Review Of Religions - Removing Identity

MARCH 2018

WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG

VOL. 113 - ISSUE THREE

REMOVING IDENTITY...?

THE HIJAB BAN IN SCHOOLS

Editorial: The Hijab Ban in Schools

Allahu Akbar: A Call to Prayer, Not Terror

12

42

Rethinking the Boundaries of Segregation

52

The Truthfulness of the Promised Messiah'sas Claim

64

WORLD FAITHS

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied that the Promised Messiahas would be raised near a white minaret, east of Damascus. This prophecy was fulfilled with the advent of the Promised Messiahas from Qadian, India, a city directly east of Damascus.

Sacrifice

© makhzan-e-tasaweer

The Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad , the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India.

From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and developed a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve.

Over time his knowledge and understanding of religion and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim it was his firm belief that all religions were true at their source but with the passage of time had drifted away from their original teachings; he upheld the dignity of religion and demonstrated its relevance to everyone. as

His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah – a blessing that he continued for the rest of his life.

His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It was through this that he would bring mankind together and establish everlasting peace.

In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Ahmadas founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – a community that has since grown in its stature and strength and has remained active in conveying the message of Islam to the ends of the earth.

Hazrat Ahmad had established himself as a respected writer and had written over 80 books. His writings have been translated into more than 60 languages and continue to inspire readers to this day. One of his greatest scholarly works was The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, prepared as a paper and read out at the Conference of Great Religions in 1896. as

He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence of Jesus’sas journey to India. In 1902, the Promised Messiahas initiated The Review of Religions which has covered a vast array of topics on religion, philosophy and contemporary issues of the day. It is the longest running English magazine in defence of Islam and the values it teaches.

From 1889 until the time of his demise in 1908 tens of thousands of people accepted him. This blessing has continued and will continue through his Khulafa (successors).

Currently under the fifth successor, we are seeing that the tide of acceptance is worldwide and that the message of Prophet Ahmadas has really reached the ends of the earth.

Never shall you attain to

All deeds are right in the sight

The Master said, ‘The determined

righteousness unless you spend

of the doer, but the Lord weighs

scholar and the man of virtue will

out of that which you love;

the heart. To do righteousness

not seek to live at the expense of

ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR’AN,

and justice is more acceptable

injuring their virtue. They will even

3:93

to Lord than sacrifice.

sacrifice their lives to preserve their

JUDAISM, TANAKH,

virtue complete.’

PROVERBS, 21:2-3

CONFUCIANISM, ANALECTS 15.9

The Holy Prophetsa stated: None of you will believe until you love for your brother

Jesus said to him 'If you wish to be

what you love for yourself.

perfect, go, sell all your possessions,

ISLAM, HADITH, BUKHARI

and give the money to the poor,

AND MUSLIM

and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, and follow me.’

CHRISTIANITY, THE BIBLE,

How can man be of benefit

MATTHEW 19:21

to others unless he makes sacrifice! Indeed, sacrifice is essential to benefit others and to sympathise with them.

ISLAM, THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS, TAFSIR HAZRAT MASIH E MAU'UD, VOL 2, 131

To Thee as a sacrifice Zarathustra offers the very life and being of his self; He dedicated the first fruits of his loving thoughts to Ahura Mazda; he offers the best of his words and deeds and willing obedience to Divine Law. ZOROASTRIANISM,

Whatever your circumstances, do the necessary to alleviate the suffering of your father, your mother or your sister, even to your last breath.

BUDDHISM, JATAKAS, VOLUME 1, NO 287

AVESTA, YASNA 33.14

CONTENTS

MARCH 2018

12 Editorial: The Hijab Ban in Schools

Recently attempts have been made to ban the hijab in primary schools in the UK. His Holiness, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, sheds light on the true Islamic teaching.

SYED AMER SAFIR, UK

17 Sound Bites: International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s time to ask whether the equality model really serves women well.

AYESHA MAHMOOD MALIK, UK

24 Lord of All the Worlds - Allah Provides for Everyone His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza

Masroor Ahmadaba, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, outlines how to establish peace in a chaotic world.

VOL.113 - ISSUE THREE

42 Allahu Akbar: A Call to Prayer, Not Terror The words Allahu Akbar often conjure

alarm and fear. However, what is the

true meaning and significance of this term?

IBN RASHID, UK

17

52 Rethinking the Boundaries of Segregation

After recent events across the world, are we now ready to look deeper into the benefits of segregation in society?

SARAH WASEEM, UK

62 A Glimpse into the Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

12

42

18

64

64 The Essence of Islam: The Proof of the Truthfulness of the Promised Messiah'sas Claim HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD , THE PROMISED AS

MESSIAH AND MAHDI

HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMADABA, WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Front cover picture: Photo taken by Omair Aleem for The Review of Religions

E

ent times. The fest newer and

similarities to War continue ts are moving

WORLD CRISIS and the Pathway to PEACE

D

ards a horrific

MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD

sroor Ahmad, iyya Muslim t approaching and chart a

WORLD CRISIS Please Note.

and the Pathway to

Background colour: C=10 M=10 Y=0 K=100

PEACE

MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD

MANAGEMENT BOARD Munir-Ud-Din Shams (Chairman), Syed Amer Safir (Secretary), Mubarak Ahmad Zafar, Abdul Baqi Arshad, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Naseer Ahmad Qamar, Abid Waheed Ahmad Khan, Aziz Ahmad Bilal From His Holiness – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba – comes a groundbreaking vision for how to establish long-lasting peace in a world fraught with rapidlyCHIEF EDITOR & MANAGER increasing disorder and unrest. His Holiness remindsSyed Amer Safir world leaders that the flames of war are already burning through local and regional conflicts and we standASSOCIATE EDITOR at the precipice of another world war. If these sparks Nakasha Ahmad were to truly ignite we could witness the horrific reality of a nuclear war, whose consequences are ASSISTANT MANAGER unimaginable. His Holiness is the Worldwide Head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim CommunityTazeen Ahmad – which has tens of millions of followers in over NORTH & SOUTH AMERICAN COORDINATOR 200 countries.

Tariq Haroon Malik

World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace is a collection of the historic addresses and letters by His Holiness toISLAM & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES world leaders and influential figures. In this book, His Editor: Shahzad Ahmed Holiness offers consummate analysis on all aspects Deputy: Zafir Malik of the global crisis; political, economic, social and spiritual and provides the golden keys to resolving the critical problems the world faces. In a world whereRELIGION & SCIENCE existing strategies for peace have failed and peo-Editor: Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir Nasser ple are desperately looking for a new direction, HisDeputy: Dr. Tauseef Khan Holiness presents fresh and practical solutions, giving hope that we can still prevent a global catastrophe.LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS (continued on back flap)

Editor: Ayesha Mahmood Malik

ANCIENT RELIGIONS & ARCHAEOLOGY Editor: Fazal Ahmad Deputy: Rizwan Safir

The world is passing through turbulent times. The global economic crisis continues to manifest new and grave dangers at every juncture. The similarities of the current circumstances to the build-up of the Second World War are stark. Events appear to be moving us rapidly towards a Third World War. The consequences of a nuclear war are beyond our imagination.

Read online at: www.alislam.org Purchase the book here: http://store.alislam.org/

CHRISTIANITY Editor: Navida Sayed Deputy: Arif Khan WOMEN’S SECTION Editor: Aliya Latif Deputy: Meliha Hayat

EDITORIAL BOARD Sayed Mubashir Ahmad Ayaz, Mansoor Saqi, Bockarie Tommy Kallon, Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Mansoor Zia, Jonathan Butterworth, Tamim Abodaqa, Murtaza Ahmad, Qudsi Rasheed, Fiona O’Keeffe, Waqar Ahmedi, Mansoor Dahri ART & DESIGN Art Editor: Ahsan Khan Deputy Art Editor & YouTube Coordinator: Zubair Hayat Design & YouTube Assistants: Musawer Din, Usman Shahzad Butt INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif ACCOUNTS & MARKETING Musa Sattar SUB-EDITORS Munawara Ghauri (Head), Maryam Malik, Nusrat Haq, PROOFREADERS Farhana Dar (Head), Hina Ahmedi, Amina Abbasi, Aisha Patel Mzien HOUSE STYLE GUIDE Maleeha Ahmad (Head), Sadia Shah EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Mariam Rahman, Mahida Javed, Munazza Khan SOCIAL MEDIA Mala Khan (Head), Hajra Ahmad (Deputy), Mishall Rehman (Deputy), Nudrat Ahmad, Shumaila Ahmad, Saniya Ahmad, Adeeba Tahir

RACE & EQUALITY Editor: Hassan Wahab

INDEXING, TAGGING & ARCHIVING Mirza Krishan Ahmad (Head). Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed (Deputy). Humaira Omer, Humda Sohail, Shahid Malik, Ruhana Hamood, Mubahil Shakir, Adila Bari, Hassan Raza Ahmad

BOOK REVIEWS Editor: Dr. Sarah Waseem

LEGAL ADVISOR Khalil Yousuf

WEB TEAM Mubashra Ahmad, Hibba Turrauf SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Head: Razwan Baig

The

Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi (guided one)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas

The Path to Become a Friend of God

W

e can never know the true essence of anything, nor derive benefit from it, until we discover a straight path to reach it. The affairs of the world are intricate and complex, whether they relate to the responsibilities associated with kingship and administration, whether they relate to combat or battle and warfare, whether they relate to the subtleties of natural science and astronomy, whether they relate to the method of diagnosis and treatment in the field of medicine, or whether they relate to trade or agriculture. Success in any of these fields is difficult, rather well-nigh impossible to come by until one finds a clear avenue of approaching the subject at hand. When confronted by difficulty, any intelligent person compels himself to ponder night and day, for hours on end, so as to devise a means by which to resolve the problem at hand. All professions and inventions, or any other intricate and complex matter, can only be undertaken once the right approach has been adopted. Thus, in order to achieve success in worldly or religious objectives, the most effective prayer is that of seeking the right path. When one approaches anything from the correct avenue, then with the grace of God, such a person undoubtedly can succeed in attaining their goal. God, in His power and wisdom, has set out a proper way of achieving everything. For example, no ailing person can be efficaciously

treated until an effective approach for the identification and diagnosis of their ailment is followed, and the heart is led to believe that the proposed course of action shows promising signs of success. In fact nothing in the world can be achieved until the correct method is undertaken for that purpose. And so one who strives towards an objective must first discover the correct way of achieving it. Thus, just as one first requires a correct path so as to attain success in worldly matters, so too, since time immemorial, in order to become a friend of God, and to receive His love and grace, a correct path has always been required. Therefore, in the very beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, the chapter that follows Surah Fatihah, God says: ‘the path to attain blessings is the one which We put forth’.1

endnotes

1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah's Ark (Tilford, Surrey: Islam International Publications, 2016), 95-97.

