Muslim Migrants and Integration

Transcription

1 NOVEMBER VOL ISSUE ELEVEN Muslim Migrants and Integration This is the Work of God Establish Peace in Every Village, Town or City If the Oceans Were Ink - Part 2 Prayer - Supplicating to the Almighty

2 The Promised Messiah as & imam mahdi The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa prophesied that the Promised Messiah as would be raised near a white minaret, east of Damascus. This prophecy was fulfilled with the advent of the Promised Messiah as from Qadian, India, a village directly east of Damascus. WORLD FAITHS Knowledge He grants wisdom to whom He and the instructions given by the If any of you lacks wisdom, let pleases, and whoever is granted Holy Qur an are the most perfect. him ask God, who gives to all wisdom has indeed been granted The Qur an wishes the people men generously and without abundant good; and none would to acquire the true knowledge reproaching, and it will be given makhzan-e-tasaweer be reminded except those endowed with understanding. ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR'AN, 2:270 because it creates the fear of God and the more a man advances in God-realisation the more he begins to understand the Grandeur of God and the greater becomes his love for Him. him. CHRISTIANITY, THE BIBLE, JAMES 1:5 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, 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 Muhammad sa. 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. 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 Ahmad as 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 as 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 He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence of Jesus s as journey to India. In 1902, the Promised Messiah as 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 Ahmad as has really reached the ends of the earth. The search for knowledge is an obligation laid on every Muslim. ISLAM, THE HOLY PROPHET SA, HADITH OF IBN MAJAH There are some unfortunate people who get themselves busy in the acquisition of knowledge and thus go far away from the understanding of the Law of destiny. There are some others who believe in Destiny in such a way that they withdraw themselves from the acquisition of knowledge. But the Holy Qur an has instructed men in both the ways ISLAM, THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS, SO SAID THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS, P. 22 Those who see Truth and speak Truth, their bodies and minds become truthful. Truth is their evidence, Truth is their instruction, True is the praise of the truthful. Those who have forgotten Truth cry in agony and weep while departing. SIKHISM, ADI GRANTH, SRI RAGA, M.3, P. 69 He who imbibes the Dhamma abides in happiness with mind pacified; the wise man ever delights in the Dhamma revealed by the Noble Ones. BUDDHISM, DHAMMAPADA 79 As the heat of a fire reduces wood to ashes, the fire of knowledge burns to ashes all karma. Nothing in this world purifies like spiritual wisdom. It is the perfection achieved in time through the path of yoga, the path which leads to the Self within. HINDUISM, BHAGAVAD GITA

3 CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2018 VOL ISSUE ELEVEN 8 This is the Work of God 44 Propagation of the Religion HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD AS, THE PROMISED HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD AS, THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI 22 Muslim Migrants and Integration His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba outlines the responsibility of each and every one of us to establish peace at every level. HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD ABA, FIFTH CALIPH OF 46 Prayer Supplicating to the Almighty Part 2 of the four-part series covering the philosophy of the acceptance of prayer and its importance. HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD AS, THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY 32 A Glimpse into the Life of the Holy Prophet sa HAZRAT MIRZA BASHIR AHMAD RA M.A. 62 Calendar of Religious Events If the Oceans Were Ink - Part 2 The Review of Religions features the second part of our interview with Carla Power as she discusses her book, an exploration of Islam through the eyes of a non-muslim. AYESHA MAHMOOD MALIK, LONDON Front cover picture: Triff Shutterstock 22 The Review of Religions

4 THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD THE PROMISED MESSIAH & MAHDI AS Read online: Or purchase here: store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html SERIALISED IN The Review of Religions The Review of Religions serialised the famous treatise The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Initially written for the Conference of Great Religions on December 26-29,1896, each speaker at the conference was asked to present to the audience the beauties of their own religion based upon its scripture, proving that it was the true religion, based on the following topics: The Physical, Moral, and Spiritual States of Man What is the State of Man after Death? The Object of Man s Life and the Means of its Attainment The Operation of the Practical Ordinances of the Law in This Life and the Next Sources of Divine Knowledge 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 CHIEF EDITOR & MANAGER Syed Amer Safir ASSISTANT EDITOR Nakasha Ahmad ASSISTANT MANAGERS Tazeen Ahmad, Musa Sattar ASSOCIATE EDITORS Shahzad Ahmed, Zafir Mahmood Malik NORTH & SOUTH AMERICAN COORDINATOR Tariq Haroon Malik RELIGION & SCIENCE Editor: Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir Nasser Deputy: Dr. Tauseef Khan LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS Editor: Ayesha Mahmood Malik COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS Editor: Fazal Ahmad ARCHEOLOGY Editor: Rizwan Safir CHRISTIANITY Editor: Navida Sayed Deputy: Arif Khan WOMEN S SECTION Editor: Aliya Latif Deputy: Meliha Hayat RACE & EQUALITY Editor: Hassan Wahab BOOK REVIEWS Editor: Dr. Sarah Waseem 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, Abdul Quddus Arif, Mansoor Clarke DESIGN Head of Design: Zubair Ahmed Hayat Design Team: Ahsan Khan, Musawer Din YouTube Team: Musawer Din, Usman Shahzad Butt INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif 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 WEB TEAM Mubashra Ahmad, Hibba Turrauf SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Head: Razwan Baig 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 IT Head of IT: Adil Mansoor LEGAL ADVISOR Khalil Yousuf

5 The Promised Messiah as & IMAM MAHDI (GUIDED ONE) This is the Work of God If I am asked as to what I have done, my answer would be that I cannot say anything in this respect. The world will know itself as to what has been done by me. Of course I should like to say this much, that people come to me and repent for their sins, they become humble and getting away from meanness, they acquire very high morals. They begin to grow like vegetation and they begin to improve their morals and habits. Man does not make all the progress in just one step. The law of nature is that everything makes progress gradually; there is nothing that is not under this law. Of course we are full of hope that ultimately the truth will spread and there will be a pious change. This is not my work; this is the work of God. He is determined that piety should be spread. The world has become rotten and a worm is eating it up. It is only the shell that has been left; there is no pith there. But God has now willed it that man should be purified and should have no blemish at all. It is for this, that through His grace, He has established this Dispensation. 1 endnotes 1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, So Said The Promised Messiah (Rabwah, Pakistan: Wakalat-e-Tasnif ), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as

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8 Establish Peace in Every Village, Town or City It is my firm conviction that belief in God Almighty is the only means of salvation and the only way to bring about true peace both at a national and international level. His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba, Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Lubomir Schmida Shutterstock

