RR200208

Contents August 2002, Vol.97, No.
Editorial - The significance of the minaret; also, many of today’s ecological problems are
attributable to the lack of ethics – Sarah Waseem ................... 2
Notes and Comments: A Second Coming – Can you imagine a son of God giving up
his heavenly throne and descending to earth two millenniums later? - Mansoor Shah .... 4
Islam and the Global Quest for Sustainable Development

A review of some of the major environmental issues issues facing the world today
and Islam’s answers to these.
Dr. Abd Latif Busari – Abuja, Nigeria ......................... 6
The Purpose of Religious Differences

Discussion on why and how religious debate should be conducted.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) . .......................... 27
The Blind Watchmaker who is also Deaf and Dumb – Part III
Continuing our serialisation of the book Revelation, Rationality Knowledge and Truth.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad ............................. 36
How to get Rid of the Bondage of Sin

Concluding part of an extract from an extremely popular article that appeared in the
January 1902 Review of Religions - Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) ........... 45
Chief Editor and Manager Chairman of the Management Board

Mansoor Ahmed Shah Naseer Ahmad Qamar
Basit Ahmad
Bockarie Tommy Kallon Special contributors: All correspondence should
Daud Mahmood Khan Amatul-Hadi Ahmad be forwarded directly to:
Farina Qureshi
Fareed Ahmad The Editor
Fazal Ahmad Proof-reader: Review of Religions
Fauzia Bajwa. Shaukia Mir
The London Mosque
Mansoor Saqi Design and layout: 16 Gressenhall Road
Mahmood Hanif Tanveer Khokhar London, SW18 5QL
Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Publisher: United Kingdom
Navida Shahid
Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah © Islamic Publications, 2002
Sarah Waseem.
ISSN No: 0034-6721
Saleem Ahmad Malik Distribution:
Tanveer Khokhar Muhammad Hanif
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the opinions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 1
Editorial
relevance to the subject
matter of the article is well
demonstrated by the author
himself. He argues that one
Some of you may have cannot achieve freedom from
wondered as to the the shackles of sin through the
significance of the minaret in mistaken Christian doctrine of
the Review of Religions logo. atonement through the
Its significance is explained in crucifixion of Christ. This free-
the article, ‘How to Get Rid of dom can only be won through a
the Bondage of Sin’. The deep belief in, and a perfect
author explains that minaret knowledge of, God: ‘It is not
(or minar in Arabic) is the to believe simply that there is
symbolic name given to such a a God but to know God and see
person who, by virtue of his God’. Put another way, to
magnanimity, purity and emancipate oneself from the
holiness, displays within numberless gods that surround
himself a heavenly light. This us, we should fear the
light serves as a guide for retribution of the One God and
mankind, just as a lighthouse we should love Him above all
serves as a beacon for ships else. This in Islamic parlance is
ploughing the seas in the pitch called Taqwa or righteousness.
of night. The whiteness of the
minaret symbolises this The next question that arises
person’s purity; his stead- is how can one gain this
fastness in the face of trials perfect knowledge of God, and
and tribulations is represented hence develop love for and
by the firmness with which this fear of Him? The acquisition of
tower stands. any kind of meaningful
knowledge requires effort and
The minaret, in short, exertion on the part of the
symbolises the Promised seeker. To reach God, to build
Reformer of this age, Hadhrat up one’s knowledge of Him,
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). Its one must tread the path that
2 Review of Religions – August 2002

Editorial
leads to Him. Practical ways of Development’ so eloquently

doing this are hinted at it the puts it, ‘…the degradation of
article ‘Islam and the Global our morals and pollution of the
Quest for Sustainable ethics of the society we live in
Development’. The author are responsible for the
makes the powerful argument degradation and pollution of
that many of today’s our environment.’ In bringing
ecological and other problems ethics and morality into our
faced by the world can be political decisions, not only
attributed to the lack of would we start to clean up the
morality and ethics in our environment but we would
decision making. Global also move closer to God, gain
warming, the depletion of the more knowledge of Him and
ozone layer, hunger, poverty, begin to unlock the shackles
to mention a few, are that enslave us to the
problems created by man. materialistic idols that so
According to a World Bank dominate our world.
report there is enough food in
the world to feed its
population twice over and yet
CORRECTION
family planning is advocated
as a way to alleviate hunger. We regret that due to an
The problem is not that there oversight, a photograph of
the late Mr. Bashir Ahmad
is a shortage of food, it is Orchard (July 2002, page
rather the policy of food 51) is labelled as with the
distribution that results in 2nd Khalifa whereas it is
millions of people in our small with Hadhrat Mirza Bashir
world going hungry. By Ahmad Sahib. We
apologise for this error.
introducing morality and
ethics into our global policies
we can solve many, if not all,
of the man-made problems. As
the author of ‘Islam and the
Global Quest for Sustainable
Review of Religions – August 2002 3

Notes and Comment
A Second Coming gone but not in the way they had
expected. They were awaiting a
Time and time again, Christians warrior king who would lead the
and non-Ahmadi Muslims have Israelite armies against the
predicted that the Second despotic rule of the Roman
Coming of Jesus(as) was imminent. Empire. Their belief about the
But with the passage of time, bodily descent of Elijah before
their anticipations have proved the advent of the Messiah stood
false. Just as amongst the Jews it as a great hindrance in their
has begun to be acceptable in ready acceptance of Jesus as the
some circles to dismiss talk of the Messiah. Jesus(as), himself hinted
second coming of a prophet as a that John had the attributes of
mere concept, there are some Elijah.
Christians who have begun to feel
the same. As for the non-Ahmadi However, Jesus(as) was no super
Muslims, they once believed that human being but a mortal and he
this Messiah would go about the died a natural death. What was
land breaking the Cross and kill meant by his second coming was
the pigs. Instead of trying to that someone having his
interpret these prophecies in the attributes would be born. God,
metaphors in which they are the Creator, does not need to
expressed, they too have begun recycle human beings. Can you
to doubt the authenticity of the imagine a son of God giving up his
prophecies about the great world heavenly throne and descending
reformer promised to them. from heaven after two millenn-
However previously they never iums? It is an idea that can only
disputed these prophecies. keep a blind faith alive. Yet the
Christians see no irrationality in
For thousands of years the Jews this dogma.
have been yearning for the
advent of the Christ but they do Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as),
not realise that he has come and the Holy Founder of the

Notes and Comment
Ahmadiyya Muslim community they too shall not see the son
claimed that he had been of Mary coming down. Then
commissioned by God Almighty as God shall cause great
the World Reformer and the consternation in their minds
Messiah promised to the people. and they shall then say that
He explained that the descent of the period of the dominance
Jesus(as) was not to be in his of the Cross has also passed
physical person but that a away and the way of life has
Messiah was to come in his image changed completely, yet the
and spirit. Hadhrat Ahmad(as) son of Mary has not come
claimed that he was that person. down. Then in dismay the
If he was false in his claims, why wise among them shall
did God assist him in his plans, forsake their belief and three
help him defeat his opponents centuries from now shall not
and grant him success after have passed when those who
success for twenty long years? await the coming of Jesus son
Concerning the widely believed of Mary, whether they be
notion that Jesus(as) in his second Muslims or Christians, shall
advent will descend physically in relinquish altogether this
his person on the wings of angels concept. Then shall prevail
Hadhrat Ahmad (as) predicted in only one religion over the
1903 that: whole world and then there
shall be only one religious
‘Remember very well that no Leader. I came only to sow the
one shall ever come down seed planted by my hand. It
from heaven. All our shall now grow and flourish
opponents who live today and there is none that can
shall die and none from them hinder it.
shall ever see Jesus son of (Roohani Khazain, Vol.20:
Mary coming down from Tadhkiratush Shahadatin p.67)
heaven. Then their children
that are left after them shall The wise can see the writing on
also die and none from among the wall even now and will not
them shall ever see Jesus son have to wait for another two
of Mary coming down from centuries.
heaven. And then their third
generation shall also die and

Islam and the Global Quest for
Sustainable Development
By Dr. Abd Latif Busari – (Abuja, Nigeria)
This article was written before the World Summit took place
If all goes well, millions of people Assembly.This summit promises

across the world will watch what to be the biggest ever yet as most
is un-arguably the single largest of the current world leaders, at
gathering of world leaders during least 135 Heads of State and
the third edition of the World Government of both small and big
Summit on Sustainable nations plus thousands of dele-
Development (WSSD), otherwise gates from across the globe, are
referred to as the Earth Summit. expected to attend the most
They will meet to discuss the crucial last 3 days of the summit.
burning issues of the global
environment and sustainable It is necessary at this point
development. The very first however, to ask first what are the
edition of this conference was issues that are considered so
held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1973 important and have similar
and the second one, which conferences held in the past
attracted greater world attention yielded much by way of solutions
was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the perceived problems? My
in 1991. The third summit which personal lay-man’s view is that
was scheduled for Johannesburg, indeed, the issues at stake are
South Africa, between 2–11 weighty indeed.They are issues
September, 2001, could not be that affect all of God’s creatures
held. and the environment in which
they live.But as to whether
A committee of the General similar meetings held in the past
Assembly of the United Nations have achieved much, my answer
has proposed a new date (26 is, no! The major decisions of the
August – 4 September 2002) for summit held in 1991 in Brazil,
ratification by the General referred to as the ‘Rio Principles’–

have gone largely un- The scope of the issues to be

implemented, ten years after the discussed and for which solutions
summit. The decisions include the must be proffered at this meeting
Pollution-pays Principle, the have been substantially enlarged
Precautionary Principle and the to take care of virtually all
Principle of Common but conceivable issues of sustainable
Differentiated Responsibilities. development and global harmony.
Indeed, the status of implemen- Already meetings have been held
tation of the Rio Principle is by all regional blocks to
among the top priority items to be synthesize and fine-tune the most
discussed at the opening pressing problems confronting
meeting.Similarly, the Montreal their populations for inclusion in
Protocol – an international the global agenda.
agreement signed in 1998 in
Montreal, Canada – with the The Asia-Pacific meeting was held
major goal of reducing the rate of in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia on 26th
depletion of the Ozone Layer November 2001, the Africa group
through a graded reduction in CO2 met in Nairobi, Kenya on 18
emissions mainly from the October. The Arab block had their
burning of fossil fuels and the meeting in October in Cairo,
manufacture and use of Egypt, while Europe’s meeting
compounds like CFC (Chloro was held in September and the
fluoro-carbon) which have been Latin America group had also met
implicated in causing Ozone in Rio, Brazil. From all these
depletion, has also not been meetings 15 major areas
implemented. The Montreal including 5 consensual issues
Protocol calculates that if all were arrived at.
necessary actions are taken on
the part of concerned countries My main aim in this article is to
the Ozone layer could be fully highlight some of the more
repaired by the middle of the 21st important areas that the summit
century. However, one cannot, on hopes to address and show how
the basis of past failures, refuse Islam, through its teachings, has
further efforts at solvingsuch proffered solutions that will
persistent problems. enable mankind to find his way
out of the log-jam

The 15 major areas of delib- issues of mega-cities and

eration at the proposed summit urban slums.
include;
5. Fresh Water and Sanitation-
1. Agriculture and Food how to achieve the
Security-how to double Millennium Declaration target
agricultural production of global access to water and
especially in Africa in 5 years sanitation services and
and ensure a sustainable promotion of integrated
agricultural and rural water management.
development (SARD);
6. Energy - need for promoting
2. Sustainable Consumption and global access to energy and
Production - the need to initiatives for promoting
decouple economic growth sharing of renewable and
from pressures on the affordable energy.
environment or natural
resource base and increase 7. Implementation of the Rio
global energy efficiency; Principles- status report on
the implementation of the
3. Management of Natural Polluter-pays principle,
Resources-the need to Precautionary principle and
develop specific initiatives the Principle of Common but
and implement past Differentiated Responsibilities
international commitments and to map out strategies
on issues of fresh-water, that will remove all
sanitation, coastal zones, impediments to their effec-
mountains, air quality, tive implementation;
climate change, forest,
biodiversity, land use and 8. Health – the need to
desertification, minerals and strengthen health services as
metals etc. part of poverty reduction and
sustainable development
4. Sustainable Human strategy;
Settlement - the need for
strategies on effective urban 9. Human Development- involv-
planning and management, ing human education, train-

ing, employment, gender to make globalisation equi-

main-streaming, minority table, inclusive and
rights and youth development. sustainable. Specific initia-
tives to be developed in areas
10. Financing of Sustainable of trade, finance, invest-
Development - strategies for ment, new technologies
mobilizing all sources of (including information tech-
finance for sustainable nology I.T).
development, especially of
the heavily indebted poor 14. Transfer of Technology-
countries (HIPC), cancel- requires summit to foster the
lation of debt of poorest establishment of effective
countries; etc. strategies for technology
transfer and capacity
11. Poverty Eradication-how to building in the LDCs.
achieve the Millennium
Declaration goal of halving 15. G o v e r n a n c e / I n s t i t u t i o n a l
global poverty level by 2015 Structure for Sustainable
and provide the linkage Development - summit is
between environment, expected to discuss ways of
poverty, trade and human improving institutional
security. framework and strategies for
effective monitoring of
12. Trade and Market Access- sustainable development at
need for greater market national, regional and
access to developing international levels, to pro-
countries’ products espe- mote good governance and
cially textile and agricultural effective bilateral or
products, elimination of multilateral partnership
market distortions such as among nations for security.
subsidies, export support
measures and other unwhole- As can be seen these, topics go
some trade practices and far beyond the traditional
reduction of environmentally environmental protection and
damaging subsidies. sustainability issues that
characterised the earlier sum-
13. Globalisation-the clear need mits. What I intend to do is to

highlight the Islamic perspectives In my opinion we do and I will

on some of these topics with a briefly highlight these major
view to suggesting alternative concepts before going into the
solutions to the problems. detailed discussion of how their
Although they appear like so adoption could help mankind.
many issues, a closer look will
reveal that all of them can be The first is that according to
fitted into 2 or 3 main themes; Islam,human beings, are by
divine wisdom, at the center of
a. issues pertaining to the creation and are the rulers of this
sustainable use of the earth’s world.Indeed, they are the
resources without irreversible raisond’etre of Allah’s creation
damaging effects on the and all other things were created
environment and its to serve the purpose and needs of
inhabitants; man.We read from the Qur’an;
b. issues on a humane economic Have you not seen that Allah

world order that will ensure has pressed for you unto
equitable distribution of the service whatever is in the
world’s resources in a manner heavens and whatever is in
that will satisfy the minimum the earth and has completed
requirement of all peoples; His favour on you, both
externally and internally?
c. issues on good governance (Ch.31:v.21)
and leadership that will
exercise authority in a And He has subjected to you
manner that will promote and whatever is in the heavens
foster the material and moral and whatever is in the earth;
and ethical upliftment of all this is from Him. In that
people at various levels - surely are signs for a people
family, organisational, nation- who reflect.
al, regional etc. (Ch.45:v.14)
Do we have Islamic concepts, There are several other similar

principles and precepts that can verses portraying the subjugation
be adopted to guide mankind on of the earth and all it contains to
these topical issues of our time? man (eg: Ch.2:v.30, Ch.22: v.66).

