CONTENTS January 2005, Vol.100, No.01

Editorial:...... 2 Bockarie Tommy Kallon – UK Notes and Comments: ...... 4 Loyalty to One’s Nation – An Article of the Muslim Faith – Can Muslims, affected by the plight of their brethren in other parts of the world, be justified in combating soldiers from their own country, serving their own Government? How can Muslims balance the religious duty of obedience to one’s government with the spiritual kinship between all Muslims? Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi – UK Allah, the Exalted – Part 6: ...... 8 Orderliness in the universe compels us to admit that the Creator and Sustainer is Unique and Peerless, without associate or partner in godhead. Hadhrat Mirza GhulamAhmad(as) – the Promised Messiah and Mahdi A Message of Hope – (Part 1): ...... 16 Text of an address delivered in Zurich, outlining of the warnings of severe calamity which awaits man if he continues inebriated in his fancied power and the glad tidings that there is yet time to avert this provided man reforms himself. Hadhrat (ru) Relationship between Muslims & Christians in : ...... 27 The two religious communities must appreciate what values they have achieved in the area of inter-religious harmony, mutual respect and co-operation and hold fast unto it. Abdul Wahab Adam – Ghana Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Criticism: ...... 40 Inter-faith dialogue must be based on recognising and respecting differences and not recycling the same attacks on the founders of religions. Mansoor Ahmed Shah – UK Search for Enlightened Moderation in :...... 52 An assessment of the factors preventing enlightened moderation in Pakistan and a rational plea to the Pakistani intelligentsia. Written in response to an article by Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf Dr Atif Mian– USA Letters to the Editor:...... 60 Response to Jonathan Miller’s claims that ‘Belief in God is an intellectual nonsense’ that appeared in a British newspaper article. Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry – UK

Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah Bockarie Tommy Kallon. Management Board: Special contributors: Design and layout: Fareed Ahmad Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) Amatul-Hadi Ahmad Tanveer Khokhar Fazal Ahmad Farina Qureshi Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Publisher: Fauzia Bajwa Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Proof-readers: Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Shaukia Mir Mansoor Saqi Distribution: Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Mahmood Hanif Kh a n Hanif Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb

Navida Shahid All correspondence should The © Islamic Publications, 2005 Sarah Waseem be forwarded directly to the The London Mosque ISSN No: 0034-6721 editor at: 16 Gressenhall Road Saleem Ahmad Malik London, SW18 5QL Tanveer Khokhar United Kingdom

Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Muslim Community 1 EDITORIAL By Bockarie Tommy Kallon

Allah Almighty informs us in the unto him of impending glorious Qur’an that He never chastisement for mankind and a fflicts a people with the out of a deeply moved and punishment of His wrath until disturbed heart, he admonished after He has sent a Warner unto humanity to discard the worship them (Ch.17: V.16). The world of false gods and turn, in sincere has, in this age, witnessed repentance, to the One True God. pestilence, famine, wars, earthquakes and other calamities This month features the of unprecedented severity and reiteration of that message in the unparalleled magnitude in such form of an address delivered by rapid succession as to embitter Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru), life. This, in itself, is testimony the Fourth Successor to the that Allah, the Exalted, must Promised Messiah( a s ). Hadhrat have raised that Divine Warner Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) cautions before these catastrophes visited against the dark aspects of the the earth. social tendencies of the so-called modern man and warns of the Hadhrat (as) severe calamity which awaits of , the Holy Founder of him if, in his delusions of the Ahmadiyya Movement in grandeur, he continues to violate , was indeed that Divine the limits prescribed by His Warner who was raised as the Maker. Promised Messiah of the Latter Days. His entire life was devoted However, as Hadhrat Mirza Tahir to the establishment of the Unity A h m a d( r u ) concluded, Allah of Allah and the truth of the Holy Almighty has promised in the of Islam(sa). In light of Holy Qur’an that His mercy Divine revelation vouchsafed encompasses all things (Ch.7:

2 The Review of Religions – January 2005 EDITORIAL

V.157). It is with this Message of Hope that he implored: In this journal, for the ease ‘Basing myself on this of non-Muslim readers, Q u r’anic fundamental, I, ‘(sa)’ or ‘sa’ after the words, Fourth Successor of Hadhrat ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of ‘Muhammad’, are used. Qadian, Head of the They stand for ‘Sallallahu Ahmadiyya Movement, call ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning all of you to my Lord and ‘Peace and blessings of your Lord and convey to you Allah be upon him’. the good news that these Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or grave prophecies of ruin and ‘as’ after the name of all destruction can be averted other is an and man can become heir to abbreviation meaning G o d ’s mercy instead of ‘Peace be upon him’ derived earning His chastisement.’ from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ for the respect a As we enter into the new year Muslim reader utters. with the dream of world peace as The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) elusive as ever, with grave stands for ‘ R a d h i a l l a h u tensions around the world Ta’ala anhu and is used for threatening man with self- Companions of a Prophet, immolation, it is our sincere hope meaning Allah be pleased that humankind would seriously with him or her (when reflect and act upon this followed by the relevant admonition even if after more pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ than two decades since it was or (ru) for Ra h e m a h u l l a h u given. Ta’ a l a means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon We wish our readership a happy, hi m . peaceful and blessed 2005.

The Review of Religions – January 2005 3 Notes & Com m e n t s Loyalty to One’s Nation – An Article of the Muslim Faith

The radical Hizb ut-Ta h r i r This has led to an ongoing debate movement in Britain has held in Britain about loyalty and many controversial meetings Islam. Can Muslims, affected by where its sponsors and the plight of their brethren in supporters have argued that other parts of the world, be Islamic and British identities are justified in combating soldiers incompatible, and the term from their own country, serving ‘British Muslim’ is an oxy- their own Government? moron. Long before their conference last year, they had Islam places great emphasis on been ostracised by mainstream the spiritual kinship between all Muslim communities for treating Muslims, irrespective of the Union Jack and British denomination and nationality. The traditions with utter contempt. strength of fraternity in the U m m a h, or body of Muslims H o w e v e r, these and similar gl o b a l l y , is a testament to their extremist groups, adamant to profound love for the Holy polarise Muslim and We s t e r n Prophet Muhammad(s a ) . However, worlds, have successfully the Qur’an also deems obedience attracted youth ready to die in to one’s Government – whether it what they see as a against is Muslim or not – as a religious the infidel. Indeed, some duty (Ch 4: V.60). Muslims born and raised in the UK have ventured to the East The question arises, then, how with this misguided dream of Muslims can balance both ‘martyrdom’ in mind. commitments, particularly when

4 The Review of Religions – January 2005 NOTES & COMMENTS their own country is at war with ‘A true Muslim can fellow believers. It is not the first never raise his voice in time Muslims have faced this hatred against his dilemma. But whilst many fellow citizens, nor for intellectuals throughout Islamic that matter against the history have attempted to address ruling authority or this issue, only the name of Government of the Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam time. It is the Ahmad(as), an unrivalled inspi- responsibility of a true ration in Muslim scholarship, Muslim that he should stands out. remain loyal and fully abide by the laws of Hadhrat Ahmad( a s ), who lived the land of which he is under British rule in India and is a subject.’ today regarded by millions as the Hadhrat Messiah of Islam, was instru- mental in enlightening Muslims with Muslim nations. Although on the principle of loyalty. Muslims may question the state’s Notwithstanding the ills of policies, they are duty-bound to colonialism, he observed there c o m p l y. Disagreement is one were many virtues of Queen thing, disobedience quite another. Vi c t o r i a ’s reign, one being its guarantee of freedom of faith. Contrast the call for Jihad by the ‘The life, property and honour of present-day cults – thirsty for the Muslims are safe,’ wrote Hadhrat blood of their own protectors – to A h m a d( a s ) in his paper B r i t i s h the example of the first Muslims Government and Jihad. ‘We live in Makkah. It should be remem- under the protection of a peaceful bered that for the first thirteen and kind Government which has years of his ministry, the Holy never shown any religious P r o p h e t( s a ) was a persecuted prejudice.’ He elucidated the citizen in his own city. Not only illegality in Islam of defying such were his teachings ridiculed, they an authority – even if it clashed resulted in physical torture for

The Review of Religions – January 2005 5 NOTES & COMMENTS

anyone that joined him. Even as those who were bent upon the Makkah tyrants dispossessed murder. If Islam had not had them of their properties – forcing recourse to measures of self- a mass migration to Madinah – defense, thousands of inno- the Muslims’ response remained cent women and children that of patience. It was only when would have been slaugh- the persecutors decided to launch tered and an end would have a dedicated campaign to terminate been put to Islam.’ the new faith and its followers once and for all, that Islam Can Muslims anywhere today became entitled to self-defence. claim to suffer the same plight to the same degree as the early As Hadhrat Ahmad(as) explained believers, for any retaliation their in another work The Philosophy part to be justified? of the Teachings of Islam: Clearly, Muslims who enjoy the ‘The Muslims had been liberty to practice and preach expelled from their ancestral their faith are required to honour homes, many innocent men the government of their country and women had been and to live as decent, law-abiding martyred, and still the citizens. As the Holy Prophet(sa) wrongdoers were not pre- said: ‘One who is not grateful to pared to restrain them- people is not grateful to Allah’” selves, and continuously obstructed the progress of It is in this spirit that Ahmadi Islam. In these circum- Muslims around the world stances the divine law of proudly raise their national flags security demanded the at many gatherings, as witnessed safeguarding of the perse- in October 2003 when they cuted ones against total hoisted the Union flag at the destruction. The Prophet’s opening of Western ’s wars were directed towards l a rgest mosque in Morden, rooting out the mischief of Surrey, UK. On that occasion,

6 The Review of Religions – January 2005 NOTES & COMMENTS the present worldwide For Muslims, assimilation should Ahmadiyya head, Hadhrat Mirza come naturally, not least because Masroor Ahmad, pointed out: the celebration of diversity was originated by Islam itself. When ‘A true Muslim can never the Holy Prophet( s a ) won the raise his voice in hatred hearts and minds of Arabia, he against his fellow citizens, created a single and unified but nor for that matter against ideologically diverse state that the ruling authority or removed local tribal prejudices Government of the time. It is and ensured a healthy integration the responsibility of a true of rich and poor, black and white, Muslim that he should people of different languages and remain loyal and fully abide dialects, those belonging to by the laws of the land of various cultures and indeed which he is a subject.’ faiths.

This is a Community which E v i d e n t l y, being faithful to a upholds the banner and timely government that ensures reli- message Love for All, Hatred for gious freedom and tolerance N o n e. Ahmadi Muslims, in constitutes an important article of particular, consider it a religious Islamic faith. The peace of any responsibility to make a positive civilized nation also depends on contribution to their country. upholding these precious values. Many have led the way and The sooner the militants change found this possible only through and step into line, the better. active community participation. Not only will this enable by Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi – UK Muslims to fulfil their duties as citizens, it should help to promote a greater appreciation of Islam among the indigenous population.

The Review of Religions – January 2005 7 This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam ALLAH Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH, THE E X A LTED; THE HOLY PROPHET( s a ) a n d the Exalted THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original (Part 6) 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, 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.

