RR200212

Contents December 2002, Vol.97, No.
12
Editorial– ................................... 2
Comments – Christmas and Eid are a time for the family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Palestinian Question – Our feature length article is a transcript of the speech
delivered in the UN prior to the creation of Israel which aimed to achieve justice for
all parties concerned. -
Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 5
Reformation – Part II – Intention and true desire make actions pure and lead to internal
spiritual reformation.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
QUESTION & ANSWER: Spiritual Guidance – The need for Prophethood and
guidance from the Divine. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. ................. 30
Christianity Uncovered – Discoveries through research and archaeology over the last
100 years have provided insight into the truth behind modern Christianity.
Fazal Ahmad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Islamic Tolerance and the Concept of Jihad – Address delivered in the presence
of the President of Mauritius on the promotion of peace, the Charter of Freedom and the
true concept of Jihad
Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed – UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The ‘Blind Watchmaker’ who is also Deaf and Dumb – Part V
Continuing our serialisation of Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 53
Index of articles published in Review of Religions, 2002
Listing with brief desciption of every article published this year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chief Editor and Manager Chairman of the Management Board
Mansoor Ahmed Shah Naseer Ahmad Qamar
Basit Ahmad
Bockarie Tommy Kallon Special contributors: All correspondence should
Daud Mahmood Khan Amatul-Hadi Ahmad be forwarded directly to:
Farina Qureshi
Fareed Ahmad The Editor
Fazal Ahmad. Proof-reader: Review of Religions
Fauzia Bajwa Shaukia Mir
The London Mosque
Mansoor Saqi Design and layout: 16 Gressenhall Road
Mahmood Hanif Tanveer Khokhar London, SW18 5QL
Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Publisher: United Kingdom
Navida Shahid
Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah © Islamic Publications, 2002
Sarah Waseem
ISSN No: 0034-6721
Saleem Ahmad Malik Distribution:
Tanveer Khokhar Muhammad Hanif
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the opinions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 1
the current circumstances in the
Editorial Middle East where thousands of

Palestinians now live in abject
poverty, unable to cultivate land
that their families had owned for
Political turmoil and racial hatred
centuries, and the incumbent
do not always happen of their
Jews watch in amazement as
own accord. People of different
waves of immigrants have
creeds have lived together for
created Israel. Yet these people
centuries in harmony before a
share a common religious her-
political change born of greed
itage which endorses peaceful co-
encouraged hatred and turmoil.
existence and brotherly love!
Such was the case in India where
The feature article provides an
Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs could
insight into the politics around
happily co-exist before politics
the creation of the mess in the
‘reminded’ them that they were
Middle East. The main issue was
sworn enemies, no longer
that the regional politics were
contented with their own lot. The
crafted for the benefit of outside
same was the case in Palestine
interests rather than for the
where Jews, Christians and
interests of the people involved
Muslims had co-existed for years
and without even their consu-
and endured side-by-side foreign
ltation. It is greed and self-
invasions from Europe in the form
interest which drives such
of the Crusades. The Jews had
politics, but actually nobody wins
suffered persecution at the hands
because successive generations
of Europe several times since and
then bear grudges and look for
had always fled to Muslim nations
opportunities to gain revenge.
such as Spain, Turkey and North
Africa to get freedom and an
And have we learnt any lessons
atmosphere in which they could
fifty years on ... well the Balkans,
thrive.
Central Africa and many other
conflict zones will bear testimony
So how did Jews and Muslims
to our wisdom in years to come.
suddenly become sworn enemies
of one another? Again, we are
Fazal Ahmad
indebted to politics for creating
2 Review of Religions – December 2002

Notes and Comment
A Time for Family the occasion. The houses will be
December is a time when Muslims decorated and made to feel
will celebrate Eid and Christians special and welcoming. But while
celebrate Christmas. The festivals we enjoy our food and presents in
themselves are different in their the warmth of our homes, we
context, meaning and practice, should especially open our hearts
but one feature will unite to those without family, or those
Christians and Muslims during this who feel like outsiders. For them,
month - the sense of family. rather than being the most
enjoyable time of the year and one
At these festivals, families will get they would look forward to,
together all around the world to instead this becomes the most
share presents, a traditional family difficult time as it brings into the
meal, and meet family members open more acutely than ever their
who are often too busy to see each sense of loneliness. They watch
other during the year, or perhaps families getting together and can
those living too far away. only feel a sense of loss. Some may
Grandparents look forward to the have fled from terror and are living
noise and energy of their in refugee accomodation. Others
grandchildren, and maybe even have been turned onto the streets
great-grandchildren. A large com- following failed marriages. Yet
amunal meal will be shared, others have drifted apart from
whether it is a turkey with trim- their families over the years and
mings, a special stew, or maybe a would now feel awkward trying to
pilau rice meal. Special treats will get re-acquainted with their old
also be served such as sweets and friends who now have their own
puddings. Brothers and sisters families.
bring their families together, and
each year, the size of the family On the day of Eid or Christmas, it
seems to get larger and larger and is hard for them to feel ‘goodwill
the excitement of the meeting to all men’ or to feel as if this is a
more intense. Everyone will be special day and that they too are
wearing special new clothes for beloved servants of the same God.
Review of Religions – December 2002 3

Notes and Comment
So what should we do? The cele- out of that which you love; and
brations of both Eid and Christmas whatever you spend, Allah
become more complete when we surely knows it well.
open our hearts to others. If there (Qur’an; Ch.3: v.93)
are lonely neighbours, we can try
to include them in our happiness. ‘Whoever gives to one of these
If we know of family members that little ones even a cup of cold
have drifted away, we can try to water because he is a disciple,
make the first move and re- truly, I say to you, he shall not
establish contact with them. If lose his reward.’
there are homeless people, we can (Matthew 10:42)
try to make them feel special with
food and gifts. In sharing our May the festive season prove
pleasure with them, it can only beneficial to all members of
enhance the experience for us society: those with established
through God’s Mercy. family ties and those without.Ï
Tanveer Khokhar
It is easy to give food and presents
to our nearest and dearest, and
the spirit of sacrifice and giving is
a great quality which we have seen
in all of the prophets of God. In this edition, for the
However, a sacrifice is not really a convenience of non-Muslim
sacrifice if it is not painful. A real English readers, (sa) or sa after
sacrifice on this day would be to the word the Holy Prophet or
spend some time, money and the name Muhammad, are
effort with those who are excluded used. They stand for
from the festivities. A real salallahualaihiwasallam, and
sacrifice would be to open our abbreviated as ‘sa’, meaning
celebrations to those that we know peace and blessings of Allah be
are feeling lonely. upon him. Likewise, the
letters ‘(as)’ or as after the
name of all other Prophets is
Finally, let us remind ourselves of
an abbreviation (meaning,
the wisdom that religion has peace be upon him derived
provided on this subject: from alaih salato-wassalam)
for the respect a Muslim
Never shall you attain to readers utters.
righteousness unless you spend

The Palestinian Question
by Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan
The issue of Palestine and the disharmony between the Jews and their
Arab neighbours is constantly in the news. In this article, we return to the
UN debate of the 28th of November 1947 in which the issue was being
debated and after which, Israel was formed. The rest is history.
Here, we reproduce the epoch-making address by the then representative

of Pakistan to the UN, Mr Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan, a prominent and
respected Ahmadi who tried to reason for a balanced state. Had the UN
followed his advice, the Arabs not walked out and the secret lobbying for
votes disallowed, the outcome may have been more peaceful for all
concerned. This address is recognised by many to be the greatest single
contribution to the caus eof the Arabs by anyone.
HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH The President, therefore, must

PLENARY MEETING remind the public to refrain
Held in the General Assembly from applause or any kind of
Hall at Flushing Meadow, New intervention in the debate of
York, on Friday, 28 November the General Assembly.
1947, at 11 a.m.
President: Mr. O. Aranha There are ten speakers on the
(Brazil). President's list. I call upon the
representative of Pakistan.
125. Continuation of the
discussion on the Palestinian Sir Mohammed ZAFRULLAH
question KHAN (Pakistan): It is with
satisfaction that one notes, Mr.
The PRESIDENT: The repre- President, that you are anxious
sentatives must have the best to secure, at least so far as this
possible conditions in order to question is concerned, an
give proper consideration to the undisturbed and uninfluenced
merits of the serious question discussion. Whether the vote is
before the General Assembly. going to be equally free and

uninfluenced is no longer a We are often apt to read history

matter for satisfaction. But I backwards, which, I submit, is a
shall not dwell on that. very wrong method of reading
history. History, in order to be
Those who have no access to properly appreciated, has to be
what is going on behind the read forwards. One must put
scenes have known enough from oneself behind the events which
the Press to have fear in their one desires to evaluate, and
hearts not only on this question then judge and appraise them.
— because this is one individual
question — but that the With your indulgence, Mr.
deliberations on crucial President, let me invite the
questions of this great body, on representatives to read history
which the hopes of the world in that manner for a few
for the future are centred, will moments, at least that part of
not be left free. history which concerns the
General Assembly.
This is a solemn moment,
solemn in the history of the Thirty-two years ago — not to go
world, in the history of this too far back — the Western
great — Iet us hope at least — Allies were in the midst of a
great Organisation. The United mortal struggle with the Central
Nations is today on trial. The European Powers. Turkey had
world is watching and will see just entered the war on the side
how it acquits itself again, of Germany. The fate of the
perhaps, not so much from the Allied cause trembled in the
point of view of whether balance. The Arabs, who alone
partition is approved or not could help to redress the
approved, but from the point of balance in the Middle East, the
view of whether any room is to vital region, were invited to
be left for the exercise of repudiate their allegiance to
honest judgment and con- Turkey and to throw in their lot
science in decisions taken upon with the Allies. In return for
important questions. what? In return for the pledged
word of the United Kingdom,

subsequently confirmed by all these long discussions in

France, that at the end of the committee and in sub-
struggle, the Arabs in their own committee, back again in
lands would be free. They committee, and then in the
agreed and did their part. General Assembly, no one has
sought to argue that Palestine
How have the pledges given to was not included in those
them been fulfilled? We have pledges or was excluded from
often been reminded that these those pledges. Nevertheless, it
pledges have been fulfilled to was suggested that if there
the extent of nine-tenths, and were any doubt concerning that
that such fulfilment ought to be question, it should be referred
sufficient. Is that the standard to the International Court of
we wish to see established and Justice, whose advisory opinion
adhered to in international, should be requested so that the
national, and even private question might be settled, once
affairs? We have fulfilled these and for all, one way or the
pledges to the extent of nine- other, inasmuch as so far no
tenths and therefore, that independent and impartial
ought to be sufficient. If that is tribunal had been invited to
so, pause and consider whether express an opinion on that
faith will ever again be placed question. That suggestion was
in pledges, particularly in the not adopted.
pledges of the Western Powers.
Remember, nations of the West, What is the conclusion? That
that you may need friends those who entertain any doubt
tomorrow, that you may need concerning the matter are
allies in the Middle East. I beg of convinced what the reply of the
you not to ruin and blast your International Court of Justice
credit in those lands. would be.
It has been said that there is It was stated, particularly by

some doubt whether Palestine the representative of
was included in the pledges Czechoslovakia, that these
given to the Arabs. Throughout pledges were only promises,

that they were not international together; let them stand

agreements; the meaning was together and let both be
that a promise need not be fulfilled.
fulfilled whereas an interna-
tional agreement is binding. As far as the mandatory Power is
However, before an inter- concerned, one pledge has been
national agreement emerges, fulfilled: the Jewish national
particularly in the midst of an home has been established. The
emergency like a world war, we independence of Palestine as a
have to place faith in promises. whole should now be estab-
If no faith need be placed in lished. Again, it has been
promises, we shall never be argued: no, the Balfour
able to get promises or pledges Declaration meant something
accepted. more than this. Very good. If
there is a question of the
It is then said: but the Balfour legality of the scope of the
Declaration is also a pledge. Declaration, refer it to the
True, it is also a pledge, but International Court of Justice.
there is this point: either it can Sub-Committee 2 made that
stand with and be consistent proposal also. It has been
with the prior pledges or it is rejected.
not consistent with the prior
pledges. If it is not consistent Much emphasis has also been
with the prior pledges, then placed on the humanitarian
since the prior pledges occupy aspect of this question, an
the field, there is no more field aspect which is not denied. But
to be occupied by an from the humanitarian point of
inconsistent pledge; or else it is view, it is not only a question of
consistent with the prior Jewish refugees and displaced
pledges. In other words, the persons. Any person who is
Balfour Declaration meant the persecuted or discriminated
establishment of a Jewish against or unjustly or unfairly
national home in a free and used has the right to appro-
independent Palestine. Both priate redress. That is not
these pledges can stand denied.

