ONE GOD ONE HUMANITY (Last Part)
How to overcome racial and religious divisions and establish peace in our world
By: Sir Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, KBE, OBE, PhD.
The Quran admonishes against envy and covetousness and against arrogance and exploitation. The strength or weakness of a people are a transient thing and the Quran sets forth many examples of the rise and fall of nations over time. A people that are weak today may become strong tomorrow. In the pursuit of peace Islam teaches the paramount importance of absolute justice and equality in all matters:
“And let not the enmity of a people, that they hindered you from the Sacred Mosque, incite you to transgress. And help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah; surely, Allah is severe in punishment.” (5:3).
In this verse it states that to fully comply with the requirements of justice, it is necessary to treat even those people, who go beyond all limits in their hatred and enmity, with fairness and equity. The Quran teaches that wherever and whoever counsels you towards goodness and virtue, you should accept it, and wherever and whoever counsels you towards sinful behaviour, you should reject it. In chapter 4 verse 136, the Quran states that even if you have to testify against yourself, or your parents or your most loved ones, then you must do so in order to uphold justice and uphold the truth:
“O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against your parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore, follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do”.
The demands the Quran makes upon individuals to uphold justice and oaths is extraordinary, transcending all bonds of family and society. While justice is something that one demands for oneself, more importantly, it is something to be fulfilled for others, regardless of the cost to oneself, one’s relatives or one’s own community. In this regard the relationship between the Rulers and those who are Ruled is a very important one. The Holy Quran states:
“God commands you to entrust the responsibility of government to those worthy of it, and those of you who become rulers, should rule justly; God admonishes you with that which is excellent, verily He is All Hearing , All Seeing.” (Al Nisa:59)
According to Islam Rulership or Sovereignty is something that is given as a trust and those who are ruled are told to choose their rulers who are worth of the trust, who are capable of discharging it adequately, honestly and faithfully. Those who are placed in authority must ensure that their subjects have all the necessary provisions for life ie. food, clothing, shelter, security etc.
Elucidation of Slavery and Islamic teachings
The issue of slavery in relation to Islamic teachings is perhaps one of the most misunderstood subjects. Critics use the examples of slavery to portray Islam as a violent religion that only seeks to oppress people. In this article, I will discuss the issue of slavery and Islamic methods to bring it to an end.
First of all, it should be clear that Islam did not introduce slavery to the world. On the contrary, Islam condemned slavery in clear terms and prohibited making slaves in any way whatsoever. The confusion arises when prisoners of war are seen as “slaves” by the critics of Islam. It is true that prisoners of war may appear to be slaves, but they are taken in the middle of a battle in order to guard one’s country against the harms of the enemy.
A Slave as a Member of the Family?
When we study the teachings of Islam regarding such so-called “slaves”, we find that they cannot be termed “slaves” as perceived in the minds of many. Islam on the other hand instructs Muslims to be kind to their slaves:
وَ اعۡبُدُوا اللّٰہَ وَ لَا تُشۡرِکُوۡا بِہٖ شَیۡئًا وَّ بِالۡوَالِدَیۡنِ اِحۡسَانًا وَّ بِذِی الۡقُرۡبٰی وَ الۡیَتٰمٰی وَ الۡمَسٰکِیۡنِ وَ الۡجَارِ ذِی الۡقُرۡبٰی وَ الۡجَارِ الۡجُنُبِ وَ الصَّاحِبِ بِالۡجَنۡۢبِ وَ ابۡنِ السَّبِیۡلِ ۙ وَ مَا مَلَکَتۡ اَیۡمَانُکُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ لَا یُحِبُّ مَنۡ کَانَ مُخۡتَالًا فَخُوۡرَا
And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful. [4:37]
Emphasizing the same teaching, the Holy Prophet(saw) says: Slaves are your brothers whom Allah has put under your control, so feed them with the same food that you eat, clothe them with the same clothes you wear, and do not burden them with so much that they are overwhelmed; if you do burden them, then help them. [Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Etiquette, Chapter: Beneficence towards slaves; Book 33, Hadith 34]. Keeping slaves was an accepted thing in those times and the well-off kept many slaves. The blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in this matter was that when after marriage Hazrat Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her) gave all her slaves to him, he freed them all. Hazrat Zaid was among these slaves. He was adopted by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as a son. When his real parents came to get him, he refused to go with them. The kindness and supremely excellent benevolence of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cannot even come up with an example close to a fraction of his blesses model. His teaching was to treat slaves benevolently if work was to be taken from them. If work was hard, one was to share the task with the slave. Furthermore, Islam teaches the emancipation of slaves in numerous verses of the Quran such as the following:
وَ مَاۤ اَدۡرٰٮکَ مَا الۡعَقَبَۃُ۔ فَکُّ رَقَبَۃٍ
And what should make thee know what the ascent is? It is the freeing of a slave. [90:13-14]. In light of these teachings, Muslims played a great role in the emancipation of slaves. These are just a few highlights of the many Islamic teachings on the kind treatment of slaves. If these teachings are followed, it would mean that a “slave” no longer remains a slave and would instead be like a member of the family. At this point, some critics ask why Islam did not give a single commandment to end slavery? Why was it not done with a single stroke of the pen? The answer to this question is that Islam did not come to make an empty show of greatness by doing something like this. Instead, its objective was to slowly and gradually reform and improve the society at large. It was neither feasible, nor wise, to suddenly abolish the institution of slavery which had become interwoven into the very texture of society since pre-Islamic times.
