Naseer Ahmad Qamar, Editor Al-Fazl International, London, UK
Ahmadiyya Gazette USA | Urdu version (pdf)
Today, the entire world views Islam as an aggressive and terrorist religion. Often, the killing of innocent people, suicidal bombings, and terrorist activities are carried out by people who claim to be Muslims, though in reality, the rebellious actions of these ignorant people have nothing to do with Islam. Rather, the real responsibility for these malicious and rebellious acts lies with the so-called scholars of Islam, who after the age of prophethood and Khilafat, were gravely mistaken in understanding the issue of Jihad, and considered the unjustified killing of human beings by sword a religious duty. These people, because of the distortion of their hearts, wrongly interpreting some of the Mutashabihat (complex and multifaceted) verses of the Holy Qur’an equated Islamic Jihad to rebellion, and associated self-concocted imprudent beliefs to Islam.
Hazrat Aqdas, Promised Messiah (as) says:
“Islam is such a religion, which does not need the support of sword for its propagation. Rather, the inherent excellences of its teachings, its truth, enlightenment, reasoning, arguments, and the active assistance of God the Exalted, the signs, and His personal attention are such matters that always drive its progress and propagation…The message of Islam does not need any compulsion for its propagation… To mention that the Ghazis (Islamic veterans of wars) of the Frontier Region raise rebellion in the name of Jihad is an absurd thought, and it is nothing but foolishness and ignorance to call these rebellious people by the name of Ghazi. If an ignorant Muslim harbors even the least amount of sympathy for these people considering them performing Jihad, I tell the truth, that the one who calls a rebellious person ghazi, and praises those who bring a bad name to Islam is an enemy of Islam… In England, France and other European countries, Islam is very harshly criticized to have been spread by the use of force… The real truth is that this rebellion has been spread by the Maulvies (Islamic clerics), who are the unwise friends of Islam. They did not understand the reality of Islam, and provided an opportunity to others to raise objections because of their concocted beliefs. The beliefs concocted by them greatly aided the Christians. If they had not deceived others about jihad or misunderstood the meaning of jihad, no one would have taken advantage of the opportunity to criticize Islam.” (Malfoozat, volume 3, p. 176, 177)
Hameh Isa’iyyan ra adh maqal khood madad dadand
Dalairee ha padeed amad parastaran mayyat ra
They aided all the Christians with their beliefs, and hence became the cause of emboldening the worshipers of the dead.
Wrong Interpretation of the Issue of Jihad
The Arbiter and the Judge of this age, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as), analyzing this issue in depth in his book “British Government and Jihad”, and various other books said:
“Because of the failure to understand the philosophy of the issue of Jihad, and its reality, the people of this age as well as of the middle ages were gravely mistaken, and we have to admit with great embarrassment that their dangerous mistakes provided an opportunity to the opponents of Islam to criticize the pure and the holy religion like Islam, which is nothing but a reflection of the laws of nature, and a manifestation of the majesty of God.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, volume 17, p. 3)
It has been the tradition of the Orientalists to publish excerpts from the commentaries of the Muslims, and then to disrepute Islam and fuel its opposition using those excerpts.
In the current times, among the unwise friends of Islam, Maulvi Abul A’la Maudoodi, the founder of Jama’at Islami is quite prominent. Maudoodi has attributed such false and inappropriate notions to the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (saw), that its reverberation is often heard in the writings of the western authors and the enemies of Islam. A few years ago, in 1999, a book by the name of ‘God, Muhammad and the Unbelievers – A Qur’anic Study’ was published by the Curzon Press written by a western author, David Marshal, in which the author attributing his own meanings to the various verses of the Holy Qur’an completely against the instructive verses of the Holy Qur’an, presented Islam as a bloody religion, and wrote that the Muslims had been taught to fight against the unbelievers until either they accept Islam or are killed. In support of his point of view, he has especially quoted excerpts from the books of Maulvi Abul A’la Maudoodi, and stated that Maulvi Maudoodi is the only such person who truly understood the message of the Qur’an. (God, Muhammad and the Unbelievers – A Qur’anic Study, p.191 to 197)
Hazrat Aqdas (as) says:
The people who call themselves Muslims, but are convinced that Islam should be spread by sword, are not aware of the inherent excellences of Islam, and their actions are like the actions of beasts. (Taryaq-e-Quloob, Roohani Khaza’in, volume 15, p.167)
Similarly he says:
“The Promised Messiah came to the world to remove the notion of raising the sword for the sake of religion…Now God the Exalted desires to remove all the objections raised by the wicked people against the pure religion of Islam.”(Malfoozat, Vol. 3, p.176, published in London)
Today, in the footsteps of Hazrat Promised Messiah (as), and in his representation, his Holy Khalifah V, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has taken up the flag in his hand of the grand movement to remove the notion of raising sword in the name of religion. And he is consumed in the real jihad of the propagation of the peaceful message of Islam in the entire world with the help and support of God the Exalted with great success and accomplishments in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an, Ahadith (sayings of Muhammad (saw)), and the pure life of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazoor (aba) paid special attention towards it right from the beginning of his Khilafat, and repeatedly presented the peaceful teachings of Islam and the reality of Jihad in his sermons and addresses to the people of the Jama’at and outsiders. He also has drawn the attention of the members of the Jama’at to spread the message of the peace of Islam in the world. It is our duty to fully partake in this grand scheme in the footsteps of our leader, and while exposing the internal enemies of Islam we should not only apply the peaceful teachings of Islam to ourselves, but also invite others to enter the peaceful enclave of Islam, and continue doing it until the time that the world is ridden off every kind of wrong and unjustified killing, and is filled with justice, peace, and friendship.