Even the sun and the moon and The above clearly shows that
the stars have been constrained food, water and shelter for man’s
into the service of man use have been provided in
(Ch.6:Vs.13-17). But having abundance by Allah. But these
created all these for man Allah provisions come with some
created man himself, in the best conditions; man should use them
make (Ch.95:V.5), made him judiciously and equitably
superior to other creatures (Ch.25:Vs.64-76, Ch.16:Vs.3-19),
(Ch.17:V.71) giving man the should exercise good judgment in
capacity for unlimited progress their use (Ch.92: Vs.6-12) and he
(Ch.87:V.3) and then showed him shall only have what he strives for
the twin ways of good and evil (Ch.53:V.40), but shall be assisted
(Ch.76:V.4, Ch.90:V.11) and gave to achieve the object of his
him the freedom to act as he desire (Ch.17:Vs.19-21).
chooses (Ch.41:V.41). I will later
expatiate on how the neglect by The third principle that would
mankind, of all these bounties guide mankind out of some of the
from Allah and his deliberate problems enumerated above has
choice of evil over good has led to do with the Unity of Allah our
him to his present woes. Creator and the brotherhood of
mankind.The point here is that if
The second major Islamic human beings truly realise that
concept, that is in close tandem they all come from the same God,
with the above is that at the the same source and are
point of creation Allah has made therefore brothers to one
adequate provision for all and another, their attitude to each
there is no reason why any other would be radically different
creature should be in want of from what is currently on display
anything. We read again in the today.It also follows that when
Ch.20:VS.119-120. any man is chosen to lead others
or finds himself in position of
It is provided for thee that authority over others, he should
thou will not hunger therein, exercise the authority in trust, as
nor wilt thou be naked, And all sovereignty actually belongs
that thou wilt not thirst to God (Ch.3:V.27). Any leader
therein, nor Wilt thou be who does not exercise authority
exposed to the sun. with equity, justice and humility

(Ch.4:V.59, Ch.5:V.9,Ch.38:V.27), daily to store all the food

loses the right to lead reserves – grains, milk, butter,
(Ch.47:Vs.23-24). fruits – produced in those
countries.Recently with the
Before showing how the advent of the mad-cow disease
application of these principles farmers in United Kingdom and
can effectively help mankind few other European countries had
resolve his self-created problem, to slaughter over a million heads
let us quickly review the current of cattle – and those countries
status of some of the afore- still did not go hungry. Yet there
mentioned issues to enable us all are countries in this same world –
to see the nature of these Somalia, Congo, Angola,
problems and some of the Bangladesh, Iraq, and lately
solutions so far tried and whether Afghanistan, – where due to
it is not high time man tried some either ravages of war, drought,
alternative strategies to resolve flood or famine, whole popu-
them. lations starve to death. The U.S.
Federal Government has to pay
Food for All what it called ‘intervention or
A World Bank Report (Knudsen set-aside levies’ to some of its
and Nash, 1990), claims that farmers NOT to produce on their
there is more than enough food farms while the world is at
to feed the people of the world present grappling with how food
twice over. This confirms the production in Africa can be made
proclamation by Allah in Ch.20: to double its present starvation
Vs.119-120, yet over 60% of this levels. Millions on the continent
world’s population go hungry, have to scavenge refuse dumps in
according to the same report. order to eat.The fact therefore is
The same report states that the that Allah has in His Mercies
problem of hunger in the world made all the necessary provision,
today is poverty and not but man, by his selfishness and
insufficient food production. A avariciousness and thinking he
television documentary prepared has all the answers, has caused
by ITV for the EU in 1987 titled all the problems.
the ‘Politics of Food’ shows that
the European Union countries
spend the sum of £150 million

Water Everywhere, Not A Drop rags in major cities of Asian and

to Drink African countries. Even the birds
A TIME International magazine of the skies are more decently
special supplement (Nov. 8, 1999) sheltered. Despite the estab-
revealed that chronic water lishment of the United Nations
shortage affects one third of the Commission on Habitat and
people on earth; yet 80% of the Settlement (UNCHS), and the
earth’s surface is taken up by setting aside of a day every year
water. In North China, it is as World Habitat Day to refocus
reported that global warming is world attention to this deplorable
aggravating an already acute global problem, it has remained
water shortage. Global warming with us and may in fact be getting
is implicated in the rise of worse. A UN study predicts that
summer temperatures by 0.5 – by the year 2015 there will be 26
0.8oC leading to serious losses of extremely huge cities in the
water from rivers while rainfall world and 22 of them will be in
remains unchanged and its water the less developed countries. The
is not enough to off-set the losses megacities will include Bombay
from the rivers. (26 million by 2015) Lagos (24
million), Dhaka (19 million) and
Common sources of water that Karachi (19 million). These are
people rely on are either guinea cities already unable to provide
worm infested (as in many parts decent shelter for 25-45% of their
of Africa) or polluted by toxic present populations. The report
effluents, industrial wastes or further estimates that by 2030
agricultural pesticides. Common almost 60% of the world’s people
clean water to drink – a free gift will live in urban areas, by which
from the Creator – is now a luxury time some megacities will
item to most people on earth! contain some 30 million or more
people. We should ask ourselves
Human Shelter who will provide housing for all
Another free gift from our these people?
Creator – provision of shelter – is
lacking to a third of the world’s Natural Resource Endowment
population. Millions of peasants Nowhere is man’s penchant for
live in the open, surrounded only despoilage witnessed more than
by flimsy polythene sheets and in his handling of natural

resources such as forests, at which thousands of Latin

minerals and metals, fresh-water, American citizens suffer and die
air quality, bio-diversity etc. from respiratory diseases caused
Among the natural resource by air pollution.
endowments that mankind has
abused, mention should be made Unknown to us, Allah, the
of our intellect and the God-given Creator, has configured that we
freedom of choice. It is indeed would need these natural
our injudicious use of these last products to replenish genetic
two that led to the over-use, mis- biodiversity in our crops and
use and abuse of the others animals and to produce new
medicines. We also would rely on
Also through some other pristine ecosystems to replenish
activities that we engage in such oxygen, control erosion, recycle
as pollution and over-fishing, we essential nutrients, regulate
are rapidly destroying the water cycles and re-stock critical
oceans, rivers and lakes and fisheries. But by our activities we
because of over-grazing by our are destroying them all and in the
herds and intensive agriculture process putting ourselves and our
on fringe lands, the deserts are lives on earth in serious jeopardy.
expanding. In fact, agricultural
lands are rapidly shrinking due to Rio Principles and Tokyo
erosion and desert encroach- Protocol
ment, while we lose perhaps Another direct effect of the mis-
some 30,000 species of animals use and abuse of our environment
and plants every year. The result is the phenomenon of climate
of all this is staggering. Some of change.According Dr. Anthony
the repercussions have direct Givens of the London School of
impact on our lives. In Hongkong Economics in the lecture he
air pollution kills about 2000 delivered in Hong Kong in 1999,
people prematurely every year. just 25 years ago, the concern
Citizens have resorted to wearing among scientists was global
air masks and using bottled cooling and how to stem the
oxygen in order to breathe clean trend. Today the pendulum has
air. The Clean Air Initiative for swung to the opposite end and
Latin American cities was global warming is the major
launched to help reduce the rate environmental concern. It cannot

fail to be so given the unrelenting upheavals in many developing

emission of heat trapping carbon countries leading sometimes to
dioxide and other gases through riots and forced or precipitate
the burning of fossil fuel by motor change in governments.Many
vehicles and heating of homes. economies had gone into
recession so much so that today,
Now vast portions of the earth many are questioning the wisdom
especially in the northern in the measures recommended by
hemisphere periodically expe- the Breton Wood Institutions for
rience heat waves up to economic resurgence.One after
50oC.Places like Texas (U.S), Eilat the other, countries like Brazil,
(Israel) and many others have Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia,
recorded this.And the impact of Russia and lately Argentina have
this is already with us – witness had serious financial crisis almost
the incessant flooding, forest sometimes threatening political
fires, hurricanes and tornadoes stability in these countries. In
that are regularly making the 1998 President Clinton had to
rounds in international news in extend a 20 billion life-line to
different parts of the world. It Mexico. In 1999 Brazil had to
has been estimated that as a devalue its currency (the Real) by
result of the global warming, sea as much as 40%, its interest rate
levels will rise by an average 24 went as high as 39% and inflation
cm over the next 50 years. went into double digit, plunging
the country into a severe
Poverty and Sustainable economic recession. Japan,
Development Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and
All issues pertaining to global Philippines all had their own
finance, the world economic economic crisis one after the
order, based, as it were, on other and most of them
capitalism and globalisation, the especially Japan – the third
debt overhang of the HIPCs and biggest world economy are not
the accompanying poverty in out of the woods yet. The
these countries, as a whole, situation has almost caught up
constitute the obverse side of the with Singapore that is reported to
sustainable development coin. have the most secure and stable
Yet, in the last decade or so, the economy in the region. Even in
world has witnessed financial the U.S., reported to be the

global economic leader, interest economic indices in these

rates have to be cut several times countries are chilling
in order to stimulate the
economy. Meanwhile, the gap At the heart of all the financial
between the rich and the poor mess of course is the capitalist
continues to widen. economic world order solely
based on the charging of interest
Africa is in a special class of its The global economy now is
own as the continent is home to characterised by large-scale
most of the world’s most cross-border capital flows, inter-
impoverished countries. With the dependent markets, market
possible exception of some north liberalisation and de-regulation,
African Arab countries and South mega-conglomerates mergers and
Africa, at the other end of the buy-outs oiled by the internet
continent, all the countries are and the information super
members of the infamous HIPCs. highway. Globalisation entails
This situation is compounded by ‘free competition’, allowing so-
innumerable theatres of war that called market-forces to
dotted the continent’s landscape. determine the health of the
It is no wonder that Human economy and its direction. It is
Development Index (HDI), in amazing that inspite of all
these countries has been the evidences pointing to the un-
lowest for decades and remains workability of their economic
the lowest till date. theories over the past few
decades they still insist that
At one point or the other the these theories only and nothing
developed countries – belonging else offer the way out. Proof
to their own prestigious OECD again, of man’s arrogance in self
club have tried using IMF and the actualisation and disdain for the
World Bank as fronts, to force sensibilities of others.
down both macro and micro
economic theories which they THE ISLAMIC OPTION
believe worked wonders for their Sustaining the Environment
own economies. Such attempts Perhaps it is first necessary to
have largely failed and are establish the link between Islam,
increasingly being resisted in and indeed any religion for that
many Development statistics and matter, and the environment.