9 R Muslim Migrants and Integration HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD ABA, WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba addressed over 1000 dignitaries and guests at Germany s annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. In the last few years, wars in the Middle East and the subsequent rush of immigration to Europe has spawned a resurgence in hate-filled far-right groups. In September 2018, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivered a historic address to over 1000 dignitaries and guests at the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany. After reciting Tashahhud, Ta awwuz and Bismillah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V aba said: All distinguished guests, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. In recent times here in Germany, and in several other Western countries, the farright has gained prominence and seen its membership rise. The root cause for this distressing trend is that the indigenous citizens in these nations are becoming increasingly resentful and frustrated. They are feeling neglected and as though their rights are not being protected by their leaders and governments. Unquestionably, a major factor fuelling their anxiety has been the influx of immigrants to many Western nations in recent years. This has certainly been the case here in Germany, which has taken far more refugees than any other European country in recent times. As a result, many local people are afraid that their societies are changing beyond comprehension and they feel that their nation s resources are being disproportionately utilised in favour of immigrants. Whilst the term immigrant is used, the real issue for most people is Islam and the fact that the vast majority of immigrants to Europe are Muslims fleeing from war-torn countries in the Middle East. Thus, when the far-right and their supporters raise rallying calls against immigration, their actual target is Islam and their objective is to stop Muslims from entering their nations. They view Islam as incompatible with Western values, and strive to propagate their belief that Muslims are unable to successfully integrate into the West and are a threat to other citizens. Further, many non-muslims believe Islam to be a religion of extremism and imagine that those Muslims who immigrate will be extremists or religious fanatics, will spread poison in society, incite division and disturb the peace and well-being of their nation. Certainly, this sense of alarm has spread to some parts of this country, especially in Eastern Germany. Thus, there have been moves and campaigns to ban the building of mosques. We, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, have not been immune to such opposition, whereby some groups here in Germany have actively campaigned The Review of Religions against us and endeavoured to stop us building new mosques. They have campaigned against us, even though our motto is Love for All, Hatred for None, and despite the fact that for almost 130 years, our community has been at the very forefront of promoting peace, brotherhood, love and compassion in all parts of the world. Our history testifies to the fact that wherever we have built mosques or become established the fears of the local people have soon evaporated. Those who initially viewed us with suspicion have quickly become our loyal friends and sincere supporters. Throughout the world, our neighbours happily attest to the fact that Ahmadi Muslims are peo- 16 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 17

10 muslim migrants and integration Germany has accepted more refugees than almost any other European country. But with the rising tide of immigrants Muslim immigrants in particular have come concerns about the resources going to migrants instead of to native-born citizens. Lightspring Shutterstock ple who promote peace in society and who spread only a message of love, compassion and human sympathy. Yet, due to the dire state of the Muslim world at large, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has also had to suffer the consequences. Another charge raised by those opposed to widespread immigration is that immigrants are prone to sexually abusing or harassing women. Sadly, a recent report suggested that a high proportion of rapes or attempted rapes, in one Western country, were committed by immigrants. God knows better if the figures are accurate, but when such reports are made public, it affects other nations as well and the concerns and fears of local people continue to rise. Another point that many parties and politicians have focused upon is the tax burden required to re-settle immigrants. Aside from their day-to-day living expenses, infrastructure costs resulting from large-scale immigration are vast and so the financial burden on the state is considerable and it is ultimately taxpayers who fund this. People who have lived their lives and paid their taxes in a country, are justified to ask whether it is fair that their contributions to the state are spent on resettling foreign immigrants, as opposed to funding projects that are beneficial to existing citizens. I do not dispute that these are valid issues and real causes of concern and, if they are not dealt with wisely, tensions in society will continue to increase. Additionally, wherever there is large-scale migration, it inevitably leads to security issues. Indeed, it has been proven that hidden amongst the genuine refugees are immigrants who have the potential to cause great harm. For example, just a few days ago, a female refugee living in Germany, who in the past had been kidnapped and kept as a slave in Iraq, was interviewed. She told how she was shocked and horrified to see that her captor, a member of a terrorist group, was now also living freely in Germany, having come here under the pretence of persecution. This is something I have warned about in the past that each case should be carefully analysed to ensure that extremists or criminals posing as refugees are not allowed to enter. Anyway, these issues mean that a fear of mass immigration from Muslim countries is to some extent justified. Yet, on the other side, it is necessary for a fair-minded, intelligent and wise person to look at both sides of the story and not just base his or her impression of Muslims and Islam upon hearsay. Throughout the world, our neighbours happily attest to the fact that Ahmadi Muslims are people who promote peace in society and who spread only a message of love, compassion and human sympathy. Merely because someone brands Islam a religion of extremism or claims that all Muslims are terrorists does not make it true; rather, it is vital to assess the facts rationally and objectively before reaching a conclusion. Hence, before reaching a definitive conclusion about whether Islam s teachings are of an extremist nature, you should investigate and see what the truth is. Analyse, whether the wicked acts of some so-called Muslims are motivated by the teachings of Islam? Consider, whether Islam really does permit extremism? Or does it prescribe severe punishments for those who spread disorder and hatred? Does Islam permit Muslims to break the laws of the land in the name of their faith? What expectations does Islam place upon Muslims in terms of their conduct in society? Does Islam encourage Muslims to burden the State? Or does it encourage them to work hard, to be loyal and to contribute positively to the society in which they live? 18 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 19

11 muslim migrants and integration tioned in chapter 22, verses 40 to 41 of the Holy Qur an. In these verses, Allah the Almighty said that those who had been persecuted and driven out of their homes were permitted to defend themselves from further cruelty and oppression. However, the Holy Qur an further states that if the Muslims did not defend their religion then churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and all other places of worship would all be in grave If it is proven that Muslims who do danger. So, permission was granted to wrong are motivated by their religion, protect the rights of all people to live it can be said that the concerns of the their lives freely and according to their far-right are justified. Yet, what if their beliefs. actions have nothing to do with Islam? What if anti-islamic groups are In chapter 10, verse 100 of the Holy spreading hateful myths that are based Qur an, whilst addressing the Holy only on fantasy rather than fact? In the Prophet of Islamsa, Allah the Almighty short time available, I will mention a states that if He desired He could have few points that I hope will help answer enforced His will and compelled evsome of these questions and enable you eryone to accept Islam. However, into understand the true essence of Islam- stead, Allah the Almighty preferred free will to prevail. Likewise, in chapter 18, ic teachings. verse 30 of the Holy Qur an, Allah the Firstly, a basic Islamic principle is that Almighty states that Muslims should where a Muslim aspires to live peace- openly preach their message and profully, he must also endeavour to provide claim Islam to be a truthful religion, yet peace and security to others. People at the same time the Qur an also states often speak of the wars fought in early that every person is free to accept or reislam and suggest that they prove that ject it. The verse states: Islam is a bloodthirsty religion that permits force and compulsion. Yet, in real- Let him who will, believe and let him who will, disbelieve. ity, the early Muslims endured thirteen years of brutal and sustained persecution In the Holy Qur an, Allah the Almighty without retaliating in any way. also refers to those non-muslims who Only after that long period did Allah admitted that Islam was a peaceful and the Almighty permit them to defend benevolent religion, yet they refused to themselves and this permission is men- accept it because they feared that em- Firstly a basic Islamic principle is that where a Muslim aspires to live peacefully, he must also endeavour to provide peace and security to others. 20 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 barking upon a path of peace and compassion would harm their material interests. Chapter 28, verse 58 of the Holy Qur an states: And they say, If we were to follow the guidance with thee, we should be snatched away from our land. This is the true picture of Islam. It requires every Muslim to live peacefully and to contribute to their society. Unquestionably, those Muslims who claim Jihad means to attack non-muslims or to forcefully convert them, are manifestly wrong. Such beliefs and attitudes have nothing to do with the teachings of Islam. Another accusation levelled at Islam, which I mentioned earlier, re- Muslims are often blamed for extremism. But fair-minded and intelligent people should first investigate these claims to assess whether or not they are true. Seyff Shutterstock lates to the treatment of women. Some non-muslims fear that if Muslims migrate to the West they will prey upon the local women and abuse them. Indeed, some immigrants have been guilty of such crimes and their shameful conduct has perpetuated such fears and anxiety. Given this, let me make it categorically clear that any Muslim who violates the honour of a woman or abuses NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 21