In recent times vested interests have launched a ‘crusade’ against Islam.

Islam is labelled as a religion of terror, backwardness and suppression.

Based on Quranic teachings, the author of this book goes about disproving these notions and professes that Islam provides practical solutions to current issues; and argues that: (1) Swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds; (2) The role of women is not of concubines in harems nor a society imprisoned in the four wall of their houses; (3) Richer nations provide aid with strings attached and yet the flow of wealth continues to be in the direction of the rich while the poorer sink deeper in the red; (4) Religion does not need to be the predominant legislative authority in the political affairs of the state; (5) Irrespective of the thawing of the cold war, the issue of war and peace does not only hang by the thread of superpower relationship.

(6) Without God there can be no peace.

It also contains comprehensive discussion on interest; financial aid; international relations; and the role of Israel, America and the United Kingdom in a new world order.

The message of this book is timeless and chalks a blue print for the future prospects for peace.

Read online: http://www.alislam.org/books/ Purchase print copy: http://store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html

EDITORIAL

REMOVING IDENTITY...?

THE HIJAB BAN IN SCHOOLS

IS BANNING THE HIJAB IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK THE BEST MOVE TO MAKE IN THIS MODERN SOCIETY?

editorial : the hijab ban in schools

In this editorial, we feature guidance from His Holiness, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, on the wearing of the hijab (head covering) in UK primary schools.

racist and Muslim girls were being denied a basic religious right. Further, a letter signed by over a 1000 teachers, academics and faith leaders stated that it was ‘a kneejerk, discriminatory and institutionally racist response that will violate civil .................................................................. liberties and create a climate of fear and mistrust in schools.’ Many others, howWhat Muslim women wear on their ever, supported the decision and saw the heads has become the subject of fierce wearing of the hijab by girls of a young controversy over the past several years. age as a symbol of oppression and even While the wearing of the niqab, or face radicalisation. veil, in public places has been banned in several European countries, the hijab, or This year, a top London primary school head covering has now come under scru- decided to ban children under eight from tiny. In November last year, Ofsted, the wearing the hijab during the school day.

UK’s Office for Standards in Education, After sustained criticism and a petition Children’s Services and Skills, which signed by more than 19,000 people calloversees educational issues, issued a rec- ing for the ban to be lifted, the school ommendation to its school inspectors reversed its decision, leading to outcry in the UK to question young Muslim from both sides of the debate. In an ironic primary school girls wearing a hijab or twist of events, the Head teacher involved similar headscarf. The Head of Ofsted now says that her words were taken out and chief inspector of schools said: of context by the media who misrepresented her statement about young girls ‘In line with our current practice in terms wearing the hijab. of assessing whether the school promotes equality for their children, inspectors will So what is the balance here? Was Ofsted talk to girls who wear such garments to right to question young Muslim girls on ascertain why they do so in the school.’ their choice of head covering? Or should very young Muslim girls be defended in Some Muslim organisations reacted with their choice to wear the hijab? anger, claiming that Ofsted were being

As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, we look to guidance from His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba, Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiahas. The Review of Religions has regularly featured the responses of His Holiness on controversial topics such as mass immigration into Europe, the causes of terrorism and radicalisation and the true meanings of jihad. Regular readers will have noted some recurrent features of these responses of His Holiness – whilst they are perfectly balanced, tolerant and progressive, they remain exclusively based on the true teachings of Islam. Solutions offered by His Holiness therefore embody reason and moderation. Indeed, as the Khalifah (Caliph – Successor) of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, His Holiness continues to guide us towards the authentic teachings of Islam in all matters.

on Islamic teachings. His Holiness has explained while Islam does require that young women wear the hijab after adolescence, it does not ask prepubescent girls to don the headscarf. His Holiness said: ‘Islam does not require young girls to wear headscarves. Only when they reach an age of full physical maturity is it required and this is generally in teenage years. Thus there is no Islamic requirement for any primary aged girl to wear a headscarf.’

That said however, His Holiness does point out that ultimately, wearing the hijab is a personal choice for young girls:

‘If a young primary aged Muslim girl wears a headscarf freely and out of her own desire after seeing her mother or elder relatives wear them then this is something that is a personal matter and nothing wrong with it. If a girl is naturally inspired by her mother then this is And so returning to the case of the pri- something positive. Young children girls mary school hijab controversy, we find and boys, often imitate their parents, the same aforementioned characteris- which is a natural part of growing up.’ tics in the latest guidance issued by His Holiness on this topic, being published Moreover, His Holiness raises concern here in The Review of Religions. His over the potential impact of questioning Holiness has given a very practical, wise very young school girls, saying: and fair response to the subject based

editorial : the hijab ban in schools

broader society. Indeed, as His Holiness emphasises:

fosters integration and peace in society.

To make Muslim girls feel apart from their peers will do the exact opposite and ‘No school should take any action that lead a descent into chaos. could serve to make any Muslim child feel as though there is something wrong ..................................................................

About the Author: Syed Amer Safir is with their religion or culture.’ the Chief Editor and Manager of The The mission of primary schools is to give Review of Religions. He can be reached our young people the tools, education and at editor@reviewofreligions.org information to succeed themselves and .................................................................. the drive to improve society. Singling out others on the basis of creed or culture goes against this principle.

Children of other faiths also don religious headgear, including the Jewish kippah and the Sikh turban. Muslim girls should not be singled out or made to feel inferior in schools.

Boris-B | Shutterstock a katz | Shutterstock

‘In terms of questioning schoolgirls why they wear a hijab - it cannot be right to ask very young girls who are aged just 4 or 5 or in early years such questions. This could easily confuse them, cause stress and even lead to mental health issues later in life. Children need to be valued for who they are, regardless of race or religion.

When young children’s choices are questioned by adults, it can make them feel as if they have done something wrong.’

All members of all religious dominations should be afforded equal respect.

Young boys from Sikh communities often wear their turbans to school, and at times young Jewish school boys wear the kippah. To single out young Muslim girls wearing the hijab would therefore be discriminatory. All religious symbols should be treated equally and no one religion should be targeted as this can make its followers feel alienated from the

Finally, regarding girls at secondary schools, His Holiness has advised that they should also be treated in a delicate manner by any teachers wanting to ascertain why they wear the hijab: His Holiness said: ‘As for older Muslim girls, in secondary school, if teachers ask them it should be done extremely sensitively and it should not be done in a way that makes them feel isolated or discriminated against.’

Throughout its history, Britain has welcomed and assimilated people of all cultures and faith backgrounds, and guaranteed them the freedom to practice their religion. It is a tradition that

YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@Reviewof Religions.org

s of religion.

The HONOUR of PROPHETS

another. The

NEW BOOK

The

HONOUR

The

of

HONOUR of

PROPHETS

PROPHETS

o, owing to

E

ra, God has

In this work, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah

of Islam in

attained through a mediator who, owing to their perfect relationship with

hless, yet the

alvation. So

e Promised

should one turn to attain it?

or humanity,

ts, but none

ree mankind

hilosophy of

ilty and his

and Mahdi, explains that since human nature is weak, salvation can only be

HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD

ercessor that

concept of salvation holds pivotal importance in matters of religion.

A faith unable to deliver its followers from sin is worthless, yet the

progress and benefit of society depends on this very salvation. So where

ure is weak,

present age,

very human being seeks salvation in some form or another. The

God and deep sympathy for humanity, can serve as a link between God and man. In every era, God has conferred salvation upon humanity through His

prophets, but none can match the unparalleled status held by the Prophet of Islam in this respect, who was the paragon of perfection. In the present age, it is this pure and blessed prophet who is the only intercessor that can

grant humanity a living relationship with God and free mankind from the

HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD The Promised Messiah and Mahdi Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

shackles of sin.

The author presents an exquisite exposition on the philosophy of divine intercession, sinlessness, forgiveness, human frailty and his advent as the

Promised Messiah.

Lord of All the Worlds - Allah Provides for Everyone HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD ABA , THE WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADI Y YA MUSLIM COMMUNIT Y

It’s clear that conflict is increasing all over the world, and that the threat of war – or nuclear deployment – looms over the world.

And while some people blame Islam for the increasing conflict, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba, Khalifatul Masih V and worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, points out that true Islam states that Allah provides not just for Muslims, but for those who follow other religions or who follow no religion at all. Moreover, Islam was first in promoting true human rights: declaring all people are equal.

