BREAKING EXTREMISM. Life and Character of Seal of Prophets Vol 2. Khalifa of Peace Tour of Holland. The Epic Book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya

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1 october 2012 vol issue ten BREAKING THE MYTH THAT ISLAM PROMOTES EXTREMISM The Epic Book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Khalifa of Peace Tour of Holland Life and Character of Seal of Prophets Vol 2 New Mosque Opens in Halesowen, UK

2 The Promised Messiah and imam mahdi and founder of the review of religions The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) 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 city directly east of Damascus. makhzan-e-tasaweer Hadhrat 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 (saw). 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, Hadhrat 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. Hadhrat 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 (as) s 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 Khalifas (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.

3 world faiths Scripture And We have divided the Quran in parts that thou mayest read it to mankind slowly and at intervals and We have sent it down piecemeal. Say, Whether you believe therein or believe not, those to whom knowledge has been given before it, do fall down prostrate on their faces when it is recited to them. Islam, THE Holy Qur an, Ch.17:Vs Narrated Abu Huraira: The people of the scripture (Jews) used to recite the Torah in Hebrew and they used to explain it in Arabic to the Muslims. On that Allah s Apostle said, Do not believe the people of the scripture or disbelieve them, but say:-- We believe in Allah and what is revealed to us. Islam, THE Holy PROPHET Muhammad (saw), Hadith of Sahih BUKHARI It is obvious that the true purpose of a heavenly Book is that it should rescue its followers from every sin and the sinful life through its teaching and influence, and its power of reform and spiritual qualities, and should bestow a pure life upon them, and after purifying them, should bestow upon them full insight for the recognition of God and should establish a relationship of love and devotion between them and the Peerless Being. Islam, the PROMISEd Messiah (as), THE ESSENCE of Islam, VOLUME I, p Neglect not the study of Vedas. Hinduism, TAITTIRIya Upanishad, 1:11:1 O how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Judaism and Christianity, Psalm, 119:97 This age stands in need of the holy Preceptor s teaching. The holy Word is the Preceptor; by devoted meditation on it am I its disciple. By absorbing the discourse of the Inexpressible I remain free from the taint of illusion. Sikhism, Adi Granth, RAMKALI Siddha Goshti, M.1, p. 943 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Christianity, 2 TIMOTHy, 3:14-17

4 contents october Editorial The Best Form of Defence Amer Safir, UK 8 Notes and Comments A Man of Peace Murtaza Ahmad, London, UK 12 Letters 14 Q & A on the epic book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Munir-ud-Din Shams, Islamabad, Tilford, UK 20 NEW Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya - First full English Translation We feature selected extracts from the first book ever written by the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (as) and Imam Mahdi NEW & EXCLUSIVE 26 The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets (saw) Volume II - Start of Ch.4 Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) 32 American Muslims Collect 12,000 pints of blood for American Lives 36 NEW SERIES Khalifa of Peace Tour to Holland A new feature in The Review of Religions covering the intriguing tours of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

5 MANAGEMENT BOARD Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) Syed Amer Safir (Secretary) Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Naseer Ahmad Qamar Mubarak Ahmad Zafar, Aziz Ahmad Bilal, Abid Waheed Ahmad Khan, Abdul Baqi Arshad CHIEF EDITOR & MANAGER Syed Amer Safir EDITORIAL BOARD Bockarie Tommy Kallon, Fazal Ahmad, Hibba Turrauf, Mansoor Saqi, Munazza Khan, Nakasha Ahmad, Navida Sayed, Sarah Waseem 62 PROOFREADERS Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan, Farhana Dar, Munavara Ghauri, Hina Rahman DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif 44 LEADER Breaking the Myth that Islam Promotes Extremism Present-day misinformation would have most believe that Islamic teachings lead to extremism and even terrorism. What however are the real teachings of the Qur an and the Holy Prophet (saw)? Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community 60 Milestone Reached in Indexing & Tagging Project S. taalay Ahmad, Hartlepool, UK 62 Laying the Foundation of Peace & Reconciliation New Mosque Baitul Ghafoor opened in Halesowen, UK. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community DESIGN AND LAYOUT Ahsan Khan SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Arif Khan, Maleeha Ahmad, Khullat Munir, Mansoor Clarke, Sami Ullah, Shehzad Ahmad, Mariam Rahman, Sadia Shah, Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Amatul- Hadi, Ayesha Khan, Nusrat Haq, Maryam Malik web developer Masood Nasir INdexing & tagging team Taalay Ahmad, Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba, Humaira Omer, Humda Sohail, Ruhana Hamood, Mirza Krishan Ahmad, Mubahil Shakir, Shahid Malik, Adila Bari, Hassan Raza Ahmad Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. All correspondence should be forwarded to the Editor at: The Review of Religions Tahir House, 22 Deer Park Road London, SW19 3TL, United Kingdom Telephone: Fax: info@reviewofreligions.org

6 editorial The Best Form of Defence amer safir, uk The abominable film Innocence of Muslims and new cartoons published in a French newspaper mocking the Prophet Muhammad (saw) has led to a wave of anger across the Muslim world. In light of the teachings of the Promised Messiah (as) and His Successors, we believe the best way to respond to insults levelled against Islam is to present its true and beautiful teachings in a peaceful and logical manner. Thus over the past year The Review of Religions has been featuring articles to demonstrate the rational and practical teachings of the Holy Qur an and the lofty example of the Founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (saw). As attacks against Islam are gaining strength and worsening in their vulgarity, over the next few Editions, we will feature even more detailed material to prove the peaceful nature of Islam and to present aspects of the life of the Benefactor of Humanity, the Mercy for All Mankind, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), whose compassion, tolerance and forbearance were unparalleled. Please do us if you want to share with us your thoughts, comments and opinions on the current world situation. Editor@reviewofreligions.org. 6 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

7 The staff at The Review of Religions would like to wish Eid Mubarak Blessed Eid Greetings to all our readers across the world. May this Eid be a source of blessings for all.

8 notes & comments A Man of Peace murtaza ahmad, london, uk In the modest neighbourhood of Southfields, South-West London, you may be able to catch a view of a 2 acre plot of land blooming with greenery and flowers. The heart of the complex is its Mosque in fact it enjoys the distinction of being the first Mosque built in London. Little do most people know that it is the home of a man who commands the hearts of over tens of millions of people across the world. They call him Ameerul Momineen - the leader of the faithful and their Khalifa. Six days a week, whenever he is not on tour, he sits in his rather modest office and meets families. Every day he reads the thousands of letters addressed to him, by those who try to find spiritual peace and solace in his prayers and miracles. He tries to reply to as many people as he possibly can. On Fridays he delivers the Friday Sermon at Western Europe s largest mosque Baitul Futuh where he addresses his community worldwide. The community is established in over 200 countries. As he takes to the podium, his sermon gets broadcasted live on three channels, MTA 1, MTA 2 and MTA 3. Simultaneously, his sermon is being translated into more than six different languages. It is shortly after re-broadcast into over 12 languages. Perhaps there is no other leader in the world who can command so many millions of people at one single time and have them gathered around their TV sets, no matter which part of the world they may live in. The Ahmadiyya Annual Convention in United Kingdom is a spectacle to behold. As he walks in to address a congregation of 30,000 people, he is received by slogans of Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the 8 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

9 Greatest) and salutations offered to the Holy Prophet (saw) as well as Long live our Khalifa! As soon as he starts speaking, pin drop silence is observed in the marquee. Each year his followers reaffirm their faith in the Messiah who they believe was foretold by the Prophet Muhammad (saw). His Holiness is the fifth successor to the Promised Messiah. One of the most awe-inspiring events is the pledge of allegiance at the hands of His Holiness. Followers place their hands on the shoulder of the person in front, following the practice of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and form a long chain of 30,000 humans connected physically to the Khalifa. Words like I will give precedence to my faith over all worldly objects echo throughout the marquee. This is a very emotional moment for the followers reducing many to tears and sounds of weeping can be heard. Driven into exile from his native country Pakistan, imprisoned for his faith, he fights on courageously against the tide of persecution and torturous activities. Almost each week members of his community are being martyred for their faith. Most notably, the attack on two Ahmadi mosques during the Friday prayer in Lahore, Pakistan a culmination of years of un-policed persecution and state-sanctioned hostilities against his community At this very sensitive time, when asked for a response, His Holiness stated: We are a peace loving true Muslim community. Thus there will be no improper reaction from any Ahmadi. Our salvation lies in our supplications to God Almighty and we believe that He has, and always will, help us. Among the many tasks he has, are to deliver an array of lectures and attend meetings. Since there is hardly any october 2012 The Review OF Religions 9

10 the leader of the faithful country left where he does not have followers, he travels extensively. He is to date, perhaps the most widely travelled Khalifa of the community. His worldwide campaign has led him to the House of Parliament, the Congress in Capitol Hill, a reception hosted by the Premier of Ontario, Military Headquarters in Koblenz, Germany and has had dialogues with several presidents and distinguished personalities across the world. Most recently, in the face of the growing political tensions and the possibility of the outbreak of a nuclear war, he has personally reached out to warn world leaders like the President of Iran, Israel, Canada, America, China, Ayatollah Khamieni, King Abdullah, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Prime Minister of Britain and the Chancellor of Germany, to name but a few. The utilisation of Print and Digital Media for the propagation of the message of Islam has been among his greatest concerns. Since then, he has set up organisations to muster all their efforts to impress the world with the true message of Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) Love for All Hatred for None. He supervises one of the greatest evangelical movements in the world. He supervises one of the greatest evangelical movements in the world. All members, young, old, male, female act as missionaries for the movement. In fact, all are engaged in efforts to distribute millions of peace leaflets to the public. The Khalifa desires that the fear of Islam should dispel from as many hearts as possible. Be it the outrage over the Danish cartoons or the protests over Qur an burnings, it is clear that His Holiness has never demanded his followers to respond by protesting in the streets, nor should they, he says, remain indifferent; rather they should do all they can to engage in intellectual debates to defend the honour of Islam. Since the question of Burning the Qur an arose, His Holiness initiated a programme of Qur an Exhibitions so that people may become familiar with those beauties and excellences which have attracted as many as a billion to this faith. 10 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

11 The request of building a Mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center was a bone of contention Opponents argued that it was an offensive move since the hijackers in the September 11 attack were associated with Islam. On this occasion, His Holiness suggested: If a Mosque be built at the proposed site, then the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would like to see churches, synagogues, Hindu places of worship and places of worship of all religions also built near Ground Zero. That would be a good example of how from an act of evil and terror has emerged unity and peace. Similarly on the 11 th anniversary of 9/11, His Holiness launched Muslims for Life ; a national campaign to obtain 12,000 units of blood so that it may be brought home to the American people that Islam does value the sanctity of life. All Mosques belonging to the Ahmadiyya Community were dedicated for blood drives and Ahmadi men, women, girls and boys gave blood to save the lives of American people. nor UN Charter has restrained a person from injuring the religious sentiment of others or defaming any Holy Religious Personage since it disrupts world peace and causes hatred to spill over and widen the gap between countries and religions. Believing the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to be the role model for mankind whose love and mercy extended to all, his vision is to see the youth stand in defence of their faith by the onslaughts being committed by both Muslims and non- Muslims alike. His Holiness continues to tour the world to inspire and reform millions of Ahmadis so that the spirit of true Islam may be reinstated in order to bring about peace in society. Murtaza Ahmad, born in Putney, London, was a member of the Waqfe Nau scheme. He recently graduated from the Jamia Ahmadiyya UK (Ahmadiyya Institute of Languages and Theology) and now serves as a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Community. In a recent response to the outrage caused by the release of the film Innocence of Muslims and the new cartoons portraying the Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the most crude and vulgar manner, His Holiness regrets that neither any country october 2012 The Review OF Religions 11

12 LETTERS YOUR LETTERS TO Reaction to Innocence of Muslims Dear Editor, The anti-islamic movie has caused a lot of unrest among Muslims in particular and to many pure souls among the non- Muslims community worldwide. The audacity of a few is very disturbing, but not surprising. If one or two abuse our Holy Prophet (saw), then let it be known that there are hundreds of millions who send blessings on him all the time. I think the way forward is to raise awareness of the Muslims and non- Muslims alike, about how devastating it is to hurt the religious feelings of people. This is why that the Khalifa of Islam has advised the Muslim lawyers worldwide to make a strong case to the UN against acts that injure the religious feelings of all humans. I think that the inclusiveness of this wise advice is very timely and it has a greater chance to succeed. The Path to Peace Just Relations Between Nations Sep Edition Assalamo Alaikum. This, however, is a great triumph; the basic truth that the world needs to adhere to. If, after this speech by his Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) anyone sees Islam Ahmadiyya as not a true religion of Islam founded and supported by Allah (Qur an Ch.24:V.56), then he/she has not known the true God Almighty. Such a person, therefore, needs to search his heart and turn to serious prayer for guidance and deliverance from the shackles of Satan the accursed. This is truly the Khalifa of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). How I wish the whole world could testify, bear witness and pledge allegiance to this Noble Khalifa of Allah and the Imam of our age. May Allah, unite the whole world and guide them to the right path. Amen. Jazakamullah Khairan. LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED FOR NONE. Damxmy Dr. Mohamed Boodhun. Grand Falls-Windsor, NL CANADA 12 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

