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Of Mice and Men
10
The Keys to Peace in a
Time of Global Disorder
20
Opening of the Baitul
Ahad Mosque in Japan
40
The Economic System
of Islam
52
vol. 111 - issue onejanuary 2016 www.reviewofreligions.org
return of
theabsolute
evil…?
The Holy Prophet
Muhammadsa
prophesied
that the Promised Messiahas
would be raised near a
white minaret, east of
Damascus. This prophecy
was fulfilled with the advent
of the Promised Messiahas
from Qadian, India, a city
directly east of Damascus.
The Promised Messiahas
& imam mahdi
©makhzan-e-tasaweer
founder of
the review of religions
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
, the Promised Messiah
and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India. 
From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and
developed a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
. He
was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve.
Over time his knowledge and understanding of religion
and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim
it was his firm belief that all religions were true at their
source but with the passage of time had drifted away
from their original teachings; he upheld the dignity of
religion and demonstrated its relevance to everyone.
His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed
when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah
– a blessing that he continued for the rest of his life.
His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions
held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It
was through this that he would bring mankind together
and establish everlasting peace.
In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Ahmadas
founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – a
community that has since grown in its stature and
strength and has remained active in conveying the
message of Islam to the ends of the earth.
Hazrat Ahmadas
had established himself as a respected
writer and had written over 80 books. His writings
have been translated into more than 60 languages and
continue to inspire readers to this day. One of his greatest
scholarly works was The Philosophy of the Teachings of
Islam, prepared as a paper and read out at the Conference
of Great Religions in 1896.
He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus
in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence
of Jesus’sas
journey to India. In 1902, the Promised
Messiahas
initiated The Review of Religions which has
covered a vast array of topics on religion, philosophy
and contemporary issues of the day. It is the longest
running English magazine in defence of Islam and the
values it teaches.
From 1889 until the time of his demise in 1908 tens
of thousands of people accepted him. This blessing
has continued and will continue through his Khulafa
(successors).
Currently under the fifth successor, we are seeing that the
tide of acceptance is worldwide and that the message of
Prophet Ahmadas
has really reached the ends of the earth.
Allah has promised to those
among you who believe and do
good works that He will surely
make them Successors in the
earth, as He made Successors from
among those who were before
them; and that He will surely
establish for them their religion
which He has chosen for them.
ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR’AN,
CH.24:V.56.
By God, any official who takes
anything from the public funds
without justification will meet
his Lord carrying it on himself
on the Day of Judgment.
ISLAM, THE HOLY
PROPHETSA
, HADITH OF
MUSLIM.
The law may be good, but if the
promulgator of the law is not
such who by his rank should
possess superiority over all and
the right to rule over them and
if he is in the eyes of the people
not free from tyranny, vice, error,
and mistake, the law will either
not come into operation or if it
does come into operation, would
give rise to every kind of disorder
and instead of doing any good
it would result in harm. All
this would predicate a Divine
Book, for all good qualities and
every kind of excellence is to be
found only in the Book of God.
ISLAM, THE PROMISED
MESSIAHAS
, THE ESSENCE OF
ISLAM, VOL. 1, P. 122.
Concerned alone with the
upholding of the world, you
should act. Whatever the
best man does, others do that
also.The world follows the
standard he sets for himself.
HINDUISM, BHAGAVAD GITA,
3:20-21.
God of Israel has spoken, the
Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over
men, ruling in the fear of God,
He dawns on them like the
morning light, like the sun
shining forth upon a cloudless
morning, like rain that makes
grass to sprout from the earth.
JUDAISM AND
CHRISTIANITY, THE BIBLE,
2 SAMUEL, 23:3-4.
Neither for the sake of oneself
nor for the sake of another,
not desiring son, wealth, or
kingdom, should a person seek
his own success by unjust means.
Then only is a man indeed
virtuous, wise, and righteous.
BUDDHISM, DHAMMAPADA,
84.
Justice by Governments
world faiths
10 Of Mice and Men
Scientists have made an exciting
breakthrough in understanding the
human brain by implanting mice
brains with cells from human brains.
AZHAAR ASHRAF, UK
16 The Purpose of the Advent
of the Promised Messiahas
HAZRAt MiRZA GHUlAM AHMAdAS
, tHe PRoMiSed
MeSSiAH And iMAM MAHdi
20 The Keys to Peace in a Time
of Disorder
SPeciAl AddReSS in toKyo by HAZRAt MiRZA
MASRooR AHMAd, KHAliFAtUl MASiH VAbA
in
noVeMbeR 2015
34 In Praise of Queen Victoria
HAZRAt MiRZA GHUlAM AHMAdAS
, tHe PRoMiSed
MeSSiAH And iMAM MAHdi
38 High Moral Qualities of the
Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
40 Opening of the Baitul Ahad
Mosque in Japan - Spreading
Peace and Security
At the opening of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community’s first mosque
in Nagoya, Japan, Hazrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul
Masih Vaba
addresses the role of
mosques in preserving peace.
52 The Economic System of Islam
What are the flaws in communism?
An Islamic perspective.
HAZRAt MiRZA bASHiR-Ud-din MAHMUd AHMAdRA
Front cover picture:
© Romolo Tavani | shutterstock.com
CONTENTS
january 2015 vol.111 issue one
52
20
40
The world is passing through turbulent times.The global economic crisis
continues to manifest new and grave dangers at every juncture.The
similarities of the current circumstances to the build-up of the Second
WorldWar are stark. Events appear to be moving us rapidly towards a
ThirdWorldWar.The consequences of a nuclear war are beyond
our imagination.
In this book, the historic addresses of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba
, Fifth
Khalifah of the Promised Messiah and Supreme Head of the worldwide
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, to prominent dignitaries at Capitol Hill, the
House of Commons, the European Parliament and other notable locations
around the world have been collated.The book also includes the momentous
letters sent by His Holiness to the numerous world leaders. Over and over
again, His Holiness has reminded all that the only means of averting a global
catastrophe is for nations to establish justice as an absolute requirement of
their dealings with others. Even if mutual enmity exists, impartiality must
be observed at all times, because history has taught us that this alone is
the way to eliminate all traces of hatred and to build everlasting peace.
Read online at: www.alislam.org
Purchase the book here:
http://store.alislam.org/
CHIEF EDITOR & MANAGER
Syed Amer Safir
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Nakasha Ahmad,Tariq H. Malik
RELIGION & SCIENCE
Editor: Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir Nasser
Deputy: Dr.Tauseef Khan
ISLAM & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Editor: Shahzad Ahmad
LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS
Editor: Qudsi Rasheed
Deputy: Ayesha Mahmood Malik
ANCIENT RELIGIONS & ARCHAEOLOGY
Editor: Fazal Ahmad
Deputy: Rizwan Safir
CHRISTIANITY
Editor: Navida Sayed
Deputy: Arif Khan
GENDER & EQUALITY
Editor: Aliya Latif
Deputy: Meliha Hayat
BOOK REVIEWS
Editor: Sarah Waseem
WEB TEAM
Mubashra Ahmad, Hibba Turrauf
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Head: Razwan Baig
EDITORIAL BOARD
Mansoor Saqi, Bockarie Tommy Kallon, Professor
Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Murtaza Ahmad, Fiona
O’Keefe, Hassan Wahab, Jonathan Butterworth,
Munazza Khan, Waqar Ahmedi, Mahida Javed
SUB-EDITORS
Munawara Ghauri (Head), Maryam Malik,
Nusrat Haq, Mariam Rahman
PROOFREADERS
Farhana Dar (Head), Hina Rehman, Amina Abbasi, Aisha Patel
HOUSE STYLE GUIDE
Maleeha Ahmad (Head), Sadia Shah
SOCIAL MEDIA
Tazeen Ahmad (Head), Mala Khan (Deputy), Nudrat
Ahmad, Hajra Ahmad, Mishall Rahman, Shumaila Ahmad
PRINT DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Ahsan Khan
INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION
Muhammad Hanif
ACCOUNTS & MARKETING
Musa Sattar
ART & CREATIVITY
Zubair Hayat, Mussawir Din
INDEXING,TAGGING & ARCHIVING
Mirza Krishan Ahmad (Head). Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed
(Deputy). Humaira Omer, Humda Sohail, Shahid Malik, Ruhana
Hamood, Mubahil Shakir, Adila Bari, Hassan Raza Ahmad
MANAGEMENT BOARD
Munir-Ud-Din Shams (Chairman), Syed Amer Safir (Secretary), Mubarak Ahmad Zaffar, Ataul Mujeeb
Rashed, Naseer Qamar, Abdul Baqi Arshad, Abid Waheed Ahmad Khan, Aziz Ahmad Bilal
Bitcoin: On Behalf of
The Future
14
Educating Our Children
24
The Difference Between
True Islam & Extremist
Groups
30
FGM’ – Not in The
Name of Religion
50
VOL. 110 - ISSUE 1JANUARY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
ERADICATING
EXTREMISM
Why The Honeybee
is Dying and What It
Means for Life on Earth
16
Wonders Experienced
Through Fasting
26
The Islamic Dilemma
Should We Fear the
Religion of Peace?
30
Atheism or Belief -
Which is evidence
Based?
42
VOL. 110 - ISSUE SEVENJULY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
The
ISLAMIC
DILEMMA
ShouldWeFearthe
ReligionofPeace?
God - His Transcedence
and Manifestation
12
Untold Stories
26
From the Archives:
My Visit to Qadian
38
Preaching Activities of
Jesusas
in the East
46
VOL. 110 - ISSUE TWOFEBRUARY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
EYES CANNOT
REACH HIM...
The Sign of the Heavens
20
The Plague
58
A Murder in British
Lahore: Closing the Case
of Lekh Ram
80
World War One:
Centenary of Fulfliment
of a Grand Prophecy
102
VOL. 110 - ISSUE EIGHTAUGUST 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
EVIDENCE FORTHE
TRUTHYoubetheJudge...
S P E C I A L 1 6 4 P A G E E D I T I O N
A Message of Peace
10
Legal Right Verses
Moral Duty
38
Is it Permissable for
Prisoners of War
to be Executed?
56
The Life of the
Prophet Muhammadsa
68
VOL. 110 - ISSUE THREEMARCH 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
REACTIONto
CHARLIE
HEBDO...?
The Economic System
of Islam
10
The Institution of Hajj
20
Mahmud’s Letter From
the Land of the Dearest
One [Muhammadsa
]
24
The Life & Character of
the Seal of Prophetssa
52
VOL. 110 - ISSUE NINESEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
Fromthe
LETTERSof
MAHMUDRA
A HISTORIC JOURNEY TO THE HOUSE OF GOD
To order back issues email info@reviewofreligions.org
the front covers of our 12 editions in 2015
Firm Stance Against
Terror At Peace
Symposium
8
The Golden Principles
for World Peace
16
Three Minutes and
Counting
38
Has Science Rendered
Religion Obsolete?
66
VOL. 110 - ISSUE FOURAPRIL 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
RAY
OF
HOPE?
Halloween –
Fear or Fun?
10
Shariah: A Semantic
Oxymoron?
28
Connecting to Khilafat:
A Guidance for Today’s
Muslim Youth
36
Islam’s Response to the
Destruction of Cultural
Heritage
56
VOL. 110 - ISSUE TENOCTOBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
A Guidance forToday’s MuslimYouth
Connecting to Khilafat:
Is the Shroud of Turin a
Medieval Photograph?
22
The Sudarium of Oviedo
and the Shroud of Turin
40
A Brief Review of Recent
CNN Documentary on
the Shroud
56
The Oviedo Cloth by
Mark Guscin:
Book Review
66
VOL. 110 - ISSUE FIVEMAY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
TheRESURRECTION
ShroudingTheTruth?
Mufti Muhammad
Sadiqra
– An Early Ray of
Western Sunrise
18
World Peace & Security
- The Critical Issues of
Our Time
38
Responsibilities of an
Ahmadi Muslim
50
The Economic System
of Islam
56
VOL. 110 - ISSUE ELEVENNOVEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
WORLDPEACE
&SECURITY:
THE CRITICAL
ISSUES OF
OURTIME
The Race to Conquer the
Secret of Life
14
The Spiritual Benefits of
Fasting
24
Navigating Life in the
21st Century
32
Visits to
Sacred Places
54
VOL. 110 - ISSUE SIXJUNE 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
NAVIGATING
LIFEinthe
21ST
CENTURY
Spirituality,
Morality
&Material
Progress
Three Gradations of
Doing Good
14
Is Religion Truly the
Cause of Disorder in the
World Today?
20
Apartheid of Ahmadis
in Pakistan
52
Women’s Responsibilities:
Fulfilling the
Conditions of Bai’at
78
VOL. 110 - ISSUE TWELVEDECEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
The
BLAME
GAMEIs religion truly
the cause of
disorder in
the world
today?
SubScRibE
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Of Mice
and Men
By Azhaar Ashraf, UK
A transverse section of a mouse head stained
and mounted for microscopic examination.
© Jubal Harshaw | Shutterstock
science
W
hat would a mouse with half
a human brain look like? A
team of scientists in New
York and Denmark (Steven Goldman
and colleagues at the University of
Rochester) have decided to find out.[1]
The intention of this novel idea is not to
emulate fiction but to further advance the
scientific understanding of human brain
diseases by studying them in an organ-
ism’s brain (in vivo), rather than in cell
culture dishes (in vitro).
A Tale of Two Species
The human brain is made up of com-
plex cell types generally belonging to two
categories: either neurons or glial cells.
It may be prudent to mention here that
communication in the brain is known as
neurotransmission and takes place via
electrical and chemical signals between
neurons and glial cells are noted to be a
vital support cell in this process.The neu-
rons allow us to conduct multiple tasks
ranging from thinking,moving and coor-
dination and glial cells help that happen.
For example, throwing a ball, reading,
writing or speaking all increase neu-
ronal activity in specific brain areas.These
active regions then need greater blood
flow for oxygen and nutrient delivery. It
is glial cells that direct and orchestrate
that blood flow to and from regions of
the brain that need it most.[2]
This is one
way that glial cells support brain activity.
Goldman and his team transplanted
human glial cells into mice to create a
hybrid: a mouse with both its own brain
cells (neurons) and human ones too (glial
cells). They did this by extracting glial
cells from donated human foetuses and
injecting them into the brains of mouse
pups. After transplantation, the human
donor cells in the mouse brains devel-
oped into a subtype of glial cells known
as astrocytes. Astrocytes are large star-
shaped glial cells that anchor neurons and
coordinate neural activity. Fascinatingly,
within a year of transplantation, these
human intruders completely overtook
the mouse glial cells.The 300,000 human
glial cells injected into each of the mice
multiplied, resulting in the expansion of
their numbers to 12 million,thereby dis-
placing the original mouse glial cells.The
humans had invaded.
Fascinatingly, within a year
of transplantation, these
human intruders completely
overtook the mouse glial cells.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 11
Man Power
It turns out that the mice with human
glial cells, ‘humanised mice,’ were much
smarter than their non-hybrid siblings,
as was revealed by using multiple mem-
ory and cognition tests. For example,
humanised mice reacted four times as
often as ordinary mice to a sound they
had learned to associate with danger.
This suggests that the mice with human
glial cells learned more quickly and accu-
rately, as compared to their non-hybrid
counterparts. The results indicated that
their memory was four times greater. It
demonstrates that glial cells, and astro-
cytes in particular,play an integral role in
memory.Perhaps they help to strengthen
and support the communication zones
between neurons called synapses. Some
human astrocytes are ten to twenty times
greater in size than their mouse counter-
parts. Consequently, human astrocytes
may be able to coordinate all neuronal
signals in a given area of the brain far
more proficiently than mice can.For the
humanised mice,it’s like an upgrade from
an old Nokia phone to the latest iPhone.
Healing Hands
Goldman and colleagues went a step fur-
ther and injected the human glial cells
into mouse pups that had a particular
disease in which they were unable to
make a substance called myelin. Myelin
is a protein which functions to insulate
neurons. It is produced by a subtype of
glial cells called oligodendrocytes. Just
as electrical cables require insulation for
efficiency, so do our neural circuits. The
It turns out that the mice
with human glial cells,
‘humanised mice,’ were
much smarter than their
non-hybrid siblings, as was
revealed by using multiple
memory and cognition tests.
Glial cells in a rat brain stained with
an antibody against GFAP.
(accessed via Wiki Commons)
OF MICE AND MEN
12 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
experiment proved to be a success, as a
plethora of injected human glial cells
matured into oligodendrocytes in the
deprived mice.This suggests that the host
cells are able to detect and compensate
for defects by accepting the transplanted
recipient glial cells.To explore this issue
further,Goldman and his team are graft-
ing the human glial cells into rats. Rats
exhibit signs of greater intelligence than
mice and in some cases are compara-
ble in intelligence to some breeds of
dog. This will enable them to test their
hypothesis in a more intelligent animal
model. Furthermore, Goldman and col-
leagues will have to test their hypothesis
in increasingly complex animal models
Some human astrocytes are
ten to twenty times greater
in size than their mouse
counterparts. Consequently,
human astrocytes may be able
to coordinate all neuronal
signals in a given area of the
brain far more proficiently
than mice can. For the
humanised mice, it’s like an
upgrade from an old Nokia
phone to the latest iPhone.
23 week human culture astrocyte
stained for GFAP.
c Bruno Pascal
Confocal image of rat oligodendrocyte
precursor cells (green) and astrocytes
(red) in cell culture. Cell nuclei
are counterstained in blue.
c Oleg Tsupykov
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 13
such as primates,a necessary step before
human clinical trials can be considered.
This work has great implications. It
indicates, for example, that if we inject
human glial precursor cells into patients
with multiple sclerosis, a human condi-
tion in which the patient suffers from
oligodendrocyte degeneration in the
brain and spinal cord,their condition,in
theory,may be significantly improved,as
the body would regain the ability to pro-
duce new myelin.However,it remains to
be seen how newly transplanted glial cells
may react in a more complex organism
such as a human being.
