An Elementary Study of Islam
We draw the attention of the audience to a grave injustice done to Islam by the Western world. As has been well demonstrated, with reference to the teachings of the Quran and the injunctions of the Holy Prophet, Islam can only be described as a religion of peace. It covers all aspects of human life and delivers a message of peace to its adherents in their relationship to fellow human beings as well as in their relationship to God. Without prejudice or fear of contradiction, we can assert that no other religion emphasises peace even a part as much as Islam does. Although followers of many a religion do make similar claims, here we are talking of a claim which should be fully supported by injunctions contained in the divine scriptures. If however, every religion emphasises to the same degree the role of peace in human affairs, it is a most welcome gesture, which we do appreciate, and on which one can build hope for the future of mankind. In that case, it should be the prime responsibility of the religious leadership of all religions of the world to bring out the precious message of peace so much needed by mankind today.
Tragically however, even the adherents of Islam present it as a threat to international peace by promoting terrorism in the name of God and in the name of the Holy Prophet (sa) of Islam, who was a living paragon of peace. If the West presents Islam as a religion of terror and denial of fundamental human rights, the fault is not entirely theirs. It is largely shared, to say the least, by the clergy of various Muslim denominations. To talk of religious supremacy in all other areas of human interest, and to maintain at the same time that Islam emphatically denies the internationally accepted concept of human rights, is enough in itself to blemish the image of Islam.
Irrespective of whether the divine scriptures of other religions have presented the ideal of universal peace or not, it can be said without fear of contradiction that all religions seem to be inclined to such an ideal. This lays the foundation for a concerted effort on the part of the religious leaders of the world to work jointly for global peace. Instead of playing up our differences, it would be far more advisable and advantageous if the religious leadership highlighted points of agreement. This we are certain would be accepted as the binding factors between all religious denominations. Consequently, it could lead to the bringing together of the entire human race, regardless of country, creed or colour. If religions do not undertake this work, none else can, because this is the only force capable of transcending national, geographic and racial barriers.
With this earnest appeal to the leadership of the world religions, we bring this short treatise to a close, hoping for the best. The quest for peace is a matter of human survival, and as such should not be taken lightly.
(by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad)
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