12 muslim migrants and integration The Holy Qur an presents a true picture of the peaceful teachings of Islam, and requires that Muslims contribute to the societies in which they live. EmAji Pixabay her in any way is acting entirely against Islam s teachings. Islam considers such behaviour as evil and has mandated exceptionally strong punishments for those guilty of such immoral and reprehensible crimes. For example, Islam decrees that if a Muslim is guilty of such a crime, he should be openly flogged in a public setting. Thus, if you truly wish to root out such behaviour, then Muslim men guilty of such abhorrent crimes should be punished according to Islamic law. Although, I am sure Western governments would frown upon this idea and human rights activists would certainly object. As I said earlier, another major concern for existing citizens is that hosting refugees is a huge financial undertaking by the state. In this regard, no immigrant should enter another nation with a sense of entitlement; rather, they should ponder over what they can offer the local society. I have said many times before that immigrants should consider themselves indebted to the nation that has accepted them. They owe gratitude to both the government and the public and the way to repay this favour is that they should not waste time seeking only benefits and allowances from the state; rather, they should seek to contribute to the society as soon as possible. They should work hard and strive to enter employment, even if the only job they can get is basic labour work. Where this will enable them to maintain their personal honour and dignity, it will also be a means of relieving the burden on the state and removing the frustrations of the local people. Certainly, every Muslim should keep in mind that the Holy Prophet of Islam sa said that the giving hand is far greater than the one that takes. On many occasions, people sought to help his companions, but they refused to accept and preferred to earn a living for themselves. As I said, even if refugees are forced to do menial or basic jobs, which they consider themselves over-qualified for, it is better than remaining idle and expecting the state to cover all their needs. Otherwise, immigrants who fail to contribute to society will be a means of increasing restlessness amongst the wider population. Furthermore, if governments do provide some benefits or financial aid to immigrants they should ensure that they do not neglect the needs of the local people. In some countries, immigrants received better benefits than tax-paying citizens and this led to a natural agitation amongst the public. Such frustrations do not dissipate on their own because where there is frustration there is always a reaction. Therefore, every government should implement sensible and fair policies that keep in mind the rights and requirements of citizens and immigrants alike, rather local citizens should be given better treatment and benefits. A few days ago, it was reported that the German Government was considering a new policy whereby asylum seekers would be required to do a year s community service upon settling in Germany. Some critics are already claiming that this is merely a form of cheap labour and will not help the integration process. However, in my view, any person who is serving his local community is integrating through that very service. Indeed, the term community service is positive because it instils a belief that it is the duty of each person to serve their Certainly, every Muslim should keep in mind that the Holy Prophet of Islam sa said that the giving hand is far greater than the one that takes. society and to help the members of the community. Accordingly, the German Government deserves praise rather than criticism for this policy. Nevertheless, the responsibilities of a host government are not limited to arranging community service; rather, they should also guide the immigrants in a way that they are able to start contributing as quickly as possible to society. If the immigrants do not have the skills to enter the job market they should be provided with some form of training or apprenticeships so that they can soon develop those skills. Any costs incurred in such training will be a valuable investment for the future of the nation. In terms of security, if there is any doubt or suspicion raised about the character or backgrounds of certain immigrants, the authorities should be vigilant and monitor them until they are satisfied that they do not pose a risk to society. Some may consider this an intrusive policy, yet protecting society from danger and maintaining the peace and security of the nation are paramount objectives for any government. Certainly, 22 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 23

13 R His Holiness delivers his important message on immigration at Germany s annual convention. The Review of Religions

14 muslim migrants and integration Islam requires Muslims to display the highest standards of integrity and virtue. if there are any immigrants who come with the intention of spreading mischief or creating disorder, they are directly contravening Islam s teachings. Indeed, chapter 2, verse 192 of the Holy Qur an states that whilst murder is a truly heinous crime, to spread disorder and to provoke hatred is a crime of even greater magnitude. Of course, this does not mean that to kill someone is a small or insignificant crime; rather, it signifies that the ramifications of fuelling the flames of disorder in society are higher still. Ultimately, provocation and incitement can cause huge damage to a society and lead to conflicts and wars in which scores of innocent people are targeted or oppressed. The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa also said that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand all others are safe. How then can it be said that Islam is a religion that promotes violence or radicalism? How can it be said that Islam spreads disorder in society? How can it be claimed that Islam seeks to violate the honour of women? How can it be said that Islam permits its followers to usurp the property or wealth of others? Anyone who is guilty of such crimes, whether they justify it in Islam s name or not, is far-removed from its teachings and will stand accountable for their atrocities. In every respect, Islam requires Muslims to display the highest standards of integrity and virtue. For example, in chapter 2, verse 189 of the Holy Qur an, Allah the Almighty has admonished Muslims that they must never acquire wealth or property through means of deception; rather, Muslims are taught to be honest, trustworthy and to uphold the truth in all respects. Similarly, in chapter 83, verses 2 to 4, Muslims are taught the importance of fair dealing in matters of business and trade. Allah the Almighty states: Woe unto those who give short measure. Those who when they take measure from other people, take it full. But when they give by measure to others or weigh to them, they give them less. These verses state that those who are exploitative in business transactions, seeking unjust benefit for themselves at the expense of others, are those who are cursed and will ultimately be humiliated. The truth is that Islam has safeguarded society from all forms of cruelty and injustice and protects the life and property of every single person. It is therefore a R cause of deep regret and grief that people continue to make false allegations against the blessed character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa, when he was the one who brought about a unique spiritual and moral revolution in society. Indeed, never in the history of humanity have such examples of moral integrity been seen as were displayed by the early Muslims. If his companions quarrelled, it was not to take advantage of each other; rather, it was to ensure that the rights of the other party were fulfilled. Guests listen attentively to His Holiness during the event. He emphasised that the Holy Prophet sa said that the hand that gives is better than the one that takes, and that refugees and immigrants have an obligation to the societies that have welcomed them so generously. The Review of Religions For instance, once a companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa came to the market to sell his horse for 200 dinars. When another companion of the Holy Prophet sa came forward to buy the horse, he told him that 200 dinars was far too low and that a fair price would be 500 dinars. He said that he did not wish to take charity and wanted to make a lawful and fair purchase and so he would pay 500 dinars. Upon this, the Muslim seller said that he also did not wish to take charity and wished to make a fair sale and so he only wanted 200 dinars. Hence, their argument was for the sake of protecting the rights of the other person, in spite of the personal cost to themselves. Imagine, if all members of society were able to live by and uphold such values. 26 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 27