About the Author: Azhaar Ashraf is a scientist
with a Master’s degree in experimental neuroscience
from Imperial College London. He has worked
on models of dementia in the laboratory leading
to several scientific publications. He has special
interest in Alzheimer’s dementia and wishes to
pursue it as a research career. He is a senior member
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association
UK (AMRA) and serving as the Editor of AMRA
Scientific Journal. The AMRA serves to promote
science and research based careers to its members as
well as highlighting the intrinsic harmony between
religious and scientific thought. AMRA members
actively explore and develop approaches towards
using the Holy Qur’an as a source for secular
knowledge with special emphasis on prospective
research ideas.
ENDNOTES
1. Han X, Chen M, Wang F, Windrem M,
Wang S, Shanz S, Xu Q, Oberheim NA, Bekar
L, Betstadt S, Silva AJ, Takano T, Goldman SA,
Nedergaard M (2013). “Forebrain Engraftment
by Human Glial Progenitor Cells Enhances
Synaptic Plasticity and Learning in Adult Mice.”
Cell Stem Cell 12(3):342-53. doi: 10.1016/j.
stem.2012.12.015.
2. Atwell D,Buchan A.M,Charpak S,Lauritxen
M, MacVicar B.A, Newman E.A. “Glial and
Neuronal Control of Brain Blood Flow.” Nature
468, no. 7321(2010): 232-243. doi:10.1038/
nature09613.
OF MICE AND MEN
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Suffer Pain to Bring
Comfort to Humanity
10
The Significance
of Ramadan
14
Religious Trends
in Germany
24
Khalifah of the Promised
Messiah in Germany
40
VOL. 109 - ISSUE SEVENJULY 2014 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
ISLAM
A THREAT OR A
SOURCE OF PEACE?
CASE STUDY:
GERMANY
Khalifah of Promised
Messiah Sends Letter to
Russian President
30
Syria - A Religious
Heritage
34
Medical Consequences
of Nuclear War
46
The World in Need of
a Reformer
74
VOL. 108 - ISSUE ELEVENNOVEMBER 2013 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
SYRIA
IN CRISIS
Chimes of Messiah
8
The Beginning of
Creation in Scriptures of
Different Religions
34
Khalifah of the Promised
Messiahas
at the Houses
of Parliament
46
Guests Reflect on the
Houses of Parliament
Event
62
VOL. 108 - ISSUE NINESEPTEMBER 2013 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG
ISLAM-ARELIGIONof
PEACE&COMPASSION
The magazine devoted to promoting intellectual and
lively debate that is based on respect for all religions.
PLUS FREE
DELIVERY TO
YOUR DOOR
The
Promised Messiahas
& imam mahdi
( g u i d e d o n e )
founder of
the review of religions
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
We present excerpts from the writings of Hazrat Mirza
Ghulam Ahmadas
, the Promised Messiah, on strengthen-
ing of faith in God the Almighty.
I have been sent to strengthen the faith and to prove
the existence of God Almighty to the people, for
their faith has become weak,and they take life after
death no more seriously than a fable. The conduct
of every person proclaims that he has not the faith
and trust in God and in the hereafter as he has in
the world and its ranks and its resources. Tongues
profess a lot but the hearts are suffused with the love
of the world. It is the same condition in which the
Messiah[as]
had found the Jews.As a characteristic of
the weakness of their faith, the moral condition of
the Jews had deteriorated greatly, and love of God
had become cold in their hearts. The same is true
in my time. I have been sent so that truth and faith
may be revived and righteousness may inspire the
hearts.This is the purpose of my advent.I have been
told that heaven will once more come near the earth
after it had moved far away. These are the reforms
that I have to bring about and these are the tasks
for which I have been sent.[1]
I wish to state that God Almighty – having
found this age full of darkness, and sunk deep in
The Purpose of the Advent
of the Promised Messiahas
heedlessness, denial and paganism, and having
observed the waning of faith, truthfulness, sincer-
ity and righteousness – has sent me so that He may
once again re-establish in the world the intellectual,
physical, moral and spiritual verities, and to safe-
guard Islam against the onslaughts of those who
design to harm this Divine garden in the guise of
philosophy,naturalism,innovation,polytheism and
atheism.[2]
ENDNOTES
1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
,Kitab-ul-Bariyyah,Ruhani
Khaza’in, Vol. 13, pp. 291-294, [footnote].
2. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
, A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam,
Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 5, p. 251.
THE
PHILOSOPHY
OF THE
TEACHINGS
OF
ISLAM
MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD
THE PROMISED MESSIAH & MAHDIAS
The Review of Religions
serialised the famous treatise
The Philosophy of the Teachings
of Islam, by the founder of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community. Initially written
for the Conference of Great
Religions on December 26-
29,1896, each speaker at the
conference was asked to present
to the audience the beauties
of their own religion based
upon its scripture, proving that
it was the true religion, based
on the following topics:
• The Physical, Moral,
and Spiritual States of Man
• What is the State of
Man after Death?
• The Object of Man’s Life and
the Means of its Attainment
• The Operation of the Practical
Ordinances of the Law in
This Life and the Next
• Sources of Divine Knowledge
SERIALISED IN
The Review of Religions
Read online:
www.alislam.org/books/
Or purchase here:
store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html
Models in Hiroshima museum depicting the
scene after the nuclear bomb was dropped. The
skin of those directly affected literally melted
away due to the intense heat and radiation.
© Makhzan-e-Tasaweer
return of
theabsolute
evil…?
T
he Japanese people have a unique perspective on nuclear
war,having been the only nations to suffer the devastation
of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With
every corner of the world mired in conflict,it’s time we look again
to the horrific legacy of the bombs and take care not to let such
a tragedy happen again. Here, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba
,
5th
successor to the Promised Messiahas
and Worldwide Head of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivers an urgent message
to the world in general and the Japanese people in particular.
The Keys to Peace
in a Time of
Global Disorder
ADDRESS BY WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA
MUSLIM COMMUNITY AT SPECIAL RECEPTION
IN TOKYO, JAPAN.
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz
and Bismillah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmadaba
, Khalifatul Masih V said:
All distinguished guests, Assalamo
Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu
– peace and blessings of Allah be upon
you all.
First of all I would like to take this oppor-
tunity to thank all of our guests who have
accepted our invitation to today’s event.
We are living in extremely precarious
and dangerous times, in which the state
of the world is a cause of huge concern.
Conflict and disorder is consuming the
world and threatening international
peace and security.
If we glance towards the Muslim world
we see that in a number of countries the
governments are involved in brutal wars
with their own people. Bloodshed and
senseless violence is completely destroy-
ing the fabric of those nations.Terrorist
We are living in extremely
precarious and dangerous
times, in which the state of
the world is a cause of huge
concern. Conflict and disorder
is consuming the world...
Belgian Army patrolling the streets in the
city center of Brussels after the Paris terror
attacks which caused unrest in Europe.
© CRM | Shutterstock.com
O
n 23 November 2015,
the Worldwide Head of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community, the 5th
Khalifah
(Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat
Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba
, deliv-
ered the keynote address at a special
reception held in his honour in
Odaiba, Tokyo. In his address, His
Holiness reflected upon the nuclear
attacks that took place in Hiroshima
and Nagasaki 70 years ago and what
can be done to prevent such tragedies
from occurring in the future.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 23
groups are taking advantage of the result-
ing power vacuums by taking control
of certain areas and establishing their
own so-called governments and rule.
They are acting in a heinous fashion and
committing the most barbaric cruelties
imaginable, not only in their own coun-
tries, but they have now also reached
Europe and the recent example of their
brutalities is the Paris attacks.
In Eastern Europe hostilities between
Russia and Ukraine and other European
countries are continuing to flare.
Furthermore, recently there has been
heightened tension between the United
States and China regarding the incursion
of an American warship into the South
China Sea. As you are well aware there
is also a long running territorial conflict
between China and Japan over disputed
islands.
The Kashmir issue between India and
Pakistan is a constant source of conflict
and shows no signs of abating.Similarly,
tensions between Israel and Palestine
have also destroyed the peace of the
region.
In Africa, terrorist groups have gained
power and control over certain regions
and are causing widespread destruction
and devastation.I have mentioned only a
few of the issues that the world currently
faces and indeed there are many further
examples of discord and unrest.
Therefore,the only conclusion that can be
reached is that the world is now becom-
ing engulfed by violence and disorder.In
the modern world the scope of warfare
is much more vast than in previous eras.
Conflicts in one part of the world do
not remain limited or local, rather their
effects and consequences spread much
further afield.
The mass media and the means of instant
communication have transformed the
THE KEYS TO PEACE
IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks
with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tensions
are rising between the two nations as
China warns U.S. it could spark war due
to provocative acts in South China Sea.
(accessed via Wiki Commons).
24 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
world into a global village. In the olden
days, it was possible for a war to remain
confined to those who were directly
involved, but now the consequences
of each conflict and each war are truly
global.In fact,for many years I have been
warning that the world should realise
that the effects of a war in one region can
and will affect the peace and harmony of
other parts of the world.
If we look back in history to the two
World Wars that took place in the 20th
century, we all know that the weaponry
available at that time was nowhere near
as advanced or lethal as the weapons and
arsenals of today. Yet still it is said that
around 70 million people were killed
in World War II alone and the major-
ity of those who lost their lives were
innocent civilians.Therefore, the poten-
tial for disaster and catastrophe today is
unimaginable.
At the time of the Second World War,the
United States possessed nuclear weap-
ons that,although extremely destructive,
were nowhere near as powerful as mod-
ern day nuclear weapons. Furthermore,
now it is not just the major powers that
have nuclear bombs, but even a number
of smaller countries possess them.
Whilst perhaps the major powers keep
such weapons as a deterrent, there is no
guarantee that the smaller countries will
show such restraint.We cannot take it for
If we look back in history to
the two World Wars that took
place in the 20th
century, we
all know that the weaponry
available at that time was
nowhere near as advanced
or lethal as the weapons and
arsenals of today. Yet still it is
said that around 70 million
people were killed in World
War II alone and the majority
of those who lost their lives
were innocent civilians.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 25
granted that they will never use nuclear
weapons. Thus, it is clear that the world
stands on the brink of disaster.
At the end of the Second World War,
your nation had to contend with the most
horrific devastation and grief imagina-
ble when hundreds of thousands of
your citizens were mercilessly killed and
two of your cities were demolished and
destroyed in a nuclear attack that shamed
humanity.
Having witnessed and borne this utterly
overwhelming tragedy,the Japanese peo-
ple will never desire for such an attack to
ever happen again, either here in Japan,
or indeed in any other part of the world.
You are the people who truly understand
the horrific and destructive consequences
of nuclear warfare.
You are the people who know that the
repercussions and after-effects of such
weapons are not limited to one gen-
eration but continue for generations to
come. You are the people who can tes-
tify to the unprecedented evil of nuclear
weapons.Therefore, perhaps no country
knows better the value of peace and secu-
rity than the Japanese people.
Having witnessed and borne
this utterly overwhelming
tragedy, the Japanese people
will never desire for such an
attack to ever happen again,
either here in Japan, or indeed
in any other part of the world.
You are the people who truly
understand the horrific and
destructive consequences
of nuclear warfare.
The conflicts occurring across the world in
the East and West are being shown to the
world through mass media and publication.
Freedom House. Feb. 23, 2012. Flickr
THE KEYS TO PEACE
IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER
26 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
Thankfully, Japan has recovered and is
now an extremely developed nation and
so keeping in view your past history,
Japan must now play its role in estab-
lishing peace in the world.
Regrettably, following the conclusion of
the Second World War, certain restric-
tions and sanctions were placed upon
Japan and so it may be difficult for your
nation to take huge steps or to shape the
direction of the world at large.
However, your country still plays an
important role in world matters and
political affairs and so you should use
your considerable influence in the best
possible way and endeavour to bring
about peace between nations and peoples.
This year marks 70 years since those
desperate days in history when nuclear
bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki inflicting utter destruction,
misery and torment upon your nation.
Due to the fact you have built museums
that paint an accurate picture of the dev-
astation and carnage and due to the fact
that some effects of the nuclear bombs
still continue to this day, the Japanese
people still understand how dangerous
warfare and conflict can be.
As I alluded to earlier, the tragedy you
bore was compounded by the fact that
cruel and entirely unnecessary restric-
tions were placed upon post-war Japan.
As the decades passed,they will also have
proved a constant reminder of the cata-
strophic consequences of war.
When the nuclear weapons were
used against Japan, the Head of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at that
time,who was our Second Khalifah,con-
demned the attack in the very strongest
terms. He said:
“Our religious and moral teachings demand
of us that we proclaim before the entire
world that we do not consider this horrific
Replica of the nuclear bomb dropped
on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945
during World War II. Nuclear warfare
has drastically improved since then.
(accessed via Wiki Commons).
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 27
act and this bloodshed to be justified in any
circumstances whatsoever. It makes no dif-
ference to me whether certain governments
do not like what I am saying.”
The Second Khalifah added that in the
future, he did not foresee that warfare
would subside; rather, he saw an esca-
lation in violence and conflicts looming
ahead.
Today, his words of warning have been
proven entirely true. Although a Third
World War has not been officially
declared,in reality a global war is already
taking place; throughout the world men,
women and children are being killed,
tortured and subjected to the most heart-
breaking cruelties.
As far as we are concerned, the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has
always spoken out to denounce every
type of cruelty and oppression,no matter
where in the world it takes place,because
Islam’s teachings demand that we speak
out against injustice and help those who
are in need or who are being maltreated.I
have already mentioned how the Head of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at
the time of the Second World War spoke
out to condemn the use of the nuclear
bombs against Japan.
“Our religious and moral
teachings demand of us that
we proclaim before the entire
world that we do not consider
this horrific act and this
bloodshed to be justified in
any circumstances whatsoever.
It makes no difference to me
whether certain governments
do not like what I am saying.”
Mushroom cloud of atom bomb exploding
over Nagasaki in Japan during the war.
© Everett Historical | Shutterstock.com
THE KEYS TO PEACE
IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER
28 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
Furthermore,a very prominent and well-
known Ahmadi Muslim, who had great
standing and influence in the world,
took it upon himself to defend Japan
and its people. I speak of Sir Chaudhry
Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, who in
addition to numerous other signifi-
cant international posts, was Pakistan’s
first Foreign Minister and later became
President of the United Nations General
Assembly. Following the conclusion of
World War II, he spoke out and con-
demned attempts by certain powers to
place unfair sanctions on Japan.
When addressing the 1951 San Francisco
Peace Summit, as the head of the
Pakistan delegation,Chaudhry Zafrullah
Khan said:
“The peace with Japan should be premised
on justice and reconciliation, not on venge-
ance and oppression. In future Japan would
play an important role as a result of the
series of reforms initiated in the political
and social structure of Japan, which hold
out a bright promise of progress and which
qualify Japan to take its place as an equal
in the fellowship of peace loving nations.”
His address was based on the teachings
of the Holy Qur’an and the life of the
Holy Prophet of Islamsa
.Based on Islam’s
true teachings, he said that the victor of
any war must never resort to injustice
and never place unnecessary restrictions
upon the vanquished party that limit
their future progress and prosperity.
Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan gave this
historic statement in defence of Japan
because as an Ahmadi Muslim, he was
not merely representing the Pakistani
State, but first and foremost he was rep-
resenting the exalted teachings of Islam.
And so as I have already said,you are the
people who understand the consequences
of warfare and cruelty more than others.
Thus,at every level and in every possible
Daytime view of Tokyo, Japan.
Japan has recovered since the war
and become a thriving nation for business,
commerce and technological advancements
over the past decade.
© Sean Pavone | Shutterstock.com
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 29
way, the Japanese Government should
seek to counter and prevent all forms of
inhumanity, persecution and injustice.
They should seek to ensure that the hei-
nous attack they faced is never repeated
again in the future anywhere in the world.
Wherever the flames of war are ignit-
ing, Japan’s leaders and people should
play their role in easing tensions and
establishing peace.As far as Islam is con-
cerned, there are some people who view
it as a barbaric and violent religion.They
support their contentions by highlight-
ing the fact that terrorism and warfare is
rampant in the Muslim world.
However,their beliefs are entirely wrong.
In reality, Islam’s teachings of peace are
unparalleled in the history of the world.
That is why our Second Khalifah and
Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan vehemently
spoke out against the atrocities com-
mitted against your nation. Very briefly,
I shall now seek to explain what Islam’s
teachings really are.
As a fundamental principle, Islam says
that any war for the sake of geo-political
or economic gains or as a means to take
control of natural resources can never be
justified.Further,in chapter 16,verse 127
of the Holy Qur’an,Allah the Almighty
The chaos and torment during the Hiroshima
bombings left its imprint in Japanese history.
© Everett Historical | Shutterstock.com
THE KEYS TO PEACE
IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER
Wherever the flames of war
are igniting, Japan’s leaders
and people should play their
role in easing tensions and
establishing peace. As far as
Islam is concerned, there are
some people who view it as a
barbaric and violent religion.
They support their contentions
by highlighting the fact that
terrorism and warfare is
rampant in the Muslim world.
30 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
has said that any punishment during a
state of war must remain proportionate
to the crime committed and must never
exceed due limits.Following the conclu-
sion of a war, the Qur’an says that it is
better to forgive and to display patience.
Similarly, in chapter 8, verse 62, the
Holy Qur’an states that where rela-
tions between two parties have broken
down and preparations are made for war,
if the opponents seek reconciliation, it
is incumbent upon the other party to
accept their gesture and to place their
trust in Allah.The Qur’an says that one
should not speculate about the motiva-
tion or sincerity of the opposing party,
but should always work towards a peace-
ful resolution. This Qur’anic teaching is
a key principle for maintaining interna-
tional peace and security.
In chapter 5,verse 9,Allah the Almighty
has proclaimed that the enmity of a
nation or people should never incite you
to sacrifice the principles of justice and
fairness.