Rebuttal of the Bloody Concept of Jihad
We briefly mentioned that the real reason of the display of the religious extremism, oppression, violence, and terrorism by some unwise Muslims, is the wrongful interpretation of the issue of jihad adopted by some of the so-called Islamic scholars known by the name of Maulvies.
The Prophet of the time, the Arbiter and the Judge, Hazrat Aqdas (as), has shed comprehensive light on various aspects of this issue in his two books, ‘British Government and Jihad’ and ‘Damima Risala Jihad’. In these books, in addition to the description of the real concept of Jihad with reference to the Qur’an, and Ahadith, and the practice of the Hazrat Muhammad (saw), he also refuted the wrong concept of Jihad practiced by certain Muslims. Similarly, pointing out the real perpetuators of the wrongful concept of Jihad, he described details of their method of crime, and the dangers faced by the humanity from them, and gave very solid and important suggestions for the eradication of the religious terrorism, and the establishment of general peace, without which, it is not possible to eradicate religious fanaticism. He says:
“The method of Jihad practiced by most of the barbarians of this age is not the Islamic Jihad, rather these are the passions of the Nafs-e-ammarah (obstinate self that incites to evil), or treacherous acts based on the vain desires to achieve heavens that have spread among the Muslims.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.9,10)
Similarly, he said:
“The current practice found among the Muslims to attack people of other religions, which they call by the name of Jihad is not Jihad according to the Shariah (Islamic law), rather, it is clearly violation of the instructions of God and the Messenger (saw) and a grievous sin.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.17)
He further said:
“In fact, the concept of Jihad as found in their hearts is not right, and it begins with the murder of the human sympathy.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.8)
He says:
“Could it be considered a good act, for example, there is a person walking in a bazaar engulfed in his own thoughts, and is a complete stranger to us, and we do not even know his name, and neither does he know us, but we fire a gun at him with the intention of killing him? Is this a religious act? If this is a good act, then the beasts are far better than human beings in carrying out good deeds…Did God instruct us to cut a person into pieces without any proof of crime, or kill him with a gun while we do not even know him, and neither does he know us? Can such a religion be from God that teaches to start killing sinless and innocent people of God without any excuse and reservation, and without even delivering them the message, and that it would lead us to heavens? It is pitiful and shameful that a person, with whom we have no previous enmity, and is a complete stranger to us, and while he is buying something for his children from a store, or is busy in some other lawful act, and we, without any reason, fire a gun at him, and make his wife a widow and his children orphans, and turn his house into a place of mourning. Which Hadith mentions this practice? Which verse of the Holy Qur’an mentions this? Is there any Maulvi who could answer this? The unwise people have heard the name of Jihad, and using it as an excuse are fulfilling their vain selfish desires, or are carrying out gory acts because of their insanity…When no one kills Muslims for the sake of religion, I wonder, under what authority they kill innocent people?” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.11-13)
These days, the killings of innocent and sinless people in the mosques, places of worship, planes, trains, buses, public places, and public gatherings by using remote control devices or suicidal bombs, or indiscriminate firing, is also a dangerous and ferocious form of the aforementioned terrorism.
Mullah (Religious Scholar), Responsible for the Religious Fanaticism, Terrorism, and the Unjustified Carnage
Hazoor (as) in his this illustrious book rested the responsibility of the religious fanaticism, terrorism, and the unjustified carnage on the mullahs, both the Islamic mullah and the European mullah. Mentioning the Islamic mullah, he says:
“The understanding of the issue of Jihad of the current days Islamic scholars who are called Maulvi, and their method of presentation of this issue to the common people is definitely wrong. Its only outcome is that they, with their passionate speeches, turn barbaric natured human beings into beastly people, and strip them off all the noble qualities of human beings. This is exactly what has happened. I know for certain that the sin of all the unjustified killings by these unwise and selfish men, who are unaware of the hidden reasons for the need of wars by Islam in its early age, is on the neck of these Maulvies who secretly teach them the matters that lead to painful carnages.”
Similarly, Hazoor (as) says:
“The ignorant Maulvies – may God guide them – have greatly deceived people, who are like a flock, and have declared this act ‘keys of the heavens’ which is clearly unjustified, merciless, and against the human morals.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.11)
He further says:
“These people are so much entrenched in this belief of Jihad – which is totally wrong, and against the teachings of Qur’an, and Hadith – that anyone who does not accept this belief, they oppose him and brand him as Dajjal (great impostor or deceiver), and declare him deserving to be killed. So, for a long time, I have been under this edict as well.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.7)
Such statements and edicts of Maulvies are generally published and well known, and their provocations, and their playing with the feelings of the public to convince them to shed blood is a proven fact. Now, in addition to the press media, their videos and statements are also available on the electronic media. Therefore, we find no need to reproduce it here.
The Holy Prophet (saw), declaring this kind of mischievous, and rebellious scholars ‘pigs’ (Kanzal Ammal), pointed to their qualities, that as pigs destroy crops, and in spite of being a vegetarian animal sometimes eats its own babies, similarly, these unfortunate Mullahs, like the Jews, will also destroy the garden of Islam. And in spite of being human beings will be enemies of the people of their own kind. And instead of the good qualities of patience, forbearance, and tolerance, they would be filled with recklessness, ignorance, and evil morals.
Source of Rebellion
100 years ago warning about the rebellious acts of these enemies of human beings, (the Mullahs), the Promised Messiah (as) said:
“No doubt, the same people are the source of rebellion for every single government. Poor human beings are under the control of these people, and the reigns of their hearts are in their hands, they can steer them in any direction of their choice, and create havoc in a moment.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.18)
The truthfulness of the analysis of the apostle of the age is unmistakably evident like a bright day light. No doubt, for all governments (Muslims and non-Muslims), the cause of rebellion are these people. When these people speak, they spit fire. Their writings are illustrations of emission of fire. They, with their fiery speeches could flare fires of hatred in moments, and burn down the social peace to ashes.