And indeed, if we look at the threat of nuclear war, we see that it is non-Muslim countries – not Muslim ones – who are in control of these weapons and who manufacture the arms that lead to the destruction we see in the world today. In this historic speech delivered in Germany in August 2017, His 20 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

Holiness outlines the only way to achieve a lasting peace in an increasingly chaotic world. ................................................................

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba said: ‘All distinguished guests, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu – peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

There is no doubt that we are passing through extremely precarious and turbulent times. If we take even a cursory glance at today’s world, in almost every direction, we are witnessing increasing conflict, hostility and restlessness. Whilst much of the world seems to have reached the definitive conclusion that Islam is to blame for the volatile state of the world,

I do not think it is accurate to say that Muslims alone are stoking the flames of disorder that are burning across the world.

Nonetheless, it is a cause of deep sorrow that some so-called Muslims and Muslim groups have persistently eroded the world’s peace and have heightened tensions and fears amongst non-Muslim communities, by spreading hatred and undertaking the most heinous atrocities.

Certainly, I personally have no hesitation in accepting the fact that such Muslims have played a very significant role in fuelling disorder and sparking division within society.

A major cause of this has been the fact that extremist Muslim groups or clerics have preyed upon vulnerable Muslims, and rather than guiding and helping

His Holiness pointed out that the teachings of Islam completely prohibit the use of force for the purpose of conversion.

Makhzan-e-Tasaweer

Whilst much of the world seems to have reached the definitive conclusion that Islam is to blame for the volatile state of the world, I do not think it is accurate to say that Muslims alone are stoking the flames of disorder that are burning across the world. these frustrated and misguided people, they have poisoned their minds with extremism and radicalised them.

MARCH 2018

|

THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS

21

lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

As such, Allah the Almighty is the God not only of Muslims, but is also the God of Christians, Jews and the people of all faiths and indeed the people who hold no faith and do not even believe in His existence.

Thus, Allah is the ultimate Provider and Sustainer for all of mankind and He has showered his grace and mercy upon all people, no matter their caste, creed or colour.

Tragically, some have been brainwashed to such an extent that they have carried out horrific terrorist atrocities, whilst others who may not have conducted attacks, share a similar wicked ideology.

In a similar vein, we have long seen that some Muslim governments are mistreating their people and have inflicted untold cruelties and injustices upon them, which has bred division and led to uprisings and bloody civil wars.

Nevertheless, let it be crystal clear that no matter what the extremists claim, 22 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

all terrorist and extremist acts, whether conducted by groups or by radicalised individuals, both in the Western world and in Muslim countries, run entirely contrary to the true teachings of Islam.

Without a shadow of doubt, Islam’s teachings are a guarantor for peace and security for all mankind. Its teachings are rooted in compassion, mercy and humanity and it is these true Islamic values that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has endlessly emphasised and endeavoured to spread across the world for more than 125 years.

Hence, let me say again that under no circumstances does Islam permit any form of cruelty, injustice or wrongdoing.

From the very outset, Islam’s teachings are those that seek to unite mankind, rather than to drive a wedge between the people of different communities. Indeed, the very first chapter of the Holy Qur’an, which Muslims believe to be the Word of God revealed to the Founder of Islam (peace be upon him), states that Allah the Almighty is the “Lord of all the worlds.”

As such, Allah the Almighty is the God not only of Muslims, but is also the God of Christians, Jews and the people of all faiths and indeed the people who hold no faith and do not even believe in His existence. Thus, Allah is the ultimate Provider

His Holiness addresses a large audience of German guests at Germany’s annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

of certain religions or for particular eras, rather He is Creator and Nourisher of the people of all nations, of all beliefs and for all times. These words are filled with Makhzan-e-Tasaweer unparalleled beauty and great wisdom, wherein they have enshrined the sanctity and Sustainer for all of mankind and He of the principle of universal equality and has showered his grace and mercy upon made it clear that there is no place in the all people, no matter their caste, creed world for any form of racial or national or colour. superiority. These words make it clear Huzur’s Concluding address )8 Allah’s blessings and favours are not that (1 The Arabic words usedinthe to any particular race or ethnicity,   Qur’an   are,  limited    (Rabbil Aalameen),wherein but rather are bestowed indiscriminately.    the  word     Allah the Almighty has used “Aalam”, which has been translated into Whilst these are Islam’s true teachings, it   (2 English as “worlds”. However, no transla- is a cause of regret that racism and bigotry tion      can reflect the true scope of the word remain prevalent in the world. Indeed, )9 “Aalam”, which is incredibly vast and far amongst the very people who allege that (3 word,   Allah   the  Islam  reaching. By using this discriminates against non-MusAlmighty    has  made it clear that He is not lims, are individuals who themselves are    just the Provider and Sustainer for people guilty of what they falsely charge Islam (4    

)01

  

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lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

In words that were as timeless as they were enlightened, he proclaimed that all people were born equal and that a white person was not superior to a black and nor was a black person superior to a white. with. For example, recently an American politician stated that white people had contributed far more to human civilisation than other races, such as black people or Asians, whilst it was also reported that another senior American policymaker has stated his belief that white people were “genetically superior” to others. Such extremist views can only fuel resentment and despair amongst the people of other races and ethnicities.

In complete contrast, Islam proclaims that all people are born equal, no matter where they hail from or the colour of their skin. It teaches that no race is superior to another, nor are the people of any particular descent more gifted than others and that Allah is the Provider for all of mankind. Whilst it is true that how far a person progresses in life is dependent upon his surroundings and his personal effort, the basic faculties granted 24 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

to mankind remain the same and are not defined by geography or race. Indeed, over 1400 years ago, in what came to be known as the Farewell Sermon, offered after his final Hajj, the Holy Prophet of Islamsa addressed this very subject as he gave a momentous speech that laid the foundations for world peace.

In words that were as timeless as they were enlightened, he proclaimed that all people were born equal and that a white person was not superior to a black and nor was a black person superior to a white. Similarly, he said that an Arab could not claim superiority over a nonArab and nor could a non-Arab claim superiority over an Arab. Brandishing an eternal torch illuminating the path towards universal human rights, the Holy Prophetsa pronounced that all human beings were born equal and had the same rights. Certainly, as we now live in a time when Islam is so misunderstood, it is very important to reiterate this enlightened principle that proves that Islam is against all forms of discrimination and prejudice.

It is not only in our physical and mental attributes that Allah has made us equal, but rather we believe that for the sake of our spiritual well-being and development, Allah has also provided the means

of salvation and guidance to all peoples of the world. In religious terms, Islam says that prophets have been sent by God Almighty to all nations and Muslims are commanded to respect and honour them all. Thus, we hold the Founders of all religions in great esteem and can never contemplate speaking against any of them. Indeed, true Muslims will refrain from speaking ill about any prophet or saintly figure, even as those who are against Islam choose to mock, curse and vilify the Prophet of Islamsa.

No doubt, when we hear others unjustly malign our beloved Prophetsa, it causes us intense distress and grievously wounds our hearts, yet we will never react by disrespecting the prophets or saintly figures of other religions and beliefs. In the face of hate and adversity, it is our faith which compels us to respond with love and to manifest peace at all times. Indeed, Islam does not just say that Muslims should not speak against other religions or prophets, rather it goes so far as to say, in chapter 6, verse 109 of the Holy Qur’an, that Muslims should not even speak against the idols worshipped by idolaters, because it could provoke them, out of their ignorance, to then curse God Almighty and certainly this would offend and injure the sentiments of Muslims.

Islam states that all people and all races are equal, and that God has endowed all people with the capacity to excel and succeed.

Olga Enger | Shutterstock

Consequently, rather than permit a cycle of perpetual hatred, leading invariably to hostilities and conflict, the Qur’an calls on Muslims to show patience and to take the higher moral ground at all times.

Furthermore, chapter 3, verse 65 of the Holy Qur’an lays the foundation for religious tolerance amongst the people of all faiths and beliefs, where it states that religious people, and especially the People of the Book, should join together and unite over their collective belief in the existence of God. Thus, the Qur’an calls on mankind to look for common ground MARCH 2018

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lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

Thus, the One God Who we worship is not cruel or nor does He demand that all mankind turn to Him; rather, He is that Supreme Being Who has stipulated that everyone is free to believe whatever they desire. and to set aside any differences that may exist. Here, the Qur’an also states that, whilst it is up to non-Muslims to decide whether they wish to follow this injunction, Muslims are duty-bound, no matter what, to open their hearts and to respect the beliefs of others.

Another allegation often levelled at Islam is that it is permits compulsion and aggression in order to force people to accept Islam. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, in chapter 2, verse 257, the Holy Qur’an has unconditionally declared there should be no compulsion in matters of religion or belief. Whilst Islam claims that the Holy Qur’an is a universal and complete teaching, an inherent feature of it is that religion is a matter of one’s heart and so no form of pressure can ever be used to 26 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

coerce people into accepting it. Further, chapter 10, verse 100 of the Holy Qur’an, states that whilst Allah the Almighty had the power to compel mankind to accept Islam, He permitted free will and He desired for people to choose their own path independently and free from any form of duress.

Thus, the One God Who we worship is not cruel or nor does He demand that all mankind turn to Him; rather, He is that S upreme Being W ho has stipulated that everyone is free to believe whatever they desire. This does not mean that Muslims should not preach their religion, on the contrary, Allah the Almighty has instructed Muslims to convey the message of Islam to others, but such preaching must be

done peacefully and with a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect. Accordingly, in chapter, 18, verse 30 of the Holy Qur’an, it states that it is the task of Muslims to inform mankind that Islam is a truth from God Almighty and whoso wishes to accept or deny it is free to do so. It is with this spirit that we strive to peacefully propagate the true teachings of Islam and to invite mankind towards the recognition of God Almighty. We seek to win people’s hearts and minds through kindness and compassion.