From the Writings of the Promised Messiah(as) t is well-established that of the In the same way, the existence Iobjects that are visible in the and continuation of all things is universe, none is indispensable. dispensable. Besides, in many For instance, the earth is cases circumstances come into spherical and according to the operation which threaten the estimate of some, its diameter is continuation of certain things and approximately eight thousand yet they are not wiped out. For miles, but there is no firm reason instance, despite severe famines why this shape and this bulk and epidemics from the very should be essential for it, and beginning all through, the seed of why is it not permissible that it everything has always survived, should be of greater or lesser while reason permits, indeed it bulk or should have a diff e r e n t demands, that on account of shape. From this it follows that thousands of hardships and this shape and bulk, the calamities which have afflicted combination of which consti- the world from the beginning, it tutes existence, are not essential should have happened sometime for the earth. that in consequence of severe

8 The Review of Religions – January 2005 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6 famines, corn which provides sustenance for humanity should have become unavailable, or through the severity of epidemics the human species should have disappeared, or some species of animals should have been wiped out, or the machinery of the sun or the moon might have gone out of order, or of numberless other things which are necessary for the proper working of the universe, something might have The founder of the Ahmadiyya got out of order. It is contrary to Muslim community was Hadhrat expectation that millions of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). things should escape disorder The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was Hadhrat and disruption and should not Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891, become victims of calamity. he claimed, on the basis of Divine revelation, that he was the Promised In conclusion, such things whose Messiah and Mahdi whose advent had been foretold by Muhammad, existence and continuation are the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace not essential in their own right, and blessings of Allah be upon him) and whose going out of order is and by the scriptures of other faiths. more of a possibility than their His claim constitutes the basis of the contin-uation, and their suffering beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. no decline and their coming into being and continuing in an orderly way, and the continued combines the perfect attributes in availability of billions of things Himself. That is to say, He is the needed in the universe, are a C o n t r o l l e r, the Wise, the clear proof that for all of them Gracious, the Compassionate, there is a Bestower of life, Eternal and Ever-Living, free Protector and Sustainer, Who from every defect, not subject to

The Review of Religions – January 2005 9 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6

death or destruction and even free universe and in how few words from slumber and sleep which vast meanings and wise points have a resemblance to death. have been comprehended. For everything in the heavens and He is the Being Who combines in earth it has established by firm Himself all perfect attributes, reasoning the existence of a Who brought into being the Creator possessing perfect universe with perfect wisdom and attributes in words whose appropriateness and chose its excellence and comprehen- existence in preference to non- siveness have not been equalled existence. He alone, on account of by anything said by a philosopher. His perfection and His creation and His Ra h i m i y y a t , and His Self- The philosophers of defective Existence and Self-Sustenance, is intelligence have not been able to worthy of worship. appreciate that souls and bodies were created and are not eternal, This above is the translation of and have remained unaware that this part of the verse: true life and true existence and true sustenance belong only to Allah – there is no God but God. This deep understanding He, the Living, the Self- can only be learnt from the verse Subsisting and All- in which it is stated that true life Sustaining. Slumber seizes and eternal existence belong only Him not, nor sleep. To Him to Allah Who combines all belongs whatsoever is in the perfect attributes in Himself. heavens and the earth. Except Him, nothing else enjoys (Ch.2: V.256) true existence and true suste- nance. This very thing has been It should be observed with what presented as an argument for the ni c e t y , dignity, and wisdom has need of a Creator of the universe the Holy Qur’an in this verse put and it is affi r m e d : forth the reasoning in support of the existence of the Creator of the To Him belongs whatsoever is

10 The Review of Religions – January 2005 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6

in the heavens and the earth . attributes. That is why this verse (Ch.2: V.2 5 6 ) begins with the name of Allah and pr o c e e d s : That is to say, that as the universe possesses neither true existence Allah – there is no God but nor true sustenance, it necessarily He, the Living, the Self- needs a cause through which life Subsisting and All-Sustaining. is obtained and is sustained. It is (C h . 2 : V.256) also necessary that that should be comprehensive of all perfect That is to say that the Sustainer attributes and should control the of this transitory universe is a universe by His will and should Being Who is comprehensive of be Wise and should know the all excellences. unseen and that is Allah. This is an indication that it is a In the idiom of the Holy Qur’a n , wrong notion that in this universe, Allah is the name of the Being which exhibits such perfect Who is comprehensive of all orderliness, some things can be perfect excellences. That is why the originating cause of others. in the Holy Qur’an the name On the contrary, for this wise Allah is described as com- project a Creator is needed Who prehensive of all perfect attributes should exercise control by His and at various places it is stated will and should be Wise and All- that Allah is He Who is Lord of Knowing and Merciful and the worlds and is Gracious and Immortal and should be Merciful and controls the universe comprehensive of all perfect by His will, is Wise, Knower of attributes. It is Allah alone Who the unseen and All-Powerful and possesses perfection in His Being. is Eternal and Ever-Existing, etc. It is well established that in the After establishing the existence idiom of the Holy Qur’an, Allah of the Creator of the universe, it is the name of the Being Who is was necessary to impress upon a comprehensive of all perfect seeker after truth that that

The Review of Religions – January 2005 11 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6

Creator is free from every kind of equal in His works so that no one association. This was indicated can claim partnership with Him by: on this account. Thus, it has been made clear that God Almighty is Say, ‘He is Allah, the One; free from association of any of Allah, the Independent and the four types and is One, Besought of all. He begets not without associate. nor is he begotten; and there is none like unto Him.’ Then the Holy Qur’an sets forth (Ch.112: Vs.2-5) an argument in support of His being One, without associate, by It should be observed how stating: concisely in this brief statement the Being of the Creator has If there had been in both the been shown to be free from heavens and the earth gods every kind of association. other than Allah, then both Association can be of four types. the heavens and the eart h It could be in respect of number would have ended up in or rank or descent or action and chaos. e ffect. In these verses, it has (Ch.21:V.23) been declared that God is free from association of all these Allah has not taken unto types and it has been made clear Himself any son, nor is there that He is the One in number and any other god along with is not two or three, that He is Him; in that case each god unique in His rank of being the would have taken away what Besought of all and He alone is he had created, and some Self-Existing while everything would surely have dominated else is mortal and is ever over others. dependent upon Him. He has no (Ch.23:V.92) son who can claim to be His partner and no father to share This means that there been a His power. No one can be His plurality of gods they would

12 The Review of Religions – January 2005 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6 acted against each other and their The Holy Prophet(sa) is directed to differences would have corrupted challenge the pagans, to call their the universe. Each one of them associate gods to help them would have worked for the against the Holy Prophet and to welfare of his own creation and give him no respite and that he for whose comfort, he would should tell them that his have considered it permissible to Supporter and Helper is the God destroy others, which would also Who has revealed the Qur’an to have created great corruption. him and that He provides for the success of His true and righteous Then it is stated: Messenger but that those upon whom you seek help are neither Sa y , ‘Call on those whom you able to help you nor can they think to be gods beside Him; help themselves. then you will know that they have no power to re m o v e Then the Holy Qur’an proceeds affliction from you or to avert to establish through the law of it . ’ nature that God is free from (Ch.17: V.57) every defect and shortcoming:

This means that those who deny The seven heavens and the the existence of God are told that e a rth and those that are now that they are being pressed therein extol His glory; and hard by the arguments in support t h e re is not a thing but of Islam and its glory and power, glorifies Him with His praise; they should call for help on those but you do not understand whom they claim to be the their glorification. associates of God. They will then (Ch.17: V.45) know that they will not be able to remove any affliction from them, This means that reflection upon nor to bring about any change the heavens and the earth would favourable to them. show that God is Perfect and Holy and is without sons or

The Review of Religions – January 2005 13 THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM: ALLAH THE EXALTED – PART 6

associates, but that this would be What! For you the males and realised only by those who for Him the females! That possess understanding. It is also indeed is an unfair division. stated: (Ch.53: Vs.22-23)

They say, ‘Allah has taken O ye men, worship your Lord unto Him a son.’ Holy is He! Who created you and those He is Self-Sufficient. To Him who were before you, that you belongs whatsoever is in the may become righteous; Who heavens and whatsoever is in made the earth a bed for you, the earth. You have no and the heaven a roof, and authority for this. Do you say caused water to come down against Allah what you know fr om the clouds and therew i t h not? (Ch.10: V.69) br ought forth fruits for your sustenance. Set not up, This means that to be dependent t h e re f o re, equals to Allah, upon a son is a deficiency and while you know. God is free from every deficiency. (Ch.2: Vs.22-23) He is Self-Sufficient and Independent, Who needs no one. And He it is Who is God in To Him belongs all that is in the heaven and God on earth. heavens and the earth. Do you (Ch.43: V.85) ch a r ge Him with something of which you have no knowledge? He is the First and the Last, Why should He be dependent and the Manifest and the upon sons? He is Perfect and is Hidden. alone Sufficient to carry out the (Ch.57: V.4) obligations of Godhead and needs no other instrument. Eyes cannot reach Him but He reaches the eyes. Some people say God has (Ch.6: V.104) daughters whereas He is free from all these deficiencies.

14 The Review of Religions – January 2005 MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN

He is the Creator of everything And call not on any other god and nothing is like unto Him. It is beside Allah. There is no God a clear argument in support of but He. Everything will perish His being the Creator, that He except Himself. His is the has created everything according judgement, and to Him will to a measure and has fixed its you be brought back. parameter limits (Ch.25: V. 3 ) , (Ch.28: V.89) which proves the existence of the Measurer and Limiter. He is [Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani proved worthy of All Praise and Khaza'in, Vol. 1, pp. 493-499, is the only true Benefactor in this sub-footnote 3). world and the next. All command belongs to Him and everything returns to Him.

God will forgive every sin for whomsoever He wills, but He will not forgive Shirk – associating anything with Him. (Ch.4: V.49).

Let him who hopes to meet his Lord do good deeds and let him join no one in the worship of his Lord. (Ch.18: V.111)

Associate not partners with Allah. Surely associating p a rtners with God is a grievous wrong. (Ch.31: V.14)

The Review of Religions – January 2005 15 A speech delivered in 1982 by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ru) in Zurich where he admonishes that by carrying out a change in ourselves we can save ourselves from destruction. A Message of HOPE (Part 1)

an ’ s past and present, and perceive clearly that today’s man Mhis present and future are is rushing forward towards self- in t e r -related and are thus links of destruction and appears to be the same chain. As his past bent on collective universal influences his present, his present suicide. reveals indications of his future which are discernible only by Today, when we are approaching those gifted with far-s i g h t e d n e s s . the end of the twentieth century Yet, as the future progressively with its aircraft, nuclear approaches the present, these armaments and the hydrogen indications become clearer so that bomb, it requires no extra- the whole world is able to ordinary degree of intelligence or perceive them. keen perception to conclude that man is threatened with self- As we strive to peep into the immolation. But as long ago as future of man, basing ourselves the beginning of the seventh on his present, we are confronted century when human imagi- with a terrible prospect. We nation could have had no

16 The Review of Religions – January 2005 A MESSAGE OF HOPE conception of today’s conditions, and All-Aware, Whose vision nor could anyone have conceived comprehends past, present and the possibility of the devel- future. Today this warning is opment of such fearful strongly reinforced by clear and instruments of destruction, the solid scientific evidence. Holy Qur’an announced: This is not all. That All-Knowing We call to witness the passage and All-Aware Being, has set of time that surely man forth along with this warning the progressively suffers loss. basic laws and principles (Ch.103:Vs.2-3) governing human life and human culture and has indicated the In these brief but comprehensive courses which lead human society verses Allah, the Exalted, cites towards loss. It also points out the the present age as a sure witness ways by treading along which that man is progressively human society may safeguard advancing towards loss and thus itself against loss and ruin. indicates that today’s man is preparing means of his own One of these basic laws is that no destruction in consequence of people are confronted with ruin which humanity would arrive at a and destruction until after the terrifying end. appearance of a Divine Warner who admonishes them and To presage in the distant past that dissuades them from pursuing of which there could have been destructive courses and calls no conception at the time and them to righteousness. Such a which is confirmed centuries one uncovers the dark aspects of later is sure proof that this social tendencies and guides witness of the Holy Qur’an is not people towards light and bright- mere chance nor is it the boast of ness so that every observing eye a soothsayer or an astrologer but may behold the reality and every is a grave warning on behalf of believing heart may accept the the Being Who is All-Knowing eternal verities.