Global Terrorist
The Imam of the time, 100 years ago pointed out the danger of their spreading out in the entire world. He said that these people think:
“As if the entire world is their prey, and as a hunter, on seeing a deer in a forest sneakily moves towards it and fires at it at the opportune moment, the same is the case with most of the Maulvies. They have not read even a single letter of the lesson of the human sympathy, rather in their view, firing a gun at an unaware person for no reason is considered ‘Islam’.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.12)
Lies, Hypocrisy and the Signs of the Duplicitous Mullah
Hazrat Promised Messiah (as) in his brief journal ‘British Government and Jihad’, pointing out these snakes of the grass, enemies of humanity, warned us to be vigilant of other bad habits of these Mullahs; lying, hypocrisy, and their duplicitous nature, and advised us:
“These people, when they meet the rulers of the time, they bow down to salute them as if they are ready to prostrate before them. When they are in the company of their own kind of people, they repeatedly insist that the country is a Dar al-Harb (house of war), and consider waging a war obligatory in their hearts.”
The truthfulness of this statement of Hazoor (as) is also a living truth, and the criteria mentioned by Hazoor (as) makes it very easy for us to identify these people. For the sake of personal and material benefits, or because of the fear of being caught, or because of pressure, sometimes these scholars make statements before the authorities or the international press to the effect that they are not buyers of the bloody concept of Jihad, or the religious fanaticism and extremist, but behind the scenes it is part of their belief. You will find that these doctrines are mentioned and taught in their books, speeches, and schools. Therefore, until their doctrines are reformed, and their books and schools do not start teaching the true Islamic concept of Jihad, their outward statements cannot be trusted, as the doctrines and the practice have a deep relationship with each other. A rebellious ideology and doctrine can never produce virtuous acts. Therefore, without the reformation of ideologies, doctrines, and hearts, the peace and the reformation of the nation are nothing more than a fanciful thought.
Here, it would be appropriate to mention that we do not say that all Islamic scholars subscribe to these rebellious views, rather as Hazrat Aqdas (as) said, “There is a minority that does not subscribe to these views.” Unfortunately, the majority of the scholars do hold these rebellious views, or are under their influence, and out of the ones who are not convinced of this bloody concept of Jihad, there are very few who have the courage to confront the Jihadist mullahs, and preach the true Islamic concept of Jihad.
Hidden Enemies of the Government
Hazoor (as) has declared that the mullahs, who are convinced of the bloody ideology of Jihad are the hidden enemies of the government, and criminals as well as disobedient in the sight of God the Exalted. (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.20)
Unfortunately, the authorities did not pay attention to the sayings of the Arbiter and the Judgeas of this age, and did not identify these hidden enemies at the right time, and as a result, these enemies secretly kept gaining strength. Further, injustice occurred when the governments of certain countries established close friendly ties with these instigators of rebellion, and used them without any restriction for their selfish gains and specific political goals. They backed these Mullahs in their instigations and rebellious schemes, and encouraged them further augmenting their vicious abilities, and as a result, these beastly people played gory games with the blood of innocent people, and openly caused mayhem in the country. When these people, who were now addicted to blood, attacked their own lords and supporters on finding the right opportunity, it opened their eyes, and they declared them blood-thirsty beasts, and the greatest threat to the humanity, and decided to subdue and kill them.
European Mullahs (Pastors): Responsible for the Criminal Carnage
The Arbiter and the Judge, Hadrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as), in his illustrious book, ‘British Government and Jihad’ and ‘Damima Risala Jihad’, giving his verdict on the unjustified killings, and the incidents of terrorism, put its responsibility on the European Mullahs, that is the pastors in addition to the ignorant Maulvies, and as, 100 years ago, his analysis was based on truth, similarly, it perfectly applies to today’s situation. Hazoor (as) says:
“As on one side, the ignorant Maulvies hiding the real meaning of Jihad taught the public the schemes of plundering and killing human beings, and called it Jihad. Similarly on the other side, the pastors also carried out the same activities, and published thousands of journals and flyers in the Urdu, Pashto, and other languages, and distributed them in Punjab, and the Frontier Region depicting that Islam was spread by sword, and that Islam was synonymous with the use of the sword. This resulted in the further intensification of the ferocious zeal of the public having witnessed the two testimonies, the testimonies of the Maulvies and the pastors.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Vol. 17, p.10)
Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as), mentioning the reasons for the unjustified killings due to the incorrect concept of Jihad because of the religious differences, and identifying the ones responsible for this further says:
“In my view, this is a factual and certain matter that the ferocious habits found in the Frontier Afghans, and the daily killings of innocent people is caused by two reasons as I mentioned before:
- First, I know well that the Maulvies whose belief includes that the killing of people of other religions, and especially Christians is a source of great divine reward, and it entitles one to the bounties of heaven, which one cannot attain by Salat, Hajj, Zakat, and any other good deeds, continue secretly preaching these doctrines to the public. This continuous persuasion of day and night has a big influence on the hearts of those people who are a little apart from animals, and it turns them into beasts, and they are completely bereft of any mercy for human beings, and carry out killings with shocking cruelty. Though, Frontier and Afghani Regions abound in this kind of Maulvies, but in my opinion, Punjab and India is also not free from these Maulvies. If our esteemed government has determined that all the Maulvies of this country are free and untainted from such views, this determination need to be re-evaluated. In my opinion, most of the unwise and short-tempered mullahs living in the mosques are not free from these tainted views.