What has Palestine done? What gentle means of persuading

is its contribution toward the them to co-operate in bolstering
solution of the humanitarian their feudal economy — a sort of
question as it affects Jewish medieval one-way lend-lease —
refugees and displaced persons? Arab Spain provided a shelter, a
Since the end of the First World refuge and a haven for the
War, Palestine has taken over Jews.
four hundred thousand Jewish
immigrants. Since the start of Today it is said: only the poor
the Jewish persecution in nazi persecuted European Jew is
Germany, Palestine has, taken without a home. True. And it is
almost three hundred thousand further said: why, then, let Arab
Jewish refugees. This does not Palestine provide him, as Arab
include illegal immigrants who Spain did, not only with a
could not be counted. shelter, a refuge, but also with a
State so that he shall rule over
One has observed that those the Arab. How generous! How
who talk of humanitarian humanitarian!
principles, and can afford to do
most, have done the least at The United Nations special
their own expense to alleviate Committee on Palestine, as we
this problem. But they are know, in recommendation VI1,
ready, indeed they are anxious one of the unanimous recom-
to be most generous at the mendations, urged that the
expense of the Arab. General Assembly take up this
question of refugees and
There have been few periods in displaced persons immediately,
history when members of the apart from the problem of
Jewish race have not been Palestine, in order to afford
persecuted in one part or relief to the persecuted Jew so
another of Europe. When that there should be an
English kings and barons alleviation of this humanitarian
indulged in the pastime of problem and an alleviation of
extracting the teeth of Jewish the Palestinian problem.
merchants and bankers as a

What has this great and august to these people. Shall they be
body done in that respect? Sub- distributed among the Member
Committee 2 made a recom- States according to the capacity
mendation and drew up a draft of the latter to receive them?
resolution on that basis Australia, an overpopulated
(resolution II, document small country with congested
A/AC.14/32). First, let those areas, says no, no, no; Canada,
Jewish refugees and displaced equally congested and over-
persons who can be repatriated populated, says no; the United
to their own countries be States, a great humanitarian
repatriated; secondly, those country, a small area, with small
who cannot be repatriated resources, says no. That is their
should be allotted to Member contribution to the human-
States in accordance with their itarian principle. But they state:
capacity to receive such let them go into Palestine,
refugees; and, thirdly, a com- where there are vast areas, a
mittee should be set up to large economy and no trouble;
determine quotas for that they can easily be taken in
purpose. there. That is the contribution
made by this august body to the
The resolution is put forward for settlement of the humanitarian
consideration. Shall they be principle involved.
repatriated to their own
countries? Australia says no; What is the position today, apart
Canada says no; the United from these other consid-
States says no. This was very erations? As soon as the
encouraging from one point of Mandate is laid down, this is the
view. Let these people, after situation that arises. I invite
their terrible experiences, even attention to paragraph 4 of
if they are willing to go back, Article 22 of the Covenant of
not be asked to go back to their the League of Nations, under
own countries. In this way, one which the Mandate was granted.
would be sure that the second I quote: "Certain communities
proposal would be adopted and formerly belonging to the
that we should all give shelter Turkish Empire have reached a

stage of development where through? In effect, the proposal

their existence as independent before the United Nations
nations can be provisionally General Assembly says that we
recognised, subject to the shall decide — not the people of
rendering of administrative Palestine, with no provision for
advice and assistance by a self-determination, no provision
mandatory until such time as for the consent of the governed
they are able to stand alone." — what type of independence
That is the paragraph that Palestine shall have. We shall
refers to Palestine. call Palestine independent and
sovereign, but Palestine shall
The mandatory Power says that belong to us and shall be, not
it will lay down the Mandate. the apple of our many and in
The United Nations Special different direction-looking eyes,
Committee on Palestine says but shall become the apple of
that the Mandate should be laid discord between East and West,
down. Everybody is agreed that lest, perchance, the unity which
in some shape or other Palestine our name so wistfully proclaims
should be independent. That may have a chance to establish
stage of rendering admin- itself.
istrative advice and assistance
having been concluded, the We shall first cut the body of
legal position is that Palestine, Palestine into three parts of a
whose provisional independence Jewish State and three parts of
has been recognised juridicially, an Arab State. We shall then
will be from that date indepen- have the Jaffa enclave; and
dent. That is the problem with Palestine's heart, Jerusalem,
which the United Nations has to shall forever be an international
deal. city. That is the beginning of the
shape Palestine shall have.
How is Palestine to be Having cut Palestine up in that
independent? What sort of inde- manner, we shall then put its
pendence? What is the solution bleeding body upon a cross
that we are invited to endorse forever. This is not going to be
and to attempt to carry temporary; this is permanent.

Palestine shall never belong to are in effect invited to amend

its people; it shall always be the Charter by your vote, and to
stretched upon the cross. write into it a new and a most
controversial chapter. Will you
What authority has the United take the responsibility? Where
Nations to do this? What legal in the Charter is there the
authority, what juridical authority to do what you are
authority has it to do this, to invited to do? Has the General
make an independent State for- Assembly the authority to do it?
ever subject to United Nations Has the Security Council the
administration? authority to do it? Are both
combined authorised to do it?
The representative of the
United States said that the What are you invited to do? You
problem is without precedent are invited first to set up a
meaning obviously that it was commission to exercise sover-
not visualised and therefore is eign authority over two
not provided for in our Charter. independent States. You are
But he feels that if thirty-eight invited to set up these States
States accept the partition and exercise authority over
scheme, that would almost them during the transitional
amount to law in and of itself. period — all the functions of
What is the significance of that government; legislative, execu-
observation made by the tive and administrative. To
representative of the United whom is the permanent
States to the Committee and sovereignty of these two States
then to the Press? Is that not a to belong? To the people of
confession that the scheme these two States? By no means.
lacks legal, juridical and The permanent sovereignty is to
constitutional authority, and be in the hands of a joint
that you are called upon not economic board. Is that board
only to accept the scheme as a to be a link between the two
scheme, but by your vote also States in the sense that nobody
to supply the juridical authority else will be concerned? Again,
that it lacks? In other words, you no. That board will be a council

of nine, in effect, ruling provision in the report of sub-

Palestine: three members from Committee 1 that after ten
the Arab State, three from the years this system might be
Jewish State, and three from revised; that if two-thirds of the
the United Nations. In every inhabitants of Jerusalem were
case, they will be managing to express a view, one way or
customs, currency, railways, another, that view shall also be
international airways, the given consideration. But that
development of water resources provision has been wiped out by
and water power, the devel- amendments. It was stated that
opment of agriculture and so we must make Jerusalem an
on. Without their contribution, international city forever, to be
neither State, it is admitted, administered by a governor to
will be viable; that is, neither be appointed by the United
State will be able to render Nations.
either its administrative ser-
vices or its social services, or to Is there any pretence even there
make any progress whatsoever, that it is going to be an
or to provide for its defence. independent city? No. Where is
Who will in effect be the the authority for it? So far as the
sovereign? The sovereign is the General Assembly is concerned,
Joint Economic Board. The Joint it is stated in Articles 11 and 14
Economic Board is constituted of the Charter. Article 11 states
of three Arabs, three Jews and that the General Assembly may
three United Nations repre- discuss and make recom-
sentatives. The United Nations mendations. Article 14 states
will permanently exercise that the General Assembly may
sovereignty in Palestine. Where take steps for the peaceful
is the authority for doing that? adjustment of disputes, obvi-
ously — between Member States.
Moreover, so far as Jerusalem is
concerned, an international city Where is the authority to do
is to be created to be what the General Assembly is
internationally administered — invited to do here? So far as the
again, forever. There was a Security Council is concerned,

Articles 34, 39 and 41 of the second place, the Members of

Charter were referred to. the Assembly are aware that the
Moreover, as the result of what Arabs of Palestine will not co-
is called the Danish amend- operate in setting up the Arab
ment, (document A/AC.14/43/ State. I am not talking of
Rev.1) Articles 39 and 41 have bloodshed; I am not talking of
now been incorporated in the violence. They will not co-
final resolution. But do they operate. How is the General
apply? The preamble of the Assembly, then, going to set up
resolution contained in the Arab State? How is it going to
document A/516, states, in set up the administrative ser-
effect, that if the situation so vices in the Arab State? How is it
demands, the Security Council, going to provide for the Arab
by taking measures under State's defence? How is it going
Articles 39 and 41 of the to provide for all the numerous
Charter, shall authorise the functions that a working govern-
United Nations Commission to ment has to carry out? Where
do what the Commission has has the General Assembly
been asked to do in this provided the authority for that?
scheme. I utterly fail to grasp Those questions have been put
the meaning of the statement repeatedly, but they have not
to the effect that, taking been dealt with. All that has
measures, under Articles 39 received attention is, the
and 41, shall authorise the problem of how are they to be
United Nations Commission to dealt with if the surrounding
do what the Commission has Arab States should create
been authorised to do. Where trouble.
do Articles 39 and 41 come in?
Articles 39 and 41 apply as That is not the problem about
between Member States. which I am worried. I am
hoping — as a matter of fact I
But the problem is this. In the am convinced — that the Arab
first place, where is the States, being Members of this
authority for the United Nations Organisation, will not do nor
to rule sovereign States? In the attempt to do anything which

would be contrary to the the United Nations to do all

obligations we have under- these things, and it was
taken under the Charter as submitted that this question
Members of this Organisation. ought to be referred to the
But how is the General International Court of Justice.
Assembly going to set up the Does the Charter authorise the
Arab State if the people say: doing of what is proposed here?
no, we are not co-operating? This matter was put to a vote in
Where are you going to get the the Ad Hoc Committee, and
services? Who is going in to reference to the International
keep order? These problems Court was rejected by twenty
were put, but where have they votes in favour to twenty-one
been provided for? against. Only twenty-one mem-
bers were even nominally
If force becomes necessary for satisfied, or professed to be
the purpose of setting up the satisfied, that somehow, some-
Arab State, where is it going to where, there must be authority
come from? Who is going to to do what we proposed to do.
contribute to it? Who is going Only twenty-one! Moreover, a
to provide it? From where will large majority of these
the administration come? From members voted as they did, not
where will the finances come? because they were really
This will be a continuing satisfied on the legal question,
situation which may become a but because they were anxious
festering sore in the inter- that some scheme or other for
national body. Forces and Palestine should be adopted
finances may be required in before the General Assembly
ever-increasing volume, as the adjourns. Even that is to be
experience of the mandatory brushed aside.
Power confirms. Why is the
United Kingdom, today, sick of Let us come to practical
the Mandate over Palestine? problems. What will be the
situation with regard to the
The question was raised of the viability of the two States? Take
legal or juridical authority of the Arab State. The United

Nations Special Committee on the belief that this is a fair

Palestine itself admitted that solution which will work if the
the Arab State by itself would Arab States co-operate and if
not be viable and, therefore, the people of Palestine, Jews as
provided for the joint economic well as Arabs, also co-operate.
board. I invited the attention of Let us examine the three
the Ad Hoc Committee to the considerations on the basis of
pronouncement of that emi- which it is urged that the
nent, highly intellectual and solution is fair.
highly respected Jew, Dr. Judah
Magnes, the President of the The first contention is this.
Hebrew University, for whom I There are 1,300,000 Arabs in
personally have the greatest Palestine and 650,000 Jews,
admiration and respect, and with room wanted for more —
who has stated, "Your economic and the problem has become
union without political union is insoluble. It is said: therefore,
a flop from the beginning and let us divide because it would
will never work. What a hope," be unjust and unfair that thirty-
he says, "that economic unity three per cent of the
could be brought about without population (which is the Jewish
political unity!" If the Arabs will population of Palestine today)
not co-operate, as they will should occupy a minority status
not, even the Jewish State will in a unitary State. Let us have a
not be viable. It will be under a fair solution, the Arabs to have
great and continual strain, their State and the Jews to
financial as well as economic, have theirs.
and extending also to the field
of personnel. How are you going The boundaries were drawn
to make it viable? Again, who is accordingly. The Arab State will
going to provide, and continue be an Arab State in the sense
to provide the finances? that there will be only 10,000
Jews in it and almost 1,000,000
Let us come to the question of Arabs. Very well, but what of
the fairness of the solution, the Jewish State? In the Jewish
since everybody has professed State there will be 498,000 Jews

and 435,000 Arabs. Have you receive 84 per cent while two-
solved the problem? Jews are thirds receive 16 per cent.
not to live as a minority under
the Arabs, but the Arabs are to The United Nations Special
live as a minority under the Committee itself has observed
Jews. If one of these is not fair that the largest export from
then neither is the other; and if Palestine is citrus produce, and
one is not a solution, the other that it is owned almost half and
is not. half by Arab and Jew, and that
the citrus area will be almost
Let us now consider the entirely in the Jewish State.
boundaries for a moment. How How fair is that? Palestine
about the area? Jews constitute produces only 50 percent of the
33 per cent of the population cereals it requires, and the rest
and Arabs 67 per cent but 60 has to be imported. Eighty per
per cent of the area of cent of the cereal-producing
Palestine is to go to the Jewish area is in the Jewish State, and
State. Moreover, what is the only 20 per cent in the Arab
character of the area, State.
excluding for the moment the
desert waste to which I shall Moreover, there is the question
refer later? Of the cultivable of scope for development. Look
area of Palestine the plains, by at the map. Where is there
and large, go to the Jewish scope for development in the
State, the hills to the Arabs. Arab State? We were told by one
There was a document cir- representative: Oh, in the hills
culated to members of the you can grow a lot of olives.
Committees by the United Admittedly, you can increase
Kingdom representative show- the production of olives in the
ing that, of the irrigated hills; but on the average olives
cultivable areas, 84 per cent take twenty-five years to come
would be in the Jewish State to full yield.
and 16 per cent in the Arab
State. A very fair division for What about ordinary agri-
one-third of the population to culture? In the Negeb, as was

pointed out in the Committee, gives it access to the Red Sea.