The Review of Religions – January 2005 17 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

This basic law conclusively himself upon his earth. The ball establishes that despite factors is, so to speak, in man’s own predicating destruction and court. If he so desires he can still strong fears of ruin there exists bring about a change in his own the possibility that if man should circumstances and can embark so desire and become firmly upon a journey towards guid- determined this dreadful pros- ance, light, success and pect could be averted. But the p r o s p e r i t y. But it must be decision that today’s man desires remembered that little time is to save himself, that he wishes to left; the goal is far distant and the convert darkness into light, journey is long. If man desires to disorder into security, and fear save himself, safeguard himself into peace of mind, must be made and his future generations against by man himself. The choice is ruin and destruction, rescue his. In other words, man has the himself from the whirlpools of power to make or mar his future. uncertainties, wild fancies and This is indicated by the Holy baseless fears and seeks to Qur’an: achieve the joys and delights of certainty and faith, he must Surely Allah would not bring hasten towards adopting his new about a change in the course of conduct. condition of a people until they carry out a change in Of the factors that can operate themselves. towards safeguarding man (Ch13:V.12) against loss, a basic and important one is that the concept This is not a matter of of absolute justice must be irrevocable Divine decree which universally accepted, adopted has been determined in heaven. and put into effect. It should This is a matter which relates to override all relative consid- man himself and is within his erations and must be given effect own choice. It is something to in all conditions and which he has to determine for circumstances. We should not

18 The Review of Religions – January 2005 A MESSAGE OF HOPE pay mere lip service to it. Its safeguard himself against that effective adoption is the first and which threatens his future. At the basic condition for the same time the Holy Qur’an sets establishment of peace and forth a system of the security in all human rela- administration of justice which is tionships. This concept of free from any distinction of caste, absolute justice should com- colour or creed and disregards all pletely be above distinctions of political and geographical caste, colour, creed and culture. bo u n d a r i e s . Black and white, western and eastern, Christian and Jew, In this context, Islam prescribes Muslim and non-Muslim must be the following fundamental accorded absolute justice in all pr i n c i p l e s : conditions and whatever circumstances. (Allah commands you that) when you are called upon to Any stage in which such a system judge between the people, you of justice is not zealously do it with justice. maintained but is replaced by a (Ch.4:V.59) standard of justice which is relative and is influenced by (Allah has enjoined that) considerations of loss or benefit when you speak, observ e is bound, sooner or later, to slither justice even though the into decline and fall. Such a person concerned may be a partial and relative standard of kinsman. justice generates dissatisfaction, (Ch.6:V.153) disorder and insecurity which ultimately spells ruin. Allah enjoins equity and benevolence and gracious- This is the testimony of ages. ness as between kindred. Allah, the Exalted, cites this (Ch.16:V.91) testimony and admonishes t o d a y ’s man to take steps to Another fundamental factor in

The Review of Religions – January 2005 19 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

the due administration of justice he is entitled, such conduct and the peaceful settlement of would promote an atmosphere of disputes is the bearing of true general goodwill and right- witness. This is the factor upon eousness in society. Among the which the structure of justice is characteristics of believers, the raised. In this context the Holy Holy Qur’an has mentioned that Q u r’an has laid down the they control their tempers when following principles: they are roused and exercise forbearance towards their fellow Witnesses should not refuse to beings. testify when they are called (Ch.3:V.135). upon to do so. (Ch.2:V.283) Islam seeks to establish so high a concept of justice that it has Conceal not testimony; and safeguarded the rights even of whoever conceals it makes offenders and enemies. In such his heart certainly sinful. juxtaposition, when human (Ch.2:V.284) nature is inclined vengefully, Islam seeks to restrain that Be strict in observing justice tendency. For instance, we are and bear witness only for the admonished: sake of Allah, even if it be against your own selves or Whoso transgresses against against parents or kindred. you, you may exact re t r i - (Ch.4:V.136) bution from him in proportion to his transgression, and in If according to strict justice a doing so be mindful of your person should be found entitled duty to Allah and remember to something and he should, out that Allah is with those who of benevolence and goodwill and a re mindful of their for the purpose of winning obligations to Him. A l l a h ’s pleasure, voluntarily (Ch.2:V.195) forego a portion of that to which

20 The Review of Religions – January 2005 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

F u r t h e r, there is the direction: For the purpose of lasting settlement of international Fight in the cause of Allah disputes and the maintenance of only those who fight against international peace, the Holy you, but transgress not. Qu r ’an has prescribed as follows: Su re l y , Allah loves not the t r a n s g ressors. (C h . 2 : V. 1 9 1 ) (a) Should differences arise between two states, other In the context of regulating states should exert them- international relations smoothly selves to bring about a and maintaining universal peace, settlement of the diffe r e n c e s ; the Holy Qur’an lays down that in the settlement of international (b) Should a settlement not be d i fferences and disputes the reached all other states same standards of justice, should propose a just righteousness and the fear of settlement and seek to God should be maintained as an persuade both parties to the individual would desire to dispute to accept it and carry maintain in his own dealings it into eff e c t ; with his fellow beings and no discrimination should be made (c) If the proposed settlement is between allies and opponents. It not accepted by one party to is said: the dispute, or a party after having signified acceptance O ye who believe, be of the proposed settlement steadfast in the cause of should fail to carry it into Allah, bearing witness in e ffect, all other states e q u i t y. Let not a people’s should join in fighting the enmity towards you incite recalcitrant state in order to you to act contrary to justice; compel it to accept and be always just, that is closest carry into effect the to righteousness. proposed settlement; (C h . 5 : V. 9 )

The Review of Religions – January 2005 21 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

(d) When in consequence of brief enjoyment of the pressure or of fighting, the embellishments of worldly state in default agrees to fall life, that We may try them into line, the proposed thereby. settlement of the original (Ch.20:V.132) difference should be carried into effect and none of the Another cause of international intervening states should d i fferences is the superiority seek to derive any benefit complex of some of the advanced for themselves out of the nations in consequence of which situation, for any such they look down upon other attempt would lay the people and resent them. The foundation of fresh disputes Holy Qur’an condemns such an (Ch.49:V.10). attitude and directs:

If the United Nations Let no people deride another O rganisation and the great people, haply they may be powers were to follow sincerely better than themselves. these directions laid down in the (Ch.49:V.12) Holy Qur’an international peace would be made secure This is the teaching which seeks universally. to eliminate all discrimination on the basis of colour, race and Specifying the basic causes of creed and puts to an end to non- international entanglements, the beneficent alliances and pacts Holy Qur’an condemns and replaces them with alliances economic exploitation of weaker devoted to the promotion of people by stronger ones. It positive values. For instance, we directs: are directed:

Do not look covetously upon Co-operate with one another that which We have bestowed for the promotion of piety and upon certain sections for a rectitude.(Ch.5:V.3)

22 The Review of Religions – January 2005 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Islam aims at converting the The Holy Qur’an sets forth this human race into a single people basic principle of spiritual rise which should be devoted to the and fall in the following manner: upholding of the true and real Unity of the Divine. It is only by We have endowed man with the free acceptance of this e v e ry type of faculty and system of absolute justice and by capacity (to aid him in his giving effect to it that human spiritual progress) and have society can flourish in an instructed him in the ways of atmosphere of mutual love and guidance as well as of error, brotherhood wherein everyone yet alas he attempts not the big and small, rich or poor, man scaling of the height. What is or woman can flourish and the scaling of the height? It is survive in the full enjoyment of the freeing of a bondman, it is his or her personality and the feeding of and providing i n d i v i d u a l i t y. It is only in such a for an orphan or a poor society that everyone would be person lying in the dust and assured of his full rights and no to be of those who believe and one would seek for another that e x h o rt one another to which he would not desire for steadfastness and to the h i m s e l f . exercise of compassion. (Ch.90:Vs.9-18) But if among any people or at the international level such a When the system of absolute standard of justice does not justice prescribed by Islam is prevail and is not maintained, all established among a people the higher values like mutual hearts of its individuals are sur- goodwill, piety, beneficence and charged with such a fountain of good behaviour gradually fall true sympathy and compassion into a decline and are replaced for their fellow beings as cannot by selfishness, meanness and be confined within any limits and p a r t i s a n s h i p . to which no strings are attached. Such a people set out on the path

The Review of Religions – January 2005 23 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

of spiritual progress. Its members East for the purpose of seek to wipe out slavery from the subordinating the Arab people, world, whether it is slavery that nor do such people seek to was current in the ancient days, maintain their dominance over when people were subjugated by Poland by suppressing the force, and, having been subdued, struggle of the workers for their their individuals were enslaved freedom, nor do they send their and were sold in the markets, or forces into Afghanistan for the it is slavery operating today, in purpose of extending their hege- which poorer and less developed mony over South . people are reduced into a condition of bondage through the These are some of the instances system of conditional economic of the employment of economic aid, which is aimed at aid as a weapon for the furthering establishing and maintaining of national purposes rather than economic or political domination for the betterment of poorer over weaker peoples. They seek people. The true purpose in such to abolish poverty from the cases is not to help an oppressed world; they feed the hungry and people but strengthen one’s allies do not seek to exploit poverty or through every means whether hunger for their own benefit. proper or improper. The moment They help people because of a depen-dent people begin to their need and do not employ seek freedom from dependence, economic aid or the supply of they are deprived of all further food as a weapon for promoting aid. their own interest. A people desirous of spiritual progress do As a contrast to all this the Holy not embark upon barbarous Qur’an directs: bombardment of unarmed civilians in Vietnam for Render not vain your charity safeguarding their own interests, by reproaches or injury. nor do they conspire to establish (Ch.2:V.265) the state of Israel in the Middle

24 The Review of Religions – January 2005 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

This means that people seeking consequence of which humanity, spiritual progress do not seek to having been deprived of serenity impress the recipients of their and peace of mind, has become beneficence with their own good- s u b m e rged in the slough of ness. They do not employ their despond and is advancing every own wealth and power for the moment towards ruin. purpose of continuing their domination over poorer people or Shakespeare, through Hamlet’s for the purpose of subduing them. mouth, has given expression to a Their efforts towards the wiping sense of frustration in the words: out of bondage of every des- cription and towards the removal ‘The time is out of joint; O of want and hunger are divorced cursed spite, that ever I was born altogether from their personal or to set it right!’ national interest. They have a natural eagerness for compassing We do not employ Shakespeare’s their true purposes; they strive for language and do not give them and urge others to do so expression to any sense of purely for the sake of winning the frustration. We affirm that we pleasure of their Maker and are in have been brought into being to consequence blessed with His set the time right and rescue mercy and His grace. humanity from ruin and destruction. We claim that if the In Ch.103:Vs.2-3, the Holy world will listen to us and will Qur’an has drawn attention to the sincerely accept that to which we principle that when a society is invite it, the dangers that threaten a fflicted with injustice and it would be averted. We have wrongdoing, it is bound to suffer been raised for the purpose of loss. But today’s society is not pointing out the way treading afflicted with only one disorder. along which humanity can Today, humanity is afflicted with safeguard itself against the such numerous ills as are rapidly terrifying end that threatens it uprooting its foundations, in and this world can become a

The Review of Religions – January 2005 25 A MESSAGE OF HOPE

region of peace, security, heart this Divine Wa r n e r comfort, joy and delight. We admonished humanity in the light desire intensely that we may be of the knowledge vouchsafed to blessed with success in this effort him by Allah, the All-Knowing and we are determined that we and All-Aware, and in prose and shall be ready and prepared to verse set forth in advance that sacrifice our all in this struggle, which was approaching. and even if we are put an end to in the course of it we would deem it a great good fortune for ourselves.