Further, chapter 10, verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an states that: “And Allah calls to the abode of peace…”.

Whilst reinforcing the point that all

The audience of German guests listens as His Holiness outlines the importance Islam accords to toleration and mutual respect.

Makhzan-e-Tasaweer

people are free to accept or reject the teachings of Islam, this verse also points out that Allah invites mankind towards peace and security. Hence, when Allah calls mankind to the abode of peace, it is imperative that Muslims personally exhibit peace and are the means of security for all humanity.

Thus, I have quoted a number of passages of the Holy Qur’an that entirely refute the notion that Islam, God forbid, is a religion that seizes the rights of non-Muslims or is a means of destroying MARCH 2018

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lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

For example, most of the weapons being produced in the world today are made in countries that are predominantly Christian, and such weapons are being used to kill and maim innocent people in different parts of the world and are fuelling brutal conflicts. Does this mean that Christianity is inherently evil and to blame for the world’s horrific arms race? Of course not. the peace and well-being of a society.

Leading on from this, chapter 28, verse 58 of the Qur’an manifests the fact that true Islam has always been propagated peacefully and this is not something new that we are claiming. The verse refers to those people who received Islam’s message during the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, but chose to reject it. It states that their objectives were material rather than spiritual and so they themselves admitted that the reason they did not accept Islam was because they 28 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

feared they would be banished from their lands and boycotted by their own people.

They were fearful, not of the Muslims, as they had witnessed Islam’s benevolent teachings first-hand, rather they were consumed by the fear of their own rulers and people.

This attests to the fact that the Founder of Islamsa and his companions sought only to convey the message of Islam peacefully and never resorted to any form of aggression or intimidation in order to spread their faith. It proves that the Islam taught and practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was not an extremist or violent teaching and that the non-Muslims were free to reject its teachings, without any fear of retribution.

If they were fearful of anyone, it was their own non-Muslim leaders and tribes, who could not tolerate them accepting Islam’s teachings of peace.

Furthermore, let me share with you the unparalleled example of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa at the time of the Victory of Makkah. Makkah was the hometown of the Prophet of Islamsa, but following his claim of being a prophet, he and his followers were subjected to thirteen years of merciless persecution and

injustice from their own people. Muslims were killed, plundered and tortured and the Holy Prophetsa was himself attacked, as were his loved ones, and ultimately they were driven out of their homes and had to migrate. Yet when he returned victoriously to Makkah and the entire city was under his command, his first pronouncement was that no revenge would be taken from those who had brutally persecuted the Muslims in years gone by.

At that moment of glorious triumph, the Holy Prophetsa exhibited supreme humility and forbearance, by declaring that, in accordance with Islam’s peaceful teachings, all those who had tormented the Muslims were to be instantly forgiven.

In light of all that I have presented, it is my ardent hope and prayer that, instead of making rash judgements and branding Islam as a religion of violence and cruelty based upon hearsay, people use their intelligence, look at the facts and reflect honestly upon what Islam represents. Only then will they appreciate for themselves that the hateful acts conducted in Islam’s name in recent years have nothing to do with its original teachings. It is quite unfair to blame Islam, or any other religion, for the sins of those who act against the original teachings of their religion. For example,

most of the weapons being produced in the world today are made in countries that are predominantly Christian, and such weapons are being used to kill and maim innocent people in different parts of the world and are fuelling brutal conflicts. Does this mean that Christianity is inherently evil and to blame for the world’s horrific arms race? Of course not.

Moving on, I mentioned at the outset that I do not believe it is only Muslims who are contributing to the disorder prevalent in the world, and so permit me to elaborate upon this a little further. We are all well aware of the horrifying consequences of the two World Wars that took place during the 20th Century, where millions and millions of people were killed and the lives of countless others were destroyed. Those World Wars proved to be a dark stain in the world’s history, and yet it is a source of deep regret that the world has not learnt from its past mistakes and instead mankind is again sinking ever deeper into a terrifying abyss.

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lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

On the one hand, the Western world calls on Muslim nations to stop all forms of terrorism and to adopt peace, but on the other hand, there are elements amongst them who fear that peace in the Muslim world will diminish their own power and dominance. destroying the world many times over.

In spite of being witness to the unprecedented torment and utter devastation caused by America’s use of nuclear weapons against Japan during World War Two, a number of countries, including America, have continued to develop ever more powerful atomic weapons without pause for thought to the chilling consequences.

Of the nine countries that have acquired nuclear weapons, only one – Pakistan – is a Muslim nation. Hence it cannot be said that the Muslim world is the centre of these deadly weapons that constitute the greatest threat to the well-being of mankind. Furthermore, and as I said earlier, the vast majority of weapons present in Muslim countries have been produced 30 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

in the non-Muslim world. Naturally, the question arises as to why, on the one hand, non-Muslims nations are calling for peace in the Muslim world, but on the other hand, are fuelling the very wars and conflicts that they condemn?

Whilst occasionally there have been positive measures or policies taken by certain governments or institutions, that have had the potential for good, sadly such policies have been drowned out. Instead, the defining characteristic of the world’s efforts to ensure peace over the past seventy or more years, has been intimidation and scare tactics, whereby nations have sought peace through the development of ever more deadly weapons.

No matter what is claimed, the truth is that such measures cannot bring about long-lasting peace and there is every chance that one day someone will press the button unleashing carnage and misery like the world has never seen before. Thus, rather than peace-building through the so-called “deterrent model”, we, Ahmadi Muslims, believe that there is only one path leading towards lasting peace – and that is the path of God Almighty.

The time has come for mankind to recognise its Creator and to accept that God

Almighty is indeed the Lord of all the Worlds, Who sustains us, provides for us and is our ultimate Creator. In return for His endless favours upon us, is it not His right that we turn to Him, bow down before Him and seek His nearness? As long as the world continues to prioritise material wealth and power, we will not see true peace in the world. Certainly, it is this overriding desire to usurp the rights of others for personal gain that has fuelled the conflicts that have spread across the world.

Very recently, a renowned elderly American politician stated that it would not be in the interests of the United States for the terrorist group Daesh to be entirely eliminated from Syria; rather, it would be beneficial to the

At the German annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the audience listens to His Holiness while a banner behind them reads, ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ in German: a perfect encapsulation of the philosophy of Islam.

Makhzan-e-Tasaweer

West if some lingering presence of this evil group remained. This is the type of logic that a wise and peaceful person can never comprehend or countenance. On the one hand, the Western world calls on Muslim nations to stop all forms of terrorism and to adopt peace, but on the other hand, there are elements amongst them who fear that peace in the Muslim world will diminish their own power and dominance. This is hypocritical and such twisted ideologies can only serve to destabilise the world.

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lord of all the worlds for everyone

- allah provides

and equity are the cornerstones to peace, to the extent that Islam has said that a person or nation must be ready to testify against themselves in order to uphold the truth and for justice to prevail. Thus, true peace cannot be established, be it in a person’s home, in a town or city, in a nation or at an international level, until there is justice.

Although nine countries have acquired nuclear weapons, only one of them is a Muslim nation. Yet these weapons are the biggest threat to the world today, and if unleashed, would cause untold destruction.

Elena Schweitzer | Shutterstock

Further, as I have already alluded to, Western countries and arms producers have a vested business interest in maintaining a degree of conflict in Muslim countries. Such one-eyed policies and selfish motivations are entirely regretful and can only prove a means of destroying the peace of the world. In stark contrast, Islam’s teachings are those that seek to establish peace at every level of society and our religion has made it clear that the key to peace is true justice. Fairness 32 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

Moving on, in answer to those who ask why wars were fought in early Islam, let me briefly explain. In chapter 22, verses 40 and 41 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty gave permission to the early Muslims to fight a defensive war for the first time. However, these verses make it clear that permission was not granted so that Islam could dominate or conquer territory, rather Allah gave permission in order to quell disorder and cruelty and in order to forever enshrine the principle of universal freedom of belief. Thus, in verse 41, even before Muslims have been told to defend mosques, they have been instructed to protect churches, temples, synagogues and the places of worship of all religions. Furthermore, chapter 2, verse 194 of the Holy Qur’an makes it clear that even where a defensive war is permitted, it must remain proportionate and its purpose is always to bring an end to cruelty, persecution and oppression.

Once conditions have improved and people are able to live peacefully, then the war must be brought to an immediate halt. Furthermore, the verse states that during wars, only the aggressors should be targeted or taken prisoner, and innocent people must be safeguarded and that there is no room for collateral damage, as we tragically see in the wars fought today. Wherever Islam has sanctioned any type of force, it is done in order to stop the hand of the oppressor and never as a means of conquest or aggression.

The very notion of provoking others and inciting disorder is something that Islam takes extremely seriously and that is why the Holy Qur’an says that such incitement, which seeks to create and ferment hatred between peoples and nations, was an even greater crime than murder.

The truth is that Islam’s teachings are those that seek to bridge the differences that exist between people and to unite society under an umbrella of peace, love and harmony. Indeed, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa taught that a true Muslim is he from whose mouth and hands all other people are safe. Hence, to unnecessarily cause others any pain or grief, no matter of what scale, is a sin and opposed to Islam.

Thus, in verse 41, even before Muslims have been told to defend mosques, they have been instructed to protect churches, temples, synagogues and the places of worship of all religions.

In conclusion, I reiterate that Islam’s teachings are entirely peaceful and are a means of security for all people, from all walks of life.

