RR200810

MANAGEMENT BOARD CONTENTS October 2008, Vol.103, No.
10
Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman)
Mansoor Shah (Secretary)
Naseer Ahmad Qamar KHILAFAT CENTENARY
Mubarak Ahmad Zafar
Mirza Fakhar Ahmad SPECIAL EDITION NO.13
Abdul Baqi Arshad
Editorial
CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER How Khilafat is a reflection of God’s
Mansoor Ahmed Shah Rahmaniyyat
Assistant: Fareed Ahmad – UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Ijaz Ahmed Tahir
The Essence of Islam – Part 26
EDITORIAL BOARD The power and beauty of Divine revelation;
Bockarie Tommy Kallon
Fareed Ahmad. characteristics of true revelation.
Fazal Ahmad Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as)
Mansoor Saqi
Sarah Waseem The Promised Messiah and Mahdi.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tanveer Khokhar
Inauguration of Baitun Nur (Calgary) Mosque
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Underlining the role of Ahmadiyya mosques
Amatul Hadi Ahmad
Farina Qureshi as beacons of peace.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad –
PROOFREADERS
Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Khalifatul Masih V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Shaukia Mir
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Universal Moral Values, Politics and
Tanveer Khokhar World Peace
Offering a profound insight into world affairs
DISTRIBUTION
Muhammad Hanif and their impact on peace.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru)
PUBLISHER
Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah Khalifatul Masih IV .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
All correspondence should be
forwarded to the editor at: A Solution to the Problems of the
The Review of Religions Islamic World
The London Mosque How implementing absolute justice can
16 Gressenhall Road
London, SW18 5QL
rejuvenate the Muslim world.
United Kingdom Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Email:
reviewofreligions@gmail.com
© Islamic Publications, 2008 COVER PHOTO
ISSN No: 0034-6721 Baitun Nur (Calgary) Mosque
Views expressed in this publication are not © Makhzan-e-Tasaweer, 2008
necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community
Editorial
The attribute Al-Rahman (The gauged at the cusp of change,
Gracious) has the distinction of when, through improved
being one of the very first understanding, the utilisation of
attributes of God mentioned in the such resources elevates society to
Holy Qur’an – a fact that is a higher plane of existence and
certainly not without purpose or improved social well-being. The
wisdom. When studied deeply one contrast between one stage of
is amazed to discover the human development and the next
significance and stature of this is remarkable. From the Stone Age
single attribute. Over the ages to the Iron Age, all the way to the
commentators on the Qur’an have industrial revolution and beyond,
elaborated on how God’s the discovery and application of
Rahmaniyyat (Graciousness) new insights have elicited pivotal
spans the entire existence of life change and progress at each stage.
and in every minute detail. From The basis of all such progress is
the exquisite precision and finesse rooted in the Rahmaniyyat of God,
of the microcosm to the flawless Who made every provision for our
design and operation of the whole development.
universe, the attribute of
Rahmaniyyat is ever-present. For Similarly, in each phase of our
man, this attribute underpins his spiritual evolution the
very being for without it neither enhancement of our spiritual
would he have been created nor awareness and knowledge, at the
could he survive or develop. hands of God’s prophets and
khalifas, has been a catalyst for
Everything around us is evidence positive change that brought man
enough that man has been closer to God, and closer to each
provided with the necessary other and enthused the believers
resources for his continued with a zeal for sacrifice and
existence and progress. The true service that exalted them and
worth of such resources can be distinguished them from their
2 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

EDITORIAL
fellow beings. This bounty also Religions we feature an address

springs from the same fountain of delivered by Hadhrat Mirza
Rahmaniyyat as it caters for both Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih
spiritual and temporal aspects of V at the occasion of the opening of
man’s development and its true the largest mosque in Canada. The
worth is also evidenced by the mosque in Calgary represents yet
impact it has on those who another accomplishment of this
accepted such spiritual guides. blessed institution and under its
guiding hand the community is
Today, through Khilafat, the world enjoying continued success in
is once again witness to another every field of life. The community
blessed manifestation of the is emerging as a distinct entity at a
Rahmaniyyat of the All-Knowing global level, but this too was
and Ever-Merciful God. Like destined to be, for God’s
Prophethood, Khilafat is a boon Rahmaniyyat has also provided for
for mankind and for the modern the ultimate victory of Islam
era it is the source of spiritual through his Khalifas; a victory that
guidance and leadership. The ever- is unfolding before us and a
growing community of believers bounty promised to those who
that has gathered under its benign remain devoted to God, His
and invigorating leadership shares Messengers and His creation. How
a unique sense of unity, spirituality fitting it is that one of the first
and humanity that binds it together attributes of God mentioned in the
as one and its progress is nurtured Qur’an that provided for our
by the same God Who protected creation and evolution will,
and nurtured earlier prophets and despite man’s innumerable
khalifas and their followers. The shortcomings, also provide for the
immense achievements of this final victory in bringing mankind
Khilafat and its community, often back to God and back to peace.
in the face of adversity, is clear What a wonderful testament that
proof of Divine succour and will be to Rahmaniyyat!
endorsement.
By Fareed Ahmad
In this issue of The Review of
KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 3

ESSENCE OF ISLAM:
Part 26 – The Ability to Receive Revelation
This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH,
THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(saw) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original
compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into English, was
collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah have mercy
on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The English
rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, may Allah be pleased with him,
and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume I1. All references throughout, unless
otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an.
A Recipient of Grace Must nothing. He who possesses the

have a Close Relationship with light of the eyes perceives the
the Almighty light of the sun, but he who has
The philosophy of the descent of not the light of the eyes is
the light of revelation is that it deprived of the light of the sun
descends upon light and does not also. He who has a small share of
descend upon darkness, for grace natural light receives a little of
demands a relationship and there the other light and he who has
is no relationship between much natural light receives more
darkness and light. Light has of the other light.
relationship with light and the
All-Wise operates only in The Prophets are those high
circumstances of appropri- personages who, despite the vast
ateness. In bestowing the grace diversity in human nature, are so
of light the law is that greater blessed with inner light that they
light is bestowed upon one who become light personified. That is
possesses some light and nothing why the Holy Prophet(saw) has
is bestowed upon one who has been named light and a light-

THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM, PART 26: THE ABILITY OF RECEIVE REVELATION
giving sun, as is said:
O People of the Book! there

has come to you Our
Messenger who unfolds to
you much of what you had
kept hidden of the Book and
passes over much. There has
come to you indeed from
Allah a Light and a clear
Book. (Ch.5:V.16)
And as a Summoner to Allah The founder of the Ahmadiyya

by His command, and as a Muslim community was Hadhrat
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as).
radiant Lamp
The founder of the Ahmadiyya
(Ch.33:V.47) Muslim community was Hadhrat
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891,
This is the reason that the light of he claimed, on the basis of Divine
revelation, for which the revelation, that he was the Promised
Messiah and Mahdi whose advent
perfection and grandeur of had been foretold by Muhammad,
natural light is a condition, was the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace
bestowed only upon the Prophets and blessings of Allah be upon him)
and has been confined to them. and by the scriptures of other faiths.
This refutes those people who, The founder’s claim constitutes the
basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
though they admit the diversity Muslim community.
of ranks, nevertheless imagine
out of their ignorance that the
light that is bestowed upon those God’s law of nature does not
who possess perfect natures can support their false notion and, yet
also be bestowed upon defective out of bigotry and enmity they
individuals. They should reflect adhere to their false notion. In the
honestly and should realise their same way, the Christians do not
mistake. They see clearly that consider it a condition for the

grace of light to descend upon Christians adopted with regard to

anyone that he should possess a the descent of the light of Divine
natural light, and they allege that revelation! But such a
it is not necessary that a heart philosophy is approved and
upon which the light of followed only by people who are
revelation descends should caught in deep darkness and
possess inner light. According to inner blindness. Otherwise, even
them, if a person instead of a feeble-minded person would
possessing sane reason is utterly not deny the obvious truth that to
stupid and ignorant, and instead receive the grace of light it is
of being brave is an utter coward, necessary that the recipient
and instead of being generous is should possess inner light.
a total miser, and instead of [Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani
possessing a sense of honour is Khaza’in, vol. 1, pp. 195-197
utterly shameless, and instead of footnote 11]
loving God is in deep love with
the world, and instead of being It is a pity that most people
pious and trustworthy is a thief regard as God’s word everything
and a robber, and instead of that flows from their tongues in a
being modest and innocent is a state of slumber, and thus
debauch, and instead of being contravene the verse:
contented is utterly greedy, even
such a one can be a Prophet and And follow not that of which
elect of God. Indeed, with the thou hast no knowledge.
single exception of Jesus(as), all Verily, the ear and the eye
the other Prophets whom they and the heart – all these
accept as true and whose Books shall be called to account.
they describe as holy were, (Ch.17:V.37)
according to them, full of such
defects and were bereft of holy It should be borne in mind that
perfection which is a condition of anything that flows from the
innocence and purity of heart. tongue, even if it is not opposed
What a philosophy have the to the Word of God and the word

of the Holy Prophet(saw), is not the who have submitted to a death

Word of God unless the action of through which they have
God Almighty bears witness to approached close to God and
it. Satan, who is man’s enemy have withdrawn far away from
and who seeks diverse ways of Satan. A person hears him to
ruining a person, also adopts the whom he is close. He who is
method that he puts his words close to Satan hears Satan’s voice
into the heart of a man and and he who is close to God hears
assures him that they are words God’s voice. One’s utmost effort
of God and such a person is should be for the purification of
destroyed in the end. one’s soul. All search ends with
that. In other words, it is a death
Three Hallmarks of Divine that burns up all inner impurities.
Revelation When a person completes his
If someone claims to receive search then a stage arrives when
revelation, to call it divine would he passes under the control of the
amount to committing spiritual Divine. Thus through under-
death, unless and until it fulfils standing and love God revives
three conditions: His servant who, by discarding
his passions, has arrived at the
First, it should not be opposed to stage of death. Then through His
the Holy Qur’an; but this alone is extraordinary signs God reveals
not enough. Unless the third to him spiritual wonders and fills
condition which will be his heart with the attraction of
mentioned below is present, personal love which the world
nothing can be established. cannot understand. In this
condition, it can be said of him
Secondly, those words should that he has been bestowed new
descend upon a person whose life after which there is no death.
soul has been completely
purified. He should be one of This new life is won through
those who have withdrawn complete understanding and
entirely from their passions and complete love. Complete under-

THE ABILITY OF RECEIVE REVELATION
standing is acquired through then who can call such a person

God’s eternal signs. When a false? ... Those who enjoy the
person arrives at this stage, he honour of converse with God and
enjoys true converse with God. are appointed to call men to
This condition is also not enough Divine guidance are supported
without the third condition, for by Divine signs which fall like
perfect purity is a hidden matter rain and the world cannot oppose
and any idle talker could claim to them. Divine action bears
have achieved it. repeated witness that the words
that they put forward are Divine
The third condition of a true words. If those who claim to be
recipient of revelation is that recipients of revelation were to
God’s action should testify to the keep this condition in mind, they
words that he attributes to God, would escape falling into error.
that is to say, so many signs [Haqeeqatul Wahi, Ruhani
should appear in its support that Khaza’in, vol. 22, pp. 534-538]
sane reason should reject the
suggestion that despite so many Satanic Revelation is a Reality
signs it is not the Word of God. Satanic revelation is a reality
This condition is above all other which is experienced by some
conditions... imperfect seekers. There is also
self-suggestion, which may be
It is such a perfect condition that described as confused dreams.
no one can reject it. This is the He who denies this opposes the
condition through which true Holy Qur’an which affirms that
Prophets of God have always satanic revelation is a fact. God
overcome false people. When a Almighty says that so long as a
person claims that God’s Word person’s purification of soul is
descends on him and hundreds of not complete and perfected he
signs appear along with it, and a can be the recipient of satanic
thousand types of support and revelation and can fall within the
Divine help are displayed and purview of the verse:
God attacks his enemies openly,