there are two million dunams of At one time — in connection
land cultivated by Arab with its recently proposed
Bedouins whenever the scanty scheme which was not accepted
rainfall there permits. Ninety- — the mandatory Power was
nine per cent of that area is anxious to retain that area.
being allotted to the Jewish However, the mandatory Power
State. In that area, 15 per cent said frankly that its reason was
of the land is owned by private that possession of that area
owners. Of the 15 per cent, 14 would provide access to the
per cent is owned by Arabs and Gulf of Aqaba, which was
one per cent is owned by Jews. strategically important for its
The whole of it is to go into the purposes. Is that area
Jewish State. There is an Arab strategically important to the
population of one hundred and Jewish State? That cannot be
some odd thousand, and a the case. So far as access to the
Jewish population of only two sea is concerned, the Jewish
thousand. The whole of it is to State will be on the
go into the Jewish State. Mediterranean itself. Why go
through this desert to the Gulf
Take the area farther south. It is of Aqaba? To whom is it
admitted on all sides that that strategically important? This
extreme triangle is uncultivable area is to be retained in the
waste, burning desert. I Jewish State for some other
understand, although my purpose, because no reason has
information may not be correct, been disclosed for including it in
that the representative of the the Jewish State.
United States in Sub-Committee
1 raised the question of why it Consider the situation in regard
was proposed to allot this area to industry. Practically the
to the Jewish State. No reason whole of Jewish industry is
has been given. However, there within the Jewish State. After I
is a reason if one looks at the had pointed this out in the
map: it takes the Jewish State Committee, one representative
down to the Gulf of Aqaba and said: "Oh, objection is being

taken to having Jewish industry predominantly Arab. Why should

within the Jewish State! But Jaffa be an enclave?
that is where it ought to be." Of
course, that is where it ought to An amendment was proposed in
be. I have not said that it should regard to the boundaries. It was
not be there. I said that it was suggested that, if there must be
perfectly correct perfectly just, partition, at least fair bound-
perfectly fair. As against that, aries should be drawn. The
however, what about Arab amendment proposed that
industry? Forty per cent of Arab proper boundaries should be
industry is in the Jewish State. recommended by a commission
Is that fair? composed of three boundary
experts to be appointed by the
It will be said, and it has been Security Council; and that they
said, that a great concession has should ensure that inside the
been made to the Arabs in Arab State there should not be
regard to Jaffa. What is the more Jewish-owned land than
concession? The predominantly would constitute ten per cent of
Arab city of Jaffa has been cut the privately-owned land in that
out as an enclave to be included State, and that in the Jewish
in the Arab State. Why as an State there should not be a
enclave? The map included in greater area of Arab-owned
the minority report of the land than would constitute ten
Special Committee2 shows that, per cent of the privately-owned
through Arab areas, it could be land in that State. That would
connected with the southern have been quite fair, but the
portion of the Arab State. The proposal obtained almost no
map included in the majority support outside the Arab States.
report shows that, through
predominantly Arab areas, it We now come to the question of
could be part of the Arab State whether the plan is workable, in
toward the east. Why is it to be general. As I have said, the
an enclave? The lands between representative of the United
Jaffa and the Arab State to the States has expressed the hope
east and to the south are that, given the support of the

surrounding Arab States and of Let us pause and consider

the people of Palestine, the before we launch the United
scheme might work. The Nations upon a course which
surrounding Arab States will commits it to carrying through
certainly not support the a scheme which lacks moral
experiment; all that can be justification, is beyond the
expected of them is that, as legal and juridical authority of
States, they will do nothing the United Nations, and is
which is contrary to their impossible of achievement. In
obligations under the Charter. making this futile, this fatal
attempt, you set at nought the
But the Arabs of Palestine have wishes of sixty-six per cent of
declared that they are not the people of Palestine. You
going to co-operate. And the destroy the faith and trust of
members of the Assembly must all the surrounding and
remember that this plan is not neighbouring States in the
an experiment. It is not like the fairness and impartiality of the
experiment regarding the United Nations, particularly
Interim Committee which was having regard to what has been
set up for a year. If that fails, it happening during the last three
can be scrapped and the or four days - all the
General Assembly can then manoeuvres, even with regard
adopt another scheme. On the to the meetings of the General
contrary, this plan is proposed Assembly, that great and
as a permanent solution. If it honourable nations are
fails, the United Nations has descending to.
failed. It is a permanent system,
and it pledges the credit, the In the hearts of the populations
honour, and indeed the very of all the countries from the
existence of the United Nations. North African Atlantic Coast to
Therefore, we had better give the steppes of Central Asia, you
heed at this stage to what we sow doubt and mistrust of the
are going to lend ourselves to. Is designs and motives of the
the General Assembly prepared Western Powers. You take the
to make the gamble? gravest risk of impairing,

beyond the possibility of repair, possible chance of being

any chance of real co-operation successfully worked out?
between East and West, by thus
forcibly driving what in effect There was the minority report.
amounts to a Western wedge There were other suggestions -
into the heart of the Middle and there can be other
East. suggestions, if statesmanship is
not entirely bankrupt — which
How has the United Nations could have been committed to
discharged its responsibility the consideration of a third
with reference to this very body. A large number of
difficult, very live and very delegations did not support
human problem? either the unitary idea or the
partition idea. Why was their
There were two proposals, and talent not utilised to find some
they have been described as solution, some middle way?
extreme proposals. One was for
a unitary State and the other Sub-Committee 2, when it
for partition. Two Sub- began to work, found itself
Committees were set up. One composed of Members who had
supported the unitary scheme taken one view. The repre-
with the responsibility of sentative of Colombia, who in
drafting a proposal on that the meantime had been elected
basis; and the other was the Chairman of the Sub-
composed of Members in favour Committee, felt very uncom-
of partition, with the respon- fortable because of the
sibility of drafting a proposal situation. He suggested that we
on that basis. Has the United approach the Chairman of the
Nations made any effort to Ad Hoc Committee on the
bring the Arab and the Jew Palestinian Question and
together, to find a middle way request him to nominate to Sub-
which might provide a solution Committee 2 certain States
on which both peoples might other than Colombia who were
combine to work — the only not committed to the idea of a
solution that could have any unitary State, who could take

the middle view, and who could whole is, at least, not happy to
try to bring about a solution commit itself to this so-called
that might be acceptable. solution.
This was submitted to the It is said that if partition is not

Chairman of the Ad Hoc accepted, there will be no room
Committee and he was informed left for a solution. On the
that two of the Arab States contrary, if partition is accepted
were willing, indeed were the fatal step will have been
anxious, to step down from the taken. The Arabs and the Jews
Sub-Committee so that it might will have been set by the ears
be reconstituted on that basis. and never again will there be a
But that suggestion was chance of bringing them
rejected; the Chairman did not together. Far too many unfin-
see his way clear to accede to ished vendettas will then bar
the request. The only attempt the way. If you delay and do not
that was made in that direction take the fatal step, you still
was rejected. leave open to the Arabs and the
Jews the chance of a
Now we are told: you must conciliatory solution through
accept either partition or which they combine and work.
nothing. But is that so? Is that It is not that if you do not take
the only choice? How much a final decision today, your
genuine support has the scheme jurisdiction to decide anything
of partition received? In the Ad is barred. It means that neither
Hoc Committee, it received the of these two solutions is
support of twenty-five dele- acceptable and that something
gations. Some of these twenty- else must be found. The respon-
five delegations said they sibility remains with you. Do not
supported the partition plan throw away that chance. Do not
with a heavy heart; others said close a door that may not be
they supported it with reluc- opened again. The United
tance. Why? Because there is Nations must find a solution
nothing else. This shows that which is not only just and fair,
the General Assembly as a but which has the best chance

for success as regards the Jews, Arabs, and Gentiles alike,

largest number of Jews and and shall redound to His Glory
Arabs in Palestine. forever.
Our vote today, if it does not Sir Mohammed Zafrullah Khan

endorse partition, does not rule continued his remarks in Arabic.
out other solutions. Our vote, if (Translated from Arabic):
it endorses partition, bars all
peaceful solution. Let him who Our last cry is: All praise is due
will, shoulder that to God, the Lord of all the
responsibility. My appeal to you Universes.
is: do not shut out that po-
ssibility. The United Nations
should seek and strive to unite (Reproduced from origianl text)
and bring together rather than
to divide and put asunder.
The representative of the A very happy

United States made reference
to the prayer and the wish that NEW YEAR
I expressed at the end of my
statement to the Ad Hoc to all our
Committee. I again utter it
humbly, sincerely, and earnest-
readers
ly: May He who controls all
hearts and knows their
innermost thoughts and designs, Wishing you all
Who alone can appraise the true peace, spiritual
value and foresees the conse-
quences of all human action, in guidance and
His Grace and Mercy so guide blessings
our judgement that what we
decide here today shall promote throughout the year
and foster the peace, prosperity
and welfare of all His creatures,

Reformation – Part II
Presented below, in translation, is the second part of the address delivered
on 26 December 1903 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the
Promised Messiah and Mahdi (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The Urdu text of the speech is taken from Malfoozat, Volume 6, PP.240-
245. Malfoozat is the title of the ten volumes that contain the collection of
discourses, speeches and addresses
of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as)
of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and
Mahdi (peace and blessings of Allah
be upon him).
(Translated by Amatul Hadi Ahmad)
[Translator’s Note: All refer-

ences to the verses of the Holy
Qur’an are given in Arabic as
they occur in the text. The
English translation, presented in
Italics, is taken from the
translation of the Holy Qur’an
by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Sahib(ra). Where the Promised
Muslim Community was Hadhrat Messiah(as) has expressed a
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) certain interpretation of the
In 1891, Hadhrat Mirza Ahmad Arabic verse, this is
claimed, on the basis of Divine
incorporated in the main body
revelation, that he was the
Promised Messiah and Mahdi of the text].
whose advent had been foretold
by Muhammad the Holy Prophet (Continuation…….)
of Islam (peace be upon him) and
by the scriptures of other faiths. Salat [performed by a Muslim]
His claim constitutes the basis of can only be considered to be a
the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
true Salat when there is a true
Muslim Community.
and pure relationship with God—

when one becomes so immersed true belief [in God] there are
in the pleasure and obedience of manifested many signs of such a
God that one gives precedence state. The distinguishing signs
to faith over all worldly matters, of true believers as described in
to the extent of being prepared the Holy Qur’an are all to be
to sacrifice even one’s life in the found in the people who are
path of God. It is only when such true believers. Among such
a state is inculcated within a distinguishing signs is the great
person that his Salat can be sign of becoming distanced from
considered to be sincere and the material world. Just as a
true. Until such a truthful state snake comes out of its old skin,
develops within a person and so when a person ‘tramples’ the
until he manifests [signs of] a material world under foot and
true and sincere loyalty, his becomes separated from it and
Salat and other deeds are ‘comes out’ of the ‘covering’ of
without any effect. his self-importance and selfish
desires. Such a person becomes
There are many people who are a believer and there are to be
considered to be believers and found in him signs of complete
to be truthful but in the faith. Hence, God Almighty
heavens they are considered to states:
be non-believers. A true
believer who is truthful in every
way is he who is considered to
be a truthful person in the
heavens even if it is the case
that such a person is considered
to be a Kafir or a non-believer
by the world. However, Verily, Allah is with those
attaining such a state of true who are righteous and those
belief and complete truth- who do good.
fulness and manifesting signs of (Ch.16, V.129)
total and sincere loyalty to God
is a difficult task indeed. It is That is, without doubt, God is
the case that when a person with those who adopt Taqwah,
acquires a deeply sincere and that is, righteousness and with