There is no need to fear true Islam and so I hope you will agree with me that those who brand Islam as a violent or intolerant religion are themselves guilty of a great injustice.

With these words, I thank you all for taking the time to attend our Jalsa Salana and to listen to what I have said.

May Allah bless you all. Thank you very much.’

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The

Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi (guided one)

Distinction Between the Natural and Moral States of Man I shall now proceed to describe the three states of man. But before I do so, it is necessary for me to voice a reminder that, as indicated in the Holy Word of God Almighty, the natural state of man, the fountainhead of which is the self that incites to evil, is not something divorced from his moral state. The Holy Word of God has classified man’s natural faculties and desires and urges as natural conditions. These, when they are consciously regulated and controlled and are brought into action on their proper occasions and places, become moral qualities.

In the same way, moral conditions are not entirely distinct from spiritual conditions. When moral conditions develop absolute devotion to God and complete purification of self and, cutting asunder from the world, turn wholly to God and to perfect love and complete devotion and full serenity and satisfaction and complete accord with the Divine will, they become spiritual conditions.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas

So long as his natural conditions are not converted into moral conditions, man deserves no praise, inasmuch as they are to be found in other animates and even in solids also. In the same way the mere acquisition of moral qualities does not bestow spiritual life upon a person. A person who denies the existence of God can yet exhibit good moral qualities, such as to be humble of heart, to seek peace, to discard evil and not to resist

© AMA GALLERY UK

the evil-monger. These are all natural conditions which may be possessed even by an unworthy one who is utterly unacquainted with the fountainhead of salvation and enjoys no part of it.

Many animals have a gentle disposition, and can be trained to become wholly peaceful and not to react savagely to chastisement, and yet we cannot call them human, let alone humans of high status. In the same way, a person who is entirely misguided and even suffers from some vices, can exhibit these qualities.1 endnotes

1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam (Tilford, Surrey: Islam International Publications, 2010), 19-20.

The English Rendering of the 5 Volume Commentary of the Holy Qur’an One of the most comprehensive commentaries of the Holy Qur’an ever written.

Commentary by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad(ra) Read it online at: http://www.alislam.org/quran/ Or Purchase the print version at: http://store.alislam.org/

POINT OF VIEW

ALLAHU AKBAR: A CALL TO PRAYER, NOT TERROR

Phant | Shutterstock

Allahu Akbar: A Call to Prayer, Not Terror IBN RASHID, UK

In some recent terrorist attacks, witnesses Muslims recite Allahu Akbar at least 170 reported hearing the words ‘Allahu Akbar’ - times a day during their formal prayer which literally means Allah is the greatest. services so when Mr. Brugnaro said anyone shouting Allahu Akbar in Venice Whether such terrorists actually believed would be shot, he probably didn’t realthey were doing it for God or witnesses’ ise the significance of the oft-repeated testimony was unreliable1, as it often can2 phrase. Allahu Akbar means ‘Allah is be, all makes for a moot point because the Greatest’ and Allah is described in Allahu Akbar in any case isn’t a dangerous the Holy Qur’an as the ‘Lord of all the phrase, and its declaration is something Worlds’ – not just the God of Muslims, which has been resounding across the but the Lord of all creation and the world for centuries.

One who cares for them all. This is why Arabic-speaking Coptic Christians also The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, said recite this phrase to express their joy and after the Barcelona attack in August 2017, gratitude or to praise God for something that anyone shouting Allahu Akbar in the good that has happened. One can find city’s St Mark's Square would be shot, similar phrases to Allahu Akbar in Psalms which may lead people unacquainted which also glorify God in this vein. with the term to believe it’s some sort of It is also a reminder for Muslims that Muslim terrorist slogan – it’s not.

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God is Almighty so they must always rely on Him and can trust their Lord to fulfil their needs. It further draws one’s attention towards prayer because unless one maintains that God is great, he won’t feel the need to pray, especially with the conviction, hope and humility which are prerequisites for the acceptance of prayer.

If terrorists actually had any inkling of the meaning of Allahu Akbar, they would never commit their heinous crimes. A truly religious person believing in the omnipotence of God relies on Him to solve all problems and a believer is eternally at peace and contented, barring him from ever having any negative emotion or hatred by which terrorists attack innocents. Attackers commit atrocities because their minds are at unrest which

Given the negative portrayal of Islam in the media, people like Luigi Brugnaro (the mayor of Venice) have misunderstood the beautiful meaning of Allahu Akbar. givaga | Shutterstock

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, said after the Barcelona attack in August 2017, that anyone shouting Allahu Akbar in the city’s St Mark's Square will be shot proves that their uttering of Allahu Akbar is merely artificial, for a true believer in Allahu Akbar is always composed, having entrusted all affairs to the great God. MARCH 2018

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The Islamic call to prayer – the adhan – begins with Allahu Akbar and shows that while God is the greatest, He desires His creation to also rise above base instincts and follow the path laid out to Him so he can attain a level of eminence and honour but since Allah is the greatest, true honour can only be achieved through His path alone, as the Qur’an says: ‘all honour belongs to Allah’ 3. The words of the adhan are recited in the ear of every newborn child, not to prepare them for war but to inculcate a love of their true Creator and ready them for a life in search of higher values, devotion to God and service to humanity. The repetition of the phrase signifies that while at first, its recitation is merely a result of mental reasoning, eventually a believer, by acting upon the requirements of faith, practically begins to see and experience the signs of Allah’s overarching omnipotence and control over all affairs thus causing the believer to proclaim Allahu Akbar from within with greater frequency and intensity.

Traditionally in Islam, the adhan, or call to prayer, is pronounced from the minaret with the resounding words of Allahu Akbar.

Danny Iacob | Shutterstock

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Allah being the greatest above all laws, leaders, kings, managers and authority, only His protection can guarantee safety and success. Muslim students who may have just sat their mock exams and receive

favourable results might shout Allahu Akbar or Alhamdulillah which means ‘all praise belongs to Allah’ – again, a expression of gratitude. Students expressing their joy by praising God are clearly not a threat. Similarly, a woman was trapped in a collapsed building in Bangladesh in 2015 where 1000 people were killed.

After 17 days in the rubble, onlookers shouted Allahu Akbar as she was rescued in a miraculous story of survival against the odds. This is the appropriate use of the phrase which signifies that God’s grace saved the 18-year-old.

When terrorists do use the phrase as some sort of battle cry, they have been led to believe they are doing it for God. But socalled Muslim clerics today have hijacked religious ideas to further their own interests and thus use religious slogans, verses and phrases to promote political, military or revenge-based motives like ‘punishing’ the West for all the wars in Muslim lands which is why we find impressionable youth in the West who are disenfranchised and frustrated, becoming victims to the perverse messages of corrupt clerics. Having been brainwashed and possessing no true knowledge of their faith they think they’re genuinely performing a praiseworthy act, for God. However, using the holy name of God to MARCH 2018

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a call to prayer , not terror

God – the Creator of this beautiful universe – would never instruct for such horrific crimes to be committed as are often witnessed these days.

BGSmith | Shutterstock

However, using the holy name of God to commit injustices continues and is not exclusive to Muslims.

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commit injustices continues and is not exclusive to Muslims.

The Chief Executive Director of The Council on American-Islamic Relations of Florida summed the entire issue up perfectly4: ‘That is the biggest act of heresy: to shout God’s glorious name when committing the worst crime against God.’ And His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba said in a recent Friday sermon that such people proclaim the name of God but exhibit no signs of the fear of

God. God is and always has been the highest authority and epitome of good, and religious values still play a significant part in the lives of most people. And so it’s little surprise when those who wish to justify their misdeeds, do so in the name of God. And while no such justification exists in scripture, claiming to commit an atrocity in the name of good makes it justifiable in the eyes of wrongdoers. And this is a phenomena the Qur’an points out when it says ‘Thus have the doings of the disbelievers been made to seem fair to them.’

For example, the young politician in her prime, Jo Cox, who had built bridges with communities was killed by someone who shouted ‘Britain First, this is for Britain’.

In his eyes perhaps it was for Britain or maybe he was using a nationalistic slogan to justify his hate-filled and racist attitudes.

Attacks by right-wing radicals or white supremacists are no different to those who shout Allahu Akbar when committing foul deeds. They are full of hate and rancour. Whether such attackers cite political, racial or religious slogans makes no difference. We should not pay attention to anything they say for actions speak louder than words. And all across Europe and the world, Muslims take part and

contribute to society in wonderful ways and it is they who carry the true spirit of Allahu Akbar. endnotes

1. “Is eyewitness testimony too unreliable to trust?”, The Week, 2011, http://theweek.com/articles/480511/ eyewitness-testimony-unreliable-trust.

2. “The problem with eyewitnesses”, BBC News, 2005, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ uk/4177082.stm.

3. The Holy Qur’an, 4:140.

4.“Tampa connection to New York City attack causes pain for Muslims”, WFLA News Channel 8, 2017, http://wfla.com/2017/10/31/ tampa-connection-to-new-york-cityattack-causes-pain-for-muslims/

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NEW BOOK

NOAH’S ARK A N I N V I TAT I O N TO FA I T H

F

rom 1896 to 1914 the plague ravaged British India, and more particularly, the province of Punjab. During these perilous times, as towns and cities were devoured, the British government undertook efforts to save the people from this pandemic through inoculation. It was in this backdrop that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian penned Noah’s Ark in 1902. In it the author elaborates the essence of his teachings and states that those who sincerely follow its tenets would be saved miraculously from the onslaughts of this epidemic, even without inoculation. This was a prophecy vouchsafed to him by God. History testifies to the magnificent fulfilment of this prophecy.