- In my opinion, the second motivation of this criminal blood-shed which is carried out under the pretext of becoming Ghazi (Islamic war veterans) is provided by those pastors, who have exceedingly emphasized the claim that Jihad is obligatory in Islam, and killing people of other nations carries great divine reward in Islam. In my opinion, the people of the Frontier Region were unaware of the issue of Jihad, until the pastors jogged their memories.
My argument in support of this view is that until the time of publishing of such newspaper, journals and books by the pastors, such incidents were very rare, or could be said to be nonexistent…When, in 1894, the pastor Pfandel published his book, ‘Mizan al-Haq’ in Punjab and the Frontier Region, and not only used insulting language about Islam and the Messenger of Islam (saw), but also publicized it among hundreds of thousands of people that not only it is lawful in Islam to kill people of other religions, rather it carries great divine reward. His claim woke up the barbaric people of the Frontier Region, who knew nothing about their religion, and started believing that actually their religion did carry great reward for killing people of other religions.
I have carefully thought about it that most of the crimes committed in the Frontier Region, and the zealous hostility found among the people of the Frontier Region is caused by those books of the pastors, in which they exceeded all bounds in the use of fiery language, and repeatedly mentioned Jihad…The fiery and the tainted writings of the Pastor Imad-ud-Din of Amritsar and a few other abusive pastors have greatly damaged the mutual love and affection of the people of the country. Similarly the books of other pastors that we need not mention here are also not behind others in sowing the seed of hatred in the hearts of people.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.19-21)
He further says:
“Though with regret, but we do fully admit that the mullahs of Islam, following a wrongful ideology of Jihad advised the Frontier nations to spill the blood of respectable officers of a kind government. Nevertheless, we are disappointed by the European Mullahs – the pastors – who inflamed the passion of the unwise people with their unjustified fiery and untruthful writings. By repeatedly presenting the criticism on Jihad a thousand times, they convinced the barbaric Muslims that Jihad is a fast pass to heaven.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.22)
“Even if we assume that the major instigators responsible for enraging this dissention in the public are the Muslim Maulvies, but still in order to be fair, we have to accept the fact that the rebellious writings of the pastors also have a part to play to a degree in this rebellion which constantly disturbs the Muslims. It is sad that certain ignorant ones commit these acts and get away, and the Government is left to bear the consequences.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.22)
In essence, Hazoor (as) holds the pastors equally responsible along with the Muslim Maulvies for inciting people to commit acts of carnage and terrorism, and disturbing the general peace. He says:
Woe on the Muslims of this age as well, who have lost the second part of the Shariah (Islamic Law), which consists of the sympathy of mankind, love, and service. They claim to have belief in the Unity of God, but are involved in barbaric morals, which are shameful… But regretfully they face such petitions that revive their barbaric sentiments, which are the writings of some less sensible pastors which are poisonous in nature, and are filled with extreme insult and denunciation of the Holy Prophet (saw). These books are such that if a Muslim who does not enjoy a high caliber of patience, and tolerance reads them, he would be unintentionally infuriated as these books are full of harsh language as opposed to academic writings, and the common Muslims have no patience for them…
Even now, pastors often publish such writings for which the quick-tempered and the fiery natured Muslims have no patience for. This is an extremely dangerous activity, that on one side, the pastors falsely blame the Muslims that the Qur’an contains perpetual instructions to carry on Jihad all the time, as if they are reminding Muslims of the practice of Jihad, and (on the other side) they incite them by their fiery writings. I cannot understand how simple-minded these people are, they do not comprehend that the combination of these two matters could yield dangerous outcomes…In essence, at this point, how could we criticize Maulvies, when we also have complaints against the pastors, as they did not adopt the path of truthfulness either?” (Dhamima Journal Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, p.30-32)
The analysis of the one filled with the heavenly light, full of the divinely gifted vision, paragon of perfect fairness and justice, Hazrat Aqdas (as), fully applies to the circumstances of today, and the responsibility of the events of religious fanaticism, extremism and terrorism taking place today also squarely lies on both of the mentioned groups. The readers know that last year, the Pope also further fueled the fire of hatred against the Muslims not only in the west, but also in the entire world by making inappropriate, improper, untruthful, false, and hurtful statements about Islam, the founder of Islam and the Holy Qur’an. In this age, the blatantly false propaganda spread against Islam (God forbid) branding it as a tyrant religion that teaches compulsion, tyranny, blood-shed, destruction, and terrorism is very forcefully done by the pastors and their friends using radio, TV, books, newspapers, journals, internet, and other means of communications. Similarly, untruthful objections are raised to hurt the feelings of the Muslims by falsely blaming Islam, its founders (the mercy of the all the worlds), and the Holy Qur’an, using improper, absurd, and indecent language. The European Mullahs (the pastors), and their companions, or the people under their supervision and influence, including the writers, artists, and film producers, and the Islamic renegades – the so called intellectuals and the authors leading a hypocritical life – continue to incite the unwise and the unfortunate Maghloobul Gazab Mullahs, unaware of the wisdom of Islamic wars, and the hot tempered Muslims by either making insulting sketches of the holy personage of Islam, or by making extremely shameful movies about Islam.
Here, we do not need to mention their names or discuss other details about them. Every wise person knows well that whenever the western pastors and the covert writers carry on these insulting acts, it certainly leads to dreadful consequences. Their actions and the corresponding reactions result in such horrible events that destroy the peace of the society, and innocent people are killed. Along with the unwise and ignorant Muslims, the pastors and the western authors are equally responsible for it since they fuel this fire with their poisonous writings.
In essence, as the apostle of the time, the Arbiter and the Judge (as) said, that today, the responsibility of the terrorism and the carnage lies on these two groups, if the western and the eastern worlds are sincere in their efforts to establish true peace, the Muslims scholars and the Muslim public, and the western governments, pastors, and their scholars and the public would have to reform their thoughts according to the enlightened analysis of the apostle of the time, and change their behavior.