Muslims believe there is a very from his pursuit of knowledge and

strong link. For as long as man its application that environ-
relegates the moral aspects of his mental pollution and degradation
day-to-day dealings to the set in.
background, so long would he
continue to have intractable Islam teaches that the universe
problems not only in such issues as has been created for a specific
the environment but also in every purpose. The Holy Qur’an
other sphere of his life and living. Ch21:V.17 says:
There is obviously in the world
today a crisis of values and ethics. And We created not the
This moral crisis, which might well heavens and the earth and all
be viewed as ‘moral pollution’ that is in between the two in
underlies the phenom-enon of play.
environmental pollution and
degradation that we are all Furthermore, the creation of the
witnessing today. The moral crisis heavens and the earth has been
came about as a result of our in accordance with the require-
individual and collective ments of wisdom (Ch.15:V.86,
relegation of religion to the back- Ch.39:V.6). These requirements
burners. In order to understand of wisdom dictate that there be
Allah’s subjugation of ‘whatso- laws governing the running of the
ever is in the heavens and the whole system, down to its
earth’ to mankind, one has to first minutest detail. The whole of
understand the philosophical Allah’s creation is in harmony.
principles under-lying the Islamic Allah, (Subhanahu wata’ala)
concept of creation of nature and repeatedly reminds mankind that
its use by man. To put it simply, in all His creation, one cannot
Allah, according to Islamic find a flaw, discord, disorder or
teachings, has created man, as incongruity, for He is Allah, Al-
the best of creatures and Hakeem, the Most Wise. In the
endowed him to the extent that universe created by Allah,
he is personally responsible for everything is adjusted and there
the moral ordering of the natural is a superb coordination by the
world.It is only when man began Master Planner (Khairun
to fail in this duty, that is, when Makirun), Himself. It follows
man divorced ethics and morality therefore, that any disorder or

maladjustment we may observe various laws governing it are

must result from our misuse or constantly at work, but this
contravention of the laws working and their consequence,
governing the universe. The whether beneficent or otherwise,
depletion of the Ozone layer due depend on man’s use. The Holy
to the overproduction of ‘green Qur’an reiterates this point in
house gases’ is an example. several portions (Ch.14: V.8,
Another is when an individual or a Ch.16: Vs.13–17, Ch.56, Vs.69–91
group of men use their knowledge etc).Therefore, having ‘pressed
– another of nature’s endowment into service’ all that the universe
to create situation or objects that contains for man’s use, to help
cause disharmony among other him achieve the purpose of his
men. World history has shown that own creation, Allah then makes
every time an individual or a man responsible for the way he
group misuses any of God’s uses this facility or weilds this
endowment or does anything to authority. That effectively makes
show disregard for Allah’s natural man account-able for the way he
law, it poses danger to them, one chooses to conduct his life on
way or the other. earth. In effect, man is the
architect of his present woes
Getting back to the question of (Ch.39:Vs.49-52).
the purpose of creating the
universe, we read from the Again because man was created
Qur’an (Ch.41: Vs.10-13, ‘in the best mould’ (Ch.95:V.5),
Ch.79:Vs.28-34) that it is solely and was given all the required
to aid man, in diverse ways, to facility (Ch.16: Vs.13-17) and was
achieve the purpose of his own also given the chance to make his
creation. This is the context in own choice (Ch.41:V.41), man has
which the verses earlier referred no excuse whatsoever for not
to were revealed.Subjugating to achieving the purpose of his
man all that is in the heavens and creation and existence and that
the earth, far from making man a again makes him accountable.
despoiler, are to help him achieve Allah thus promised to raise man
the purpose of his creation. They up to account for his life
are part of Allah’s measure of (Ch.23:V.80). As the saying goes,
unlimited bounty to man (Ch.16: ‘to whom much is given, much is
Vs.13–20).The universe and the expected’. So, what is man’s

ultimate purpose in life? In other reflect i.e. to think, study and do

words what will he be held research so that he may acquire
accountable for, on the day of the proper knowledge about all
‘Akhira’. It is how far he has been Allah’s bounties so he can under-
able to receive the impress of stand the laws governing them
God’s attributes and become a and thereby make beneficent use
manifestation of these attributes of them to achieve his own
within the limits of his creation purpose of creation. And while
and capacity (Ch.5: V.57, man may justifiably be proud of
Ch.2:V.22). Allah created man in his array of scientific and
order to equip himself with the technological breakthroughs, all
best provision, which is great scientists agree that we do
righteousness (Ch.2: V.198) The not as yet know even 1/millionth
Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) of what there is to know about
expatiates on this when he said, our universe. Infact our know-
‘equip yourself with the attrib- ledge, staggering as they may
utes of God’. When man has been appear to us, is still rudimentary,
able to do this, and let us quickly in relative terms. To quote Diane
remind ourselves that some of Ackerman; ‘There will always be
the attributes of Allah are that plenty of nature’s sweet secrets
He is a God of order and waiting to be told’ and Elizabeth
equilibrium, of harmony and Gleick – author of Life in the
balance, of peace and love, of Abyss says, ‘Some scientists
justice and equity, when man too speculate that there may be 10-
is able to acquire some of these 100 million species living on the
through a complete submission to ocean floor that are yet to be
the will of Allah and through His discovered’. Given this back-
worship, then would he be able ground, there doesn’t appear to
to live with his fellow man, nay be so much that men should be so
with all God’s creatures, a life of haughty about.
harmony and order, devoid of
discord or imbalance in an The assurance that the whole of
unpolluted and safe world. This is universe is subjugated to man’s
the context in which God has service and the certainty that
subjugated to man the universe everything in the universe is
and all it contains.Times without governed by laws, the knowledge
number, Allah exhorts man to of which God has promised to

vouschafe progressively to man world around us is a direct result

(Ch.55:V.34), are in themselves of that arrogance and it is this
reassuring as well as proof that same arrogance that is mani-
man can make a success of his fested in our conscious effort to
life and living on this planet. lose all moral or religious
restraint that may otherwise curb
The only condition is that man our excesses. Man of course
must make conscious choice to knows what is right from what is
make a beneficent use of these wrong. So says the Qur’an. All it
bounties for his physical and takes is to change our moral
spiritual growth.If he fails to do outlook, get closer to God in
this, that is, if he misuses or order to imbibe some of His
abuses them, the very bounties attributes and make a conscious
may become the instrument of effort to make beneficent use of
his ruin and destruction His bounties. If all the world
(Ch.14:V.8). So we are back to leaders who signed and endorsed
where we started from, that the the Montreal Protocol, the Kyoto
environmental degradation and Protocol, the Rio Principles
global pollution we are wit- realise that they have a moral
nessing are a reflection and obligation to implement these
manifestation of our misuse of agreements, that they will be
God’s bounties ‘of diverse hues’. held accountable for their choice
In other words the degradation of to either implement or neglect –
our morals and pollution of the for the overall benefit of mankind
ethics of the society we live in - then the world would begin to
are responsible for the witness a real change for the
degradation and pollution of our better. The same advice is
environment. applicable to leaders of major
countries that have so far refused
However, hope is not lost. Islam to sign these international
has provided a way out of this treaties. The major pollutants
predicament, if we care to follow which the Kyoto Protocol sought
it. The first thing to do is for man to reduce include sulphur dioxide
to realise that in acquiring the which causes acid rain, nitrogen
various scientific and economic oxide which contribute to urban
knowledge, we have become smog and carbon monoxide and
arrogant. Our disdain for the mercury emissions from power

plants. U.S. releases about one manifestation of the inability to

quarter of these man-made rid oneself of avariciousness.
green-house gases while China Paradoxically those whose
emits about 11% of the world’s banking laws and profits are
carbon emissions. based on interest believe they
are doing the lender some good.
Sustaining All-Round Human But there is no way that lending
Development whose returns include interest
In general terms the same ‘involving diverse additions’
conditions that led to the (Ch.3: V.131), can be benevolent.
pollution and degradation of our Anyone who comes out to borrow
environment have led to the in the first place must be in some
incredible lopsidedness in the relative form of dire straits, for if
distribution of global wealth and he could finance whatever the
the inability of vast portions of project or acquisition is without
the earth to have the minimum borrowing, he would have done
level of life’s comfort, let alone so.What Islam prescribes is that;
sustain themselves from one day
to the next. If any debtor be in straitened
circumstance, then grant him
In specific terms, it is the respite till a time of ease.And
inability or unwillingness of a if you remit it as charity, it
minority section of the world to shall be better for you, if only
follow the Islamic injunction of you know. (Ch.2: V.281)
curbing their avariciousness as
already shown in the case of U.S. This – debt forgiveness – is what
and China on the Kyoto Protocol. scores of leaders of poor
the Qur’an Ch.59:V.10 says countries have been asking for.
President Obasanjo of Nigeria has
And whoso is rid of the been in the forefront using all
covetousness of his own soul – available international fora to
it is these who will be obtain this from both the London
successful. and Paris club of creditor nations.
But his pleas have so far fallen on
At the heart of the capitalist deaf ears. Instead, palliative
economic world order is the issue measure such as debt re-
of interest (Riba), which is a scheduling is preferred. The

Qur’an enjoins us to remit all benevolence in the so-called aid

debts owed us as charity! being doled out? The developed
nations of the West and their
This is true benevolence. And leaders have taken the pursuit of
there is no merit in those who materialism and the adornments
regard the taking of interest as of this world as the ultimate. The
trade – referring to it as ‘the cost Promised Messiah of this age,
of capital’. Allah says He, by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as),
divine wisdom, allows trade but admonishes Muslims in his book
forbids interest. (Ch.2: V.276). Our Teachings, thus:
This clearly shows that there is a
world of difference between the ‘I do not forbid you to think of
two.It cannot be trade because material means within proper
the money over which interest is limits, what I forbid is that
being charged is itself, a like other nations you become
valueless entity – intrinsically– the slaves of material means,
assuming the value arbitrarily altogether forgetting God,
awarded to it by convention, who controls material means
might or common acclamation. as well. Only if you have eyes
to see you will find there is
The rich nations assuage some of only God and God alone
their guilt by the so-called ‘aid’ everything else being
they dole out to poor countries, worthless………… A person
but what they get in return in spiritually dead would laugh
terms of interests on the so- at this but it would be better
called debt owed by these for him if he died before he
countries more than makes up for indulged in this laughter’.
this, ten times over. The Jubilee
2000 project launched in The same avariciousness plaguing
February 1999 (now known as the the rich nations is to be found
Jubilee coalition) claims that among the so-called leaders and
Africa now owes about 379 U.S elites of most of the poor nations
dollar per head on the average. of the world. These are countries
But for every one dollar the rich where individuals at the helm of
countries of the West gives as government are richer than their
aid, nine dollars come back in countries – wealth obtained by
debt servicing. So where is the robbing the country blind. In

recent times, billions of dollars Islam lays greater emphasis on

and pounds stolen by a former ‘giving rather than taking or
military leader in a popular keeping’; therefore, an atmos-
African country were traced to phere is created where ‘the
some banks in rich western demand for one’s rights gives way
countries – which was where to regard for the rights of
some of the money came from others’.The Holy Prophet(sa) was
originally as loans to his country. reported to have urged Muslims,
thus:
In a book titled, Islam’s Response
to Contemporary Issues, the Give the labourer more than
Head of the world wide his dues.Pay him what he has
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, earned before his sweat dries
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, dealt out.Do not put those under
extensively with the issue of you to serve on tasks that you
Islamic economic system. cannot perform yourself. As
According to him, in Islam, an far as possible, feed your
attempt is made to create a servants with whatever you
situation where government and feed your family. Do not
the wealthy in the society transgress against the meek in
understand that it is ‘in their own any way or you will be held
ultimate interest to establish an accountable by God. Lest you
equitable economic system’ succumb to false pride,
where they are constantly on the occasionally make your
look out for the rights of the less servants sit on the same table
privileged and endowed. The with you and serve them.
current capitalist economic order
could not create such a situation, These exhortations form the
which is why we now have so philosophical under pinningof the
much misery, pain, and dis- Islamic socio-economic system.
harmony in our socio-economic Lest some think they are mere
relations. I wish world leaders platitudes, a cursory look at the
attending this summit will read Sunnat of the Holy Prophet of
this book and critically review its Islam(sa) will prove otherwise, as
suggestion to see if it cannot help he ran a society based on these
solve our current financial principles and was able to
problems. achieve real economic justice.

This could still be achieved in and economic tension all because

today’s contemporary world if we it is blessed and in doing so, we
care to follow Islam. are responding to the ‘innate
laws of the human psyche’ while
The place to start is to first attempting to imbibe the
imbibe – as individual, corporate attributes of Allah our Creator –
or national entities – the various which ultimately is the purpose
religious injunctions that enjoin of our creation.
us to love others as ourselves and
only do unto others as we would It is my sincere hope that as the
have them do unto us. This is the preparation for the Johannesburg
essence of true brotherhood and meeting gets underway world
the universal beliefs in the leaders that do attend would
common origin of mankind and ‘equip themselves with the best
the unity of God. With this moral provisions’ (which is right-
re-orientation we can then set up eousness Ch.2: V.198) for this
the pillars of such economic meeting.They should for once
system involving Zakat, prohi- break from the past and come out
bition of interest (under with simple but divinely inspired
whatever guise or form), strategies that would set mankind
prohibition of hoarding of wealth, on the path of peace, progress
adoption of moral principles in and sustainable development in
business and commercial dealings an unpolluted environment.
etc. Qur’anic verses dealing with
these principles and practices The current crop of world leaders
include Ch.3:V.135, Ch.2:V.4, should also search their con-
Vs.262-265, Ch.51: V.20, Ch.76: sciences and see whether they are
Vs.9-10, Ch.74: V.7, Ch.93: V.11 truly discharging this onerous trust
etc. Even in the West certain big in a just and equitable manner as
business are now adopting the enjoined by Islam. Why should the
last pillar – using moral principles developed countries of the West
and ethics in the daily conduct of for instance, continue to provide
business. Far from making sundry subsidies to their farmers
business ventures unprofitable, and key industries to enable them
as some may think, it is indeed compete in the world market and
yielding high dividends, aside at the same time insist – through
from removing social disharmony the IMF – that debt-ridden poor