The book Noah’s Ark shines as a beacon of hope not only for the people of the past, but also now and shall continue to grant salvation to the world in all ages. It is a book that stands as one of the most influential works of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, and continues to transform lives even today.

Read online: https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Noahs-Ark-Kashti-Nuh.pdf Purchase print copy: http://store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html

SOUND BITES

March 8th

International Women's Day: Delineating Mainstream Feminism

By Ayesha Mahmood Malik LLM (Harvard)

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sound bites : international women ' s day

E

ach year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is marked throughout the world, highlighting women’s struggle for equality. At the heart of these commemorations is the question of how this equality may be achieved.

However, we must ask whether this struggle for a simplistic view of equality has been misplaced. Feminist discourse has seldom focused on seriously questioning whether the equality model is the best ideal whereby women’s rights may be assessed.

What then does the equality model really say? Within the differing categories of feminist jurisprudence, the radical feminists call for a sweeping form of equality, arguing for complete parity regardless of the context. Yet, it raises the question as to whether we need such a totalitarian

The fundamental problem, then, with the equality model is that it ironically prescribes that the male standard is the superior standard and that women must measure up to it if they are to be considered equal.

notion of equality to achieve egalitarianism between men and women. When the equality model is actually challenged, we find that it ignores the all-important reality that men and women are fundamentally different and these differences must be celebrated and explored as strengths. Cultural feminists, an opposing group of thought to the radical feminist school, focus more on the innate ‘female nature’, and point to this as an invaluable and enriching manner of placing women’s issues into context.

Cultural feminism would thus take the experience of childbirth, for example, as a singularly female experience which no man can naturally emulate. On the contrary, an equality-based approach may question men’s inability to conceive and partake in this miracle. A rigid sense of equality may thus at times be unhelpful and even irrational.

Thus, the essence of the argument that cultural feminism expounds is that men and women are different; that such differences reflect their unique physical and emotional vantage points; and that these differences are not synonymous to inequality. The argument is pragmatic and one that mirrors the Islamic philosophy towards the sexes – the Qur’an having prescribed different roles to men and women based on their differing strengths but assessed each role

to be equally important in its own right.

The fundamental problem, then, with the equality model is that it ironically prescribes that the male standard is the superior standard and that women must measure up to it if they are to be considered equal.

A woman’s own unique voice is silenced and her distinctive physical, emotional and intellectual capabilities are deemed effectively irrelevant and inferior. Feminists who

blindly argue for absolute equality forget that amid all the clamour and noise they are paradoxically succumbing to a status quo defined by men. Women should be afforded the dignity to take pride in their own abilities and strengths instead of constantly comparing these to men’s skills and competencies.

While the world focuses on bringing about strict equality between men and women, this ignores women’s unique abilities, including the ability to give birth.

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RETHINKING THE BOUNDARIES OF SEGREGATION

AFTER RECENT EVENTS ACROSS THE WORLD ARE WE NOW READY TO LOOK DEEPER INTO THE BOUNDARIES OF SEGREGATION?

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Rethinking the Boundaries of Segregation SARAH WASEEM, UK

W

estern societies promote themselves as bastions for the equality of women and positively contrast themselves with Eastern societies, where women are said to be repressed and denied equal rights. The recent much published scandals around the exploitation of women in Hollywood and Parliament earlier this year suggest otherwise, and has ignited heated debate on the issue of women’s safety in society.

How can women avoid unwanted attention and yet freely interact with men on an equal footing?

The hashtag ‘me too’ started by Alyssa Milano drew personal stories from women in all industries across the world.

Millions of them used Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to disclose the harassment 54 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

and abuse they have faced in their own lives. Reports of the abuse of women are not limited to one country or even continent, but come from across the world.

The anti-Islam writer Peter Hitchens jumped into the debate. He argued that society has lost its rules and regulations that ‘were part of an elaborate code of courtship and respect which was learned by example in the married family, and has now completely vanished.’ He asked ‘In our post-marriage free-for-all, why should we expect either sex to be restrained?…It was that old code which allowed us, unlike the Islamic world, to permit the happy mixing of men and women without black shrouds, veils and “no-touching” rules so strict that they even rule out a male-female handshake.’1

The hashtag ‘me too’ started by Alyssa Milano drew personal stories from women in all industries across the world.

Hitchens makes a valid point. Marriage was designed as an institution to safeMihai Surdu | Shutterstock guard family and society. The rights of married couples have been enshrined in law, although that is increasingly under attack with couples choosing to cohabit Studies suggest that 32% instead. Now, with the introduction of gay marriage in many countries, the bounda- of women say they have ries are becoming ever more blurred. But been verbally harassed on does Hitchens really believe that women London’s transport network... were not subject to abuse even under ‘the old code’? Why then are we seeing a rise in cases of the reporting of historic sexual Hollywood she says, ‘I still make choices abuse not only by celebrities and those in every day as a 41-year-old actress that I think of as self-protecting and wise. I positions of political power? have decided that my sexual self is best Mayim Bialik, a US actress, made some reserved for private situations with those interesting observations for which she I am most intimate with. I dress modwas lambasted in the media. Commenting estly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a on her experiences as a child actor in policy. In a perfect world, women should MARCH 2018

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rethinking the boundaries of segregation

As a society, we need to ask ourselves how we intend to safeguard the rights of women to lead normal lives and move freely in society. But how do we do this without clear boundaries around what is acceptable and unacceptable social conduct?

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be free to act however they want. But our world isn’t perfect. Nothing – absolutely nothing – excuses men for assaulting or abusing women. But we can’t be naïve about the culture we live in.’2 Hitchens is right that ‘dreadful, often tragic things that happen when men and women abandon the old rules of fidelity and constancy, and wrongly imagine that total freedom leads to total happiness.’ However, as Bialik points out, we do not live in a perfect world. We have a responsibility for looking after ourselves – and that responsibility applies to men and women equally.

56 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

As a society, we need to ask ourselves how we intend to safeguard the rights of women to lead normal lives and move freely in society and the rights of men to be able to do likewise without fear of censure or complaint. No woman or man should ever be subject to abuse of any form. Men and women therefore need to respect each other and themselves.

But how do we do this without clear boundaries around what is acceptable and unacceptable social conduct?

The issue of safeguarding women is not limited to clandestine affairs. Women face daily provocation from men. Studies suggest that 32% of women say they have been verbally harassed on London’s transport network, with 19% being the victims of direct physical abuse, according to a joint poll between Thompson Reuters and YouGov. 3 In France more than 220,000 women were sexually harassed on public transport between 2014 to 2015,which the national crime statistics agency described as a ‘conservative estimate’.4 Cities have tried to tackle these problems in various ways. Women-only train carriages have been introduced in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Cairo and Japan. Italy has just established a women-only beach.

In the USA, The Hamilton Crowne Plaza is one of a small, but growing, number of hotels offering floors dedicated to female travellers. The 2017 New Year’s eve festivities in the German city of Berlin included women-only safety zones following concerns about sexual assaults after dozens of women were sexually assaulted and robbed at Cologne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations two years ago.

It would seem then that for women to feel respected and safe requires more than just the physical separation of men from women. It requires a model of morality

Cities have tried to tackle the problem of harassment in various ways. Women-only train carriages have been introduced in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Cairo and Japan.

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In France more than 220,000 women were sexually harassed on public transport between 2014 to 2015 which clarifies the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for both men and women.

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rethinking the boundaries of segregation

men. It is not the prevention of women from running their own affairs.

The concept of Islamic segregation is based on a model of chastity incumbent on both men and women, that guides both to maintain boundaries of modesty and respect between one another.

In some instances, these are physical boundaries, e.g. separate prayer areas, or meeting spaces. In all cases it is about the maintenance of modesty and decency in interactions between men and women.

Segregation is grossly misunderstood when it is conceived as an imposition or restriction on female members of Muslim society from fully participating in all spheres of human activities.

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Writing in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, The Promised Messiahas reminds us that moral qualities are needed to rid ourselves of evil. Ihsan, or chastity, then is the active avoidance of situations that may lead to immorality – which is a responsibility for both men and women.5 In this verse of the Holy Qur’an, men are directed not to look at women so openly as to be sexually excited by them. This includes safeguarding their senses so that they are not tempted by women. Women in turn are instructed likewise and to dress in a manner that offers them further protection – to wear a head covering and clothes that do not draw attention to their form.

So has Islam got anything better to offer?

Firstly, let us be clear. True Islamic segregation is not the cultural practice of shrouding women and girls from head to toe, making it difficult for them to even see as they walk. It is not preventing women from seeking education and employment in case they must mix with The Holy Qur’an also instructs ‘Approach 58 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

not adultery’. So here too is an instruction that one must also actively avoid situations that might lead to this road.

So, men and women who are unrelated to each other are cautioned not to allow themselves to be in situations that could allow either party to be subject to allegations of inappropriate conduct at a later juncture.

The Promised Messiahas further writes:

The concept of Islamic segregation is based on a model of chastity incumbent on both men and women, that guides both to maintain boundaries of modesty and respect between one another. and women ensure that they not trespass the limits of acceptable social interaction.

This way both genders are freed up to lead normal lives without fear of being put in physical danger and without fear of being accused of unacceptable conduct.

The Book of God does not aim at keeping women in seclusion like prisoners.

This is the concept of those who are not acquainted with the correct pattern of Islamic ways. The purpose of these regulations is to restrain men and women from letting their eyes to rove In a crude swipe at Islam, Hitchens freely and from displaying their good also ironically raises the need for such looks and beauties, for therein lies the safeguards: good of men and women.6 Wise men at Westminster will in future As the Promised Messiahas explains, these go about with chaperones, record and measures are not about limiting the film all conversations with the oppomovement of women in society – Muslim site sex, require women to sign consent women work in many spheres of life – but forms before meeting them, and cerit is about putting in place boundaries tificates of good conduct afterwards.