When we say that we have been raised for this purpose, we do so in accord with the principle set out in the Holy Qur’an that before a people is confronted with destruction and ruin Allah, the Exalted, sends a Warner who warns them in good time of the ruin towards which they are being impelled in consequence of their misdeeds and guides them towards the path of success and prosperity.

In accord with this basic divine principle Allah, the Exalted, sent a Warner in this age also and assured him that He would make his truth manifest through powerful assaults. Out of a deeply moved and disturbed

26 The Review of Religions – January 2005 An address delivered on the problems and chances of the relations between Christians and Problems Muslims in Africa from the Muslim point of view at a conference on ‘Dialogue Between Christians and Chances and Muslims as Partners in Solidarity for the Development and of the Relations Promotion of Spiritual Values: Chances and between Conflicts in Christians Africa’ on Tuesday and 12th Muslims in October, Africa 2004.

By Abdul Wahab Adam, Amir & Missionary In-Charge, Ahmadiyya Mission, Ghana

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, let me begin by extending to all of you the I deem it a great honour for me Islamic salutation of ‘Peace’: personally and for the Muslim Assalamu Alaikum wa Community in Ghana to be Rahmatullah wa Barakaatuh – invited to take part in this Peace be unto you and the Conference of the Catholic Mercy of Allah and His Bishops of Africa and the b l e s s i n g s . Catholic Bishops of Germany. P o p e ’s Call for Dialogue My topic for today is ‘Problems I vividly recall that when His and Chances of the Relations Holiness Pope John Paul II paid between Christians and Muslims a visit to Ghana, religious in Africa – from the Muslim leaders were given the point of view’. opportunity by the Catholic Church of Ghana to meet His

The Review of Religions – January 2005 27 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

Holiness at the Independence understanding and cooperation, Square, here in Accra. that assurance had come from His Holiness, the Pontiff and His Holiness the Pope had three Head of the Catholic Church messages. himself.

One for the Catholic Church, the Islam other for non-Catholic Christian When we come to Islam, the Churches and yet another for the Holy Qur’an, which constitutes a non-Christian religions. Among guide for all Muslims, declares in the non-Christian religions was unambiguous terms that Islam. His Holiness in his Christians are closest to message to Muslims, stressed the Muslims. fact that both Christians and Muslims believe in the Prophet And thou shalt assuredly find Ab r a h a m (a s ) . Indeed both Muslims those who say ‘we are and Christians are his children Christians,’ to be the nearest through Ishmael(a s ) and Isaac(a s ) . of them in love to the The Pope also said that Muslims believers. are required to believe in the (Ch.5:V.83) Founder of , Ch r i s t (as) and also that the Holy The Holy Qur’an gives reasons Qu r ’an mentions the Mother of for this assertion: Je s u s (a s ) with great respect. He then, on the basis of all these, That is because amongst them suggested Muslim-Christian dia- are savants and monks and logue as a means of forg i n g because they are not proud. Christian-Muslim understanding (Ch.5:V.83) and cooperation. Then the Holy Qur’an calls upon To me, if anyone required any all adherents of religions: assurance about the need for Muslim-Christian dialogue, O people of the Book! Come to

28 The Review of Religions – January 2005 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

a word which is equal between of Islam( s a ), it is beyond you and us – that we worship comprehension that Muslims and none but Allah, and that we Christians, and for that matter, associate no partner with adherents of other religions, Him. (C h . 3 : V. 6 5 ) cannot live together in mutual respect and cooperation and The Holy Qur’an also appeals to indeed, as partners in devel- adherents of all religions to op m e n t ! cooperate in all matters that are good and in righteousness. Inroads Christianity and Islam have made And help one another in great inroads upon the African righteousness and piety; but continent and the indications are help not one another in sin that the influence of the two great and transgression. religions will continue to be felt (Ch.5: V.3 ) for a long time to come.

Mo s q u e In many homes and families in It is common knowledge that the this country, it is common to find Holy Prophet of Islam(s a ) gl a d l y members of the home or family opened the doors of his own professing one faith or another, Mosque for members of a including the Traditional African Christian delegation to worship in religion, and yet living at peace it. How then, in the whole wide with one another. world, can any Muslim dare close the doors of his mosque to a Let me give you one example. Christian worshipper? While I am the Amir or Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Mutual Respect in Ghana, my late uncle’s son, In view of these clear- c u t Rev. Nub Ben Abubakar, is the injunctions from the Holy Qur’a n , Diocesan Methodist Bishop of the adherence of which were Kumasi. This example can be exemplified by the Holy Prophet multiplied to show that co-

The Review of Religions – January 2005 29 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

existence among the various We can safely conclude that this faiths is not only possible but country has been spared the also common here. tragedy and the trauma of the kind of religious conflict that has Annual Conferences unfortunately claimed so many For a long time now, the Annual innocent lives elsewhere on this Conferences of the Ahmadiyya continent. Muslim Mission have been enriched by the presence of It would be seen that in Ghana, representatives of other faiths ethnic groups and families have who have always delivered members who subscribe to varied fraternal messages tending to faiths. Yet they live together in emphasise the ultimate aim of harmony; they collaborate in religion, which is to make the decision-making for devel- human being better, physically, opment, they strengthen and e m o t i o n a l l y, intellectually, enhance social relations and even morally and spiritually. participate in their various religious festivals. I recall that the Catholic Church has had the occasion to invite me The renowned African political to give a similar fraternal scientist, Prof. Ali Mazrui, in a message at their conferences held lecture delivered in Accra on July in Kumasi, Pedu and elsewhere 12, 2004, described this unique in Ghana. relationship as ‘the ecumenical spirit of the African.’ So have representatives of the Catholic Church, including His Pro b l e m s Eminence Peter Cardinal This is not to say that there have Turkson, and other Christian been no problems regarding leaders been gracious enough to relations between Christians and honour our invitation to deliver Muslims in this country or on the fraternal messages at our continent of Africa. Indeed the conferences. celebrated African intellectual

30 The Review of Religions – January 2005 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA was quick to add that Such a psychological frame of o c c a s i o n a l l y, this religious mind predisposes the fanatic to diversity creates differ-entiations be intolerant of other religions. that are fuelled by external To him, cooperation with factors. These contribute to adherents of religions not his conflict situations that lead to own, is an anathema. To him, violence . people of other religions are irrelevant in his global view. Mr . Chairman, this constitutes the ‘Cleansing’ them from the underlying problem that militates society finds justification from against harmonious relationship his scripture. between Muslims and Christians. Six major factors that engender In many parts of Africa, both in such religious di ff e r e n t i a t i o n s Islam and Christianity, there has readily come to mind. They are not been a shortage of fanatics, fanaticism, misunderstanding, whose utterances and actions lack of respect for spiritual have constantly undermined co- leaders, the concept of Jihad, operation between believers of political mobilisation, post these two religions. September 11 developments and forced conversion. It is important that we keep an eye on such religious fanatics F a n a t a c i s m and take steps through Fanaticism is the first. This education, to curb their excess- phenomenon is the excessive e s . belief in the rightness of one’s cause to the exclusion of all The 4th Successor to the others. To the fanatic, the other Founder of the Ahmadiyya belief systems do not exist and Muslim Community has this to even if they exist at all, they are say on salvation: inconsequential. Such systems, must of necessity, be eliminated ‘The question of salvation, for his own to predominate. howsoever innocent it may

The Review of Religions – January 2005 31 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

appear to be on the face of it, Contemporary Issues, pp.23- is potent in its danger to 24) peace in the religious world. According to the Holy Qur’an, It is one thing for a religion salvation cannot be monopolised to declare that those who by any single religion of the seek to be redeemed from world. Satan and attain salvation should rush to the safe haven The Holy Qur’an makes this of that religion; it is there clear: that they will find salvation and eternal liberation from S u re l y, those who have sin. But it is quite another believed, and the Jews, and thing for the same religion to the Sabians, and the declare in the next breath Christians – Whoso believes that those who do not come in Allah and the Last Day and hither to seek refuge will be does good deeds, on them damned eternally one and shall come no fear nor shall all. Whatever they do to they grieve. please God, however much (Ch.5:V.70) they love their Creator and His creation, however much Misunderstanding they lead a life of purity and But there can also be plain p i e t y, they would most misunderstanding. For example, certainly be condemned to again and again, Muslims have an everlasting fire… stressed that their religion is Islam and not Muhammadanism, Unfortunately this seems to and that they are Muslims and be the attitude of the clergy of not Muhammadans. Yet, even almost all religions of the among some enlightened world against those who do Christians, this error persists. not conform to their faith.’ Muslims worship Allah directly (I s l a m ’s Response to and not through the Holy Prophet

32 The Review of Religions – January 2005 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

Muhammad(sa). Indeed, Muslims There is also the wrong notion are enjoined to pray for the Holy that Islam was spread at the point Prophet(sa) anytime his name is of the sword. The surprising mentioned, just as Muslims thing is, no-one tries to explain would say a short prayer for how the very large Muslim other prophets of Allah. population of Indonesia came into being when no Muslim Muslims have great reverence for armies had invaded that vast Jesus(as) and his mother, Mary. country! One chapter of the Holy Qur’an is named after her. Several verses It has to be admitted that some of of the Holy Qur’an testify to her the problems that have piety, chastity, truthfulness and characterised the relations her high spiritual status. Jesus(as) between Christians and Muslims is treated with great respect. in Africa have been caused by Muslims. Ignorance of Christian Indeed when His Holiness Pope doctrine, blind fanaticism, over John Paul II made reference to zealousness, misinterpretation of the reverence that Islam has for the actual import of Qur’ a n i c Jesus(as) and his mother, he was teachings and appeals to dubious referring to the momentous sayings and actions attributed to positions taken by the Catholic the Holy Prophet(sa) of Islam have Church at the Vatican Council I created friction that has and II: the admission that Islam sometimes led to blood-letting reveres Jesus Christ(sa) and his where there should be peaceful mother, Mary. co-existence. Jihad is an example. The question is, is the Holy Prophet Muhammad( s a ), the The term ‘Jihad’ is simply Prophet of Islam, treated with the translated as Holy Wa r, an same respect and reverence with aggressive war waged by which Muslims treat Jesus Muslims against non-Muslims! Christ(sa) and his mother? This is not correct.