THE ABILITY OF RECEIVE REVELATION
They descend on every great it immediately through his

liar and sinner. prophetic power... We can affirm
(Ch.26:V.223) that through his prophetic power,
and through the light of truth that
But the pure ones are he possessed, Jesus(as) did not
immediately warned of a satanic permit the satanic revelation to
approach. It is a pity that some approach him and immediately
Christian ministers have gone so occupied himself with its
far in their writings as to suggest rejection, and as darkness cannot
that when Satan took Jesus(as) to a withstand light, Satan was not
hillock, this was not an external able to withstand him and ran
event which could have been away. This is the true meaning
witnessed by others and by the of:
Jews and that three times Jesus(as)
received satanic revelation which Surely, thou shalt have no
he did not accept. We tremble at power over My servants,
hearing this biblical commentary except such of the erring ones
that Jesus(as) should have been as choose to follow thee.
subject to satanic revelation ... (Ch.15:V.43)
No satanic thought can take
possession of a pure heart. If Satan has authority only on those
such a stray thought should ever who accept satanic suggestions
come across their mind, it is and satanic revelation. But those
quickly rejected and their heart is who shoot the arrow of light at
not stained thereby. In the Holy Satan and wound him from afar
Qur’an such a stray thought is and refute him and do not follow
named ta’if. It has very little him in whatever he might say, are
relation with the heart and is like exempt from his authority. But as
the shadow of a far away tree. It God Almighty desires to show
is possible that Satan the them the kingdom of the heaven
accursed desired to create in the and earth and Satan is a part of
heart of Jesus(as) some slight the kingdom of earth, it is
doubt of this type and he rejected necessary that in order to

complete their observation of the forbidden to others is permitted to

creation they should see the face thee and thou art relieved of the
of this curious creature and obligation of performing Salat.”
should hear his word. The ‘Abd-ul-Qadir said to him:
garment of their transcendence “Avaunt Satan; how can that be
and innocence is not stained permitted to me which was not
thereby in the least. Satan had, permitted to the Holy
mischievously, according to his Prophet(saw)?” Then Satan disa-
ancient way, made a request to ppeared with his golden throne. If
Jesus(as) which his pure nature a man of God and unique
immediately rejected and did not individual like ‘Abd-ul-Qadir
accept. This was not at all received satanic revelation, how
derogatory of Jesus(as). Do not the can the common people, who
wicked sometimes speak in the have not yet completed their
presence of kings? In the same search, escape it? They have not
way, Satan spiritually injected his the eyes of light wherewith they
word into the heart of Jesus(as), but can recognise satanic revelation,
Jesus(as) did not accept it and as did Sayyed ‘Abd-ul-Qadir and
rejected it immediately. This was Jesus(as). Those soothsayers who
a commendable act and to abounded in Arabia before the
criticise it would amount to advent of the Holy Prophet(saw)
foolishness and ignorance of the received plenty of satanic
spiritual philosophy. It is not for revelation, and sometimes on the
every pious person and Sufi to basis of it they made prophecies
reject a satanic suggestion and to and the wonder is that some of
demonstrate its impurity as did their prophecies were fulfilled.
Jesus(as) with the whip of his light. Islamic literature is full of these
Sayyed ‘Abd-ul-Qadir Jilani(ra) stories. He who denies the
has stated that on one occasion he possibility of satanic revelation
received a satanic revelation. rejects the teachings of the
Satan said to him: ‘“Abd-ul- Prophets (peace be on them), and
Qadir, thy worship has been denies the whole system of
accepted and now all that is Prophethood. The Bible has

recorded that on one occasion genuine pearls cannot be stopped

four hundred prophets received a because false pearls are also
satanic revelation which was the available. A jeweller upon whom
work of a white jinn and on the God Almighty bestows insight
basis of that revelation they recognises at once which pearl is
prophesied the victory of a king, real and which is false. The Imam
but that king was killed in great of the age is the jeweller of the
humiliation in battle and suffered jewels of revelation. He who
a great defeat. A Prophet who had keeps company with him can
received his revelation from easily distinguish between the
Gabriel had prophesied that the real and the false. O ye Sufis!
king would be killed and dogs And O ye victims of alchemy!
would eat his body and he would Step warily in here and remember
suffer a great defeat. This was that true revelation which comes
fulfilled and the falsehood of the from God Almighty possesses the
prophecy of four hundred following characteristics:
prophets was demonstrated.
Characteristics of True
Naturally a question arises that if Revelation
satanic revelation is so common 1. It is received at a time when
then all revelation becomes the heart of the recipient,
doubtful, especially as an exalted being melted through its ache
Prophet like Jesus(as) also had for truth, flows towards God
such experience. Revelation thus Almighty like clear water.
becomes a great trial. The answer This is indicated in the
is that there is no reason to be Hadith that the Holy Qur’an
disheartened. It is part of Divine was revealed in sorrow and
law that everything valuable has should be studied with a
attached to it some things that are sorrowful heart.
false. Genuine pearls come out of
the ocean, but there are also false 2. True revelation is accom-
pearls which people manufacture panied by delight and conveys
themselves. Commerce in certainty in an unknown

manner and penetrates into the all his faculties and he

heart like an iron nail. Its perceives a change in himself.
words are eloquent and free His previous life comes to an
from error. end and a new life begins for
him and he becomes a source
3. True revelation possesses a of sympathy for mankind.
certain majesty and strikes the
heart with power and descends 7. True revelation does not finish
upon it with force and an with only one phrase for God’s
awesome voice. False voice has a continuation. He is
revelation is conveyed in a very Gentle and He talks to
low voice like the voice of him towards whom He is
thieves and eunuchs and inclined and answers his
women inasmuch as Satan is a questions. A recipient of true
thief and a eunuch and a revelation can receive a
woman( in a manner that he response to his supplications
carries out his attacks). at one place and time; though
sometimes an interval occurs
4. True revelation is charged between two series of
with the power of God revelations.
Almighty and contains
prophecies which are fulfilled. 8. The recipient of true
revelation is never a coward
5. True revelation fosters the and is not afraid to stand up to
recipient’s goodness and false claimants of revelation.
purifies him of inner He knows that God is with
impurities and improves his him and would humiliate a
moral condition. false claimant.
6. True revelation is borne 9. True revelation is the means of

witness to by all the inner acquiring knowledge and
powers of the recipient and it understanding for God does
sheds a new and pure light on not desire to leave its recipient

ignorant and without are delicious and majestic. They

knowledge. are not the product of one’s own
mind; such a product is delivered
10. True revelation is accom- in a low voice like that of a
panied by many other eunuch or a sick person. But
blessings. A recipient of true God’s word is full of majesty and
revelation is bestowed honour is mostly in Arabic and very often
from the unseen and is given in the form of verses of the
prestige. Qur’an. My experience is that
(Darurat-ul-Imam, Ruhani first it strikes the heart forcefully
Khaza’in, vol.13, pp.483-490) and an echo is thereby produced
which then blossoms like a
I was young and now I am old, but flower, and therefrom issues a
from the beginning I have been a holy and delicious series of
witness of the fact that God Who phrases comprising hidden
has ever been hidden manifests matters and possessing a majesty
Himself through Islam. If a and a power and effectiveness
person truly follows the Holy whereby it penetrates into the
Qur’an and occupies himself with heart like an iron nail and is
self-improvement according to its fragrant with the perfume of God.
teaching, and lives not like the These characteristics are attached
worldly but like a servant of the to it because some ill-natured
faith, and devotes himself to the persons also receive satanic
cause of God and loves His revelation or are deceived by the
Prophet Muhammad, the chosen product of their own minds. God
one(saw) and is free from self- Almighty causes shining light to
exhibition and arrogance and accompany His word so as to
pride and seeks not his own glory distinguish it from other types.
but the glory and greatness of
God, and humbles himself to the (to be continued)
dust in His cause, the result is that
Divine converse starts with him in
eloquent Arabic. Divine words

Inauguration of Baitun
Nur (Calgary) Mosque
Address delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, at the opening of
the Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary, the largest
mosque in Canada.
By the Grace of Allah we all know

we are gathered here today for the
opening of the Mosque in Calgary
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community. Before I say
something about the importance
and purposes of a Mosque
according to Islam, I wish to thank respecting the sentiments and
all distinguished guests who have feelings of each other we have
taken the time to participate in this gathered in the name of humanity
function. Your attendance is proof in such a function, notwith-
of your openheartedness. It is a standing that by reference to a
fitting example of all religions mosque, it is a religious event
trying to live together exclusively.
harmoniously. May these efforts
enable us to enhance and widen Members of the Ahmadiyya
our relationships with each other. Muslim Community have united at
You will certainly agree with me the name and hand of their
that that the Ahmadiyya Founder, the Promised Messiah(as),
Community has been persistent in whose rallying cry of ‘Love for
developing such relations ands as All, Hatred for None’ was in any
a result of which many different case going to be practically
groups are gathered here today and expressed in their attitudes. But
people of various colours, race and my heart is filled with gratitude to
social and religious backgrounds all of you who, despite all of the
have joined together. By differences that I have just

INAUGURATION OF BAITUN NUR (CALGARY) MOSQUE
mentioned, have accepted our The first thing said here is: O
invitation. May God Almighty Lord, please accept this service,
reward you for this. for it is not for any worldly
purpose. Its only purpose is to
I wish now to set out the purpose glorify the name of the One and
of a mosque. Only God. Secondly, our
generations will remain submis-
Our mosques are in reality sive and obedient to Your
modelled on the Sacred Mosque of Command. May our worship
Allah, the Almighty, which was please Allah and may He continue
the first House of God in Makkah to guide us. This, therefore, is that
(in Arabia), the foundations of basic principle for which mosques
which were raised once again by are constructed.
the Patriarch Abraham(as) along
with his son Ishmael(as) as set out During the time of the Holy
in the Holy Qur’an the Sacred Prophet Muhammad(saw), a mosque
Book of Muslims: was built by the hypocrites,
apparently in the name of God, but
And remember the time when in reality was for the purpose of
Abraham and Ishmael raised creating mischief, disorder and
the foundations of the House, disunity. However, God Almighty
praying, Our Lord, accept this is the Lord of the Seen and
from us; for you are All- Unseen. He informed the Holy
Hearing, All-Knowing. Our Prophet(saw) of what was
Lord, make us submissive to happening. Indeed, this incident is
You and make of our offspring also recorded in the Holy Qur’an,
a people submissive to You. where it is mentioned that the
And show us our ways of mosque referred to was built to
worship and turn to us with create disbelief and cause a
mercy; for You are Oft- division amongst the believers; it
Returning with compassion, was not based on righteousness.
and Merciful. (Ch.9:V.107)
(Ch.2:Vs.128-129)
This is why the Holy Prophet(saw)

was commanded that there could security of the places of worship

be no question of offering Prayer of only the Muslims.
in that mosque and he was asked
to demolish it so that mischief and In fact, it is said that if you do not
unrest should cease. This incident stop cruelty, not only will mosques
proves that mosques are only for be destroyed but the places of
glorifying the name of God and for worship of other religions will also
His worship. Those who worship be destroyed. The opponents of
God cannot imagine that they will religion will never allow the
do anything that will displease followers of any religion to live in
Him. This is why there is the quote peace. Permission was therefore
in the Holy Qur’an where it is said granted to secure the places of
that we are building this House of worship of not only Muslims but
God, so that through it we and our also of non-Muslims.
progeny may remain submissive to
God. God Almighty says:
Because of the actions of extremist Those who have been driven