Nothing else will keep them safe from and safeguards that protect both sexes claims that they momentarily applied ‘a from allegations which can and do destroy reputations. These boundaries are fleeting hand’ to someone’s knee. not just physical but also spiritual – and to win the pleasure of Allah, Muslim men Or there is always the other solution, MARCH 2018

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rethinking the boundaries of segregation

Ahmadi Muslim women dressed in burqas, hijabs, and niqabs work both alongside men and apart from men, successfully running hospitals and schools, and organising events throughout the year

Ahmadi Muslim women dressed in burqas, hijabs, and niqabs work both alongside men and apart from men, successfully running hospitals and schools, and organising events throughout the year, from international gatherings to book fairs and local events. The scale of these operations can be vast. The UK Annual Convention of the Community in 2017 attracted over thirty-five thousand the niqab, the burka and the segrega- people. Men and women jointly planned, tion of the sexes. hosted and ran the segregated event. At the renowned Tahir Heart Institute in Hitchens might be surprised to learn Rabwah, Pakistan, female doctors and that the true Islamic model of morality nurses attended to patients while weardoes operate in the Ahmadiyya Muslim ing hijabs or niqabs. Humanity First, a charity run by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: Community, regularly has Ahmadi Segregation is grossly misunderstood women serving in capacities as diverse as when it is conceived as an imposition fundraising, providing medical help, and of restriction on female members of the painting classrooms. All of this happens Muslim society from fully participat- and yet there are no reported cases of haring in all spheres of human activities. assment to women.

This is not true. The Islamic concept of segregation is only to be understood Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, the in the context of measures to protect fifth successor to the Promised Messiahas, the sanctity of female chastity and the has on numerous occasions eloquently honour of women in society so that the elucidated the teachings of morality dangers of violating these objectives are and the teachings of Islam regarding minimised. Free mixing of both sexes segregation: and clandestine affairs between men and women are strongly discouraged.7 Those who level objections against Islam 60 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2018

are accepting the fact that in some situations separation of gender is wise. In some places the option of making separate organisations for men and women has been discussed. This worldly society is also sensing the need of separating men and women. Those who level allegations against us regarding the segregation of genders are now accepting the fact that in some situations separation is a must.8

What-women-gain-squawking-sex-pestsNiqab.html.

2. Mayim Bialik, “Being A Feminist In Harvey Weinstein’s World ,” The New York Times, October 13, 2017, https://www. nytimes.com/2017/10/13/opinion/mayimbialik-feminist-harvey-weinstein.html

3. Monique Villa, “Sexual harassment on public transport is a problem Perhaps it is now high time to examine, we must solve”, The Independent, rather than mock, Islam’s solution for October 29, 2014, http://www. independent.co.uk/voices/comment/ peace in society. sexual-harassment-on-public-transport-is.................................................................. a-problem-we-must-solve-9826153.html.

About the Author: Dr Sarah Waseem is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in the UK’s National Health Service.

She serves as an editorial board member for the The Review of Religions and also in the Production Department of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International. .................................................................. endnotes

1. Peter Hitchens, “What Will Women Gain From All This Squawking About Sex Pests? A Niqab,” Daily Mail, accessed November 4, 2017, www. dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-5050887/

4. Reuters, December, 2012.

5. The Holy Qur’an, 24:31-32.

6. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, (1905).

7. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues, 92.

8. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, ‘Preparing for Tomorrow – Raising Pious Children’, The Review of Religions, October 2017, http://www.reviewofreligions. org/13395.

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A Glimpse into the Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa Disapproval of Penance

The correct use of natural faculties constitutes high moral qualities; the The Holy Prophetsa, however, strongly frustration or stultification of those disapproved of formality in the matter of qualities is folly. It is their improper use worship and condemned the imposition that is evil or sinful. Their proper use is of any penance upon oneself as a form true virtue. This is the essence of the moral of worship. He taught that true worship teachings inculcated by the Holy Prophetsa consists in the beneficent use of the faculties of Islam. And this, in brief, was also a with which God has endowed man. God picture of his own life and actions. Aishara having bestowed eyes upon man to see with, relates: ‘Whenever the Holy Prophetsa it would not be worship but impertinence had a choice of two courses of action he to keep them shut or to have them removed. always chose the easier of the two, provided It is not the proper use of the faculty of it was free from all suspicion of error or sight which can be regarded as sinful, it is sin. Where a course of action was open the improper use of the faculty that would to such suspicion, the Holy Prophetsa of be a sin. It would be ingratitude on the part all men gave it the widest berth’ (Muslim, of a man to have himself deprived of the Kitabul Fada’il). This is indeed the highest faculty of hearing, though it would be sinful and the most admirable course open to of him to use that faculty for the purpose man. Many men voluntarily court pain and of listening to slander and backbiting. privations, not for the purpose of winning Abstention from food (except on occasions God's pleasure, for God's pleasure is not when it is prescribed or is otherwise to be won by inflicting purposeless pain desirable) may amount to suicide and thus and privations upon oneself, but with the constitute an unforgivable sin, though it object of deceiving mankind. Such people would also be sinful on the part of a man possess little inherent virtue and wish to to devote himself entirely to food and drink cover up their faults and to acquire merit in or to indulge in the eating or drinking of the eyes of others by assuming false virtues. prohibited or undesirable articles. This is The object of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, a golden principle which was taught and however, was to attain to real virtue and to emphasised by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam win the pleasure of God. He was, therefore, and which had not been inculcated by any completely free from pretence and makeprevious prophet. believe. That the world should regard him as bad or should appraise him as good

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was a matter of complete indifference to him. All that mattered to him was how he found himself and how God would judge him. If in addition to the testimony of his conscience and the approval of God he also won the true testimony of mankind he was grateful, but if men looked upon him with jaundiced eyes he was sorry for them and attached no value to their opinion.1

endnotes

1. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-din Mahmud Ahmadra, Life of Muḥammad (Tilford, Surrey, U.K.: Islam International Publications Limited, 2013), 212-214.

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Truthfulness of the Promised Messiah'sas Claim The Proof of the

EXTRACTS FROM

THE ESSENCE OF

ISLAM VOLUME IV

The Proof of the Truthfulness of the Promised Messiah'sas Claim HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD AS , THE PROMISED MESSIAH & IMAM MAHDI

The Promised Messiahas wrote over 80

books in Arabic, Urdu, and Persian.

Excerpts of his collected works have been translated into English and

organised by topic. The Review of

Religions is pleased to present these

excerpts as part of a monthly feature.

Here, The Promised Messiahas elaborates on the subject of the proof of the

truthfulness of his claim.

Extracts from the Essence of Islam,

Vol.IV, pp. 60-67.

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Proof of Truthfulness Here, a seeker after truth can validly raise a question, namely, what evidence is there to support the claim of my being the Promised Messiah – for every claim requires some evidence, especially in these times when cunning, deceit and dishonesty have become widespread and false claims are being actively promoted.

In answer to this question, it would be enough for me to state that the following matters are sufficient as signs and evidence for a seeker after truth: First of all, there is the prophecy made by the Holy Prophetsa which has consistently been interpreted to mean that, at the turn of each century, God Almighty shall raise a person to revive the faith by removing the weaknesses that might have crept in and would restore it to its

true might and vitality. According to this prophecy, it was necessary that God Almighty should have raised a person at the turn of this fourteenth century who should have striven to reform the ills that have become current. Accordingly, I have been sent at the proper time. Previously, hundreds of saints have borne witness, on the basis of revelation, that the Reformer of the fourteenth century would be none other than the Promised Messiah.

Authentic Ahadith also confirm repeatedly that the Messiah would appear after the thirteenth century. Then, does not my claim at this point in time clearly conform with the time and the circumstances? Is it possible that the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa should turn out to be false? I have made it clear that if the Promised Messiah were not to appear at the turn of the fourteenth century, many of the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa

The Messiah's advent was to take place during the 14th Century of Islam and has been spiritually likened to the 14th day moon which reflects the sun in all its glory. martin_stuard | shutterstock

Authentic Ahadith also confirm repeatedly that the Messiah would appear after the thirteenth century.

Then, does not my claim at this point in time clearly conform with the time and the circumstances? would go unfulfilled and many saints, who were recipients of revelation, would turn out to be wrong.

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how truthful is the promised messiah ' s as claim ?

The Promised Messiahas came to resolve all tensions and disagreements within the Muslim world and unify Islam under one banner once again.

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My status is not that of an ordinary maulvi, but my status is that of Prophets. else besides me has claimed to be the Reformer of the fourteenth century, and who else has announced his advent from God and claims to be the recipient of revelation and to have been commissioned by God, they have no answer and are unable to name anyone who has made such a claim…

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The third sign of the truth of my claim is that, as I have set out in the Nishan-eAsmani [a book written by the Promised Messiah as], some men of God, who passed away many years before me, had given the news of my coming, specifying clearly my name and place of residence and my age.

of revelation come forward to compete with me. If they triumph over me in respect of Divine support and Heavenly grace and signs, I would submit to being slaughtered howsoever they wish.