The Review of Religions – January 2005 33 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

The Holy Qur’an makes this commemorated. And Allah will clear: surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed, Powerful, Permission to fight is given to Mighty. (Ch.22:V.41) those against whom war is made because they have been These verses from the Holy wronged – and Allah indeed Q u r’an unequivocally establish has power to help them. that there are only three types of (Ch.22:V.40) war in Islam. They are:

The subsequent verse clarifies 1. Those undertaken in self further the nature of the wrong defence. done. It states: 2. Those undertaken as Those who have been driven chastisement against aggres- out from their homes unjustly sion. only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’. 3. Those undertaken for the (Ch.22:V.41) establishment of freedom of religion and conscience The historical context should not be overlooked under any cir- Islam teaches its followers to cumstance. bear in mind the fact that there should be no compulsion in In that same verse, another case religion. is made for fighting. (Ch.2:V.257)

And if Allah did not repel some It is a fact that coercion can only men by means of others, there produce hypocrites, not true would surely have been pulled worshippers. The sword can only down cloisters and churc h e s bend heads but cannot win and synagogues and mosques, hearts. So it is inconceivable that wherein the name of Allah is oft Islam would urge its followers to

34 The Review of Religions – January 2005 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA compel others, on the point of the thesis, many conflicts have sword, to become Muslims. religion as the underlying factor; and while it is very tempting to As shown from the Qur’ a n i c conclude that the initial conflicts verses, by freedom of religion is have resulted in a cycle of meant not only the freedom to violence that has hardened accept Islam, but also freedom to memories of hate in religious accept any other religion. It is communities, the reality is that also clear that the protection of no true religion advocates places of worship, which is violence. enjoined by the Holy Qur’an on Muslims, extends to synagogues, The history of prophets is there cloisters and churches. Indeed for all to see. This history bears mosques are the last to be testimony to the fact that it is mentioned in the verse of the t h e y, the prophets and their Holy Qur’an. followers, who are persecuted and tortured by disbelievers and I want to assure you that mere not the other way round. How brutal fighting is opposed to the then can anybody honestly whole spirit of Jihad. T h e suggest that religion breeds hate scholar’s pen or the preacher’s and conflict? voice or the wealthy man’s charity are said to be the most The semblance of religion’s valuable forms of Jihad. involvement in conflicts is attributed to the fact that it is Political Mobilisation religious sentiments that have The fourth impediment to been mobilised and exploited by Christian-Muslim cooperation is unscrupulous politicians to religious mobilisation for achieve their selfish goals. Under political objectives. Some social such scenarios, those who dissent scientists have opined that and question the religious basis religion has been the source of of politicians’ actions are conflicts. According to this branded as traitors who deserve

The Review of Religions – January 2005 35 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

to be silenced, tortured and even What happened in places like killed. Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Bosnia, Iraq and South Africa Another dimension to political under the obnoxious apartheid mobilisation of religious senti- regime, to mention but a few, ments has to do with power and currently in Sudan, is a relations and allocation of typical manifestation of national resources. More often exploitation of religion to than not, in many countries of the advance the political interest of world, where the majority of the the ruling elite. elite, who wield political power, belong to either Islam or Post September 11 C h r i s t i a n i t y, invariably, empir- D e v e l o p m e n t s ical evidence supports the view, The fifth factor is external. The that they formulate and end of the Cold War has given implement policies aimed at rise to the view in the West that empowering members of their postulates that, with the religion at the expense of the disintegration of the Soviet others. Union, Islam is the next adversary to Western and, Ironically, while they do this, in therefore, Christian civilisation. the name of their religion, they Post September 11, 2001, has deliberately gloss over their own aggravated this view. Islam is religious teaching that they being equated with terrorism. should be honest and just to all Some Christian groups see this people because all of them are as an opportunity to wage a children of God. Again, they ‘crusade’ against Islam. This close their hearts and minds to battle is not being fought with another equally important conventional, chemical or religious teaching that we must biological weapons. Central in wish for others what we wish for the armoury is propaganda ourselves. through mass media.

36 The Review of Religions – January 2005 PROBLEMS AND CHANCES OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN AFRICA

For us in Africa, the fallout from Besides, teachers of our religions this propaganda war is the must educate our members to creation of tension between eschew the tendency of seeing Muslims and Christians. We have people of other faiths as become not only proxies but also unworthy of any share in the pawns in this war. Where the national cake when they are in tensions lead to violence, it is our positions of trust and decision- own people who become victims. making. Infrastructure is destroyed and the clock of development is Forced Conversions turned back. Our educational institutions should be used to foster harmony There is a lot that can be gained without any attempt to use such from close collaboration between educational facilities for the Muslims and Christians in purpose of forced conversion. It Africa. Harmonious relationships will interest you to know that are moral and spiritual both the former and the present imperatives for adherents of all Moderators of the Presbyterian faiths. Besides, our collective Church of Ghana are products of efforts, properly harnessed, can the T.I. Ahmadiyya Secondary create a congenial environment School in Kumasi, here in for our children to live in peace, Ghana. To balance the equation, I in spite of the diversity of their must say that I am also a product religious beliefs. of the Methodist School of Brofoyedru, in the Adansi But there is a challenge. The District of Ashanti, also in challenge is for the leadership of Ghana. the two religions to emphasise the noble virtues that are If we are to cement ties between common to all religions. Our Christianity and Islam, nothing d i fferences in beliefs must be can be more effective than that regarded as differences of leaders of our respective opinion of family members. religions initiate projects that

The Review of Religions – January 2005 37 MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN

should be executed jointly by join hands in creating inter- their followers. By so doing, they religious peace in this country. would be breaking whatever The effort was blessed with the barriers that inhibit their desire to birth of the Forum of Religious partner each other for their Bodies which has finally collective development. culminated in the formal inauguration by His Excellency Revered Chairman, here in the President of Ghana of GCRP Ghana, some conscious efforts (Ghana Conference of Religions have been made in this direction for Peace). and it must be pointed out that it started with sincere collaboration As if to show appreciation for between the Catholic Church and what the Catholic Church and the the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission have done for inter- r e l i g i o u s It was in Kumasi in the 1980’s harmony in this country, that after a symposium organised religious bodies in this country by the Ahmadiyya Muslim met and graciously elected His Mission and addressed by Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah representatives of Hinduism, Turkson, as Chairman and my Budhism, Christianity and Islam, humble self as Vice Chairman for emphasis was placed on the GCRP for a period of one year, commonalities between all these after the expiration of which major religions. There and then, term, there will be fresh an idea to set up a Council of elections, Insha’Allah – if Allah Religions was mooted. permits.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Akwasi The Cardinal, I must say, is a fine Sarpong, Archbishop of Kumasi, man, highly polished, respectful, through Rev. Fr. Lefirink, of tolerant and fully committed to blessed memory, and I worked Christian-Muslim dialogue. He together and encouraged inspires great confidence in representatives of other faiths to religious circles of this country.

38 The Review of Religions – January 2005 MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN

Conclusion cultivated and promoted in this We must be thankful to the co u n t r y . Almighty for this development, for Ghana is one of the few It is important that our two countries in the world where religious communities appreciate leaders of various religions do sit the value of what we have together to discuss matters achieved, through the sheer grace af fecting the nation, sign joint of the Almighty, in the area of pastoral letters and speak to the inter-religious harmony, mutual entire nation with one voice. respect and cooperation and hold fast to it. It is in Ghana that by the grace of the Almighty, leaders of various We have every right to religions have met to formulate congratulate one another for this. together policies on the fight We need to glorify God and give against HIV/AIDS and called for thanks to Him for His favours com-passion towards those living upon us. We also need to with HIV/AIDS. constantly remind ourselves of this precious gift of God and It is in Ghana that religious jealously safeguard it. or ganisations lend credibility to Presidential and Parliamentary It is our sincere prayer to the only elections by jointly observing Power Who not only listens to such elections after which they prayer but also accepts it, to prepare reports on their findings. accept, out of His grace, our humble supplications. Amen. Revered Chairman, it is agreed on all hands that the relative peace Thank you and I wish you most that we enjoy in Ghana today, successful deliberations. which is so crucial for development, can be attributed to religious tolerance that Christians and Muslims have consciously

The Review of Religions – January 2005 39 Christian Muslim Dialogue and Criticism

By Mansoor Ahmed Shah, UK

an is a gregarious animal and rigidities dictate zero-tolerance? Or, Mcommunicates with other is it ignorance of the other that men. In the beginning, people lived breeds suspicion, resentment and in small families and tribes and even hatred? shared values and beliefs. Individuals either abandoned their Sometimes differences are resolved views under pressure from the by mutual reconciliation and mighty or the majority or separated compromise on values that are from the family or tribe to live as common and by abandoning some hermits or form new alliances. dearly held principle. The story is Societies began to come into contact often told of the pedant insisting with other societies and as with that two and two is four, the individuals differences began to extremist insisting that two and two manifest themselves. is six and the compromiser saying: ‘Let us not fight about it but agree It is strange that when it comes to that two and two is five.’ However, trade and industry, science and history does not record very many education, health and food, freedom compromises of this form. In the and human rights, democracy and sphere of religion, compromise has politics, and to some extent concern led to the making of something for the environment, there is a freer more legal and acceptable, acceptance of the unfamiliar but apologies and defence, catechism when ideologies and beliefs are or talks to hold further dialogue or involved, there is resistance. Is this i n t e r-faith participation. In its more because those who are put in charge basic form, inter-sect diff e r e n c e s of such competing ideologies and within mainstream religions have beliefs do not understand their own ranged from fist-banging violent ways and as a result their own debates, further divisions, boy-

40 The Review of Religions – January 2005 CHRISTIAN MUSLIM DIALOGUE AND CRITICISM cotting or ostracising the minority, child and alleging that Jesus(a s ) an d to banning orders and perhaps the M u h a m m a d( s a ) borrowed their latest trend is the appointment of teachings from the Judaic prophets ministers of religions (while all this and subjecting both of them to time we thought that the term uncouth language. Likewise, applied only to the clergy and not Christian writers have not refrained some cabinet member). However, from attacking Judaic teaching as now that man lives in what is austere and Islam as bereft of love known as the global village, is there and repeating misrepresented events any room for ignorance and the fear borrowed from past Christian critics. of the stranger? Has the climate As for the so-called Muslims, their changed sufficiently for moderation defence was book burning or drafted to prevail and tolerance to flourish? in an un-understandable language and came across as anti-zionist or It is amazing that the people who downright blasphemy. claim that they are, argu a b l y , the true descendants of the Patriarch Blasphemy, by the way, is not a Abraham, i.e. the Jews, the concept recognised by Islam. Its Christians and the Muslims, should nearest equivalent is possibly the sling so much mud at each other. In word ‘calumny’ but no Islamic state doing so they do not care whether has the authority to punish this they are attacking each other’s God, offence. Faiths that do recognise it the holy founder of the faith or the as an offence curtail the freedom of sensitivity of an individual. It would speech and conscience and cannot appear that there is no room for as such be attributed to God. compromise as the misguided followers of these people of the It is in this context that this article Book (and one assumes that they are examines Christian Muslim therefore learned) battle it out in response to each other. twisting history, misquoting and frequently levelling criticism from In November 1979, a conference which they themselves or their was held on the Deliverance of beliefs are by no means free. Jesus from the Cross at the Royal Commonwealth Institute, London. There is plenty in Jewish literature There was considerable public attacking Christ(a s ) as an illegitimate interest leading up to the conference

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but at the eleventh hour the British the Unity of God, the Council of Churches issued the righteousness of the Holy following statement to dampen any Prophet Muhammad(s a ) and on hopes: his being the Seal of the Prophets and the most exalted ‘We are reluctant to make any of them all. On the question of public comment on the London the unity of God and the conference. Orthodox Islamic doctrine of Trinity there is no authorities have for a long time di ff e r e n c e . repudiated as non-Qur’anic the Ahmadiyya claim that Jesus ‘…While we agree that died a natural death after going Christianity has often indulged to Kashmir: orthodox Muslims in aggressive and negative in London should, therefore, attacks on the central tenets of perhaps be the ones to do any other religions in language necessary commenting on this which was often open to serious London conference and its objection, we cannot agree that theme. Our reluctance also the belief of the Ahmadiyya stems from our awareness that Movement and its publication Christianity has often indulged through a conference, or in aggressive and negative otherwise, that Jesus was an attacks on the central tenets of exalted divine messenger and other religions, attacks of a sort that nothing should be comparable to these Ahmadiyya attributed to him which should attacks on the central Christian be inconsistent with his high tenet: we do not wish to appear status as a divine messenger, is over defensive when such an aggressive or negative attack attacks are directed at us.’ like the Christian attacks against the tenets of other That drew the following response re l i g i o n s . ’ from Hadhrat , Khalifatul Masih III(ru): Greatly smarted by this retort, in what seemed to be a hasty u-turn, the ‘I wish to make it quite clear Central Committee of the Wo r l d that all Islamic sects, despite Council of Churches recommended their differences, are united on some years later:

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Pr eparation for dialogue Relationship between Christians • That Churches study and make and Muslims known the World Council of • That Christians and Muslims Churches publication C h r i s t i a n spare no effort to live and work Meeting Muslims: WCC papers with each other, and with others, on 10 years of Christian-Muslim towards reconciling conflicts and d i a l o g u e (Geneva 1977) and the helping local communities to act Vatican Secretariat for Non- upon their own choices in self- Christians Guidelines for a development towards a more just Dialogue between Muslims and and participating society. C h r i s t i a n s (under revision). (Extracts from N e w s l e t t e r published by the Centre for the • That Churches undertake Study of Islam and Christian- catechetical preparation and Muslim Relations No.4 pastoral and theological training November 1980) of people of both young and old, laity and clerg y, for encounter On September 11, 2001, all such with Muslims and people of lofty principles went into other living faiths and hibernation. Islam began to be i d e o l o g i e s . branded as a belligerent and barbaric faith. Muslims began to be classified • That Christian and Muslim as terrorists. Muslim women were international, regional and local spat on in the streets. ‘Go home, Bin bodies be encouraged to Laden’ were the cries from the continue planning bilateral nationalists. Muslim men began to conferences, planned and find it difficult to get a job. Muslims executed on a cooperative basis found it difficult to get visas, their e- and involving both men and mails and phones began to be women, that further con- monitored as if they were the sideration be given to the pariahs. They were subjected to possibility of arranging multi- greater security surveillance than any lateral conferences between one else. Muslims, Christians and others; and that real attempts should be In this climate, there were u-turns on made to involve young people in both sides. One camp retracted that such meetings. the war on terrorism was not a

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crusade against Islam. Another camp and far), we must clear away that had fought against communism misconceptions and gain and in doing so had promoted and accurate insights into Muslim financed terrorism was issued edicts beliefs and practices. that suicide bombing was not permitted in Islam as late as 2. ‘Open ourselves to talk with all September 2004. The Jama’at Islami varieties and stations of and its Wahabi principals began to do M u s l i m s . Of course, we their utmost to shake off their recognise that some Muslims recognition as the promoters of will decline the invitation to violence and unrest. These u-turns dialogue. But we must let them have unfortunately left us with a make that choice... tangled mess where we cannot be certain whether the ‘Christians’ and 3. ‘Give testimony to the Gospel ‘Muslims’ are attacking each other of Jesus Christ, because it is our or shooting themselves in the foot. duty to do so…

Despite this confusion, there have 4. ‘Make sure that the Christians been other restatements of broadly entering into dialogue with the same objectives as set out by the Muslims have a firm grasp of Centre for the Study of Islam and an orthodox faith in the Christian-Muslim Relations quoted mainstream of the Christian ea r l i e r . tradition… Churches do no favour to the Muslims by For example, the Institute on sending out Christian “repre- Religion and Democracy offers the sentatives” whose own faith is following guidelines to individuals, uncertain, confused, self- churches, and Christian contradictory and who are org a n i s a t i o n s : unable to distinguish between confessional essentials and 1. ‘Seek to understand Islam and their own idiosyncratic views. Muslim peoples. Most U.S. churchgoers know little about 5. ‘Endeavour to have the Islam. If our churches are to Christian side of the dialogue show Christ’s love effectively represent not just the U.S. to our Muslim neighbours (near churches, but also the global

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Christian community. It would promotion of refugee be preferable to have persons in resettlement)… attendance who could address Islam from an African or Asian 9. ‘Find ways in which our Christian perspective – churches might practically particularly Christians who show the love of Christ by have lived as a minority group being of service to our Muslim within predominantly Muslim neighbours, here in the U.S. and nations. … internationally…

6. ‘ A ffirm some points of 10. ‘Discuss concepts of theology and morality that democracy, human rights, and Islam and Christianity have in religious freedom, as common… promulgated in international covenants to which most 7. ‘Address the deep differences Muslim nations have sub- between Islam and scribed. U.S. Christians should C h r i s t i a n i t y. Most basically, discuss how we find these these relate to the person of concepts in accord with our Jesus Christ, who is at the Christian faith, how western centre of our Christian societies developed these f a i t h … . In addressing these concepts historically, and the d i fferences, Christians show benefits that they have brought themselves wiser and more our societies. winsome when they place their emphasis on positive 11. ‘Allow the open expression of a ffirmations of their own concerns, fears, and grievances Christian faith… regarding the other party in the d i a l o g u e . A dialogue cannot 8. ‘ Work together with some advance very far unless it Muslims on certain public addresses the problems that issues in which we and they each side perceives in the may have similar concerns (for o t h e r. U.S. Christians must instance, free exercise of expect to hear Muslim religion in the United States, complaints about the medieval opposition to abortion, and crusades, modern western

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imperialism and contemporary 2. ‘…If Christians do participate American society… Muslims in inter-faith org a n i s a t i o n s , must take primary these should be merely forums responsibility for their own for dialogue and channels of societies, as the historian limited cooperation – not Bernard Lewis argues. bodies that pretend to a false unity where none exists. 12. ‘Intercede for fellow Christians (and other religious minorities) 3. ‘Try to formulate and celebrate who suffer persecution or common acts of worship… restriction in predominantly Muslim nations. P a r t i c u l a r 4. ‘Expect that all blame for concerns relate to bans on Christian-Muslim conflicts can religious proselytism or be assigned to parties in the conversion, state attempts to dialogue. The conflicts are too restrict or control religious complicated and long-standing, activities, attempts to subject and the dialogue too incom- Christians to Islamic s h a r i a, plete, for this assumption to and other legal and political h o l d . As Paul Marshall structures that treat Christians observes, “The Muslims who as second-class d h i m m i… actually participate in dialogue Christians in Muslim nations are not usually the ones ought to enjoy the same engaged in murder, kidnapping freedoms that Muslims do in or the rape of Christian women” the West…’ (Their Blood Cries Out, p. 220)... We must not imagine In Christian-Muslim dialogue, it is that the differences between inappropriate and damaging to: Islam and Christianity can be reduced to particular clashes. 1. ‘Attempt to meld Christianity and Islam, pretending that they 5. ‘Speak of the world as if it were have the same basic teachings neatly divided into spheres of and that the diff e r e n c e s influence, Muslim and between the two are merely Christian (and other), with no trivial points of theology. overlap or movement between the spheres. ..We cannot accept

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the notion that there is an and Muslims; however, it is not “Islamic world” in which the deepest problem. As Paul western Christians have no Marshall remarks, “The right to “meddle”… [extreme Islamist] people engaged in persecution are 6. ‘ Talk only to elite Muslim neither stupid nor scholars and religious officials u n e d u c a t e d … . We will not who present a ‘textbook understand persecution if we version’ of Islam. It may be think it is a mere mis- even more important to know understanding to be resolved the “popular Islam” as it is through more education and practised on the street. We may chatty conferences” (T h e i r learn more, and have a more Blood Cries Out, p. 220).’ fruitful conversation, by going to the local Muslim grocer than One can see that these guidelines by going to the imam at the have very many miles to go yet mosque. because they do not engender a healthy dialogue but allow the 7. ‘Play political games inside the positions of the participants in a Muslim community, elevating dialogue to continue to maintain leaders that we Christians their own views with extreme favour and ignoring those that r i g i d i t y. This is the preservation we dislike. instinct of the caveman that we mentioned earlier. Then the concept 8. ‘Assume that dialogue, in itself, of reciprocity assumes that what is the solution to the theological happens in some Arab states is and political issues between representative of Islam whereas they Christians and Muslims. have their own political agendas for Dialogue may clarify the real preserving their governments. issues and remove some Reciprocity also begins to re-identify imagined issues. It may enable Christianity as a religion of the Wes t Christians and Muslims to work and Islam as a religion of merely the together more readily on Middle East although even within matters where cooperation is the Arab world, there are Arab possible. Mutual ignorance is a Christians and Arab Muslims. problem between Christians

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Man likes praise but he is averse to promote understanding between two criticism no matter from which angle of the world’s leading faiths? In view it hails. It seems that everyone enjoys of these expressions, some have ridiculing the Muslim, his beliefs and begun to question whether there can what he stands for. Some of these be any meaningful dialogue between include Muslims themselves who the dominant and the subordinated. because of their misguided notions about Jihad possibly pose the biggest When it comes to ideology, Islam threat to Islam today. There has been does not consider itself in any form a flood of books and articles and inferior to any other religion internet pages which have (C h . 4 : V .126). It openly claims that it unfortunately reduced the tiny thread is a universal religion whereas that seemed to exist and that could others are not (Ch.7:V159; possibly have promoted Christian- Ch . 1 0 : V. 5 8 ; Ch . 2 2 : V. 5 0 ; C h . 3 4 : V 2 9 Muslim dialogue to breaking point. . It claims that it is based on the truth Living under the canopy of the only and truth must triumph. Islam claims superpower there is, many Christians that Muslims are the best of people and Jews have begun to recycle the (C h . 3 : V. 1 11). Therefore, it must most irresponsible rubbish attacking certainly be able to stand up against the teachings of the Holy Qur’an or any allegation or falsehood no matter the life and character of the Holy from which quarter. Unfortunately, Prophet of Islam(s a ) . For example, in that is not a lesson that Christianity, H i s t o ry of Islam, Muhammad, despite its dwindling flocks, has yet Muslims, Jins and the Koran (p.4) on learnt. Attacking a wounded lion is a ww w .b i b l e p r o b e . c o m it says, ‘The dangerous strategy. Koran teaches that the world is flat. This doctrine is believed by Islamic How should Muslims respond in scholars even today.’ Also that, this climate? The Holy Qur’an had ‘Mohammed was in fact a terrorist, forewarned the Muslims many criminal and murderer whose entire centuries before: life was based on victimising innocents and indulging in mindless You shall be surely tried in your violence, carnage and massacre.’ possessions and in your persons (Ibid, p.10) [We spare our readers the and you shall surely hear many rest of this article.] Is this the form of hurtful things from those who responsible dialogue that can were given the Book before you

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and those who set up equals to and forbid evil. And it is they Allah. But if you show fortitude who shall prosper. and act righteously, that indeed (Ch. 3:105) is a matter of stro n g determination. So when Islam talks of co-operation (Ch.3:V.187) amongst other faiths, it is on the principles of goodness, enjoining Muslims are urged to tolerate things equity and forbidding evil and there with patience but to be vigilant and is plenty on this score where not drop their guard: religious leaders can come together and create a better world society. (The God-fearing) supre s s anger and pardon men.’ A solution of how to respond to (Ch.3: V.135) false allegations is perhaps best provided by Hadhrat Mirza And revile not those whom they Ghulam Ahmad( a s ) of Qadian call beside Allah, lest they, out (1835-1908) who claimed that he of spite, revile Allah in was the Messiah and Wo r l d ignorance. Reformer awaited by people of (Ch.6: V.109) most faiths. His contemporaries were busy issuing memoranda and O ye who believe! Be steadfast memorials to the British govern- and strive to excel in ment following the publication of steadfastness and be on your the scurrilous U m m a h a t u l guard and fear Allah that you M o m i n e e n making some vile may prosper. accusations against the wives of the (Ch.3:V.201) Holy Prophet( s a ). The Promised M e s s i a h ’s( a s ) a rgument was that Then the Muslims are urged to have such memorials were self defeating a party of people who can respond and an admission of weakness on to the attacks of the enemy in a the part of Muslims. He argued that responsible manner: it was equally unwise that each person should begin to issue a And let there be among you a retort against this book and instead body of men who should invite he recommended that the person to goodness, and enjoin equity who responds should possess