Muslim clerics, an impression has out from their homes unjustly
arisen in the Western world that only because they said, ‘Our
mosques are, God forbid, places of Lord is Allah’; and if Allah did
evil or where extremists and not repel some men by means
terrorists are nurtured and the of others there would surely
purpose of which is to destroy the have been pulled down
peace of society. However, this cloisters and churches and
image is completely false. In synagogues and mosques,
Islam, so much importance is wherein the name of Allah is
given to religious reconciliation oft commemorated; and Allah
and harmony, to the respecting of will surely help one who helps
feelings of each other and to Him. Allah is indeed Powerful
respecting all places of worship, and Mighty.
that whilst force is permitted to (Ch.22:V.41)
stop cruelty and end unrest, it is
not confined to the protection and So in this verse, God Almighty has

not only drawn attention to the

security of Muslims but to the
security of other religions as well.
How can it be possible that God
Almighty should command the
Muslims on the one hand to raise
arms to defend their places of
worship and their faith and also
the places of worship of other
religions, whilst on the other hand
He should command the
annihilation of other religions and
the spreading of Islam by force?
Thus, respect has been inculcated
in the heart of a Muslim for the
sanctity not only of mosques but
also of cloisters, churches,
synagogues and the places of
worship of other religions.
Therefore, should the question
arise in anyone’s mind that now
that this mosque has been built in
our city, God protect us for we
know not whether our peace will
or will not remain, then he should
remove this thought from his
heart.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community works purely to
please God Almighty. Therefore,
if any church or other place of
worship stands in need of
protection, they will find us

standing shoulder to shoulder with to help their fellow Muslims but

them. If any sound comes from have been reminded as well that
our mosques it will be that Allah is they have been created for the
Great and that we bear witness that benefit of all of mankind. Their
there is none worthy of worship purpose should be to establish
except Him and Muhammad is the good works and prevent evil. How
Messenger of Allah. And it will could it be that those who have
be: Pay attention to worship, been instructed to be of benefit to
recognise the One God and come the entire mankind should in fact
towards success and salvation. disturb the peace?
The ways of prosperity and Then, God Almighty commands:

salvation are certainly good deeds
that are liked and commanded by Verily, Allah enjoins justice,
Allah, the Almighty. And what are and the doing of good to
those good deeds that He has others; and giving like
commanded us to do? kindred; and forbids
indecency, and manifest evil,
Allah, the Almighty, says that and wrongful transgression.
those people who speak of good He has admonished you, that
things for the reformation of you may take heed.
others, attain His nearness. Which (Ch.16:V.91)
is the best way to achieve the
prosperity of mankind, and for the In this verse, we have been
restoration of peace? God reminded of three good deeds and
Almighty says: of three evils. The verse says at the
end that if a person adopts these
You are the best people raised good deeds and shuns evil ones,
for the good of mankind; then he can rank amongst those
you enjoin what is good and who are guided.
forbid evil…
(Ch.3:V. 111) The first good deed mentioned is
to act according to justice. In
So Muslims are not only instructed connection with justice the Holy

Qur’an explains the required they may treat you well; in fact,
standard. God Almighty says that the good deed ought to be
when a person says something or performed as an integral part of
gives evidence, then even if it one’s nature. A true Muslim can
concerns a friend or relative, he never consider doing evil to
must satisfy the requirements of anyone. And so in a society where
justice and give true evidence, the thinking is such, justice, equity
even if he must give evidence and peace will prevail and a
against himself. This is the justice believer will attain the pleasure of
which will bring him nearer to Allah, the Almighty.
God Almighty; this is the justice
that will fulfil the purpose of his Next, certain evils have been
worship. highlighted. We are told: Refrain
from indecency, as it is merely a
The next requirement is to do good means of worldly gratification and
to others, irrespective of what joy. Whosoever pursues such
others have done to you. If by worldly pleasures can never
doing good unto others and remember God. Look at the
performing good works, peace in nightclubs and casinos that entrap
society can be established, then man in evil, all in the name of
one ought to forget the excesses pastime and entertainment. The
and wrongs done to one by others. one who does not remember God
We are told to do good to others in can have no bond with a mosque.
order to promote love and
affection, as this will result in the The Qur’an then says to refrain
ending of enmities between one from manifest evil. In other words,
another. A peaceful and just to refrain not only from open
society will thus take root. indecencies, but in fact from all
dislikeable matters, such as telling
Finally, a good deed of great lies, usurping the rights of others,
significance and high value has failing to respect the feelings of
been stated as giving like kindred, others, speaking ill of someone
and this means: Do not deal with and failing to respect the elders of
kindness towards others so that others. All these are matters that

erect walls of hatred in society. If a should remain at ease. The

person is engaged in such evils Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
and yet claims that he worships is the flag-bearer of that true Islam
Allah, the Almighty, and goes to which strictly discharges these two
the mosque for the worship of rights, that is the rights of God and
God, cannot attain the love of the rights of His Creatures.
Allah.
Then, God Almighty says that The Founder of the Ahmadiyya
diseases and evils that destroy Muslim Community, whom we
peace within society are rebellion, accept as the Promised Messiah
failing to respect the laws of the and Reformer, came to end
land, failing to discharge the rights religious wars, in accordance with
of love and allegiance to one’s the prophecies made by the Holy
country, and being the cause of Prophet (saw). There can be no kind
discredit to one’s country. of fear associated with a mosque
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
In a narrative in the Holy Community. The minarets of our
Prophet’s traditions, it is stated mosques are built to call people
that love of one’s country is part of towards the Creator; the minarets
a Muslim’s faith. This is the of our mosques are built to spread
teaching that the Holy Qur’an has the light of peace and love and this
given us; and it is not possible to is indeed the only purpose of the
act upon it until there is minarets of this mosque. Our
recognition of God Almighty. His Mosques are open to whoever
recognition only arises when man wishes to worship the One God.
worships with the fear of God in We act upon the true example that
his heart. The purpose of a mosque was set by the Holy Prophet(saw)
is to worship Allah, the Almighty, himself. Once, a Christian
and to discharge the rights owed to delegation of Najran was
His Creatures. Therefore, if in permitted to worship in the
anyone’s heart the thought arises Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
that by building this mosque in Our teaching is one of peace. Our
this area, the Muslims may teaching is one of love and this is
perchance destroy peace, they the true teaching that has been

given to us by the Holy Qur’an, has begun to love God’s Creation

and that the world has as well.
unfortunately forgotten. The
Founder of our Community has Then the Promised Messiah(as)
enlightened us with this beautiful says:
teaching.
“To show compassion and
I set out a few examples of this kindness to mankind is a great
wonderful teaching so that it may form of worship and is a potent
become clear to you. He says: source of winning the pleasure
of God Almighty.”
“There are only two perfect
parts of the faith. One is to love Then he adds:
God and the other is to love
His Creatures so much that you “Remember that, according to
consider their pain to be your me, the circle of those to whom
own, and to pray for them.” kindness must be shown, is
vast. No people or individuals
In other words when a true should be excluded. I do not
Muslim comes to worship in a tell you, like the ignorant
mosque he should not only pray people of this age, to confine
for himself, his wife, children and your kindness to Muslims.’
relatives but should pray for others No! I say that you must be kind
as well. He should be anxious and to all of Allah’s Creatures,
have a great zeal for removing the whoever or whatever it may
difficulties of others. Can anyone be, be it a Hindu or a Muslim
say that a person who prays for or anyone else. I never like the
others can have any malice, spite discourse of such people who
or hatred in his heart? No! This seek to confine kindness to
can never be so! A heart that their own. I repeatedly
comes to the mosque for prayers admonish you that you should
will be proclaiming that this never ever restrict your circle
House of God has caused a change of kindness.”
within him as a result of which he

Then he says: Muhammad(saw) of the teachings of

the Holy Qur’an, and who has
“The purpose of the advent of given us the slogan of ‘Love for
all prophets (peace be upon All, Hatred for None.’
them all) is shared by them all, Furthermore, this message is not
and it is to establish the true something that has appeared in the
and real love of God Almighty last three or four decades; indeed,
and to create a special bond of the 120 year life of the Ahmadiyya
love amongst mankind and Muslim Community bears witness
one’s brethren and [to honour to the fact that the minarets of our
their] rights. As long as this is mosques are beacons of light that
not so, all dealings will be radiate love, peace and security.
mere rituals.” So, today, I open this mosque and
I announce that this message of
This is a charming teaching and love, peace and security will last
uncountable examples of this till the end of time.
teaching can be given that have
been revealed to us by the Holy The Ahmadiyya Community, that
Qur’an and that were clearly knows how to stand united under
presented by the Messiah of the one hand through Khilafat, and
Age before us. So all of you that practises the true Islam due to
should be able to decide whether its bond with the Messiah of
the people who believe in this Muhammad(saw), will never let this
beautiful teaching would have message die. This mosque of ours
malice and spite in their hearts, or – and any mosques that we will
whether they would raise slogans build in the future in this country –
of love, peace and affection. Those will emerge as a sign of peace and
who are familiar with the security. We are the people who
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community respect the prophets and
will most certainly say that they messengers of every religion; and
have found nothing else but peace we respect mankind. This is
and security in this Community. because we believe in each and
This is the beautiful interpretation every prophet.
made by the Messiah of

We are certain that prophets came inflicted permanent disabilities

to every nation of the world; and as upon them. Today, there is still time
we have seen from the excerpts of to pay attention to the rights of the
the writings of the Founder of the Creator and of His Creatures. May
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Allah enable us to do so.
that I read before, all the prophets
came to establish the rights of Allah I again thank all guests who have
the Almighty and of His people; come here and who have
and this is indeed what the Qur’an participated in this inauguration
has taught us. And it is this that has and who have responded to our
been presented before us in the love with their own love. Our
personal example set by the Holy thanks are not a mere custom, but
Prophet(saw). come from the core of our hearts. It
is in accordance with the
Therefore, if the deeds of a few magnificent teachings of the Holy
have presented a false image of Prophet (saw), according to which, he
Islam, it does not mean that the who does not thank man, fails to
fault lies with the teachings. I take thank God Almighty. And as I have
the opportunity to request our said, the purpose of every task of a
distinguished guests to come true Ahmadi Muslim is to earn the
forward and to help us create an pleasure of Allah, the Almighty.
atmosphere of love so that we can And so, these thanks are also given
save this world from destruction for the sake of Allah. Allah has
and so that we can save and great love for all of His people.
improve the future of our Therefore, our love for His
generations. Let us save them from Creation is without ties or any
the conflagration of war. vested interest and is simply
expressed to earn the pleasure of
Today, the world sits on the God Almighty. May God enable us
precipice of destruction in this age and all of you to always maintain
of nuclear weapons. If these this atmosphere of love and
weapons of mass destruction affection. Amin.
explode, many future generations
will never forgive us for having Thank you again.