13 online Queen replies to His Holiness Sep Edition I was thrilled to see the Queen, her majesty s beautiful response to our spiritual leader. I personally would like to wish her all the best on her Golden Jubilee. May the good Lord give her good health, strength and long life. Ameen. Talib Yaqoob Ramadan The Sacred Month of Fasting Aug Edition Assalamo Alaikum, although the whole issue was very informative, but I was very happy to see the article about Ramadan as it gave a deep insight on the comparative study on as how fasting stands in different religions. May Allah bless us all and make us the true and hardworking helpers of Khilafat. Ameen. Visit our website, where you can browse past issues, subscribe to the print edition and send us feedback or comments. Maryam Kashif Kandi october 2012 The Review OF Religions 13

14 Q&A Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Munir-Ud-Din Shams is the Additional Wakilut Tasneef (Director of Translations/Publications) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We interviewed him to ask about the recent publication of the English translation of the first and second parts of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, the first ever book written by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). Can you describe the circumstances surrounding the publication of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya? The circumstances in which Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (as) starting writing Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya were as follows: The religion of Islam was being attacked from all sides, so much so that the Christians claimed that a time was approaching when they would enter Makkah. In 1851, the number of Christians in India was approximately 91,000 and just within 30 years, by 1881, their numbers increased to 470,000. So you canenvisage the rapid progress of the Christians. At the time, Muslims were either unable to defend Islam, or incapable of providing convincing arguments in support of the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Having received guidance from God Almighty, the Promised Messiah (as) wrote Barahin e-ahmadiyya. Initially he resolved to write 50 volumes with 300 arguments proving the Divine origins of the Holy Qur an and the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). The first and second volumes were published in The third volume was published in 1882, and the fourth volume was written in 1884 and fifth in What were the reasons for writing such a book? The Promised Messiah (as) has explainedhimself the reason why he started writing Barahin e Ahmadiyya at the outset of the book: I would now like to make it clear to all seekers after truth that this book, entitled al-barahinul-ahmadiyya ala Haqqiyyate Kitabillahil-Qur an wan-nubuwwatil- Muhammadiyyah, has been written so that 14 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

15 everyone is made cognizant of the arguments for the truth of Islam and the divine origin of the Holy Qur an,and of the grounds for the truthfulness and Prophethood of Hadhrat Khaatamul-Anbiyaa [the Seal of the Prophets], may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.this book is also intended to confound and silence, on the basis of rational arguments, all those who deny the unassailable Faith of Islam, the Holy Book [Holy Qur an] and the Exalted Prophet, sothat in future no one may have the temerity to attack Islam.This book consists of a challenge, a preface, [the main text in]four chapters, and an epilogue. May God make it a source of blessings for seekers after truth and guide its readers to His true religion. Amin. (pp.45-46). The Promised Messiah (as) then challenged the followers of certain faiths to present similar arguments he was using in this book, to prove the truthfulness of their own religions: I hereby offer a reward of 10,000 rupees to all those who can prove that their scriptures are equal to the Holy Qur an in respect of all the arguments and incontrovertible proofs, which I have adduced from the Holy Book; or, in case their scriptures fail to provide such arguments, make an admission of this failure in their books and try, at least, to refute all of my arguments one by one. (p.46). Following this, the Promised Messiah (as) also challenged the followers of all other faiths and said: It is addressed as a challenge and as the completion of proof against all the elders of various religions and creeds who do not believe in the truth of the Holy Qur an and the Prophethood of Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa [the Chosen One], may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. (p.47). This demonstrates how confident he was that no one would be able to present arguments to equal those that proved the truthfulness of the Holy Qur an. Can you briefly describe the contents of this book? There are basically two over-arching arguments in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyathat the Promised Messiah (as) has given in all five volumes. The first is about the wonderful teachings of Islam and the Holy Qur an, which are matchless, and the second is the direct connection with Allah the Almighty and the miracles shown by the Promised Messiah (as) and the Holy Prophet (saw). Even if someone were to say that the teachings of their religion are comparable to the teachings of Islam or october 2012 The Review OF Religions 15

16 the Holy Qur an, they could not say the same about the miracles, prophecies and true dreams that the Promised Messiah (as) saw, which he mentioned in Barahin-e- Ahmadiyya. No one can match that or use similar arguments! I would say that this was the real weapon for proving the truthfulness of the living religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw). The other books that were written in favour of Islam at the time of the Promised Messiah (as) were written keeping in mind a particular sect of Islam, or a particular religion, because at the time, it was not thought that Islam should be defended in comparison to all other religions. The Promised Messiah (as) kept in mind all faiths and has given arguments in favour of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw), keeping this in view. This is why Barahine-Ahmadiyya is a superior book compared to all others on this topic; its foundation being the living miracles and prophecies. Are there any common links between the volumes? All of the volumes are linked together in their content and arguments. In volumes 1 and 2, the Promised Messiah (as) has given the background of Barahin-e- Ahmadiyya, the purpose of his writing it and the circumstances in which he was going to write the book. He mentioned his challenge to anyone who could write a comparable book to Barahin-e- Ahmadiyya and the reward of Rs10,000 for one who accepts this challenge. In these volumes, there are also Persian and Urdu poems in praise of the religion of Islam, the Holy Qur an and the Holy Prophet (saw). In volumes 3 and 4, there are very detailed arguments and proofs in support of Islam, the Holy Prophet (saw) and Holy Qur an and some prophecies are also mentioned. Volume 5 expands on all of these topics and the author has presented various prophecies which were mentioned in previous volumes and had been fulfilled. What was the critical reaction to the book? The first 4 volumes of Barahin-e- Ahmadiyya were very positively received by the majority of Muslims, since at the time they themselves were unable to defend Islam. As mentioned before, Islam was being attacked by all religions. Thus Muslims were delighted and started using Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya in their Dars (religious sermons/lectures), debates and arguments and were delighted by its publication. Maulawi Muhammad Hussain Batalawi, a very famous Muslim leader at the time, wrote a wonderful review of 200 pages in favour of all four volumes! He 16 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

17 The Promised Messiah (as) kept in mind all faiths and has given arguments in favour of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw), keeping this in view. said it was his opinion that the challenge of the Promised Messiah (as) included proved the steadfastness and courage of the author also that complete arguments were entailed within. He said that as no one had risen up and written against the arguments entailed in the book, it proved that the others did not have full faith in their own scriptures. He went on to state that it was his view, without exaggeration, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, in light of the current circumstances, was such an excellent book which until today has no parallel in Islam. The famous writer and Editor of a wellknown Muslim newspaper, Manshoore Muhammadi, Mr Muhammad Shareef Banglori, wrote a marvellous review of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. He quoted the Qur anic verse that indeed truth has come, and falsehood has vanished and then wrote that it had been his keen desire that from amongst the Muslim scholars someone should write a book in the context of the current circumstances to present rational arguments that the Qur an is the Word of God and proving the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (saw). He said that with the Grace of God, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya was that very book which he had longed desired someone to write. He said it was incredible and brilliant book and every single aspect of the religion of Truth was proved by it. He was so overwhelmed by the excellence of this book that in one part of his review he said he would add a further 1000 rupees on top of the challenge of the Promised Messiah (as), in support of Barahine-Ahmadiyya.Many similar kinds of reviews, acclaiming the book, were written after the Promised Messiah (as) wrote the first four volumes.it is well worth reading the full reviews. Two have very briefly been mentioned here. All the reviews demonstrate just how much impact Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya had upon both the Muslims in general and also the Muslims scholars in particular. What was the immediate impact of the book? The progress of the Christians was almost immediately halted and so Muslims, particularly in India, thought that the victory october 2012 The Review OF Religions 17

18 He wrote more than 80 books in total. of Islam was imminent. The followers of any other religion could not defend their religion. That is why they tried their level best to stop the spreading of the message of the Promised Messiah (as) by raising false allegations against him and using other ploys such as taking him to court under false accusations. However, they failed and Islam spread rapidly, especially in the sub-continent. There are some common allegations raised against Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. What do you have to say regarding them? Allegation - The Promised Messiah (as) claimed that Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya was superior to the Holy Qur an Nowhere in all 5 volumes of Barahine-Ahmadiyya or any of the Promised Messiah (as) s books for that matter, has he said that Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyais superior to the Holy Qur an. All his writings and arguments are based on the Holy Qur an. At the outset of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya he explains that the whole purpose was to prove the superiority of the Holy Qur an and truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (saw). How could he think it is superior when he has derived his arguments from the Holy Qur an? Therefore the Holy Qur an is the only book he followed and is the source of all the writings of the Promised Messiah (as). Allegation There were only 5 volumes written, when the Promised Messiah (as) promised 50. Interestingly, the Promised Messiah (as) has written about the topic of 50 and 5, and that the same numbers were mentioned by the Holy Prophet (saw). The Hadith from Bukhari (Kitab us Salaat) states that on the day of ascension, on the advice of Hadhrat Musa (as) (Moses),the Holy Prophet (saw) requested Allah the Almighty to reduce the number of the prescribed daily prayers for the Muslims, which were originally 50. On his repeated pleas, Allah the Almighty reduced them to 5. The exact wording is, These are 5 and these are 50. This is exactly what the Promised Messiah (as) wrote about the volumes of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. In Mishkaat Kitabus Salaat after mentioning the Hadith of the Mi raaj: Here are 5 prayers, and for each prayer there are 10, which means these are 50. Thus the Holy 18 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

19 Prophet (saw) has said exactly the same as what the Promised Messiah (as) has written; 5 and 50. So according to Allah s directives the Promised Messiah (as) wrote five volumes which are full of convincing arguments for the truthfulness of the Holy Qur an and of Islam. These arguments were sufficient to silence the enemy and (circumstances changed) Allah had appointed HadhratMirza Ghulam Ahmad as the awaited Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiah. He wrote more than 80 books in total all in support and to prove the truthfulness of the Holy Qur an and Islam, and so the real purpose was fulfilled. Why was there such a long gap in the writing of Volume 5 after the first four volumes? We should remember that nobody else was able to defend their religion the way in which the Promised Messiah (as) defended the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). When he completed and published 4 volumes, he was commissioned by God as a Prophet of God; the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. He became engaged in writing other books to prove the supremacy of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw) and that the Holy Qur an was revealed, word for word, by Allah the Almighty. He ended up writing more than 80 books on various topics, but he was unable to write 50 volumes, as he had originally intended. In 1905, he wrote the fifth volume of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, in which he mentioned that although he had previously intended to write more volumes, it was the Will of God that he was not able to do so. Another reason he gave was that the Promised Messiah (as) mentioned so many prophecies in the first four volumes that unless those were fulfilled, they could not be counted as proof of the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (saw) and the Holy Qur an and so it was necessary for him to wait for their fulfilment in 1905 before he wrote volume 5. By using the fulfilment of these prophecies as a proof, it showed that the religion of Islam is from God and is the only practicable religion; that the Holy Prophet (saw) was from God and that every word of the Holy Qur an was sent from Allah the Almighty. It was also proof that God Almighty exists. Interview conducted by: Amer Safir Audio Recording/Technical Support: Sami Ullah october 2012 The Review OF Religions 19