countries remove similar sub- Rather than hiding behind

sidies as part of their economic excuses, mankind should trace its
structural adjustment pro- steps back to its Creator, before
grammes? In the world today, more calamity comes its way.
there are different sets of law Allah has promised (Ch.26: V.209)
governing international relations. that He never punishes any
This is part of the problem. people until such people have
Leaders of so called third-world repeatedly rejected His warnings.
countries even have more cases to Mankind should take all these
answer before God in the manner floods, typhoons, tornadoes as
their policies and governance have warnings which if heeded may
impoverished their citizens. This is spare him from Allah’s wrath.
another direct result of the
neglect of religion. Anyone who still thinks these
tragedies and tribulations of our
In conclusion, the leaders of the time are mere coincidences
world should swallow their pride should go and read the article by
and accept that in the exercise of the United Nation’s Secretary
choice over these global issues, General – Mr. Kofi Anan in the
they have erred. Hadhat Mirza International Herald Tribune of
Tahir Ahmad, Head of the world September 10, 1999. He had tried
wide Ahmadiyya Muslim to alert the world about the
Community has made us realise extraordinary increase in the
that God has instilled in man’s number and magnitude of so-
nature the faculty of intuition, called natural disasters.
which warns him of the According to him, there were
impending dangers attendant three times as many great natural
upon his decisions. It is therefore disasters in the 1990’s as there
left to our leaders to make the were in 1960’s, while the total
right choice to get mankind out cost of these disasters were nine
of our present dire cir- times as much in the same
cumstances. The Qur’an (Ch.75: period. He stated that the
Vs.15-16) further asserts that number, intensity and cost of
‘man is a witness against himself, natural disasters in 1998 alone
even though he may offer exceeded those of all such
excuses’. disasters in the whole of 1980’s.
The point in all these is that

something strange is happening to REFERENCES

our world – and it is not mere Al-Hadis 1979. English Translation of Mishkatu-
l Massabih, Book II Chp. VIII, XIII, XVII, XVIII.
imaginings of superstitions for pp.9 – 292.
religious people. They are
happening all around us and are Diane Ackerman 1998. Discoveries on your
doorsteps. In: The New Age of Discovery. A
well documented. All the TIME Magazine Special Issue. p.15.
examples I have enumerated
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed, 1996. Our
above were not concocted. Teachings. Extract from Kishtie-Nuh. p.13.
Everybody reads them, in the
news. The earlier mankind sees Knudsen, Odin and Nash John, 1990.
Redefining the Role of Government in
them for what they truly Agriculture for the 1990’s. World Bank
represent – evidence of our past Discussion Papers No. 105.Washington,
sinful ways – and change our pp.1–98.
ways, the better for us. Leon Jarrof 1998. Save the Earth. In: The New
Age of Discovery. A TIME Magazine Special
Issue (Winter 97 – 98). pp.62 – 66.
We have Allah’s assurance in the
Qur’an Ch.39: V.54, thus; Mirza Tahir Ahmad 1997. Absolute Justice,
Kindness and Kinship, pp.1-149.
Say ‘Oh My servants who have Mirza Tahir Ahmad 1997. Islam’s Response to
committed excesses against Contemporary Issues, pp.141–220.
their own souls! despair not of
Niles Eldredge 1999. Will Malthus Be Right.In:
the mercy of Allah, surely Beyond 2000. TIME Special Issue, p.70.
Allah forgives all sins. Verily
The Economist (3–9 October) 1998, pp.3–100.
He is Most Forgiving,
Merciful.’ The Holy Qur’an. Translated by Maulawi Sher
Ali, 1997.
May Allah grant us a clear The News Magazine (8–13 Feb) 1999. League
understanding of His injunctions of the Sick, p.11.
and the humility to make us
accept the limitation of our About the author
knowledge and may He also grant
Dr. Abd Latif Busari is an Ahmadi
us the grace that would enable us
from Nigeria. He has a keen
to pattern our lives in a manner interest in environmental and
that would foster harmony among economic issues
all sojourners on earth. Amin.

Presented below, in translation, are two conversations of the Promised
Messiah(as) with non-Muslims. The Urdu text of both conversations is
contained in Malfoozat, Vol.5, pp .151-154 and pp.141-146 respectively.
(Translated by Amatul Hadi Ahmad)
On 1st March 1903 a gentleman

by the name of Kashi Ram Ved
came from Lahore to pay his
respects to the Promised
Messiah(as). Some other people
were also present after Zuhr
prayers when (in the course of
conversation) the Promised
Messiah ( a s ) addressed Mr Kashi
Ram Ved and said:
Religious difference is a fine

thing. God in His wisdom has
intended it to be there. It
sharpens the human intellect. In
the world even if there is
The founder of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community was Hadhrat agreement on some matter, it is
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) still difficult to get to the finer
In 1891, Hadhrat Mirza Ahmad details and many other minor
claimed, on the basis of Divine matters continue to raise their
revelation, that he was the heads.
Promised Messiah and Mahdi
whose advent had been foretold Making speeches in large
by the Holy Prophet of Islam gatherings for the purpose of
(peace be upon him) and by the exchanging ideas is also a good
scriptures of other faiths.
thing but in our country, up to
His claim constitutes the basis of now, such civilised people have
the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
been very few in number who
Muslim Community.
would sit and listen to the views
of their opponent in silence.

THE DIFFICULTY THESE DAYS IS THAT NOT ONLY IS THERE THE

RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE, BUT WHAT HAS COMPOUNDED THE PROBLEM IS
THE FACT THAT IT IS NO LONGER THE CONCERN OF THE PEOPLE TO
CONCENTRATE UPON THE BASIS OF THE TRUTH BUT ANIMOSITY AND ILL
FEELING AGAINST EACH OTHER HAS DEVELOPED TO SUCH AN EXTENT
THAT TO REFER TO THE OPPONENT’S RELIGION WITH RESPECT OR
HONOUR IS CONSIDERED A SIN.
I myself wished and it was my which go against another religion

intention that we should make and as a result of this people’s
available a place in Qadian where emotions are aroused. In such a
people of different religions gathering there can be peace
could gather and freely express only when the speaker and the
the truth and qualities of their listeners can sit together just as
religion. I know that if there were when a father sees something bad
debates and discussions for the in his son and he advises the son
expression of truth it would be a who listens with patience and
very good thing but experience kindness. The attraction of such
has proved that they contain love proves beneficial. To hope
elements of mischief and for any benefit to ensue from a
disorderliness and therefore such state of anger and viciousness is
discussions have not been an idle thought.
pursued. It is possible that there
may be a handful of people who The difficulty these days is that
would listen to their opponent’s not only is there the religious
views with patience and kindness difference, but what has com-
but the majority is made up of pounded the problem is the fact
ordinary people who are not able that it is no longer the concern of
to listen to even one word against the people to concentrate upon
their own religion no matter how the basis of the truth but
gentle it is. But if a person of a animosity and ill feeling against
different religion is to speak then each other has developed to such
it is very possible that there may an extent that to refer to the
be some things which are said opponent’s religion with respect

or honour is considered a sin. I But I do not attribute the

see that people speak with much (aspects criticised) to the Vedas.
disrespect and rudeness. Earlier I do not know what is in them.
on relations between Hindus and But, we do attribute them to
Muslims were so good that they Pundit Dayanand and he has
lived as one community. Now accepted this. We ourselves
there is such division that the speak against such beliefs and
earlier positive feelings which have publicised that this is the
existed between them no longer belief of the Arya Samaj.
exist. Enmity and prejudice have Similarly, if the Aryas have an
taken hold of them instead. So, objection to make, they should
when there is no element of make it either against the Holy
attachment or attraction left and Qur’an or against a belief which I
all that is looked for (in debates) have stated and published as my
is winning or losing, how can belief. It is not appropriate that
there be an expression of truth? something which we do not
For the expression of truth it is believe is pronounced to be our
important that a person does not belief.
possess any inner prejudice and
there should be no enmity or ill As numerous sects (of different
feeling. religions) have come into being,
therefore, any objections against
I also believe there is another a belief should be levelled only
error in which people have fallen. against the sect which has
Before attacking a religion they accepted that belief. Hence, at
do not consider whether (that the time of discussion the
which they are using for an) relevant book should be
attack is in fact to be found in mentioned. It can be seen from
that book or not. They leave the the various versions and
actual book to one side and pick commentaries (available) how
up on some person’s personal much difference there is.
opinion and attribute it to that
religion. If this principle is kept in mind
the audience can benefit. How
In a number of things we are can a person who has neither
against the Arya religion and we read nor understood a book, have
do not consider them to be right. the right to raise objections

against it? In matters of religion it I have written this book

is necessary that the debate (Naseeme-Dawat) with a view to
should be about the commonly the rules of debate and in it I
accepted original principles have stated my argument in
though it is not necessary that accordance with the principles I
one should have read all the have presented. I do not respond
books for which more than a to those who throw abuse at me
whole lifetime would be needed. because God Almighty has taken
from me the capacity to respond
Debate should be undertaken with abuse. Besides, which of
according to the principles of these people is one to respond to?
debate. Those who are (There are so many)!
experienced in the art of debate
have written that it is totally (When the Aarya gentlemen
useless to become involved in left, some others came and in
minor subsidiary matters the answer to questions, the
example of which is like an army Promised Messiah(as)gave the
which is headed by principles as following brief answer):
its officers. When there is a
decisive outcome amongst the Adhering to the truth despite the
officers, a similar outcome difference of opinion, this you
amongst the soldiers follows. For can see in the book Naseeme-
example, when a commanding Dawat. God has taken away from
officer is killed, the soldiers me the capacity to utter abuse
surrender. I don’t say anything neither am I able to make answer
until God Almighty permits me to to each and every one (who has
do so. If I wished to participate in given abuse). Millions of people
(verbal) debate I would not have are uttering abuse, which one of
published this book (Naseeme- them am I to answer? I take issue
Dawat). Usually, in gatherings with the Aarya Samaj and not
(for religious discussion) truth is with the Vedas because I am not
kept hidden and people work familiar with the Vedas.
with prejudice and stubbornness.
I have, therefore, made a On the evening of 28th
promise with God that I would February 1903, some Aarya
abandon this practice. 1 gentlemen came to pay their
respects to the Promised

Messiah(as) who asked them if respected figures of the opponent

they too had come to attend group and they gain a sense of
this meeting. They replied satisfaction from this. There are
that they had only come as yet others who are of an
they had heard that the extremely harsh nature. To go to
Promised Messiah(as) would gatherings made up of such
also speak at that meeting. people and to enter into religious
Otherwise, they said, they debate then becomes a very
had no wish to come here. delicate matter. Because you
The Promised Messiah(as) know that when two people stand
replied:2 opposite each other with the sole
purpose of proving that the
We know that in reality there are other’s religion is completely
some decent people in every wrong and has no share in truth or
nation, people whose aim is not spirituality, and is in fact dead
to unnecessarily abuse other and has no connection with God,
people and view them with until such time as they prove this
prejudice or to speak disre- of the other person’s religion,
spectfully of their honoured they find it difficult to show the
leaders. But whatever I do, I do it beauty of their own religion. The
only with the permission of and at errors of the other religion have
the indication and command of to be pointed out. If the faults
God Almighty. He has not which exist in it are not
permitted me to indulge in this mentioned then there can be no
type of (abusive) verbal debate. expression of truth. But some
Hence many years ago I published people get over-excited by this
this promise in my book Anjaame- and they cannot bear to listen and
Atham and I have made a promise their emotion erupts into violence
with God that I would not join the and they are ready to fight.
gatherings for such verbal
debates. You are aware that in Hence, to go to such gatherings is
such gatherings many different against good sense because for
types of people attend. Some are religious analysis it is essential
totally ignorant and attend that people come to a religious
merely for the purpose of joining gathering with a cool heart and
the crowd. Others come so that with a nature which is fair and
they can throw abuse at the just. It is better if they don’t

have any inclination towards twelve minutes. It is easy for the

quarrelsomeness or violence. enquirer to put the question but
Then, in such an atmosphere one the difficulties faced by the
person can describe the qualities person responding are not easy to
of his religion and speak as much imagine. If a person puts the
as he can and then someone from question that tells me about the
the other group can stand up and solar system and the stars and
in a similar civilised, gentle the earth and (also states that)
manner can describe the qualities answer me in the time that I have
of his religion. This can be taken to put the question – give
repeated many times but, me the answer within that time
unfortunately, in our country up otherwise you are a liar. Now, the
to now such patient and gentle predicament of the person who
(religious) analysts do not exist. has to give the answer is quite
Such a time has not yet come. evident. What can he do? Until he
But, yes, it is hoped that God will writes a book made up of many
soon bring such a time. I even chapters, the answer will not be
intended that we should prepare complete! In short, these are the
a building here in which people types of difficulties I face. These
from various religions could speak are the reasons which prevent me
freely (about their religion). In from attending such gatherings.
truth if a matter is not heard with
a cool heart and a fair mind and If, however, the questioner takes
with an inclination towards the stance that this is my
tolerance then it is extremely question and I will listen quietly
difficult to get to its true reality. until you have completed the
Take a small case in the courts, answer, then the person replying
for instance, where the judge would enjoy giving the answer. In
listens with a cool head to the truth that which is spoken for
evidence and excuses from both God and the heart which does so
sides and, after much thought for the sake of attaining God’s
and careful analysis, he makes a pleasure and is full of
decision. Sometimes this takes righteousness, such a person
many years. When such is the would never do this (i.e. indulge
case with worldly matters, how in the use of bad language).
can matters of religion be
resolved in two or four, or ten or But these days tongues are like

