there would no doubt that if he had not looked have been many differences upon the present arrangement as among them as to arrangement. the right arrangement, he would But as a matter of fact even Ibn-i- have either objected to it or Masud who otherwise expressed refused to take any part in it. But his dissatisfaction with the action along with the whole body of the of Othman in having disallowed companions, Ali followed an certain readings favoured by the arrangement different from the former never took any objection order of the revelation though he to the arrangement of the verses might have preserved the chrono- in the copies made by the orders logical order also. Had he of the latter, nor did he himself considered the latter arrangement ever propose a different arrange- to be the actual arrangement, he ment. would no doubt have given currency to it during his cali- The above considerations prove phate. But neither in the time of conclusively that the division of the first three caliphs nor in his the Holy Qur’an into chapters own reign did he ever, privately and the arrangement of verses in or publicly, make a statement that each chapter were both per- the arrangement of verses and formed under the directions of the

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Holy Prophet(saw). When a new that the people to whom the verse was revealed, a place was injunction relating to the assigned to it by the Holy prohibition of usury was to be Prophet(saw), and no companion given should be first prepared to could assign it a place at his own accept that teaching. Hence the choice. two injunctions were revealed at different periods, but the subjects The greater part of the chapter of which they treated were so entitled Al-Baqarah, for instance, closely related to each other that was revealed during the early in an arrangement of verses they days of the Holy Prophet(saw) at had to be placed side-by-side. Madinah, but some verses belonging to it were revealed But the division into chapters was only a few days before his death. marked by the Holy Prophet(saw) Such were the verses relating to himself and we find the names of the prohibition of usury, as most of the chapters expressly trustworthy traditions show. The mentioned in authentic tradi- place assigned to these verses is tions. In fact the division of the immediately after the verses Holy Qur’an into chapters and which speak of alms. The reason the arrangement of verses in these for this arrangement is that both chapters by the Holy Prophet(saw) injunctions, viz., the injunction are such clear facts that no relating to the giving of alms and difference at all can be pointed the injunction relating to the out to have ever existed on these prohibition of usury, were meant points among the companions or for the benefit of the poor and the later Muslims. No one can be these were two steps in the same shown to have ever asserted that a direction, that is, the amelioration certain verse in a certain chapter of the poor. The state of the in the collection in our hands society whose reform the Holy belonged to a different chapter or Qur’an had in view was such that that a verse occupying a certain the two injunctions could not be position occupied a different given together. It was necessary position at any time. In many

58 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 traditions references to verses are tradition narrated by Bukhari, the contained in numbers, and this Holy Prophet(saw), when he awoke shows clearly that the arrange- for his tahajjud prayers, used to ment of verses was complete in recite ‘the last ten verses of the the lifetime of the Holy chapter entitled Al-i-Imran’, and Prophet(saw). in imitation of him the Muslims still recite the same ten verses. To add another example to those This fact also proves that the already given, there is a tradition same arrangement of verses was which narrates that Ibn-i-Masud followed during the life-time of recited forty verses of the chapter the Holy Prophet(saw) that is entitled Al-Anfal in a certain followed now and that the prayer. This is narrated in the division of the Holy Qur’an into Sahih Bukhari. Another chapters was distinctly marked at traditionist, Abdul Razzaq, has the time. mentioned the same tradition through a different chain of The next question that we have to narrators with this difference that consider is the arrangement of instead of mentioning the reciting chapters In the discussion of this of forty verses of the chapter, the question it may be stated at the narrator only says that he recited very outset that any arrangement up to the verse which ends with in the recital of chapters in or out- such and such words. (Fath-ul- side prayers was regarded as Bari, Vol II, page 212). Now if we unnecessary except when the compute forty verses from the whole of the Qur’an was to be beginning as mentioned by the recited. As we have seen in first narrator, we find them traditions already quoted there ending with the words mentioned were men among the companions by the second narrator. From this who knew the whole of the it is clear that the present Qur’an by heart and to keep it arrangement of verses was well- fresh in memory they used to known in the lifetime of the Holy recite the whole within a stated Prophet(saw). According to another time. Indeed Bukhari has a

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chapter with the heading ‘In how observed. But it may be asked, much time should the recital of does tradition support this the Qur’an be finished.’ Under conclusion? Ahmad and Abu this heading traditions are Daud and others have narrated the narrated according to which the following tradition which shows Holy Prophet(saw) forbade one of that the arrangement of chapters his companions to finish the was also effected by the Holy recital of the Qur’an in less than Prophet(saw): three days, and forbade another to finish it in less than seven days. Aus says: ‘I was in the Saqeef These traditions show the embassy at the time of their practice of the companions of the conversion to Islam ...... The Holy Prophet(saw). Those among Holy Prophet said to us, “My them who knew the whole of the portion of the Holy Qur’an has Qur’an by heart used to repeat it come to me unexpectedly, so I constantly and finished the intend not to go out until I recitation of the whole ordinarily finish it.’ Thereupon we in seven days. Indeed it would not questioned the companions of have been possible to retain such the Holy Prophet(saw), as to how a large book in memory except by they divided the Qur’an into its constant recital and repetition. portions. They said: ‘We The Holy Prophet(saw) himself had observe the following division told them that they should into portions, three chapters constantly resort to a recital of the and five chapters and seven Holy Qur’an and that otherwise it chapters and nine chapters and could not be retained in memory. eleven chapters and thirteen Hence they constantly resorted to chapters and all the remaining its recital. Now to finish the chapters beginning with Qaf Qur’an within a stated time and to which are termed the recur to it again and again it was Mufassal.’ necessary that some arrangement of chapters should have been There is good reason to believe

60 The Review of Religions – July 2007 THE PURITY OF THE TEXT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN – PART 5 the authenticity of this tradition. tradition. The seventh portion It divides the Holy Qur’an into begins with the chapter entitled seven portions, each portion to Qaf as stated in the tradition, and be recited in one day, and the the total number of chapters recital of the whole Qur’an is contained in the first six portions thus finished in seven days. is forty-eight as even in the From other trustworthy tradi- copies of the Qur’an in our tions we learn that the Holy hands. It should be borne in mind Prophet(saw) had enjoined some of that in our copies the Qaf is the his companions not to finish the fiftieth chapter, the difference Holy Qur’an in less than seven arising from the fact that in the days, and the two traditions tradition quoted above the reported through entirely Fatiha or the Opening chapter is different channels corroborating not included. This tradition as they do the testimony of each affords the clearest and most other testify to each other’s truth conclusive testimony that the and authenticity. Moreover they arrangement of the chapters of are both accepted by eminent the Holy Qur’an was brought traditionists as authentic tradi- about by the Holy Prophet(saw) tions. Hence we have no reason himself like the arrangement of to doubt the truth of either. its verses, and their present arrangement does not differ in Now the tradition quoted above the least from the original shows clearly an arrangement of arrangement. chapters, for the division into portions mentioned in this tradition is observed to this day by the whole Muslim world. The seven portions are called the seven manzils or stages, and they include the same number of chapters as is mentioned in the

The Review of Religions – July 2007 61 Khilafat Centenary Article COMPETITION The Review of Religions is running a competition for articles on Khilafat to be published during 2008.

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