With this gradual reformation in mind, Islamic teachings followed two steps. First, a teaching was given that put an end to forcing a free person into slavery. Second, it was taught that slaves who already existed should be treated kindly and with love so that they start to live independent lives and are gradually prepared for freedom. The first teaching is expressed very strongly in the following narration: Prophet Muhammad( said, “Allah says, ‘I will be displeased with three persons on the Day of Resurrection: (1) One who makes a covenant in My Name, but does not fulfil it; (2) One who sells a free person (as a slave) and personally usurps the sale-proceeds; (3) and one who employs a labourer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages”. The second teaching was followed in two ways. Either the Muslims set free the slaves in their possession as a virtuous act in accordance with Islamic teachings, or the slaves were given the option of earning their freedom through a system called mukaatabat [i.e. an agreement between a slave and his master, where the slave offers to pay his own monetary value in order to be set free, by working the number of hours required to pay the settled amount]. Here, the Holy Quran is very clear in its teaching that if a slave desires to have freedom by payment of an amount, the master is obliged to fulfil the slave’s wish and to set him free provisionally, so that the slave has an opportunity to earn the amount fixed for his release. On top of this, the master is told that he should return some of this money back to the freed slave. This is a system of mukaatabat through which Islam ensures that slavery comes to an end eventually. An inspiring example portraying Islam’s viewpoint on the well treatment of slaves was written by an Italian professor, Laura Veccia Vaglieri. She writes that slavery has been around ever since human civilization began and it remains. She opines that the condition of slavery among Muslim nations is comparatively better. She writes about the benevolence of the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be on him) and cites him as saying ‘do not say he is my slave, rather say he is my son and do not say she is my female-slave rather say she is my daughter.’ She writes that on reflection the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) made magnificent reformations in this matter. In pre- Islamic days, a person in debt faced the possibility of having his freedom snatched, but after Islam no Muslim could enslave another free Muslim. Not only did the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) limit slavery, rather he introduced regulations about this and told the Muslims to march onwards regarding it until such time that all slaves were free. Huzoor said the professor wrote her book in Italian and it has been translated in English. A while ago the USA Jama’at had published this book. It mentions teachings of Islam in a very fine way. If the copyrights are in place, it should be re-printed by the USA Jama’at. It is sufficient to silence the detractors who raise objections about Islam and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). This magnificent teaching and blessed model are the reality of freedom of man. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) presented this teaching in different ways at various times. He wrote: ‘Remember that a Muslim should be ever ready to discharge the rights of God and the rights of mankind. Just as one verbally regards God One and without any partner in His Person and His attributes, one should also demonstrate this by practice and should treat His creation with kindness and compassion. He also said: ‘Until your dealings with each other are not in order your dealing with God cannot be in order. Although in both of these rights, God has the greater right, but to have clear dealing with His creation is akin to be a reflection of it. A person who does not have clear dealings with his brother cannot also pay the dues of God.’ Huzoor said the main thing here is to also consider others as one’s brothers.
In a true Muslim society, no one should be enslaved. Muslims should remember the advice the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) gave before passing away where he said, ‘do not forget my teaching regarding observance of Salat and slaves.’ Additionally, several hadith expound on the great virtue of freeing salves. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said in one hadith: ‘Whichever Muslim will free a slave will be granted complete salvation by God from the fire of Hell.’ Islam teaches freeing of slaves as expiation in many places in the Qur’an, which also teaches that if a Muslim kills another Muslim by mistake, he should free a slave as well as give blood-money. This is not limited to killing a Muslim. If a disbeliever is killed by mistake with whose nation a pact has been made, a slave is to be freed in that instance as well. Among various punishments of swearing an oath by God and then breaking it, Islam cites freeing of slaves as one penalty. The different ways of bringing about freedom of slaves is borne of the fact that Islam wishes to gradually eradicate slavery. Before Islam, keeping slaves was a common practice which Islam seeks to eliminate. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that Muslims should free slaves at the time of solar eclipse. A Hadith relates that seven brothers shared a slave and one day one of the brothers slapped the slave in anger. When this matter was related to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) he told them to release the slave. He said they did not have any right to keep him as they did not know how to treat him well. In a true Muslim society, no one should be enslaved Among all the Prophets, our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was the most brilliant star of freedom whose rays reached far and wide and encompassed all forms of freedoms. The person of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) brought about apparent freedom, and also freed people from all kinds of neck yokes, shackles. To this day connecting to his person in the real sense is a tremendous source of attaining freedom. God gave him the title of Khataman Nabiyeen (Seal of the Prophets) and by virtue of this eminence his person encompasses all worldly and spiritual matters. Thus, no pious soul can even doubt that only the Muhammadan seal can bring about all forms of excellences. In him was the pinnacle of every matter and every task.