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qualities which are paraphrased senting wonders of nature, very briefly as follows: such knowledge is indis- pensable. 1) The person should command such expertise in the Arabic 4) He should be able to quote in language that in any con- Hebrew from that part of the frontation, he should put to Bible which deals with shame his opponent. He must prophecies etc. A person who be superior to his opponent in is conversant with Arabic the understanding of God’s should not find it too difficult words and preferably should be to learn Hebrew. acknowledged as an expert in Arabic in his country. When he 5) The fifth condition is that the enters into a debate with an person should have a real opponent, the audience would contact with God and be at once recognise which of the sincere and loyal, and should two speaks with authority and be the beloved of God with who commands respect. sincerity, outward purity, high morals and wholly devoted to 2) The person should not merely God because knowledge of the know a few (traditions), religion is from on-high and it Fiqh (jurisprudence) and is closely associated with Tafseer (commentary) or be righteousness, cleanliness and known as a Maulawi (priest) the love of God (Ch.56:V.80). but he should be equipped with the God-given qualities of 6) The sixth condition is know- research, deliberation, sharp- ledge of history because this wittedness, prompt response knowledge is very helpful in a and adducing indisputable debate. For instance, very few proofs. He should be a wise Muslims would know that and pious person. Jesus(as) had five brothers born from the same mother, yet they 3) He should have reasonable did not believe in Jesus(as) and knowledge of science, on the contrary had severe medicine, astronomy and reservations about his truth. geography because when pre-

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7) He should have some ability in Promised Messiah, Ruhani Khazain logic and be eloquent in the art Vol. 13 pp. 370-375) of debating because by their combination, the mind is The Promised Messiah(as) stated that sharpened. these memorials served the interest of the Christian priests who wanted 8) The eighth prerequisite for that the Muslims should not act on written or oral debate is that their teaching: the person should possess or have access to a vast treasure Call unto the way of thy Lord of books that are reliable and with wisdom and goodly generally accepted for their exhortation and argue with them authenticity and can shut the in a way that is best. Surely, thy mouth of any clever and L o rd knows best who has deceiving opponent. strayed away from His way; and He knows those who are rightly 9) The person should be free from guided. other pursuits and be devoted (Ch.16:V.126) to the service of his religion because it is difficult for one One hopes that the century that has person to handle two things at just dawned on an enlightened man the same time. but has unfortunately started on the wrong foot as far as religious 10) Finally, the tenth condition is dialogue is concerned, shall quickly that he should possess move away from the arguments and miraculous powers because in methodologies of centuries past. If pursuit of true light and the sheep has to drink from the same complete satisfaction a person fountain as a wolf, then inter-faith is hungry for seeing miracles, dialogue must be based on e.g. through the acceptance of recognising and respecting differ- his prayers, these represent the ences and not attacking founders of final decision manifested in the religions with the same stick that we presence of God Almighty. have used in the past.

(A l B a l a g h or F a ryad Dard b y Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad,

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In response to an article written by in Pakistan Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf in The Washington Post By Dr Atif Mian, USA. on May 31, 2004 entitled, ‘A Plea For Enlightened Moderation’, this piece makes a rational plea to the These are not isolated incidents, Pakistani intelligentsia to truly assess the factors pre v e n t i n g or incidents which only affect a Pakistan from achieving particular region of the country. ‘Enlightened Moderation.’ The insanity is being perpetrated everywhere and affects everyone ll of us feel great pain and in Pakistan. The result is that the Aanguish in the social and educated and progressive minds political chaos engulfing our left in Pakistan feel hostage to Pakistani nation. The problem of the mullahs and their extremist religious extremism has reached machinery, while those outside epic proportions. Here is a Pakistan are afraid to come back snapshot from the very recent and invest, teach, visit or even history: A large number of Shias play cricket. In fact many gunned down in broad daylight, religious organisations in at least two serious attempts on Pakistan have implicitly or the President’s life, shootings openly declared a militant ‘war’ and bombings in different places against the incumbent president of worship, killings of minorities and his law enforcement and foreigners on a regular basis, agencies including the army. One a serious attempt on the Prime shudders to think what would Minister’s life and now an armed happen in the near future to revolt against the Pakistani army Pakistan if this trajectory of in the frontier. religious extremism continues.

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This is not the way Muhammad This internal threat is the threat of Ali Jinnah’s1 Pakistan was religious extremism and intol- supposed to be. How did the very erance. It is the threat of a self- religious elements that hated righteous and arrogant mullah Jinnah, called him K a a f i r- e - who roams the streets of Pakistan Azam (‘the great infidel’), thinking he is above the law of the resisted the creation of Pakistan, land. He believes that he has and even tried to murder Jinnah, divine authority to murder, actually become the d o m i n a n t plunder and destroy with political force in Pakistan? The im p u n i t y . answer lies in the gradual process of decay with everyone from In a recent book, A to Z of Jehadi Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zia-ul-Haq O rganizations in Pakistan, and the military, to US and Saudi Muhammad Amir Rana superbly Arabia providing support to these traces the history, organisational extremist elements at diff e r e n t setup and ideologies of 237 points in time. The support was religious organisations spanning provided under diff e r i n g all the major sects in Pakistan, rationales: some were tempted by including Deobandi, Barelvi, short term political advantage, Ahle Hadith and Shia. According others were driven by twisted to the book, each sect has a ideologies, and yet others number of different organisations succumbed to the fear of social designed to achieve separate unrest threatened by the mullah. objectives. For example, the Deobandi sect of the Hanafi Ho w e v e r , whatever the causes, school of thought has a total of the fact is that today we are 45 religious organisations in dangling at the precipice of social Pakistan. Maulana Fazlur and political disaster as a nation. Rehman’s JUI (Jamiat Ulema-e- General Musharraf is correct in Islam) is the main political party pointing out that the biggest threat of this sect and org a n i s a t i o n s facing Pakistan today is from such as Lashkar- e - J h a n g v i , within and not from the outside. Jaish-e-Muhammad, Harkatul

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Mujahideen and Sipah-e-Sihaba politicians, religious leaders and serve as its militant wings. These now the army as well. Moreover, o rganisations often have close the distorted definition of Jihad is associations with one other. now accepted if not practised by Commenting on the org a n i - large sections of our society. sations from the Deobandi school of thought, for example, The masses, many of whom are Muhammad Amir Rana writes: either illiterate or not willing to ‘Important position holders of study religion independently, put Sipah Sahaba, Lashkare Jhangvi, their trust in the multitude of Tehreeke Khuddame Ahle clergy and scholars belonging to Sunnat, Tehreeke Difa Sahaba the religious org a n i s a t i o n s and other similar organisations above. Therefore, when General have at the same time held Musharraf proclaims that Islam important offices in Jamiat-e- is a religion of peace and Islam, and sectarian org a n i - tolerance, does he have the sations of the Deobandi school religious scholars (of whatever consider the Jamiat their mentors sect) to back his claim? The and attend their rallies and answer is no. As the above book functions.’ points out, all the major organised sects in Pakistan are The close relationship between actively promoting militancy and religion, politics and militancy is violence to further their agendas. not exclusive to any particular sect. As pointed out in the book, If Islam were to be defined by the this pattern is repeated in all the majority religious scholars of major Sunni and Shia sects in the Pakistan then it does become a c o u n t r y. Use of force and religion of militancy and militancy is sanctioned and violence. It becomes a religion promoted by a majority of the that frowns upon differences of clergy. The definition of Jihad opinion and suppresses another has now expanded to include the p e r s o n ’s religious freedom by killing of minorities, opposing force if necessary. It becomes a

54 The Review of Religions – January 2005 SEARCH FOR ENLIGHTENED MODERATION IN PAKISTAN religion that allows vandalising Allah is oft commemorated. shops, setting vehicles on fire (Ch.22:V.41) and carrying out threatening processions to pressure gov- A Hindu may reject Moses(as), ernments into acceding to its Jews may reject Jesus ( a s ) a n d demands. In short, Islam as Christians may reject presented and practised by the Muhammad(sa) but a Muslim is publicly recognised scholars of told that he cannot call himself a Pakistan is an ugly religion. believer if he does not believe and respect all prophets of all the However, true Islam is not to be great religions of the world: defined by the clergy of today. True Islam is to be found in the And We did raise among teachings of the Holy Qur’an, a every people a Messenger. book that reminds its reader at (Ch.16:V.37) least 23 times: Far from condemning followers Create not disorder on the of other religion to damnation, earth. (Ch.2:V.12) the Qur’an accepts all righteous men and women as good human A book so pluralistic in nature beings and declares: that far from killing innocent Christian, Jews or Hindus, it Surely, the Believers and the exhorts its followers to guard and Jews, and the Christians and respect their freedom of religion the Sabians – whichever and places of worship: party from among these truly believes in Allah and the Last And if Allah did not repel Day and does good deeds – some men by means of others, shall have their reward with there would surely have been their Lord, and no fear shall pulled down cloisters and come upon them, nor shall churches and synagogues and they grieve. mosques, wherein the name of (Ch.2:V.63)

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When these are the teachings of tising the peaceful and tolerant the Holy Qur’an, how can such a message of Islam. universal and unifying religion be linked to hatred, terrorism, This should not come as a huge and violence? surprise. After all, how can the same religious parties and General Musharraf is, therefore, or ganisations that have led Islam correct in pointing out that true to be recognised with hatred and Islam is a religion of ‘peace and intolerance be expected to lead tolerance’, but the question the Muslims towards peace and remains, which organised reli- moderation? Therefore, when our gious movement in the Pakistani leaders talk about changing the society is preaching this image of Islam and taking the message? Where are the clerics, country towards ‘enlightened mosques and thinkers at the moderation,’ they should also forefront of a religious move- point out which religious ment aimed at suppressing the movement has the ability to do so. rising tide of religious extremism and intolerance? Who is going What Pakistan needs is a rational door to door in Peshawar, Quetta, and progressive religious Karachi and Jhang to convince movement that presents an the public that the militant alternative to the militant and version of Islam presented by the intolerant version of Islam mullahs is illogical and proliferating the country; a unjustified? Are the various peaceful, tolerant and rational Jamiats, Jama’ats and Majalis alternative that is, in fact, the true (parties and org a n i s a t i o n s ) face of Islam. created in the name of Islam presenting and practising a The good news is that Pakistan peaceful and tolerant version of does have such a reformist Islam? Unfortunately no recog- religious movement in the form nised religious movement in of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Pakistan is preaching or prac- Islam. I was fortunate enough to

56 The Review of Religions – January 2005 SEARCH FOR ENLIGHTENED MODERATION IN PAKISTAN learn about it and ultimately writings was to rejuvenate, in accept its message. However, spirit and in practice, exactly the unfortunately the same move- same Islam that is contained in the ment is persecuted, suppressed Qu r ’an and revealed to the Holy and constitutionally banned to Prophet Muhammad( s a ). He convey its message in Pakistan. repeatedly asked the world and The Movement was initiated by the Muslim clergy in particular, to Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam refrain from militancy and A h m a d( a s ) of Qadian, w h o bloodshed in the name of religion claimed to be the reformer of and accept the peaceful and true latter days as prophesied by of Islam. beloved Prophet Muhammad(s a ) . He claimed to be the reformer Ho w e v e r , my intention in this who was prophesied to come at a article is not to convince the time when Muslims would have reader of the truth of reached rock bottom and ‘their Ahmadiyyat. My goal is more c l e rgy would be the worst of modest. It is to appeal to the creatures under the canopy of the rational and progressive minds in heavens. Evil plots will hatch Pakistan that if we are sincere in from them and to them will they spreading ‘enlightened moder- return’ (Mishkat ul Masabih). A ation’ in our society, we should reformer who was prophesied to no longer choke the voices of come and settle the ideological moderation and tolerance with d i fferences among the divided our own hands. The Holy Qur’a n Muslims as an ‘arbiter and reminds us that, j u d g e ’ (Bukhari) and one of whose primary missions was to Allah changes not the ‘put an end to wars’ or ‘abolish condition of a people until jizya’ (Bukhari). they change that which is in their hearts. (Ch.13:V.12) Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian wrote more than 80 books Further that: in total. The sole purpose of his