The fourth sign of the truth of my claim is that I have dispatched approximately twelve thousand letters and announcements to the representatives of other faiths, inviting them to a contest in the blessings of faith. There is perhaps not a single well-known clergyman in Europe, America and India who has not been addressed by registered letter. They were all so over-awed by the truth that not one of them came forward. The criticism levelled against this invitation by the maulvis [religious clerics] is in truth based on falsehood and filth. I have been given the glad tiding that if any opponent of Islam comes forward to challenge me, I shall prevail over him and he will be humiliated…

I see that those who wish to be the followers of nature and the law of nature have been offered a good opportunity by God Almighty of accepting my claim, inasmuch as they are not confronted by the difficulties in which our other opponents are involved. They know well that Jesusas has died and at the same time they have to confess that the prophecy contained in the Ahadith about the appearance of the Promised Messiah is among the long-established verities that cannot be denied by any reasonable person. Thus they are left with no other option but to accept that the Promised Messiah will be one of the Muslims.

They are, however, entitled to inquire as to why they should believe in me as the Promised Messiah, and on what grounds do I base this claim? The answer is that all the indications mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the Ahadith with regard to the Promised Messiah have been combined in me and in my age and in my

The fifth sign in support of my truth is that I have been informed that I shall ever remain triumph over all Muslims in the matter of vision and revelation. So let those of them who claim to be recipients

—A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 5, pp. 340-348

country; as, for instance, the age and the country and the town in which the Promised Messiah was to appear and the circumstances which called specially for his advent, and the earthly and heavenly occurrences which had been specified as indications of his advent, and the knowledge and learning that were to be his characteristic, have all been combined in me. In addition to these, and to provide further satisfaction, I have been strengthened by Heavenly support.

ِ ‫وچںرمامکحازےئپ‬ ‫وقم�دادہادن‬

‫ہ‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫تحلصمراانبرم مامم ننمدہادن‬ ‫ت ت‬ ‫ہش‬ ‫آامسںامردنمںاولقیموگیدزںیم‬

‫ش‬ ‫اںیدوشمدہازےئپدصتقی نااتسدہادن‬

[As I was invested with authority for the Christians, I was, therefore, named the son of Mary. Heaven is showing signs and the earth proclaims that this is the time. These two witnesses stand firm in my support.]

To illustrate: The indication given in the text of the Holy Qur’an proves that he Holy Prophetsa appeared in the likeness MARCH 2018

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It is set out in an authentic Hadith that he who fails to recognize the Imam of his age will die the death of ignorance…This direction of the Holy Prophetsa entails that every seeker after truth should continue to seek the true Imam… of Moses , and that the chain of Khilafat [or Caliphate] after the Holy Prophetsa would be very similar to the chain of Khilafat established after Mosesas.

Just as Prophet Mosesas was promised that in the latter days – i.e., when the Prophethood of Bani Isra’il [the Tribes of Israel] would reach its limit and Bani Isra’il would be divided into many sects, each contradicting the other, so much so that some would declare others to be infidels – God Almighty would raise a successor, i.e., Prophet Jesusas, to support the faith of Mosesas; he would gather the scattered sheep of Israel, and bring sheep and wolves together at one place, and he would be an Arbiter for all the sects of Bani Isra’il, and he would iron out their differences and remove all rancour and ill-will; likewise, a similar promise was as

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made by the Holy Qur’an in the verse:

     [And others from among them who have not yet joined them - 62:4] Many details of this are set out in the Ahadith. For instance, it is mentioned that Muslims would become divided into as many sects as the Jews; they would contradict each other and brand each other as infidels; and [that they] would increase in hatred and enmity towards each other, till the time when the Promised Messiah would appear as an arbiter. He would remove all rancour and hostility. During his time, the wolf and the sheep will be brought together.

All historians are aware that, at the time of the advent of Jesusas, the Israelite sects were ridden with dissension and labelled each other as heretics and infidels. I have also appeared at a time when inner dissension has multiplied and each sect has started calling others kafir [disbeliever]. At such a time of dissension, the Muslims were in need of an arbiter. God has, therefore, sent me as one.

—Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 13, pp. 254-257, footnote

My status is not that of an ordinary maulvi, but my status is that of Prophets.

Accept me as one who has come from heaven, and all the altercations and dissensions which have divided the Muslims will at once be resolved. Whatever meanings are attributed to the Holy Qur’an by him – who has come as an arbiter and as a commissioned one of God – will be its true meaning and whichever Hadith he affirms as true will be a true Hadith.

—Malfuzat, vol. 2, pp. 140-141 It is set out in an authentic Hadith that he who fails to recognize the Imam of his age will die the death of ignorance…This direction of the Holy Prophetsa entails that every seeker after truth should continue to seek the true Imam…The question arises: Who can be called the Imam of the age, and what are his characteristics, and in what respect is he to be preferred to other recipients of revelation and dreams and visions? The answer is that the Imam of the age is the person whose spiritual training is undertaken by God Almighty Himself Who invests his nature with such guiding light as enables him to overcome all philosophers and logicians of the world in every kind of debate. He refutes the subtlest criticism of every description so well by his

The Holy Qur’an indicates that the Holy Prophetsa bore similarities to Mosesas and that the chain of their successors – or Caliphs – would also be similar.

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God-given power, that one is compelled to admit that he has come into the world equipped with all the resources needed for its reform and thus he was not to face humiliation before any opponent. He is the spiritual Commander-in-Chief of the Muslim forces and God Almighty designs once again to make the faith victorious at his hand. All those who seek shelter under his banner are also equipped with the highest capacities. He is bestowed all that is needed for reform and is endowed with all knowledge that is required for repelling objections and setting forth Islamic excellences.

—Darurat-ul-Imam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 13, pp. 472-477 MARCH 2018

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It must be borne in mind that the expression ‘Imam of the age’ comprises the titles of Prophet, Messenger, Muhaddath and Mujaddid [Reformer]. Those who are not Divinely appointed for the reform and guidance of mankind and are not invested with the requisite excellences cannot be described as Imams of the age even if they are saints or Abdal [Literally, ‘Those who have brought about a holy change’, a term used by the Sufis for the higher grade of saints.]

The question remains as to who is the Imam of this age who must, under Divine command, be obeyed by Muslims in general, the pious, the seers and the recipients of revelation. I have no hesitation in affirming that, by the grace of God, I am this Imam of the age. God Almighty has combined all the signs and conditions of the Imam in my person and

The time is not far – indeed it is very near – when you will observe angels descending from heaven in large numbers on the hearts of the people of Asia, Europe and America.

has raised me at the turn of the century.

—Darurat-ul-Imam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 13, p. 495 As I have come from God Almighty with truth and righteousness, you will find the signs of my truthfulness all around you.

The time is not far – indeed it is very near – when you will observe angels descending from heaven in large numbers on the hearts of the people of Asia, Europe and America. You have learnt from the Holy Qur’an that, with the advent of the vicegerent of God, the descent of angels is incumbent so that they should turn people’s hearts towards the truth. So wait for this sign. If angels do not descend and you do not perceive the clear effect of their descent in the world and you do not find the hearts inclined in an extraordinary manner to move towards the truth, then you may reasonably conclude that no one has descended from heaven. But if all this happens, then do not persist in denial, lest you be judged by God Almighty as a disobedient people.

—Fathe-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol.

3, pp. 13-14, footnote

In recent times vested interests have launched a ‘crusade’ against Islam.

Islam is labelled as a religion of terror, backwardness and suppression.

Based on Quranic teachings, the author of this book goes about disproving these notions and professes that Islam provides practical solutions to current issues; and argues that: (1) Swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds; (2) The role of women is not of concubines in harems nor a society imprisoned in the four wall of their houses; (3) Richer nations provide aid with strings attached and yet the flow of wealth continues to be in the direction of the rich while the poorer sink deeper in the red; (4) Religion does not need to be the predominant legislative authority in the political affairs of the state; (5) Irrespective of the thawing of the cold war, the issue of war and peace does not only hang by the thread of superpower relationship.

(6) Without God there can be no peace.

It also contains comprehensive discussion on interest; financial aid; international relations; and the role of Israel, America and the United Kingdom in a new world order.

The message of this book is timeless and chalks a blue print for the future prospects for peace.

Read online: http://www.alislam.org/books/ Purchase print copy: http://store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html

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WAYS TO ESTABLISH WORLD PEACE

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IN SOCIETY

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refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the number quoted in this journal.

For the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘sa’

Thursday 1st March 2018 Faith: Judaism Event: Purin

The story of Purim relates to the biblical book of Esther, a Jewish woman who was

married to Ahasuerus, the king of Persia. According

to the account mentioned in the Bible, she is said to

have prevented Hamaan – a Persian Nobleman – from the killing of innocent

Jews in Persia. During this festival Jews render thanks by the giving of alms and

reciting the story of Esther.

Friday 2nd March 2018 Faith: Hinduism Event: Holi

Also known as the 'Festival

of Colours', Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in the

spring. It begins on the day after the full moon in the

Hindu month of Phalguna which usually falls between

the end of February and the middle of March according to the Gregorian calendar.

This festival involves applying or throwing coloured water or powder on friends and family.The ritual is to

celebrate the tussel between Krishnaas and Radha.

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Sunday 25th March 2018 Faith: Christianity

Event: Palm Sunday

According to all four canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark,

Luke & John), Palm Sunday

is celebrated to mark Jesus’sas

arrival into Jerusalem. The

Gospels mention that when

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 salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across

their cloaks and branches

stands for ‘Raziallahu Ta’ala anhu and

crowds of people laid down

that name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or ‘(ra)’

of palm trees. In memory

is used for Companions of a Prophet,

attend church services

or her (when followed by the relevant

where the faithful are given palm leaves or a substitute

thereof in places where palm leaves are unavailable.

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be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis

Jesusas arrived in Jerusalem

of this event Christians

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meaning Allah be pleased with him Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘rh’ or ‘(rh)’ for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.

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