Universal Brotherhood
From its start Islam had established a universal brotherhood. It stressed that a true brotherhood could be established only by virtue of mankind’s relationship with one another through God. Other factors – common interests, common pursuits, common occupations- may help to foster friendship and brotherhood- to a degree, but the very same factors may also engender jealousy and hostility. Followers of Islam are instructed to:
“Hold fast, all together , by the rope of Allah, and be not divided; and remember the favour of Allah which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love, so that by His grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus, does Allah explain to you His commandments, that you may be rightly guided” (3:104)
Unfortunately, it is the nature of mankind to overlook guidance and to fall into error. Muslim nations over many centuries forgot to live up to their obligations to God and to humanity. Thus, God sent the Reformer of the Age, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) to revive the pure teachings of Islam and unite mankind. His mission can best be summed up in his own words:
“With God-given strength and with the power of His hand, I am here to set the world back on the path of reformation, righteousness and piety, and to remove their errors in faith and in action.” (Tadhkiratush Shahadatain)
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad penned over 80 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivered hundreds of lectures, and engaged in scores of public debates. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to use education to peacefully reform Muslims and revive Islam worldwide. A Message of Peace was the last piece of work from the Promised Messiah and Reformer of the Latter Days. Prophetic in foresight and universal in scope, this book lays out a path to the peaceful existence of all humans based on the central theme of worshipping the One God. He writes “A religion which does not inculcate universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly, a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human at all.” From its foundations in 1889 in Qadian, India, today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the world’s largest Islamic community under the leadership of the fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (b. 1950). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 215 nations with membership exceeding tens of millions. His Holiness is the world’s leading Muslim figure promoting peace and inter-religious harmony. Through his sermons, lectures, books, and personal meetings, His Holiness has continually advocated the worship of God Almighty and serving humanity. He also continually advocates for the establishment of universal human rights, a just society and a separation of religion and State. Since being elected Khalifa, His Holiness has led a worldwide campaign to convey the peaceful message of Islam, through all forms of print and digital media. In 2004, His Holiness launched the annual National Peace Symposium held in London in which guests from all walks of life come together to exchange ideas on the promotion of peace and harmony. Each year the symposium attracts many serving ministers, parliamentarians, politicians, religious leaders and other dignitaries. In 2009, His Holiness also launched the annual ‘Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace’; an international peace award for individuals or organisations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment and service to the cause of peace and humanitarianism
On 4 December 2012, His Holiness delivered a historic keynote address at the European Parliament in Brussels to a packed audience of more than 350 guests representing 30 countries, including the President of the European Parliament. During his thirty-five-minute address, His Holiness called on the European Union to preserve its unity and called for equality and justice in international relations.
On 11 February 2014, His Holiness delivered the keynote address at ‘The Conference of World Religions’ held at the Guildhall in London. During his address, His Holiness outlined Islam’s commitment to promoting mutual understanding, tolerance and respect based on the teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be on him).
Under the leadership of His Holiness, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has built a number of schools and hospitals that provide high class facilities in remote parts of the world. And through various schemes of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness has funded the tuition and education of numerous underprivileged students around the world, irrespective of their religious or racial background. All his efforts and the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are directed to unifying humanity and connect it to its Creator/One God. During the address delivered on 25th March 2017 at the National Peace Symposium, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
“As you will be aware, the theme of tonight’s event is ‘Global Conflicts and the Need for Justice’, and I have said for many years that a lack of justice has plagued every segment of society and fuelled disorder.”
During the address delivered on 9th March 2019 at the National Peace Symposium, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
“I have expressed my view on many occasions that the leaders of some of the nuclear powers are trigger-happy and appear not to appreciate the truly grave consequences of nuclear warfare. Not only do such weapons have the power to annihilate the countries targeted, but also have the potential to destroy the peace and stability of the entire world. Thus, it is imperative that nations and their leaders do not focus only on their own national interests, but consider what is best for the world at large. Dialogue with other nations and communities is vital and each party should work together with a spirit of tolerance and with the shared objective of developing true and sustainable peace in the world.”
It would seem that the world lurches from one conflict to another and from one disaster to another. Many of these conflicts and disasters like the disorder and racial riots in the US and several other countries are due to humanity’s own failings. The Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reminded the people and the rulers of the world to be mindful of their duties and obligations to God Almighty and to all human beings regardless of race colour or creed. His Holiness prayed that may Allah remove the disorder all around the world, may the governments uphold the rights of their citizens and may the people obtain their rights through lawful measures, and may we be protected from the harmful effects of the Coronavirus. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that in any case, the governments should come to realise that all this chaos will not be solved through force, nor is it the answer to all problems. Rather, the sustenance of a government is in its just dealing of all its citizens. Only then can law and order be established in the land. If the people become restless, then no government can stand against them. Islam emphatically teaches us that there is One God and One Humanity- and when hearts turn to the One True God then Humanity’s prayers will indeed be answered, and peace and tranquillity will be restored.