Universal Moral Values, Politics
and World Peace
This article is based upon Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih
IV’s closing address to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Annual
Convention in Canada in 1996. In which he pointed out the root causes
of the ills plaguing the socio-political structure of economies based on
interest. After the diagnosis, he proposed the most complete and
practical cure: the only way to world peace is a return to universal moral
values born of the attributes of God, common among all world religions.
The address was broadcast live around the world on the Community’s
satellite television channel MTA.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad honourable Sergio Marchi – who

started his address by reciting the is also here in another capacity as
Tashah-hud (affirmation that my personal friend of long
God is One, without partner and standing; the kindest of all the
that Muhammad(saw) is the mayors of Canada [Her Worship
messenger of God), the Lorna Jackson. Mayor of the
Ta’awwudh (the traditional City of Vaughan, Ontario,
formula for seeking God’s Canada] who is here with us,
protection against Satan), and ladies and gentlemen.
Surah Al-Fatihah (the opening
chapter of the Holy Qur’an). He I have chosen to recite some
then continued with verses of the Holy Qur’an which
Ch.41:Vs.34-35 of the Holy are often quoted in relation to the
Qur’an – these were elaborately art of preaching – how to carry it
translated by the speaker later on. out and what should be its
purpose. But these verses of the
Honoured guests, the personal Qur’an have another message,
representative of the Prime not only for Muslims (putting
Minister of Canada – the their message across to the rest of
UNIVERSAL MORAL VALUES, POLITICS & WORLD PEACE
the world), but also addressing

the whole of mankind, drawing
their attention to the importance
of returning to God and calling
others to the path of God. It is in
the context of this second
connotation of the verses that I
am going to address you this
afternoon, or is it pre-noon?
Whatever the time, it does not
matter – this address is being
heard and seen all over the world
in different time zones! So, we
share all these twenty-four hours
today, here – in these moments!
The verses I have recited before

you can be simply translated as, and that leads to the central part
of this message: Goodness and
Who is more beautiful in his evil cannot be alike. They do not
words than the one who calls have the same weight or the same
to the path of Allah, values; they are so different.
provided his own act is also
righteous and beautiful. With the help of beauty and the
(Ch.41:V.34) beauteous, remove evil. That is
the only way that you can
Only if he is righteous in his own convert your enemies into such
deeds will his call towards Allah friends as will shower their lives
acquire a sense of beauty; upon you.
otherwise it will not. So, if you
call to the path of Allah and you A Universal Message
are righteous yourself, then We live in a world of competition
something is bound to follow, and jealousies. We live in a world

of growing uncertainties and conveys the message of peace to

concerns for the peace of the all humans alike.
world. I believe, and I am deeply
convinced, that this message is Calling towards the path of Allah
universal, whatever your can also be understood in the
religion, race, colour or creed sense that each member of every
may be. It applies to you religion should begin to call to
particularly and to all those being his own religion, believing it to
addressed by it now. be the path, This is a completely
different area of the application
This is so because no specific of this verse and I am not going
religion is mentioned. It is not to take it up at this time — this
said ‘his word is beautiful who moment in the twenty-four hours
calls to the path of Islam.’ of the world!
Rather, it declares ‘his word is
beautiful who calls to the path of The Key to World Peace
Allah’, the common and central What I want to point out is that
point of all religions, and around today, man is riddled with
which their teachings revolve. problems that present a very
Allah, God, Parmatma, Wahe ominous future for mankind as a
Guru, or by whatever name you whole. The belief that we can
call Him – all His names are fight it out among ourselves for
beautiful. our respective rights, and thus
establish peace in the world, is
To call towards the path of Allah absolutely false – it is a fool’s
is highly essential for the dream and nothing more. You
survival of mankind today, but in cannot fight it out to gain peace!
what manner? This is what I am To achieve, or hope to achieve,
going to explain to you through peace you can only struggle and
this verse, which is so strive in the cause of goodness
comprehensive and so universal and peace, there is no other way
in its application that, without and this is the most important,
reference to any religion, it central and pivotal point of

establishing world peace. Herein follows is a total freedom – an

lies the very key to the solution uninterrupted freedom – of the
of the world’s problems, a key right of people to worship God as
that is, as such, always ignored. they please and to convey their
It is not respected and no one message across to the rest of the
pays any real attention to this world. As far as this aspect is
key. concerned, I know and I have
experienced that Canada has
I have been here in Canada many achieved it. But there is more to
a time before and some cities of it than that, it is not just a
Canada have offered me their freedom of choice that I am
keys. I respected them, I kissed talking about.
them, and I love them; but
nobody cared for the key I offer, Politics is secular in the wrong
while it is a reality – a hard sense as well. Politics seems to
reality – that, today, this is the be totally unconcerned with
only key that can solve the religious messages and the
world’s problems. morality offered by religion. If
politics is not concerned with
I will explain how. How would ideological fights, dogmas and
you call towards Allah – towards what ensues from the mass
God – and in what way can it struggle of winning converts to
serve a useful purpose for the one’s faith, it is fine. But, not to
whole of mankind? be concerned with the moral
messages of religion, not to be
Secular Politics interested in the moral teachings
When we say that politics is of all religions which are
secular in the world, it is secular common and universal, is what is
in a good sense as well as in a not right about politics.
bad sense. It is secular in a good
sense because whenever politics Unless we introduce this new
is secular, it does not interfere in element into world politics, there
the domain of religion. What can be no hope of peace

THE HOLY QUR’AN OFFERS A SOLUTION, AND IN FACT, THE ONLY

WORKABLE SOLUTION. IT DRAWS OUR ATTENTION, SAYING,
“UNLESS YOU CALL MANKIND TO ALLAH, NO PROBLEMS WHICH
HUMANS ARE FACING CAN EVER BE RESOLVED.” ... IT DOES NOT
SAY THAT UNLESS YOU BECOME MUSLIMS, UNLESS YOU BECOME
SIKHS, HINDUS, CHRISTIANS, JEWS OR WHATEVER NAMES YOU
CALL YOURSELVES BY – WORLD PROBLEMS WILL NOT BE SOLVED.
NO RELIGION IS MENTIONED IN THE WAY OF SOLVING WORLD
PROBLEMS – ONLY THAT YOU CALL TOWARDS THE PATH OF ALLAH.
whatsoever; and it is not merely a between the two faces.

dogmatic claim, I can prove it.
It is the duty of a politician to be
Politics Should Be Based On loyal to the cause of his people.
Justice That is all right, that is fine and
Politics is secular, but politics is good. Even if the dictates of
not just; politics is secular, but it justice require a politician to
is not universal. Universality can favour the cause of another
be added to politics only through country – rather than his country
the universal principles of – the loyalty of the politician is
morality, and that is what a still fixed in only that single
politician does not care for. A direction.
politician thinks that he should
not be concerned with it because, This is another aspect of
if he is a true politician, he must secularism that is so disturbing,
look inwards towards the interest and which stands in the way and
of his own people. So, every obstructs the passage of peace.
politician, as part of a system and
not through his own fault, has ‘World Order’
two faces – an inward-looking You may have, many a time,
face and an outward-looking face heard American Presidents
– and there is such a paradox declare with the loudest of

voices, heard all over the world, It goes on changing its definition
‘Now, we are going to usher in a from time to time and it is
new era or World Order’– A amazing how this jugglery goes
‘New Era or World Order?’ Loud on in the name of honour, in the
words, but what is this world name of justice and in the name
order? of world peace; and no one raises
a voice against this.
Is it a total domination of the
U.S. over the rest of the world? Is It is a hollow game! We are just
it an ‘Order’ of enforced peace like puppets whose strings are
whereby weak nations will have being drawn by unseen faces
no choice but to follow the behind political facades. When
dictates of a powerful people – shall we awaken to the realities
follow their dictates down to the of life, and how shall we change
very tunes they play? the face of politics so that it
becomes universal – and there
New definitions of justice are are no two faces to politics, just
made here and there, and they are one? Unless we achieve this
always variable because they are purpose – this noble goal – it is
not based on absolute religious impossible to establish any
principles. Justice changes its ‘World Order’ in the world.
definition in Kuwait – in its
application to the situation of the The Only Workable Solution
Gulf Crisis. It changes its The Holy Qur’an offers a
definition in application to the solution, and in fact, the only
situation of Palestine. It changes workable solution. It draws our
its definition in relation to the attention, saying, “unless you
situation in the South American call mankind to Allah, no
and Central American states. It problems which humans are
changes its definition in facing can ever be resolved.” It
application to Eastern European does not speak of any religion –
politics and particularly in this is the most important point.
relation to the Bosnian problem. It does not say that unless you

become Muslims, unless you Goodness. And every man

become Sikhs, Hindus, knows what beauty is and what
Christians, Jews or by whatever goodness is. All the attributes of
names you call yourselves – God are familiar to you because
world problems will not be they are the same attributes that
solved. No religion is mentioned He has imprinted upon your own
in the way of solving world nature. When you see the truth, it
problems – only that you call always attracts you. When you
towards the path of Allah. see beauty, you are gravitated
towards beauty by natural laws.
How can politicians join this So ‘beauty’ is the symbol of the
struggle, or this holy war, against attributes of God, and these
evil, in the universal common attributes are familiar to all
interest of Man? What are the mankind, regardless of their
ways of Allah? Which God will geographical belonging, coun-
you call upon? This is what has tries, races, etc.. Now, what is
been explained in the verses that God in this sense – in the sense
follow and is the pivotal point of universality? He is true, He is
that I am coming to: What do you compassionate, and He is loving.
mean by ‘Calling to Allah’? How He cares for those who cannot
do we know what Allah is? By care for themselves. He is just,
which religion shall we learn? absolutely just, yet He is kind
and forgiving.
What is Goodness?
The Holy Qur’an has already Now, these are elements of
answered these questions: before goodness that can be introduced
his creation, in the very nature of into any type of politics without
Man, God had imprinted the compromising the politician’s
Universal Concept of God; and position to be secular. In this
he has only to refer to his own sense, you are talking of secular
inner self — to his own values that are not clothed in any
conscience – to know what God religion – not cloaked under any
is. God is Beauty – God is name. They are just values

common to Man and are the social aspects of human life –

same universally; and it is these and is true to you, you love him
towards which I am inviting you. because of his truthfulness and
there is no hesitation whatsoever.
Goodness Is In You! If he is honest, you love him
And when the Holy Qur’an says because of his honesty. If he is
‘Come back to Allah and call kind to you, is forgiving, and
towards Allah’ it means, “all the helps you in areas where you
goodness that you think God to need help, it is impossible for
be, and all the attributes that you you to reject that behaviour in the
believe are His, must be His, name of secularism, saying
because you yourself respect “these are moral attitudes — they
these very attributes here in this are godly attitudes – we do not
world.” However, you only care for them.” If you do that,
respect them when they are on that would be madness!
your right side. You know that
they are still worthy of respect Return to the Universal
even when they are on your Attributes of God
wrong side, but then you reject So, I am asking you to return
them. Your conscience tells you from ‘madness’ to wisdom,
that you are making a wrong because this ‘madness’ becomes
decision, because they are the really infectious in Man when he
same attributes that you love deals with rival nations, rival
intrinsically and intuitively – interests, and rival groups. In
they are born in you, you live these situations, he prefers to be
with them and you want dealt with by the attributes of
everybody to behave to you God in his case, but at the same
exactly as if God was treating time, he prefers to deal with
you with His beautiful attributes. others without those attributes
because, in the latter case, you
If somebody deals with you in have to pay for them – you have
any area of human interest – to offer sacrifices.
politics, economics or other