The Review of Religions – January 2005 57 SEARCH FOR ENLIGHTENED MODERATION IN PAKISTAN

And there is nothing for man non-Muslims that we believe in a but the fruits of his peaceful, tolerant and enlightened endeavours. (C h . 5 3 : V. 4 0 ) version of Islam, we in Pakistan continue persecuting a peaceful How is it then that we can hope to religious community in our own achieve either ‘enlightenment’ or country precisely in the name of ‘moderation’ without being bold Islam! Why blame the West then enough to change the laws of the for tarnishing the image of Islam country along the same lines? when we have done so ourselves through our own actions? Today the law of the land states that members of the Ahmadiyya We, as Pakistanis, should show Community must be declared the world that true Islam has no non-Muslims against their will tolerance for religious intol- (Second Amendment, 1974). By erance. We should show through l a w, Ahmadis cannot say the our actions the beautiful teaching Kalima (the Muslim declaration of the Qur’an that: of faith), Adhan (the Muslim Call to Prayer) or practise their T h e re should be no religion openly. If they do, they compulsion in re l i g i o n . are subject to imprisonment and (C h . 2 : V 2 5 7 ) fines (Pakistan Penal Codes 298 B & C). In fact the law is so vague Far from allowing a government that just being an Ahmadi is a to suppress religious freedom, criminal offence if anyone Islam does not even give a chooses to prosecute. prophet that authority:

Thus the only organised religious Thou hast not been appointed movement in the country that to compel them in any way. preaches the message of peace (C h . 5 0 : V .46) and ‘love for all, hatred for none’ is banned by its own government. Al s o : Here lies the irony. While we tell

58 The Review of Religions – January 2005 MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN

But If they turn away, We have Enlightened Moderation? Perhaps not sent thee as a guardi a n the following can be the first step over them. Thy duty is only to towards enlightenment: convey the Message. (C h . 4 2 : V. 4 9 ) Allah commands you that ...When you judge between What a powerful statement of men, you judge with justice. moderation it would be if we (C h . 4 : V. 5 9 ) could throw out the messages of hate, suppression of religious One hopes and prays that those in practices and declarations of non- power may have the courage to Muslims as the Holy Qur’ a n stand for justice and repeal those exhorts us: laws and regulations that stifle the voices of moderation and And who is more unjust than enlightenment in our country he who prohibits the name of each day. Allah being glorified in Allah's temples and seeks to ruin them? FOOTNOTE (C h . 2 : V. 11 5 ) 1. The founding father of Pakistan.

Mo r e o v e r :

Say not to anyone who gree t s about the you with the greeting of peace, AUTHOR ‘Thou art not a believer. ’ (C h . 4 : V. 9 5 ) Dr . Atif Mian is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Business School. He Today the face of Islam presented completed his Bachelors in by our religious leaders defies Mathematics and Ph.D. in Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of moderation, enlightenment and Tec h n o l o g y . He accepted Ahmadiyyat, ob j e c t i v i t y . the true Islam, in 2002.

The Review of Religions – January 2005 59 Being. Moses(a s ) met God on Mount etters Sinai. God appeared to Jesus( a s ) o n Mount Seir. God shone forth to TO THE EDITOR Mu h a m m a d (s a ) on Mount Paran. The L Reformer of the Age, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad( a s ) of Qadian, India GOD REALLY EXISTS: st a t e d : We Believe in a Living God ‘The same Mighty and Holy God Si r , has manifested Himself to me. He has talked to me and said that He is Mr . Jonathan Miller, avowed atheist, the High Being, to establish Whose and ‘fifth brainiest person in Britain’ worship all the Prophets were sent.’ according to Pro s p e c t magazine, claims (Government Angrezi aur Jihad, in T2 of The Tim e s of October 11th 2004 Zamima Risala Jihad, Roohani that there is no God, no afterlife and no Khazain Vol.17 p.29) paradise. ‘Belief in God is an intellectual nonsense.’ Whatever human Despite all his research abilities and consciousness is, he says: ‘It exists only intellect, Mr. Miller ignores the inside our brains.’ In other words, it is testimony of large numbers of persons grounded in matter. Take away that throughout the history of mankind. He matter (as when we die) there can be no also ignores the evidence that they gave consciousness. Therefore, there is no – the same message of a single Creator. afterlife, no paradise, no paranormal or Su r e l y , they were not all liars. supernatural. All that too is literally in the mind. He says that the idea of a mind Mo r e o v e r , nowhere in his statements that continues to exist after the brain has does Mr. Miller consider the five proofs dissolved, is inconceivable. It seems of the existence of God found in the that Pro s p e c t magazine and Richard Muslim Holy Book, the Qur’ a n . Morrison of The Tim e s have accepted Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(a s ) ha s shallow statements and incorrect explained these in his famous book, Th e analyses of Mr. Miller. Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam (English translation published by the In fact, Mr. Miller fails to address the London Mosque 1979) from which the testimony of numerous individuals of following has been reproduced: every age and from every people, who have claimed that they have had contact 1. Our Lord is He Who has bestowed and conversation with the Supreme upon everything its appro p r i a t e

60 The Review of Religions – January 2005 LETTER: GOD REALLY EXISTS: WE BELIEVE IN A LIVING GOD

faculties, and then guided it to the and effect terminates with God.” achievement of its appro p r i a t e (ibid. p.58) pu r p o s e s . (C h . 2 0 : V. 5 1 ) 3. The sun cannot catch up with the If we “reflect upon the shape and moon, and the night which is a form of all creatures that inhabit this manifestation of the moon, cannot universe, we are impressed by the pr evail over the day which is a wisdom of God Almighty.” (p.57) All manifestation of the sun. Neither of animals, including man, who live on them can move outside its orbit.” land and in the seas and birds that (C h . 3 6 : V. 4 1 ) soar in the skies, are created in the form best suited to their particular “W ere there not a Regulator of the requirements and needs. If they make whole of this system behind the use of them properly, they can attain scenes, the system would fall into their fullest potential. chaos. This proof is very striking in the estimation of astronomers. There 2. Thy Lord is the final cause of all are so many grand heavenly bodies ca u s e s . (C h . 5 3 : V. 4 3 ) gliding through space that the slightest disorder in their movements “If we observe carefully, we find that would bring about the ruin of the the entire universe is bound together whole world. It is a great in a system of cause and effect. This manifestation of Divine Power that system is at the root of all these bodies neither collide nor knowledge. No part of creation is change their speeds, nor alter their outside this system. Some things are courses in the slightest degree. Nor the roots of others and some are has their circulation during such a branches. A cause may be primary or long period of time worn them out, may be the effect of another cause nor has their machinery suffered any and that, in its turn, may be the effect di s o r d e r . If they are not under the of still another cause and so on. Now, supervision of a Guardian, how is it it is not possible that in this finite that such a grand org a n i s a t i o n world this pattern of cause and effect continues to carry on through should have no limit and should be numberless years entirely on its infinite. We are compelled to own?” (ibid, pp.58-59) acknowledge that it must terminate with some ultimate cause. That 4. Can there be any doubt in the ultimate cause is God. This verse sets existence of God, Who has forth the argument very concisely originated the Heavens and the and affirms that the system of cause Ea r th? (C h . 1 4 : V. 11 )

The Review of Religions – January 2005 61 LETTER: GOD REALLY EXISTS: WE BELIEVE IN A LIVING GOD

We also know from history that the of Australia, the ancient Maya of presence of perfect symmetry and the Mexico and Central America there existence of perfect harmony in the existed a belief in an Omnipotent and laws of nature have convinced many Ultimate Supreme Being, whom they scientists to believe in God. Even the regarded as the Creator of the great scientist, Einstein, had to declare Un i v e r s e . that there is a Creator of this well- or ganised universe, Who has created Even though the vision of God varies with perfect wisdom. from people to people, we find the belief in God is common to people of God has set forth another proof of His all the ages. The Holy Qur’an states: existence: God inquired from the souls, ‘Am I All that is on the earth will perish and not your Lord? ’ and they answered : only the countenance of the Lord, ‘In d e e d . ’ (C h . 7 : V. 1 7 3 ) Master of Glory and Honour, will su rv i v e . (C h . 5 5 : V s . 2 7 - 2 8 ) “In this verse, God has set forth the characteristic with which He has “If we assume that ultimately the invested the souls, that is, that by its earth might be reduced to particles very nature, no soul can deny the and the heavenly bodies might be existence of God. Those who do so, broken down and everything do so because they can find no proof overtaken by a blast which would of His existence according to their wipe out every sign of their existence. own fanciful imagination. Yet they Yet reason acknowledges and right acknowledge that for every other conscience deems it necessary that created thing there must be a creator. after such destruction there should There is no one in the world so stupid survive one, who is not subject to that if he falls ill he insists there is no destruction and can undergo no cause for his illness. If the universal change and should continue in its system of cause and effect had not pristine state. That One is God, Who been made up it would have been has created everything mortal and is impossible to predict the time of a Himself immune from mortality. ” tornado, or of the eclipses of the sun (ibid, p.59) or moon, or that a patient would die at a certain time, or that a disease would 5. We also observe that belief in God is be reinforced by another disease at a a universal phenomenon. History tells certain stage. Thus a research scholar us that such beliefs were common to who does not acknowledge the all ages. Even among the Aborigines existence of God, in effect does so

62 The Review of Religions – January 2005 LETTER: GOD REALLY EXISTS: WE BELIEVE IN A LIVING GOD

indirectly for he too, like us, searches agency’ but he says that our religious for the causes of effects. This is an impulses are the last vestiges of acknowledgement of a sort, though it primitive man’s defense mechanism. He is not perfect. Besides, if through says that in order to guard against some device, a person who denies the predators the primitive man had existence of God could be made invented a supernatural force, which unconscious in such manner that he was on his side. Mr. Miller’s notions should pass under the complete certainly cannot explain the claims control of God, discarding all fancies, which millions of people in all ages, emotions and impulses of his earthly especially the followers of true Islam life, he would, in such a state, have made that they enjoy communion acknowledge the existence of God with that Supernatural Agency. They and would not deny it. This is testified have declared that God speaks to them to by eminent experts. The verse that and tells them not to be afraid of we have cited also indicates that a calamities or of enemies. He reassures denial of the existence of God is only them that He is with them and He will a manifestation of this earthly exis- help them through His inspiration, tence, for the true nature of man fully revelation and heavenly signs. He often confesses His existence.” tells them of future events which come (ibid. pp.59-60) to pass exactly as they were told. Surely, to such people God or a Supernatural S u r e l y, a research scholar like Mr. Agency is not an imagination but a Miller who does not acknowledge the re a l i t y . This closeness to God Almighty existence of God, in effect, does so can be attained by anyone through indirectly for he too searches for the prayers and only through prayers. We cause of effects. As explained by are hopeful that if Mr. Miller and people Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad( a s ) like him leave their fanciful above, this is a kind of acknowl- imaginations and tread on this path they edgement in the existence of God, Who will experience God in their daily lives. is the final cause of all cause. In truth, no ‘brainy’ person can deny the Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry existence of God. Once the existence of AH M A D I Y Y A INTERNATIONAL PRESS God is established then, the concepts of OF F I C E . paradise and afterlife have to be accepted as well.

Mr . Jonathan Miller admits that several billion intelligent people in the world continue to believe in a ‘supernatural

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