those who do even greater

deeds than Taqwah, that is they
are beneficent [being eager to
do good and serve mankind].
The meaning of Taqwah is to

abstain from wrongdoing in such
a manner that even the very Verily, Allah is with those
fine lines around it are not who are righteous and those
crossed. Remember, however, who do good.
that goodness is not that a (Ch.16, V.129)
person should consider himself
to be ‘good’ because he has not That is, God is with those who
usurped another’s rights or abstain from bad acts and also
stolen another person’s pro- do good deeds. Remember this
perty or that he has abstained point well that the mere
from adultery. A truly righteous abstention from bad deeds is
person would find such a not in itself worthy of being
description of ‘goodness’ to be considered an outstanding act
laughable because if a person unless there are also present
committed any of the above good deeds. There are many
deeds, he would face who have never committed
punishment [by society]. Hence, adultery or murder, nor
such acts are not acts of indulged in theft or robbery, but
goodness of a kind that would despite all this they do not
find appreciation by those who perform any acts manifesting
have true knowledge of God. On true loyalty to God nor do they
the contrary, a truly good deed serve mankind in any way. Such
is one where a person is of people, therefore, have not
service to mankind and mani- performed any good deeds at
fests complete loyalty and all. It would be an ignorant
truthfulness in the path of God, person indeed who would
being prepared to give up even present such things and
his life in this path. That is why enumerate such people among
it has been stated (in the Holy the righteous because such acts
Qur’an): [as theft, murder and adultery

are generally accepted to be There are three types of the self

bad and] constitute evil [or soul]: Nafse-Ammarah,
behaviour. It is the case that Nafse-Lawwama and Nafse-
merely abstaining from these Mutmainnah, [that is, the ‘self
will not lead a person to enter that incites to evil’, the ‘self-
the fold of those who are the accusing spirit’ and the ‘spirit at
‘friends of God’. It is the rest’]. There is yet another type
practice of God that those who of self and that is Nafse-
indulge in evil behaviour, those Zakiyyah [the ‘naturally pure
who steal, who are dishonest self’] but this exists in the state
and those who take bribes, all of childhood when the concept
such people will meet their of sin does not apply. Hence,
punishment in this very world— apart from the Nafse-Zakiyyah,
such a one does not die until he there have been mentioned only
has received his punishment. the three types of the ‘self’
Remember, therefore, that the which are applicable in
mere abstention from major ills adulthood. Nafse- Ammarah is
does not constitute goodness. that state when a person is slave
to the self and Satan and follows
Taqwah [righteousness] is a the desires of the self. Whatever
lower stage. Its example is like the self commands, the person
the container that is cleaned obeys just as a slave is eager to
thoroughly in order that the fulfil the commands of its
best kind of food may be placed master. If it commands him to
within it. If, however, it were commit murder, he murders; if it
the case that the container is commands him to commit
cleaned thoroughly but no food adultery, he commits adultery;
is in fact placed within, would if it commands him to commit
this satisfy one’s hunger? theft, he steals and robs. In
Certainly not! The same applies short, whatever is commanded
in the case of Taqwah. What is by the self, he is ready to fulfil.
Taqwah? It is merely that which Whatever evil deeds or bad acts
cleanses the vessel that he is asked to perform, he
contains Nafse-Ammarah, [that performs these. This is the state
is ‘the self that incites to evil’]. of Nafse-Ammarah, the ‘self
that incites to evil’.

After the state of Nafse- some coins lying in his path, he

Ammarah comes the state of will rush to pick them up and
Nafse-Lawwama or the ‘self will not consider whether he has
accusing spirit’. This is the a right to take them or not. This
condition in which a person is is not, however, the case with a
not yet completely free of sin person under the rule of the
but he blames and accuses self-accusing spirit, or Nafse-
himself and is occupied in the Lawwamah – such a person is in
effort of trying and finding ways a state of war in which
and means of ridding himself of sometimes he is victorious and
sin. Those who are in this state, at other times the self. There is
that is, in the state of Nafse- not yet complete victory which
Lawwamma, are in a state of is the condition of the third
battle as they are continually state, Nafse-Mutmainnah. In
fighting a war with Satan and this state there is an end to all
with their own self. Sometimes battles and there is a complete
it happens that they win and victory hence the name Nafse-
sometimes the self [that incites Mutmainnah which means the
to evil] – at times the self achievement of complete satis-
overpowers and at other times faction and peace. At this stage
they overpower the self and a person acquires a true belief
subdue it. Such people progress in God and he believes in the
further than those in the state existence of God with complete
of Nafse-Ammarah. There is no certainty. The state of Nafse-
difference between Nafse- Mutmainnah brings with it
Ammarah and other beasts. Just strength of belief that has
as a dog or a cat falls upon a reached its ultimate limits
container if it is without cover, because complete satisfaction
unaware of the fact as to and assurance is only granted
whether they have a right to it when there is a complete belief
or not, so a person who is in God.
enslaved by the self that incites
to evil indulges in whatever evil Understand this certainty that
he has the opportunity to the real root of all piety and all
commit and he is ever ready to goodness is the belief in God.
do so. If, for example, he finds The weaker the belief in God,

the weaker will be the yet he does not see because he

performance of good deeds – is without the ‘sight of sin’. He
there will be found sluggishness possesses ears yet he is ‘deaf’
in carrying out acts of goodness. and he cannot hear that which
However, when the belief in is sinful. Similarly, a death
God is strong and a person comes over all the capacities
believes with complete cer- that are capable of committing
tainty in all the perfect sin and he becomes like a
attributes of God, a strange ‘dead’ person, moving only
kind of change comes over the under the will of God, not
actions of such a person. The taking a single step that may go
one who truly believes in God against God’s will. This is the
cannot be capable of com- state when one has a true belief
mitting sins because this belief in God and the result is that he
severs the sinful capacity of the is granted a state of complete
self and it cuts off the ‘limbs’ of satisfaction and peace. This
the capacity of sin. Would a indeed is the state that should
person who has lost his eyes be be the true objective of a
able to cast a lustful glance— human being and it is this that
would such a person have the our Community needs to
capacity to commit sins achieve. The attainment of
associated with eyes? Similarly, complete satisfaction and peace
if the hands of a person were to requires complete and total
be severed, how would such a belief in God. Hence, the first
person commit any sins obligation of our Community is
associated with this limb? The to attain a true belief in God
person who is in the state of Almighty.
Nafse-Mutmainnah finds himself
in exactly the same situation [in
that he is spiritually rendered (To be continued)
incapable of committing sins].
The Nafse-Mutmainnah makes
him ‘blind’ in such a way that
his eyes no longer have the
capacity to commit any sins
associated with eyes—he sees

Spiritual
Guidance
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the
Fourth Head of the Ahmadiyya
Movement in Islam offers to people
of all nationalities, faiths and beliefs
the opportunity of raising questions
and issues that are of interest to
them. Presented below is a
compilation of answers to questions raised in London on 19 April 1998, in
West Ferry, Australia on 30 September 1983, and in London on 18 April
1999, respectively.
Prepared by Amatul Hadi Ahmad
words that others failed to

QUESTIONER
understand. The Holy Prophet(sa)
What is the Ahmadiyya of Islam also understood the
view on Sufism? cryptic messages contained in
the Holy Qur’an and he explained
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad: these to us. Another point to
Sufism is good but it depends on note here is that when the Holy
its sincerity. First, however, we Prophet Muhammad (sa) practised
need to address the question as Islam, his Salat [worship] was in
to what is the meaning of the fact the only thing that others
term ‘Sufism’. If Sufism means a could see in form — what was
deeper and more profound passing within his heart was
understanding of God’s Will as inconceivable by other people. It
expressed in His Books, then I was not invisible but incon-
believe in Sufism, as did all the ceivable because it all depends
Prophets of God. Jesus Christ(as) on a person’s inner feeling and
believed in ‘Sufism’ in the sense inner depth as to what he
that he understood the cryptic actually feels about something.
message contained in the form of Hence, while he stood per-

Spiritual Guidance
forming the Salat before Allah, God’, was their answer so Salat
his understanding of Allah’s was no longer considered by such
attributes, his love expressed in people to be a requirement. Such
terms which perhaps we do not was the nature of the argument.
even understand — the manner in There was one thing, however,
which he worshipped God, the that they forgot in the process.
way he loved God, the way he They forgot that the Holy
lost himself in Him, are all Prophet Muhammad (sa), the
aspects that were concealed founder of Islam, loved Islam far
from the world’s eye and this is more than they did. He loved
true Sufism. If ‘Sufism’ is not this God far more than they did and
then I do not believe in Sufism. he never abandoned the form. It
would be a stupid child who loves
Sufism was, in fact, a movement drink but hates the pot that
that waged war against the so- carries the drink.
called believers, that is the
Mullahs who adhered strictly to
QUESTIONER
the formality of Islam. There was
a time in the history of Islam Why is it essential for
when some people thought that human beings to have the
such a rigid interpretation of help of Prophets and why
Islam that was being imposed do Prophets have certain
upon them was only a form that names and denominations
was without any pith, without attached to them?
any spirit. As a result, the
pendulum swung in the other Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad:
direction and, consequently, The question raises the issue that
there was an over emphasis on if a Prophet is born amongst the
the ‘spirit’ relative to the form Muslims, why should Christians
and the ‘utensils’ that contained change their religion to accept
the spirit were thrown away. The that message? The same is true
formal worship [that is Salat] was of Hindus, of Confucianists, of
done away with as people began Zoroastrians and of so many
to question the purpose of such others. Why should man be put to
worship. Was the purpose, they such trial not only to change his
asked, ‘to love God, to know way of life but also to change the
God’? ‘We love God, we know name of the religion in which he

Spiritual Guidance
is born. This, in fact, is the Prophethood. This is how,

fundamental obstruction in the according to the philosophy of
way of acceptance of other Islam, God chooses His mes-
Prophets. However, the question sengers.
is automatically resolved if the
way in which the Holy Qur’an The second part is that whatever
explains the office of name He gives to a religion, it is
Prophethood is understood. just a transient thing. What is
important for man is, whether
According to the Holy Qur’an, someone has been sent by his
the theory of Prophethood is that Creator or not. That is the only
God always makes Himself known thing which man should judge. If
by manifesting Himself through he worries about labels, then he
the agency of those whom He is dictating to his Lord. He
chooses to speak to and He attaches a condition to God and
chooses only such people who are says that whoever comes must
well suited to serve His cause. have this label with him or he
For example, in a society in would not, for instance, accept
which most people are not Christ if he came with a different
truthful — even if they do not lie label. So the Muslims, naturally,
directly but imagine things and would not believe in a Prophet
exaggerate — if God chooses a from among the Christians. They
person who is given to these would say that the name of the
vices, consciously or uncon- religion that is true is Islam and
sciously, what would be the so they will only accept God’s
result? Would God not be messengers under the condition
misrepresented to the people? If that He sends them with the
He chooses someone who is weak label of their choosing and not
of heart and who cannot go any other label. This means that
through the stress of opposition, people are dictating terms to
will he not lose the message half God. All that God is interested in
way? God, therefore, has to be is His wish to see loyalty towards
selective. He has to select only Him with no other loyalty
such a person who is most highly standing in the way. That is the
capable, mentally as well as in only test He puts mankind
the quality of heart, to be through and whenever He sends a
perfectly suited to the office of Messenger, man is always put to

Spiritual Guidance
the same test. Some adhere to and majority — when he thinks

the religion of the people among that he does not stand in need of
whom they are born. They say any outside help or any
how can we accept such and such supernatural interference. Only
a person when he has come from then does God send Prophets to
a different country, from a cut man back to size with the
different race, from amongst a message that either he turns
different people and in the name back to his Lord and submits to
of a different religion when we Him or else be destroyed as a
were expecting somebody to civilization and that is exactly
come from within our own what has happened in previous
religion. These are the hin- times.
drances created in the way of
man’s acceptance of the truth. There is a fallacy from which the
Consequently, only those people present day man is suffering. We
accept the message whose consider that we are the most
loyalties lie with their Creator advanced people on earth and
alone and not with some man belonging to previous
denomination or name of a generations was backward. Since
religion. This is why we are duty he was not mature, he could not
bound to seek out a Prophet see things as wisely as we can
wherever he comes. But why is and could not make choices
this so? because he was so far behind in
history. This fallacy from which
The reason why we need man suffers is entirely wrong if
Prophets is that Prophets come one looks at the march of
only during an age that has humanity and take a cross
becomes distorted. They appear section at any stage in history.
at a time when mankind as a Wherever one may takes a cross-
whole, but with a few excep- section, the man of that age
tions, has gone astray. When man would be the most advanced. He
has turned his back to his Lord would be going through the same
and begun to feel the pride of psychological complex of supe-
knowledge. When he considers riority because to him you are
himself not dependent on any not visible. To the man of
outward source and believes previous ages, the only visible
himself to have gained adulthood trace is of the man behind him.