So, this is my message to you side, but never when it favours

and, through you, to the whole your opponent. This is the
world: Return to the attributes dilemma – this is the global crisis
of God, which are universal that we are facing today; and the
and are not prejudicial in any Holy Qur’an reminds you that
form. this should be corrected, without
which nothing can happen.
And without this awakening –
without this universal and Immorality in Man
everlasting wisdom – you cannot The ultimate purpose mentioned
resolve any human problems, in the verses I have just quoted is
however loudly you may claim to ‘to turn your enemies into
be a wizard in resolving human friends.’ How can you go about it
problems. No power on earth can – how can you do it so that there
do that. It is impossible, unless is no enmity left?
all powers return to ‘absolute
justice’, and unless all powers If there is enmity left, it is due to
return to absolute morality in humans being crooked in their
every form. But where is that basic attitude to life, despite the
‘absolute justice’? How do we fact that they were created for
resolve this problem? goodness. However, because of
their choices and because of the
Politicians are not ‘mad’ – we havoc played by ego upon human
know that; they are very wise goodness, in the ultimate
people, otherwise they would not analysis, Man emerges as an
have risen to the levels they have immoral animal – and it is that of
risen to — albeit sometimes at what Karl Marx took note of.
the cost of morality!
That is where he laid his first
This is a bargaining world, where brick of scientific socialism: he
selfish interests rule and where believed that human affairs
morality is to be accepted and cannot be corrected, or cannot be
respected only when it is on your stabilised, unless the factors

responsible for rivalries and and they utilised the power in

classes in society are completely their custody selfishly and
eradicated and Man is levelled immorally. If they had not done
down to a single base, without so, what we saw happening to the
ups and downs. If there are Berlin Wall would not have
differences of levels, and a Man happened. It would have been a
is immoral, he will always try to different world of Communism
pull down those who are above that would certainly have
him and try to rise up, even collapsed later on, but not as
stepping on the heads of others! soon as it did.
This is what he saw and, to this
extent, he was quite right. The Ever-Powerful Economy
Returning to the issue, what is
But to treat immorality in Man the crux of the problem I was
with an immoral system was a discussing, and how can we
contradiction in terms — it could resolve it? The Holy Qur’an
not have happened. No system in reminds us to return to the
the world can work without concept of God. In this context, I
morality. This is what Karl Marx am not treating this verse from
conveniently forgot, and due to the ‘preaching’ point of view, but
this oblivion of his, the from the point of view of ‘calling
Communist world had to pay so Man back to God’.
dearly for the lack of morality.
How can a politician be called
People say it is Communism that back to God? There is a problem
failed. I say, “No!” Communism he faces: even if he is convinced
had other inherent weaknesses of of the truth of what I am saying
course, I know, but it was the and the sincerity with which I am
lack of morality that was saying it, it is impossible for any
responsible for the downfall of politician of the world to return
the Communist Empire, because to Absolute Morality and to God,
the custodians of Communism because the economy rules
were immoral. They were selfish politics all over the world.

on whether to be on this side of

certain nations or on the other
“Any financial system side. The dictation term is only
built on usury or economic!
interest is bound to
lead to a global All through the history of human
economic crisis.” conflict – all through the history
of colonisation, by European
powers, of the rest of the world –
“the worst enemy of it was economy and economy
the world is an alone that played the most
economy based on the pivotal role. As such, if the
system of usury and economy is dishonest, without
interest” morality and knows no
unselfishness, or if it is ego
which commands human
The economy dictates its terms to economies, then a mere sermon
politics, and as long as man is on goodness, however powerful,
selfish – and man is selfish – it is will certainly fail to bring about a
impossible to ignore the change in the political system of
economic interest of his own the world.
country in the name of any
morality. And that is where the So talk of justice you may, but
problem arises – that is where the how will you make justice
problem is now deepening – and become a valid coin in human
yet people do not see the writing affairs? I am turning to that part
on the wall. A new world has now.
already emerged out of the ruins
of the old one. Things are Capitalism and Interest-based
changing, new alliances are in Economies
the offing, and new groupings are It is time for us to realise that in
being made – all for the fear of this world of competition,
economic factors; as are choices economies are now tottering

because of the Capitalist system. economic crisis – a direct result

So, do not exult much in the so- of the system of Capitalism
called victory of Capitalism over based on usury and interest. It
Communism. You are in for plays havoc with your peace and
surprises, because Capitalism your security; your industry and
also has inherent defects. Any your commerce. You do not see it
financial system built on usury or because you are shortsighted-
interest is bound to lead to a made shortsighted by your ego
global economic crisis. factor and your immediate
interests. This is the most ugly
I do not want to build this aspect part that ego plays in human life.
further in detail. All of you, the Ego is shortsighted. It desires to
guests as well as the hosts, are have something HERE and
quite educated and intelligent NOW, and does not care to look
and so I hope you will get the ahead in time as to what results
message that ‘the worst enemy of would follow from this egoistic
the world is an economy based attitude of Man.
on the system of usury and
interest’. Again, I would like to be brief
but the subject is very vast and
It is this system of Capitalism you have to be convinced of what
that leads the world, again and I am telling you; otherwise, just
again, to universal financial my telling you “Come, return to
crises – which are bound to end God” will be meaningless.
up in global wars; and you
cannot gainsay this – it is Money Cannot Grow by Itself
impossible to reject it. Look back You are sitting on a bough that
at the history of the First World you are severing on the wrong
War; go beyond the history of the side – it is bound to fall, with
First World War to the causes of you! You have seen it happen
the first global war and the many a time before. Tomorrow,
second global war. You will you will see it happen again if
always notice a preceding global you do not realise the folly of

repeating the mistakes that have Capitalist system, it is the banks

always led the world into that dictate the terms and, as
horrendous global wars. How the such, society is always on the
economy of the world can be receiving end. Again, this is
rectified is something that is, at something that has to be
present, beyond the power of elaborated upon at quite some
economists, and politicians, even length, and we do not have time
to attempt. for that.
This is so because the entire You Are Borrowing From Your

global system is based on the Future
Capitalist philosophy of interest Briefly speaking, I assure you
that, in turn, is based on the false that as long as the global
notion that accumulated money, economy is run on the basis of
if left idle, must grow. They interest, there is no hope for
forget that money cannot grow mankind whatsoever. It is not
without being wedded to human pessimism – it is realism!
faculties. It can grow as well as
lose value and this second part – Imagine what you, yourself, do
this second reality – is not yet to your own people, to your own
borne upon the minds of the economy and to your own future
world’s economists. They by giving opportunity to your
continue to treat money as if it citizens to spend what they have
MUST grow by itself. not yet earned – borrowing from
their future, and at high cost!
This is why whatever you deposit This is exactly what the current
in the banks grows in your favour economic system of the world is.
and wherever you borrow from Through banks, a person has
the banks must grow in favour of the opportunity to borrow –
the banks. But, it is done without not from the banks – but from
justice because the lending hand his own future! He has to pay
is more powerful than the back to the banks what he would
receiving hand. So, in the earn in the future and much more

than what he was lent. His loan Collapse of Such Economies

multiplies and the responsibility So, a time comes when the whole
to pay back multiplies. system is saturated. There is
nothing more for the banks to
When you look at a cross-section lend unless they receive money
of such a society (the entire back
Western economy in particular
and other subservient econo- In addition, earning power is also
mies), you immediately realise adversely affected in such
that they are becoming enriched periods of inflation. Often, while
and flourishing, at least borrowing from the future and
superficially, in the following adding to your present earnings,
way: you are ‘capable’ of earning
more; but when you have to pay
Banks lend money to those who back through your nose, your
spend money, increasing their earning power is reduced. What
buying power. With that increase you have to pay back is far more
of buying power, industry than what you received.
flourishes, the economy
flourishes and you see a sudden It is such times that economies
boom in economic activity. collapse – it is impossible to
Everybody is so happy, “I want a sustain them. Industries shut
refrigerator – I want a deep down, big shopping centres come
freezer – I want a microwave to a close, and there is dullness
oven! It is impossible to buy everywhere. It can only be
them with my present earnings remedied by expanding your
so, through banks, I will borrow markets in the rest of the world
from my own future, and at what because, through this system, it is
cost? I will borrow one hundred impossible to maintain the
dollars and will have to pay back growth rate in the internal market
from the future three, four, five of the country. This is known
hundred dollars, or even more.” scientifically as dialectical
materialism. Marx did not look

at it as such, but he rejected the same time – because a

capitalism on the basis of usury financial crisis develops in the
and, perhaps, that was the reason, world, on a larger area than the
as he understood, for the areas of individual countries. So,
rejection of capitalism in every what would then follow would be
form. But he is not the subject a mad race for the capture of
today, so I do not want to discuss foreign markets, and if the
him further. foreign markets have been
impoverished so much that they
The Frantic Search for New cannot help sustain your
Markets economies, then the crisis will be
What I want to draw your doubly serious and the situation
attention to is that every time may go out of hand sooner than
economies reach the final stage you fear.
of collapse and crisis,
governments frantically make Inevitable Global War
efforts to enlarge their foreign As such, the Third World War
markets. And a race ensues, cannot be averted by any
which creates bitter jealousies. political jugglery. If anybody
Erstwhile friends, erstwhile believes it can be, I pity him! The
people belonging to the same hard facts that I have laid bare
political group, are no longer before you reject the concept of
trustworthy friends because any political jugglery being able
politics is immoral – it is secular to establish world peace or
– and the interest of the nation is justice and fair play in human
supreme. Every other interest has affairs.
to be sacrificed at the altar of
personal interest. Honest Politicians?
It is the economy that will rule –
So, when you search for foreign that will dictate – and a
markets, almost all other politician, if honest, will not be
economies are also suffering able to hold his position in his
from the same problem – and at country because of the ‘crime’ of

his honesty. He will have to go would be just a hollow and

and dishonest people will be meaningless claim – if not fraud!
elected in place of the honest It is both! It is a meaningless
politicians who cannot claim and also a big fraud played
compromise with their upon the world. The first
conscience. condition laid by the Holy
Qur’an, before you are entitled to
Rectify Yourself First call the world to God – towards
It is to this that the Holy Qur’an the attributes of God – is: show
invites your attention. It says those attributes in your own
“Call the world to the ways of conduct and in your own
Allah – to Allah’s Attributes”. behaviour.
But when you do so, rectify
yourself first. Do not issue a call, Can it happen? This is the point –
in the name of God, for bringing can it happen today? Keeping the
mankind back to God, while you factors that I have just presented
yourself are away from God. to you in the focus of your
attention, find an answer from
Look at the grand pronounce- your own selves. This is not
ments issued by the presidents of pessimism. For God’s sake,
big world powers, now and please do not misunderstand me
before. They always speak in – this is realism carried to the
good terms – they always speak utmost. It is something
in terms of ‘world peace’, in unavoidable – it is impossible to
terms of ‘justice’ –but are they change the face of the earth
just within their own countries? without realising the forces and
Is their own country at peace? If factors that I have just presented
it is in turmoil, if crime is before you.
rampant, if peace is broken on
every street and dashed to the The ‘Mafias’ of Capitalism
ground in every home, then The first question that must be
making the tall claim of inviting dealt with is how can your
people to peace and to God economy be reformed in the