I HAVE REPEATEDLY EXPLAINED TO MY COMMUNITY THAT THEY SHOULD

NOT BE HASTY IN OBJECTING TO OTHERS. EVERY ANCIENT RELIGION
WAS, IN FACT, FROMGOD BUT THE LONG PASSAGE OF TIME HAS CAUSED
ERRORS TO DEVELOP. THESE SHOULD BE REMOVED GENTLY AND SOFTLY.
DON’T PRESENT ANYONE WITH THE STONE-LIKE GIFT OF AN OBJECTION.
knives and objections are raised fact, from God but the long
one after the other (for no real passage of time has caused errors
purpose). When it is done (i.e. to develop. These should be
questions are asked) for the sake removed gently and softly. Don’t
of God then the style is different present anyone with the stone-
and the language used is like gift of an objection. We see
different. That which comes from that if today we buy some
the heart reaches the heart! I can material and have it made up into
smell the scent of the question a garment, after a short time it
which comes from a sincere becomes old and undergoes
seeker of truth. Even harshness change so much so that it
when it comes from a seeker of becomes something very different
truth has a certain element of (from its original shape).
enjoyment. It is his right that he
persists until he finds satisfaction Likewise, ancient religion too
(in the answer given) and until all contains the root of truth within
the evidence is provided he can it. God is with truth and the true
certainly continue in his religion contains within it living
questions. I don’t mind this at all. signs. A tree is recognised by its
On the contrary, such a person is fruit. Even within governments
worthy of respect. Words which which are a kind of a shadow of
are for God have no comparison that Being which is the most
with deceiving utterances of the hidden, even there we see how
baser self. the truthful are respected by
them and are dear to them. The
I have repeatedly explained to my officers and workers whom the
community that they should not Government itself has appointed,
be hasty in objecting to others. say, as a Governor of some place,
Every ancient religion was, in how they work with courage and

do not like anonymity. But the hungry but because God says so.
fraudulent Deputy-Commissioner In short, until he shows that he
or a Police Inspector, etc. who has ‘died’ before his death he
cheat people by becoming such does not reach the level of the
officers themselves, could they righteous. But when he causes a
come before the Government? ‘death’ over himself, God would
When the Government finds out it never let him die a second death.
will humiliate them and they
would go hand-cuffed to prison or These days it is seen that when
have some other punishment lips are opened, talk is of nothing
meted out to them. The same is but mockery, poking fun at others
true of religious truthfulness. He and saying hurtful things about
who is truthful in the sight of God, others. Whatever is contained in
possesses God’s signs and has the a vessel, pours out. Their talk
mark of courage and truthfulness. bears witness to what is within
them. I can recognise a good-
In reality, he who fears God faces hearted person from afar. A
tremendous difficulties. A person person who comes with a good
becomes pure only when he character and a wholesome heart
abandons his own wishes and is just the kind of person I wish to
purpose and becomes totally see. Even abuse from such a
engrossed in his efforts to attain person doesn’t seem to bother.
the pleasure of God. Selfishness, But it is unfortunate that such
pride and haughtiness are thrown people with pure hearts are very
out from his inner self. His eye few indeed.
should look only in the direction
in which God commands. His ear [Here an Arya person spoke to
should pay attention only to what say that there are only two
God says. His lips should open ignorant nations. If you don’t
only for the statement of truth mind my saying so, one is that
and wisdom, and otherwise of the Sikhs and the other is
should remain closed until God that of our Muslim brothers].
commands. His eating, dressing,
sleeping, drinking, being with his The Promised Messiah(as) replied:
wife, should all be done because
God has so commanded. He For a man of understanding no
shouldn’t eat because he is abuse is greater than being called

‘ignorant’. To call someone not under my influence but to

ignorant to his face is considered listen to abuse and other
a very harsh abuse. But you language meant to incite and
should consider the fact that remain patiently silent is the
none of our people here present work of real men. It remains to
have responded (to your abuse). be seen if some (others) can also
Do you, even now, doubt the show it. Gentleness is difficult (to
gentle and civilised manner of achieve and practice). Anyone
our people? There are many who can be harsh!
come and give abuse to my face
but none of my people dare to
respond (angrily) to such a
person. References
Day and night I give them the 1. Additional script from ‘Al-
teaching of patience. I teach Badr’ newspaper of the time
them to be gentle and forbearing.
This is not the nation to which 2. On 28th February 1903 the
your principle (of ignorance) will Aryas, a sect of the Hindu
apply. But we are not responsible religion, held a large meeting
for other common people (who in which Islam was spoken of
are not under our influence). We very abusively and insults
would believe you if in an Arya were hurled at the Holy
gathering someone were to say to Prophet of Islam (peace and
them that you are an ignorant blessings of Allah be upon
people and then they, in turn, him).
were to show patience instead of
responding with something a
thousand times worse!
You have not seen Muslims,

neither have you seen their
character. If there were to be a
comparison between them and
the Aryas, it would be like that of
a wolf and a lamb. I don’t take
responsibility for those who are

The ‘Blind Watchmaker’
Who is also Deaf and Dumb
- part III
This is an extract taken from the book

Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth,
written by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
Visualsing how this highly sophisticated electrical device was

constructed in the sea, without purpose, without design and
without a knowledge of how electricity works, one is only left
with the scenario that one day in the remote past, an ordinary
fish might have been surprised with the bizarre chance
appearance of some portholes in its belly. All we can do is to
sympathise at its exasperation while waiting for this most
complicated electronic generative system to evolve into a
meaningful device. Some internal disturbance indeed for the fish
because as yet it could not have understood any useful purpose
for this rigmarole. How long it could have taken in terms of
Darwinian time, Dawkins understands better. Then, somewhere
else in the body, the voltmeter began to appear with connecting
wires to the tiny brain of the fish, and some fantastic physical
changes were followed by a new arrangement of each muscle
with special alignment and phenomenal qualities. The unknown
maker, whoever it was, had thus created a masterpiece of an
electric generator. Was it the know-nothing formless mindless
principle of natural selection? Was it the brain of the fish which
was not even aware of its own functional abilities? Was it the
almighty gene which without possessing a conscious brain
occupied the command centre to perfectly operate a system

The ‘Blind Watchmaker’ who is also Deaf and Dumb - Part III
which had to be operated by a highly competent scientist?
Dawkins also avoids many other key issues. He provides no clear

logical solution for the question as to why two such electric fish
species, the South American and African weakly electric fish, are
quite unrelated to each other and how both could be developing
independently in different geographical locations, with a similar
functional design.
He further elaborates this separated yet convergent evolution in

the following words,
‘Electric fish have, at least twice independently, hit upon

this ingenious method of navigation...’20
and again,
‘Fascinatingly, the South American electric fish have hit

upon almost exactly the same solution as the African
ones...’21
How these fish unanimously ‘hit upon the same idea’ is a most
intriguing question. Moreover, how could they have hit upon an
idea so complicated and problematic which they could not even
contemplate, let alone resolve. This would also imply that
different animals all over the world are hitting upon ideas to
simultaneously develop bit by bit. The polar bear has hit upon
the idea of being white in the Arctic whereas the polar bear in
Canada hit upon the idea of being brown - all independently! This
positively indicates purpose and design. The fact is that fish do
not hit upon ideas nor does any other animal for that matter.
Though Dawkins himself has provided all the necessary data for
proof of a Great Conscious Designer, he fails to make the correct
analysis of his hard labour. It is because of his greatly flawed

theory that he has resorted to giving up and claiming that:
‘The physical principle that they exploit - electric fields in

water - is even more alien to our consciousness than that of
bats and dolphins.’ 22
On this point of wonderment, which he is emphasising, we have

made preceding observations previously in this chapter. The
purpose of the preceding passage is to prove that Dawkins is
definitely wrong in his previous assertions that the living do not
present any purpose. All the paths of evolution which he
describes, though having no relationship with each other, arrive
at the same point of culmination independently. What made
them converge to that point while pursuing a completely
different and alien journey which had no destination? If different
people begin their journey, without purpose and without aim, in
directions which they do not choose, how can they meet exactly
at the same spot which invariably suits them individually and
collectively? Let Dawkins think this over calmly. Let him
reconsider his theory of purposelessness in view of the testimony
of his own scholarly writings.
His lack of design theory is also strongly rebutted by the

coordinated development of animals and plants. There are
thousands of such examples some of which we have already
discussed in our book. Here we quote just one such example with
reference to Darwin himself. Darwin has discussed the
coexistence of many species of animal and vegetative life
evolving together complementarily. Worms, insects and birds, on
the one hand, go on evolving exactly in accordance with the
evolution of plants. The nature and shape of the flowers and
fruits on the other hand, remain exactly harmonised with
animals which evolve separately. We can quote hundreds of such
examples where it is impossible to suggest a blind mutual

cooperation of the two entirely governed by natural selection.
Here we refer to the discovery of Madagascan orchid,

Angracecum. The biologists refer to an episode in relation to this
plant which had a star-shaped snow-white flower from which
descended a foot long curved tubular structure into the ovarian
chamber. Only a half-inch of this chamber was filled with nectar.
When it was enquired from Darwin how this plant could have
been pollinated, he suggested that there must exist a
counterpart of this plant in the form of a moth which should have
a corresponding foot long curved proboscis which could reach the
nectar along this path. This is exactly what was discovered later
on. It paid a tribute to Darwin’s genius but not to his principle of
natural selection. By the mere operation of natural selection,
both the plant and the moth could not have evolved separately,
yet together, in perfect harmony.
The question arose as to how this flower could have survived

without its reproductive system being operative. If there was a
bit by bit evolutionary process involved, why did it begin to
evolve into an impossible situation? Why grow an exceptionally
long curved tube and hide its nectar beneath it? Why obstruct
any bird or insect from reaching the nectar at the bottom for the
sake of pollination so that its reproductive organs could be
activated? Two separate, yet simultaneous courses of evolution,
one occurring in the plant and the other in the animal, are
impossible to explain away by the mere factor of chance.
Can Professor Dawkins suggest some solution applicable to the

problem quoted above? How did that flower evolve bit by bit
simultaneously with the hawk-moth possessing that
extraordinary proboscis? Do moths ever have such a long curved
proboscis? How many varieties of moths must have been created
and destroyed before natural selection could begin its work upon

them. Both must have started their beginnings from a most

trivial state. They had to remain constantly aware of what was
happening on the other side so that they could precisely
correspond to each other’s shape and design perfectly. They both
must have been interlocked into a single entity as though their
separate identities as an animal and a vegetable had ceased to
exist.
Having done that, Dawkins is required to throw light on the

forces which throughout governed this separate, yet powerful
development. What hand of blind selection could have achieved
it? At each of millions of little steps they must have separately
taken, the number of steps which must have gone wrong would
be enormous, in accordance with the mathematics of chance.
The blind hand of natural selection had a prodigal task of
choosing and rejecting from among them. Yet the ultimate
choice of natural selection went absolutely wrong. A flower was
created which was almost impossible to be pollinated - a moth
evolved which could only survive on the ultimate completion of
that particular flower.
Here at least Dawkins must admit that natural selection worked

against itself in creating enormous difficulties for the survival of
species. The evolution of the two depended entirely on the
coordinated moves of the species we have mentioned above.
This by itself is impossible without a conscious and an extremely
knowledgeable mind to govern it - a mind which natural selection
does not possess. Neither of the two parallel evolutions should
have survived to reach their culmination if there were no
controller guiding their separate steps to remain exactly
complimentary to each other. There are many other factors in
the grand scheme of things as created by God which are beyond
the dominion of natural selection. If those specifically designed
factors were not brought into play, and evolution of the living

were left entirely at the mercy of natural selection, life would

have completely lost its bearing.
The list of the many specific measures taken by God during the
evolution of life, which had nothing to do with natural selection,
is too long to be reproduced here. One of them, for instance,
relates to the extinction of dinosaurs and the profound objective
this served in the scheme of creation. Why a massive meteorite
should have brought about the end of the age of the dinosaurs
precisely at the time when this end was needed? If predesigned
by God, as we believe, one purpose it could and did serve was to
give other forms of life a chance to develop their evolutionary
potentials to the maximum limits, undeterred by dinosaurs. The
second highly essential purpose it served, but was understood
much later in time, was to bury dinosaurs deep down by the sea
shore to gradually convert them to oil, which man of that age
would have so direly needed. Such is the work of an All-Knowing
Creator. None can attribute this perfect exercise to mere
chance. It is impossible for it to have happened accidentally,
while now we can clearly read a perfect well-coordinated design
in this entire exercise, serving at least two essential purposes in
the scheme of things. How on earth could this be the work of
natural selection!
How we wish Dawkins had applied his all-pervasive theory to the

real mysteries of nature which he so competently describes
instead of the phantom games his mind creates. Incidentally, we
draw his attention to figure 5 on page 61 of his book, which he
has presented to justify his theory of accumulating small change.
Each figure shown there, starting with the one resembling a
swallowtail, could have at random created any other figure
shown in this group of seventeen. This is a deliberate attempt to
mislead the innocent computer which is only attuned to his
master’s voice. What concept of genes was fed into that will ever