15 muslim migrants and integration R How magnificent a society would that be! A society in which every citizen prioritised honesty and strove for the common good. In other words, an Islamic society. If anyone wishes to know what Islam represents they should look at such noble examples, rather than those who sow division and intolerance falsely in its name. Certainly, today it is the need of the time that we all, Muslim or non-muslim, pause and contemplate upon the consequences of our actions. With great pride, we speak of how the world has developed into an inter-connected global village and marvel at the speed of communication and travel. Yet, alongside such advancement, we should realise that our responsibilities to His Holiness urged the international community to help all of those who are subject to cruelties in their home countries by trying to bring about sustainable peace. The Review of Religions the world have also increased. In terms of the migration crisis, wherever there are people subject to cruelties and brutalities in their home countries, it is up to the international community to help them. The priority should be to try to reconcile the peoples of those nations and to end wars and to bring about sustainable peace; however, if that is not possible, it is our moral duty to open our hearts to those who are genuinely suffering. Society should not reject genuine refugees who are suffering through no fault of their own. Society should not cast aside innocent people who only want the opportunity to live in peace and who desire to be good citizens and follow the laws of the land in which they live. Instead, we should be there to give a helping hand to those whose lives have been broken, who have been tormented and who are utterly helpless, vulnerable and defenceless. Let us prove our humanity. Let us show our compassion. Let us be there to shoulder the burdens of those who are in desperate need. On the other side, immigrants also have great responsibilities in their new countries. As I have said, they must seek to contribute to their new society and strive to integrate. They should not isolate themselves or cut themselves off from the local community, but should serve their adopted home and work towards its continued development and progress. Together, we must seek to find ways in which people of different backgrounds and heritages can live together harmoniously. As I said, the world is now like a global village and so we are not living in those bygone eras where what happened in one country, only affected the local community or, at most, the neighbouring nations. Rather, we now live in a time where a disturbance or conflict in any country has ramifications and consequences for the rest of the world. Thus, instead of fearing one another, we should strive to solve problems through mutual dialogue and with a spirit of tolerance and compassion. Our goal and objective should be nothing less than to establish peace in every village, town or city of every nation in the world. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always strived to fulfil this objective and to this end, we propagate what we consider to be the key ingredient to peace, which is a firm belief that we are all the creation of God Almighty and He created mankind so that they would recognise Him and fulfil the rights of one another. We are certain that if mankind comes to this realisation, true and long-lasting peace can prevail. Sadly, we are witnessing quite the opposite. Rather than coming together and seeking peace through the existence of God Almighty, mankind is embroiled in striving for peace through material means alone. Day by day, mankind is moving further away from religion and spirituality and the results are terrifying. It is my firm conviction that belief in God Almighty is the only means of salvation and the only way to bring about 28 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 29

16 muslim migrants and integration true peace both at a national and international level. And so, it is my deepest desire and ardent prayer, that the world comes to recognise its creator and comes to follow His true teachings. Instead of pursuing personal or political objectives, I pray that today s leaders fulfil the rights of all people irrespective of caste, creed or colour. With all my heart, I pray that the gulf that exists between mankind and God Almighty is eliminated and that we come to see with our own eyes true peace prevail throughout the world. I thank you all very much. Thank you very much. YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@reviewof Religions.org WORLD CRISIS and the Pathway to PEACE MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD 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: Purchase the book here: 30 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018

17 A Glimpse into the Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa Characteristics of the Holy Prophet sa Allah the Exalted granted the Holy Prophetsa with a company of followers who, in their love and sincerity, studied his every action with a keen eye and left behind a complete portrait of such perfection, by means of their unparalleled vivid written depictions, the like of which cannot be found in any other illustration. One is astonished to read the statements of the companions of the Holy Prophet sa, as found in Hadith how the illiterate Bedouins of the Arabian wilderness were able to eternally preserve the actions and movements of their master and chief upon the tablets of time. For example, in which manner did the Holy Prophet sa sleep and how would he awaken from sleep. In which manner did he eat and drink, how would he sit and rise, how is it that he walked. In which manner would he stand, how he would converse and how he would silence himself. In which manner would he laugh and cry, how would he manifest his pleasure or express his displeasure. In which manner would he conduct himself in his domestic affairs, by which means would he pass his time in travel. How did he interact with his wives and how is it that he spoke to children. What conduct would he extend to dear ones and how did he treat foreigners. How did he fulfill the requirements of friendship and what conduct did he present before his adversaries. How did he conduct himself in times of reconciliation and peace and in which manner would he fight in battles. How did he fulfill the rights of mankind and how did he fulfill the rights of God the Almighty. In what manner would he listen to the word of Allah and then convey it to others. Hence, every aspect of his life portrait has been minutely preserved before us with extensive elaboration, covering even the minutest of details. Procure any book of Hadith and begin to sift through its pages. It becomes evident that one aspect or another of the beautiful portrait of the Holy Prophet sa can be seen, shining brilliantly with the lustre of life. One experiences the sensation that a lively portrait, with all its charm, has come before us. 1 endnotes 1. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad ra, The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets, Vol.1 (Tilford, Surrey, UK: Islam International Publications Limited, 2011),12. Mainlake Shutterstock

18 NEW BOOK NOAH S ARK AN INVITATION TO FAITH From 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 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: Purchase print copy:

19 LMspencer Shutterstock IF THE OCEANS WERE INK

20 In Conversation with Carla Power Part 2 THE AUTHOR OF IF THE OCEANS WERE INK SITS DOWN TO SPEAK TO THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS AYESHA MAHMOOD MALIK, LONDON In last month s issue of The Review of Religions, we published the first part of our interview with Carla Power, author of If the Oceans Were Ink, her recounting of a year spent studying the Holy Qur an with her friend, Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi. In part 1, Power discussed misconceptions about Muslim women and touched a little on the reasons why Islamic jurisprudence has become more rigid and hidebound than in the past.... In part 2, we continue our discussion with Power, starting with her perspective on the traditional Muslim woman: The prevailing and highly politicised, I would add notion of what makes a traditional Muslim woman: it depends on who you ask. There s a construction, certainly in many mainstream western accounts, of the traditional Muslim woman being muffled and silent and confined to the home, and the fascinating thing about witnessing shakeouts from [the] rediscovery of this tradition of Muslim women scholars who, of course, had many more freedoms than many women in many Muslim societies today was to see that the notion of a traditional Muslim woman has been, shall we say, recreated by all sorts of patriarchies and all sorts of political agendas, and it serves all sorts of purposes. In the run-up to the invasion of Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq by the United States, saving the Muslim woman was a leitmotif and [the thinking was that] we have to free these women from their burqas. I remember this scene [where] many photographers ran together and I talked about it in the book. It s the notion that when are the women of Kabul going to lift their burqas? There were photographers there with all sorts of pictures of women lifting their burqas, which makes for a dramatic picture. But also, the great irony is now, around 15 years later, they re still in many ways forced to live traditional lives, in part because of the chaos. 38 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 39

21 You were raised in a half-jewish household with an immersive interest in the Islamic world. As an external observer, what do you think Muslim women should be doing today to allay some of the common perceptions about Islam? Oh, I would never! I would really get nervous about describing what Muslim women could do I think they re doing it already, which is fantastic. The question is whether we re good enough listeners, whether the outside world is a good enough listener or understand[s] that liberations come in all shapes and sizes. You have to be mindful and sensitive to the fact that not all liberations look alike. I remember giving talks right after [my] book came out, saying, let s do a thought experiment: can you imagine a woman in a hijab on the cover of Vogue or on the cover of Good Housekeeping? And of course since then, extraordinarily quickly, there has been a tipping point. Whether it s Nadiya Hussain on the Power cites Nadiya Hussain, center, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, as one of a new crop of women who prominently wear the hijab. Jonathon Hordle Shutterstock cover of Good Housekeeping here or a former Miss Minnesota getting on to the cover of a glossy magazine, there s been a real culture melt. I get so excited when my teenage girl shows me Teen Vogue, which has some of the most sophisticated analysis of Muslim voices and Muslim women s struggle, which says a lot. I think it s a younger generation of editors and also in part it s been honed against this ghastly official Islamophobic platform, certainly in the United States, where many people are so outraged at seeing the hatred and bile that this administration is managing to fling that on local levels I feel there is a real change. As you were speaking of Nadiya Hussain coming on Good Housekeeping, I was thinking of the European Court of Justice s headscarf ban in the workplace, which was a big blow to some people. Particularly single mothers, who need to work to fend for their families. There seem to be two very interesting currents here I think you re absolutely right. I don t mean to romanticise it by pointing to one or two magazine covers. I think the reality for women in hijab both in America and in Europe, both legally and on the street, in terms of fear, is real and growing, unfortunately. People are being forced to, sadly, in this polarised environment, take sides and that is a tragedy but the people who see the horrors of this and maybe it s just hunting around for silver linings, but I ve been incredibly encouraged in the United States in seeing these strange new alliances come up where Jewish communities, seeing the hatred being unleashed on Muslims, [are] recalling their own histories so there are new alliances and I think people are coming together. In contemporary notions of freedom, people are almost alright with women being taken off the red carpet in Cannes because their heels weren t long enough, without raising many eyebrows. But headscarves somehow do. You speak of the headscarf in your book and your exasperation is almost palpable where you say, Why is it that the hijab seems to obsess non- Muslims so much? Can I ask you that why is it that you think the hijab obsesses people so much? I think it s an advertising of two sorts of differences in that it s both gender and [then] Joan Wallach Scott has made this point in terms of why it seems to rile the French so much. Her argument is [that] this kind of punctures the idea that we are all citoyens [citizens] together and that you have this private thing - the faith that takes you out from the whole crowd. Within the French context and I look to them as the radical secularists of our day it punctures and advertises your femininity and it advertises your religiosity. But it s [also] a double whammy it s both gender and faith and often ethnicity. So I think that that is one thing and I also think [the] post-sexual revolution in the West, the idea of covering up, and not being sexually available, or signaling their sexual availability through sartorial choices, that is seen as edgy, as it were. It s seen as countercultural and you re not playing the game of how our society has defined its notion of freedom and that is signaling of another set of values and framework for freedom and that really rankles people and really riles people seemingly that s my guess. You speak of Hazrat [a term of respect that means honourable] Aisha ra and Hazrat Khadijah ra and particularly 40 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 41

22 carla power in conversation In some ways, women wearing hijab may be considered more authoritative on Islam, but in other ways, Muslim women s voices are still ignored by the wider public. Katrin_96 Shutterstock Hazrat Aisha ra as exceptional for her time. She excelled men in many respects. She was a jurist of high distinction and taught as well. At the time, she had a very strong, powerful voice and in those days the medium was really word of mouth how many people could gather around you in a circle. Imagine that Muslim women were trying to emulate Hazrat Aisha ra today; women who don headscarves and are trying to permeate the media spectrum to gain an audience. Today, you have the Internet and social media, and your voice resonates that much louder. I am interested in the medium itself. Do you think she would get that platform today? Would her voice be as strong and powerful in spite of her headscarf? I would like to think that she would. If she were speaking as a Muslim woman, if she were speaking about topics related to Islam, I would argue that the headscarf, in the non-muslim mind, would actually make her more authentic and that s one thing that I would take issue with. I think that there are a lot of Muslim women, who if they decide not to cover, they resent the fact that they are seen as any less authoritative and Muslim than other women So, you are saying that the majority of the so-called liberal camp would find Hazrat Aisha ra more authentic? Yeah! Because she was wearing a headscarf, because that s what they have been taught to see if the force of her arguments were good. Against that, I have got to say, after this fall of revelations of institutional sexism across the board, we also know that women speaking out in public in any form, with a headscarf or without, have trouble making themselves heard because they are interrupted often. We saw [that] with Hillary Clinton s campaign. She was deemed shrill and unlikeable but no one could fault her for the logic of her arguments. She was much better prepared than the other candidate but I think there is a disconnect and I can imagine that it s even larger if there s a woman in a hijab. I am not going to come down on either side. I think it is a fascinating question but it s not one that I feel that I know but I think there are lots of things to look at there. There has been discussion on how family legislation in the UK is archaic and in need of desperate reform we still don t have a no-fault divorce category for example, which is really alarming. Do we tend to castigate the Islamic framework of rights much more than focusing on the adoption of many fundamental freedoms that are still very new in the West as well, with many gaps still existing today? Of course, and I think that was the one big thing that the Sheikh taught me is how constructive my own notions of liberty and of equality are. I think we have very short memories. I do. I think our knowledge of history isn t that good [and that] there s a hypocrisy at work there. In terms of women s rights, I find the equality model a fairly vexed notion. When we constantly compare women to men, are we not inferring that the male standard is the superior standard? Is it not a self-defeating argument that by continually comparing women to men, we exclude their own voice and their individuality? I think you re right. I remember my mum talking about this almost thirty years ago. It s a really basic debate within feminism itself: do you want separatism or do you want to use men as the benchmark? I find increasingly that there are different needs and that there are different issues. The older I get, the more I recognise the differences. And yet, my hope for equal opportunity and equal access to power or lack thereof or to different forms of power, is equally distributed. So yeah, I do think there is a difference. I don t think equality means not recognising difference; I ve never taken it as that.... The views expressed in this article are personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the official views of The Review of Religions or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 42 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 43

