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Allegations Against Islam

Summary of Friday Sermon

delivered by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

September 15th, 2006

NOTE: Alislam Team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this Synopsis of the Friday Sermon

In his Friday Sermon today Huzur responded to a recent lecture given by the Pope in Germany in which while speaking with reference to another writer the Pope mentioned Islam in an implausible light. Huzur said, by making certain remarks, the Pope has tried to portray a wrong impression of Islam, the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). While this must have created disquiet among the Muslims, it also demonstrates their own inner feelings towards Islam.

Huzur said the stature of the Pope is such that no matter with what reference he spoke, he should not have made these observations. In the current global climate of anti-Islamic feelings this is akin to inflaming the situation. What was needed was for him to state that some extremist Islamic organisations have adopted certain negative ways, however, the teachings of Islam are contrary to this and that for the peace and security of the world we should work together. In contrast he has tried to lead his followers to believe that such is the teaching of Islam. Huzur said in his opinion the Pope was a scholarly and sagacious person; however he has demonstrated his lack of knowledge by this. The teaching of the Messiah (on whom be peace) that he claims to be the successor of, was to be kind even to one’s enemy.

Huzur said by attributing wrong aspects to the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) the Pope has injured the feelings of Muslims and those [among Muslims] who have no control over their emotions may go ahead and react in a way that could provide others further opportunity to speak against Islam and this would facilitate enhancing the belief of those who already consider Islam to be an extremist religion.

Huzur said Ahmadis should always pray that may Allah protect us from trials and tribulations. In conjunction with prayer we need to respond to this lecture as well; these being the only two weapons we have.

Huzur went on to read extracts from the Pope’s lecture and related the references therein, which is a dialogue that took place in 14th Century and was scribed by a Christian scholar, with the admission that as the author was a Christian he had primarily put across his own point [as opposed to the Muslim’s in the dialogue]. The dialogue mentions the emperor's `apparent` knowledge of the Holy Qur’an, in particular knowledge of verse 257 of Surah Al Baqarah that mentions that there is ‘no compulsion in religion’. The emperor also mentions in harsh words that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) taught that the religion he had brought should be spread with the use of force. Emperor , who was trained in the Greek philosophy, had made other similar remarks in the dialogue. The reference also mentions that the Holy Qur’an teaches disparate treatment towards the non-believers and People of the Book. In addition it was stated that the wise do not need power, force and weapons. Huzur said that while he concurred with this adage, he also wondered in what capacity their own world powers were involved in these days with countries thousands of miles away from their borders. Huzur said they should counsel their own first. Huzur also questioned as to how would the early internal Christian wars and the Spanish Inquisition be accounted for? Huzur said a response shall be prepared for the Pope so that if he is not aware of the teaching of Islam, he may get familiar with it. This was of course [possible] if he would read the response mindful of his stature.

Huzur observed that with the Christian world losing its popularity, they are reduced to employing cunning ploys against Islam. Next Huzur gave several Quranic references to elucidate the teaching of Islam as regards compulsion and free will in matters of faith as well as expounded the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Huzur also related incidents from the lives of the Rightly Guided Khalifas of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) who, in accordance to and being completely faithful to the teachings of the Prophet kept the principles of emancipation alive. Huzur said it was the teaching of Islam that brought about a revolutionary change at the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and after he passed away the way the lives of his Companions turned out does not represent a belief that was forced upon, rather that was won over through hearts and minds with supreme courtesy and high morals.

Huzur related the time of the conquest of Mecca when the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had complete domination and yet he maintained absolute humility, forbearance and compassion.

Huzur then gave several extensive references from the writings of Western scholars and writers which illustrate that for the fair-minded person, no matter what belief they adhere to, the blessed, peaceable and pure model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is evident and unambiguous. The writers Huzur quoted were Thomas Carlyle, Sir William Muir, Edward Gibbon, John Davenport, Count Tolstoy, Bernard Shaw, Rev. Bosworth Smith, Pringle Kennedy and S. P. Scott.

Next Huzur read a lengthy and detailed extract from the noble writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) expounding the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the teachings of Islam as regards the subject-matter as well as the Islamic concept of God.

In conclusion of the subject Huzur advised each Ahmadi to turn to God more than ever before; he said this was the only way to face the mounting opposition against Islam. Huzur said today these people are on the offensive on the basis of their wealth and power, it will be the force of our prayers that shall break their arrogance and conceit.

Huzur urged to call on God so that the kingdom of the One God, Who has no partner, may be established on the earth soon. Huzur urged the Muslims nations to unite and to promote the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and to desist from actions that give cause to the others to deride. Huzur prayed that may Allah enable them to do so.

Next Huzur announced some funerals in absentia that he would lead after the Jummah prayer.