20 Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Arguments in Support of the Holy Qur an and the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet(saw) hadhrat mirza ghulam ahmad (as), the promised messiah and imam mahdi to be the same Promised Messiah and Mahdi that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied would come to rejuvenate Islam and restore its original lustre. During his early life, Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas saw a BARAHIN- E- A H M A D I Y YA B A R A H I N - E - A H M A D I Y YA Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian claimed dream in which he handed a book of his own authorship to the Holy Prophetsa. As soon as the book touched BARAHIN- E- A H M A D I Y YA the Holy Prophet s blessed hand, it transformed into a beautiful, honey-filled fruit which was then used to revive a dead person lying nearby. The Promised Messiahas was inspired with the Arguments in Support of the Holy Quran & following interpretation: the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa Allah the Almighty then put it in my mind that the dead person in my dream was Islam and that Allah the Almighty would revive it at my hands through PARTS I & II the spiritual power of the Holy Prophet, may peace First published in Urdu in Qadian, India in 1880 First English translation published in 2012 Published by Islam International Publications Ltd. Islamabad, Sheepatch Lane, UK and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is this very book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya which is to be instrumental in revitalizing Islam in the latter days in accordance with the grand prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa. Its subject matter is of universal h. adrat m i r z a g h ul a m ah m ad. of qadi an importance and, as such, it will prove to be a source Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya cannot be overstated. PARTS I & II of lasting value for all readers. The significance of The Promised Messiah and Mahdi as Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya was the first book published by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. The book elaborates upon the divine origin of the Holy Quran and truthfulness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It demonstrates the superiority of Islam over all other faiths with logical arguments. Here we present selected extracts from Parts I and II. 20 The Review of Religions october 2012 I hereby offer a reward of 10,000 rupees to all those who can prove that their scriptures are equal to the Holy Qur an in respect of all the arguments and incontrovertible proofs, which I have adduced from the Holy Book; or, in case their scriptures fail to provide such arguments, make an admission of this failure in their books and try, at least, to refute all of my arguments one by one (p.46). Some people may harbour doubts about this book and ask, Are the books that are

21 already written on religious subjects not sufficient to refute and silence the critics? Why do we need another book? Let it be clear that this book is unlike any other in its effectiveness... This book, on the other hand, proves the divine origin of Islam and the superiority of the teachings of Islam over all faiths and establishes the authenticity of the Holy Qur an through a comprehensive enquiry (p.9). Holy is Allah! The Gracious and Beneficent, who gave us poor mortals, without any merit of our own, all that we needed. For our physical sustenance, He appointed the sun, the moon, the clouds and the winds. And to satisfy our spiritual needs, He sent down the Torah, the Gospels, the Qur an and all other heavenly Books at their appropriate times. Countless thanks be to You, O Allah, for guiding us to the path that leads to You, and for saving us from errors of thought and reason by sending down Your Holy Books (p. 25). This book is also intended to confound and silence, on the basis of rational arguments, all those who deny the unassailable Faith of Islam, the Holy Book [Holy Qur an] and the Exalted Prophet, so that in future no one may have the temerity to attack Islam (p. 46). The fundamental teachings of the Holy Qur an are based on rational arguments. That is to say, the Holy Qur an proves with logical arguments every fundamental principle of faith on which salvation depends and establishes its truth by strong and powerful philosophical arguments. For instance, it proves the existence of the Creator, establishes His Unity, advances irrefutable arguments to show why divine revelation is necessary, and never fails to prove a truth or refute a falsehood. And this constitutes a very powerful argument to prove that the Holy Qur an is from Allah, and also to categorically establish its truth and its supremacy. For, it is impossible, without divine help and divine revelation, to purge all corrupt beliefs of every form and type of error through manifest and clear arguments, and to eradicate by means of irrefutable arguments all sorts of misgivings and doubts, which have crept into people s hearts, and to record in one s book a collection of such proven, true and established principles as have not been mentioned in any other scripture, nor truly discovered by any sage or philosopher on the basis of his reflection, meditation, reason, speculation, thought or understanding. What is more, no one has ever brought forward the slightest evidence that the Holy Prophet, may october 2012 The Review OF Religions 21

22 barahin-e-ahmadiyya I invite you all in the name of God, to come and take up my challenge without any reservation or delay. peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ever, even for a day, attended any school or learnt rational or traditional sciences, or ever associated with philosophers or logicians, as a result of which he was able to advance philosophical arguments for each and every established principle and demonstrate the truthfulness of all the beliefs on which man s salvation depends, with such clarity that nothing like it is to be found in the annals of history. This is such a magnificent achievement as could not be accomplished by anyone without divine support and revelation. Thus, reason is compelled to rule that the Noble Qur an is from God, who has no associate and whose knowledge cannot be equalled by anyone (p ). Gentlemen! How can you claim to be able to reject my arguments when you have not even studied them? It is blind prejudice, surely, that drives you to denounce my arguments as invalid and easily refutable. For you have neither ascertained whether the arguments and proofs I have advanced are authentic or spurious, nor whether they are based on solid premises or upon mere fallacies (p. 66). Alas, how can those who readily seek to commit injustices against God be considered equitable and fair? Some of them deny that the Lord is the Creator, some of them consider the One God to be three, some among them believe that God once dwelled in Nazareth, while others place him in Ayodhya (p. 67). In short, I invite you all in the name of God, to come and take up my challenge without any reservation or delay. Argue like Plato, become the incarnation of Bacon, borrow from Aristotelian reasoning and dialectic, clasp your hands before your false gods and beseech them for help. Then will you witness whether it is my God who prevails or your false deities. And until such a time that you write a response to my book, it will be shameful and indecent of you to continue to attack Islam in public, or to preach in Hindu Temples that the Vedas alone are the work of the Almighty and true source of knowledge, and that all other Prophets are imposters and liars (p. 67). 22 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

23 It is in view of the widespread corruption and chaos prevalent in this age that I have written Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, wherein I have made the truth of Islam more evident than the shining sun with the help of 300 incontrovertible rational arguments (p. 74). The new light of our age (woe if this be light) is vitiating the spirituality of the newly educated. Instead of glorifying God, they glorify themselves; instead of following His guidance, they take themselves to be the guides. Today s youth are generally inclined towards finding rational explanations and causes for all things, but on account of insufficient knowledge and wisdom, they end up being led astray rather than being guided. Perversion of thought and perception has greatly impaired their power to draw rightful conclusions. The profusion of divergent thoughts and ideas has thrown people of lesser understanding into great confusion (p. 78). Sophistic rhetoric has further confounded the minds of the youth. Things that were self-evident and perfectly rational have become dubious in their eyes and what is totally absurd is hailed as absolute truth. Actions that are inconsistent with human dignity are termed as the epitome of civilization, while true civilized behaviour is downplayed and ridiculed (p. 78). Friends! In these turbulent times Islam can only stand its ground if it repels the besieging forces of misguidance with an equal force and defends itself against the enemy onslaught with the mighty power of truth. The pitch darkness that has engulfed the world will only be dispelled when a vast number of proofs in support of Islam enlighten the world and the rays of its truth spread in all directions (p. 79). Firstly, with utmost respect and humility, I would like to reassure everyone who adheres to a faith or creed different from mine that my purpose in writing this book is not to injure anyone s feelings or to provoke unnecessary controversy. My sole concern and heart-felt desire is to demonstrate the truth and rectitude and lay it bare for all to see. I would have been quite happy to confine myself to my own faith and avoid discussing the beliefs of my opponents, but the problem is that a thorough scrutiny and comprehensive discussion of true principles and arguments is not possible without exposing the falsity of all creeds opposed to the right path. I, therefore, had no choice october 2012 The Review OF Religions 23

24 barahin-e-ahmadiyya but to mention them and to remove the doubts created by them (preface, p.7). While it is true that divine revelation is the most trustworthy source of knowledge, absolute certainty being dependent on it, it is equally true that if a scripture makes a claim that is clearly in conflict with reason and logic, such a claim will have to be considered false and such a scripture will have to be regarded as fabricated or interpolated on account of its irrational teachings (p.91). If it is not possible to prove the various doctrines espoused by various faiths through rational arguments and instead, they are proven wrong, incredible or impossible how are we to know whose doctrines are true and whose are false? (p.91). I say in all truth that I undertook thorough research before writing this book. I read the scriptures of all faiths with a spirit of fairness and honesty and pondered and deliberated upon them. I compared their teachings to those of the Holy Qur an; I held discussions with the eminent scholars of various faiths; and I strived as hard as is humanly possible to discover the truth by exploring all available avenues. Finally, I arrived at I read the scriptures of all faiths with a spirit of fairness and honesty and pondered and deliberated upon them. the conclusion that, of all the scriptures in the world today, the Holy Qur an is the only one whose divine origin can be established with irrefutable arguments. It is the only one whose principles regarding salvation are based on truth and human nature; whose doctrines are comprehensive and firmly grounded in truth and are confirmed by powerful arguments; whose commandments are nothing but the dictates of truth and whose teachings bear no blemish of idolatry, human innovations and false deities. Its teachings zealously promote the Oneness, Greatness and Excellence of God; and it is filled to the brim in establishing the Oneness of the Glorious God. It does not impute to Him anything that is contrary to His Oneness or attribute to Him any blemish, shortcoming, or unworthy attribute. It does not impose any teaching upon us without first providing adequate proof in support thereof and explains each of its principles with proofs and clear arguments and leads its followers 24 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

25 to perfect certainty and understanding (p. 95). The truth is that this book is a glad tiding for those who seek the truth. It is a final and irrefutable divine argument against those who are opposed to Islam an argument they will not be able to refute up to the end of days (p. 97). Every reasonable person understands that it is the duty of a Divine Book to clearly set out its claim of being the Word of God, as well as to provide clear proof in support of its claim and in support of the principles it lays down. It must not advance empty claims or principles that it cannot uphold and has to depend on others to plead its cause (p.107). This book has been written in a spirit of great civility, decency and courtesy, and does not contain any derogatory remarks about any holy personage or founder of a faith. I am personally appalled by the use of such words, either directly or by implication, and I believe that anyone who resorts to them is extremely evil and mischievous (p.109). people on the face of the earth except the followers of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. And there is no book upon the earth, other than the Holy Qur an, that has firmly committed millions to this holy doctrine and that leads mankind so reverentially towards the One True God. People of every religion have created artificial gods for themselves, whereas the God of the Muslims is the One, Eternal, and Immutable God, whose attributes are the same today as they were before (p.138). This book argues its points in a very solid, reasoned and balanced fashion, but without compromising the requirements of grace and lucidity. This manner of argumentation will prove to be an excellent means of fostering knowledge and lending maturity to thought and perception. The study and use of sound rational arguments sharpens the intellect, the understanding of subtle points helps enhance the power of comprehension, and the exercise of proper argumentation establishes one s mind squarely upon the truth (p.157). What I am trying to demonstrate by writing all this is that Tauhid, in its purest form, is not to be found among any october 2012 The Review OF Religions 25

26 N E W a n d E X C l u s i V E volume 11 Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) chapter iv Battle of Badr, Establishment of the Islamic Empire and Destruction of the Chieftains of the Quraish part i Each month we will feature a portion of a new chapter. To read the entire chapter, visit Masjid Quba, the first Mosque built in Islam

27 With the recent release of the detestable film Innocence of Muslims and with false propaganda against Islam gaining strength, the best form of defence is to present the peerless life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), the founder of Islam, who in every aspect of life established the loftiest moral standard. We continue with the first ever serialisation of the newly translated Volume II of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) s outstanding biography, Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin, on the life and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). This is arguably the best biography on the Prophet ever written. Each month we will present extracts from chapters of the book. Here, we start with Chapter IV. translated from the urdu by ayyaz mahmood khan Battle of Badr - Ramadan 2 A.H. (March 623 A.D.) Now we begin to mention the events of the battle of Badr. It has already been mentioned that after the prophetic migration, the Quraish of Makkah had begun making preparations to attack Madinah and utterly destroy the Muslims. Furthermore, the chieftains of the Quraish unjustly exploited the occurrence of the murder of Amr bin Ḥaḍrami, which took place during the Sariyyah of the Valley of Nakhlah, in order to further ignite a dangerous fire of enmity against the Muslims, in the hearts of the disbelieving masses. In the likeness of an individual who forgets all the cruelties he inflicts upon others, but always remembers even the slightest discomfort he receives from someone else, even though it may possess a form of retribution, the Quraish of Makkah became even more fervently engrossed in their preparations to attack the Muslims and utterly destroy them. During that time, the Holy Prophet (saw) received news that a trade caravan of the Quraish of Makkah, accompanied by thirty, forty, or in light of various narrations, seventy men, was returning to Makkah from Syria, in the command of Abu Sufyan. 1 Every man and woman especially held shares in this caravan. As a matter of fact, it is written that on this occasion, any item or sum, which could be invested in this venture, was put on stake. 2 This demonstrates that the Quraish had perhaps decided that they would spend the profit of this trade venture, on expenditures of war against the Muslims. Therefore, the interception of caravans was an excellent means of bringing the barbaric Quraish to their senses and stopping them from their dangerous designs. Secondly, their passing by Madinah from so close, also posed many dangerous october 2012 The Review OF Religions 27