Spiritual Guidance
This is the situation whether he beautifully put it, in a way, one

is of 4000 years or of 6000 years cannot be closer to God because
ago. He has the same haughty He is unlimited in His powers and
attitude and thinks that he is at His attributes. So the ratio
the summit of things — the first which, according to Einstein, a
in the procession of mature knowledgeable or a wise person
manhood. He thinks he belongs has with his Creator, is
to people who have attained mathematically the same ratio as
maturity in terms of human an ignorant person will have with
thought and so he is free. his Creator because man is zero
According to the Holy Qur'an, the as compared to the infinity of
same question was raised by God. So the relationship will
Pharaoh some 3000 years ago. remain always unchanged.
Why do we need a God or Moses? However, much progress one may
Are we not adult enough? We make in this age with respect to
know what is wrong and what is your Creator and His wisdom,
right. We alone are our gods and one remains ignorant and an
we don’t need any other god. ignorant person always stands in
Exactly the same question was need of guidance from a wiser
raised by people before the being. That relationship cannot
Pharaohs, by the people of Noah, be changed.
and yet others before them. So,
this is a question that has been
QUESTIONER
asked again and again. However,
if we accept that man needs an So much evil is going on
outside agency, that is, a and is allowed to continue
Messenger of God to guide him, against the forces of good,
he needs it today as much as he justice and humanity. Will
needed it in the past. there be a time in the
future that the forces of
The second aspect from which evil will be stopped or
we should look at this very eradicated forever?
important philosophical question
is this that however advanced Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad:
man is, in relation to his Creator, That is, in fact, impossible. The
he stands at the same place of fight between the forces of evil
ignorance. As Einstein once and the forces of goodness will

Spiritual Guidance
continue forever. At times you number did not even matter. The
will find goodness more people were destroyed almost as
dominant against evil and at a whole and Allah did not care
times you will, unfortunately, for them as He did not create
find evil becoming more domi- mankind for the sake of evil. If
nant. Sadly, the time we are God has done this before, He will
presently passing through is surely do it again should evil
when evil seems to be dominant prevail. If mankind as a whole is
all over the world. However, I am rejected ultimately, having fallen
quite sure that in the longer run, back to its evil ways then Allah
as God’s will be done, evil will be will wipe out the whole of
totally defeated, at least once. mankind from the face of the
When this purpose is achieved, earth and a new creation will
should mankind then gradually come into being that will behave
return to evil ways, then Allah better than the previous creation
will not care for them and, — that is mankind.
according to the Holy Qur'an, a
time will come when evil will
ultimately dominate once again.
At that time mankind will be
wiped out from the face of the
earth and a new form of
existence will come into being
that will displace mankind. This
view is based on many verses of
the Holy Qur'an. There is not
enough time now to give all the
references from the Holy Qur'an.
However, in principle, one can
understand this point with
reference to Noah. What
happened in the time of Noah
was that evil had dominated and
very few true divine people were
left on earth. For the sake of
Truth, Allah destroyed a number
that was overwhelming — the

Christianity Uncovered –
Discoveries of the Last Hundred Years
Since the publication of the Review of Religions in 1902 and the advent of
the Promised Messiah (as) at the end of the 19th century when he declared
part of his mission to be to uncover the truth behind Christianity and the
great prophet Jesus(as), there have been numerous discoveries in the last
hundred years to vindicate his claims and shed new light on the origins of
Christianity. This article chronicles and summarises those new findings,
and their impact on our understanding of the faith. It points the readers to
other articles published in the Review of Religions which cover the
subjects in greater detail.
By Fazal Ahmad – UK
A century ago when this claims. Let us now examine a

magazine was first launched, few of these discoveries which
views on Christianity were have opened up new avenues
considered to be on solid of research into Christianity.
ground, and to have emanated
from the origins of the religion Turin Shroud
almost two thousand years The Turin Shroud was a well
ago. However, in the years to known cloth thought to have
come, a number of new dis- been the shroud covering
coveries were to shatter some Jesus(as) in his tomb after the
myths, and to cast doubt upon crucifixion. It had been held in
the pillars of the modern Turin, Italy for hundreds of
religion. The Review of years, and periodically, pil-
Religions has also shown how grims would visit the city to
these discoveries have come to view the shroud. In 1898, the
light from God at the city decided to again display
appropriate time to justify the the Shroud to commemorate
claims made by the Promised 50 years of the new Italian
Messiah(as), and even science constitution and hesitatingly,
has further backed up these agreed to allow the cloth to be

Christianity Uncovered
developing the plate himself,

he became satisfied as the
image of the cloth began to
emerge. But to his aston-
ishment, the image that
emerged on the negative was
not the usual mask that
visitors saw, but rather a real
face! This is the image which is
now so well known worldwide.
Before the advent of
photography, it would have
been impossible to see this
image, as it only appeared on
the negative image.
Since then, the Church author-

ities have been under pressure
Shroud Image on the negative as research has shown that if
© 1978 Barrie M. Schwortz
the cloth were the actual
photographed for the first shroud of Jesus(as), then traces
time. of blood would suggest that he
was not dead when taken
Secondo Pia, Mayor of the down from the Cross.
town of Asti and a well-known
amateur photographer was In a series of experiments in
chosen for the task. His first 1988, scientists commissioned
attempt on the 25th May was by the Vatican thought that
aborted because his lighting they had managed to convince
failed. His second and last the world that the cloth was a
chance was on the 28th May. medieaval fake, so removing
He coated a glass plate and this threat. However more
then managed to expose it to recent research suggests that
the cloth for 14 minutes. While the experiments were flawed,

or possibly even falsified, and

that those theories of how a
negative image could have
been manufactured hundreds
of years ago are absurd. Some
recent theories have even tried
to suggest and justify that
Leonardo da Vinci forged the
image. The debate rages on.
[See the Review of Religions
from July 1997 for a more
Tomb of Jesus (as) in Srinagar,
detailed analysis]. Kashmir
Tomb in Srinagar scattered in eastern lands

The Promised Messiah(as) had following waves of slavery
been Divinely Guided through under the Persians. Jesus (as)
revelations to the concept of therefore intended also to
the survival of Jesus(as) from the preach to the Jews in Iraq,
crucifixion and the conclusion Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and
that his eventual resting place ultimately to India. Had he
was in India. This formed the stayed in Palestine, Jesus(as)
core of his book Jesus in India could only have conveyed his
which resulted in widespread message to the remaining
interest ever since. His beliefs Hebrew tribes, and not to all
were at odds with the of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
commonly held views of the
orthodox Christians and With time, many scholars
Muslims of the time. including the Germans Kersten
and Gruber have followed his
He showed how the great lead and have also been drawn
Prophet had a wider mission to the ancient tomb of the
than just to the lost sheep of prophet prince Yuz Asaph in
Israel the Jews of Palestine as Khanyar Street in the Kashmiri
most of the Jewish tribes had capital of Srinagar. A World

Findings of New Testament

Fragments
Over the years, it has been the
major discoveries such as the
Dead Sea Scrolls which were to
hit the headlines, but there
were several other discoveries
which are also proving
extremely significant.
One such discovery was the

Oxyrhinchus Papyrus discov-
ered in Egypt in 1897. It
contained some unknown
verses of Christian nature
Conference Programme from 1978
(they appeared to be sayings
Conference on the of Jesus(as)) which remained
‘Deliverance of Jesus from the unidentified until the later
Cross’ held in London in 1978 discovery at Nag Hammadi at
ignited further debate amongst which point they were
these scholars. It attracted identified as verses from the
outside scholars such as Gospel of Thomas.
Andreas Faber-Kaiser, Dr
Ladisjav Filip and Professor In 1958, Dr Morton Smith
Hassnain amongst others. discovered a Secret Gospel at
Mar Saba in Palestine which he
Research has shown such attributed to Mark.
similarities between Yuz Asaph
and the Jewish Messiah that at In the century before the
the very least, it warrants Review began, Tischendorf had
more serious research by world discovered the oldest com-
scholarship. We shall see what plete Bible text from the 4th
happens on this subject in the century at St Catherine’s
coming century. Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, and

this is known as the Codex Judaism and the hope for the
Sinaiticus. Examination over arrival of their Messiah, it is
the last century revealed some not certain whether these
startling facts about the documents belong to
difference between modern mainstream Jews or sects such
Bibles and the Sinaiticus. as Essenes and Ebionites, or
There are sections of the Bible may even be the earliest
such as the ending of the documents of the early
Gospel of Mark (the account of Jewish-Christians. The discov-
the Resurrection) which are ery has ignited debate around
not in the older Bibles, and the subject. Scholars have
even the references to started to remember that
Ascension could not be found Christians were originally Jews
[see Review of Religions of and therefore that the two
8/1994 for details]. traditions share the same root.
Dead Sea Scrolls A more detailed analysis of the

In 1947, a bedouin in the scrolls has unearthed an
Judaean desert near the Dead account of a Teacher of
Sea came across a cave with Righteousness who was trying
ancient scrolls hidden in to bring Jews back to God, and
earthen jars. More scrolls were a Wicked Priest who betrayed
discovered in the years to 1956 him and led people astray. To
across 11 caves. Prior to the this day, scholars argue over
appreciation of the signif- the identity of these characters
icance of these scrolls, many with candidates being Jesus(as),
attempts had been made to James (described as his
sell them as relics. In the fifty brother), Paul, John the Baptist
years since, scholars have or even the earlier Jewish
tried to translate and under- Hasmonean priests.
stand the scrolls. Much more is
known about them now, but The Review of Religions has
the fact remains that although contributed to the argument
they are clearly related to to such an extent that some of

the leading scholars such as such verses would refer to the

Eisenman have been drawn to Catacombs of Rome. However
discussion and debate with these were largely under-
Ahmadi scholars [see issues of ground cemeteries.
11/1995, 4/1997 and 8-
10/1997 for details]. The Review of Religions has in
recent years covered this
Nag Hammadi Library subject also, and considered
In 1945, at much the same several possible sites including
time as activity focussed on the caves where the Dead Sea
Qumran, some scrolls were and Nag Hammadi documents
unearthed in a cave in Nag were discovered. There is still
Hammadi in Upper Egypt. It is much research to be done on
thought that they were stored this subject, and there are
in the cave in the 4th century. other candidate sites such as
The texts contain unauthorised Emesa in Syria or even the
works such as the Gospel of caves of Cappadocia in Turkey
Thomas and other works not in which were inhabited by
the approved New Testament Christians and could be can-
Canon, but which potentially didates for the site. Visitors to
shed new light on the views Ephesus in Turkey are told a
and beliefs of Jews and very similar story about caves
Christians of that period. near the old ruins which were
used for worship and meetings
Dwellers of the Caves as well as burials. The depth
Another subject of growing that the Qur’an covers this
interest is in relation to subject in would seem to
Chapter Al-Kahf in the Holy suggest that there will be
Qur’an which covers the more discoveries in this area
subject of those Christians which will also shed new light
who took shelter in caves over on the beliefs and practices of
a period of some 300 hundred those early Christians [see
years to avoid persecution. It 4/1994 for details].
was commonly accepted that