Rather, Islam teaches that in all circum-
stances, no matter how challenging, you
must remain firmly attached to the prin-
ciples of justice and integrity. Indeed, it
is justice that is the means of improving
relations, of removing frustrations and
eliminating the causes of war. In chap-
ter 24, verse 34, the Qur’an states that if
after a successful war you stipulate cer-
tain fiscal dues on the captives of war
The second Khalifah, Hazrat Musleh-
e-Mau’udra
on his tour of the Middle
East and Europe thirteen years
before World War II began.
© Makhzan-e-Tasaweer
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 31
as a means to set them free, your terms
must be reasonable so that they can eas-
ily afford them, and if you permit them
to pay in installments,it is for the better.
A golden principle for the establishment
of peace is given in chapter 49, verse 10
of the Holy Qur’an, where it says that
if there is a dispute between nations
or groups, third parties should seek to
mediate and to bring about a peaceful
resolution.
In the event of an agreement, if either
party unjustly contravenes the negotiated
settlement,then the other nations should
unite together and use force if necessary
to stop the aggressor.However,once the
aggressive party withdraws they should
not be unduly restricted; rather, they
should be permitted to move forward
as an independent nation and as a free
society.
This principle is of great significance in
today’s world and in particular for the
major powers and international organisa-
tions such as the United Nations.If they
act upon these values then true peace and
justice can be established in the world
and unnecessary frustrations will natu-
rally die away.
Similarly,there are many other Qur’anic
commandments explaining how to create
peace in the world and how to end all
wars. Our Gracious and Merciful Lord
has given us the keys to peace because He
desires for His Creation to live together
harmoniously and to be free from all
hatred and discord.
And so with these words, I would
request all of you to use your influ-
ence to spread peace and harmony in
the world. Wherever in the world there
is disorder or conflict, it is our collec-
tive obligation to stand up for justice
and to strive for peace, so that we are
saved from a repeat of that horrific war
that took place 70 years ago and whose
Whilst on a small scale another
world war has already begun,
we must fulfil our duties and
strive for peace before the
situation escalates further and
engulfs the entire world, and
before those most abhorrent
and deadly weapons that
will destroy our future
generations are utilised again.
THE KEYS TO PEACE
IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER
32 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
catastrophic consequences continued for
decades and perhaps still continue today.
Whilst on a small scale another world
war has already begun, we must fulfil
our duties and strive for peace before
the situation escalates further and engulfs
the entire world, and before those most
abhorrent and deadly weapons that will
destroy our future generations are uti-
lised again.
Thus,let us fulfil our obligations and join
together.Rather than grouping together
in opposing blocs,we should all unite and
co-operate with one another.We have no
other viable option left because if a fully-
fledged Third World War occurs then the
resulting devastation and trail of destruc-
tion is unimaginable.
No doubt we will then consider the wars
of the past to have been quite minor in
comparison.
I pray that the world comes to realise the
gravity of the situation before it is too
late and that mankind bows down before
God Almighty and fulfils His rights and
the rights of one another.
May Allah grant wisdom and intelligence
to those who are causing conflict in the
name of religion or who are conducting
wars for the sake of geo-political or eco-
nomic benefits.May they come to realise
how senseless and destructive their pur-
suits are.
And may Allah enable for true and long
lasting peace to develop in all parts of the
world – Ameen.
With these words I would like to once
again thank you for attending today’s
event.
Thank you very much.
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmadaba
leading silent prayers at
the conclusion of the event.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 33
The
Promised Messiahas
& imam mahdi
( g u i d e d o n e )
founder of
the review of religions
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
The role of governments is integral in obtaining world-
wide peace in the current times of conflict and war. We
present an excerpt from A Gift for the Queen writ-
ten by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
, the Promised
Messiah, on a just, beneficent, and peace-loving
Government.
It is under divine commandment – not due to my
own thoughts or volition – that I occupy myself in
praying for this government under whose shadow
of security I am passing my days in peace. I am
grateful for its favours, and take its pleasure as my
pleasure. I convey to it honestly what has been
conveyed to me. Therefore, on the occasion of this
In Praise of
Queen Victoria
We greatly thank the Merciful and
Munificent God who showed us this
delightful day, and who provided
us security under such a beneficent,
generous, just, and intelligent
queen. Under her blessed rule, she
has provided us the opportunity to
attain all the good of the world and of
faith, so that we may carry out acts of
true beneficence towards ourselves...
jubilee – remembering the continuous favours of
Your Majesty, which concern our lives, wealth and
honour – I present a gift of gratefulness, and that
gift is the prayers which arise from the heart and
every grain of the body for the safety and honour
of Your Majesty.
O Empress and the Honoured Queen! Our hearts
bow before the Almighty praying for Your Majesty,
and our souls prostrate before the One God for your
honour and safety.O Honoured Empress of India!
We congratulate you from our heart and soul on
the occasion of the jubilee celebration, and pray to
God that He may reward you abundantly for your
beneficence that has reached us through your benign
government and through your peace-loving admin-
istrators. We consider your being a great blessing
from God for this land,and we regret that we cannot
find words to adequately express our gratitude.May
every prayer that a truly grateful one can offer for
you,be accepted from us for you.May God grant you
comfort with the fulfilment of your objectives.May
He greatly bless your days, health and well-being.
May He continue to augment your honour and glory.
May He show your progeny the days of honour
like yours and continue to bless them with victory
and triumph. We greatly thank the Merciful and
Munificent God who showed us this delightful day,
and who provided us security under such a benefi-
cent,generous,just,and intelligent queen.Under her
blessed rule,she has provided us the opportunity to
attain all the good of the world and of faith,so that
we may carry out acts of true beneficence towards
ourselves,our nation and our fellow beings,and may
tread upon the path of progress freely – the path that
not only saves us from the undesirable acts of the
world but also enables us to attain the everlasting
good of the hereafter.
When we consider all the goodness, and the means
to achieve goodness, that we have gained during
the reign of this Empress of India – as well as all
these doors of welfare and beneficence that have
opened to us during the auspicious period of her
sovereignty – it provides us with strong evidence
that the Empress of India harbours exceedingly
good intentions for the progress of the public. It is
an accepted matter that the intention of the ruler
has a great effect on the internal condition, mor-
als and behaviour of the public. Or, it can be said
that when a sovereign governs over a part of land
with good intentions and justice,it is the practice of
God Almighty that the citizens of that land become
attentive to good values and virtuous morals; and
a trait of sincerity towards God and His creatures
develops among them.[1]
ENDNOTES
1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
, A Gift for the Queen
(Tilford, Surrey, UK: Islam International Publications LTD.,
2012), 13-14.
He was always very patient in adversity. He was never discouraged by adverse cir-
cumstances nor did he permit any personal desire to get a hold over him.It has been
related that his father had died before his birth and his mother died while he was still
a little child. Up to the age of eight, he was in the guardianship of his grandfather
and after his grandfather’s death, he was taken care of by his uncle, Abu Talib. Both
on account of natural affection and also because he had been specially admonished
in that behalf by his father.Abu Talib always watched over his nephew with care and
indulgence but his wife was not affected by these considerations to the same degree.
It often happened that she would distribute something among her own children,leav-
ing out their little cousin. If Abu Talib chanced to come into the house on such an
occasion he would find his little nephew sitting apart,a perfect picture of dignity and
without a trace of sulkiness or grievance on his face.The uncle,yielding to the claims
of affection and recognising his responsibility, would run to the nephew, clasp him
to his bosom and cry out,“Do pay attention to this child of mine also! Do pay attention
to this child of mine also!” Such incidents were not uncommon and those who were
witnesses to them were unanimous in their testimony that the young Muhammadsa
never gave any indication that he was in any way affected by them or that he was in
any sense jealous of his cousins. Later in life when he was in a position to do so, he
took upon himself the care and upbringing of two of his uncle’s sons,‘Alira
and Ja‘farra
,
and discharged this responsibility in the most excellent manner.
Throughout his life, the Holy Prophetsa
had to encounter a succession of bitter expe-
riences.He was born an orphan,his mother died while he was still a small child and
he lost his grandfather at the age of 8 years.After marriage he had to bear the loss of
several children,one after the other,and then his beloved and devoted wife Khadijara
died. Some of the wives he married after Khadija’sra
death also died during his life-
time and towards the close of his life he had to bear the loss of his son Ibrahim. He
bore all these losses and calamities cheerfully, and none of them affected in the least
degree either his high resolve or the urbanity of his disposition. His private sorrows
never found vent in public and he always met everybody with a benign countenance
and treated all alike with uniform benevolence. On one occasion, he observed a
woman who had lost a child occupied in loud mourning over her child’s grave. He
admonished her to be patient and to accept God’s will as supreme.The woman did
not know that she was being addressed by the Holy Prophetsa
and replied,“If you had
ever suffered the loss of a child as I have, you would have realised how difficult it is to be
High Moral Qualities of the
Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
© Masood T
patient under such an affliction.”The Prophetsa
observed: “I have suffered the loss not of
one but of seven children,” and passed on. Except when he referred to his own losses
or misfortunes in this indirect manner, he never cared to dwell upon them, nor did
he permit them in any manner to interfere with his unceasing service to mankind
and his cheerful sharing of their burdens.[1]
ENDNOTES
1. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra
, Life of Muhammadsa
(Tilford, Surrey: Islam
International Publications Ltd., 2013), 215-217.
I
n today’s world, the building
of a mosque often leads to
fear and distrust in the local
community. Yet in actual fact, the
building of mosques shouldn’t
lead to fear or suspicion - rather,
it should lead to hope and peace.
Throughout history, mosques have
been safe havens and safeguards
for the sanctity of all religions.
This might sound surprising, but as
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba
, 5th
successor to the Promised Messiahas
and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community, explained at
the inauguration of Baitul Ahad, the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s
first mosque in Japan, one of the main
missions of both mosques and Muslims
is to defend believers of religion no
matter what faith they profess.
Read on as His Holiness explains
the true mission of mosques, and
the vital importance of safeguarding
the places of worship of all faiths.
Opening of the Baitul
Ahad Mosque In Japan –
Spreading
Peace & Security
ADDRESS BY WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA
MUSLIM COMMUNITY AT INAUGURATION RECEPTION OF THE
BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE IN JAPAN
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz
and Bismillah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmadaba
, Khalifatul Masih V said:
“All the distinguished guests, Assalamo
Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barkatohu
- peace and blessings of Allah be upon
you all.
First of all, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of our guests
who have joined us at today’s reception,
where we are celebrating the inaugura-
tion of the Baitul Ahad Mosque – the
House of the One God.Your attendance
attests to the fact that you are extremely
gracious and open-hearted people. I say
this because you have accepted our invita-
tion to what is a purely religious function,
that is, the opening of a mosque, despite
the fact that the majority of you are not
Muslims yourselves.
Nonetheless despite your attendance,
some of you may still harbour cer-
tain reservations about the opening of
this mosque – or about Islam. You may
believe that your personal Ahmadi con-
tacts are good and peaceful people,but at
the same time you may also be worried
about the Ahmadi Muslims that you do
not personally know. Or you may fear
that this mosque will prove to be a place
of disorder or a means of increasing ten-
sions and division within society. Such
fears are justified to an extent, because
most regrettably,there are some so-called
Muslims who are causing a great deal of
Nonetheless despite your
attendance, some of you
may still harbour certain
reservations about the
opening of this mosque
– or about Islam.
Muslims in Milan protest against the
Paris terrorist attacks showing that
the minority of extremists do not
represent the true teachings of Islam.
© Eugenio Marongiu | Shutterstock.com
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 43
pain and suffering in the world and who
are perpetrating the most hateful acts in
the name of Islam.However,let me make
it crystal clear,that Islam’s teachings and
the purposes of true mosques are entirely
peaceful and a means of bringing society
together.
Indeed,the basic objectives underpinning
mosques are that they should be places
for people to gather together to worship
God and to spread love,compassion and
goodwill throughout society.In Chapter
51, Verse 57 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah
the Almighty has stated that the pur-
pose of the creation of Man and Jinn,
meaning all mankind whether rich or
poor or mighty or weak, is so that they
may worship Him.
Regrettably, in today’s world, mankind
has moved away from religion whereby
the majority of people have forgotten
their Creator and an increasing number
do not even believe in God. Sadly there
are also those people who are people or
groups who have distorted the teachings
of the religion,to such an extent that they
are presenting the most brutal and hor-
rific picture of religion in the world. I
readily admit that there are so-called
Muslims who are presenting Islam in
such a vile and appalling manner, whilst
in comparison to other religions it can
be said that there are currently more
Muslims who claim to practise their reli-
gion and abide by its teachings.However
it cannot be denied that terrorist groups
and extremist elements that seek to
hijack the religion have also developed
within Islam.
Though such extremists seek to align
themselves to the religion, the truth
is that their acts and ideologies have
no connection to the true teachings of
Islam.The reality remains and always will
remain that Islam is that religion whose
teachings of peace are unmatched in the
OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE
IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY
Those people who worship
according to the true teachings
of Islam will never be cruel
nor merciless but will instead
be compassionate, loving
and those who desire the best
for others and who prove
to be a never ending source
of blessings for mankind.
44 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
history of the world. Indeed, the focal
point for all Muslims, and the direction
in which they bow down and worship,
is the House of Allah, the Holy Ka’bah,
which Allah has proclaimed as a centre
of peace and security.Thus in chapter 10,
verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah has
said that He calls mankind towards the
abode of peace and security. Therefore,
mosques are built to enable people to join
together to worship Allah and to spread
peace. In the Arabic lexicon, the wor-
ship in a mosque and the prayers that are
offered are known as As-Salat. In essence,
this term means compassion, benevo-
lence, prosperity and blessings. Hence,
those people who worship according to
the true teachings of Islam will never be
cruel nor merciless but will instead be
compassionate, loving and those who
desire the best for others and who prove
to be a never ending source of blessings
for mankind.
True worship is that which saves people
from wrongdoing, mischief and evil and
liberates mankind from the clutches of
immorality and sin. True worship is the
gateway to God’s favour,compassion and
love.When a Muslim meets anyone,the
first thing he says is “Assalamo Alaikum,”
which means “May God’s peace and secu-
rity be upon you.” It is a prayer invoking
all types of peace and harmony. Let it
be clear, therefore, that our mosques are
built with the same intentions and same
objectives as the Ka’bah was built – as
beacons of peace for mankind and as
places where men, women and children
can join together to worship Allah the
Almighty and to spread peace and com-
passion throughout the society. If every
Muslim and indeed every person were
to fulfil these principles then the entire
outlook of the world would be at once
transformed. All forms of hatred, con-
flicts and grievances would die away and
be replaced by a spirit of love, sympathy
and mutual understanding.
Muslims are obligated to
protect and respect other
religions and their places of
worship. Indeed universal
freedom of religion is an
indispensable and paramount
tenet of Islam.This golden
principle is enshrined
in the Holy Qur’an.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 45
Where Islam has taught Muslims to
build and protect mosques it also guar-
antees the safety and protection of the
places of worship of all religions.Muslims
are obligated to protect and respect other
religions and their places of worship.
Indeed universal freedom of religion
is an indispensable and paramount
tenet of Islam. This golden principle is
enshrined in the Holy Qur’an. For ten
years the Founder of Islam, the Holy
Prophet Muhammadsa
, and his follow-
ers were persecuted in the most brutal
and merciless fashion by the disbelievers
of Makkah.
The Holy Prophetsa
was forced to leave
his homeland and so he and his follow-
ers migrated to the city of Madinah in
the hope that they would finally be able
to live in peace and security. However
the disbelievers of Makkah did not leave
the Muslims alone, but continued to
pursue them aggressively.They raised an
extremely formidable and well-equipped
army and waged war against the Muslims
with the intention of finishing Islam once
and for all.It was then that the Almighty
Allah commanded the Holy Prophetsa
to
engage in a defensive war.In chapter 22,
verse 41 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah the
Almighty said that the oppressors did not
only seek to destroy Islam,but sought to
destroy all religions and that if they were
not forcibly stopped then every church,
synagogue, temple and the places of
worship of all other people would be at
grave risk forevermore.Thus,where Allah
granted Muslims permission to defend
themselves it was not given only to pro-
tect Islam, but to protect the institution
of religion itself. Bearing all of this in
mind those people who fear Islam or who
believe that the Muslims may be a cause
of increasing disorder,should remove all
such concerns from their minds. Rest
assured that true Muslims will not pose
any risk or danger whatsoever; rather
they will always seek to join hands with
The Paris attacks have once again shown
the brutal and horrific nature of the extremist
groups claiming to represent Muslims
but have nothing to do with Islam. .
© Bianca Dagheti. November 14th, 2015. Flickr
OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE
IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY
46 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
the people of other beliefs in an effort
to unite society under a banner of peace,
harmony and humanity.
And it is to fulfil such noble and pious
objectives that true mosques are built.
However some of you may wonder that if
mosques really are peaceful then why do
we see so much disturbance and conflict
in the Muslim world,given that there are
so many mosques present where Muslims
are able to worship Allah.To answer this
question, we must look at the history of
religion itself. With the passage of time
all religions and their teachings have
been corrupted and distorted following
the demise of their founders.In the same
way over a long period of time the major-
ity of Muslims also moved away from
Islam’s original teachings.
Actually,the decline of Islam was bound
to happen because the Holy Prophet
Muhammadsa
himself prophesied that
after a period of time Muslims would
enter into an age of spiritual darkness
and their conduct would be far removed
from the teachings of the Qur’an.
He said that at such a time Allah the
Almighty would send a person as the
Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias
And it is to fulfil such noble
and pious objectives that true
mosques are built. However
some of you may wonder that
if mosques really are peaceful
then why we see so much
disturbance and conflict in
the Muslim world, given that
there are so many mosques
present where Muslims are
able to worship Allah.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 47
(the Guided One) to re-establish the
true teachings of Islam in the world.