28 the life & character of the seal of the prophets risks for the Muslims. Then, the specific characteristics of this caravan were such that if it had escaped safely, this could have been thought of as a precursor to the destruction of the Muslims. For this reason, upon receiving news, the Holy Prophet (saw) dispatched two Muhajirin named Ṭalḥah bin Ubaidullah (ra) and Sa id bin Zaid (ra), to obtain information. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (saw) also informed the other Companions that they should remain prepared to set out for the interception of the caravan. However, it so happened, that Abu Sufyan also received word of this intention of the Holy Prophet (saw), or perhaps he apprehended this possibility himself. In any case, he dispatched a rider named Ḍamḍam towards Makkah, and emphatically instructed him to reach Makkah as soon as possible, and bring forth the army of the Quraish in order to protect the caravan and strike fear into the hearts of the Muslims. Moreover, as a precautionary measure, Abu Sufyan diverted from his actual route and moved towards the coast of the sea; and stealthily but quickly, began to proceed towards Makkah. When this emissary of Abu Sufyan reached Makkah, according to the Arab custom, he made himself appear extremely terrified and began to scream loudly saying, O ye people of Makkah! Muḥammad (saw) and his Companions have set out to attack your caravan. Go forth and save it! 3 Upon hearing this news, the people became frightened and gathered around the Ka batullah. Then, on this occasion, the chieftains of the Quraish capitalized on this opportunity, and delivered extremely provocative speeches against Islam and the Muslims. As a result, the hearts of the people became inflamed with a fervor of enmity towards Islam and they became firmly determined to attack the Muslims and utterly destroy them. At that time, the state of the Quraish s fervor was such that they unanimously decided to set out with a very large army against the Muslims. It was decided that every such individual who was able to fight would participate himself, while every such individual who was unable to participate due to a constraint, would arrange for another person to be sent in his place. The chieftains of the Quraish were at the forefront of this proposal. There were only two individuals who hesitated in participating, and they were Abu Lahab and Umaiyyah bin Khalf. However, the reason for this hesitation was not due to any sympathy for the Muslims. Rather, Abu Lahab feared the dream of his sister Atikah bint Abdul-Muṭṭalib, 28 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

29 which she saw only three days prior to the arrival of Ḍamḍam, indicating the destruction of the Quraish. Umaiyyah bin Khalf feared the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (saw) about his being slain, which he had learned of from Sa d bin Mu adh (ra), in Makkah. However, since there was a concern that if these two renowned chieftains had remained behind this would have a negative effect on the disbelieving masses, the other chieftains of the Quraish provoked their passion and jealousy, and ultimately compelled them to agree. In other words, Umaiyyah became prepared himself and Abu Lahab paid a hefty sum to someone else to stand in his place. In this manner, after a preparation of three days 4, an army of over 1,000 fearless warriors was prepared to go forth from Makkah. This army was still in Madinah when a few chieftains from among the Quraish thought that since relations between the people of Makkah and the Banu Bakr, which was a branch of the Banu Kinanah, were not favourable, there was a risk that in their absence they might take advantage of the situation and attack Makkah. Due to this thought various people from among the Quraish began to waver. However, a chieftain of the Banu Kinanah named Suraqah bin Malik bin Ja sham, who was in Makkah at the time, assured them saying, I guarantee that no attack will be waged upon Makkah. As a matter of fact, Suraqah was so vehement in his enmity towards Islam that in support of the Quraish, he even accompanied them all the way to Badr himself. However, when he saw the Muslims there, he was so awe-stricken that before the war began, he left his companions and fled. It is believed that the following verse of the Holy Qur an makes reference to this very occurrence: And when Satan declared the Quraish of Makkah as being correct in their opposition against the Muslims and would incite them. 5 Prior to going forth from Makkah, the Quraish went to the Ka bah and prayed, O God! Grant succour to that party from among these two parties, which is more noble and more superior in Your estimation; and disgrace and humiliate the other. 6 After this, the army of the disbelievers departed from Makkah with great pomp and pride. All of the chieftains of the Quraish were present and as well as singing women who, with the recital of their poetic couplets and the beating of their drums, would incite jealousy and fervour, as they journeyed along. The chieftains of october 2012 The Review OF Religions 29

30 the life & character of the seal of the prophets the Quraish considered this campaign to be a distinct national feat and arranged for the food that was required by the army en-route, at their own expense. As such, they would slaughter nine or ten camels were slaughtered by them daily in turns, to entertain the warriors. 7 When this army reached Juḥfah, which was situated a little more than half-way to Badr, they received news through the emissary of Abu Sufyan, that the caravan had safely escaped the area of danger, and now it was no longer necessary for the army to proceed any further. On hearing this news, some people became prepared to go back. However, Abu Jahl and under the influence of his party, most of the people of the army, who had other intentions in mind, vehemently rejected this idea; and according to one narration 8 they unanimously said, By God! We shall definitely proceed to Badr and hold a festival there for three days, so that our awe may be forever established throughout the land, and people begin to fear us. 9 Hence, except for a few people who went back, 10 the rest of the army proceeded with great pomp and pride. On the ninth day after leaving Makkah, (one day was lost due to an error in navigation) 11, i.e., after eleven or twelve days of receiving news from Ḍamḍam, they reached the nearer bank of the valley of Badr, and setup camp. At that time, the army of the Quraish comprised 1000 people who were well-armed with the most modern equipment of their time; having 700 camels and 100 horses. All of the riders as well as most warriors on foot, were clad in armour and had at their disposal a vast arsenal of weapons, containing many spears, swords, and bows and arrows. Serialisation continues in the next Edition. endnotes 1. * As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abu Muhammad Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, p.415, Ghazwatu Badril-Kubra/ Iru Abi Sufyan, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) * Sharhul- Allamatiz-Zarqani Alal-Mawahibil- Ladunniyyah, By Allamah Shihabud-Din Qustalani, Part 2, p. 263, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 2. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa d, Part 2, p. 255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya it- Turathil- Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 3. This was a complete lie because until now, the Holy Prophet (saw) was still in Madinah 4. * Sharhul- Allamatiz-Zarqani 30 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

31 Alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, By Allamah Shihabud-Din Qustalani, Part 2, p.263, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) * As-Siratul-Halabiyyah, By Abul-Faraj Nurud- Din Ali bin Ibrahim, Volume 2, pp , Babu Dhikri Maghazihisa/ Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon(2002). 5. Al-Anfal (8:49) 6. Tarikhul-Khamis Fi Ahwali Anfasi Nafis, By Husain bin Muhammad bin Hasan, Part 1,p.370,Ghazwatu Badril-Kubra, Mu assasatu Sha ban, Beirut. 7. Sharhul- Allamatiz-Zarqani Alal-Mawahibil- Ladunniyyah, By Allamah Shihabud-Din Qustalani, Part 2, p.261, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 8. * Tarikhur-Rusuli Wal-Muluk (Tarikhut- Tabari), By Abu Ja far Muhammad bin Jarir At-Tabari, Part 3, pp.20-21, Thumma Dakhalatis-Sanatuth-Thaniyyatu Minal-Hijrah/ Dhikru Waq ati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) * At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa d, Part 2, p.255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya it Turathil- Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 9. It should be remembered that Badr is the name of a valley, which contains a few streams. It is situated between Makkah and Madinah. In normal circumstances, it is situated at a distance of four or five days from Madinah and eight or nine days from Makkah. In the era of the Jahiliyyah, a carnival was held here every year where the various tribes of Arabia would gather and engage in trade and celebrations. As such, the disbelievers of Makkah used this carnival as an excuse to insist that they should definitely proceed to Badr, so that their awe would be established. 10. * Narrations relate that among those who went back, the tribes of Badu Addiyy and Banu Zuhrah have been mentioned. * At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa d, Part 2, p.255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya it Turathil- Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) (Publishers) 11. Sharhul- Allamatiz-Zarqani Alal-Mawahibil- Ladunniyyah, By Allamah Shihabud-Din Qustalani, Part 2, p.261, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) october 2012 The Review OF Religions 31

32 Muslims for Life Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA Last year, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at (Community) in the US commemorated the 10 th anniversary of 9/11 by starting the Muslims for Life campaign, which held blood drives across the country to save lives. This year over 400 locations held drives with the goal of collecting 11,000 pints of blood to save as many as 33,000 American lives. At Capitol Hill, both Republican and Democratic congressman supported the event: U.S. Congressman Tom Petri said: This is a wonderful project. Out of a tragedy some good has come. Now for a second year, thousands of pints of blood have been donated all across the United States, and the effort continues. People are living their religion and doing good works. Actions speak louder than words. Democratic Representative Brad Sherman pointed out: There is a searching in this country to see what is the best way to remember the tragedy of 9/11 there is simply nothing more life affirming and no greater way to reject the philosophies of hate than to hold a blood drive.i want to commend Muslims for Life but especially the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA for putting this campaign together. It is an inspiration for all Americans who are seeking ways to remember 9/11. U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf said: In remembering and honouring those who lost their lives on 9/11 through the Muslims for Life blood drive, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA has once again shown leadership in uniting people of all faiths, in a gesture of giving. I appreciate the work you have done and continue to do to promote religious freedom and tolerance not only here in the U.S. but throughout the world. 32 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

33 U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison (Democrat from Minnesota) Donates Blood at the Muslims for Life Blood Drive on September 13, 2012 at Cannon Caucus Room. U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison (Democrat from Minnesota) Donates Blood at the U.S. Congressman Mike Honda (Democrat from California) talks with volunteers U.S. Congressman Mike Honda (Democrat from California) talks with volunteers at the Muslims for Life Blood Drive on September 13, 2012 at Cannon Caucus Room Ahmadi Muslims donating blood to save American lives. october 2012 The Review OF Religions 33

34 AMA GALLERY UK 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: Or Purchase the print version at:

35 Note about references online 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, (saw) or saw after the words, Holy Prophet, or the name Muhammad, are used normally in small letters. They stand for Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam meaning peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Likewise, the letters (as) or as after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning peace be upon him derived from 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 Radhiallahu Ta ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ru or (ru) 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. Visit our website, where you can browse past issues, subscribe to the print edition and send us feedback or comments.

36 Khalifa of Peace Tour of Holland hadhrat khalifatul-masih v (aba) Translated by Amatul Hadi, UK * Based on the Urdu report of the tour as published in the Daily Al-Fazl, Rabwah, compiled by Mr Abdul-Majid Tahir, Additional Director of Foreign Missions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Over the next few months, The Review of Religions will be providing coverage of the recent tours undertaken by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Here we present the report of the tour by his Holiness to Holland during May The full reports cannot be covered even if we were to dedicate several editions solely for it. Thus, we only intend to present a brief summary of the tours. Look out in our upcoming Editions for highlights of tours to Germany, United States and Canada. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba) left London on 14 May 2012 for a planned tour of the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. The Annual Conventions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in these countries were to be held in May and June. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) was received by a group of dignitaries of the Ahmadiyya Community in Holland, near the French port of Calais. Among the receiving party were the National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Holland Mr Hibbatun- Noor, and the Vice President Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad. 36 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

37 Welcome Reception at Nunspeet On arrival in Nunspeet, Holland at the Bait-un-Noor Mosque, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) received a rapturous welcome from the members of the Ahmadiyya Community, who had gathered to see their beloved Khalifa and Imam. Children sang songs of praise and slogans of Allaho Akbar were raised. The Imam of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community had a packed programme, which included private audiences with families and individuals. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) also held classes with Waqifeen-e-Nau and met university and college students, who were given a chance to ask questions about any issues or concerns they had and were to benefit from guidance on how they should lead exemplary lives. 18 May 2012 First Day of Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) Holland The 32 nd Annual Convention Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Jama at Holland, was held on 18 May 2012, opening with the Friday Sermon. As is customary, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) had earlier inspected the activities of the various departments involved in the preparation for the Jalsa, and graced them with his valuable advice on a variety of related issues. After the flag hoisting His Holiness held classes with students and members of the Waqfe Nau scheme and guided them about various aspects of their lives. ceremony, His Holiness delivered his Friday Sermon in Bait-un-Noor Mosque. His Holiness reminded the members of the Ahmadiyya Community to improve their standards of worship, and to be mindful of the rights of others and to benefit from the blessings of Jalsa Salana, by removing any enmities that they might bear against others. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) also mentioned that the number of people attending this Jalsa Salana was the largest to date, in the history of Holland. Guests at this Jalsa had arrived from neighbouring European countries, as well as from Africa and Asia. 19 May 2012 Second Day of Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) Holland On the second day of Jalsa, 19 May, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) delivered his address from the ladies Jalsa marquee. Prior to this, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) gave awards to those students who october 2012 The Review OF Religions 37