23 The Promised Messiah as & IMAM MAHDI (GUIDED ONE) Propagation of Religion There are now two important things that I have to do. One, the propagation of my message in the Arab lands and providing the conclusive proofs (of the truth of Islam) to the people of Europe. The Arabs have a right over us; a large number of their people, perhaps, do not know anything about me; they don t know that God has established a dispensation; it is my duty to inform them of this fact. If the message does not reach them, it will not be good. The Europeans also have a right over us; their shortcomings must be pointed out to them. By believing in a human being to be their God, they have gone far away from the real and true God. Europe has inclined to the mundane affairs: akhlada ilal ard 1 [he inclined to the earth]. They are making new inventions every day. You should not be surprised at their worldly progress. Whenever the heavenly doors are shut, people can think of only earthly matters. There never has been a prophet who made any mechanical inventions, nor a prophet who spent all his time and force for earthly affairs. 2 endnotes Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, So Said The Promised Messiah (Rabwah, Pakistan: Wakalat-e-Tasnif ), 103. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as

24 PRAYER SUPPLICATING TO THE ALMIGHTY EXTRACTS FROM EXTRACTS FROM THE ESSENCE OF THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM VOLUME II ISLAM VOLUME I Photo by Omair Aleem

25 Prayer HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD AS, THE PROMISED MESSIAH & IMAM MAHDI The Promised Messiah wrote over as 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 true philosophy behind the purpose and acceptance of prayer. This is the second part in a fourpart series. Extracts from The Essence of Islam, Vol.II, pp THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 Why Even the Prayers of Perfect People Are Not Always Accepted S ome ignorant people ask why some of the prayers of those who are perfect are not accepted. The answer is that God Almighty has kept under His own control the manifestation of their beauty. When this great manifestation takes place and their beauty shines forth in respect of any matter, then the particles of the universe are drawn to it and the impossible happens which, in other words, is called a miracle. But this spiritual manifestation does not appear always and at every place and depends upon external elements. This is because, as God is Self-Sufficient, He has invested His elect also with the quality of self-sufficiency. Like God, they are also self-sufficient and till someone puts in motion their mercy with full humility and sincerity that quality of theirs is not activated. These people possess the quality of mercy to a greater degree than the rest of the world, but it is a matter of wonder that it is not within their own power to activate it. They often wish that it should be manifested, but it is not manifested without the Divine will. They have no regard for those who deny them and for the hypocrites and for the weak in faith and consider them like dead insects. Their self-sufficiency is of the type which is possessed by a beloved person who conceals his face behind a beautiful veil. One aspect of this self-sufficiency is that when a wicked person thinks ill of them, they often foster this ill-thinking by disregarding them completely, for they take on Divine qualities, as God Almighty has said: The prayer which issues after understanding is like a magnetic power that draws mercy. piick Shutterstock [In their hearts was a disease, and Allah has increased their disease to them.] When God desires that they should display a miracle, He creates an eagerness in their hearts and they become restless and disturbed for the achievement of a particular purpose. Then they put aside the veil of self-sufficiency and their beauty, which is not visible to anyone except God Almighty, is disclosed to the angels of heaven and to every particle. The removal of their veil means that with their perfect sincerity and fidelity, and with the spiritual beauty on account of which they have become the beloved of God, they turn to God in such an extraordinary manner and such NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 49

26 prayer True believers reflect the divine spirit just as a piece of iron assumes the colour of fire when it is heated. SizeSquare s Shutterstock a condition of welcoming God is produced in their hearts which draws the extraordinary mercy of God Almighty to itself and along with it every particle of this universe is drawn to them, and the heat of their loving warmth collects in heaven and discloses its countenance to the angels like the clouds. Their pains, which have the quality of thunder in them, create a turmoil in heaven. Then, by the power of God Almighty, those qualities are created which send down the rain of achieving the mercy that they desire. When their spirituality with its full yearning attends to the resolution of any difficulty, it draws God s attention to itself, inasmuch as they are counted among those who are beloved of God on account of the personal love that they entertain for God. Then everything which is under the command of God Almighty becomes eager for their help and Divine mercy gets ready for a new creation in order to fulfil their purpose, and those matters are manifested which appear impossible to the worldly and which are unknown to the pursuers of lower knowledge. These people cannot be called God, but their relationship of love and closeness to God is so sincere and faithful that God appears to descend into them and the Divine Spirit is breathed into them as it was breathed into Adam. They are not God, but their relationship to God is such as a piece of iron has to fire when it is heated in the fire to such a degree that it assumes the colour of the fire. When this happens, all that is under the command of God Almighty comes under their command, and the stars of heaven, the sun and the moon, the oceans, air and fire hear their voice and recognize them and serve them. Everything loves them naturally and is drawn to them like a true lover, except the wicked who are the reflections of Satan. Worldly love is ill-omened. It It possesses a universal attraction, and draws eager hearts to itself as honey draws ants and not only men but also every particle of the universe is affected by its attraction. arises on one side and dies on the other, and also it is based upon beauty that is subject to decline and there are few people who come under its influence. But how wonderful is that spiritual beauty which is generated in a person by good behaviour, purity, righteousness and, after the manifestation of Divine love. It possesses a universal attraction, and draws eager hearts to itself as honey draws ants and not only men but also every particle of the universe is affected by its attraction. A person who has true love for God Almighty is Joseph for whom every particle of this universe is like Zulaikha; but whose beauty has not yet been revealed to the world for this world cannot endure it. God Almighty says in His Holy Book, the Qur an, that the light of the believers is displayed in their countenances and a believer is recognised by the beauty, the name of which in other words is light. 50 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 51