remain a mystery because the behaviour of genes is

unpredictable and they do not work in a two-dimensional world
of lines and figures. The world of genes is far more complex than
the land of biomorphs where evidently the figures at every
generation are doctored by a brain which genes do not possess.
Again the figures are concocted by a brain which operated the
computer, while it can never claim to know all the intracacies of
the world of genes. The childlike figures which his computer has
drawn could as well have been sketched by a toddler on a piece
of paper, lacking meaning and reality as much as the figures
produced by his computer do. Could figures such as these ever
be the creation of genes? Genes do not possess minds but the
complex work they produce cannot be created by a mindless
thing. They work as though they possess the most advanced mind
and are capable of implementing their intricate decisions. No
comparison whatsoever can be drawn between these computer
figures and real living things. But let us suppose for a while that
this model is really representative. If so, any figure among the
seventeen could give birth to any other figure by cellular
development or random mutations of genes.
If such computations as Dawkins has done could be found in

nature, a swallowtail could give birth to a ‘man in hat’, or an
extremely surprised ‘man in hat’ could give birth to a scorpion.
A frog could be born out of a spitfire giving birth to a fox which
could lay a litter of beautiful lamps, out of which emerge
jumping spiders or bats rapidly fluttering away to their caves of
darkness. This is how his computer game works in a single plane
of straight or twisted lines. Why not start an analytical study of
a real man wearing a hat and show us how natural selection
could have built such a person, with or without the hat? Why pull
a bat out of the hat of his computer images? Why not turn to the
bats whom he has so aptly described and begin to show how they
could have evolved bit by bit. There he should have paused and

demonstrated how natural selection could have created even the

wing of the bat.
Incidentally, talking of wings, we are amazed to read his

suggestion that amphibians could have turned into flying birds bit
by bit just by flapping their arms. If anyone knows, he should
have known that wings cannot be created by the flapping or
twisting of arms. Such flapping or twisting could go on for billions
of years yet would fail to create a wing.
The anatomy of a flying bird is far more complex. If moving arms

up and down could create the internal and anatomical changes
which could carve the breast bone of a bird, only then perhaps
could we entertain this absurd suggestion. But the entire frame
of the light hollow bones which a bird possesses are a
prerequisite for the possibility of flight. Again feathers are not
born with the up and down physical exercise of arms. They may
go on till eternity but not the ghost of a feather would grow out
of their movements. We have yet to see a physical trainer with
his arms covered with tiny feather-like growth which could bit by
bit turn into feathers. A naturalist could object to this suggestion
by reminding us that the lifetime of a physical instructor is too
short to produce such anatomical changes. He should remember
that the class of mammals have been in existence for around
three hundred million years. All mammals move their limbs, all
try to scale as much height as they can by jumping, but feathers
they never grow! Is that a prerogative of amphibians alone? But
feathers or no feathers, the amphibians could never have built
their internal mechanism into that of even the most rudimentary
of birds. We know Darwin has suggested this but his suggestions
can never alter the realities of life. Amphibians or no
amphibians, Dawkins must project his mind five hundred million
years into the past when the entire earth was buzzing with flying
insects. How did they develop their wings bit by bit with all the

cellular and anatomical features which go into the making of a

flying insect?
Turning once again to the computer images of Dawkins, which

seem to be so popular with him, he has taken only twenty-nine
steps, while for a realistic vision of what happens within the
genes and how they work, enormously large number of
computations were required. Moreover genes according to his
admission have no mind and no computer to work upon - while
he has a mind and a computer and the know-how to manipulate
the computer to his own advantage. Not only this, he also admits
that he selected some specific figures out of every generation of
computer images to be re-fed into the computer for creating the
next generation. He has also disregarded the important factor
that no human can visualize when genes should mutate or should
not mutate. No scientist’s brain, no matter how clever he might
be, can project itself into the cellular universe. Thus any
computer model proposed by the most knowledgeable scientist
based on his estimation of when and how the genes should spurt
into activity, interplaying with a myriad of other internal factors,
is fiction not reality.
References
1 DAWKINS, R. (1986) The Blind Watchmaker. Penguin Books Ltd, England

pg98-99.
2. DAWKINS, R. (1986) ibid p.99.
3. DAWKINS, R. (1986) ibid p.97.

How to Get Rid of the Bondage of Sin - II
We feel greatly privileged in reproducing this article, a translation of an
excerpt from the writings of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Movement, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and
Mahdi, who started the Review of Religions. This article drew worldwide
acclaim from several writers who praised its contents. It was first
published in the Review of Religions, 1902, Vol.1, No.1. The first part of
article this was re-published in the June 2002 editiom
If it might be objected that and became its bitter enemies.

swords were resorted to by early The reason of this hatred may be
Islam and hence the legality of easily conceived.
Jihad, we say the objection is
based upon ignorance of early When the unity of God and the
Islamic circumstances. Islam Islamic truths were preached
never allowed the use of the openly to idolatrous Arabs and
sword for spreading the faith. On convincing arguments against idol
the other hand, it strictly worship were impressed upon
prohibits compulsion in matters of their minds and they were told,
faith. It has the plain injunction how degrading it was for the
‘There shall be no compulsion in noblest of God’s creatures to bow
religion.’ Why was the sword in submission to stones, they
taken in hand then? The found themselves unable to meet
circumstances under which this the adherents of the new faith
measure had been resorted to upon argumentative ground. This
have nothing to do with the exposure led to a motion in favour
spread of religion; they are of Islam among the more
connected with the preservation reasonable of them. The ties of
of life. Briefly, they are as relationship were cut asunder, the
follows: son parted from his parents and
brother from brother. This
The savage inhabitants of the exasperated them the more and
deserts of Arabia, who could they saw plainly that, if their
hardly distinguish right from fathers’ false religion was to be
wrong, conceived a hatred saved, excessive measures must
towards Islam in its earliest day be taken to stop the ingress into

How to get rid of the Bondage of Sin - part II
the new religion. The new defend itself? For what fault,
converts to Islam were therefore were Muslims to be mercilessly
violently persecuted and no butchered and not allowed to
efforts were spared to block the protect their lives? Why should
way to the new faith. Those not the inveterate persecutors
acquainted with early Muslim have been brought to retribution
history know full well what and just punishment? The Muslim
barbarous and cruel treatment battles were therefore not
was meted out to the early undertaken for gaining converts
converts, and how many were but to protect innocent Muslim
murdered in cold blood. But these lives. Can an unbiased judgment
harsh measures did not prevent accept the conclusion that Islam
people from the acceptance of was unable to prove its
truth, for even a superficial reasonableness as against savage
glance is enough to convince a Arabs? Can an unprejudiced mind
man of the reasonableness and believe that men who had sunk
purity of Islam as against idolatry. down so low as to worship images
At length when the implacable and lifeless things and who
foes of Islam saw that severe indulged in every manner of vice,
persecution availed but little and could vanquish the noble religion
that their ancient, religion was of Islam on intellectual grounds,
threatened to be swept away in and that failure in proof led it to
the current of Muslim reason, resort to the sword for increasing
they planned the death of the the number of its followers?
Prophet himself. But their designs Those who have advanced such
were frustrated. Almighty God objections against Islam have
saved His messenger and took him been guilty of grave injustice,
to Medina. The unbelievers, inasmuch as they have concealed
however, could not rest in their the true state of facts.
homes so long as they heard that
the religion they had persecuted It is, however, true that the
was gaining ground in another Muslim Maulvis and the Christian
place. They pursued the Muslims missionaries are equally to blame
to their new abode, and nothing for this unjust charge against
but, their extirpation could Islam. The ignorant Maulvis while
satisfy them. What could Islam do pretending to support Islam have
under these circumstances but by their repeated inculcations,

grafted the false doctrine of Jihad rendered themselves culpable

upon the minds of the and liable to be punished with
unenlightened public who were death. But a clemency was even
misled by the fatwas of the then shown to such of them as
maulvis on the one side and the embraced Islam. The unity of
objections of the Christian religion established a relation of
Missionaries, whom they took for brotherhood and all past wrongs
learned men, on the other. The were forgotten. It is here that
doctrine of Jihad being thus some opponents of Islam have
supported by the evidence of two stumbled and from this they draw
opposing witnesses, its validity the conclusion that the new
could not be questioned by the religion was forced upon the
masses. Had the Missionaries unbelievers. In fact, the case is
taken a different course and with just the reverse of what the
true honesty declared that the objectors have thought. There is
fatwas of the Maulvis were based no compulsion here; it was a
on ignorance of the early Islamic favour to those who had rendered
history, and that the themselves liable to death. It is
circumstances which then apparently absurd to take this
rendered an appeal to arms conditional mitigation of just
necessary for Muslims, did not punishment for compulsion. They
exist any more, the idea of Jihad deserved to be murdered, not
would long since have been because they did not believe in
eradicated from the face of the the mission of the Prophet, but
earth. But they never looked to because they had murdered many
the consequences and a an innocent soul. The extreme
misdirected zeal for their own penalty of the law was upon
religion cast a veil over their them, but the mercy of the
judgments in grasping the truth. Gracious God gave them another
chance of averting this merited
It must also be stated here that capital punishment. He knew that
permission for self-defence and during the long years of
murdering the enemies of Islam opposition the Islamic truths had
was not given to the Muslims until been brought home to them and
the Arabs had, on account of their they well understood the futility
excessive oppressions and of idol-worship. His mercy offered
outrages and innocent bloodshed, them an opportunity, even after

the sentence was justly forgotten, the doctrine was read

pronounced against them, for in a different light and ignorance
imploring His pardon and the looked with pride upon a hateful
forgiveness of their sins. This course of life. But the fault can in
clearly shows that it was not the no way be attributed to Islam.
object of Islam to put any The source from which it flows is
unbeliever merely as such to pure and undefiled. That this
death, but that it was willing to doctrine has been identified with
forgive even when the criminal Islamic teachings by shallow-
was found deserving of death. brained zealots who do not care
for the life of man even so much
Islam had to grapple with other as man should care for the life of
difficulties. Religious prejudice a sparrow, cannot be questioned.
was so strong at the time that if a But the innocent blood that has
member of any tribe adopted the been spilt in the past does not
faith of Islam, he was either put to satisfy them. They have yet a
death or threatened with it, and bloody Mahdi in store for the
persecution was so severe that life world and would like to exhibit
seemed a burden to him. Islam the ugliest picture of Islam before
had therefore to face the all nations, that all people may
difficulty of establishing freedom know that Islam has always had to
of religious exercise and for this resort for its propagation to
noble object it had to undertake compulsion and the sword, and
wars. that it has not a particle of truth
in it to gain its conquest over
The early wars of Islam fall under hearts. It seems as if the holders
either of the above headings and of these views are not satisfied
it never took the sword for its with the humiliation and
own propagation or for any other decadence which Islam has
purpose. Attempts were made to already suffered, but must bring
blot out its very existence and it still lower and subject it to yet
therefore it had to struggle for its more disgrace. These men are, a
life. It did not take up arms of its reproach to Islam. But God now
own accord but was compelled to wills that Islam should not be
do so. It had to defend itself and branded with reproaches and
repel the dangerous foe. Later remain under a cloud any more. It
on, when its true principles were is already so distressing to find

that its opponents who have not the ignorant frontier people, and
taken the trouble to investigate a single bloody deed is deemed
matters for themselves, have it sufficient to entitle the murderer
impressed upon their minds that to paradise and its manifold
Islam has from its very beginning blessings. It is a shame for the
been employing the sword to add Muslims that alien races cannot
it to its numbers. safely live as their neighbours.
They cannot trust them for a
It is high time that all these base single moment and hardly expect
charges should be cleared from any good in times of need. They
the face of Islam. If the Maulvis do not deem themselves safe
unite to root up the evil from the among them and shrink at the
midst of the Muslims they shall hidden belief of Ghazism.
have done a lasting good to, and [roughly translated as the code
conferred a blessing upon, their of stalwart frontline soldiers].
co-religionists. Such an exposition
of the doctrines of Islam will An instance of this occurred lately
further reveal the excellence and here at Qadian. On the 20th
the beauties of that religion to November last, a European came
the general public, and the here. Just at that time a number
aversion which its opponents have of my followers had assembled
conceived on account of together and the conversation
misconceptions shall be turned was upon a religious subject. The
into admiration. The clouds of traveler stood apart from the
dust having been cleared, shall assembly and was addressed in
then be able to get their light polite words. It appeared that he
from that source of light. It is had been to Arabia and other
evident that no one can approach Muslim countries, and that he
a bloody murderer. Everyone came here with the object of
fears him, women and children taking my and my followers’
tremble at his sight, and he looks photographs. As a guest, he was
like a mad man. An opponent of asked to stay for a few days, but
an alien religion cannot even pass he appeared apprehensive. He
a night with him lest he should stated that he had seen many
choose to be a Ghazi [a victorious Muslims who had committed
warrior]at the cost of his life. atrocious deeds of murder against
Such events occur daily among Christians. He mentioned several