38 khalifa of peace His Holiness addressing the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) in Holland. Mayor of Nunspeet Mr D. H. A. Van Hemmen meeting his Holiness. completed their higher education with distinction. In his address, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) reminded the audience that only a true and sincere adoption of the teachings of the Holy Qur an in our acts and deeds, was the way to show true allegiance to the covenant of Bai at (initiation), and that this included the observance of purdah. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated that by acting upon the teachings of the Holy Qur an, women can turn their homes into paradise and thus become the embodiment of the Hadith Paradise lies at the feet of mothers. Meeting with Dutch Dignitaries That evening, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) attended a meeting including local and national Dutch dignitaries. Among them were Mr. Harry Van Bommel, member of the Dutch Parliament, Mr Van Hemhen, the Mayor of Nunspeet, and two other members of the City Council. Also present was the Minister Councillor of the Romanian Embassy, Mr. Itefan Porojan, the Minister Councillor of Rawandan Embassy, Mr. Guillaume Kavarugnada, as well as the Director of the Public Library of the city of Amstelveen, Mr. Pieter Van Dijk. Reporters from three Dutch newspapers: the daily Trouw, Reformatiorisch Dagblad a national newspaper, and Leidschedagblad, were also present. A total of 135 Dutch guests attended this event. In his address, the Mayor of Nunspeet - Mr Van Hemhen, extended his good wishes to the Ahmadiyya Community at their annual gathering. After the Mayor s address, Mr Harry Van Bommel addressed the gathering. He stated that 38 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

39 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V in discussion with Mr Harry Van Bommel, Member of the Dutch Parliament. in a world where some religious groups have come to hold extremist views, it is important that we have respect for each other and exhibit tolerance towards others. He added that he had had the opportunity of visiting Pakistan where he was able to raise the issue of the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Community, with the Government of Pakistan. He ended his address by saying that he was very pleased to be able to attend the annual gathering in the presence of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) and he extended his good wishes for this event. This was followed by the keynote address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). His Holiness told the gathering that this was the first occasion that he had directly addressed a Dutch audience who were not members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated that he was particularly grateful for their attendance as over the past few years, a certain group in Holland has presented Islam in a most terrifying manner. The attendance of the guests at such a gathering where they expected to be enlightened about the teachings of Islam, reflected their broad mindedness and high standards of fairness and justice, which are the foundation of peace, security and reconciliation in any society. After this, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) presented a brief summary of the true teachings of Islam. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated that all true Muslims see the holy founder of Islam - Prophet Muhammad (saw), as their Master and Guide who in his lifetime, provided moral teachings in such detail that even the minutiae of life were addressed; it is these, seemingly finer points, that lead to the establishment and creation of a truly harmonious society. For example, the Holy Prophet (saw) counselled Muslims to always offer thanks and express gratitude where appropriate, because he taught that a person who is ungrateful to his fellow man, is ungrateful to God, and whosoever is ungrateful to God, will not be able to truly derive His blessings and rewards. If a true Muslim chooses to adopt a righteous path with the intention and hope october 2012 The Review OF Religions 39

40 khalifa of peace of attaining God s rewards, then his every act and deed should be in accordance with the teachings of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) then spoke about the two fundamental principles that Islam requires a person to live by. The first is to fulfil the duty of worship that is owed to God Almighty, and the second is to fulfil the rights of God s creation. These are the primary teachings of Islam. Both of these objectives can only be fulfilled when a person s heart is filled with purity, sincerity and the desire to do good. God Almighty has great love for his creation and one manifestation of this is that he desires that all people should treat each other with mutual love and respect, so that they can obtain His blessings and rewards. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) then spoke about the beauty of Islamic teachings, illustrating this by the unrivalled example of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw), both as a victim of persecution and ultimately, as a victorious leader, exercising patience and benevolence at all times. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) explained that the earlier Muslim wars were fought as defensive wars, and never as offensive wars to convert people to Islam. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) very succinctly pointed out that hearts can never be conquered by force, and that it was the extreme kindness and love of humanity of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw), that eventually won over hearts of even the most vehement enemies of Islam. After a brief introduction to the early period of Islam, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) then enlightened the audience about the divinely appointed founder of the Ahmadiyya Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) and his followers, who form the Ahmadiyya Community. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) explained that the Divine purpose of the advent of this Reformer of the Latter Days, was to spread peace and love among mankind, and to remove the harmful elements that lead to disharmony in society. This is to be achieved by making people aware of their Creator and bringing them closer to Him. It is the Ahmadiyya Community that is now taking this work forward and trying to spread peace and harmony in the various countries where they reside. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) concluded his address by thanking the guests for attending the event and spending some time with members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Following the meeting, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) was interviewed by a journalist from the national 40 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

41 His Holiness spoke to Dutch guests regarding the misconceptions prevalent about Islam and explained to them what Islam really stands for. newspaper-reformatiorisch Daglad,. The journalist referred to the debate regarding the view that the Messiah was the son of God and that it is he who is to return to earth in the latter days, in contrast with the Ahmadiyya view that the Messiah had already come in the person of the Promised Messiah (as). Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) replied that it is a God-given law that one who dies can never return to this world, and that the example of John who was described by Jesus (as) to be the second coming of Elijah, should be sufficient to enable a correct understanding of this issue. His Holiness further added that in the face of so much corruption in religions and the bad moral state of societies, a Reformer was needed for the renaissance of religion and for social cohesion hence it is the belief of the Ahmadiyya Community, that such a Reformer has already come in the person of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, India, who claimed to be from God and to be the very Messiah that had been awaited. After this interview, Khalifatul Masih V (aba) met Mr Harry Van Bommel, a member of the Dutch Parliament. This interview, with a photograph of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) and Mr. Van Bommel, received coverage in newspapers. Mr Van Bommel also published the photo with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) on his website. After this meeting, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) met some members of the local Council of Almere, the city where the new Mosque in Holland is to be built. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) was asked about the danger of a third world war, to which Hadhrat Aqdas (aba) responded by stating that while the second world war was fought mainly in Europe and that China and Japan also took part, the third world war would very likely be mainly fought in Asia and the Middle East, but that western powers would also be involved. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) added that due to the danger of such a war facing the world, we should make every effort to try to convince political leaders to work towards reconciliation and peace. october 2012 The Review OF Religions 41

42 8 people took the initiation into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V. 20 May 2012 Third Day of Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) Holland On the third and final day of the Jalsa, eight people took Bai at (initiation into the Ahmadiyya Community) at the hand of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). Before the concluding address on the final day of Jalsa, there was the customary award ceremony, where students who had completed their higher education with distinction were presented with awards from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). After this, His Holiness delivered his concluding address in which he reminded the members of the Ahmadiyya Jama at of the blessings that the Companions of the Promised Messiah (as) derived from their association with the Messiah of the time, and from his prayers. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) gave a few examples of the power and fulfilment of the prayers of the Promised Messiah (as). Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) reminded the audience that the blessings of the Promised Messiah (as) were still with the Ahmadiyya Jama at, and there were many who saw living proof of this every day. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) further added that large attendance at the Annual Conventions of the Jama at all around the world, is also a living proof of the truth of the Promised Messiah (as). His Holiness concluded his address by reminding Ahmadis that they should always give precedence to establishing a living bond with their Creator, God Almighty, so they too can see the manifestation of God s love and support, as did the Companions of the Promised Messiah (as). This year s Holland Jalsa was attended by a group of forty-one new converts from Belgium, including people originally from Morocco, Mauritania, Gambia, Rwanda, the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Belgium itself. 42 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

43 The Dutch national newspaper Reformatiorisch Dagblad published a full-page picture of his Holiness with a report entitled Khalifa of Peace. Extensive Media Coverage Khalifa of Peace The visit to Holland of His Holiness received very extensive newspaper coverage. On 21 st May, the Dutch national newspaper Reformatiorisch Dagblad, which has a very wide circulation, published a full-page picture of His Holiness with a report covering one-and-a-half pages. This was the first time in the history of the Holland Jama at, that a picture of the current Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Community, was allocated a full page in a national newspaper. This report was entitled Khalifa of Peace and covered the special function that was arranged for Dutch dignitaries on 19 May, as well as a general introduction to the Annual Convention of Holland. This report included a brief background introduction to the Ahmadiyya Community and its founder, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, (as) as well as a brief introduction to the Ahmadiyya Jama at in Holland. In addition, this newspaper mentioned the fact that the Ahmadiyya Community is spreading worldwide due to its efforts to invite people to God, and its attempt to promote peaceful co-existence among people of different cultures and creeds. A local newspaper, De Stentor, stated in an article that hundreds of members of the Ahmadiyya Community from Holland and abroad attended the Annual Convention, whose guest of honour was their Khalifa. It further added that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) warned the world of the grave dangers it was facing due to the financial meltdown and its ill effects, that are threatening world peace. Another national newspaper, Trouw, published a picture of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) with the Dutch member of Parliament, Harry Van Bommel, together with a detailed report on the visit to Holland by His Holiness (aba). october 2012 The Review OF Religions 43

44 Breaking the Myth that Islam Promotes Extremism hadhrat mirza masroor ahmad (aba), khalifatul masih v, head of the worldwide ahmadi y ya muslim communit y On the 2 nd Day of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany s Annual Convention ( Jalsa Salana) on 2 nd June 2012, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiah (as) and Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivered an address to an audience of over The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

45 non-ahmadi guests. Around 430 of the guests were from Germany, whilst the remaining guests consisted of approximately: 70 guests from Bulgaria, 40 guests from Macedonia, 20 guests from Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Montenegro, 50 guests from France, Iran, Afghanistan, Tunis, Morocco, Spain, Poland, Ghana, Italy and Syria, 8 guest from Hungary, 3 guests from Iceland and 2 guests from Malta. The guests included people from various professions and all walks of life including doctors, teachers, lawyers, professors, politicians, representatives of churches as well as ordinary citizens. We present below the transcript of the address delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba). After reciting Tashhahud, Ta awwudh and Bismillah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said: Today, as in previous years, I would like to welcome all of our non-ahmadi guests who have come to attend this event at the Annual Convention of our Community, here in Germany. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of you who have enlightened today s event with your presence, which has been organised for our non-ahmadi friends. Your attendance demonstrates your According to statistics, only 13% regularly attend church in Germany and even this figure is gradually declining. interest in religion. This is particularly commendable given that in today s world fewer and fewer people are interested in religion. Although Germany is known as a Christian nation in which the vast majority of the population class themselves as Christians, yet according to certain statistics, only around 13% of people regularly attend church, or practically follow the religion. In fact, even this figure is gradually declining, and so in reality, there is very little attachment to religion. Indeed, in today s world we find that there is a large population of people who reject the existence of God altogether. In light of such circumstances, your participation at a purely religious function and your effort to learn about Islam proves not only your interest in religion, but also demonstrates your october 2012 The Review OF Religions 45

46 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism Many libraries around the world contain old copies of the Qur an. When compared to present day versions, no difference in any part can be found. Photo: Reading room in Bibliothèque nationale de France, French National Library. The Library holds Qur anic manuscripts of the first centuries after Hijra. There are many other libraries around the world that hold early manuscripts of the Qur an. tolerance and open-mindedness. With these few words, I would now like to proceed with the main part of my speech and speak to you about the true teachings of Islam. As you would most likely have already heard from your Ahmadi friends we, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, are a sect of Islam and it is our belief that with the passage of time decline begins to set in all religions, even though they were originally established by a prophet of God. Thus, the majority of followers of the religion begin to move away from its real and original teachings. Upon observing such moral decline, as a means to halt this period of darkness and to bring light to the world, it is the practice of God Almighty to send His chosen representative to guide mankind. The chosen one is sent by God to either bring a new and improved teaching or to re-establish or rejuvenate the original teaching brought by a previous Prophet. One prime example of this was witnessed when Prophet Jesus (as) was sent by God Almighty around 1400 years after the era of Prophet Moses (as). Jesus (as) came and presented the real and pristine teachings that Moses (as) had brought and thus guide those who had strayed. Therefore, this has always been the Divine Practice and God Almighty has not set a seal on it, or brought this process to an end. In fact, we believe that when God Almighty deemed that mankind had progressed to such a level where it was ready to accept and comprehend a perfect and complete teaching, then at that time, He sent the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) with a Perfect Law in the shape of the Holy Qur an. Indeed, the Qur an itself states that through its teachings religion had finally achieved 46 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