Judaeo-Christians Trinity and the Bible

The last hundred years has seen The subject of Trinity has also
a growing body of scholarship been under scrutiny in the last
reviewing the nature and century. The Review of
beliefs of early Judaeo- Religions has been instru-
Christians (Jews who accepted mental in examining the
Jesus(as) as their Messiah). earlier Christian philosophers
Research has led to the con- such as Origen and Arius.
clusion that early Christians There has also been more in-
were Jews, and that because depth research into the
they followed Jesus(as) as their Council of Nicaea which was
Messiah, they were in fact held in 325 CE in Turkey under
Judaeo-Christians. These the auspices of the Roman
groups were well known and Emperor Constantine. It was at
include sects such as the this forum that the concept of
Ebionites, Elchasaites and the Trinity was established and
Mandaeans. Of particular promulgated around the
interest are the facts that Christian world.
these groups regarded Jesus(as)
as their Jewish Messiah or Research has shown that many
Prophet, and not as any form of of the churches disagreed, but
deity. Moreover they regarded were forced to adopt the
Paul as their enemy for diluting Creed for the sake of the unity
the message and taking it to of the Empire, hence there
non-Jews in Europe. was perhaps a political
motivation behind it. Scholars
During the last hundred years such as Origen and his
with the other discoveries, contemporaries had been
sects such as the Essenes and debating the nature and
Ebionites are now being linked essense of Jesus(as) for many
to the Dead Sea Scrolls and years, so for the whole church
other finds [see issues of to suddenly adopt the Creed
11/1993, 12/1994, 7/1997, with certainty was surprising.
3/1999 for details]. There was also a significant

pagan influence on Christianity

which led to the adoption of Timeline of Discoveries
the winter solstice (used by
Romans to worship their sun 1889 Promised Messiah (as) makes his
god) as Christmas Day. claim to be the Messiah and
initiates the first Ahmadi.
Further research is showing 1898 Secondo Pia takes the first ever
the make up of the Bible and photo of the Turin Shroud, and
links between the Synoptic sees the image of the face on
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke the negative!
and John) and other non- 1899 Compilation of Hadhrat
canonical texts such as the Ahmad’s book ‘Jesus in India’.
Gospel of Thomas [see issues The book pointed to the
of 1/1994, 2/1994, 2/1995, survival from crucifixion, and
3/1995, 4/1995, 12/1995, the Tomb of Srinagar.
9/1996, 8/1999 for details]. 1902 First publication of the Review
of Religions magazine
John the Baptist (as) 1934 John Rylands fragment
The subject of John the Baptist deciphered and found to be
arouses debate between oldest fragment of the New
Muslims and Christians. Testament.
According to Christians, he was 1945 Discovery of a library of
beheaded at the orders of King Gnostic documents in Egypt
Herod having acted as a near Nag Hammadi.
forerunner for Jesus (as). 1947 Dead Sea Scrolls found in the
According to Islam, a prophet Judean Desert.
of God would never suffer such 1958 Evidence of a secret Gospel of
a fate, and the Qur’an contains Mark at Mar Saba in Egypt.
the true account of Prophet 1978 Conference in London on
Yahya(as), the same character. ‘Deliverance of Jesus from the
The Review of Religions ran a Cross’.
long 14 part feature on this 1988 Claim after tests by the Vatican
subject in the issues from that the Turin Shroud is fake.
March 1996 to June 1997 which

covered the character, mission The Review of Religions has

and life of John the Baptist(as) been ideally placed over the
and compared him to other last hundred years to
known characters such as John accommodate the evolving
the Elder of Ephesus and John scholarship on these subjects
the Divine who wrote the Book and to challenge established
of Revelations while living on wisdom based on the guidance
Patmos. provided a century ago by the
Promised Messiah (as).
Conclusions
The range of different finds in
the last century have created References
a whole new generation of 1. Jesus the Evidence, Ian Wilson,
researchers no longer willing Pan Books 1984.
2. The Jesus Conspiracy - The Turin
to accept any of the ‘facts’ Shroud & the Truth about the
and challenging long-held Resurrection, Holger Kersten &
concepts such as Trinity, Elmar R Gruber, Element Books
Crucifixion and Ascension. 1994.
3. Jesus in India , Hadhrat Mirza
Ghulam Ahmad, Islam
Not only has the new evidence International Publications 1989
cast doubt on some of the (original 1899).
basic tenets of Christianity, 4. The Nag Hammadi Library, E. J.
the timing has been crucial. Brill Publishers, Leiden 1988.
For so much evidence to 5. Christianity - A Journey from
Facts to Fiction, Hadhrat Mirza
appear just at the time that Tahir Ahmad, Islam International
the Promised Messiah(as) was Publications 1994.
looking to break the false 6. The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception,
doctrines of the Church and Michael Baigent and Richard
unite religious people world- Leigh, Corgi Books 1991.
7. The Lost Gospel, Burton Mack,
wide under a single banner of Element Books 1993.
peace would seem a strange 8. One Jesus - Many Christs, Gregory
co-incidence, or perhaps even J Riley, Harper San Francisco
an act of God. 1997.

Islamic Tolerance and the Concept of
Jihad
The following article is a keynote speech delivered by Maulana Ataul
Mujeeb Rashed, Imam of the London Mosque, at the Annual Convention of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Mauritius, on 14th September 2002.
Among the several respected dignitaries present on this occasion was His
Excellency, Karl Offman, President of the Republic of Mauritius.
Introduction very beautiful diamond, a

It is a great privilege for me to diamond of peace. From
say a few words on the whichever angle it is viewed,
concept of Jihad vis-à-vis the it is absolute peace, pure
concept of peace in Islam. It peace and nothing but peace.
has been averred that Islam is However, there has been a lot
the most misunderstood of distortion of true Islamic
religion in the world. I concur teachings. Therefore, I would
with this statement. It is first like to express and share
indeed unfortunate that with you my views on the
people have not been able to concept of peace in Islam
understand the philosophy of before I explain the true
Islamic teachings in relation to meaning of the word ‘Jihad’.
peace. One of the main areas
of misunderstanding has been Islam and Peace
the concept of Jihad. The What makes Islam a religion of
concept of Jihad has been so peace? The very name of Islam
completely misconstrued and is something very unique. It is
falsified that it has taken a the first time in the entire
negative connotation. It is history of religion that a reli-
indeed very sad that people gion has been given a name
have failed to recognise the which literally means "peace".
beauty of Islam in this regard. The word ‘Islam’ has two
Islam, to my mind, is like a connotations; firstly, it means

Islamic Tolerance and the Concept of Jihad
submission to the will and There are other points worthy

command of Allah and of note. The greeting of
secondly, it means peace. Muslims is ‘Assalamu Alaikum’,
Furthermore, Islam is a reli- that is, ‘peace be upon you.’
gion which has been This is to be shared by all,
established by Allah Almighty. Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Allah has various attributes The place where Islam
and one of His attributes is As- originated from, Mecca, was
Salaam, that is, the one who known as Balad-ul-Ameen,
bestows peace. meaning a city of peace. The
Holy Quran was revealed to the
One who believes in Islam is Holy Prophet(saw) by the angel
called a Muslim. The definition known as Rooh-ul-Ameen, that
of a Muslim is ‘one who is is, the angel of peace. Finally,
entirely at peace with himself the title that was bestowed
and who promotes peace in upon the Holy Prophet of
society.’ A more beautiful Islam(saw) by his opponents, prior
definition of a Muslim has been to his claim to prophethood,
given by the very founder of was Al-Ameen meaning that he
Islam, the Holy Prophet is the most trustworthy and the
Mohammad(saw). He is reported most peaceful person on earth.
to have said:
No Compulsion in Matters of
‘A Muslim is that person Faith
from whose hands and from It should be pointed out that
whose tongue all people Islam has made a very open
are safe.’ declaration, a declaration for
(Bukhari) all times, addressed to all
peoples. The Holy Qur’an
In the true sense of the term, clearly states:
only that person can honestly
and truly be called a Muslim There should be no
who does not cause any harm compulsion in religion.
to anyone. (Ch.2: v.257)

The verse goes on to explain Recantation from Islam

the reason for this. It says: There are some Muslims who,
unfortunately, believe that if a
Surely, right has become person enters into the fold of
distinct from wrong. Islam and later recants, the
(Ch.2: v.257) punishment of such apostasy is
the death penalty. According
When you have reason and to the teachings of Islam,
logic on your side and when there is no worldly punishment
you are in possession of the to be meted out for recan-
persuasive and beautiful tation from Islam. The
teachings of Islam, you need punishment, if any, is to be
neither force nor coercion. given by Allah Almighty not by
Islam does not permit the use man. Freedom of conversion
of force to convert anyone. into, and recantation from,
The Holy Qur’an declares: Islam both constitute the acid
test of the declaration: ‘no
And say: ‘It is the truth compulsion in religion.’ It
from your Lord. Wherefore cannot be a one-way
let him who will, believe, freedom—the freedom to
and let him who will, enter Islam but not to leave it.
disbelieve.’
(Ch.18: v.30) Equality of Mankind
There are some other
Islam upholds and guarantees teachings that prove beyond
freedom of choice, the any doubt that Islam is a
freedom to profess, propagate religion of peace. One of the
and practise religion. Anyone prominent teachings of Islam is
who chooses to believe will be the concept of equality of
rewarded accordingly and mankind. Islam concedes no
anyone who chooses not to privilege on account of birth,
believe will not be compelled family, cast, class or any other
to do so. factor. There is no discrim-
ination between human beings

whatever their language, also be shown to their

nation, race or creed. Islam founders and holy personages.
seeks to establish an
egalitarian society based on The Charter of Freedom
the practical expression of the It can be clearly seen that
truth that all men are Islam is a religion of peace and
creatures and servants of the it inculcates tolerance towards
same God and must, for His peoples of all faiths and
sake and for the purpose of nations. In this regard, I want
winning His pleasure, live to present to you a very
together as brethren. important historical docu-
ment. This was the great
Respect for all Religions Charter of Freedom given to
Islam further enjoins belief in Christians by the Holy Founder
the founders of all major of Islam(saw). This monumental
religions and belief in the piece is unprecedented in the
books revealed unto them. history of mankind and is an
This, in fact, is one of the epitome of the entire spirit of
great distinctions that Islam the Islamic concepts of
enjoys. The view is held that tolerance and peace. It states:
all major religions were, at
their inception, based on truth ‘This is the document which
and still contain many Muhammad, the son of
excellences. Islam categor- Abdullah, God’s Prophet,
ically rejects the attitude Warner and Bearer of glad
which maintains that no tidings has caused to be
religion other than one’s own written so that there should
holds the key to salvation. All remain no excuse for those
major religions are respected coming after. I have caused
and held in high esteem. this document to be written
Muslims are obligated to hold for the Christians of the East
in honour and respect the and West, for those who live
places of worship of other near, and for those of the
faiths. Deep reverence must distant lands, for the

Christians living at present enemies in lieu of the poll

and for those who will come tax they have promised to
after, for those Christians pay. If they prefer to defend
who are known to us and for their properties and persons
those as well whom we do themselves, they will be
not know. allowed to do so and will not
be put to any inconvenience
Any Muslim violating or on that account.
distorting what has been
ordained will be considered No bishop will be expelled
to be violating God’s from his bishopric, no monk
Covenant and will be from his monastery, no
transgressing against His priest from his place of
Promise and by doing so, will worship, and no pilgrim will
incur God’s wrath, be he a be detained in his
monarch or an ordinary pilgrimage. None of their
subject. churches or other places of
worship will be desolated or
I promise that any monk or destroyed or demolished. No
wayfarer who will seek my material of their churches
help on the mountains, in will be used to build
forests, deserts or mosques or houses for the
habitations, or places of Muslims; any Muslim doing so
worship, I will repel his will be regarded as
enemies with my friends and recalcitrant to God and His
helpers, with all my Prophet. Monks and Bishops
relatives and with all those will be subject to no poll tax
who profess to follow me or indemnity whether they
and will defend them, live in forests or on rivers, in
because they are my the East or in the West, in
covenant. And I will defend the North or in the South. I
the covenanted against the give them my word of
persecution, injury and honour. They are on my
embarrassment of their promise and covenant and

will enjoy perfect immunity or meeting with their death.

from all sorts of This is an absolute mis-
inconveniences. Every help representation of the concept
shall be given to them in the of Jihad. It has nothing to do
repair of their churches. with Islam which is a religion of
They shall be absolved of peace. The true import of
wearing arms. They shall be Jihad is the striving and
protected by the Muslims. struggle for the reformation
Let this document not be the world, to make it a
disobeyed till Judgement peaceful place for everyone to
Day.’ live in. The greatest Jihad for a
(Signed: Muhammad, the Muslim is the struggle to
Messenger of God. (Quoted reform his own self—a struggle
from Makâtîb-ur-Rasûl against his own ego and against
[Letters of the Messenger], satanic instigations inciting
printed in Beirut, Lebanon) towards evil. If you wage a war
against these, according to the
There can be no statement teachings of Islam, you would
more eloquent which so be engaged in what is regarded
beautifully epitomises the as the most superior form of
teachings of Islam with regard Jihad. Spending money for the
to peace and tolerance. promulgation and propagation
of religion, according to Islam,
The Concept of Jihad is also a form of Jihad. Helping
Let me explain the true the cause of the poor by way of
concept of Jihad. The erro- charity is yet another form of
neous interpretation is that of Jihad.
Muslims armies invading other
countries and coercing people One lesser form of Jihad is the
to submit to Islam. It is as if right to go to war in self-
Muslims, holding the Qur’an in defence. According to the
one hand and a sword in the teachings of Islam, Muslims are
other, give people the ultima- not allowed to wage wars
tum of either embracing Islam against their enemies however