We, Ahmadi Muslims, believe that in
fulfilment of this great prophecy, Allah
the Almighty sent the Founder of our
Community as the Promised Messiahas
and Imam Mahdi (the Guided One) to
enlighten the world of the true Islam.The
Promised Messiahas
exhorted humanity
to recognise their Creator and to submit
before Him. He called on mankind to
end all cruelties and injustices and to live
in harmony with one another and to fulfil
each other’s due rights.He affirmed that
the Holy Prophetsa
was a source of mercy
for all humanity and he declared that,
according to the Qur’an, there should
be no compulsion in matters of religion.
Having accepted our Founder as the
Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias
,
we Ahmadi Muslims are acting upon
these noble and exalted teachings.
Today as a missionary organisation we
are continuing to propagate the message
of the Promised Messiahas
to all parts
of the world. We seek to spread Islam
not by force or compulsion, but through
love and compassion. Our Community
and our mosque fulfil those purposes for
which the Holy Ka’bah was built – to
spread peace in the world. Our mosques
are beacons of light that illuminate their
surroundings.We follow the magnificent
teachings of the Holy Prophetsa
, who in
his farewell address to the Muslims,pro-
claimed that a white person could not
claim superiority over a black person and
nor would a black person claim superi-
ority over a white person. Nor could an
Arab exert superiority over a non-Arab
or vice versa and nor could a rich man
claim superiority over a poor one. He
said a person’s status was not depend-
ent upon their background, wealth or
race, but upon their connection with
God Almighty and their efforts to ful-
fil His commands. And so we believe
that all people are born equal and we are
And so we believe that all
people are born equal and
we are against all forms of
discrimination based on caste,
creed or colour. Where on the
one hand we are spreading
the message of Islam we are
also fulfilling the rights of
mankind and seeking to bring
comfort and ease to all those
who are in any type of need.
OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE
IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY
48 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
against all forms of discrimination based
on caste, creed or colour. Where on the
one hand we are spreading the message
of Islam we are also fulfilling the rights
of mankind and seeking to bring com-
fort and ease to all those who are in any
type of need.
In Africa and Asia and in other devel-
oping parts of the world we are serving
humanity to the best of our abilities,
including even here in Japan,as you have
heard from some of the speakers.
Indeed our mosques and we as a
Community are recognised far and wide
for our selfless commitment to serving
others. We are running schools and
hospitals which provide education and
healthcare in the most remote parts of
the world, to those who are in need –
irrespective of religion or background.
We seek to wipe away the tears of those
who are in pain.We seek to remove their
grief, desperation and heartache.
We seek to fulfil their needs and to help
them stand upon their own two feet.And
so wherever in the world our mosques
are built or wherever the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community is established the
local people soon come to realise that we
practise and preach nothing except peace,
Conflict and hatred across the Middle
East is destroying the lives of millions with
relentless fighting causing widespread unrest.
© fpolat69 | Shutterstock.com
We are running schools and
hospitals which provide
education and healthcare
in the most remote parts
of the world, to those who
are in need – irrespective of
religion or background. We
seek to wipe away the tears
of those who are in pain. We
seek to remove their grief,
desperation and heartache.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 49
harmony and tolerance. We believe that
in this era true Jihad is not the Jihad of
the sword or arms, but is the Jihad of
self-struggle towards betterment.It is the
Jihad of developing righteous changes
within ourselves. And it is the Jihad of
spreading the true and peaceful teachings
of Islam to the corners of the world.
We are doing this in Africa,in Europe,in
Asia,in America,in Australia and indeed
in all parts of the world. And this is also
our purpose here in Japan to apprise the
people of this esteemed nation of the true
teachings of Islam. We seek to inform
the Japanese people that Islam is that
religion which calls upon us to recog-
nise our Creator, to attach ourselves to
Him and to serve mankind.God Willing
from today this mosque,which is our first
mosque in Japan,will forever spread this
message both in this city and across the
nation.
Its minarets will proclaim that Islam is a
religion of peace, security and love, and
a religion of fulfilling the rights of God
and of one another. I am also confident
that now this mosque has been built,God
Willing,the local Ahmadis will manifest
Islam’s immaculate teachings more than
ever before and will enlighten all of you
to its reality.The local Ahmadi Muslims
The doors to this mosque will
forever remain open to the
people of all beliefs who wish
to worship the One God. I
pray that Allah enables all
of us to walk upon those
paths which please Him, and
which lead to His rewards
and bounties and that the
entire world can become
recipients of His blessings.
50 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
will be those who practise and preach the
true Islam. They will remove all fears or
suspicions of those who believe Islam to
be an extremist religion. Certainly more
than ever the world needs peace and
reconciliation.
Thus let us all join hands in friendship
and work towards this. It is only by ful-
filling the rights of God Almighty and
by fulfilling the rights of one another
that we can come to witness a world of
peace and harmony. Only then can we
live together as one. No matter where in
the world people live, if they show sin-
cerity with one another and seek to build
bridges then the world as we see it today,
filled with war, conflict, and bloodshed,
can be transformed into a world of peace,
tolerance and harmony.
May Allah enable all of us to act upon
this. Finally, I wish to also make it
clear that all people are welcome to our
mosque. The doors to this mosque will
forever remain open to the people of all
beliefs who wish to worship the One
God. I pray that Allah enables all of us
to walk upon those paths which please
Him,and which lead to His rewards and
bounties and that the entire world can
become recipients of His blessings.May
we come to witness true and everlasting
peace in the world – Ameen. With these
words I would like to once again thank all
of you for attending today’s event – thank
you very much.”
Your feedback is
important to us
Write to us with comments,
feedback and suggestions at
info@ReviewofReligions.org
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 51
The Economic
System of Islam
by Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra
ra
Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AhmadU
ra
Communism
Communism is an economic system that
provides a sharp contrast to the eco-
nomic system discussed above. Because
it has become prominent in discussions,
I would like to make a few observations
about this system.
Communism claims that:
1. Everyone must work to the best of
their capacity.
2. Everyone must be provided with
income sufficient to meet the nor-
mal needs.
3. The remaining surplus belongs to the
State as a trustee for the people.
These principles are based on the notion
that there should be equality among
all people. As long as a person worked
to the best of his capacity, he was enti-
tled to payment on the same scale as
all others, who, too, worked up to their
capacity. Thus no one was entitled to
possess wealth in excess of others; any
excess wealth would be appropriated by
the State.
As far as the basic principle is
concerned, it is entirely correct
that all must be properly
fed, clothed, and housed; all
must have access to facilities
for education and health.
In brief, the basic needs of
all should be fulfilled. On
this point Islam is fully in
accord with Communism.
We continue with the serialisation of
the epic lecture delivered by the Second
Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza
Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra
,
later published as a book titled, The
Economic System of Islam. In this
sixth part of the series, the difference
between the economic system of Islam
and that of Communism and the
major flaw in the Communist model
are discussed.
To read the first five parts, visit our
website, www.reviewofreligions.org.
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 53
This is the economic side of Communism.
But this viewpoint has also a political
dimension,which falls outside the scope
of my discussion for today.I would there-
fore not touch it.
As far as the basic principle is concerned,
it is entirely correct that all must be prop-
erly fed, clothed, and housed; all must
have access to facilities for education
and health.In brief,the basic needs of all
should be fulfilled. On this point Islam
is fully in accord with Communism.But
there is a fundamental difference.While
Islam leaves the door open for individual
enterprise and due development of indi-
vidual capabilities, Communism shuts
that door completely.
Fundamental Difference Between
Islam and Communism
In fact individual freedom is indispensa-
ble not only for the proper development
of human capacities, but also to allow
individuals to freely choose their actions
so that they can provide for the life to
come. Communism blocks the avenues
of individual initiative and destroys per-
sonal freedom of choice. And that is a
major flaw of that system. Thus, Islam
and Communism share common objec-
tives with respect to meeting the basic
needs of everyone,but differ with respect
to the means adopted to achieve that end.
Undoubtedly, Russia has made remark-
able economic progress with the
programme it chalked out under the
influence of the Communist philosophy.
The general public, at least in European
Russia has become materially better off
than before. (Communist leaders might
dispute that the progress is confined only
to the European part).We have to admit
that the poor people in Russia are bet-
ter fed, better clad, better housed and
provided with better facilities for edu-
cation and medical relief. Thus, as far as
these achievements are concerned, they
are very much in accord with the Islamic
spirit of fairness in economic treatment.
But as noted, Islam does not approve of
THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM
54 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
the means adopted by the Communist
Party to achieve this.
Objections Against Communism on
the Basis of Religion
As I represent the Islamic point of
view, I take up first those aspects of the
Communist economic system that bear
on religion.
1. No Scope for Voluntary Efforts
My foremost objection against
Communism—an objection which all
believers in life after death must have—
is that it leaves little scope for individual
voluntary effort,which alone is the basis
for earning merit for the life to come.
Instead of withholding some reasonable
portion of his wealth for the State, and
leaving the individual free to spend the
rest as he wishes, a person is left with
nothing more than what suffices for his
needs.This deprives him of the means to
provide for the life to come. He is given
food,he can clothe himself,he is assured
of shelter,his education and medical care,
but he has not a penny left to provide
for the life Hereafter. In other words,
Communism looks after only the mate-
rial side of a person’s life—which may
span forty to fifty years—but entirely
ignores the life Hereafter that is believed
to be everlasting.
This is something to which no one who
is convinced of the truth of religion and
wishes to follow its teachings could
ever be reconciled. Islam, for instance,
expects, as some other religions do, that
its followers spread out and carry its mes-
sage to the world’s four corners so that
mankind can seek deliverance. Anyone
who remained away from Islam would
miss this deliverance, and on the day of
judgement he would face God as a guilty
person.You may call a Muslim mad or a
fool for holding such beliefs,but as far as
he is concerned and as long as his convic-
tions remain what they are, missionary
activity devolves upon him as a duty that
he may not shirk in any circumstances.
A Communist society provides for the
monetary needs of its citizens but
does not allow individual enterprise
and personal financial progress.
© Georgios Kollidas | Shutterstock.com
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 55
After all, if he wished well for mankind,
he would feel obliged to deliver the mes-
sage that he believes is for its benefit.
No one would like his friend to fall in
a ditch or be shot to death. How, then,
can one reconcile himself to his friends
being given the everlasting punishment
and be deprived of Paradise and God’s
nearness and pleasure. Call it what you
like,for a person attached to his religion,
it is a strong desire to help his brother
improve his moral and practical life.
There is no room for this sort of work
under Communism; any such efforts
would be politically curbed.
I speak on this point from actual expe-
rience of the conditions prevailing in
Soviet Russia. Some time back, I had
sent an Ahmadiyya Missionary to this
country.But,far from letting him preach
his message, the government threw him
into prison where he was mercilessly
tortured for a long time, and was forced
to eat pork. (At this point, Huzurra
[His
Holiness, the Second Worldwide Head
of the Ahmadiyya Community] pointed
to the missionary in question, who was
present in the audience and asked him to
rise from his seat so that others could see
him.) For almost two years this mission-
ary was kept in captivity in various places
– Tashkent,Ashgabat and Moscow – and
while in prison, he was subjected to so
much torture that he lost his mental
balance. Then he was pushed across the
border into Iran from where the British
Embassy informed the Government of
India about him and the information was
sent to me, and at our request he was
repatriated to India at our expense.
There are political reasons why the
Communists disallow religious mis-
sionary work,which we need not pursue
here.But the issue remains that a minor-
ity needs to make tremendous sacrifices
to win over the majority to its religion.It
certainly involves great personal sacrifice
as well as the expense of making avail-
able the religious literature, etc. But the
Communist system leaves no margin for
people to spend anything at all on such
things.
Take the case of the Ahmadiyya
Movement, for example. We are a
very small community, but our aim
is to win over the whole world for
Islam. In order to convey Islam’s mes-
sage to 170 million Russians, massive
expenditure on missionary activity and
preparation of literature is required. But
we would be unable to fulfil our mission
if Communists take away all earnings
beyond what is needed to meet the
THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM
56 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
barest necessities of life. Communism,
besides, opposes religious missionary
activity because, from its point of view,
this does not constitute useful activity.
Only operating a machine, tilling the
soil,or working in factories,etc.– which
yield an economic return – are regarded
as productive work. It dismisses religion
as consisting of superstitions and foolish
fantasies,and,as such,does not recognise
propagation of true faith as useful work.
There is,therefore,no reason for the State
to permit such parasitic activity.
Thus there is a direct clash between the
Islamic conception of life and the com-
munist viewpoint.To a Muslim,it matters
little if he has to go hungry so long as he
succeeds in improving his chances in the
life to come.And,he wishes the same for
his brethren – if they do not win God’s
pleasure, their life would have been in
vain no matter how much wealth they
acquired in this worldly life.
Anyone who holds this belief would
be duty-bound to help his misguided
brethren to provide something for the
Hereafter. But Communism takes away
all surplus wealth in the name of protect-
ing the country,thus leaving everyone to
suffer a spiritual death. As noted earlier,
Islam shares with the Communist order
Some time back, I had sent
an Ahmadiyya Missionary
to this country. But, far
from letting him preach his
message, the government
threw him into prison
where he was mercilessly
tortured for a long time, and
was forced to eat pork.
Image of a sign in Saigon, Vietnam.
The Communist party would fix elections
so that their party was constantly in
power showing propaganda messages
to gain support from the mass public.
Only political organisations affiliated
with the Communist Party were allowed
freedom to influence the citizens.
© klublu | Shutterstock.com
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 57
the principle of ensuring that everyone
gets adequate food, clothing and shelter
and has access to education and medical
relief. The government must, therefore,
have sufficient public revenues to dis-
charge these responsibilities. However,
apart from taking away surplus funds,
Communism forbids propagation of our
faith. In short, we give them our sup-
port and we do so because this is the
teaching of the religion we follow; but
Communism, instead of being thank-
ful to this religion, repays the kindness
by depriving it of all opportunities for
growth on the pretext that it amounts
to useless activity and is a burden on the
national economy.
Had Communism openly and honestly
clashed with religion,we would have dif-
fered with it but could have had little
basis for complaint.But the Communists
profess to be unconcerned with religion
while,by indirect and underhand means,
they try to minimise its influence and
stifle its spread. They seek to enter our
hearts and homes as trusted friends, but
betray this trust by covertly destroying
the objects that we treasure most. The
reality becomes apparent only when
it is too late. If Communism declared
openly that it did not recognise a life
in the Hereafter, it attached no value to
this idea, and it would not permit indi-
viduals to preach their religion, whoever
accepted Communism would do so with
eyes open.But outside Russia these vital
aspects of the system are deliberately
kept out of sight, behind a fraudulent
claim that Communism is only an eco-
nomic philosophy that has no concern
with religion and does not clash with it.
Missionary activity comprises a funda-
mental and most vital part of religion,
which could not be sustained when the
public is denied the right to raise funds
for maintaining it and religion itself can-
not long survive. In short, Communism
aims to strangle the propagation of reli-
gion and seeks to establish an irreligious
social order.
THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM
Had Communism openly
and honestly clashed with
religion, we would have
differed with it but could have
had little basis for complaint.
But the Communists profess
to be unconcerned with
religion while, by indirect
and underhand means, they
try to minimise its influence
and stifle its spread.
58 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
Now consider another aspect of this
question.Suppose a Muslim said that he
wanted nothing from the Soviet State
but be allowed to dedicate his life to
the service of religion and to visit every
Russian town and village to convey
Islam’s message. Would the Soviet State
permit him to do so? Would his activities
not be stopped by straightaway throw-
ing him in prison? There can be only one
answer to this question.The Communist
government of Russia would not hesi-
tate to use force against such a person.
He would be locked up in jail and told
either to undertake some ‘useful work’for
his living or go without food or clothing.
In other words, if I dedicated my life to
God and the study of the Holy Qur’an
and Hadith[1]
(a study indispensable for
me if I desire to improve my life in the
Hereafter),Communism would view this
as a sheer waste of time and an excuse to
live at others’expense.
A Muslim must refuse to be tied down
to the ultra materialistic theories of
The image
highlights the
vast number of
Musilms in the
Soviet Union
during 1979. It
would have
been a struggle
to practice their
faith openly
without a
backlash from
the government.
(accessed via
Wiki Commons)
JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 59
Communism in matters of such tran-
scending spiritual importance. He must
insist on his right to be guided by the
Holy Qur’an, which deems it necessary
that among the Muslims there should
always exist a body of men entirely
devoted to the task of calling people to
the right path and dissuading them from
the wrong. Allah the Almighty says:
That is: O Muslims there must always be
among you a group of people who free
themselves from the materialistic pur-
suits to oversee the religious obligations.
The duties assigned to such people would
be that they will enjoin piety, motivate
people to carry out good deeds, and for-
bid them from immorality.
In other words, Islam requires that a
group of Muslims must be totally dedi-
cated for this task. It is true that Islam
accords no special privileges to such
devotees, but they are assigned certain
specific duties that they must carry out.
While there is no priesthood in Islam,it
does call for a religious order to spread its
message. Christianity gives to the priest
some additional privileges. But in Islam
even those who serve religion have the
same rights as everyone else,though their
work is well-defined and is of a religious
nature – to spread Islam and to plant it
deep in the hearts of people so that they
live up to it and to regard this duty as
their highest purpose in life. Deprived
of the spiritual nucleus of such a body of
men,the Islamic order could not survive,
for it requires people who understand its
rules and regulations and who are willing
to spread its ideals.
We will continue with this serialisation in
future editions.
ENDNOTES
1. Sayings of the Holy Prophet of Islamsa
.
2. Holy Qur’an, Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Verse 105.
[2]
THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM
60 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
The official website of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community worldwide.
You can find a huge collection of free online
material, including translation and commentary
of the Holy Qur’an and you can access literature
of the Community including the books written
by its founder, Hazrat Mirza ghulam Ahmadas
.
www.alislam.org
Tuesday 5th
January
Faith: Sikhism
Event: Birth of Guru
Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh
was the last of the ten
Gurus of the Sikh faith.