47 perfection and had reached its pinnacle. In Chapter 15, Verse 10 of the Qur an, Allah the Almighty also has stated that as He Himself revealed the Qur an as a Book of Guidance, thus He Himself would forever be its Guardian and Protector. Therefore, we find that the text of the Holy Qur an today is exactly the same as it was 1400 hundred years ago. It remains the very same text that was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). The Qur an remains the true Word of God because whenever any portion of the Holy Qur an was revealed to him, the Holy Prophet (saw) would recite it to his Companions who then used to memorise it perfectly and write it down in the exact same way as it was revealed. Never has any scholar, reformer or holy person ever dared or desired to make any alteration to the original text. Yet unfortunately, there are some critics who make allegations questioning the Qur an s authenticity. Just very recently a book has been written on this issue in which the author has claimed that it was only in 1924 when Muslims came together and agreed upon a final version of the Qur an. However, this is entirely wrong and is merely false propaganda against Islam and the Holy Qur an. There are many old and well-established libraries in different parts of the world where you can find copies of the Holy Qur an from hundreds of years ago. If you compare them to today s version of the Qur an, you will find that not even a single dot or letter has been changed or is in any way different. With regards to the Qur an being in its original form, even many Orientalists and historians have written about this subject and have accepted this fact openly. Thus, there is no doubt the Holy Qur an remains exactly as it ever was, and this is a great distinction which it holds. Where Allah has promised to be the Guardian of the Qur an, it means that the true and real teachings within it will always prevail and be protected. This means that if ever a time comes, where people distort the teachings and interpretations of the Holy Qur an and present them wrongly and out of context, then Allah will take action and send his Representative to enlighten the world as to the real and beautiful teachings and meanings of the Qur an. As I have already mentioned, we believe that with the passing of time, every religion begins to decline and its follower stray from the original teachings. In the very same way, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) prophesised the decline in the future of Islam. He said that a time october 2012 The Review OF Religions 47

48 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism would come when even though so-called Muslim scholars or clerics would exist, however in reality their state would be impure and wholly opposed to the true teachings of Islam. Such people would give far greater precedence to their worldly and materialistic desires, rather than to the religion. The Holy Prophet (saw) said that at such a time, though the words and text of the Qur an would remain the same, yet very few people would understand it and practically implement its true teachings. Mosques would no longer fulfil their true objective, which is the pure worship of God. The Holy Prophet (saw) thus prophesised that when such circumstances would arise, then Allah would send a Messiah of Muhammad (saw), just as he had sent the Messiah of Moses (as). The Promised Messiah who was destined to come and reform the followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) would, on the one hand, shine a light upon true Islam to the non-muslims, but on the other hand, he would also enlighten the Muslims themselves towards the real teachings of their religion. The Promised Messiah (as) would explain the true teachings and meanings of the Holy Qur an and would strive to unite all the fragmented Islamic sects together as one. In this way, his purpose would be to implement true To understand the true circumstances of early Islam, it is essential to consult the most authentic and genuine sources of its history. Islam so that the world could become a haven of peace, love and compassion. As I have already said, a time came when Allah deemed that mankind had progressed to such a level where it could comprehend and act upon a complete message and teaching. Mankind had reached its final stage of development. As a result, there was no longer a need for prophets to be sent only to reform the people of certain countries or certain regions. Instead, Allah deemed that a time had come for a prophet to be sent with a perfect teaching that would prove to be universal and everlasting. Therefore, Allah the Almighty sent the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as a Messenger for the entire world and revealed the Holy Qur an to him. Addressing the Holy Prophet (saw) as his status as a universal Prophet, Allah says: 48 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

49 Say, O mankind! Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah (Ch.7:V.159) Then in another verse Allah states: We have sent thee not, but as a mercy and compassion for all people. (Ch.21:V.108) Where a person has been sent as a source of mercy for all people, then it is quite obvious that neither he nor his true followers could ever prove to be a means of harm and suffering for anyone in the world. In this context, a question that is sometimes raised against Islam is that if the Holy Prophet (saw) really was a mercy for all mankind and Islam really does not teach extremism, then why do we find that wars were fought in both early Islam and also other periods of its history? And why, if Islam teaches peace, do we find that in today s world so-called Muslim terrorist and extremist groups are becoming ever more cruel, yet they continue to justify their ideology and acts on the teachings of Islam and the Holy Qur an? In order to answer these questions it is essential that we understand and learn about the history of early Islam. We should not use the testimony of biased and unjust historians who appeared hundreds of years after the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) ; instead we should analyse and refer to the books of such Muslim historians who have utilised original and authentic sources as the basis of their works. Indeed, the narrations relating to early Islam of such writers have been supported and verified by fairminded and just writers who came a long time after them. Therefore, to understand the true circumstances of early Islam, it is essential to consult the most authentic and genuine sources of its history. When such sources are viewed then we find that in the early period of Islam, many Muslims were savagely and brutally beaten, persecuted and oppressed due to their faith, by the disbelievers. Men, women and children all suffered such horrific cruelties. For example, some Muslims were made to lie down on burning hot coals, whilst others were made to lie upon boiling hot sand as stones were placed on their bodies. Then there were some Muslims who had their legs ripped apart, and so their bodies were literally broken into two pieces. For two and a half years the Holy Prophet (saw), his family and all his Companions were forced to remain in a valley, where they were boycotted and shunned from society. Thus they had no access to food, water october 2012 The Review OF Religions 49

50 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism The Holy Prophet (saw) and his Companions were forced to flee from Makkah to Madinah due to the savage oppression meted out against them by the disbelieving Makkans. and provisions. For days on end they would remain starving and thirsty. The Muslim children would endlessly cry in anguish and despair. Yet the disbelievers showed no mercy or compassion whatsoever. Upon having to endure such cruelties and deprivation, the Muslims would sometimes request permission from the Holy Prophet (saw) to stand up and defend themselves with force, yet on each occasion the Holy Prophet (saw) would deny permission, and would instead counsel them towards patience. It is a natural state that when a person reaches a point where he knows that no matter what he is likely to die, he would in his state of desperation prefer to try and fight and kill the opposition before dying. Yet, as I said, on each occasion the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed his followers to show restraint and patience despite the extreme circumstances that they faced. He counselled patience because he said that God Almighty had not permitted him to fight back against the opponents of Islam. A well-known Italian Orientalist, Laura Veccia Vaglieri, wrote about this very state of affairs and attested that: Mohammed [saw], the patient victim of the sarcasm and persecution of the Quraish. After years of such cruel oppression and deprivation, a large party of Muslims migrated from Makkah. Then after some more time the Holy Prophet (saw) himself migrated with his Companions to the city of Madinah. Yet the disbelievers of Makkah did not allow the Muslims to live in peace even after migration. Around two years later, the disbelievers proceeded to Madinah and launched a vicious attack against the Muslims. Their only intention was to wipe out Islam and all of the Muslims once and for all. The army of the disbelievers was very large and strong and they came with huge stocks of weaponry and artillery. In comparison, there were only around 300 Muslims and their resources and weaponry were equivalent to virtually 50 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

51 nothing. However, in spite of the huge gulf in resources, it was at that very time that Allah commanded the Muslims for the very first time to stand up and defend themselves from the enmity and cruelty of the opponents. This permission is referred to in the Holy Qur an in Chapter 22, Verses 40-41; it states: Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged and Allah indeed has power to help them those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, Our Lord is Allah. And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty. Therefore, we clearly find that when the Muslims were finally granted permission to defend themselves against the opponents, it was given due to the existence of certain extreme circumstances, yet it was given with certain conditions attached that is evident from the verses I have just quoted. Firstly, Allah stated that the cruelty had gone beyond all limits and the Muslims had been removed from their homes. They were not left in peace even after migration and instead the opponents mercilessly followed them in an effort to try and eliminate them altogether. The only crime committed by the oppressed Muslims was that they had proclaimed the belief in the One God and worshiped him. Furthermore, these verses make it clear that permission was not only granted to protect the Muslims, but so that the followers of all religions were protected and safeguarded. History bears witness to the fact that the Four Rightly Guided Successors of the Holy Prophet (saw) implemented his true teachings and always kept the teachings of the Holy Qur an as their guiding principle, during their respective periods of Khilafat. None of them ever instigated a single war and only ever fought in self-defence. In terms of the later wars that were fought by Muslim kings and rulers, in reality very few were religious wars, but in fact they were wars based on political differences and ambitions. In today s world we again find that political wars are taking place rather than religious warfare. There is no doubt that terrorist and extremist groups, who associate themselves with Islam in order to justify their hateful october 2012 The Review OF Religions 51

52 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism acts, are on the increase. Furthermore, in certain Muslim majority countries we find that disorder and disturbances are on the increase. Then there are certain Muslim governments whose approaches and attitudes are unjust. Yet even if all of these groups try to align themselves with Islam, the truth is that none of them have any link with the true teachings of the religion. As I have said, it is our belief that with the passage of time weaknesses and innovations develop in all religions, either in terms of its teachings or in terms of the acts of the followers. Such weaknesses and wrong practices certainly spread amongst the Muslims as well. That is why Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah to guide the world. We Ahmadi Muslims believe that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, was that very Messiah, who was sent by Allah to guide the entire world towards the true teachings of Islam. Upon his advent the Promised Messiah (as) refuted all allegations levelled against Islam and presented its real and beautiful teachings. Alongside this he also openly proclaimed to the Muslims that he had been sent as the Messiah and Mahdi in fulfilment of the grand prophecy made by the The white minaret in Qadian, India, symbolic of the advent of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Thus, he said that he should be accepted so that he could guide them towards the true teachings of Islam. The Promised Messiah (as) openly outlined the reasons why he had been commissioned by Allah. First of all he said he had been sent to bring mankind closer to Allah, so that people could become truly grateful to God for the countless favours He had granted them due to His Compassion and Mercy. He makhzan-e-tasaweer 52 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

53 repeatedly counselled them that the only way to become closer to Allah was to fulfil the rights of worship that are owed to Allah. The Promised Messiah (as) also announced that the era of religious warfare had come to an end because the opponents of Islam were no longer engaged in physical warfare against the Muslims. Instead, in this era, rather than using swords, the opponents of Islam utilised the various means of communication available to spread lies and false propaganda in an effort to end Islam. Therefore, he said, it was the duty of every Muslim to convey the true and exemplary teachings of Islam to the entire world. This was the way to rebut the modern day opponents of Islam. He said that only Muslims who associated themselves with him could manifest the true beauty of Islam to the world. Another key objective of the Promised Messiah (as) was that he had been sent to make mankind aware of its responsibilities towards each other and the essential need to fulfil each other s due rights, because in reality it is only when each other s due rights are fulfilled, that peace can be established in the society, and indeed in the wider world. All of these objectives and teachings of the Promised Messiah (as) were exactly The true model and teachings of Islam can be found in the Ahmadiyya Community. due to the teachings of the Holy Qur an. This is the real Jihad, which requires an inner struggle by man to reform himself, to establish a relationship with God and to fulfil the rights of his fellow men. This is the guidance and teaching that was propagated by the Promised Messiah. It is these very teachings that every member of our Community, from the outset until today, has lived by and promoted. Ahmadi Muslims will, God Willing, always continue to spread these teachings. Therefore, if anyone desires to see the true model and example of Islam s teachings, then they should look towards the Ahmadiyya Community. The Holy Qur an is filled from cover to cover with guidance and within it there october 2012 The Review OF Religions 53

54 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism are hundreds of commands that have been given. The vast majority relate to either to the rights of God s worship, the rights due to His Creation and the means for establishing an atmosphere of peace, love and reconciliation. As I stated earlier, where permission for war was granted, it was limited to certain extreme conditions and its purpose was given only for selfdefence and in order to establish longterm peace. Furthermore, Islam very clearly teaches that as soon as peace is established, the party who has been defeated should not be taken advantage of or be subjugated, and nor should their resources be ceased or unjustly taken over. Another command given for the establishment of peace of society is given in Chapter 49, Verse 13 of the Holy Qur an where it is stated that believers should avoid suspicions, because certain suspicions result in sin. The verse further states that one should not spy on another or go out of his way to try and uncover the faults of others. On the surface this may seem like a small or insignificant point. However, if this teaching is properly followed, then it will lead to peace being established throughout society, both on a small scale and at a wider level. In terms of a smaller scale, we find that domestic households are the building Today s economic and business crisis, which is based on unrealistic valuations and market forces, could once again lead to another world war. bricks for society. However, if we assess today s society, it is quite clear that unfortunately, throughout the world, marriages are breaking down in large numbers. The fundamental reason for this is that suspicions often develop between husbands and wives, or backbiting occurs. Then, on a wider and much larger scale, we find that suspicions and thinking ill of others is the primary reason why relationships between different groups or nations break down. Another issue that the Qur an constantly draws attention towards is fulfilling the rights of one another. Thus, in Chapter 83, Verses 2-4, Allah has stated that those who usurp the rights of others and who are unjust in their dealings, will be cursed and destroyed. This refers to such people who, when they take things for themselves, make sure the scales are fully tipped in their favour and take full measure, yet when they give to others, they desist from acting fairly and give less than 54 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