sense that your crisis is not intentionally so that their

transferred to the rest of the absolute command over that
world? The problem lies not only sector of the economy becomes
in the system of capitalism, but permanent. And the perversion
also in the ‘children of of society’s taste to a level which
capitalism’ – the ‘Mafias’ of society cannot reach as a whole,
money that are created in the invites crime, invites disorder,
process of capitalistic invites the shattering of peace
governments or capitalist econo- within your homes, streets and
mies. When money becomes cities.
everything, when materialism
becomes your goal of life, when This is what is happening to you,
you cannot see beyond it, then why do you not see it? You are
your selfishness commands you sitting on a moving platform that
more firmly than ever before and is moving towards the edge of a
you do not care for values at all. precipice – a waterfall. Once you
reach it, there will be no return
Then the ‘Mafias’ grow in the from there! So, for God’s sake,
name of modern music, in the open your eyes to these realities.
name of modern pursuits of Without returning to God, there
pleasure, in this name, in that is no hope for mankind
name, and make you addicted to whatsoever.
such false standards of life that,
in reality, the economy cannot Lower Your Standard of
sustain. This is another aspect of Living
the problem and, coupled with The first criterion for a politician
what I have told you, this attitude to be able to cope with these
plays havoc with human peace problems would be the ability to
and with any future chances of call ‘a spade a spade’. A very
human peace ever starting. simple criterion but very hard to
meet.
These ‘Mafias’ are very
powerful. They pervert taste When a politician knows that the

raising of standards at a certain Politicians Should Unite for

turn of the economy is This Cause
impossible, except at the cost of According to the Qur’an, the first
moral values, then he should lead advice I would render is ‘return
the people back to a lower to the simplicity of life – to the
standard of life. It is not only realities of life. Fight out evil
possible; it is essential for your with the help of Hasanah, which
survival – for the survival of any means ‘goodness’. So, fight the
economy. But a politician who evil of society with a concept that
declares “I will lower your is basically good. You should tell
standard of living substantially – them that “we must learn to live
to a level that can be supported within our capacities; we must
by the economy” will be ousted learn to share the miseries of
from politics. Again, others; we must learn to share
unfortunately, it is a dilemma – our happiness with others, within
how tragic, but it is so – that the country. Unless we are ready
politicians will be rejected to do that, it is impossible to
because the tastes of people have change the international
become perverted, and have been relationship between one people
permitted to become perverted. It and another.”
is getting late for the politician to
realise this. When he permits the Try it at your own homes first! If
formation of these ‘Mafias’, of you wage a war against evil,
radio, television and the being united – if all the political
advertising industry, etc., he is parties are united on this: ‘that to
fighting a cause against himself. gain selfish advantage out of this
He can never make the people dilemma will be tabooed — will
see the light of the day. So, he is be forbidden – and we will all
riding a wave crest that is speak the same language, and we
moving rapidly towards a will fight our respective interests
catastrophe from which, as I said, on other grounds, but not on the
it is impossible to return. grounds of morality;’ – if they
are united, and if they have the

courage and wisdom to be united

on this issue, then there is hope –
there is a possibility that things “This lowering of
will begin to change. standards is not a
punishment, it is a
Canada as a Model for the pleasure! What I am
World saying might be amazing,
And when I said [previously] that yet it is true. If you lower
“I want Canada to be the world your standards for a good
and the world to be Canada”, it
and just cause, you gain a
was in this sense that I said it –
not in generalised terms, of sense of nobility – you
course. It is a compliment, but a feel a sense of nobility
compliment of a religious person born with you which is a
who loves truth. It is not a hollow reward in itself! And no
compliment just to please you better reward that that
with a phrase. can be imagined.”
What I meant, and still mean, is
that in Canada, I find a glimmer because here my community
of hope because I know even the stands much better chances of
politicians – even the politicians, making Canadians see the
I say! – are innocent, deep inside. realities of life the way I am
They want goodness. They are showing them – the way the Holy
not mechanised – they are not Qur’an has shown me – and
totally formalised. There is still a convince them that it is not a
sense of humanity underlying question of the message of the
their attitudes, which is rare to Qur’an, it is not a question of the
see in politics — it is unique, in message of Islam, it is a question
fact, in Canada. of a message of the heart – which
is universal – about which you
So, it is with the Canadian can testify within yourself that it
character that I hope to work, is true.

Truth and Economic Sacrifices nobility born within you which is

So, first of all, as I said, be a reward in itself! And no better
realistic and that is truth. Truth is reward than that can be imagined.
not just to bear witness that I saw
someone doing this and I saw The Sacrifice of Prophets
someone not doing that – truth is Why are prophets sacrificial
far deeper and far wider. It throughout their lives? Why do
penetrates every sphere of human they waste the only life span that
life, down to the roots of is offered them here on earth by
intentions. So, the truth is, as I pursuing goodness at the cost of
said in the simplest definition, ‘to their own comfort and pleasure?
call a spade a spade’. Are they mad? Certainly not!
Their future proves that they were
You should tell your people that it the wisest people of their age.
is impossible for us to rectify
economic wrongs without What happened to Jesus
returning to lower standards Christ (as)? All his life, he
where we can share our miseries sacrificed every second – every
in common with other citizens of moment – of his pleasure for the
our country, and where we will sake of mankind, and suffered at
try to extend our pleasures to the hand of those whom he
others who cannot have them by wanted to reform. He was not
themselves. And then, the entire mad – nor was he without ego –
economic planning will have to but his ego was of a higher
be changed. nature, of a far more refined
quality than the ego of a
This lowering of standards is not common man. When he suffered
a punishment, it is a pleasure! for the sake of goodness, he
What I am saying might be really could enjoy it, because
amazing, yet it is true. If you the sense of nobility born with it
lower your standards for a good was ample reward for his acts of
and just cause, you gain a sense goodness and sacrifice.
of nobility – you feel a sense of

“So, to share suffering becomes pleasure of a very high order,

which cannot be imagined by people who are only engrossed in
materialism. So, a return to these values would sustain you in
hours of trial, and in hours of trouble. This the only hope for
mankind. Return to the basic human values that are the values
of God. This is the meaning of ‘God has shaped you after
Himself.”
This is not only true in the case wake up all night for their
of Jesus Christ(as) ;it is true in the suffering children and cry for
case of every prophet of God. them. If you invite that mother
Their ‘madness’ can be analysed to sleep, and admonish her,
only in these terms that they see “why are you wasting your time
higher values than those who are and your comfort for the sake of
‘low-based (who see pleasures in a child who will suffer anyway,
material gains, but do not know whether you are awake or not,”
how to enjoy pleasures in she will turn to you as if you
sacrificing material gains for the were her most bitter enemy. She
sake of others). Every time such would respond, “what do you
a heart-warming bargain is made, mean, what are you advising
the person who gives, receives me? How can I sleep while my
more pleasure than the person child is awake? It is
who receives. This is the basic impossible!” But where is the
lesson of human psychology that reward? The reward is the
is so often forgotten, unfor- realisation that she is suffering
tunately. Try to be good to others with her child.
and then you will know the
pleasure of sacrifice! So, to share suffering becomes
pleasure of a very high order,
Sharing the Suffering of which cannot be imagined by
Others people who are only engrossed
Why are mothers so ‘mad’? They in materialism. So, a return to

these values would sustain you NOT suffer — it is impossible

in hours of trial, and in hours of — this is the beauty of truth.
trouble. This is the only hope for
mankind. Return to the basic If you know it to be true that fire
human values that are the values burns, and you discard this piece
of God. This is the meaning of of knowledge and disrespect it,
‘God has shaped you after and violate the principles of
Himself’. nature, and poke your finger into
fire, it will burn – there is no
The Power of Truth way for you to escape — except
The treasure is in your hearts, by acquiring some insulation, of
accessible to you, but you do not course! But what is the sense of
delve deep enough to reach that poking your finger into fire by
treasure. So you have to become insulating it all around? Why
admonishers before you can not abstain from such folly? The
become good politicians. You reality of truth is the most
have to become realistic, a lover dominant reality, which can
of truth, before you can ever never be ignored without paying
hope to lead your people to the cost of ignoring it.
emancipation from the problems
possessing them, and which Return to the Realities of Life
have enslaved them. This is my first message to you:
Return to the realities of life;
So, this is the message: Remove understand what is happening to
evil with the help of Hasanah, the country. You know that the
which is goodness. That is the wealth God has provided you is
only way you can turn your quite sufficient for the decent
enemies into your friends. A living of every Canadian – and
simple truth, but so sound – so more – but you have to scale
profound, and so powerful that down to reality. This is the point
when ignored, you will be – it is as simple as that!
punished for that folly of yours!
You cannot ignore truth and yet, So, start a movement of

“Once, in Germany, I suggested that when economies are under

pressure, when people are being laid off –it is crime on the part of
society to lay-off people – the only possible solution for such crises
is to reduce wages to a level where all people who can work are
provided work at lesser remuneration. You pay for labour at a
lower rate and all available labour will be put into work, and you
do not realise what a boon it would create for the economy.”
reducing artificial standards and is correct is in itself a recipe for

returning to a normal base which the cure.
is economically viable and
supportable. Then, the economy So, understand the message and
will again flourish from then on. accept it with good grace. Make
It is a natural law that cannot be a hard effort towards gaining
avoided – cannot be ignored, this goal and I assure you that
because… it again requires a you will rise as a unique country
longish explanation, but I am in the whole world. Only then
not going to enter into it. will you become a model, not
Believe me, when you return to otherwise. Then will you
truth and justice, it sends you become a paragon of virtue for
upward, back from where you the rest of the world to emulate
had descended. It begins to and only then can mankind be
support you, to higher levels. retrieved from this utter mess it
has let itself into.
Diagnosis Completed
An economy can only be made The Solution for
healthy when you diagnose the Unemployment
disease, and this is the disease Once, in Germany, I suggested
that I have diagnosed before that when economies are under
you. Once diagnosed – once you pressure, when people are being
accept the message of that laid off – it is crime on the part
diagnosis – that is the cure for of society to lay off people – the
the trouble. Every diagnosis that only possible solution for such

crises is to reduce wages to a way – there is no other option.