He was born in 1666.
Guru Gobind Singh is known
for creating the Khalsa (Pure),
historically a community
of committed Sikhs who
wore visible symbols of their
faith and trained as warriors.
Today the Khalsa refers to
the community of baptised
Sikhs who have undergone
the Amrit initiation ceremony,
said to have been introduced
by Guru Gobind Singh. He
is also known for naming
the Sikh holy book, the
Guru Granth Sahib, as his
successor Guru for all time.
Wednesday 6th
January
Faith: Christianity
Event: Epiphany
The Epiphany falls on the
twelfth day after Christmas
and signals the end of
the Christmas season for
Western Christians.
The word Epiphany means
‘revelation’ and it is the day
when Christians celebrate
the day when the Magi
(wise men) visited the baby
Jesusas
, bringing their gifts
of gold, frankincense and
myrrh, and the revelation
of Christ to the Gentiles.
Thursday 7th
January
Faith: Christianity
Event: Orthodox
Christmas Day
The majority of Orthodox
Christian churches celebrate
Christmas on 7th
January.
This is because they continue
to use the Julian calendar,
while Western churches use
the Gregorian calendar.
CALENDAR of
RELIGIOUS
EVENTS &
FESTIVALS
JANUARY 2016
NOTE ABOUT REFERENCES
Verse references to the Holy Qur’an
count ‘Bismillah…’ (In the Name
of Allah…) as the first verse of each
Chapter. In some non-standard texts,
this is not counted. Should the reader
refer to such texts, the verse quoted in
The Review of Religions will be found a
verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than
the number quoted in this journal.
For the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘sa
’
or ‘(saw)
’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’,
or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used
normally in small letters. They stand
for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning
‘peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him’. Likewise, the letters ‘as
’ or ‘(as)
’
after the name of all other prophets
is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace
be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis
salatu wassalam’ which are words
that a Muslim utters out of respect
whenever he or she comes across
that name. The abbreviation ‘ra
’ or ‘(ra)
’
stands for ‘Raziallahu Ta’ala anhu and
is used for Companions of a Prophet,
meaning Allah be pleased with him
or her (when followed by the relevant
Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘rh
’ or ‘(rh)
’ for
Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy
of Allah the Exalted be upon him.
In keeping with current universal
practice, local transliterations
of names of places are preferred
to their anglicised versions, e.g.
Makkah instead of Mecca, etc.
subscriPtion
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© islamic Publications, 2016
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The Review of Religions, in print since
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SPINE
vol.111-issueonejanuary2016www.reviewofreligions.orgRETURNOFTHEABSOLUTEEVIL…?
THE
ISLAMIC
DILEMA
FROM THE LETTERS OF
THE BLAME GAME: IS
DISORDER IN THE WO
THE CRITICAL ISSUE
OUR TIME

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The Review of Religions January 2016

  • 1. Of Mice and Men 10 The Keys to Peace in a Time of Global Disorder 20 Opening of the Baitul Ahad Mosque in Japan 40 The Economic System of Islam 52 vol. 111 - issue onejanuary 2016 www.reviewofreligions.org return of theabsolute evil…?
  • 2. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied that the Promised Messiahas would be raised near a white minaret, east of Damascus. This prophecy was fulfilled with the advent of the Promised Messiahas from Qadian, India, a city directly east of Damascus. The Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi ©makhzan-e-tasaweer founder of the review of religions Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas , the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India.  From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and developed a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa . He was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve. Over time his knowledge and understanding of religion and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim it was his firm belief that all religions were true at their source but with the passage of time had drifted away from their original teachings; he upheld the dignity of religion and demonstrated its relevance to everyone. His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah – a blessing that he continued for the rest of his life. His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It was through this that he would bring mankind together and establish everlasting peace. In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Ahmadas founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – a community that has since grown in its stature and strength and has remained active in conveying the message of Islam to the ends of the earth. Hazrat Ahmadas had established himself as a respected writer and had written over 80 books. His writings have been translated into more than 60 languages and continue to inspire readers to this day. One of his greatest scholarly works was The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, prepared as a paper and read out at the Conference of Great Religions in 1896. He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence of Jesus’sas journey to India. In 1902, the Promised Messiahas initiated The Review of Religions which has covered a vast array of topics on religion, philosophy and contemporary issues of the day. It is the longest running English magazine in defence of Islam and the values it teaches. From 1889 until the time of his demise in 1908 tens of thousands of people accepted him. This blessing has continued and will continue through his Khulafa (successors). Currently under the fifth successor, we are seeing that the tide of acceptance is worldwide and that the message of Prophet Ahmadas has really reached the ends of the earth.
  • 3. Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them. ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR’AN, CH.24:V.56. By God, any official who takes anything from the public funds without justification will meet his Lord carrying it on himself on the Day of Judgment. ISLAM, THE HOLY PROPHETSA , HADITH OF MUSLIM. The law may be good, but if the promulgator of the law is not such who by his rank should possess superiority over all and the right to rule over them and if he is in the eyes of the people not free from tyranny, vice, error, and mistake, the law will either not come into operation or if it does come into operation, would give rise to every kind of disorder and instead of doing any good it would result in harm. All this would predicate a Divine Book, for all good qualities and every kind of excellence is to be found only in the Book of God. ISLAM, THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS , THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM, VOL. 1, P. 122. Concerned alone with the upholding of the world, you should act. Whatever the best man does, others do that also.The world follows the standard he sets for himself. HINDUISM, BHAGAVAD GITA, 3:20-21. God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, He dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth upon a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth. JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY, THE BIBLE, 2 SAMUEL, 23:3-4. Neither for the sake of oneself nor for the sake of another, not desiring son, wealth, or kingdom, should a person seek his own success by unjust means. Then only is a man indeed virtuous, wise, and righteous. BUDDHISM, DHAMMAPADA, 84. Justice by Governments world faiths
  • 4. 10 Of Mice and Men Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough in understanding the human brain by implanting mice brains with cells from human brains. AZHAAR ASHRAF, UK 16 The Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiahas HAZRAt MiRZA GHUlAM AHMAdAS , tHe PRoMiSed MeSSiAH And iMAM MAHdi 20 The Keys to Peace in a Time of Disorder SPeciAl AddReSS in toKyo by HAZRAt MiRZA MASRooR AHMAd, KHAliFAtUl MASiH VAbA in noVeMbeR 2015 34 In Praise of Queen Victoria HAZRAt MiRZA GHUlAM AHMAdAS , tHe PRoMiSed MeSSiAH And iMAM MAHdi 38 High Moral Qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa 40 Opening of the Baitul Ahad Mosque in Japan - Spreading Peace and Security At the opening of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s first mosque in Nagoya, Japan, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba addresses the role of mosques in preserving peace. 52 The Economic System of Islam What are the flaws in communism? An Islamic perspective. HAZRAt MiRZA bASHiR-Ud-din MAHMUd AHMAdRA Front cover picture: © Romolo Tavani | shutterstock.com CONTENTS january 2015 vol.111 issue one
  • 6. The world is passing through turbulent times.The global economic crisis continues to manifest new and grave dangers at every juncture.The similarities of the current circumstances to the build-up of the Second WorldWar are stark. Events appear to be moving us rapidly towards a ThirdWorldWar.The consequences of a nuclear war are beyond our imagination. In this book, the historic addresses of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , Fifth Khalifah of the Promised Messiah and Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, to prominent dignitaries at Capitol Hill, the House of Commons, the European Parliament and other notable locations around the world have been collated.The book also includes the momentous letters sent by His Holiness to the numerous world leaders. Over and over again, His Holiness has reminded all that the only means of averting a global catastrophe is for nations to establish justice as an absolute requirement of their dealings with others. Even if mutual enmity exists, impartiality must be observed at all times, because history has taught us that this alone is the way to eliminate all traces of hatred and to build everlasting peace. Read online at: www.alislam.org Purchase the book here: http://store.alislam.org/
  • 7. CHIEF EDITOR & MANAGER Syed Amer Safir ASSOCIATE EDITORS Nakasha Ahmad,Tariq H. Malik RELIGION & SCIENCE Editor: Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir Nasser Deputy: Dr.Tauseef Khan ISLAM & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Editor: Shahzad Ahmad LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS Editor: Qudsi Rasheed Deputy: Ayesha Mahmood Malik ANCIENT RELIGIONS & ARCHAEOLOGY Editor: Fazal Ahmad Deputy: Rizwan Safir CHRISTIANITY Editor: Navida Sayed Deputy: Arif Khan GENDER & EQUALITY Editor: Aliya Latif Deputy: Meliha Hayat BOOK REVIEWS Editor: Sarah Waseem WEB TEAM Mubashra Ahmad, Hibba Turrauf SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Head: Razwan Baig EDITORIAL BOARD Mansoor Saqi, Bockarie Tommy Kallon, Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Murtaza Ahmad, Fiona O’Keefe, Hassan Wahab, Jonathan Butterworth, Munazza Khan, Waqar Ahmedi, Mahida Javed SUB-EDITORS Munawara Ghauri (Head), Maryam Malik, Nusrat Haq, Mariam Rahman PROOFREADERS Farhana Dar (Head), Hina Rehman, Amina Abbasi, Aisha Patel HOUSE STYLE GUIDE Maleeha Ahmad (Head), Sadia Shah SOCIAL MEDIA Tazeen Ahmad (Head), Mala Khan (Deputy), Nudrat Ahmad, Hajra Ahmad, Mishall Rahman, Shumaila Ahmad PRINT DESIGN AND LAYOUT Ahsan Khan INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif ACCOUNTS & MARKETING Musa Sattar ART & CREATIVITY Zubair Hayat, Mussawir Din INDEXING,TAGGING & ARCHIVING Mirza Krishan Ahmad (Head). Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed (Deputy). Humaira Omer, Humda Sohail, Shahid Malik, Ruhana Hamood, Mubahil Shakir, Adila Bari, Hassan Raza Ahmad MANAGEMENT BOARD Munir-Ud-Din Shams (Chairman), Syed Amer Safir (Secretary), Mubarak Ahmad Zaffar, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Naseer Qamar, Abdul Baqi Arshad, Abid Waheed Ahmad Khan, Aziz Ahmad Bilal
  • 8. Bitcoin: On Behalf of The Future 14 Educating Our Children 24 The Difference Between True Islam & Extremist Groups 30 FGM’ – Not in The Name of Religion 50 VOL. 110 - ISSUE 1JANUARY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG ERADICATING EXTREMISM Why The Honeybee is Dying and What It Means for Life on Earth 16 Wonders Experienced Through Fasting 26 The Islamic Dilemma Should We Fear the Religion of Peace? 30 Atheism or Belief - Which is evidence Based? 42 VOL. 110 - ISSUE SEVENJULY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG The ISLAMIC DILEMMA ShouldWeFearthe ReligionofPeace? God - His Transcedence and Manifestation 12 Untold Stories 26 From the Archives: My Visit to Qadian 38 Preaching Activities of Jesusas in the East 46 VOL. 110 - ISSUE TWOFEBRUARY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG EYES CANNOT REACH HIM... The Sign of the Heavens 20 The Plague 58 A Murder in British Lahore: Closing the Case of Lekh Ram 80 World War One: Centenary of Fulfliment of a Grand Prophecy 102 VOL. 110 - ISSUE EIGHTAUGUST 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG EVIDENCE FORTHE TRUTHYoubetheJudge... S P E C I A L 1 6 4 P A G E E D I T I O N A Message of Peace 10 Legal Right Verses Moral Duty 38 Is it Permissable for Prisoners of War to be Executed? 56 The Life of the Prophet Muhammadsa 68 VOL. 110 - ISSUE THREEMARCH 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG REACTIONto CHARLIE HEBDO...? The Economic System of Islam 10 The Institution of Hajj 20 Mahmud’s Letter From the Land of the Dearest One [Muhammadsa ] 24 The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophetssa 52 VOL. 110 - ISSUE NINESEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG Fromthe LETTERSof MAHMUDRA A HISTORIC JOURNEY TO THE HOUSE OF GOD To order back issues email info@reviewofreligions.org the front covers of our 12 editions in 2015
  • 9. Firm Stance Against Terror At Peace Symposium 8 The Golden Principles for World Peace 16 Three Minutes and Counting 38 Has Science Rendered Religion Obsolete? 66 VOL. 110 - ISSUE FOURAPRIL 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG RAY OF HOPE? Halloween – Fear or Fun? 10 Shariah: A Semantic Oxymoron? 28 Connecting to Khilafat: A Guidance for Today’s Muslim Youth 36 Islam’s Response to the Destruction of Cultural Heritage 56 VOL. 110 - ISSUE TENOCTOBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG A Guidance forToday’s MuslimYouth Connecting to Khilafat: Is the Shroud of Turin a Medieval Photograph? 22 The Sudarium of Oviedo and the Shroud of Turin 40 A Brief Review of Recent CNN Documentary on the Shroud 56 The Oviedo Cloth by Mark Guscin: Book Review 66 VOL. 110 - ISSUE FIVEMAY 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG TheRESURRECTION ShroudingTheTruth? Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra – An Early Ray of Western Sunrise 18 World Peace & Security - The Critical Issues of Our Time 38 Responsibilities of an Ahmadi Muslim 50 The Economic System of Islam 56 VOL. 110 - ISSUE ELEVENNOVEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG WORLDPEACE &SECURITY: THE CRITICAL ISSUES OF OURTIME The Race to Conquer the Secret of Life 14 The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting 24 Navigating Life in the 21st Century 32 Visits to Sacred Places 54 VOL. 110 - ISSUE SIXJUNE 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG NAVIGATING LIFEinthe 21ST CENTURY Spirituality, Morality &Material Progress Three Gradations of Doing Good 14 Is Religion Truly the Cause of Disorder in the World Today? 20 Apartheid of Ahmadis in Pakistan 52 Women’s Responsibilities: Fulfilling the Conditions of Bai’at 78 VOL. 110 - ISSUE TWELVEDECEMBER 2015 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG The BLAME GAMEIs religion truly the cause of disorder in the world today? SubScRibE 12 EdITIOnS for just £15gbP or $30 USd STudEnTS! 12 EdITIOnS for just £5gbP or $10 USd
  • 10. Of Mice and Men By Azhaar Ashraf, UK A transverse section of a mouse head stained and mounted for microscopic examination. © Jubal Harshaw | Shutterstock science
  • 11. W hat would a mouse with half a human brain look like? A team of scientists in New York and Denmark (Steven Goldman and colleagues at the University of Rochester) have decided to find out.[1] The intention of this novel idea is not to emulate fiction but to further advance the scientific understanding of human brain diseases by studying them in an organ- ism’s brain (in vivo), rather than in cell culture dishes (in vitro). A Tale of Two Species The human brain is made up of com- plex cell types generally belonging to two categories: either neurons or glial cells. It may be prudent to mention here that communication in the brain is known as neurotransmission and takes place via electrical and chemical signals between neurons and glial cells are noted to be a vital support cell in this process.The neu- rons allow us to conduct multiple tasks ranging from thinking,moving and coor- dination and glial cells help that happen. For example, throwing a ball, reading, writing or speaking all increase neu- ronal activity in specific brain areas.These active regions then need greater blood flow for oxygen and nutrient delivery. It is glial cells that direct and orchestrate that blood flow to and from regions of the brain that need it most.[2] This is one way that glial cells support brain activity. Goldman and his team transplanted human glial cells into mice to create a hybrid: a mouse with both its own brain cells (neurons) and human ones too (glial cells). They did this by extracting glial cells from donated human foetuses and injecting them into the brains of mouse pups. After transplantation, the human donor cells in the mouse brains devel- oped into a subtype of glial cells known as astrocytes. Astrocytes are large star- shaped glial cells that anchor neurons and coordinate neural activity. Fascinatingly, within a year of transplantation, these human intruders completely overtook the mouse glial cells.The 300,000 human glial cells injected into each of the mice multiplied, resulting in the expansion of their numbers to 12 million,thereby dis- placing the original mouse glial cells.The humans had invaded. Fascinatingly, within a year of transplantation, these human intruders completely overtook the mouse glial cells. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 11
  • 12. Man Power It turns out that the mice with human glial cells, ‘humanised mice,’ were much smarter than their non-hybrid siblings, as was revealed by using multiple mem- ory and cognition tests. For example, humanised mice reacted four times as often as ordinary mice to a sound they had learned to associate with danger. This suggests that the mice with human glial cells learned more quickly and accu- rately, as compared to their non-hybrid counterparts. The results indicated that their memory was four times greater. It demonstrates that glial cells, and astro- cytes in particular,play an integral role in memory.Perhaps they help to strengthen and support the communication zones between neurons called synapses. Some human astrocytes are ten to twenty times greater in size than their mouse counter- parts. Consequently, human astrocytes may be able to coordinate all neuronal signals in a given area of the brain far more proficiently than mice can.For the humanised mice,it’s like an upgrade from an old Nokia phone to the latest iPhone. Healing Hands Goldman and colleagues went a step fur- ther and injected the human glial cells into mouse pups that had a particular disease in which they were unable to make a substance called myelin. Myelin is a protein which functions to insulate neurons. It is produced by a subtype of glial cells called oligodendrocytes. Just as electrical cables require insulation for efficiency, so do our neural circuits. The It turns out that the mice with human glial cells, ‘humanised mice,’ were much smarter than their non-hybrid siblings, as was revealed by using multiple memory and cognition tests. Glial cells in a rat brain stained with an antibody against GFAP. (accessed via Wiki Commons) OF MICE AND MEN 12 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 13. experiment proved to be a success, as a plethora of injected human glial cells matured into oligodendrocytes in the deprived mice.This suggests that the host cells are able to detect and compensate for defects by accepting the transplanted recipient glial cells.To explore this issue further,Goldman and his team are graft- ing the human glial cells into rats. Rats exhibit signs of greater intelligence than mice and in some cases are compara- ble in intelligence to some breeds of dog. This will enable them to test their hypothesis in a more intelligent animal model. Furthermore, Goldman and col- leagues will have to test their hypothesis in increasingly complex animal models Some human astrocytes are ten to twenty times greater in size than their mouse counterparts. Consequently, human astrocytes may be able to coordinate all neuronal signals in a given area of the brain far more proficiently than mice can. For the humanised mice, it’s like an upgrade from an old Nokia phone to the latest iPhone. 23 week human culture astrocyte stained for GFAP. c Bruno Pascal Confocal image of rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells (green) and astrocytes (red) in cell culture. Cell nuclei are counterstained in blue. c Oleg Tsupykov JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 13
  • 14. such as primates,a necessary step before human clinical trials can be considered. This work has great implications. It indicates, for example, that if we inject human glial precursor cells into patients with multiple sclerosis, a human condi- tion in which the patient suffers from oligodendrocyte degeneration in the brain and spinal cord,their condition,in theory,may be significantly improved,as the body would regain the ability to pro- duce new myelin.However,it remains to be seen how newly transplanted glial cells may react in a more complex organism such as a human being. About the Author: Azhaar Ashraf is a scientist with a Master’s degree in experimental neuroscience from Imperial College London. He has worked on models of dementia in the laboratory leading to several scientific publications. He has special interest in Alzheimer’s dementia and wishes to pursue it as a research career. He is a senior member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association UK (AMRA) and serving as the Editor of AMRA Scientific Journal. The AMRA serves to promote science and research based careers to its members as well as highlighting the intrinsic harmony between religious and scientific thought. AMRA members actively explore and develop approaches towards using the Holy Qur’an as a source for secular knowledge with special emphasis on prospective research ideas. ENDNOTES 1. Han X, Chen M, Wang F, Windrem M, Wang S, Shanz S, Xu Q, Oberheim NA, Bekar L, Betstadt S, Silva AJ, Takano T, Goldman SA, Nedergaard M (2013). “Forebrain Engraftment by Human Glial Progenitor Cells Enhances Synaptic Plasticity and Learning in Adult Mice.” Cell Stem Cell 12(3):342-53. doi: 10.1016/j. stem.2012.12.015. 2. Atwell D,Buchan A.M,Charpak S,Lauritxen M, MacVicar B.A, Newman E.A. “Glial and Neuronal Control of Brain Blood Flow.” Nature 468, no. 7321(2010): 232-243. doi:10.1038/ nature09613. OF MICE AND MEN Your feedback is important to us Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@ReviewofReligions.org 14 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 15. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 12 Issues for £15 LESS THAN £1.99 A MONTH For more information Visit: ReviewofReligions.org/Subscription Call (UK Head office) : +44 (020) 8544 7614 Email: Accounts@ReviewofReligions.org Youtube.com/ReviewofReligions @ReviewofReligions facebook.com/theReviewofReligions @ReviewReligions Suffer Pain to Bring Comfort to Humanity 10 The Significance of Ramadan 14 Religious Trends in Germany 24 Khalifah of the Promised Messiah in Germany 40 VOL. 109 - ISSUE SEVENJULY 2014 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG ISLAM A THREAT OR A SOURCE OF PEACE? CASE STUDY: GERMANY Khalifah of Promised Messiah Sends Letter to Russian President 30 Syria - A Religious Heritage 34 Medical Consequences of Nuclear War 46 The World in Need of a Reformer 74 VOL. 108 - ISSUE ELEVENNOVEMBER 2013 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG SYRIA IN CRISIS Chimes of Messiah 8 The Beginning of Creation in Scriptures of Different Religions 34 Khalifah of the Promised Messiahas at the Houses of Parliament 46 Guests Reflect on the Houses of Parliament Event 62 VOL. 108 - ISSUE NINESEPTEMBER 2013 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG ISLAM-ARELIGIONof PEACE&COMPASSION The magazine devoted to promoting intellectual and lively debate that is based on respect for all religions. PLUS FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR
  • 16. The Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi ( g u i d e d o n e ) founder of the review of religions Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
  • 17. We present excerpts from the writings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas , the Promised Messiah, on strengthen- ing of faith in God the Almighty. I have been sent to strengthen the faith and to prove the existence of God Almighty to the people, for their faith has become weak,and they take life after death no more seriously than a fable. The conduct of every person proclaims that he has not the faith and trust in God and in the hereafter as he has in the world and its ranks and its resources. Tongues profess a lot but the hearts are suffused with the love of the world. It is the same condition in which the Messiah[as] had found the Jews.As a characteristic of the weakness of their faith, the moral condition of the Jews had deteriorated greatly, and love of God had become cold in their hearts. The same is true in my time. I have been sent so that truth and faith may be revived and righteousness may inspire the hearts.This is the purpose of my advent.I have been told that heaven will once more come near the earth after it had moved far away. These are the reforms that I have to bring about and these are the tasks for which I have been sent.[1] I wish to state that God Almighty – having found this age full of darkness, and sunk deep in The Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiahas
  • 18. heedlessness, denial and paganism, and having observed the waning of faith, truthfulness, sincer- ity and righteousness – has sent me so that He may once again re-establish in the world the intellectual, physical, moral and spiritual verities, and to safe- guard Islam against the onslaughts of those who design to harm this Divine garden in the guise of philosophy,naturalism,innovation,polytheism and atheism.[2] ENDNOTES 1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas ,Kitab-ul-Bariyyah,Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 13, pp. 291-294, [footnote]. 2. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas , A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 5, p. 251.
  • 19. THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD THE PROMISED MESSIAH & MAHDIAS The Review of Religions serialised the famous treatise The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Initially written for the Conference of Great Religions on December 26- 29,1896, each speaker at the conference was asked to present to the audience the beauties of their own religion based upon its scripture, proving that it was the true religion, based on the following topics: • The Physical, Moral, and Spiritual States of Man • What is the State of Man after Death? • The Object of Man’s Life and the Means of its Attainment • The Operation of the Practical Ordinances of the Law in This Life and the Next • Sources of Divine Knowledge SERIALISED IN The Review of Religions Read online: www.alislam.org/books/ Or purchase here: store.alislam.org/englishbooks.html
  • 20. Models in Hiroshima museum depicting the scene after the nuclear bomb was dropped. The skin of those directly affected literally melted away due to the intense heat and radiation. © Makhzan-e-Tasaweer return of theabsolute evil…?
  • 21. T he Japanese people have a unique perspective on nuclear war,having been the only nations to suffer the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With every corner of the world mired in conflict,it’s time we look again to the horrific legacy of the bombs and take care not to let such a tragedy happen again. Here, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , 5th successor to the Promised Messiahas and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivers an urgent message to the world in general and the Japanese people in particular.
  • 22. The Keys to Peace in a Time of Global Disorder ADDRESS BY WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY AT SPECIAL RECEPTION IN TOKYO, JAPAN.
  • 23. After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , Khalifatul Masih V said: All distinguished guests, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu – peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. First of all I would like to take this oppor- tunity to thank all of our guests who have accepted our invitation to today’s event. We are living in extremely precarious and dangerous times, in which the state of the world is a cause of huge concern. Conflict and disorder is consuming the world and threatening international peace and security. If we glance towards the Muslim world we see that in a number of countries the governments are involved in brutal wars with their own people. Bloodshed and senseless violence is completely destroy- ing the fabric of those nations.Terrorist We are living in extremely precarious and dangerous times, in which the state of the world is a cause of huge concern. Conflict and disorder is consuming the world... Belgian Army patrolling the streets in the city center of Brussels after the Paris terror attacks which caused unrest in Europe. © CRM | Shutterstock.com O n 23 November 2015, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the 5th Khalifah (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , deliv- ered the keynote address at a special reception held in his honour in Odaiba, Tokyo. In his address, His Holiness reflected upon the nuclear attacks that took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki 70 years ago and what can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 23
  • 24. groups are taking advantage of the result- ing power vacuums by taking control of certain areas and establishing their own so-called governments and rule. They are acting in a heinous fashion and committing the most barbaric cruelties imaginable, not only in their own coun- tries, but they have now also reached Europe and the recent example of their brutalities is the Paris attacks. In Eastern Europe hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and other European countries are continuing to flare. Furthermore, recently there has been heightened tension between the United States and China regarding the incursion of an American warship into the South China Sea. As you are well aware there is also a long running territorial conflict between China and Japan over disputed islands. The Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan is a constant source of conflict and shows no signs of abating.Similarly, tensions between Israel and Palestine have also destroyed the peace of the region. In Africa, terrorist groups have gained power and control over certain regions and are causing widespread destruction and devastation.I have mentioned only a few of the issues that the world currently faces and indeed there are many further examples of discord and unrest. Therefore,the only conclusion that can be reached is that the world is now becom- ing engulfed by violence and disorder.In the modern world the scope of warfare is much more vast than in previous eras. Conflicts in one part of the world do not remain limited or local, rather their effects and consequences spread much further afield. The mass media and the means of instant communication have transformed the THE KEYS TO PEACE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tensions are rising between the two nations as China warns U.S. it could spark war due to provocative acts in South China Sea. (accessed via Wiki Commons). 24 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 25. world into a global village. In the olden days, it was possible for a war to remain confined to those who were directly involved, but now the consequences of each conflict and each war are truly global.In fact,for many years I have been warning that the world should realise that the effects of a war in one region can and will affect the peace and harmony of other parts of the world. If we look back in history to the two World Wars that took place in the 20th century, we all know that the weaponry available at that time was nowhere near as advanced or lethal as the weapons and arsenals of today. Yet still it is said that around 70 million people were killed in World War II alone and the major- ity of those who lost their lives were innocent civilians.Therefore, the poten- tial for disaster and catastrophe today is unimaginable. At the time of the Second World War,the United States possessed nuclear weap- ons that,although extremely destructive, were nowhere near as powerful as mod- ern day nuclear weapons. Furthermore, now it is not just the major powers that have nuclear bombs, but even a number of smaller countries possess them. Whilst perhaps the major powers keep such weapons as a deterrent, there is no guarantee that the smaller countries will show such restraint.We cannot take it for If we look back in history to the two World Wars that took place in the 20th century, we all know that the weaponry available at that time was nowhere near as advanced or lethal as the weapons and arsenals of today. Yet still it is said that around 70 million people were killed in World War II alone and the majority of those who lost their lives were innocent civilians. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 25
  • 26. granted that they will never use nuclear weapons. Thus, it is clear that the world stands on the brink of disaster. At the end of the Second World War, your nation had to contend with the most horrific devastation and grief imagina- ble when hundreds of thousands of your citizens were mercilessly killed and two of your cities were demolished and destroyed in a nuclear attack that shamed humanity. Having witnessed and borne this utterly overwhelming tragedy,the Japanese peo- ple will never desire for such an attack to ever happen again, either here in Japan, or indeed in any other part of the world. You are the people who truly understand the horrific and destructive consequences of nuclear warfare. You are the people who know that the repercussions and after-effects of such weapons are not limited to one gen- eration but continue for generations to come. You are the people who can tes- tify to the unprecedented evil of nuclear weapons.Therefore, perhaps no country knows better the value of peace and secu- rity than the Japanese people. Having witnessed and borne this utterly overwhelming tragedy, the Japanese people will never desire for such an attack to ever happen again, either here in Japan, or indeed in any other part of the world. You are the people who truly understand the horrific and destructive consequences of nuclear warfare. The conflicts occurring across the world in the East and West are being shown to the world through mass media and publication. Freedom House. Feb. 23, 2012. Flickr THE KEYS TO PEACE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER 26 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 27. Thankfully, Japan has recovered and is now an extremely developed nation and so keeping in view your past history, Japan must now play its role in estab- lishing peace in the world. Regrettably, following the conclusion of the Second World War, certain restric- tions and sanctions were placed upon Japan and so it may be difficult for your nation to take huge steps or to shape the direction of the world at large. However, your country still plays an important role in world matters and political affairs and so you should use your considerable influence in the best possible way and endeavour to bring about peace between nations and peoples. This year marks 70 years since those desperate days in history when nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki inflicting utter destruction, misery and torment upon your nation. Due to the fact you have built museums that paint an accurate picture of the dev- astation and carnage and due to the fact that some effects of the nuclear bombs still continue to this day, the Japanese people still understand how dangerous warfare and conflict can be. As I alluded to earlier, the tragedy you bore was compounded by the fact that cruel and entirely unnecessary restric- tions were placed upon post-war Japan. As the decades passed,they will also have proved a constant reminder of the cata- strophic consequences of war. When the nuclear weapons were used against Japan, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at that time,who was our Second Khalifah,con- demned the attack in the very strongest terms. He said: “Our religious and moral teachings demand of us that we proclaim before the entire world that we do not consider this horrific Replica of the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945 during World War II. Nuclear warfare has drastically improved since then. (accessed via Wiki Commons). JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 27
  • 28. act and this bloodshed to be justified in any circumstances whatsoever. It makes no dif- ference to me whether certain governments do not like what I am saying.” The Second Khalifah added that in the future, he did not foresee that warfare would subside; rather, he saw an esca- lation in violence and conflicts looming ahead. Today, his words of warning have been proven entirely true. Although a Third World War has not been officially declared,in reality a global war is already taking place; throughout the world men, women and children are being killed, tortured and subjected to the most heart- breaking cruelties. As far as we are concerned, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always spoken out to denounce every type of cruelty and oppression,no matter where in the world it takes place,because Islam’s teachings demand that we speak out against injustice and help those who are in need or who are being maltreated.I have already mentioned how the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the time of the Second World War spoke out to condemn the use of the nuclear bombs against Japan. “Our religious and moral teachings demand of us that we proclaim before the entire world that we do not consider this horrific act and this bloodshed to be justified in any circumstances whatsoever. It makes no difference to me whether certain governments do not like what I am saying.” Mushroom cloud of atom bomb exploding over Nagasaki in Japan during the war. © Everett Historical | Shutterstock.com THE KEYS TO PEACE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER 28 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 29. Furthermore,a very prominent and well- known Ahmadi Muslim, who had great standing and influence in the world, took it upon himself to defend Japan and its people. I speak of Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, who in addition to numerous other signifi- cant international posts, was Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister and later became President of the United Nations General Assembly. Following the conclusion of World War II, he spoke out and con- demned attempts by certain powers to place unfair sanctions on Japan. When addressing the 1951 San Francisco Peace Summit, as the head of the Pakistan delegation,Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan said: “The peace with Japan should be premised on justice and reconciliation, not on venge- ance and oppression. In future Japan would play an important role as a result of the series of reforms initiated in the political and social structure of Japan, which hold out a bright promise of progress and which qualify Japan to take its place as an equal in the fellowship of peace loving nations.” His address was based on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the life of the Holy Prophet of Islamsa .Based on Islam’s true teachings, he said that the victor of any war must never resort to injustice and never place unnecessary restrictions upon the vanquished party that limit their future progress and prosperity. Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan gave this historic statement in defence of Japan because as an Ahmadi Muslim, he was not merely representing the Pakistani State, but first and foremost he was rep- resenting the exalted teachings of Islam. And so as I have already said,you are the people who understand the consequences of warfare and cruelty more than others. Thus,at every level and in every possible Daytime view of Tokyo, Japan. Japan has recovered since the war and become a thriving nation for business, commerce and technological advancements over the past decade. © Sean Pavone | Shutterstock.com JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 29
  • 30. way, the Japanese Government should seek to counter and prevent all forms of inhumanity, persecution and injustice. They should seek to ensure that the hei- nous attack they faced is never repeated again in the future anywhere in the world. Wherever the flames of war are ignit- ing, Japan’s leaders and people should play their role in easing tensions and establishing peace.As far as Islam is con- cerned, there are some people who view it as a barbaric and violent religion.They support their contentions by highlight- ing the fact that terrorism and warfare is rampant in the Muslim world. However,their beliefs are entirely wrong. In reality, Islam’s teachings of peace are unparalleled in the history of the world. That is why our Second Khalifah and Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan vehemently spoke out against the atrocities com- mitted against your nation. Very briefly, I shall now seek to explain what Islam’s teachings really are. As a fundamental principle, Islam says that any war for the sake of geo-political or economic gains or as a means to take control of natural resources can never be justified.Further,in chapter 16,verse 127 of the Holy Qur’an,Allah the Almighty The chaos and torment during the Hiroshima bombings left its imprint in Japanese history. © Everett Historical | Shutterstock.com THE KEYS TO PEACE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER Wherever the flames of war are igniting, Japan’s leaders and people should play their role in easing tensions and establishing peace. As far as Islam is concerned, there are some people who view it as a barbaric and violent religion. They support their contentions by highlighting the fact that terrorism and warfare is rampant in the Muslim world. 30 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 31. has said that any punishment during a state of war must remain proportionate to the crime committed and must never exceed due limits.Following the conclu- sion of a war, the Qur’an says that it is better to forgive and to display patience. Similarly, in chapter 8, verse 62, the Holy Qur’an states that where rela- tions between two parties have broken down and preparations are made for war, if the opponents seek reconciliation, it is incumbent upon the other party to accept their gesture and to place their trust in Allah.The Qur’an says that one should not speculate about the motiva- tion or sincerity of the opposing party, but should always work towards a peace- ful resolution. This Qur’anic teaching is a key principle for maintaining interna- tional peace and security. In chapter 5,verse 9,Allah the Almighty has proclaimed that the enmity of a nation or people should never incite you to sacrifice the principles of justice and fairness. Rather, Islam teaches that in all circum- stances, no matter how challenging, you must remain firmly attached to the prin- ciples of justice and integrity. Indeed, it is justice that is the means of improving relations, of removing frustrations and eliminating the causes of war. In chap- ter 24, verse 34, the Qur’an states that if after a successful war you stipulate cer- tain fiscal dues on the captives of war The second Khalifah, Hazrat Musleh- e-Mau’udra on his tour of the Middle East and Europe thirteen years before World War II began. © Makhzan-e-Tasaweer JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 31
  • 32. as a means to set them free, your terms must be reasonable so that they can eas- ily afford them, and if you permit them to pay in installments,it is for the better. A golden principle for the establishment of peace is given in chapter 49, verse 10 of the Holy Qur’an, where it says that if there is a dispute between nations or groups, third parties should seek to mediate and to bring about a peaceful resolution. In the event of an agreement, if either party unjustly contravenes the negotiated settlement,then the other nations should unite together and use force if necessary to stop the aggressor.However,once the aggressive party withdraws they should not be unduly restricted; rather, they should be permitted to move forward as an independent nation and as a free society. This principle is of great significance in today’s world and in particular for the major powers and international organisa- tions such as the United Nations.If they act upon these values then true peace and justice can be established in the world and unnecessary frustrations will natu- rally die away. Similarly,there are many other Qur’anic commandments explaining how to create peace in the world and how to end all wars. Our Gracious and Merciful Lord has given us the keys to peace because He desires for His Creation to live together harmoniously and to be free from all hatred and discord. And so with these words, I would request all of you to use your influ- ence to spread peace and harmony in the world. Wherever in the world there is disorder or conflict, it is our collec- tive obligation to stand up for justice and to strive for peace, so that we are saved from a repeat of that horrific war that took place 70 years ago and whose Whilst on a small scale another world war has already begun, we must fulfil our duties and strive for peace before the situation escalates further and engulfs the entire world, and before those most abhorrent and deadly weapons that will destroy our future generations are utilised again. THE KEYS TO PEACE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL DISORDER 32 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 33. catastrophic consequences continued for decades and perhaps still continue today. Whilst on a small scale another world war has already begun, we must fulfil our duties and strive for peace before the situation escalates further and engulfs the entire world, and before those most abhorrent and deadly weapons that will destroy our future generations are uti- lised again. Thus,let us fulfil our obligations and join together.Rather than grouping together in opposing blocs,we should all unite and co-operate with one another.We have no other viable option left because if a fully- fledged Third World War occurs then the resulting devastation and trail of destruc- tion is unimaginable. No doubt we will then consider the wars of the past to have been quite minor in comparison. I pray that the world comes to realise the gravity of the situation before it is too late and that mankind bows down before God Almighty and fulfils His rights and the rights of one another. May Allah grant wisdom and intelligence to those who are causing conflict in the name of religion or who are conducting wars for the sake of geo-political or eco- nomic benefits.May they come to realise how senseless and destructive their pur- suits are. And may Allah enable for true and long lasting peace to develop in all parts of the world – Ameen. With these words I would like to once again thank you for attending today’s event. Thank you very much. His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba leading silent prayers at the conclusion of the event. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 33
  • 34. The Promised Messiahas & imam mahdi ( g u i d e d o n e ) founder of the review of religions Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
  • 35. The role of governments is integral in obtaining world- wide peace in the current times of conflict and war. We present an excerpt from A Gift for the Queen writ- ten by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas , the Promised Messiah, on a just, beneficent, and peace-loving Government. It is under divine commandment – not due to my own thoughts or volition – that I occupy myself in praying for this government under whose shadow of security I am passing my days in peace. I am grateful for its favours, and take its pleasure as my pleasure. I convey to it honestly what has been conveyed to me. Therefore, on the occasion of this In Praise of Queen Victoria We greatly thank the Merciful and Munificent God who showed us this delightful day, and who provided us security under such a beneficent, generous, just, and intelligent queen. Under her blessed rule, she has provided us the opportunity to attain all the good of the world and of faith, so that we may carry out acts of true beneficence towards ourselves...