55 what it is due. Thus, in these few lines, the Holy Qur an has commanded against wrongdoing and cruelty and has also laid the foundation for the protection of life, honour and the dignity of all people. For example, where a person has been persecuted or treated unfairly, then in reaction it is quite possible that he will seek revenge or retribution. However, in doing so he could easily exceed the limits of proportionality and justice and go to extreme lengths to seek revenge. Therefore, Allah has commanded that to prevent such wrongdoing the rights of others must never be usurped, because the consequences are potentially extremely grave and dangerous. To prevent matters being blown out of proportion the Qur an has commanded that all parties must remain equitable and proportionate in their dealings. They must give and take in equal measure. Through these teachings the rights of the Unrealistic and exaggerated valuations were levied across the board due to which house prices rocked, with people having to resort to loans. When the financial crisis struck thousands had their homes repossessed by banks or lenders. poor and deprived are safeguarded by the Qur an, because this injunction requires justice and fairness towards all. If such principles are observed then it will lead to the deprived segments of society being able to stand upon their own two feet, to gain self-respect and to live with dignity. The Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) practically demonstrated these teachings in their acts and behaviour. For example, we find one narration where a Muslim, at the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), who wanted to sell his horse, valued it at 200 dinars. However, when another Muslim came to purchase it, he said that the fee demanded october 2012 The Review OF Religions 55

56 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism present it in such an appealing manner and advertise it in such a way, that he would try and sell it for 50 euros. In this way people are not given true value and so the requirements of justice are not fulfilled. The German nation was able to reunite once again after being divided into two separate countries following the Second World War. Photo: Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg Gate, 10 November was less than the real value and its value was exactly 500 dinars; so that sum show be taken from him. Yet the owner did not seek to take advantage of this offer, but repeated that his value was only 200 dinars. Thus, their quarrel was not due to their desire to protect their own rights at the expense of others, but in complete opposite, they were willing to forgo their own interests so that the rights of others could be fully protected. It is quite certain that such examples of honesty and integrity are rarely, if ever, found in today s world. Indeed, quite the contrary for example, in today s business word, if the total cost of something is 10 euros, then the owner will try to package and In terms of the real estate market, we find in the recent past truly unrealistic and exaggerated valuations were levied across the board. Due to this house prices rocketed. Yet, in order to support these unrealistic valuations, for many years banks offered loans to purchasers in order to increase their profits; but such a false economy could not be sustained in the long-term. Thus, when the financial crisis emerged a few years ago, homeowners who thought they owned their properties were left with the bitter realisation that their homes were not actually theirs. Thousands upon thousands of homes were repossessed by banks or lenders. In this way, many businessmen and homeowners lost their properties. Their dignity and wealth were all wiped away in an instant. Furthermore, we find that as a result of the financial crisis in Europe, a number of countries became riddled with insurmountable debt and were effectively bankrupted. The main reason for this state of affairs was the false economy that had been based on unrealistic valuations 56 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

57 and exaggerated prices. A number of economists have studied the crisis of the past few years and have reached the conclusion that the same exact conditions have arisen today that existed in It was due to those particular circumstances that the Second World War broke out. We must all realise, therefore, that today s economic and business crisis, which is based on unrealistic valuations and market forces, could once again lead to another world war breaking out. Thus, no matter or issue should be considered trivial or insignificant, but should be treated with serious concern. Another crucial point for the establishment of world peace given by the Holy Qur an is that if two Muslim governments enter hostilities or disputes, then other governments should unite together in an effort to encourage them to reconcile. If the warring nations accept a truce, but then one party breaks the agreement, or openly rejects the peace plan and remains determined to transgress, then at that stage the other government should come together and oppose the aggressor. The victim nations should not, in such circumstances, be left on their own, until they are once again living in peace. Thereafter, if the aggressor withdraws, accepts his mistake and pledges to observe peace, then revenge should not taken and nor should unreasonable, inappropriate and unfair demands be placed on them. Thus, the fundamental principle when dealing with such matters is acting with justice. This guidance is taken from Chapter 49, Verse 10 of the Holy Qur an. It should not only be considered as guidance for Muslim countries, because the truth is that if all countries came to follow these rules then grievances would die down rather than increase. Unfortunately, such principles were not kept in view during and after the First World War, and because of this, ultimately the world was led to the Second World War. During that war, once again these principles were not kept in view and the requirements of justice were not fulfilled. Keeping in mind our past history, it is clear that today the foundation for a Third World War is being laid. After the Second World War, Germany itself became a target for injustice and it was soon divided into two separate countries. It is a great favour of God Almighty upon the German nation that it soon came to realise its error and so it ended the circle of cruelty and united as one nation once again. Nonetheless, it is an unfortunate reality that certain restrictions and limitations have been october 2012 The Review OF Religions 57

58 breaking the myth that islam promotes extremism placed upon the German Government by outside powers. Indeed, certain other countries are suffering in this way. For example, we find that in the United Nations, all countries do not have equal rights in terms of the decision making process. Such injustices and inequalities are spreading through the world and are leading to anxiety and restlessness amongst peoples and nations. These anxieties are adding to the pressure that already exists due to the global financial crisis. Thus, we find that the world is being led towards another world war. The last world war was fought almost exclusively with conventional weapons; yet still, according to some estimates, at least 8 million Germans were killed, of which between 2 and 2.5 million were civilians. The total death toll globally during the Second World War is estimated at between 70 and 80 million people. The situation today is far more precarious because even many smaller nations have come to possess nuclear weapons. Whilst they possess such destructive weapons, their leaders do not necessarily have the sense or wisdom required to understand the consequences of their actions, rather they are quite trigger-happy. No doubt therefore, that if a world war does break out once again, the aftermath will be so horrific that its consequences are beyond our imagination. Therefore, those of us who are members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at are extremely concerned about the current state of affairs of the world, because it seems as if the world is being engulfed by a global catastrophe. This heartfelt anguish for humanity and our love for mankind is based upon the teachings of the Holy Qur an and the most perfect example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). 58 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

59 Obama. I have also written to Germany s Chancellor and certain other world leaders. I hope and pray that they read these letters with care and consideration, and so I hope that they come to play their respective roles in working towards peace and striving to prevent the world from destruction. I hope and pray that they lead us to peace, rather than to war. As I have already said, Islam s teachings are universal and span all spectrums of life, starting from the domestic family unit, to the wider society and ultimately it also encompasses the rights of nations and the means of conducting international relations. In the time available I have presented only a few examples. In this era, it was the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Jama at, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, who infused within all Ahmadi Muslims the spirit of ensuring that all parties are granted their due rights. Thus, in an effort to preserve and protect mutual rights, we make strong efforts and we encourage others to do the same. Recently, in an effort to establish peace in the world, I have written a series of letters to world leaders to try and draw their attention towards the needs of the time. I have written to Pope Benedict, to the leaders of Israel and Iran and to President In this regard I would like to request all of you that within your own circles, you should strive to establish justice and the rights of all people, so that the world can be saved from destruction. The most important and greatest means to achieve this is, of course, through recognising Our Creator. When a person recognises His Creator, then naturally the love of His Creation comes to penetrate his heart. By the Grace of Allah, it is due to our relationship with God and our fear of Him and the fact that we are following the true teachings of Islam, that we Ahmadi Muslims have such a great love for mankind. This is why we constantly raise the slogan Love for All, Hatred for None. and to achieve this objective we seek Allah s Help to bless our efforts. At the end, I would like to once again sincerely express my vast gratitude to all of you for taking so much time to sit here and listen to my address. May Allah bless you. Thank you very much. october 2012 The Review OF Religions 59

60 Milestone Reached in the Indexing & Tagging Project s. taalay ahmed, hartlepool, uk When I was asked to help tag and index the entire archive of The Review of Religions, I was somewhat daunted by the task. This was partly due to the huge number of thousands of articles that would need to be read but mainly because I didn t have a clue how to begin. However working with the webdeveloper and Editor we were able to quickly establish a small team of volunteers and a detailed plan to tackle the task. This small team eventually grew to eleven people from a really diverse range, including working professionals, mothers and students. The Tagging itself mainly involved reading all the editions currently available on the site from cover to cover and choosing certain key words from each article. Subsequently, those key words were added as tags beneath the online edition of the article. This sounds quite simple, but in reality the team had to dedicate a great deal of time to this work; it required a keen eye and some skill. For example, taggers had to keep themselves aware of the full index of tags, to avoid using conflicting words or spellings, whilst tagging the same subject or person in different articles. As there are currently 699 tags in the index, this was no easy task. Recently, the tagging team reached its first milestone. By the Grace of Allah, we have now tagged all 243 issues of The Review of Religions that are currently available in the online index. Along the way, quite a few of the team have 60 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

61 commented on how delightful it has been to read issues of the magazine from over 100 years ago, many of which contained fascinating and matchless articles written by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). We have also appreciated how much the presentation and layout of the magazine has gradually changed and modernised over the decades. The purpose of this exercise has been that if we now click on any tag, either beneath an article or on the Topics page, we will be taken to a list of every article that has been tagged with that word or phrase. So, if we click on the tag Islam, we are taken to a list of all the articles currently available on the site, which are about Islam. Also, an alphabetical index of all the tags is now available on the site s Topics page at reviewofreligions.org/topics. Despite our satisfaction with what has been achieved so far, there still remains a lot of work to be done. There are still hundreds of issues from previous years that will soon be added to the online archive and will need to be tagged. Moreover, we are always looking into ways in which we can improve the existing tags. As such, we would love to hear feedback from the readers of The Review of Religions about how useful or otherwise the tags on the Topics page are. S. Taalay Ahmad is the Team Leader of the Indexing & Tagging Project. He is a member of the Waqfe Nau scheme and is currently studying MA in journalism at Sunderland University. tagging@reviewofreligions.org Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@reviewofreligions.org october 2012 The Review OF Religions 61

62 Laying the Foundation of Peace and Reconciliation Baitul Ghafoor Mosque opens in Halesowen, United Kingdom 62 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

63 the opening of the Mosque and he pledged to always be ready to assist the Ahmadiyya Community in its efforts to promote peace and understanding. Halesowen is a town located in the West Midlands, United Kingdom On 18 th March 2012, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at and its worldwide Head, inaugurated the Baitul Ghafoor Mosque in Halesowen, a town in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. An afternoon reception was then held to mark the opening of the Mosque and was attended by dignitaries and guests from all walks of life. Phil Bennion, MEP for West Midlands, said that it was a true privilege to attend AMA GALLERY UK James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowely Regis said that it was a great honour for him to welcome Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) to his local constituency. Councillor Michael Evans, Mayor of Dudley Council, praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds each year for AMA GALLERY UK AMA GALLERY UK october 2012 The Review OF Religions 63

64 laying the foundation of peace and reconciliation UK charities. The keynote address of the afternoon was delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The transcript of this address is presented here: After reciting Tashhahud, T awwudh and Bismillah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said: All the distinguished guests: Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our distinguished guests, who have spared their time to attend the inauguration of our new mosque here today. In today s world, we find that people generally do not seem to be interested in religion. This indifference is not specific to any one religion, but is observed across the board. Here in the United Kingdom, if we look at the national statistics, then we find that approximately 75 to 80 per cent of the population still identify themselves with a particular religion. However, in reality barely 9 or 10 per cent of the population, at the very most, regularly attend Church or other places of worship. Thus, whilst there remains a superficial recognition of religion, there is little interest or 64 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

65 attention paid to religious practices by the majority of society. Bearing all of this in mind, it is generally the case that those who do attend religious functions or events related to religion in some way, are amongst those who still hold an inherent interest and curiosity about religion or because they themselves are religious people. Or a third reason for attending is simply to display good moral values. Whilst this third reason has no direct relationship with religion itself, however holding good moral standards is, in fact, a fundamental part of religious teachings. Thus, when a person chooses to attend a religious event hosted by people from a religion different to his own, he is normally motivated out of a desire to learn about the other faith and perhaps also due to a desire to display high moral values. Therefore, keeping in view all of these reasons, we are most certainly grateful to all of you, because today s event is a purely religious event whereby a place of worship is being inaugurated where people can join together to submit before the One God. A mosque is a place where people are safeguarded and protected from worldly desires or thoughts and so are able to worship God Almighty with sincerity and purity of heart. Thus, your attendance here today is an attempt on your part to discover and learn about the true Islam and this act is proof of october 2012 The Review OF Religions 65