President of Mauritius, Mayor of Rose Hill, Amir Sahib and Imam

Sahib UK speaking at the Mauritius Jalsa Salana
wrong they may be. The only Every effort is to be made so

circumstance in which Muslims that fighting can be avoided.
are permitted to take up arms Failing that, conflict is to be
is when the enemy attacks pursued only as long as
them with the express aim of persecution does. If the
doing away with their lives, opponents of Islam lay down
property, honour and their arms then the Muslims
suppressing or wiping out the are to desist from fighting.
very religion they profess.
Only in that situation does The Holy Prophet’s(sa) Precept
Islam allow Muslims the right When sending his followers to
to self-defence and no sane defensive battles, the Prophet
person can raise a finger of of Islam(sa) used to admonish
objection against this. It is them saying although they
interesting to note that even were compelled to take up
though the Muslims are given arms in self-defence, they
this right to self-defence, they should never forget that they
are nonetheless urged to try were ambassadors of Islam. He
their utmost to establish would give instructions to the
peace even in the battlefield. effect that:

• No woman, child or religious given beautiful and humane

leader is to be killed teachings.
• Anyone not taking part in the
battle is not to be killed or Islam is a religion of peace and
harmed in anyway
to associate bloodshed,
• Places of worship are never to
terrorism, suicide bombings
be destroyed or desecrated
•A bridge that provides and any act of violence with
conveyance to people is not to Islam is totally misguided and
be demolished mistaken. Islam has a message
• A tree that yields fruit or gives of peace for all mankind. The
shade to people is not to be cut banner that Islam holds aloft is
down the banner of peace. By
following the teachings of
Conclusion Islam, the whole mankind can
It can now be better appre- enjoy the blessings of peace.
ciated how the teachings of My last word, my last
Islam promote peace and sentence, my prayer is: may
tolerance. The noble Allah bless this beautiful
teachings of Islam relating to universe with everlasting
the concept of Jihad have peace for the whole of
been completely distorted. mankind. Amin
Jihad is actually to reform
oneself, to improve one’s
virtues and to fight against
About the author: Mr Ataul Mujeeb
the temptations of Satan. This Rashed is the Imam of the London
lifelong Jihad is the greatest Mosque and Missionary in Charge UK.
Jihad. The lesser form of He is a scholar of Arabic. In addition
Jihad is to fight in self- to hosting numerous programmes on
defence against those who MTA International, he has in the past
served in various capacities,
seek to annihilate believers including Amir UK. He has also
and exterminate religion from served in Japan and at the
the surface of the earth. Even Headquarters as the Central Sadr
in this eventuality, as it has Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya.
been established, Islam has

The ‘Blind Watchmaker’
Who is also Deaf and
Dumb - part V
This is an extract taken from the book
Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth,
written by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
The blind step forward theory can only work in some limited cases and
they have to be critically examined to remove the confusion they could
cause. The creation of coral islands is just the case in point. The death of
each coral, out of trillions upon trillions of them, does not show any
purpose. Yet when they pile up one upon the other, maybe in millions of
years, the progressive enlargement of their mass ultimately creates coral
islands. If we look back at how the process began and was completed, we
may allude to it a purpose which apparently it does not possess. One could
envisage mountains being built in the middle of the oceans so patiently,
bit by bit, over aeons. They do not come to the notice of those living on
land until they break to the surface. Then they begin to serve a purpose
which we may read into their making when they become coral islands.
They serve and support life in so many wonderful ways. This is the case of
random bit by bit creation of things in whose creation a preceding purpose
is not traceable. It may not have been there at all, yet their usefulness
cannot be denied.
The laws of nature run independently if there is no mind to operate them.

It is they who operate and govern everything that exists. The living are not
exempt from this all-pervasive principle. The absence of a conscious mind
to manipulate these laws completely does away with the imaginary line
which is said to separate the living from the dead. If the brain of the living
cannot design itself and cannot play any conscious role in the making of
the body which possesses it, then the living and the dead are governed
exactly alike by the same laws of nature. It has to be only these mindless
laws which are responsible for the cumulative building of the bricks of
life. If they are capable of building the bricks of life, they are far more
likely to build a mere Empire State Building through the same cumulative

The ‘Blind Watchmaker’ Who is also Deaf and Dumb – part v
bit by bit process. Yet the naturalists contradict themselves and refuse to
believe the bit by bit piling up of the Empire State Building by cumulative
random steps, however small tiny and insignificant they may have been.
Here they artificially create a divide between the laws of nature at work
on dead matter and the laws of nature at work on the living. In reality no
such divide should exist if there is no conscious operator of natural laws
on either side. Naturalists confess that there is no conscious operator in
the case of the living, hence they must admit there is no difference
between the living and the dead. All that remain are the free laws of
nature, working on the living as well as the dead. If they by themselves
could create things as complex as the bricks of life, then for them to
create the Empire State Building should have been much less difficult than
the building of a molehill by a mole. The only objection, which in fact is
no objection at all, may relate to the time available. But the time
available to nature at work on the dead is far greater than that available
in relation to the evolution of life. Forget for a while the existing Empire
State Building because it is a known fact that it was created by a conscious
mind. Visualise instead the possibility of hundreds of thousands of far
loftier and more complex skyscrapers created merely by the physical laws
of nature during the last fifteen billion years or so. Remember that the
laws remain exactly the same in the case of the living as well as the dead,
and remember that the existence of a conscious mind is ruled out by
naturalists in both cases. Hence no divide between the two can exist if
sanity must prevail. As such, the bit by bit creation of complexities and
order must be evident in both cases alike. Hence any person who believes
in the creation of life without a mind preceding it has every hypothetical
right to jump to the top of the Empire State Building and pronounce from
its loftiness: this building is the work of trillions of piled up random
chances. There is no design and no conscious preceding mind which
perceived it. It is only a delusion entertained by some stupid religious
people who are overimpressed by the exquisiteness of the finished work.
The same pronouncement should also apply with equal force to the
evolutionists who deny purpose and design in the evolution of life. They
stand at the pinnacle of evolution where it culminated in man. Looking
down from their vantage point, the Empire State Building should have
appeared as the tiniest of spots somewhere on the planet Earth. Yet they
shout at the top of their voices: there is no design, no purpose to our
creation, we are impossible to exist, yet we appear to exist. All the world
is an illusion. You think that we exist and we have the illusion that you

also exist. Thus the whole universe is a chain of illusions like those
entertained by subjective philosophers. To dispel the illusion of
existence, think once again of the haemoglobin number and vanish into
nothingness!
By denying the existence of a Creator who has to be a person with a

conscious mind and all the powers to implement His decisions, they try to
replace Him with a formless idea. It is this absurdity, to attribute the
process of creation or selection to a mindless idea, which is categorically
rejected in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
Have they feet wherewith they walk, or have they hands wherewith
they hold, or have they eyes wherewith they see, or have they ears
wherewith they hear? Say, ‘Call upon the partners you associate
with God, then contrive ye all against me, and give me no time’.29
This Qur’anic statement is evidently addressed to the idolaters of that age

and reminds them that though they believe that their gods are living
persons possessing human forms, yet they are mere formless ideas. The
statement should have ended here and the question of time should not
have been raised as it is raised. The last part of this verse clearly implies
that mere ideas cannot create. though they may have as much time as
possible at their disposal. God on the other hand is not dependent on any
vast expanse of time for His creative faculties. In its entirety, the verse
can only apply to the modern idea of natural selection which is claimed to
be responsible for the evolution of life provided it is given enough time.
The factor of time in the context of natural selection is fundamentally
essential. A limbless, armless, mindless vague idea is proposed to work in
the frame of an enormous time to suit the theory of bit by bit evolution.
Squeeze the time to a mere billion years and the theory immediately
begins to crack and fall apart. This leaves no doubt that it is time which
is all-important to them in the creative processes of life. This is exactly

what the Qur’an denies in effect when it says: Formless ideas can have as
much time as they may, but God with His creative faculties can create in
practically no time.
This factor of time has only gained importance in the modern age, in
relation to Darwinian principles. One may have doubts that this verse was
intended to apply to this modern concept but the fact that the whole idea
of the verse is so perfectly applicable to it can in no way be denied.
Intended or not intended the theory of natural selection could not have
been criticised in better words.
Naturalists claim that both the function of creation and the function of
selection are performed by forces which are separate yet work in perfect
unison. They would have us believe that the mindless genes create, and a
formless, impersonal law of natural selection selects. At the same time
however, they dismiss the issue of genes as though taken for granted and
subjugate them to the authority of natural selection. Thus they unite the
two functions which have to be treated as separate, combining them in a
most absurd manner. If genes recede into an inconspicuous position as
creators, what is left into the bargain is merely a selector which
admittedly has no mind with a conscious decision-making faculty. Genes
thus pushed aside, natural selection is the only factor which remains in
the field. In this sense the separate functions of creation and selection are
moulded, without justification, into one. However, no scientist with the
slightest idea of what Darwin propounds can attribute to him the claim
that natural selection could also directly create. There has to be some
creation before natural selection can begin to work. It is this dilemma
which the proponents of natural selection can never resolve.
The Holy Qur’an presents a completely different picture fitting perfectly

into the slot of the problem. The Qur’an declares that the realities of
evolution require that the creator and the selector cannot be two
separate persons. Whoever creates, it is only He Who can select from His
own creative works. What He does not select as the next advanced
character is not wiped out of existence but remains to widen the base of
His creation at every such level playing a meaningful role in the scheme
of things. Thus every time a step forward in evolution is taken, the base
of evolution is simultaneously broadened to support what has been added
to its rising column.

According to the Qur’an, man could not have occupied the lofty position
he occupies and maintained it without the ecosystem which the lower
order of animal life provides. To this the following verse specifically
refers:
And if Allah were to punish men for their wrongdoing, He would not
leave thereon any animal, but He gives them respite till an
appointed tenn; and when their term is come, they cannot remain
behind a single hour, nor can they go ahead of it.30
(Ch.16: v.62)
The most significant point to be noted is that it is the entire animal life
which would be wiped out if man is to be punished. It is evident that the
entire lower order of life serves no purpose other than to maintain the
human life above. If that goes, they all go.
Thus the final all-important question which has to be raised and answered
by philosophers, scientists and those who believe that natural selection
virtually plays both the role of a selector and a creator in the scheme of
things, is precisely the following:
They must somehow be combined in the person of the creator and not in
that of a selector who cannot create. This is the only logical conclusion
which anyone can draw. But this can only lead to God, which the naturalist
would struggle hard to avoid. It was to eliminate this inevitable conclusion
that Darwin attempted to attribute both these functions to natural
selection in an indirect manner. Did Darwin ever present the idea that
natural selection could also create? To the best of our knowledge, he
never did so. He knew, like any intelligent man should have known that
the role of selection and that of creation are two separate functions. It
would be far more logical if he who performed the function of creation

should also have performed the function of selection out of his own
creation. This could not suit the blind theory of evolution, hence all the
hectic effort to eliminate a conscious creator who could also be the
selector. However, it is impossible to conceive a separate plan of selection
and a separate plan of creation, both unconscious, yet moving forward
hand in hand. Darwin seems to have resolved this problem by suggesting
that since natural selection approves the bodies created by genes, so in a
manner of speaking, natural selection also acquires the role of a creator
in an indirect way.
We have written elsewhere at length, rejecting the proposition that the

products of genes can be accredited to natural selection directly or
indirectly. But here we wish to point out that to attribute creative factors
to genes and to simultaneously deprive them of conscious know-how is
inherently contradictory. it is absurdity supreme to begin the evolutionary
journey from genes without resolving the factors which created genes
themselves. It is impossible for a proponent of Darwinism to demonstrate
how natural selection could have played any role in the creation of genes.
How and why genes create without possessing the creative faculties of a
conscious mind is the question which should have been addressed first. In
a nutshell, a conscious creator of genes has to be identified or it has to be
admitted that unconscious genes created themselves as though they were
highly competent and conscious creative faculties. It is intriguing to
visualize any mindless thing creating itself with masterly dexterity. The
naturalists begin their journey without investigating this most essential
prerequisite. Their failure to address this question is because ifis
impossible for them to answer it without disrupting their own evolutionary
scheme. The Holy Qur’an has a straightforward answer to resolve this
riddle by declaring:
And thy Lord creates whatever He pleases and selects. It is not for
them to select. Glorified be Allah, and far is He above all that they
associate.31
(Ch.28: v.69)

The main thrust of this verse is that the task of selection is primarily the
prerogative of the Creator and the two cannot be separated. God
proclaims Himself to be that Creator Who selects from His own creation.
This is how it should be and this is exactly what it is. No naturalist can
alter this and replace Him with a mindless Creator of his own choice. In a
desperate attempt to do so, they try to combine in natural selection the
additional role of a creator. Thus they would much rather believe in a
know-nothing mindless principle both as a selector and a creator - lacking
consciousness either way. They prefer to be fathered by a mere
nothingness.
All they are left with is a mindless, non-personal, deaf, dumb and blind
principle which they believe must have created them. Incidentally, this
brings to mind the saying: likefather, like son. They may take pride in this,
but we beg to strongly differ. We much rather prefer to be the work of a
Creator Who possesses a supreme mind and the power to implement what
He designs. We have to believe in Him or we must deny ourselves the
faculties of head and heart which we seem to own. If the non-believers
have any option to select, it is here they must exercise that option. Which
of the two creators will they select for themselves, is a matter for them
to decide.
REFERENCES
28. MOMERENKOV, VY, SHUBINA, L.F. (1982) Use of Honey In Treating Eye Diseases
- Translation of Russian Article: Feldsher Akush.
29. Translation of 7:196 by Maulawi Sher Ali.
30. Translation of 16:62 by the author.
31. Translation of 28:69 by the author.