The Role Played by the Jihadi Camps in Afghanistan and the Adjoining Frontier Regions in Spreading Religious Extremism and Terrorism
It is not possible to put in words the appalling role played by the anti-Qur’anic, and anti-Muhammad (saw), self-concocted, totally un-Islamic, inhuman and bloody ideology of Jihad of the Maulvies (who are subdued by the passions of the evil-inciting-self and are ignorant), in putting the blemish of compulsion, brutality, terrorism, and aggression on the Holy Qur’an, and in throwing the Muslims in the pit of disgrace from intellectual, physical, moral, spiritual, economic, fiscal, social, academic, practical, and every other perspective. Today, wherever in the world, the so-called Muslims are involved in the incidents of suicidal attacks, and terrorism, most of them are known to be associated with the Jihadi camps established in Afghanistan, or the adjoining Frontier Regions. The Pakistan Government itself admits the existence of training camps in its northern Frontier Regions, and in Afghanistan, where suicidal bombers are trained, and from there they go to different places to carry out terrorist activities. In other words, this place is the breeding ground for those who spread terrorism in the name of Jihad.
It is strange that more than 100 years ago, during the time of Hazrat Promised Messiah (as), the same land was the center of corrupt and merciless activities, and a good number of those who shed the blood of innocent people on account of religious differences belonged to that land.
Important Suggestions for the Ruler of Kabul
So, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) pointing towards the mistakes of the scholars and the public in relation to the issue of Jihad drew the attention of the Ameer, and the Caretaker of Kabul to take necessary reformative steps in his book, “British Government and Jihad”. Hazoor (as) said:
“Islam definitely does not teach Muslims to become robbers and bandits, and fulfill their selfish desires using the pretext of Jihad. Since Jihad is not justified in anyway unless authorized by the King and the public is also aware of it, therefore it is possible that people unknowingly may blame the Ameer in their hearts, thinking him responsible for this Jihad. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Ameer to clearly condemn Jihad in order to stop this wrongful edict. In this way, the exoneration of the Ameer would become apparent like the broad day light. He would also be entitled to divine reward from the perspective of the rights of people, since there is no deed better than delivering the necks of the oppressed from the oppressors. Also, since a sizeable majority of the people who use the sword with the intention of becoming ghazi are Afghans, and a large number of them reside in the country of the Ameer, therefore God the Exalted has given this golden opportunity to the Ameer to carry out this grand task, and leave behind a legacy of this grand reformation, and free up the Afghan nation to the degree possible from this barbaric practice, which has tarnished the name of Islam.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, volume 17, p.18,19)
Note how clearly and truthfully the sayings of the apostle of the time fit the situation of the current times.
The proposals presented at that time in this regard by Hadrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) still have the same importance, usefulness, and practicality not only for Afghanistan, but also for the Muslim rulers of the entire world. Hazoor (as) says:
“The current practice of attacking people of other religion found in the Muslims, which they call Jihad is not Jihad from the point of view of the Shariah, rather it is clearly against the instructions of God and His Messenger, and a grievous sin. But since, some of the Muslim nations have been following this habit for ages it may not be possible for them to easily give it up. It is rather likely that they may become sworn enemies of the one who advises them against it, or may even want to kill him in their passion to become ghazi. But, there is one approach that comes to mind, which is that the Ameer and the ruler of Kabul gathers all the prominent scholars (at one place), and convenes a discussion on the nature of Jihad, and then utilizes the scholars to educate public about their mistakes. Further, if he makes the scholars publish a few journals in the Pashto language (on this topic), I believe that these kinds of activities would have a deep impact on the people, and the zeal spread by the unwise Mullahs in the public will slowly fade away.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.17,18)
This suggestion – full of heavenly light and the Qur’anic guidance – carries great wisdom, and could become a source for the real and everlasting reformations.
The Rebellion and Dissension Resulting from the Bloody Ideology of Jihad Cannot be Eradicated by a Mere Use of Force
The thinking that the rebellion and dissension spread by Mullahs convinced of the bloody ideology of jihad could be eradicated by use of force is not correct. It is true that many a times, the punishment of the tyrants, rebellious and criminals for their crimes is necessary according to the verses:
And the recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof. (42:41)
So whoso transgresses against you, punish him for his transgression to the extent to which he has transgressed against you. (2:195)
But the policy of compulsion for compulsion, and oppression for oppression does not always produce real peace in the society. Especially the reformation of the acts that are based on false and bogus ideologies and beliefs is not possible without the reformation of the underlying false ideologies and beliefs. Force could only subdue the dissension for a short time, but it can never produce long lasting peace. Short time victories could be achieved by the use of sword, but hearts cannot be conquered by it. Force could bow the heads, but cannot rule the hearts. It is for the same reason that the Holy Qur’an advising not to use compulsion for the propagation and reformation of ideology and beliefs has given the grand teachings of:
There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, right has become distinct from wrong. (2:257)
At another place, it is said:
So that he who had already perished through a clear Sign might perish, and he who had already come to life through a clear Sign might live. (8:43)
So only that person is alive, for whom there is a Sign, and who does not have Sign for him is destined to be perished.
So, if the false and bogus ideologies and beliefs are uprooted by the help of brilliant and convincing arguments, and in their place, ideologies, and beliefs based on reality and truthfulness are rooted in their hearts, this should result in a magnificent reformation of the society with a long lasting effect. Therefore, under the Qur’anic instruction:
And argue with them in a way that is best. (16:126)
Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) made this excellent proposal to convene a gathering of the prominent scholars and discuss the issue of Jihad, and have the scholars inform the public about their mistakes.