66 laying the foundation of peace and reconciliation I wish to convey to you what exactly our Community -the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at - really is and what its purposes and objectives are. your high moral standards. In any case, whatever your motivation for attending, let me say that we are truly grateful and that you are all very welcome. With these few words of appreciation, I shall now come to the main objectives of my speech, which I am sure will be of interest to many of you. Primarily, I wish to convey to you what exactly our Community - the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at - really is and what its purposes and objectives are. To reveal this, I shall summarise the way in which the Founder of our Community explained all of this. We believe that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, is the Promised Messiah and the Imam Mahdi (the Guided One). In accordance with the true teachings of Islam, we believe his advent was foretold in both the Holy Qur an and also in the prophecies made by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). We further believe that his advent was also foretold in other religious scriptures. Thus, we believe that he came in fulfilment of all of these prophecies at a time when the state of the world was such that there was an urgent need for a Promised Messiah and Reformer to appear. Upon his advent, the Promised Messiah (as) outlined various purposes and objectives for which he had been commissioned by God Almighty. Today, I shall mention and discuss three key objectives which he fulfilled. The first objective with which the Promised Messiah (as) was tasked was to establish a connection between mankind and its Creator. He taught that the relationship between man and God was to be established through worship and through truly believing in God s Attributes of being the Best Provider, the Most Mighty and the Possessor of All Powers. The Promised Messiah (as) enjoined us repeatedly to understand this fundamental and guiding principle through which a person can become a true worshipper of the One God. Only through following this guidance can a real and sincere relationship with God Almighty be formed. It is to achieve this key objective that mosques are built. Hence, this is why this mosque of ours is 66 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

67 being opened today, as a means to fulfil the rights and responsibilities that we owe to God Almighty. The second major purpose for which the Promised Messiah (as) was sent was to make the people of the world aware of the need to fulfil the rights of God s Creation. What he taught was not a new teaching; instead, he came to remind the world of the message that had been brought by all of the previous Prophets of God and which had been revealed in its most perfect and final shape, in the form of the Holy Qur an, which was revealed by God to the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). The third primary objective of the Promised Messiah (as) for which he was sent was to bring to an end to all religious warfare and so lay the foundations for peace and reconciliation to be established throughout the world. Having just outlined the three key objectives of the Promised Messiah (as), I shall now speak in greater detail about each of them. In terms of the first purpose, that of establishing a relationship between God Almighty and mankind, if we observe we find that a worshipper of God personally benefits from that worship. This is because he The world stands in desperate need of the true message of Islam. who worships and prays to God in a sincere manner is rewarded for his efforts by becoming a recipient of God s blessings and His bounties. This benefit is not limited to that individual alone, but it also benefits others in society. As a true worshipper exhibits good morals, this in turn has a positive effect on the surrounding society. We find that when worship is performed purely for the sake of attaining God s pleasure then the worshipper automatically comes to follow the commands of God Almighty. The Holy Qur an is filled with numerous commands exhorting man to fulfil the rights of others. Indeed, the Holy Qur an has stated categorically that if on the one hand any person worships God, yet on the other, he deprives others of their due rights then such worship will be october 2012 The Review OF Religions 67

68 laying the foundation of peace and reconciliation completely rejected by God Almighty and it will be devoid of any blessing. Look and see, therefore, just how beautifully the rights of mankind have been established and preserved by Islam. I come now to speak about the second purpose with which the Promised Messiah (as) was sent. I have just mentioned that a person who discharges the rights owed to God Almighty automatically comes to discharge the rights owed to mankind. However, in order to uphold and manifest the highest human values, it is essential that we identify just what exactly the rights owed to our fellow man are. The Holy Qur an has identified and listed these very rights, of which I shall now mention just a few. In Chapter 3, Verse 111 of the Holy Qur an it states that a person can only be deemed a true believer when he calls on others to do good and when he forbids all forms of evil. This is a truly beautiful teaching whereby it is clarified that it is not simply enough to seek or promote peace between individuals, but that a believer must spread goodness and prevent wrongdoing throughout the entire society. The Qur an also goes on to explain how such virtues and kindness are to be advanced. It teaches that you should not try to compel others through force to be good and to refrain from wrongdoing. Instead, such objectives ought to be pursued through piety and by displaying an excellent manner and attitude at all times. In Chapter 51, Verse 20 of the Holy Qur an, our attention is drawn towards 68 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

69 fulfilling the rights of poor people and those who are suffering from deprivation. Muslims are commanded that if a person in need approaches them for help, then they should not be turned down in a harsh way. This is because when destitute people feel that their deprivation has reached its peak, then it leads to the spread of restlessness and disorder throughout society and so ultimately the peace and tranquillity of the community is shattered. Therefore, helping deprived people has multiple benefits, because where on the one hand, it helps to bring man closer to God, on the other, it leads to the creation of a peaceful and harmonious environment. This is because those who were once impoverished are finally able to stand upon their own two feet and gain self-respect and dignity. After hearing all of this, the question may arise in the minds of certain people, that if this is what Islam teaches, then surely we should see such high standards and values widely practised in Muslim countries? However, with great regret, I am obliged to say that the leaders and rulers of such countries are often tainted by their selfish and vested desires, which are preventing them from acting in a noble manner. Indeed, this is the very reason why there was a need for the Promised Messiah (as) to come so that he could re-establish justice and fairness, based on the true teachings of Islam. It is in the light of this that the Ahmadiyya Community has a passionate desire to serve humanity. Whilst we do not have huge resources, still the members of our Community give generously in alms, according to their abilities, out of a desire for piety and in an effort to relieve the pain and suffering of humanity. Under the supervision and management of our Jama at, many schools, hospitals, orphanages and various other projects are being established and administered in the poorer countries of the world. Because it is our desire to serve humanity, there is no doubt that if we had greater resources then we would like to increase our efforts and scope even further. I should mention here also that the majority of the people who are benefitting from our various schemes and institutions, both in Africa and elsewhere, actually have no direct link or association with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Our services, therefore, are rendered irrespective of religious, ethnic or social background. I shall now speak of another great moral quality taught by Islam, which is to fulfil the rights owed to one s parents and the requirement to treat them in a kind and october 2012 The Review OF Religions 69

70 laying the foundation of peace and reconciliation Islam teaches that amongst parents the highest rank has been awarded to the mother and so she has been granted the first right over a child. loving way. It is not simply enough to only give your mother a gift on Mother s Day, as is the case today, but in fact we should strive to take care of our parents each day of our lives. We must consider their feelings in all matters and should not utter even a sigh or murmur in complaint if they say or do something that displeases us. We are indebted to our parents to such an extent that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) taught that it is impossible to fulfil the rights owed to our parents, no matter how hard we try. Islam teaches that amongst parents the highest rank has been awarded to the mother and so she has been granted the first right over a child. Then, the rights of a father have also been established, but they are secondary to those owed to a person s mother. If we fairly assess and analyse, then it becomes obvious why our mothers are owed even greater rights than our fathers, because from the trials of pregnancy and labour, right up until we become adults, mothers have had to endure much greater levels of pain and suffering for the sake of their children. Thus, if we examine the status given to our mothers by Islam, then this example alone should be enough to refute the allegation that some people raise and that is that in Islam women are considered inferior to men. Another exemplary and beautiful right established by Islam is the right of a person s neighbours. The reason I call it a beautiful right is because if each of us fulfils the rights of our neighbours, then it will naturally lead to peace in our towns, our cities, our societies, our countries and ultimately, will lead to peace being established throughout the world. The definition of a neighbour in Islam is not limited to only those people who live nearby, but in fact its net has been cast far and wide. Our neighbours include, at the very least, the forty houses on each side, which are nearest to us but this is not all. In fact, the Holy Qur an has also designated a person s work colleagues, and those people with whom one travels, as his neighbours. Therefore, a neighbour can actually extend beyond your country s borders, and so if we all fulfil the rights of our neighbours from a local and individual level to an 70 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

71 international and collective level, we will come to find that the foundation for international peace and security will have been laid. When such strong foundations for peace are laid and the rights of others are at the forefront of our minds, then naturally our intentions and efforts will be drawn towards that third objective with which the Promised Messiah (as) was charged. This, as I mentioned before, was to bring an end to all religious warfare. The Promised Messiah (as) categorically and clearly explained that permission to fight in war had been granted by God Almighty in the Holy Qur an only as a means of defence and as a last resort. This permission was granted to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) because, and only because, the opponents had waged merciless war on the Muslims in the name of religion. Therefore, in effect, war was forced upon the Muslims. Thus, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) never led the Muslims into any offensive war; instead, he and his followers only fought in self-defence after they themselves had been attacked. If you study his life without prejudice, then you will find that this really was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Based on these Qur anic teachings, the Promised Messiah (as) repeatedly counselled that in today s world, there remains no legitimate reason that justifies religious warfare. He taught this because we no longer find Muslim countries being attacked in the name of religion. Instead, he said that the way to serve Islam in the modern era was not through war, but by portraying the true and beautiful teachings of Islam through our words and through our deeds. The Promised Messiah (as) taught that it is this type of Jihad that we must strive for, which is an inner struggle to reform our selves towards good and to shun away from evil. He taught us that today, rather than using the sword, we must use the pen to spread the beautiful characteristics of Islam, in the form of books, literature, and through the media. And also we must utilise all other positive means of educating the world about Islam s real and loving teachings. This is the Jihad of the Pen which the Promised Messiah (as) brought and which he taught and this alone is a representation of true Islam. Therefore, today, all that I have tried to convey to you is the true Islam. I have only commented upon a few teachings from the Holy Qur an, but the truth is that the Qur an is filled from cover to cover with enlightened guidance. We, Ahmadi Muslims, follow this Islam, and it is this october 2012 The Review OF Religions 71

72 laying the foundation of peace and reconciliation Islam that we spread and convey to others. In an effort to fulfil this objective, we construct mosques throughout the world. In our mosques where on the one hand we gather for the worship of God Almighty, on the other, we also join together to learn and speak about positive human values through which we can spread goodness and kindness around the world. No individual or group should ever feel threatened, endangered or fearful of any of our mosques in any way, shape or form. These are not mere and hollow words of mine. In fact, soon all of you will come to witness that in this mosque only those people enter who truly worship God Almighty and who wish to serve humanity. Thus, from this mosque, you will find a message of love, affection and brotherhood which will shine forth as a true beacon of light that will illuminate the surrounding area, the city and indeed the wider world. We live in such precarious times, that wherever I have the opportunity to speak, I say that the world stands in desperate need for love and affection. This is a vastly important message that the entire world must take heed of. If we fail to comprehend the importance of this, then restlessness and disorder will continue to flare up within various countries of the world. The flames of war which we are currently witnessing on a small scale in different parts of the world are continuing to spread. Thus, if we do not act immediately, then soon such flames will engulf the entire world and the destruction that will ensue is something that we cannot even begin to comprehend. It is my ardent prayer that God the Exalted saves us and our future generations from such devastating carnage. Hence, I would also request all of you to raise your voices within your own spheres of influence in an effort to stop war breaking out, before it is too late. May Allah support all of you in this noble endeavour. May we come to live in a world of peace and harmony, rather than a world filled with hatred and division, Amin. Finally, I would once again like to thank all of the esteemed guests who have enlightened today s event, where we have celebrated the inauguration of our new mosque. Thank you very much. 72 The Review OF Religions OCTOBER 2012

73 The English Rendering of Volume I of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) s epic Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets) has now been published as a book and is available to read online at org/holyprophet/seal-of- Prophets-Vol-1.pdf. From our May 2012 Edition we began the first ever serialisation of the recently translated, English Rendering of Volume 2 of The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets, prior to its publication and release in book form.

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75 Calendar of Religious Events & Festivals October 2012 Tuesday 9th October Faith: Jewish Event: Simchat Torah This is a celebration to mark the end of the annual cycle of weekly public Torah readings. It also marks the start of a new cycle. Saturday 27th October Faith: Muslim Event: Eid-Ul-Adha A Festival of Sacrifice to commemorate Ibrahim (as) s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma il (as), in obedience to a command from God. It also marks the completion of Hajj (Holy pilgrimage to Mecca). Tuesday 16th October Faith: Hindu Event: Navratri (start) This marks the start of nine nights and ten days dedicated to the worship Shakti. Wednesday 31st October Faith: Christian Event: Hallowe en (All Hallows Eve) A Christian festival honouring the dead. This day originates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

76 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 Islamic Publications, 2012 ISSN No