Index of 2002
Index of articles published in Review of Religions 2002

January 2002 Islam’s Response to Terrorism
A keynote address to prevent crashing
Natural Selection and Survival of the aeroplanes and sending suicide bombers.
Fittest – Abdul Ghany Jahengeer Khan
Life did not create itself nor did death create
life. A refreshing rational approach to the A Games of Chess or a Game of Chance
concept of evolution. The spontaneous emergence of life is about as
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad likely as the assemblage of a 747 by a tornado
and other evidence.
Assessment of Belief – Part II Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
Convincing evidence corroborating the claim
of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) that he is The Holy Qur’an on War and Peace
the Promised Messiah and his resemblance to An understanding of Islam’s teachings in
the Messiah of yore. warfare including the treatment of prisoners.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad
Q/A: Distortion of Religion Comment: A time to understand and end
Distortions of the original message led to the hatred.
occult. Also the role of the Messiah is to
rectify attitudes.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad March 2002
The Future of Life on Earth
My Visit to Qadian
Our feature length article looks at the
Review of Religions' staff reporter with an
remarkable way the Holy Qur’an deals with
eye witness account of his recent visit.
the scenario of continuous evolution on earth,
Bockarie Tommy Kallon resulting in the creation of a species
belonging to an order higher than man.
Comment: Religious Extremism Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
Assessment of Belief – Part IV

February 2002 The time appointed for the advent of the
Achievments of the Promised Mahdi has arrived.
Reformer Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Article enlisting the major achievements
during the life of the blessed son of the Q/A: Belief in the Hereafter
Promised Messiah(as) . Some issues concernign heaven and hell. life
Ataul Munim Rasheed after death and re-incarnation are answered.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
Assessment of Belief – Part III
The time appointed for the advent of the Fasting in Religions
Mahdi has arrived. A brief look at how Islam has always provided
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) rights for women long before western
cultures introduced them.
Q/A: Harmony and Peace Mrs Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Religious differences should not prevent a
civil life. Are the Mountains Moving like the
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Clouds?
Mountains may appear to be finally

Index of 2002
fixed but their motion is similar to the The Purpose of Initiation

movement of the clouds. A fresh look at the The struggle that only begins with the initiati
verses of the Holy Qur’an and their current and requires the believer to avoid temptation
scientific interpretation. and undergo a demanding programme of
Dr. Mian M. Abbas reform.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Comment: Acceptance of the Promised
Messiah(as) . Organic Systems and Evolution
Examination of organic systems such as
sensory organs, and their roles and special
April 2002 features in various species.
The Pure Heart
The role of the heart in bringing man closer to The Road to Social Peace
God. Comparison of the teachings of various faiths
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) about the responsibilities of both the
individual within society, and government
Jesus’ Survival from the Cross towards all members of society, and the
What the Bible tells us about this intriguing facets of both individual and government
episode. behaviour that lead to social peace.
Muzaffar Clarke Fazal Ahmad
Is the Shroud of Turin a Medieval Q/A: Continuity of Divine Guidance
Photograph? - A Critical Examination Issues concerning the rationale for a messiah
of the Theory: from Islam and Christianity, and the role of
Could the image on the famous cloth be a the Messiah.
photograph? A photographer investigates. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
Barrie M. Schwortz
Moons of Light
The Israelite Origin of People of Understanding from Islam and other faiths
Afghanistan and the Kashmiri People about the nature of Divine Light which is seen
Linking the scattered tribes of Israelites with on the faces and expressions of prophets.
their Jewish roots. . Maulana Bashir Orchard
Aziz A. Chaudhry
Comment: Learning lessons from World Cup
Evidence of Jesus (as) in India 2002 in Korea andJapan about being good
Historical evidence of Jesus’ migration to hosts
India.
Abubakr Ben ishmael Salahuddin
June 2002
Letter: The Catholic Church in America .
Progress of Islam is Dependant Upon
Khilafat
May 2002 Based on a speech given in Germany in 1989.
Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed
Religious Beliefs of North American
Indians Patience and Steadfastness
Religious beliefs and practices of the Hardships and the attainment of spiritual
American indians who lived in Canada, USA progression.
and Mexico. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Zakaria Virk

Index of 2002
The Bondage of Sin – part I August 2002

Extract from an article that appeared in the
January 1902 Review of Religions. Islam and the Global Quest for
Sustainable Development
The Blind Watchmaker who is also
A review of some of the major environmental
Deaf and Dumb – Part I issues issues facing the world today and
Continuing our serialisation of the book Islam’s answers to these.
Revelation, Rationality Knowledge and Truth.
Dr. Abd Latif Busari
Comment: Political Economics. The Purpose of Religious Differences
Discussion on why and how religious debate
should be conducted.
July 2002 Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
The Pillars of Islam The Blind Watchmaker who is also

Study into the philosophy behind the pillars Deaf and Dumb – Part III
of Islam and their real significance. Continuing our serialisation of the book
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Revelation, Rationality Knowledge and Truth.
Teotihuacàn – Religious Capital of
Central America The Bondage of Sin – part II
A look at the religious significance of this city Concluding part of an extract from an
and its sudden disappearance. extremely popular article that appeared in
Fazal Ahmad the January 1902 Review of Religions.
Comment: A Second Coming.
Q/A: Interpretation of Sharia – Part 2
Answers to questions in Nigeria related to the
enforcement of Sharia Law and its September 2002
perceived harsh nature.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad The Blind Watchmaker who is also
Deaf and Dumb – Part IV
Life Sketch – Bashir Ahmad Orchard How could the wonders of the honeybee have
Brief autobiography of a former editor evolved without a conscious designer?
of this magazine who passed away in July Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
2002.
Decree and Destiny
Judaism – A short Introduction The relationship between prayer and Divine
A short introduction based on a speech given determination.
at a multi-religious function. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
David Grunweg
Concept of Jihad
The Blind Watchmaker who is also Understanding the true interpretation of
Deaf and Dumb – Part II Jihad from the Holy Qur’an, traditions of the
Continuing our serilisation of the book Holy Prophet (sa) and writings of the Promised
Revelation, Rationality Knowledge and Truth. Messiah(as) .
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Bilal Atkinson – UK
A Century Ago: The first editorial The Blessings of Khilafat

published in the Review of Religions stating Keynote address drawing a parallel between
the purpose of this publication . Islamic teachings and the Universal

Index of 2002
Declaration of Human Rights. are proving the truth of the Qur’an.

Rafiq Ahmad Hayat – Amir UK Rafi Ahmad – California, USA
Ramadan – Part I Unity v. Trinity – Part II

An exposition on the philosophy and The divinity of Jesus (as) coniderd with
importance of fasting in the month of reference to the extent of his mission.
Ramadan. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Centenary Message: From Hadhrat
Comment: Moving On. Khalifatul Masih IV.
October 2002 December 2002

Unity v. Trinity – Part I
A critical review of Trinity from a
Our feature length article is a transcript of the
philosophical and historical perspective.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) speech delivered in the UN prior to the
creation of Israel which aimed to achieve
Ramadan – Part II justice for all parties concerned
How fasting during Ramadan can purify man Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan
spiritually as well as physically.
Intention and true desire make actions pure
Reformation – Part I and lead to internal spiritual reformation.
True spirituality lies in the sincerity in human Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
action and not just in the actions themselves.
Q/A: Spiritual Guidance
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
The need for Prophethood and guidance from
The Fazl Mosque – A Mosque for All the Divine.
Time Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
An insight into the significance of this mosque Christianity Uncovered
over the last 50 years.
Discoveries through research and archaeology
Hananah Zaheer
over the last 100 years have provided insight
Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya – A Monumental into the truth behind modern Christianity.
Book Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
A look at some aspects of this monumental Islamic Tolerance and the Concept of
work that remains unmatched in its Jihad
defence of Islam.
Address delivered in the presence of the
Dr. Latif Ahmad Qureshi
President of Mauritius on the promotion of
Islam and Science peace, the Charter of Freedom and the true
A brief review of how some recent theories concept of Jihad
are proving the truth of the Qur’an. Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed
Rafi Ahmad The Blind Watchmaker who is also
Comment: An Aids Memoire Deaf and Dumb – Part V
Continuing our serialisation of Revelation,
Rationality, Knowledge and Truth.
November 2002 Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
100 Year History of the Magazine Comment: Christmas and Eid are a time for
A brief review of how some recent theories the family.

Subscription
Review of Religions
We hope you have enjoyed reading this
edition of the magazine. The Review of
Religions will continue to prov ide
discussion on a wide range of subjects
and welcomes any comments or
suggestions from its readers.
To ensure that you regularly receive this
monthly publication, please fill in your
details below and we will put you on our
mailing list.
The cost of one year’s subscription is £15
Sterling or US $30 for overseas readers
(Please do not send cash). Payments
should be made payable to the London
Mosque and sent to the address below:
The Holy Ka’aba The Review of Religions
MECCA, ARABIA The London Mosque
16 Gressenhall Road
The First House of Worship, and
London SW18 5QL
The Spiritual Heart of Islam
United Kingdom
Please put me on the mailing list for the Review of Religions for 1 year. I enclose
subscription payment of £15.00 or US $30.00.
Name: ___________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

RR200212

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

RR200212

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Contents December 2002, Vol.97, No.

Editorial Middle East where thousands of

2 Review of Religions – December 2002

Review of Religions – December 2002 3

4 Review of Religions – December 2002

Here, we reproduce the epoch-making address by the then representative

HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH The President, therefore, must

Review of Religions – December 2002 5

uninfluenced is no longer a We are often apt to read history

6 Review of Religions – December 2002

subsequently confirmed by all these long discussions in

It has been said that there is It was stated, particularly by

Review of Religions – December 2002 7

that they were not international together; let them stand

8 Review of Religions – December 2002

What has Palestine done? What gentle means of persuading

Review of Religions – December 2002 9

10 Review of Religions – December 2002

stage of development where through? In effect, the proposal

Review of Religions – December 2002 11

Palestine shall never belong to are in effect invited to amend

12 Review of Religions – December 2002

of nine, in effect, ruling provision in the report of sub-

Review of Religions – December 2002 13

Articles 34, 39 and 41 of the second place, the Members of

14 Review of Religions – December 2002

would be contrary to the the United Nations to do all

Review of Religions – December 2002 15

Nations Special Committee on the belief that this is a fair

16 Review of Religions – December 2002

Review of Religions – December 2002 17

pointed out in the Committee, gives it access to the Red Sea.

18 Review of Religions – December 2002

taken to having Jewish industry predominantly Arab. Why should

Review of Religions – December 2002 19

surrounding Arab States and of Let us pause and consider

20 Review of Religions – December 2002

beyond the possibility of repair, possible chance of being

Review of Religions – December 2002 21

This was submitted to the It is said that if partition is not

22 Review of Religions – December 2002

for success as regards the Jews, Arabs, and Gentiles alike,

Our vote today, if it does not Sir Mohammed Zafrullah Khan

The representative of the A very happy

Review of Religions – December 2002 23

[Translator’s Note: All refer-

24 Review of Religions – December 2002

Review of Religions – December 2002 25

those who do even greater

The meaning of Taqwah is to

26 Review of Religions – December 2002

are generally accepted to be There are three types of the self

Review of Religions – December 2002 27

After the state of Nafse- some coins lying in his path, he

28 Review of Religions – December 2002

the weaker will be the yet he does not see because he

Review of Religions – December 2002 29

words that others failed to

30 Review of Religions – December 2002

Review of Religions – December 2002 31

is born. This, in fact, is the Prophethood. This is how,

32 Review of Religions – December 2002

the same test. Some adhere to and majority — when he thinks