  • 36. jubilee – remembering the continuous favours of Your Majesty, which concern our lives, wealth and honour – I present a gift of gratefulness, and that gift is the prayers which arise from the heart and every grain of the body for the safety and honour of Your Majesty. O Empress and the Honoured Queen! Our hearts bow before the Almighty praying for Your Majesty, and our souls prostrate before the One God for your honour and safety.O Honoured Empress of India! We congratulate you from our heart and soul on the occasion of the jubilee celebration, and pray to God that He may reward you abundantly for your beneficence that has reached us through your benign government and through your peace-loving admin- istrators. We consider your being a great blessing from God for this land,and we regret that we cannot find words to adequately express our gratitude.May every prayer that a truly grateful one can offer for you,be accepted from us for you.May God grant you comfort with the fulfilment of your objectives.May He greatly bless your days, health and well-being. May He continue to augment your honour and glory. May He show your progeny the days of honour like yours and continue to bless them with victory and triumph. We greatly thank the Merciful and Munificent God who showed us this delightful day, and who provided us security under such a benefi- cent,generous,just,and intelligent queen.Under her blessed rule,she has provided us the opportunity to attain all the good of the world and of faith,so that we may carry out acts of true beneficence towards
  • 37. ourselves,our nation and our fellow beings,and may tread upon the path of progress freely – the path that not only saves us from the undesirable acts of the world but also enables us to attain the everlasting good of the hereafter. When we consider all the goodness, and the means to achieve goodness, that we have gained during the reign of this Empress of India – as well as all these doors of welfare and beneficence that have opened to us during the auspicious period of her sovereignty – it provides us with strong evidence that the Empress of India harbours exceedingly good intentions for the progress of the public. It is an accepted matter that the intention of the ruler has a great effect on the internal condition, mor- als and behaviour of the public. Or, it can be said that when a sovereign governs over a part of land with good intentions and justice,it is the practice of God Almighty that the citizens of that land become attentive to good values and virtuous morals; and a trait of sincerity towards God and His creatures develops among them.[1] ENDNOTES 1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas , A Gift for the Queen (Tilford, Surrey, UK: Islam International Publications LTD., 2012), 13-14.
  • 38. He was always very patient in adversity. He was never discouraged by adverse cir- cumstances nor did he permit any personal desire to get a hold over him.It has been related that his father had died before his birth and his mother died while he was still a little child. Up to the age of eight, he was in the guardianship of his grandfather and after his grandfather’s death, he was taken care of by his uncle, Abu Talib. Both on account of natural affection and also because he had been specially admonished in that behalf by his father.Abu Talib always watched over his nephew with care and indulgence but his wife was not affected by these considerations to the same degree. It often happened that she would distribute something among her own children,leav- ing out their little cousin. If Abu Talib chanced to come into the house on such an occasion he would find his little nephew sitting apart,a perfect picture of dignity and without a trace of sulkiness or grievance on his face.The uncle,yielding to the claims of affection and recognising his responsibility, would run to the nephew, clasp him to his bosom and cry out,“Do pay attention to this child of mine also! Do pay attention to this child of mine also!” Such incidents were not uncommon and those who were witnesses to them were unanimous in their testimony that the young Muhammadsa never gave any indication that he was in any way affected by them or that he was in any sense jealous of his cousins. Later in life when he was in a position to do so, he took upon himself the care and upbringing of two of his uncle’s sons,‘Alira and Ja‘farra , and discharged this responsibility in the most excellent manner. Throughout his life, the Holy Prophetsa had to encounter a succession of bitter expe- riences.He was born an orphan,his mother died while he was still a small child and he lost his grandfather at the age of 8 years.After marriage he had to bear the loss of several children,one after the other,and then his beloved and devoted wife Khadijara died. Some of the wives he married after Khadija’sra death also died during his life- time and towards the close of his life he had to bear the loss of his son Ibrahim. He bore all these losses and calamities cheerfully, and none of them affected in the least degree either his high resolve or the urbanity of his disposition. His private sorrows never found vent in public and he always met everybody with a benign countenance and treated all alike with uniform benevolence. On one occasion, he observed a woman who had lost a child occupied in loud mourning over her child’s grave. He admonished her to be patient and to accept God’s will as supreme.The woman did not know that she was being addressed by the Holy Prophetsa and replied,“If you had ever suffered the loss of a child as I have, you would have realised how difficult it is to be High Moral Qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
  • 39. © Masood T patient under such an affliction.”The Prophetsa observed: “I have suffered the loss not of one but of seven children,” and passed on. Except when he referred to his own losses or misfortunes in this indirect manner, he never cared to dwell upon them, nor did he permit them in any manner to interfere with his unceasing service to mankind and his cheerful sharing of their burdens.[1] ENDNOTES 1. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra , Life of Muhammadsa (Tilford, Surrey: Islam International Publications Ltd., 2013), 215-217.
  • 40. I n today’s world, the building of a mosque often leads to fear and distrust in the local community. Yet in actual fact, the building of mosques shouldn’t lead to fear or suspicion - rather, it should lead to hope and peace. Throughout history, mosques have been safe havens and safeguards for the sanctity of all religions. This might sound surprising, but as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , 5th successor to the Promised Messiahas and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, explained at the inauguration of Baitul Ahad, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s first mosque in Japan, one of the main missions of both mosques and Muslims is to defend believers of religion no matter what faith they profess. Read on as His Holiness explains the true mission of mosques, and the vital importance of safeguarding the places of worship of all faiths.
  • 41.
  • 42. Opening of the Baitul Ahad Mosque In Japan – Spreading Peace & Security ADDRESS BY WORLDWIDE HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY AT INAUGURATION RECEPTION OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE IN JAPAN
  • 43. After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba , Khalifatul Masih V said: “All the distinguished guests, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barkatohu - peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our guests who have joined us at today’s reception, where we are celebrating the inaugura- tion of the Baitul Ahad Mosque – the House of the One God.Your attendance attests to the fact that you are extremely gracious and open-hearted people. I say this because you have accepted our invita- tion to what is a purely religious function, that is, the opening of a mosque, despite the fact that the majority of you are not Muslims yourselves. Nonetheless despite your attendance, some of you may still harbour cer- tain reservations about the opening of this mosque – or about Islam. You may believe that your personal Ahmadi con- tacts are good and peaceful people,but at the same time you may also be worried about the Ahmadi Muslims that you do not personally know. Or you may fear that this mosque will prove to be a place of disorder or a means of increasing ten- sions and division within society. Such fears are justified to an extent, because most regrettably,there are some so-called Muslims who are causing a great deal of Nonetheless despite your attendance, some of you may still harbour certain reservations about the opening of this mosque – or about Islam. Muslims in Milan protest against the Paris terrorist attacks showing that the minority of extremists do not represent the true teachings of Islam. © Eugenio Marongiu | Shutterstock.com JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 43
  • 44. pain and suffering in the world and who are perpetrating the most hateful acts in the name of Islam.However,let me make it crystal clear,that Islam’s teachings and the purposes of true mosques are entirely peaceful and a means of bringing society together. Indeed,the basic objectives underpinning mosques are that they should be places for people to gather together to worship God and to spread love,compassion and goodwill throughout society.In Chapter 51, Verse 57 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty has stated that the pur- pose of the creation of Man and Jinn, meaning all mankind whether rich or poor or mighty or weak, is so that they may worship Him. Regrettably, in today’s world, mankind has moved away from religion whereby the majority of people have forgotten their Creator and an increasing number do not even believe in God. Sadly there are also those people who are people or groups who have distorted the teachings of the religion,to such an extent that they are presenting the most brutal and hor- rific picture of religion in the world. I readily admit that there are so-called Muslims who are presenting Islam in such a vile and appalling manner, whilst in comparison to other religions it can be said that there are currently more Muslims who claim to practise their reli- gion and abide by its teachings.However it cannot be denied that terrorist groups and extremist elements that seek to hijack the religion have also developed within Islam. Though such extremists seek to align themselves to the religion, the truth is that their acts and ideologies have no connection to the true teachings of Islam.The reality remains and always will remain that Islam is that religion whose teachings of peace are unmatched in the OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY Those people who worship according to the true teachings of Islam will never be cruel nor merciless but will instead be compassionate, loving and those who desire the best for others and who prove to be a never ending source of blessings for mankind. 44 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 45. history of the world. Indeed, the focal point for all Muslims, and the direction in which they bow down and worship, is the House of Allah, the Holy Ka’bah, which Allah has proclaimed as a centre of peace and security.Thus in chapter 10, verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah has said that He calls mankind towards the abode of peace and security. Therefore, mosques are built to enable people to join together to worship Allah and to spread peace. In the Arabic lexicon, the wor- ship in a mosque and the prayers that are offered are known as As-Salat. In essence, this term means compassion, benevo- lence, prosperity and blessings. Hence, those people who worship according to the true teachings of Islam will never be cruel nor merciless but will instead be compassionate, loving and those who desire the best for others and who prove to be a never ending source of blessings for mankind. True worship is that which saves people from wrongdoing, mischief and evil and liberates mankind from the clutches of immorality and sin. True worship is the gateway to God’s favour,compassion and love.When a Muslim meets anyone,the first thing he says is “Assalamo Alaikum,” which means “May God’s peace and secu- rity be upon you.” It is a prayer invoking all types of peace and harmony. Let it be clear, therefore, that our mosques are built with the same intentions and same objectives as the Ka’bah was built – as beacons of peace for mankind and as places where men, women and children can join together to worship Allah the Almighty and to spread peace and com- passion throughout the society. If every Muslim and indeed every person were to fulfil these principles then the entire outlook of the world would be at once transformed. All forms of hatred, con- flicts and grievances would die away and be replaced by a spirit of love, sympathy and mutual understanding. Muslims are obligated to protect and respect other religions and their places of worship. Indeed universal freedom of religion is an indispensable and paramount tenet of Islam.This golden principle is enshrined in the Holy Qur’an. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 45
  • 46. Where Islam has taught Muslims to build and protect mosques it also guar- antees the safety and protection of the places of worship of all religions.Muslims are obligated to protect and respect other religions and their places of worship. Indeed universal freedom of religion is an indispensable and paramount tenet of Islam. This golden principle is enshrined in the Holy Qur’an. For ten years the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa , and his follow- ers were persecuted in the most brutal and merciless fashion by the disbelievers of Makkah. The Holy Prophetsa was forced to leave his homeland and so he and his follow- ers migrated to the city of Madinah in the hope that they would finally be able to live in peace and security. However the disbelievers of Makkah did not leave the Muslims alone, but continued to pursue them aggressively.They raised an extremely formidable and well-equipped army and waged war against the Muslims with the intention of finishing Islam once and for all.It was then that the Almighty Allah commanded the Holy Prophetsa to engage in a defensive war.In chapter 22, verse 41 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty said that the oppressors did not only seek to destroy Islam,but sought to destroy all religions and that if they were not forcibly stopped then every church, synagogue, temple and the places of worship of all other people would be at grave risk forevermore.Thus,where Allah granted Muslims permission to defend themselves it was not given only to pro- tect Islam, but to protect the institution of religion itself. Bearing all of this in mind those people who fear Islam or who believe that the Muslims may be a cause of increasing disorder,should remove all such concerns from their minds. Rest assured that true Muslims will not pose any risk or danger whatsoever; rather they will always seek to join hands with The Paris attacks have once again shown the brutal and horrific nature of the extremist groups claiming to represent Muslims but have nothing to do with Islam. . © Bianca Dagheti. November 14th, 2015. Flickr OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY 46 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 47. the people of other beliefs in an effort to unite society under a banner of peace, harmony and humanity. And it is to fulfil such noble and pious objectives that true mosques are built. However some of you may wonder that if mosques really are peaceful then why do we see so much disturbance and conflict in the Muslim world,given that there are so many mosques present where Muslims are able to worship Allah.To answer this question, we must look at the history of religion itself. With the passage of time all religions and their teachings have been corrupted and distorted following the demise of their founders.In the same way over a long period of time the major- ity of Muslims also moved away from Islam’s original teachings. Actually,the decline of Islam was bound to happen because the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa himself prophesied that after a period of time Muslims would enter into an age of spiritual darkness and their conduct would be far removed from the teachings of the Qur’an. He said that at such a time Allah the Almighty would send a person as the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias And it is to fulfil such noble and pious objectives that true mosques are built. However some of you may wonder that if mosques really are peaceful then why we see so much disturbance and conflict in the Muslim world, given that there are so many mosques present where Muslims are able to worship Allah. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 47
  • 48. (the Guided One) to re-establish the true teachings of Islam in the world. We, Ahmadi Muslims, believe that in fulfilment of this great prophecy, Allah the Almighty sent the Founder of our Community as the Promised Messiahas and Imam Mahdi (the Guided One) to enlighten the world of the true Islam.The Promised Messiahas exhorted humanity to recognise their Creator and to submit before Him. He called on mankind to end all cruelties and injustices and to live in harmony with one another and to fulfil each other’s due rights.He affirmed that the Holy Prophetsa was a source of mercy for all humanity and he declared that, according to the Qur’an, there should be no compulsion in matters of religion. Having accepted our Founder as the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias , we Ahmadi Muslims are acting upon these noble and exalted teachings. Today as a missionary organisation we are continuing to propagate the message of the Promised Messiahas to all parts of the world. We seek to spread Islam not by force or compulsion, but through love and compassion. Our Community and our mosque fulfil those purposes for which the Holy Ka’bah was built – to spread peace in the world. Our mosques are beacons of light that illuminate their surroundings.We follow the magnificent teachings of the Holy Prophetsa , who in his farewell address to the Muslims,pro- claimed that a white person could not claim superiority over a black person and nor would a black person claim superi- ority over a white person. Nor could an Arab exert superiority over a non-Arab or vice versa and nor could a rich man claim superiority over a poor one. He said a person’s status was not depend- ent upon their background, wealth or race, but upon their connection with God Almighty and their efforts to ful- fil His commands. And so we believe that all people are born equal and we are And so we believe that all people are born equal and we are against all forms of discrimination based on caste, creed or colour. Where on the one hand we are spreading the message of Islam we are also fulfilling the rights of mankind and seeking to bring comfort and ease to all those who are in any type of need. OPENING OF THE BAITUL AHAD MOSQUE IN JAPAN – SPREADING PEACE & SECURITY 48 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 49. against all forms of discrimination based on caste, creed or colour. Where on the one hand we are spreading the message of Islam we are also fulfilling the rights of mankind and seeking to bring com- fort and ease to all those who are in any type of need. In Africa and Asia and in other devel- oping parts of the world we are serving humanity to the best of our abilities, including even here in Japan,as you have heard from some of the speakers. Indeed our mosques and we as a Community are recognised far and wide for our selfless commitment to serving others. We are running schools and hospitals which provide education and healthcare in the most remote parts of the world, to those who are in need – irrespective of religion or background. We seek to wipe away the tears of those who are in pain.We seek to remove their grief, desperation and heartache. We seek to fulfil their needs and to help them stand upon their own two feet.And so wherever in the world our mosques are built or wherever the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is established the local people soon come to realise that we practise and preach nothing except peace, Conflict and hatred across the Middle East is destroying the lives of millions with relentless fighting causing widespread unrest. © fpolat69 | Shutterstock.com We are running schools and hospitals which provide education and healthcare in the most remote parts of the world, to those who are in need – irrespective of religion or background. We seek to wipe away the tears of those who are in pain. We seek to remove their grief, desperation and heartache. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 49