specific instances in which such sword to get an entrance into the

cruelty had been shown. It was human heart? Such considerations
then explain to him that this, the were enough to keep back people
Ahmadiyya sect of Islam, from the acceptance of truth. The
abhorred such doctrines and true religion is that which on
hated their adherents. It had set account of its inherent property
before itself the noble object of and power and its convincing
uprooting this evil. Upon this he arguments is more powerful than
felt satisfied and stayed here for their keenest sword, not that
one night. which depends upon steel for its
existence.
There was a lesson in this story
for the pro-Jihad Maulvis. The Such are the evils that call for a
growth of such horrible doctrines reformer. Casting a glance at the
among the Muslims has done internal state of Islam, we meet
lasting injury to the cause of with sad disappointment. It is a
Islam and created an abhorrence ghastly picture. The sun has
for it in the hearts of other undergone an eclipse, the greater
nations. They have no confidence part being already darkened. The
in their sympathy so long as the social relations of the Muslims are
dangerous doctrine of Jihad finds deplorable. Traditions have been
favour with them. They cannot fabricated that act like poison
form a favourable opinion except upon their moral conditions and
of such of them as do not lead break the Divine laws. The most
strictly religious lives and are not sacred rights which Divine law has
very scrupulous about their given to man are those relating to
religious beliefs. For all these life, property and honour. We are
misunderstandings none but the commanded not to kill man, not
Muslims themselves are to commit an outrage upon his
responsible. The blame of depriv- honour, and not to seize his
ing a whole world of the property dishonestly. But some
recognition of Islamic truths lies Muslims have broken all of these
at the doors of the Maulvis who commandments. They take away
taught doctrines repulsive to the the life of an innocent person and
nature of man. How could the never shudder at the inhumane
religion be from God, whose deed. Empty headed Maulvis have
teachings needed the flash of this circulated fatwas to the effect

that it is lawful to seduce or seize saintly airs so that they may pass
the women of unbelievers or for godly men. Their deeds,
heretics and to steal or however, reveal their true
misappropriate their properties. character. They do not like that
true righteousness and true
How dangerous is the condition of sympathy be spread in the world,
the religion that is full of so many for they consider that a loss to
evils, and whose pretended themselves.
religious leaders, instead of
acting in obedience to the In short, the way Islam is blocked
dictates of conscience, follow with numerous difficulties. The
their sensual desires and palm off souls are dead and do not respond
their own erroneous views as holy to the call of virtue. The golden
doctrines taught by God and His mean which Islam taught as the
prophets. These are wolves in guiding rule of life has been given
lambs’ clothing and deceive the up, and Muslims have gone to
people. They act like poison and extremes. There are those among
say they are an antidote. They them that prostrate themselves
are an enemy to society and an before tombs and make circuits
enemy to Islam. Their hearts are around them. They regard the
void of grace and sympathy but departed souls of their spiritual
they conceal themselves. They guides as having full control from
put on the mask of preachers but God over the affairs of humanity.
have in view the indulgence of Every religious order has a tomb
their own carnal desires. They in connection with it, which is
come into mosques behave like worshipped by the disciples at the
saints, but their character is black instance of the head. If one asks
with diabolical beads. These for a supernatural sign, a thou-
infamous characters are not sand miracles of the dead saint
limited to any particular country are related, but as to proof there
or town or sect, but may be found is none. With them tomb worship
in every Muslim country. They is of the essence of Islam, and all
pretend to be the religious others who claim to follow that
leaders of the people and religion are in error.
expositors of the doctrines of
their religion. They call In contrast with this is the sect
themselves Maulvis and assume that has gone to the opposite

extreme. A wholesale denial of affairs of the world and its base

spiritual facts has fallen to their machinations.
lot. Saints and prophets are
rejected in the same breath. Such are the excess and laxity of
Miracles are denied, and turned Muslims with respect to the
into ridicule. The revelation of doctrines of Revelation and
God is attributed to an excess of Resurrection. But their social and
imagination, and the presence of moral relations are all subject to
a peculiar creative power in the the same rule. There is
inspired one. Predictions are immoderation in their words and
described as the result of human deeds, in marriage and divorce, in
foresight, and any prophecy charity and parsimony, in wrath
which is not the result of mere and mercy, in revenge and
insight of human judgment into forgiveness; in short, in every one
the surrounding circumstances, of their affairs. Ignorance and
and which could be termed a error have everywhere the upper
direct communication from a hand among them. This is the
higher source, is an impossibility deplorable condition of the
with them. In short, they declare people that appeared in the world
the Revelation of God to be all with the distinction and pre-
talk, miracles all moonshine and eminence of being the teachers of
prophecies all stuff and nonsense. the unity of God and the golden
The graves of the dead are heaps mean. From this may be judged
of dust with which the souls have the state of other people.
no connection. The resurrection
or rising of the dead on the Day of We shall now take the case of
Judgment is a fable of the days of Christianity which grew up in a
ignorance and to think of a life land endowed by nature with
hereafter is madness. World superior intellect and rare brain
wisdom is that true wisdom. Man powers and accordingly the
must be bent wholly upon the expectations were greater in its
things of this world, and his only case. But we are sorry to say that
concern should be the in the matter of religion and the
requirement of the best means of unity of God their state is the
being foremost in the race of life. worst. Their faith is a reproach to
He must emulate men who are their philosophy and science.
day and night involved in the When we consider their prudence

and skill in the management of as God. The pity is that they have
worldly affairs and their genius not even attained the object for
for inventions on the one hand, which they had deified a creature.
and their weak side in grasping We cannot see the good that has
religious truths and delusion in resulted to them from it. If a faith
taking a weak man as the Lord of in the blood of Jesus has the
the worlds, on the other, we are power of cleansing man from sin,
at a loss to account for this why has it not benefited Europe?
irreconcilable inconsistency. We Why has atonement proved to be
have an unequalled intelligence no remedy for the besetting sins
in the one case and a similar want of Europe which one feels even
in the other. ashamed to mention? There it has
not only felt to uproot the great
Between the erroneous paths vices but has worked their worst
chosen by the Christians and development. Does Europe exhibit
Muslims, a line of distinction can a higher level of morality or less
easily be drawn. Among the latter, evil than the Eastern countries? If
the infringement is largely on the not, why has it never occurred to
side of the rights of man, while the supporters of this doctrine to
among the former it is on that of revise the recipe and seek another
the duties we owe to our Creator. remedy? Every physician has to
The doctrine of Jihad has resort to this measure and when
hardened the hearts of the he sees that the health of his
Muslims to such an extent that patient does not improve by one
they can hardly feel true love and remedy, he has to apply another.
sympathy for their kind. The If then we care so much for a few
unenlightened among them are days comfort, why is not attention
ever ready to cut the throat of an paid to this important question
innocent person, or commit an upon which depends the eternal
outrage upon him on the slightest welfare of man?
excitement or for personal
motives, and with their beastly Nineteen hundred years have
conduct degrade humanity. The elapsed since the blood of Jesus
Christians have committed the was first introduced into the
most horrible outrage upon the world as a patent sin-healing
rights of the Divine Being. They remedy, but instead of doing any
have set-up with Him a weak man good it has proved harmful to

society and intensified the evil death of one man and the
which it affected to mitigate. Are redemption of another. As to the
we still to believe that faith in dead one’s deity we can conceive
the blood of Jesus delivers man of blessings from a Living God and
from the bondage of sin, or should not from a dead one. The whole
we expect that it shall do in the world is enlightened by the rising
future what it has been unable to of the sun, not by its setting.
do in such a long past and that the Nineteen hundred years’ expe-
time is coming when Christian rience of the failure of the
nations shall pre-eminently stand remedy, in effecting the desired
above others in shunning lust and object undermines the foundation
iniquity? An unprejudiced of a Son of God upon which the
European or a traveller who has whole superstructure is built. The
been to the great European cities death of God is no doubt an ill-
the great centres of its devised idea, but supposing that
civilisation such as Paris, shall not the Almighty Being could not see
hesitate to testify to the truth of His way out of the difficulty of
our statements. Nay, some parts human redemption but by the
of Europe have reached the strange course He adopted, it
lowest stage of degeneracy and would have been some
do not look with any horror upon satisfaction if the desired object
vice, nor pay any heed to its had thus been attained. But the
injurious consequences. Taking object has never been
more than one wife is illegal accomplished and the world has
there, but looking with lust upon been plunged into deeper depths
a woman is no delinquency. Is of sin. This unmeaning and
there any verse in the Gospels unreasonable act of the Deity
that legalises the disgraceful therefore turns out to be an
conduct of the millions of women absolute failure. That God should
in France and elsewhere who do have been born from the womb of
not marry all their lives long, or is a woman to suffer punishment,
it only too true that the blood of disgrace and death is, in the first
Jesus has proved a bane to place, opposed to the established
society? Divine laws, for it has neither any
precedent which should satisfy
The truth is that there is no the hearts of men that God has
natural relation between the been in the habit of being thus

born into the world, and that such likely to commit the most horrible
a thing occurred several times crimes on the slightest
before, nor is the claim supported provocation. Other evils are
by any such extraordinary signs inseparable from it. Piety and
which can convince reasonable drunkenness like light and
minds that they display a greater darkness respectively, can never
power than was manifested in the exist together in the same place.
miracles wrought by the other The man who is not aware of its
prophets. Nor is the defect of this evil consequences is not far-
absolute lack of evidence made sighted. Another difficulty about
up by the attendance of the it is that the giving up of the habit
pretended consequences for of drunkenness is attended with
which the dangerous dogma was serious difficulties.
introduced into the world.
The question naturally arises now,
The two great vices in which grow whether there is any true remedy
all carnal passions are drinking for freedom from the bondage of
and prostitution, and it is in sin if atonement is not. I do not
Christian nations that we find only assert it forcibly but offer it
their worst development. The as my own experience and as a
majority of the inhabitants of well-tried remedy that there
Europe are involved in these two exists, and has existed from the
vices, and there is no creation of man down to this day,
exaggeration in the assertion that one and only one sure method of
in drunkenness Europe beats all being released from the slavery of
the vastly populated countries of sin and the disobedience of God.
Asia, and a single large city of Nothing can be proof against sin
Europe has a larger number of except a perfect knowledge of
public-houses than the total God attained through sure and
number of shops of all sorts in an conclusive arguments and
Asiatic town [Readers are brilliant signs of His existence. It
reminded that the author is is not to believe simply that there
describing a situation in 1902. Ed] is a God but to know God and see
Experience has, moreover, God. It is through such a
established it beyond doubt that knowledge of God that man sees
drunkenness is the root of all evils clearly that, the wrath of God is a
and that the intoxicated man is devouring fire, and that a

manifestation of the beauties of what the other simply does not

God sets the soul at rest and reject on grounds of probability.
makes it evident that true bliss If it be said that Satan has a clear
and eternal felicity consist in a knowledge of God and still he is
constant and reverent adoration disobedient to the Divine being,
of God. Every screen that hides the reply is that such a view is not
the face of God from man is then correct. Satan has not the perfect
raised and the Divine glory and knowledge which is granted to the
beauty are revealed to him in righteous ones of God.
their full lustre. This is the only
way in which sensual passions can It is in the nature of man that
be restrained, and it is only such when perfect knowledge renders
a knowledge of God that works a him certain of something, he is
true transformation in man. necessarily impressed with it. He
avoids every dreadful path of
Some men would think that they destruction when he has once seen
also believe in God, love God and it. It is therefore impossible that a
fear God, yet they are not true knowledge of God and dis-
granted the purity of soul. Others obedience to His Commandments
perhaps, might object that all the should dwell in the same heart, for
world, with the exception of a if the one is darkness the other is
very few, is not a disbeliever in light and must dispel it. We
God and yet sin and evil rage in ordinarily see that anything which
the world. But the fact is, that experience has shown to be
there is wide difference between beneficial and conducive to any
a belief in God and a knowledge good is anxiously desired by
of God. I do not mean to say that everybody, while that which it has
one who merely believes in God is proved to be harmful is hated and
granted the power to overcome even viewed with horror. For
sin, but that such power is instance, the man who has
granted to the man who has a strychnia in his hand but is not
perfect knowledge of God, and aware of its fatal property, may
who has tasted both the fear and take it in any quantity under the
love of God. The believer in God impression of its being some
simply admits that a God exists innocuous drug, but the person
but one who has a perfect who knows it to be a poison,
knowledge of Him actually sees cannot take it in any such quantity

as is sure to kill him. Similarly, it offensive language, describing

is a solid and evident truth that some bodily defect to affront
when man knows for certain that another person, calling one bad
there is a God who punishes every names, charging one falsely,
transgression, and that punish- pretending to receive revelation
ment is sure to follow every act of from God, falsely claiming an
disobedience , he keeps at a apostleship, message or prophecy
respectful distance from all sorts from Him, denying the existence
of wrong doing such as bloodshed, of God, and, revolting against a
theft, prostitution, oppression, good ruler or mischievously
injustice, breach of trust, setting creating a dissention in the
up others with God, telling a lie, country.
giving false evidence, vanity,
hypocrisy, speculation, cheating, The assertion that we know that
abusing, fraud, faithlessness, there is a God and that sin will be
remissness, lasciviousness, un- punished and yet commit sins,
gratefulness towards God, not and hence the insufficiency of the
fearing God, selfishness, having no method pointed out, is nothing
sympathy for man, not praying to but a delusion. It is impossible
God with a fearful heart, indulging that man should venture to
in luxury and worldly delights, commit sin after he is fully
forgetfulness of God, keeping convinced that no sooner he shall
aloof from prayer and humbleness transgress the commandments of
of heart, adulterating articles of the Almighty than the fire of
sale or defrauding customers, punishment shall consume him
giving short measure or weight, like lightning in the twinkling of
selling at a higher than the market an eye. The principle upon which
price, not serving the parents, stress has been laid here is one
harshness to wives, disobedience that defies refutation. It is
of husbands, looking to lust after incontestable that whenever an
strange men and women, not act is sure to be followed by
caring for the orphans, thinking certain punishment, there is no
little of the old and the weak and tendency in man to attempt that
the sick, disregarding the rights of act. No one ever thrusts his hand
neighbours and injuring them, into burning fire, or throws
insulting a fellow man to show himself down the top of a
one’s vanity, cheering at others in mountain, or jumps into a well, or