level where all people who can And return to God with total
work are provided work at lesser submission.
remuneration. You pay for
labour at a lower rate and all God is One
available labour will be put into Return to that characteristic of
work, and you do not realise God of which you are informed
what a boon it would create for by every religion, maybe in
the economy. To begin with, different terms but the essence
everybody will share the remains the same. God in
suffering of a weak economy by Hinduism is as good as God
reducing his standard of living, elsewhere in the world. The God
and in a country like Canada, of Christianity, the god of
even if the standards are Judaism, the God of Islam – God
lowered by many degrees, you is One – This is the meaning of
can still live decently. the Unity of God. His beauty is
One, and this is universal and
And if you live decently, but get unchangeable.
problems in the bargain, for the
sake of a good cause, for the The Beauty of God – in You
sake of nobility, then this So, without returning to beauty,
experience will become so how can you escape ugliness?
enjoyable that it will not remain Human crime, injustice and
a punishment. And then your unequal treatment of man at the
cheap labour will create a hands of man are examples of
revolution in your economy, and ugliness. And the only solution
then this cycle will re-build the which is viable, which is
economy itself. understandable and which is
logical, is the solution to return
But it is not for this end that I to beauty. And to what beauty?
invite you! I invite you for a
totally unselfish reason: return If you conceive beauty with
to God because that is the only reference to your personal

interests, then beauty will change minds, but first you must decide
its definition everywhere in the that you will be wedded to truth
world and it will no longer be and that you will never be
beauty. The only reference point divorced from the wedding.
for correctly defining beauty is
the reference point of God – and Remain adherent, remain
you know that. He is in you, He loyal, to truth.
lives within you and you do not In whatever form you may be
realise it. You do not have the loyal to truth, and wherever you
awareness and consciousness of may be loyal to truth, it will
living all your life with God, and repay you. Truth always repays!
are yet ignoring Him. Stop
committing this crime – this is So, I hope you will awaken to
suicide! these realities and I hope,
because I know that if there is
Return to these values, however any glimmer of hope for any
difficult the task may appear to political system to be reformed,
you – that is the only hope. So I it is here in Canada! If you do not
leave the comments on the rise up to the task, if you shun
remaining part of the verses your responsibility here, then I
because it would consume much am afraid there can be no hope
more time. for the rest of the world.
I Have Delivered the Message Allah bless you! Allah give you
But here, let me consider it strength! May Allah help you
sufficient to say that I have return to Him! And may the
delivered the message. I think world return to peace through
you know what I mean, and I you! Allah bless you! Amin!
hope you are convinced of the
deep truth of what I am telling
you. How to get across? – I have
suggested a means, but that is not
the only way. You can apply your

A Solution to the Problems of the
Islamic World
A speech delivered at the 2007 Annual Convention of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK
By Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, National Amir UK
We are today living in a multi- Unfortunately, the real fault lies

racial, multi-religious and with the Muslim world itself.
multi-cultural society. To live in Take the examples of 9/11 in
harmony, peace and friendship New York, 7/7 in London and
it is important that we the latest Lal Masjid episode in
understand each other’s Islamabad Pakistan. These
traditions, faiths and religions events have left a lasting impact
which have great impact on on the minds of people and
human sensitivities and continue to enforce the
emotions. incorrect perception of Islam
being a religion that encourages
While inter-religious dialogue violence. The Muslim ‘Ulema
is in full swing today, the appear to propagate prejudice
religion of Islam seems to have and intolerance not only against
been excluded from this circle other faiths but also against
of goodwill. The Western world other Muslims as well. Those
holds false perceptions about Muslims who do not subscribe
Islam that have no relationship to their views are immediately
with reality; and the intensity branded ‘Kafirs’ (i.e.
and continuity of this prejudice disbelievers) and aggression
shows no signs of slackening and violence are promoted
even in this liberal and tolerant against such communities.
climate of today’s world.

A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD
In the Western perception, world and where lies the

Sharia law is seen as a law of solution?
intolerance which promotes the
denial of basic human rights We have to go back to the very
and is intolerant of other faiths. beginning to analyse the
It is also presumed that Sharia problem and seek the solution.
law does not give any rights to Before the advent of Islam, the
women and treats them as Arab world was in dire need of
second-class citizens. This moral, spiritual and intellectual
perception is based on the guidance for its people. The
stories published in the press Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw),
about the practices of so-called our beloved Prophet, the Seal of
honour killing, and the the Prophets, was sent by Allah
treatment of women in the Almighty to lead us all to the
Afghanistan and Pakistan. righteous path to our Maker and
gives inner peace within
Fortunately, we all know that ourselves. The Holy Qur’an and
the religion of Islam does not the Sunnah will remain forever
teach us division or hatred. as beacons of guidance for all
Islam only teaches peace and humanity until the end of the
co-existence and understanding world.
of each other. Islam stands
supreme among all religions for The Holy Prophet
its comprehensiveness and Muhammad (saw) encapsulated
rationality. Then why does the the guidance in his sermon
Muslim world suffer from delivered on the ninth day of
individual disarray, interstate Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the
divisions aggravated by plains of ‘Arafat near Makkah.
sectarian and political Without going into detail, let
expediencies? One may ask, me enumerate the salient points
quite legitimately, how has this from that sermon.
state come about in the Muslim
After praising and thanking beware of following him in

Allah, the Holy Prophet small things.
Muhammad(saw) said:
People, it is true that you
“O People, lend me an have certain rights with
attentive ear, for I know not regard to your women but
whether after this year I they also have rights over
shall ever be amongst you you. Remember that you
again. Therefore listen to have taken them as your
what I am saying very wives only under Allah’s
carefully and take these trust and with His
words to those who could permission. If they abide by
not be present here today. your right, then to them
belongs the right to be fed
People, just as you regard and clothed in kindness. Do
this month, this day, this treat your women well and
city as sacred, so regard the be kind to them for they are
life and property of every your partners and
Muslim as a sacred trust. committed helpers. And it
is your right that they do
Hurt no one so that no one not make friends with
may hurt you. Remember anyone of whom you do
that you will indeed meet not approve, as well as
your Lord, and that He will never to be unchaste.
indeed reckon your deeds.
O People, listen to me in
Beware of Satan, for the earnest, worship Allah, say
safety of your religion. He your five daily prayers, fast
has lost all hope that he during the month of
will be able to lead you Ramadan, and give your
astray in big things, so wealth in Zakat. Perform

Hajj if you can afford. People! Understand my

words which I convey to
All mankind is from you. I leave behind me two
Adam(as) and Eve(as), an Arab things, the Qur’an and my
has no superiority over a Sunnah, and if you follow
non-Arab nor a non-Arab these you will never go
has any superiority over an astray.
Arab; also a white has no
superiority over a black nor All those who listen to me
does a black have any pass on my words to others
superiority over a white – and those to others again;
except by piety and good and perhaps the last ones
action. may understand my words
better than those who listen
Learn that every Muslim is to me directly. Be my
a brother to every Muslim witness, O Allah, that I
and that the Muslims have conveyed Your
constitute one brotherhood. message to Your people.”
Nothing shall be legitimate These injunctions given to us by

to a Muslim that belongs to the Holy Prophet
a fellow Muslim unless it Muhammad (saw) more than 1400
was given freely and years ago constitute a veritable
willingly. Do not therefore Charter of Human Rights which
do injustice to yourselves. the civilised world only adopted
in 1949 through the United
Remember one day you will Nations. Unfortunately the
meet Allah and answer your Muslims forgot these
deeds. So beware: do not injunctions and the results are
stray from the path of evident today in the humiliating
righteousness after I am state of the Muslim world.
gone.
The Muslim world needs to Those who believe and mix

inculcate the values of trust, not up their belief with
equity, justice, forgiveness and injustice- it is they who shall
brotherhood. But above all, is have peace, and who are
the injunction of righteousness rightly guided.
because it is from righteousness (Ch.6:V.83)
that every other condition
flows. Peace is not only In fact, equity and absolute
physical security or absence of justice are the core around
war and conflict, although that which a fair society can be
is an essential aspect of the built. That is why obligation of
wider concept of peace. Peace adhering to the truth and of
really means harmonious acting justly are not restricted to
adjustment and orientation of matters of disputes. It
the individual with and towards, comprehends all spheres of life.
on the one hand, his Creator Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V, in
and, on the other hand, with his his address to the world during
fellow beings. Peace must the 2007 Peace Conference,
originate in the heart of man. touched on the issue of absolute
No one can be at peace with his justice in the global
brother unless he is at peace environment. Hadhrat
with himself and no one is at Khalifatul Masih V declared:
peace with himself unless he is
at peace with his Maker. That is “We can only establish
the fundamental of peace and a peace in the world when
most compre-hensive concept. the nations and countries
try to establish peace in this
The Holy Qur’an, that vast way. It is regrettable that
reservoir of Divine guidance, the League of Nations did
simply tells us: not follow these principles
and failed as a conse-

quence. Today, the United remain a dream as long as

Nations Organisation also each nation considers its
seems to be failing in own interests above all
dispensing the require- others.”
ments of justice. There are
different standards of Quoting another example from
justice for different the annals of Muslim history,
countries and different Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V
continents. Except for some gave the example of Hadhrat
very few decisions, most of Abu ‘Ubaida(ra) when he was the
the resolutions passed, in governor of Syria in the time of
the past and even being Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra). In those days
adopted today, by the a tax was levied on the Syrian
United Nations have been Christians and in return they
based on expediency and were exempted from military
partisan-ship. Till such duty and their protection
time that all countries are became the duty of the Muslim
treated equally and at par, rulers (even in this, Hadhrat
and the grudges and deep- ‘Umar(ra) had forbidden that the
seated sense of injustice are poor be taxed.) However, at a
removed, no matter how time when there was a danger of
many organisations are war from the Constantinian
formed, they cannot bring forces of the Roman Empire,
peace to the world. It is also Hadhrat Abu ‘Ubaida(ra) as a
regrettable that Muslims, Governor of Syria, returned all
who have been given this taxes to the Christians telling
teaching, are not acting on them that because he might not
it themselves. They harbour be able to provide them
enmity against each other protection, he had no excuse to
and this is the case all over retain their taxes. The
the world. Peace will Christians were so impressed

by this gesture of honesty and Allah, bearing witness in

justice that they unanimously equity; and let not a people’s
declared that they would pray enmity incite you to act
that Muslims were victorious otherwise than with justice.
over the Romans and would Be always just, that is nearer
return to rule Syria again to righteousness. And fear
because they were not only just Allah. Surely Allah is aware
but also good to Christians. of what you do.
(Ch.5:V.9)
This is why the public authority
in all spheres, including judicial The Promised Messiah(as)
authority should only be given explaining this verse states:
to those who can discharge it
honestly. The Holy Qur’an “Allah the Almighty says
commands: about justice that it cannot
be achieved without
Verily, Allah commands you truthfulness, that your
to make over the trusts to enmity towards enemy
those entitled to them, and nations should not hinder
that, when you judge you from dispensing
between men, you judge with justice. Remain just
justice. And surely excellent because righteousness lies
is that with which Allah in it...I say to you in truth
admonishes you! Allah is that it is easy to deal with
All-Hearing, All-Seeing. an enemy with hostility but
(Ch.4:V.59) it is very difficult to
Then again, the Holy Qur’an safeguard the rights of
admonishes: opponents and to deal
justly with your enemy.”
O ye who believe! Be
steadfast in the cause of This is the ultimate state of

establishing peace with justice Verily, Allah requires you to

that if you have to testify, you abide by justice and to treat
must remain just. At another with grace, and giving like
place, it enjoins that even if you the kindered; forbids
have to testify against yourself indecency and manifest evil
or your near ones, then you and wrongful trans-
must testify fulfilling the gression. He admonishes
requirements of justice. At the you that you may take heed.
same time, it has also said that (Ch.16:V.91)
even the enmity of a nation
should not make you deviate Explaining this verse, the
from justice. We can notice this Promised Messiah(as) says:
commandment being practised
in the early period of Islamic “This verse means that you
history. When a dispute should deal with equity with
between a Muslim and a Jewish your near ones and humanity
citizen was brought before at large and do not demand
Hadhrat Umar(ra), he found the from them any more than
Jewish citizen to be right and he what is your right and
decided in his favour. persevere with justice. If
you wish to progress further,
Indeed, there is such great the next stage is to do
emphasis on justice, whether as ”IHSAN” good, and if your
a judge or as a witness, that the brethren uses wickedness,
stability of a society or a nation return his wickedness with a
depends on it. However, a true good deed and in return for
and righteous believer must the pain that he causes you
move beyond justice and provide him comfort and as
dispense good. Allah says in the a goodwill provide him help.
Holy Qur’an: The next stage is ‘giving like
kindred’ and that is that