Need of Discussion with the True Heart and Fervor at the International Level
It is really important to get the locally renowned and influential scholars involved in these discussions, and to use them to educate the public about their mistakes, as it is these scholars, who teach the general public false issues, and incite them to shed blood, and spread dissension and rebellion by misdirecting their love for religion. Hence, it is necessary to get them on board.
Further, it is also very important to publish journals in the local languages explaining the reality and the truth about the Islamic Jihad in the local languages, and seed it in the hearts of people. These days, in addition to the press media, radio, TV, internet, and all other means of communication should be utilized to launch a continuous effort to eradicate the false ideology of jihad.
Further, in addition to the scholars and people of Afghanistan and the adjoining Frontier Regions, scholars and people of other countries and places should also be included in this movement, and with the falsification of the bloody ideology of the Islamic Jihad, the reality of the true Islamic Jihad should be highlighted. When the same message is received from all directions, it would produce much better results by the blessings of God. Therefore, in this age, Hazoor (as) drawing the attention of people towards it also suggested:
“If the Maulvies of Punjab and India are in fact against this issue of Jihad, they should publish journals about it and publicize their Pashto translated copies in the Frontier Region. It would definitely have a far-reaching effect. The condition for it to be effective is that the effort should be carried out wholeheartedly with full fervor, and without any discord. (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.22)
Here, it is appropriate to mention that in order to find out the truth about the issue of Jihad and to understand it under the light of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith, and to learn the instructive arguments in this regard, it is essential to seek guidance from the writings and the sayings of the apostle of the time, the Arbiter and the Judge, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as), and the sayings of his Holy Khulafa, as these are the servants of God, who have been raised by God the Exalted in this age for the revival of religion and the establishment of the Shariah. Further, the Promised Messiah, and the Promised Mahdi (as) is the holy and the blessed person, about whom the Holy Prophet (saw) said that through him the world would be filled with justice, righteousness, and peace and honesty. Therefore, in order to be successful in the endeavor to achieve true peace, it is imperative to get hold of the arguments offered by him, since the promise of success of God the Exalted is reserved for this wrestler of God.
The Grave Dangers to be Faced in Case of Failure to Pay Attention to the Reformation of the False Ideology of Jihad
The grave dangers pointed out by Hadrat Aqdas (as) in case of not paying attention towards this false ideology of Jihad are today a living fact. Hazoor (as) addressing the Ameer of Kabul said:
“Certainly, the subject of Ameer Sahib would be very unfortunate if he does not pay attention towards this necessary reformation, and it would ultimately lead to issues for his government that is sitting quietly on these edicts of the Mullahs. Today, it is the practice of these mullahs and Maulvies to label someone or a sect as a denier over minor religious differences, and then they issue the same edicts of Jihad against them that they had issued against the disbelievers. Therefore, even the Ameer Sahib cannot stay out of the grip of these edicts. It is possible, that on a partial disagreement with Ameer Sahib, these people might throw Ameer Sahib out of the Islam, and then issue the same edicts of Jihad against him that they issue against the disbelievers. Without a doubt, the people who possess the authority to label people believers and disbelievers, and issue edicts of Jihad are dangerous people, and Ameer Sahib should not take them lightly, as these people are certainly the instigators of rebellion for every government. The poor public is in their control, and the reigns of their hearts are in their hands, they can turn them in any direction, and can bring havoc in a moment. Therefore, it is not a sin to free the public from them, and to gently educate them about the reality of the issue of Jihad.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.17,18)
How truthful, clear, and a wonderful proof of his truthfulness is the analysis of the one who was filled with the heavenly righteousness, and the light of foresight? We have witnessed it in the past and in the current times as well, whoever disagreed with the bloody ideology of Jihad of Mullahs, they made him a target of their wrath, and openly announced Jihad against him.
A Warning; a Prayer
More than 100 years ago, Hadrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) advised the rulers to conduct educational programs about the issue of Jihad to free up the Muslims from this barbaric practice. He urged them to do every possible effort for this cause, and told them that it was better for them to do so and said:
“Otherwise, the time of the Promised Messiah has arrived. Nevertheless, now God the Exalted will produce such heavenly means, where (before) the world was filled with oppression, and unjustified blood-shedding, now, it will be filled with justice, peace, and reconciliation. Blessed are those Ameers and Kings who partake from it.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.17)
The last part of this warning and prayer, “Blessed are those Ameers and Kings who partake from it” contains a prayer. According to it, it still has to be seen, who are those fortunate rulers who by acting upon the advice of Hazrat Promised Messiah (as) prove the falsehood of this bloody ideology of Jihad, and become recipient of his prayers, and the divine blessings.
Unfortunately, the effort required to educate the masses to reform them regarding the bloody ideology of Jihad was not carried out by the Ameer and the ruler of Kabul, and he did not value the advice of the apostle of the time and the Messiah of the time. As a result, this nation, like the unfortunate, disbeliever and denier Jews of the time of the early Christians, continued advancing towards further hardening of their hearts, and in their tyrannical and oppressive activities. It is the same land, where high ranking companions of Hadrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) were very brutally martyred because of the religious differences under the influence of the bloody ideology of Jihad of the Mullahs. Hadrat Maulvi Abdul Rehman was martyred by wrapping a cloth around his neck and suffocating him, and Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif, the chief of Khost was first heavily chained and handcuffed, and tortured in a prison, and his nose was pierced to pass a rope through it, and then he was dragged with this rope with great jest, ridicule, abuse, and curse, to the place of his murder. He was then dug in the ground up to the waist, and brutally stoned until there was a huge pile of stones over his head. It was such a heinous crime that makes our heart cry, and send shudders through our body. After him, his wife and orphan children were also brutally tortured and some of them were martyred.