27 prayer Sometimes it happens that a seeker supplicates with great yearning and pain, but he observes that the result of his prayers is being postponed and delayed. Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya, part V, Ruhani Khazain, Vol 21, pp to which a person desires to acquire high rank and gradations to that degree he is called upon to work hard and to wait. Perseverance and resolve are such excellent qualities that without them a person cannot traverse the stages of success. It is necessary, therefore, that he should first pass through difficulties. That is why it is said: Why Acceptance of Supplications is Sometimes Delayed [Aye, surely there is ease after hardship.] Sometimes it happens that a seeker supplicates with great yearning and pain, but he observes that the result of his prayers is being postponed and delayed. What is the reason? In this connection it is necessary to remember that there is a gradualness in the affairs of the world. How many stages has a child to pass through before becoming a full grown person? How much time is taken by a seed to become a tree? In the same way, Divine matters are also completed gradually. There is also this Divine purpose in such a delay that the supplicant should become confirmed in his resolve and courage and his understanding should be strengthened. To the degree Malfuzat, vol. III, pp Sometimes it happens that a person supplicates for something, but his supplication is the result of his ignorance and stupidity. He desires something from God Almighty which under no circumstances can be useful or beneficial for him. In such a case, God Almighty does not reject his prayer, but fulfills it in some other form. For instance, a cultivator who needs a bullock for his plough goes to a ruler and asks him for a camel. The ruler knows that a bullock would be useful for him and he directs that he should be given a bullock. If that person should say that his request has not been granted, it would be foolish on his part, for if he were to reflect, that which happened was the best for him. In the same way, if a child beholding red burning brands should ask its mother for them, would a kind and compassionate mother hand them over to it? Thus, sometimes, circumstances arise in connection with the acceptance of prayer that people who are impatient and lack goodwill become the cause of the rejection of their prayer. Malfuzat, vol. IV, p. 435 Do Not Be Impatient and Hasty Just as perseverance is required to pass through difficult stages in other aspects of life, it is also necessary to achieve success in prayers. Liudmila Fadzeyeva Shutterstock During the interval between a supplication and its acceptance one is often subjected to trial after trial, some of which are back-breaking. A persevering and good-natured supplicant smells the perfume of the favours of his Lord in these trials and difficulties and his intelligence informs him that they will be followed by help. One aspect of these trials is that they foster eagerness for prayer. The greater the distress of the supplicant, the more his soul will be melted. This is one of the factors in the acceptance 52 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 53

28 prayer The Promised Messiah as said that a person who loses hope or desires fulfilment before it is time, suffers loss. Rawpixel.com Shutterstock of prayer. So one should not lose heart and should not think ill of God through impatience and restlessness. One should never think that one s prayer is not accepted or will not be accepted. Such a notion is a denial of the attribute of God that He accepts prayers. Malfuzat, vol. IV, pp. 434 Prayer is very valuable and a person who is given to prayer succeeds in the end. However, it is foolishness and disrespect that a person should seek to avoid the design of God Almighty. For instance, to pray that the sun should appear in the early part of the night is impertinence. A person who loses hope or desires fulfilment before it is time, suffers loss. For instance, if after ten days of marriage the husband and wife should desire that a child should be born to them, it would be foolish on their part In the same way, he who does not allow time for a plant to grow does not let the stage of the ripening of the grain to come Muslims in general are ignorant of the principles of prayer, and some of them are such who had the opportunity to pray but as they did not exercise patience and perseverance they were frustrated and adopted the view of Sayyed Ahmad Khan that prayer is nothing. They fall into such error as they are unaware of the reality of prayer and do not know its effects. Seeing that their hopes of wealth are not fulfilled, they announce that prayer is nothing and they draw away from it. Prayer is a perfect relationship between Providence and servitude. If prayer had no effect, to have recourse to it or not would be equal. Malfuzat, vol. III, pp We should have recourse to prayer and should seek forgiveness from God Almighty for He is Self-Sufficient and is not subject to anyone s authority. He has no regard for a person who does not come to Him humbly and in submission. If a person goes to another begging or seeking a favour and puts forward his helplessness and poverty, he would be shown some favour, but if a person comes riding a horse and seeks a favour and threatens that if it is not granted he would have recourse to force, he would only be met by force. To seek a favour from God Almighty obstinately, and to make one s faith conditional, is a great mistake and is likely to prove a stumbling block. Perseverance and steadfastness in prayer is one thing, but obstinacy is quite another. To say that if one s purpose is not fulfilled one would deny faith or would say this or that is great foolishness and betrays ignorance of the manner of prayer and amounts to shirk. Such people are not aware of the philosophy of prayer. Nowhere does the Holy Qur an say that God would accept prayer according to the desire of the supplicant. It is true that it is said in the Holy Qur an: [Pray unto Me, I will answer your prayer.] but it is also part of our faith, as the Holy Qur an too says: 54 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 55

29 prayer [And we will try you with something of fear and hunger.] If by virtue of: [Pray unto Me, I will answer your prayer.] God accepts your prayer, then by virtue of: of fruits and harmful results. These are trials from God Almighty. At that time, God desires to display His authority and to enforce His will. At such times a sincere believer accepts the will of God cheerfully and gives it preference and is pleased with it and makes no complaint and thinks no ill. That is why Allah the Exalted says: And give glad tidings to the steadfast. place of it which is like it. As He has said: [Whatever Sign We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than that or the like thereof. Dost thou not know that Allah has the power to do all that He wills.] [We will try you ] He enforces His own will. It is the Benevolence and Generosity of God Almighty that He accepts the supplications of His servants; otherwise, it would not be inconsistent with His Godhead and Providence that He should always enforce His will. When He says: [And We will try you with something of fear ] God does not say that glad tidings should be conveyed to supplicants, but to those who persevere. It is necessary, therefore, that a supplicant should not lose heart if he meets with failure in his prayers, but should prefer the pleasure of God Almighty with steadfastness and perseverance. The men of God perceive the hopefulness of an enterprise and in that case they supplicate; otherwise, they are content with Divine determination. When they perceive the signs of a calamity, they supplicate, but if they feel that such is Divine determination, they are steadfast, as was the case with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) on the demise of his children, one of whom was Ibrahim. Haqiqat-ul-Wahi, Ruhani Khaza in, vol. 22, p. 340 Be not content with thinking that you pray every day and that the whole of Salat is prayer, for the prayer which issues after understanding and through grace is of a different type altogether. It is something that destroys; it is a fire that melts; it is a magnetic power that draws mercy and it is a death which in the end revives. It is a fierce inundation which finally becomes a vessel. Every frustration is remedied by it and every poison becomes an antidote through it. YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@reviewof Religions.org at that time He desires to enforce His will. There is sometimes fear and sometimes hunger, and sometimes there is decline in wealth, or loss in trade, or poor harvest, or death of children or loss Malfuzat, vol. III, pp It is my frequent experience that God is so Benevolent and Merciful that when in His Wisdom He does not accept a prayer, He accepts some other prayer in 56 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS NOVEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 57