  • 50. harmony and tolerance. We believe that in this era true Jihad is not the Jihad of the sword or arms, but is the Jihad of self-struggle towards betterment.It is the Jihad of developing righteous changes within ourselves. And it is the Jihad of spreading the true and peaceful teachings of Islam to the corners of the world. We are doing this in Africa,in Europe,in Asia,in America,in Australia and indeed in all parts of the world. And this is also our purpose here in Japan to apprise the people of this esteemed nation of the true teachings of Islam. We seek to inform the Japanese people that Islam is that religion which calls upon us to recog- nise our Creator, to attach ourselves to Him and to serve mankind.God Willing from today this mosque,which is our first mosque in Japan,will forever spread this message both in this city and across the nation. Its minarets will proclaim that Islam is a religion of peace, security and love, and a religion of fulfilling the rights of God and of one another. I am also confident that now this mosque has been built,God Willing,the local Ahmadis will manifest Islam’s immaculate teachings more than ever before and will enlighten all of you to its reality.The local Ahmadi Muslims The doors to this mosque will forever remain open to the people of all beliefs who wish to worship the One God. I pray that Allah enables all of us to walk upon those paths which please Him, and which lead to His rewards and bounties and that the entire world can become recipients of His blessings. 50 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 51. will be those who practise and preach the true Islam. They will remove all fears or suspicions of those who believe Islam to be an extremist religion. Certainly more than ever the world needs peace and reconciliation. Thus let us all join hands in friendship and work towards this. It is only by ful- filling the rights of God Almighty and by fulfilling the rights of one another that we can come to witness a world of peace and harmony. Only then can we live together as one. No matter where in the world people live, if they show sin- cerity with one another and seek to build bridges then the world as we see it today, filled with war, conflict, and bloodshed, can be transformed into a world of peace, tolerance and harmony. May Allah enable all of us to act upon this. Finally, I wish to also make it clear that all people are welcome to our mosque. The doors to this mosque will forever remain open to the people of all beliefs who wish to worship the One God. I pray that Allah enables all of us to walk upon those paths which please Him,and which lead to His rewards and bounties and that the entire world can become recipients of His blessings.May we come to witness true and everlasting peace in the world – Ameen. With these words I would like to once again thank all of you for attending today’s event – thank you very much.” Your feedback is important to us Write to us with comments, feedback and suggestions at info@ReviewofReligions.org JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 51
  • 52. The Economic System of Islam by Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra ra Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud AhmadU ra
  • 53. Communism Communism is an economic system that provides a sharp contrast to the eco- nomic system discussed above. Because it has become prominent in discussions, I would like to make a few observations about this system. Communism claims that: 1. Everyone must work to the best of their capacity. 2. Everyone must be provided with income sufficient to meet the nor- mal needs. 3. The remaining surplus belongs to the State as a trustee for the people. These principles are based on the notion that there should be equality among all people. As long as a person worked to the best of his capacity, he was enti- tled to payment on the same scale as all others, who, too, worked up to their capacity. Thus no one was entitled to possess wealth in excess of others; any excess wealth would be appropriated by the State. As far as the basic principle is concerned, it is entirely correct that all must be properly fed, clothed, and housed; all must have access to facilities for education and health. In brief, the basic needs of all should be fulfilled. On this point Islam is fully in accord with Communism. We continue with the serialisation of the epic lecture delivered by the Second Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra , later published as a book titled, The Economic System of Islam. In this sixth part of the series, the difference between the economic system of Islam and that of Communism and the major flaw in the Communist model are discussed. To read the first five parts, visit our website, www.reviewofreligions.org. JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 53
  • 54. This is the economic side of Communism. But this viewpoint has also a political dimension,which falls outside the scope of my discussion for today.I would there- fore not touch it. As far as the basic principle is concerned, it is entirely correct that all must be prop- erly fed, clothed, and housed; all must have access to facilities for education and health.In brief,the basic needs of all should be fulfilled. On this point Islam is fully in accord with Communism.But there is a fundamental difference.While Islam leaves the door open for individual enterprise and due development of indi- vidual capabilities, Communism shuts that door completely. Fundamental Difference Between Islam and Communism In fact individual freedom is indispensa- ble not only for the proper development of human capacities, but also to allow individuals to freely choose their actions so that they can provide for the life to come. Communism blocks the avenues of individual initiative and destroys per- sonal freedom of choice. And that is a major flaw of that system. Thus, Islam and Communism share common objec- tives with respect to meeting the basic needs of everyone,but differ with respect to the means adopted to achieve that end. Undoubtedly, Russia has made remark- able economic progress with the programme it chalked out under the influence of the Communist philosophy. The general public, at least in European Russia has become materially better off than before. (Communist leaders might dispute that the progress is confined only to the European part).We have to admit that the poor people in Russia are bet- ter fed, better clad, better housed and provided with better facilities for edu- cation and medical relief. Thus, as far as these achievements are concerned, they are very much in accord with the Islamic spirit of fairness in economic treatment. But as noted, Islam does not approve of THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM 54 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 55. the means adopted by the Communist Party to achieve this. Objections Against Communism on the Basis of Religion As I represent the Islamic point of view, I take up first those aspects of the Communist economic system that bear on religion. 1. No Scope for Voluntary Efforts My foremost objection against Communism—an objection which all believers in life after death must have— is that it leaves little scope for individual voluntary effort,which alone is the basis for earning merit for the life to come. Instead of withholding some reasonable portion of his wealth for the State, and leaving the individual free to spend the rest as he wishes, a person is left with nothing more than what suffices for his needs.This deprives him of the means to provide for the life to come. He is given food,he can clothe himself,he is assured of shelter,his education and medical care, but he has not a penny left to provide for the life Hereafter. In other words, Communism looks after only the mate- rial side of a person’s life—which may span forty to fifty years—but entirely ignores the life Hereafter that is believed to be everlasting. This is something to which no one who is convinced of the truth of religion and wishes to follow its teachings could ever be reconciled. Islam, for instance, expects, as some other religions do, that its followers spread out and carry its mes- sage to the world’s four corners so that mankind can seek deliverance. Anyone who remained away from Islam would miss this deliverance, and on the day of judgement he would face God as a guilty person.You may call a Muslim mad or a fool for holding such beliefs,but as far as he is concerned and as long as his convic- tions remain what they are, missionary activity devolves upon him as a duty that he may not shirk in any circumstances. A Communist society provides for the monetary needs of its citizens but does not allow individual enterprise and personal financial progress. © Georgios Kollidas | Shutterstock.com JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 55
  • 56. After all, if he wished well for mankind, he would feel obliged to deliver the mes- sage that he believes is for its benefit. No one would like his friend to fall in a ditch or be shot to death. How, then, can one reconcile himself to his friends being given the everlasting punishment and be deprived of Paradise and God’s nearness and pleasure. Call it what you like,for a person attached to his religion, it is a strong desire to help his brother improve his moral and practical life. There is no room for this sort of work under Communism; any such efforts would be politically curbed. I speak on this point from actual expe- rience of the conditions prevailing in Soviet Russia. Some time back, I had sent an Ahmadiyya Missionary to this country.But,far from letting him preach his message, the government threw him into prison where he was mercilessly tortured for a long time, and was forced to eat pork. (At this point, Huzurra [His Holiness, the Second Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community] pointed to the missionary in question, who was present in the audience and asked him to rise from his seat so that others could see him.) For almost two years this mission- ary was kept in captivity in various places – Tashkent,Ashgabat and Moscow – and while in prison, he was subjected to so much torture that he lost his mental balance. Then he was pushed across the border into Iran from where the British Embassy informed the Government of India about him and the information was sent to me, and at our request he was repatriated to India at our expense. There are political reasons why the Communists disallow religious mis- sionary work,which we need not pursue here.But the issue remains that a minor- ity needs to make tremendous sacrifices to win over the majority to its religion.It certainly involves great personal sacrifice as well as the expense of making avail- able the religious literature, etc. But the Communist system leaves no margin for people to spend anything at all on such things. Take the case of the Ahmadiyya Movement, for example. We are a very small community, but our aim is to win over the whole world for Islam. In order to convey Islam’s mes- sage to 170 million Russians, massive expenditure on missionary activity and preparation of literature is required. But we would be unable to fulfil our mission if Communists take away all earnings beyond what is needed to meet the THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM 56 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 57. barest necessities of life. Communism, besides, opposes religious missionary activity because, from its point of view, this does not constitute useful activity. Only operating a machine, tilling the soil,or working in factories,etc.– which yield an economic return – are regarded as productive work. It dismisses religion as consisting of superstitions and foolish fantasies,and,as such,does not recognise propagation of true faith as useful work. There is,therefore,no reason for the State to permit such parasitic activity. Thus there is a direct clash between the Islamic conception of life and the com- munist viewpoint.To a Muslim,it matters little if he has to go hungry so long as he succeeds in improving his chances in the life to come.And,he wishes the same for his brethren – if they do not win God’s pleasure, their life would have been in vain no matter how much wealth they acquired in this worldly life. Anyone who holds this belief would be duty-bound to help his misguided brethren to provide something for the Hereafter. But Communism takes away all surplus wealth in the name of protect- ing the country,thus leaving everyone to suffer a spiritual death. As noted earlier, Islam shares with the Communist order Some time back, I had sent an Ahmadiyya Missionary to this country. But, far from letting him preach his message, the government threw him into prison where he was mercilessly tortured for a long time, and was forced to eat pork. Image of a sign in Saigon, Vietnam. The Communist party would fix elections so that their party was constantly in power showing propaganda messages to gain support from the mass public. Only political organisations affiliated with the Communist Party were allowed freedom to influence the citizens. © klublu | Shutterstock.com JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 57
  • 58. the principle of ensuring that everyone gets adequate food, clothing and shelter and has access to education and medical relief. The government must, therefore, have sufficient public revenues to dis- charge these responsibilities. However, apart from taking away surplus funds, Communism forbids propagation of our faith. In short, we give them our sup- port and we do so because this is the teaching of the religion we follow; but Communism, instead of being thank- ful to this religion, repays the kindness by depriving it of all opportunities for growth on the pretext that it amounts to useless activity and is a burden on the national economy. Had Communism openly and honestly clashed with religion,we would have dif- fered with it but could have had little basis for complaint.But the Communists profess to be unconcerned with religion while,by indirect and underhand means, they try to minimise its influence and stifle its spread. They seek to enter our hearts and homes as trusted friends, but betray this trust by covertly destroying the objects that we treasure most. The reality becomes apparent only when it is too late. If Communism declared openly that it did not recognise a life in the Hereafter, it attached no value to this idea, and it would not permit indi- viduals to preach their religion, whoever accepted Communism would do so with eyes open.But outside Russia these vital aspects of the system are deliberately kept out of sight, behind a fraudulent claim that Communism is only an eco- nomic philosophy that has no concern with religion and does not clash with it. Missionary activity comprises a funda- mental and most vital part of religion, which could not be sustained when the public is denied the right to raise funds for maintaining it and religion itself can- not long survive. In short, Communism aims to strangle the propagation of reli- gion and seeks to establish an irreligious social order. THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM Had Communism openly and honestly clashed with religion, we would have differed with it but could have had little basis for complaint. But the Communists profess to be unconcerned with religion while, by indirect and underhand means, they try to minimise its influence and stifle its spread. 58 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 59. Now consider another aspect of this question.Suppose a Muslim said that he wanted nothing from the Soviet State but be allowed to dedicate his life to the service of religion and to visit every Russian town and village to convey Islam’s message. Would the Soviet State permit him to do so? Would his activities not be stopped by straightaway throw- ing him in prison? There can be only one answer to this question.The Communist government of Russia would not hesi- tate to use force against such a person. He would be locked up in jail and told either to undertake some ‘useful work’for his living or go without food or clothing. In other words, if I dedicated my life to God and the study of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith[1] (a study indispensable for me if I desire to improve my life in the Hereafter),Communism would view this as a sheer waste of time and an excuse to live at others’expense. A Muslim must refuse to be tied down to the ultra materialistic theories of The image highlights the vast number of Musilms in the Soviet Union during 1979. It would have been a struggle to practice their faith openly without a backlash from the government. (accessed via Wiki Commons) JANUARY 2016 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 59
  • 60. Communism in matters of such tran- scending spiritual importance. He must insist on his right to be guided by the Holy Qur’an, which deems it necessary that among the Muslims there should always exist a body of men entirely devoted to the task of calling people to the right path and dissuading them from the wrong. Allah the Almighty says: That is: O Muslims there must always be among you a group of people who free themselves from the materialistic pur- suits to oversee the religious obligations. The duties assigned to such people would be that they will enjoin piety, motivate people to carry out good deeds, and for- bid them from immorality. In other words, Islam requires that a group of Muslims must be totally dedi- cated for this task. It is true that Islam accords no special privileges to such devotees, but they are assigned certain specific duties that they must carry out. While there is no priesthood in Islam,it does call for a religious order to spread its message. Christianity gives to the priest some additional privileges. But in Islam even those who serve religion have the same rights as everyone else,though their work is well-defined and is of a religious nature – to spread Islam and to plant it deep in the hearts of people so that they live up to it and to regard this duty as their highest purpose in life. Deprived of the spiritual nucleus of such a body of men,the Islamic order could not survive, for it requires people who understand its rules and regulations and who are willing to spread its ideals. We will continue with this serialisation in future editions. ENDNOTES 1. Sayings of the Holy Prophet of Islamsa . 2. Holy Qur’an, Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Verse 105. [2] THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF ISLAM 60 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | JANUARY 2016
  • 61. The official website of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide. You can find a huge collection of free online material, including translation and commentary of the Holy Qur’an and you can access literature of the Community including the books written by its founder, Hazrat Mirza ghulam Ahmadas . www.alislam.org
  • 62. Tuesday 5th January Faith: Sikhism Event: Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Guru Gobind Singh was the last of the ten Gurus of the Sikh faith. He was born in 1666. Guru Gobind Singh is known for creating the Khalsa (Pure), historically a community of committed Sikhs who wore visible symbols of their faith and trained as warriors. Today the Khalsa refers to the community of baptised Sikhs who have undergone the Amrit initiation ceremony, said to have been introduced by Guru Gobind Singh. He is also known for naming the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, as his successor Guru for all time. Wednesday 6th January Faith: Christianity Event: Epiphany The Epiphany falls on the twelfth day after Christmas and signals the end of the Christmas season for Western Christians. The word Epiphany means ‘revelation’ and it is the day when Christians celebrate the day when the Magi (wise men) visited the baby Jesusas , bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. Thursday 7th January Faith: Christianity Event: Orthodox Christmas Day The majority of Orthodox Christian churches celebrate Christmas on 7th January. This is because they continue to use the Julian calendar, while Western churches use the Gregorian calendar. CALENDAR of RELIGIOUS EVENTS & FESTIVALS JANUARY 2016
  • 63. NOTE ABOUT REFERENCES Verse references to the Holy Qur’an count ‘Bismillah…’ (In the Name of Allah…) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted. Should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the number quoted in this journal. For the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘sa ’ or ‘(saw) ’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used normally in small letters. They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘as ’ or ‘(as) ’ after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ‘ra ’ or ‘(ra) ’ stands for ‘Raziallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘rh ’ or ‘(rh) ’ for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him. In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc. subscriPtion Subscription Contacts: India - Khursheed Ahmad Email: india@reviewofreligions.org Tel: +91 1872 500970 Tel: +91 981 544 6792 Fax: +91 1872 500971 USA - Adnan Ahmed Bhalli Email: usa@reviewofreligions.org Tel: +1 412 639 9108 Canada - Muhammad Dawood Khalid Email: canada@reviewofreligions.org Tel: +1 647-779-1810 Nigeria - Qasim Oyekola Email: nigeria@reviewofreligions.org Tel: + 23 481 2221 1949 Ghana - Naeem A. Cheema Email: ghana@reviewofreligions.org Tel: +23 320 0517 181 +23 324 2105 652 UK - Athar Ahmad Bajwa Email: uk@reviewofreligions.org Tel: +44 745 339 1205 For all other subscription issues or for general enquiries email info@reviewofreligions.org or contact Head Office: Tahir House 22 Deer Park Road, London SW19 3TL
  • 64. © islamic Publications, 2016 issn no. 0034-6721 The Review of Religions, in print since 1902, is one of the longest-running comparative religious magazines. The objective of the magazine is to present the teachings of Islam, reflecting its rational, harmonious and inspiring nature. It also brings together articles and viewpoints on different religions and seeks to make discussions on religion and religious philosophy accessible to a wider readership. The magazine is devoted to promoting intellectual and lively debate that is based on respect for all prophets and religions. Islam repeatedly stresses the need to seek knowledge and The Review of Religions provides a unique platform for people to acquire, and share knowledge. Yearly subscription is only £15 sterling or $30 for overseas customers. To subscribe, or for more info, visit www.reviewofreligions.org/subscription Follow us on Twitter @ReviewReligions