We see that none of the many rulers of Afghanistan as well as of Pakistan availed the opportunity to denounce the bloody ideology of Jihad of Mullahs, rather they, labeling Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) a denier of Jihad, raised such a fire of rejection, hostility, and dissension against his Jama’at which resulted in great persecution of Ahmadis with the backing of the rulers and the constitution. Dozens of Ahmadis were brutally martyred, and hundreds, rather thousands had to bear the hardships of imprisonment. Their assets and properties were looted and set on fire, and they were put through every possible atrocity, and it still continues to this day. Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) mentioning the dreadful martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif in his book ‘Tazkara-tush Shahadatain’ said:
“The land of Kabul will witness, what types of fruits are born by this blood. This blood will not be wasted. Previously, poor Abdur Rehman of my Jama’at was persecuted and killed, and God remained quiet. But now He will not remain quiet on this blood, and it will have major consequences.”(Tazkaratush Shahada-tain, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 20, p.74)
History is a witness that God did not remain quiet on this blood. This land has seen many rainy days, and many bloody rainy days, but the marks of that holy blood have not gone away. Today, the cause of the bloody color of this land is the rejection of the true ideology of Jihad mentioned by the Holy Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah, and not paying heed to the warnings of the Messiah of the times, and the unjust shedding of the innocent blood, that has been shed in the name of religion. How true is the following saying of Hazoor (as)?
“Why is the punishment of God awakened, ask me? The days of my denial have provoked it.”
The Unfair and Provocative Behavior of Christian Pastors and the Like-minded Western Authors
The Christian pastors and their like-minded western authors very often and frequently spread false propaganda against Islam that (God forbid), Islam is a terrorist religion, and it teaches Muslims in the name of Jjihad for Allah to shed the blood of innocent people, and spread dissension and rebellion on mere religious differences. In order to prove their false claims, these pastors and the so-called scholars and researchers ignore the context of the verses of the Holy Qur’an, and the proven historical facts, and distort the events using every kind of deception and misrepresentation. They also commit the grave offence of attributing meanings of their own choice to the Holy Qur’an. In support of these views, they also present sayings and commentaries of the so-called those scholars of Islam, who are overcome by the passion of their Nafs-e-ammara (inciting-self) and are hungry of power, and attribute their own self-concocted commentaries to the Holy Qur’an, and spread the bloody ideology of Jihad under the pretext of the holy slogan of Jihad in the name of Allah, and spread dissension and rebellion. This practice of the Christian pastors is definitely not aligned to righteousness and justice. It is clearly unfair to hold Islam responsible for the hypocritical acts of a few misguided people.
We are aware that Hazrat Jesus (as) addressing his followers said:
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Mathew, Chapter 5, Verse 39 to 45)
But today we see that that the rulers associated with this chosen servant of God act totally against this teaching, and make their enemies target of persecution and ill-treatment using different excuses, and drop horrific and highly destructive bombs on them, and carry on barbaric treatment. Will it be fair to attribute the responsibility of the actions of these misguided Christians upon Hazrat Jesus (as), or on his pure teachings? If not, and certainly not, then is it not unjust and unfair to blame Islam and its founder for the terrorist activities of the few so-called Muslims?
Islam and its founder, Hazrat Muhammad (saw) expressed complete disgust with the people holding these terrorist views and the ones who carry on such acts. The Holy Qur’an says it many times that Allah the Exalted does not love the rebellious people. He does not love those who are unjust, and does not like dissension. As the Holy Prophet (saw) was the mercy for all the worlds, his blessed sayings, and innumerable pure examples shimmering in the historical books and the books about his life show that even the pain of his sworn enemies would make him restless. He possessed the highest caliber of human sympathy, justice, and other moral virtues. So, many fair-minded western intellectuals and researchers have also paid tribute to the excellences of the Islamic teachings, and the full of wisdom sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw), and attested that Islam is a peaceful religion, and the blame on Islam of persecution, and torture is totally false and baseless. Rather, we see that in the current times, the rulers of the Christian governments, who blindly drop bombs on some Muslim countries on the pretext of the terrorism of the few so-called Muslims and extremists, and are involved in the tyrannical acts of destroying the lives of thousands of innocent people, are also forced to state that the views of the people involved in carrying out terrorist activities in the name of Jihad are based on distorted teachings of Islam, and they are defaming Islam, and that Islam’s real teachings have nothing to do with these people. They also accept that the majority of the Muslims are peace loving, and friendly, and they look at the acts of these terrorists with hate, and reject them. But we also see that whenever they get an opportunity, they overlook these differences, and spread the propaganda that Islam is a violent, bloody, and terrorist, and is against peace, and the western media repeats this propaganda with great intensity and frequency. Their behavior is not based on righteousness and justice, and it does not help in the establishment of social peace, rather, without any reason it provokes people and causes dissension.