30 THE FRONT COVERS OF OUR 12 EDITIONS IN 2017 JANUARY VOL ISSUE ONE FEBRUARY 2017 MOSQUES VOL ISSUE TWO MARCH VOL ISSUE THREE APRIL 2017 WAYS TO ESTABLISH WORLD PEACE BUILDING BLOCKS for PEACE MAY 2017 VOL ISSUE FOUR The of IN SOCIETY RESURREC T I ON Essence of Islam: The Veil A Mosque of Security and Peace JULY 2017 The Search for Enlightened Moderation in Pakistan 46 VOL ISSUE SEVEN Jihad with the Sword Ways to Establish World Peace A Tale of Three Cities Adhan The Call to Prayer Losing Your Head, Keeping Your Cool AUGUST VOL ISSUE EIGHT A Glimpse into the Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa 22 SEPTEMBER 2017 The Berlin Mosque Plan of 1923 Jihad with the Sword The Role of Women in Society VOL ISSUE NINE The Persecution of the Messiahs and Their Early Followers 28 OCTOBER 2017 GRAVITATIONAL WAVES The ECJ Headscarf Ruling Why Religion Shouldn t Be Pushed Aside at Work Meet the Men and Women Working at MTA 30 The Pillars of Islam Man s Ability to Receive Revelation Gravitational Waves 8 14 The Pillars of Islam 30 and the Love for All, Hatred for None: Westminster Vigil Women March for Westminster Victims Fasting in School: A Religious Obligation? VOL ISSUE TEN NOVEMBER FUTURE GERMANY The Caliph s Tour of Germany Zika Virus: Past and Future Resurrection: Three States of Existence DECEMBER The Ultimate Pilgrimage The Three Functions of Honey: Nature s Golden Nectar Pilgrimage: A Journey to the Holy Land Pillars of Islam the Angel Gabriel The Promised Messiah of the Latter Days The Hunt to Capture the Real Islam Preparing for Tomorrow Raising Pious Children A Turning Point in History - Karbala Women s Rights and Equality The Meaning of the Muslim Pledge SUBSCRIBE 12 EDITIONS for just 15 GBP or $30 USD or $36 CAD The Purpose of the Promised Messiah s Advent 56 VOL ISSUE TWELVE BEHIND the SCENES at OXFORD UNIVERSITY'S ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM WHERE ARE THE MUSLIM YOUTH HEADING? Jalsa Salana: What True Islam is Really All About To subscribe go to Or call: To order back issues info@reviewofreligions.org VOL ISSUE ELEVEN Churches, Synagogues and Mosques 10? ISLAM HAJJ A new era of astronomy begins Solidarity Amidst Terror VOL ISSUE SIX of Global Conflicts & the Need for Justice TO CAPTURE Muslim Television Ahmadiyya: Celebrating 25 years The 50TH MOSQUE 12 The hunt the real I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the Earth JUNE 2017 of Head-Transplant Surgery A historic address at the Calgary Peace Symposium Mosques Building Blocks for Peace VOL ISSUE FIVE GLOBAL CONFLICTS AND THE NEED FOR JUSTICE ROLE WOMEN THE 12 Imagining The Divine - Art & The Rise Of World Religions Imagining the Divine: Ashmolean Museum s Blockbuster Exhibit 62 Christmas and Jesusas : What's The Connection? Exclusive Interview: The Man Behind Al-Qalam What True Islam Is Really All About Effort vs Natural Aptittude STUDENTS! 12 EDITIONS for just 5 GBP or $10 USD or $12 CAD

31 New Release igns of the Living God is comprised of two short essays in which Hazrat Musleh Ma'ud ra details Svarious prophecies of the Promised Messiah as to establish the truth of the Promised Messiah's as claim and to show that God manifested the same signs through him that were manifested at the hands of the prophets of the past. These prophecies include the one regarding Alexander Dowie, prophecies relating to the First World War and the prophecy about the fall of the Tsar of Russia. IN STORES NOW

32 CALENDAR of RELIGIOUS EVENTS & FESTIVALS NOVEMBER 2018 Thursday 1 st November Faith: Christianity Event: All Saints Day Christians believe that there is a strong spiritual bond between the living and the dead, and those who have attained the beatific vision are celebrated on this day. Some of the more famous saints are Paul the Apostle, Augustine of Hippo and John Wesley. Wednesday 7 th November Faith: Hinduism Event: Diwali Diwali is one of the most famous annual celebrations of Hinduism. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Prior to the celebration, preparations include cleaning and decorating. Temples and homes are brightly lit up during the five-day festival. In fact, the word Diwali means the row of lighted lamps. Revelers wear their finest clothes, offer prayers to Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and have family feasts. Friday 23 rd November- Sunday 25 th November Faith: Islam Event: Jalsa Salana Mexico Jalsa Salana is a formal annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, held around the world at various times. The founder of the community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi of the end days, said of the purpose of this event: The primary purpose of this convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits; They may enhance their knowledge and - due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted - their perception [of Allah] may progress. NOTE ABOUT REFERENCES Verse references to the Holy Qur an count Bismillah (In the Name of Allah ) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted. Should the reader 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 or (saw) after the words, Holy Prophet, or the name Muhammad, are used normally in small letters. They stand for Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam meaning peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Likewise, the letters as or (as) after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning peace be upon him derived from Alaihis salatu wassalam which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ra or (ra) stands for Raziallahu Ta ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, rh or (rh) for Rahemahullahu Ta ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him. In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc. SUBSCRIPTION Subscription Contacts: UK - Athar Ahmad Bajwa uk@reviewofreligions.org Tel: USA - Tariq Haroon Malik usa@reviewofreligions.org Tel: Canada - Muhammad Dawood Khalid canada@reviewofreligions.org Tel: Nigeria - Qasim Oyekola nigeria@reviewofreligions.org Tel: Ghana - Omar Faruq Yahaya ghana@reviewofreligions.org Tel: India - Khursheed Ahmad india@reviewofreligions.org Tel: Tel: Tel:

33 The Review of Religions, in print since 1902, is one of the longest-running comparative religious magazines. The objective of the magazine is to present the teachings of Islam, reflecting its rational, harmonious and inspiring nature. It also brings together articles and viewpoints on different religions and seeks to make discussions on religion and religious philosophy accessible to a wider readership. The magazine is devoted to promoting intellectual and lively debate that is based on respect for all prophets and religions. Islam repeatedly stresses the need to seek knowledge and The Review of Religions provides a unique platform for people to acquire, and share knowledge. Yearly subscription is only 15 sterling or $30 for overseas customers. To subscribe, or for more info, visit Follow us on SPINE NOVEMBER 2018 MUSLIM MIGRANTS AND INTEGRATION ISLAMIC PUBLICATIONS, 2018 ISSN NO VOL ISSUE ELEVEN