stands against a train in motion, regarding the immortality of the

or thrusts his hand into the mouth soul, or, if it be supposed
of a lion, or holds out his leg immortal, who call tell of its fate
before a mad dog or stands hereafter, or that transgression of
beneath falling lightning or God’s commandments shall be
remains in a house when the roof really punished? That such ideas
is coming down over his head, or are latent in the minds is beyond
stands upon the ground that is a shadow of doubt, though they
sinking. Is there a stout-hearted may be there undetected or even
man who upon seeing a poisonous unsuspected. But as to occasions
snake upon his bed does not at of palpable danger instances of
once make a jump to the floor? Or which have been given above,
does the rashest man, when his there is dead certainty that
house is on fire, not leave destruction shall be the
everything to be devoured by immediate consequence, and
flames to escape with his own therefore none can approach the
life? If all this is true and man danger, or if any one is brought
naturally flees from danger, why face to face with it by accident,
does he not keep clear of sin and he shall fly from it.
fly from the coming wrath? There
is no satisfactory answer to this To sum up, most men have not
question, except that in the two that certainty in religious matters
cases there is difference as to the which they have in the material
certainty of the consequences. world. In the one case it is a
certitude, in the other a mere
Most people have really no sure idea, a conjecture so to say in this
knowledge as to the effect of they feel and see, in that it is an
their transgressions. They are no idle tale. Fog cannot dispel the
doubt conscious that sin is darkness of sin, there must be
harmful, but they never dread it clear light. I say it plainly and
like the lion or the snake. truly that the true salvation of
Beneath this outward belief is the mankind has no relation to the
lurking idea that there is no crucifixion of Jesus, and even if a
positive proof as to the thousand Messiahs be crucified
retribution. Even the existence of that object can never be
God is not beyond all question. attained. Only a perfect know-
There is also an uncertainty ledge or a perfect love of God can

deliver man from the bondage of him a true prospect of a paradise

sin. As to the death of Jesus upon hereafter by granting him in the
the cross, it is not a true enjoyment of truths a heavenly
statement in the first place and bliss in this life. The soul of man
has, moreover, no connection melts and humbles itself down
with the assuaging of sin. It is an before the majesty of God
obscure assertion with no without any restraint. A light
foundation and no results. descends from heaven and dispels
Evidence does not support it, nor the gloom of carnal desires.
does experience bear it out. The
suicide of a Messiah has no As darkness pervades a room in
conceivable relation to the broad day light if its doors are
remission of another man’s sins. shut, light enters it if a man takes
the trouble to open the doors;
The true nature of redemption is similar is the case with the spirit
that man should be freed from of man. He must exert himself to
the hell of sin in this very world. his utmost before he reaps any
The promise of a salvation real advantage. To admit light
hereafter, while this one is to be into a room, a man must get up
passed in the fire of sin, is from his place and open the
nothing but a fallacy. Idle tales windows. Unless he does that he
cannot relieve a man of the heavy cannot partake of the bounties of
burden he is so desirous to shake the laws of nature. A thirsty man
off, nor have these childish cannot quench his thirst with a
stories which are devoid of all mere idea of water, but stumbling
pure truth and quite strangers to and falling he must reach the
the purpose, done any good to or fountain of sweet water and stoop
saved their upholders, Search the down to drink of it. Then shall his
whole country, from North to scorching thirst be satisfied.
South and from East to West, and
you shall not find a single man The water of life, which can cool
who has, through these tales, and refresh your souls from the
attained to that righteousness of inflammation of sin is perfect
heart which reveals the shining assurance. Upon this earth and
face of God. It is this under the heavens there is no
righteousness which not only other remedy for getting cleansed
makes a man abhor sin but gives from sin. No cross can deliver you

from this evil, no blood can set cannot reach the goal. Think of
you free from the trammels of that which is far, from that which
passion. Do not trust in these, for is near, and judge the spiritual
they have nothing to do with from the material world. The laws
deliverance. Reflect upon which prevail in the one hold
realities and ponder over truths. good in the other for both come
Try as you do in the material from the same source. Is there a
world, and then you will see that man who can see without the help
there is no light but that which of his eyes, or hear without the
proceeds from true assurance aid of his ears, or speak but by
that can take you out of sensual means of his tongue. Why not
darkness, and no pure and sweet seek for similar laws in matters
water but that which flows from spiritual? Can one stand with
perfect knowledge and an actual one’s eyes open on the side of a
revelation of the face of God that bottomless pit? Or is not one
can cleanse the impurities of the alarmed when a voice comes into
soul and cool and refresh the his ears warning him of the
burning of the heart. If one approach of thieves? Or again, is
propounds a different theory, or there a person who can,
another acts upon a different notwithstanding healthiness of
principle, the one is ignorant and the muscles of taste, palatably
the other deceived. It is not light devour bitter and poisonous drugs
they can give you but further which produce stomach disorder,
darkness of doubt, and not the and vomiting, swelling of the
cool and sweet water they body or other fatal diseases which
promise you but more of burning ultimately destroy the whole
and inflammation. No blood can system? If man has to depend on
purify you but the pure blood so many things for his guidance in
which the nourishment of the physical world, is it not true
assurance generates, and no cross that in the spiritual world he
can deliver you but the cross that stands in need of a light that
you have to suffer in walking upon should show him the evil of the
the right road. paths of wickedness, a voice that
should warn him of the places
Is it not true that unless there is frequented by thieves and
light you cannot see and unless dacoits, and a taste that should
you tread on the right road you distinguish bitter from sweet and

poison from antidote. These are limbs. Cut off the low connections
the things which man needs to be of this world that you may be able
saved. Salvation cannot be got to unite with the higher one.
except through light and a blind Control your heart from moving in
man who trusts in the blood of one path, that thus constrained it
someone for being saved from sin may take the other. Throw off the
trusts but to a broken reed. filthy worm of this earth that the
shining jewel of heaven be
Any one who only hankers after a granted to you. Look at the
salvation in the next world is beginning when God breathed His
certainly on the wrong scent. True spirit into Adam. Let your deeds
salvation is that which begins in be such as to make you deserving’
this life. It is a light which of the same boon, that you may
descends upon the heart and be made lord over all things as
shows the abyss of destruction. your father was made before you.
Walk therefore in the path of
truth and wisdom and then you The greater part of the day has
will find God. Animate and warm passed, the eve is approaching
your hearts that you may be able and the sun is going to set. Let
to make a motion towards truth. your eyes see now or else they
Unfortunate is the heart which is will never see. Before you
cold, miserable the spirit which is commence that eternal journey
depressed, and dead the send before you delicious and
conscience which has no light in sweet things to eat, not stones
it. Be not worse than the bucket and bricks, for those will never
which goes empty into the well satisfy your hunger or quench
but comes up full. Be not like the your thirst. Send forth also
sieve which discharges its fluid clothes for your dress and not
contents as soon as it receives thorns and rubbish. The God, who
them. Let all your exertions be to before the birth of the child
one end only, that your health be provides milk for it in the breast
restored and that the fever should of its mother, has sent one for you
leave you, whose poisoning has in your time and in your country
impaired your senses and taken that he may give you suck like a
away light from the eyes, hearing loving mother. From him you shall
from the ears, taste from the suck the milk of assurance and
tongue, and strength from all the faith, a milk whiter than the sun

and of all drinks the most into your own minds how they can
cheering and, inspiriting. If you be satisfied, as to the manner in
are born alive and not dead, run which man can free himself from
to the breast that can give you evil. What are the dictates of
fresh milk. Throw off the stinking your conscience as to the best
and noxious milk from your cups, remedy for this all-absorbing evil.
for it affords no nourishment and Can any reasonable mind be
you cannot see its putridity. It has satisfied that the blood of Jesus
become a poison and its entrance makes sin horrific to our view.
into your blood is sure to corrupt Experience supplies evidence to
the internal system. All that the contrary and it appears it has
glitters is not gold, and therefore emboldened men in the
take not every whiteness for an commission of sin, for the man
excellence. There are things in who trusts in the blood of Jesus,
the world which are black in knows that the penalty of his sin
appearance but are of more solid has been paid. He only to whom
worth than many a thing polished a knowledge of the poisonous
white. Black hair signify the nature of sin is given, can keep
vigour of the prime of man-hood, clear of the evil, for he knows the
while grey ones indicate the danger he exposes himself to in
weakness and decrepitude of doing evil.
declining years. The whiteness of
hypocrisy and sham virtue ought One has been sent from God who
therefore to be condemned. Far alone can give you the
better is the plain and frank knowledge, on acquiring which
sinner who does not conceal -his your hearts shall see God and the
faults under a mask. He is nearer poison of evil. Then, will you fly
the Mercy of God than the other. from sin as a man flees from a
lion. It should therefore be the
Do not put your confidence in first object of every well-wisher
doubtful and dubious things of humanity to spread his
which, are not accompanied by doctrines and signs in the world so
true light and not supported on that those who in vain seek
true philosophy, for these are the deliverance in the crucifixion of
paths of danger and destruction. Jesus, may see the real source of
Weigh well the desires of your true salvation. The muddy waters
own heart what they are, and pry which contain twenty times as

much filth as pure water do not rubbish of doubt in its current and
contain the purifying element. the heart pure and free from
The water that descends from every sin. This is the water which
heaven in its time can alone shall blot out all imprints of sin
cleanse the heart of all dirt. The and thus prepare the heart, by
stream which overflows with pure restoring its natural purity, for
rain water can alone supply clear receiving Divine impressions.
and undefiled water, but the Remember that the letters of
stream which does not flow but sensuality can never be erased
has stagnant water in it, is far from the tablet of your heart
from being crystalline and pure. It unless you wash them off with the
is all muddy and dirty and is a water of assurance. Strive and the
receptacle of impure extraneous means shall be given to you, seek
matter. The heart to which a and it shall be provided, humble
perfect knowledge of God and your hearts and you shall be able
assurance had been given is like to understand these things, for
the overflowing stream which hardness of heart at bars the road
fertilises surrounding lands and to realities. Do you think that
whose clear cold water gives there is any other way for the
satisfaction to and refrigerates impression upon your hearts of
the burning heart. It is not only the greatness of the Living God,
pure itself but purifies everything or for the revelation of His Glory,
that is washed in it. It gives true or the manifestation of His Power?
wisdom and sagacity which Do you consider it possible that
remove rust from the heart and your hearts shall be filled with
excite dislike for sins. But the the light of assurance and
muddy stagnant water of a dry conceive true hatred towards sin
stream, being itself dirty, cannot by walking in a different path?
purify others or do any good to That cannot and shall not be;
the world. there is but one God, one path
and one law.
It is high time now for everyone to
be ready and search the water of
assurance, for it shall be given to
all earnest seekers. Filled with
assurance you must flow like a
mighty stream that carries off the

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Contents August 2002, Vol.97, No.

Islam and the Global Quest for Sustainable Development

The Purpose of Religious Differences

How to get Rid of the Bondage of Sin

Chief Editor and Manager Chairman of the Management Board

2 Review of Religions – August 2002

leads to Him. Practical ways of Development’ so eloquently

Review of Religions – August 2002 3

4 Review of Religions – August 2002

Review of Religions – August 2002 5

If all goes well, millions of people Assembly.This summit promises

6 Review of Religions – August 2002

have gone largely un- The scope of the issues to be

Review of Religions – August 2002 7

The 15 major areas of delib- issues of mega-cities and

8 Review of Religions – August 2002

ing, employment, gender to make globalisation equi-

Review of Religions – August 2002 9

highlight the Islamic perspectives In my opinion we do and I will

b. issues on a humane economic Have you not seen that Allah

Do we have Islamic concepts, There are several other similar

10 Review of Religions – August 2002

Review of Religions – August 2002 11

(Ch.4:V.59, Ch.5:V.9,Ch.38:V.27), daily to store all the food

12 Review of Religions – August 2002

Water Everywhere, Not A Drop rags in major cities of Asian and

Review of Religions – August 2002 13

resources such as forests, at which thousands of Latin

14 Review of Religions – August 2002

fail to be so given the unrelenting upheavals in many developing

Review of Religions – August 2002 15

global economic leader, interest economic indices in these

16 Review of Religions – August 2002

Muslims believe there is a very from his pursuit of knowledge and

Review of Religions – August 2002 17

maladjustment we may observe various laws governing it are

18 Review of Religions – August 2002

ultimate purpose in life? In other reflect i.e. to think, study and do

Review of Religions – August 2002 19

vouschafe progressively to man world around us is a direct result

20 Review of Religions – August 2002

plants. U.S. releases about one manifestation of the inability to

Review of Religions – August 2002 21

Qur’an enjoins us to remit all benevolence in the so-called aid

22 Review of Religions – August 2002

recent times, billions of dollars Islam lays greater emphasis on

Review of Religions – August 2002 23

This could still be achieved in and economic tension all because

24 Review of Religions – August 2002

countries remove similar sub- Rather than hiding behind

Review of Religions – August 2002 25

something strange is happening to REFERENCES

26 Review of Religions – August 2002

On 1st March 1903 a gentleman

Religious difference is a fine

Review of Religions – August 2002 27

THE DIFFICULTY THESE DAYS IS THAT NOT ONLY IS THERE THE

I myself wished and it was my which go against another religion

28 Review of Religions – August 2002

or honour is considered a sin. I But I do not attribute the

Review of Religions – August 2002 29

against it? In matters of religion it I have written this book

30 Review of Religions – August 2002