Advice to Pastors and Christian Rulers
More than 100 years ago, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) advised the Christian people and the Christian rulers to act with fairness, and stay away from provocations. Hadrat Aqdas, Promised Messiah (as) says:
We have repeatedly written that the Holy Qur’an certainly does not teach jihad. The reality is that in the early period (of Islam), some of the opponents tried to stop and eradicate Islam with the use of sword. So Islam raised the sword against them in its defense, and the injunction was specifically about them that they either be killed or accept Islam. So, this injunction was for a specific time, not forever. And Islam is not responsible for the clearly wrong and selfish activities of the kings which were committed after the time of the prophethood. Whoever, now repeatedly reminds the unwise Muslims about the issue of Jihad to deceive them is provoking this poisonous habit. It would have been good, if the pastors, keeping in view the factual events would have stressed that there is no Jihad in Islam, and there is no instruction to forcefully convert people to Islam. The Holy Qu’ran has the following injunction:
There is no compulsion in religion. ( 2:257)
How can a book with this injunction teach Jihad? How can we complain about the Maulvies when we also have complaints about the pastors, that they did not adopt the course that was based on truth and beneficial for the Government?” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.31,32)
So, Hazoor (as) drawing the attention of the British government in that age said:
“In my view, it is necessary for the government to stop the pastors from this dangerous concoction, which has resulted in discord and revolt in the country. People do not abandon Islam due to these unnecessary concoctions of the pastors, however these speeches always remind the public about the issue of Jihad, and awaken the sleeping public” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaz-a’in, Volume 17, p.9)
Hazoor (as) again and again wrote to the ruling authorities:
“For some time, this method of discussion, where parties criticize each other’s religion should be banned.”
Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) further elaborating on this advice said:
“In my opinion, the recently adopted practice of the Roman government is good. So, for an experimental period of a few years, every group should be totally forbidden from directly or indirectly mentioning any other religion in its writings or speeches, but they would be allowed to describe the excellences of their own religion to their heart’s desire. In this way, the new biases would not be seeded and the old tales would be forgotten, and people would turn towards mutual love and reconciliation. And when the barbaric people of the Frontier Region would notice that much mutual love and affection has been created between other nations, they would be influenced by it and start treating Christians with sympathy just as a Muslim treats his brother.” (British Government and Jihad, Volume 17, p.22)
Similarly Hazoor (as) says:
“At least for five years, the practice of attacking other religions should be banned, and there should be a complete prohibition on attacking the beliefs of the other religions. These practices are daily increasing dissension in the country, and as a result some of the groups have stopped having friendly meetings with other groups, because, a party owing to its lack of knowledge about the other religion may raise such objections which are untrue, and cause extreme pain. Many a times, these practices result in a dissension like the objection of Jihad on the Muslims and may remind the other party about the forgotten passion, and eventually lead to dissension. So, if our wise government promulgates this law for five years that all the parties of British India including the pastors should be completely banned from attacking other religions, and only meet with love and display good qualities, and everyone only discusses the excellences of his religion, I am certain that this poisonous plant of dissension and bias, which is internally growing will soon stop, and this praiseworthy act of government would also have an impact on the people of the Frontier Regions, and lead to peace and reconciliation.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.32,32)
Hadrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) said:
“If a religion has a truth, it should be brought out rather than criticizing it. Not every ruler will act or accept the advice that I am putting forward, only highly wise rulers would understand its reality.” (British Government and Jihad, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 17, p.33)
Unfortunately, no one acted upon the visionary suggestions of the apostle of the time, Arbiter and Justice, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) for the establishment of religious tolerance, social peace and friendship, and as a result, today, a 100 years later, the terrorist activities have become a norm of the day, and every single day, the entire world is sinking deeper and deeper in the marshland of discord and dissension.
The Christian pastors probably did not accept these suggestions because it was very hard for them to show their religious truths from their books as opposed to Islam. They were unable to prove the false beliefs of the godliness of Jesus, Trinity, and Atonement from their religious books; therefore, they thought it appropriate to raise objections on Islam basing it on the concocted philosophy of Jihad of the few so-called Muslims, because:
“The rule is that when one cannot attack another religion with truth and justice, a lot of people start attacking using unjustified accusations.” (Chashma Masih, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 20, p.337)
It is probably for the same reason, that the enemies of Islam raise false objections on the Holy Qur’an, and are busy in the dirty schemes of heaping great insults, degrading, abusing, concocting and saying hurtful things to the Muslims against Islam and its founder, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (saw) in order to dissuade them away from Islam.
Divine Decree
But now this scheme will not last too long, because the Promised Messiah, that Allah the Exalted was supposed to send for the eradication of the Christian dissension, has already come, and that pure and chaste being said:
“I have been sent at this time to save Islam from the attacks of the false religions, and to present the powerful arguments for the truthfulness of Islam. I certainly say that Islam will be victorious, and its signs have already appeared. This is true that no sword or gun is required for this victory, and neither God has sent me with weapons. Anyone who thinks like this is an unwise friend of Islam. The purpose of religion is to conquer hearts, and it cannot be done with the sword. As so many times, I have shown that the sword picked up by the Holy Prophet (saw) was only for the sake of self-protection and self-defense, and it was done only when the atrocities of the opponents and the deniers had exceeded all limits, and the earth had turned red with the blood of the poor Muslims. In essence, the reason for my arrival is the victory of Islam on other religions.” (Lecture Ludhiana, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 20, p.293, 294)
So, with the coming of the Messiah of the time, the winds of the Unity of God for the support of truth have started blowing from the heavens, and the angels of God have started descending upon the hearts of the good-natured people making provisions for their guidance, and people have started relinquishing false doctrines. Today, the work of the presentation of the final arguments in the entire world is being carried out with great strength by the grand leadership of the true Khilafat of Ahmadiyya Islam established after the Promised Messiah (as).
We finish this essay with the majestic and sympathetic advice and the message of the Arbiter and the Judge, Hazrat Aqdas, the Promised Messiah (as) for the Muslims of the entire world:
“Muslims should appreciate the enlightenments and the blessings descending from the heaven at this time, and thank Allah the Exalted. But if they do not appreciate this reward of God the Exalted, God the Exalted will not care about them at all, and will certainly complete His task. Allah the Exalted has willed to wipe out the other religions, and give victory and strength to Islam. Now, there is no hand or power that could stand in the way of the will of God the Exalted.” (Lecture Ludhiana, Roohani Khaza’in, Volume 20, p.290)