whatever good deeds and

favours you do to your If the Muslims want to create
brethren and to human peace in the society then they
beings, you should do that must fulfil the rights of others
without any expectation of selflessly. They must get rid of
favourable return. You the poison of the superiority
should do that out of sheer complex. They must eliminate
humanitarian feelings and the distinction between
without any hesitancy as one Muslims and non-Muslims,
kinsman does to another between ethnic majority and
because of the love of minorities and between rich and
relationship.” poor. In fact, they must get rid
(Nurul Qur’an part.2, p.34 of all national and racial
Ruhani Khazain, First prejudices.
edition Vol.9, p.409)
On the one hand, Muslims
Unfortunately, equity, justice, claim to be broad-minded, and
tolerance and amity are rarely on the other hand, they have a
visible practices in the Muslim class of clerics within their
world. Justice, let alone ‘Ihsan’ society in which volcanoes of
or doing good, are totally racial hatred are ready to erupt.
absent. Whereas Islam permits The jihadi movements and
freedom of conscience and suicide attackers have
belief, people of minority disfigured the image of Islam
religions are not tolerated in the all over the world.
Muslim world. The lives and
possessions of the minority Only the most deluded people
have no value. Perpetrators of could regard the suicide-attacks
crimes against minorities walk as having been launched by
free without being brought to ‘mujâhidîn’, striking a blow in
justice. the name of Islam against

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD
‘legitimate targets’. Despite its ciated with me and if you

evident falsity, the image of want to join my
Islam conveyed by this Community, you will have
disfiguration of Islamic to purify yourselves from
principles is not easily removed cruelty and rebellion, and
from the popular imagination in that “the assumption of
the West. There is an unhealthy Jihad with force has ended
and dangerous convergence of with my advent”. Perform
perception between, on the one your Jihad, he said, but in
hand, those – albeit a tiny the manner that the Holy
minority – in the Muslim world Prophet(saw), performed
who see the attacks as part of a Jihad-e-Akbar and that
necessary anti-western Jihad; Jihad is guiding people to
and on the other, those in the Allah, exhorting others to
West – unfortunately, not such a righteousness, reformation
tiny minority – who likewise of oneself and service to
see the attacks as the logical mankind
expression of an inherently (Government Angrezi or
militant religion that is Jihad, Ruhani Khazain
irrevocably opposed to the Vol.17)
West. Muslim scholars have
pointed out that the terror Let us pause and think why
attacks are totally devoid of any more and more desperate
legitimacy in terms of Islamic Muslims are taking this course
law and morality. of personal violence. The
answer is stark and simple –
The Promised Messiah(as) poverty and denial of
declared more than one hundred environment to fulfil the
years ago: aspirations to live and prosper
in peace. The solution is simple
“If you want to be asso- for the Muslim world. The Holy

Prophet Muhammad(saw) gave us going to unite all the diverse

the five pillars of Islam. e.g. Muslim populace? No man-
Zakat or spending of one’s made organisations for the unity
wealth in the way of Allah. This of Muslim can perform this task
injunction, if truly followed can nor can any individuals. Many
eliminate poverty from the in the recent past aspired to
Muslim world in a very short become leaders or dreamt of
time thus removing the real becoming ‘Amir-ul-Momineen’
reasons of violence and (leader of the faithful).
militancy. Allah the Almighty
has blessed the Muslim world They and their false credentials
with immense wealth and were blown away in the winds
resources. However this God- like the autumn leaves. But
given wealth must be used there is no need to despair.
properly and in accordance with Allah, in His Mercy, never
the guidance given in the Holy leaves the Muslims alone.
Qur’an and as practised by our
beloved Prophet Muhammad(saw), Remember! The religion of
and his rightly guided Khulafa. Islam is forever and for all
They practised the true Jihad-e- times and the guidance given in
Akbar – jihad against inequity, the Holy Qur’an is compre-
against social injustice and hensive and for all times. The
against poverty. The time is words of God possess the same
now for the Muslim Ummah to quality as the works of God.
practice this Jihad-e-Akbar That is to say, it is alive as the
once again. universe is alive and keeps
abreast, rather ahead of all
But, who in the world of Islam developments and continuously
can take on the onerous task of gives guidance for the human
applying the true and pristine life that goes on changing in a
teachings of Islam? And who is dynamic world. Every part of

Allah’s creation testifies to whom all the religions of the

Allah’s existence, sings His world were waiting. The
praises and glorifies Him. He Messiah that was promised and
continuously communicates prophesied by the Holy Prophet
with those who are steadfast in Muhammad(saw) – promised in
their faith in Him and he the Holy Qur’an and prophesied
manifests Himself in various in the traditions of the Holy
ways. Allah promises in the Prophet Muhammad(saw).
Holy Qur’an: Hadhrat Mirza Gulam
Ahmad(as) of Qadian, under
As for those who say, ‘Our Divine revelation, claimed in
Lord is Allah’, and then 1889 to be the Messiah and
remain steadfast, the declared that his advent was the
angels descend on them, fulfilment of various prophecies
saying:‘Fear ye not, nor made for the Reformer of the
grieve; and rejoice in the latter days. His task, he
Garden that you were claimed, was to revive the
promised. We are your beautiful teachings of Islam that
friends in this life and in had been disfigured by
the Hereafter… innovations and distorted inter-
(Ch.41:Vs.31-32) pretations. During his lifetime,
he defended the cause of Islam
Within the religion of Islam, with all his might and repulsed
angels have been descending on vigorously all the attacks that
the righteous and the steadfast were made on the teachings of
to guide them to revive and Islam and on the Holy Prophet
revitalise the religion of Islam Muhammad(saw). The scholars of
until at the head of the the Muslim Ummah of the time
fourteenth century Hijra complimented him for his Jihad
corresponding to the last decade but turned away as soon as he
of nineteenth century, Allah the made his claim of being the
Almighty sent the Messiah for Promised Messiah(as). That was
the most unfortunate turning that we should become

point. When we look around the friends with a clear
Muslim world, we see few men conscience and honest inten-
of real religion, small number tions. We should sympathise
of defenders and champions of with each other on all
the truth;when one sees matters temporal or reli-
ignorant persons imagining that gious. My Friends! That
the principle of Islam is faith is no faith that does not
hardness, severity, extrava- teach sympathy for
gance and barbarity, it is time to mankind. A human being is
repeat these words that were not human unless he
used by Hadhrat Ya‘qub(as): displays some element of
sympathy. Our God has
…Comely patience is good made no distinction in any
for me. And it is Allah nation. Whatever faculties
alone Whose help is to be were given to the ancient
sought. (Ch.12:V.19) nations have been given to
the Arabian, Persian,
The Promised Messiah(as) Chinese, Japanese, European
declared more than a hundred and American nations. The
years ago, in his book A earth serves as a common
Message of Peace: ground for all and the sun,
the moon and the stars
“Irrespective of whether we perform common service for
are Muslims or Non- all mankind. These Divine
Muslims, and although we Manifestations teach us that
have many differences, we we should also treat each
believe in God Who has other equally, with amity
created this world and all and with tolerance. Narrow-
that is contained in it. We mindedness or hard-
also claim commonality as heartedness has no place in
human beings. It is our duty human relations.”
With the above message and “Come towards me

under the present Khalifa, the truthfully, your security lies
5th successor, Islam and in this – wild beasts are all
Ahmadiyyat is recognised and around you, I am the
respected in 190 countries of impregnable fort of
the world. The real solution to security.”
the problems of the Muslim Durr-e-Thamin ma’a
world lies in their unity under Ferhang (glossary First
one leader. One solution is to edition page:176)
join the leader that Allah has
appointed for the Muslims at The whole Muslim world is
this difficult juncture. Come floundering in dissention and
under the standard of Khilafat- without direction and they are
e-Ahmadiyya because this will surrounded by hostile forces
provide you with true that are bent on decimating
protection against all evils. This them one by one.
will unite you once again like
the Ummah was united under That is why, with all sincerity
the rightly guided Khulafa of and the love and sympathy that
the Holy Prophet I feel for my Muslim brethren, I
Muhammad(saw). The Promised implore them, the solution to
Messiah(as), more than one problems lies in accepting the
hundred years ago, addressed Khilafat that Allah has
the Ummah and invited them established for Muslims and He
with these words: has blessed this institution for
the last one hundred years. May
Sidq say meree tarf ao keh Allah give the Muslims wisdom
ismain khair hai to accept the truth. Amin!
Hain darinday har taraf,
main aafiat ka hun hisar!

References • Government Angrezi aur Jihad,

• Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V: Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol.17, p.14
Address delivered at the 2007
Peace Conference held at Baitul • Dur-e-Thamin ma’a Ferhang:
Futuh, London glossary First edition page:176
• Promised Messiah: A Message of

Peace’, Nurul Qur’an, part 2, p.34,
Ruhani Khaza’in, First edition,
Vol.9, p.409
NOTE FOR THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS

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Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the
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For the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after the words, ‘Holy
Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used normally in small letters. They
stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ after the name of all
other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived from
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stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet,
meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant
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Mecca, etc.

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MANAGEMENT BOARD CONTENTS October 2008, Vol.103, No.

2 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

fellow beings. This bounty also Religions we feature an address

In this issue of The Review of

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 3

A Recipient of Grace Must nothing. He who possesses the

4 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

giving sun, as is said:

O People of the Book! there

And as a Summoner to Allah The founder of the Ahmadiyya

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 5

grace of light to descend upon Christians adopted with regard to

6 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

of the Holy Prophet(saw), is not the who have submitted to a death

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 7

standing is acquired through then who can call such a person

8 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

They descend on every great it immediately through his

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 9

complete their observation of the forbidden to others is permitted to

10 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

recorded that on one occasion genuine pearls cannot be stopped

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 11

manner and penetrates into the all his faculties and he

6. True revelation is borne 9. True revelation is the means of

12 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

ignorant and without are delicious and majestic. They

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 13

By the Grace of Allah we all know

14 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 15

was commanded that there could security of the places of worship

Because of the actions of extremist Those who have been driven

16 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

not only drawn attention to the

The Ahmadiyya Muslim

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 17

standing shoulder to shoulder with to help their fellow Muslims but

The ways of prosperity and Then, God Almighty commands:

18 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 19

erect walls of hatred in society. If a should remain at ease. The

20 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

given to us by the Holy Qur’an, has begun to love God’s Creation

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 21

Then he says: Muhammad(saw) of the teachings of

22 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

We are certain that prophets came inflicted permanent disabilities

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 23

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad honourable Sergio Marchi – who

the world), but also addressing

The verses I have recited before

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 25

of growing uncertainties and conveys the message of peace to

26 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

establishing world peace. Herein follows is a total freedom – an

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 27

THE HOLY QUR’AN OFFERS A SOLUTION, AND IN FACT, THE ONLY

whatsoever; and it is not merely a between the two faces.

28 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13 The Review of Religions – October 2008 29

become Muslims, unless you Goodness. And every man

30 The Review of Religions – October 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 13