ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES - PowerPoint Presentation

ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUESHazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifa tul Masih IVRehm’Allah talla Prepared by Dr Shakeel Ahmad, National Tabligh Team, UK

ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Chapter wise Educational seminars: 1. Inter-religious peace 2. Social peace 3. Economic peace 4. Political peace 5. Individual peace

INTER-RELIGIOUS PEACE

The question may arise… Why the need of spreading the message? Why the effort?

BackgroundCurrent paradox - loss of religious values - revival of dogma - ‘melodrama’ of miracle - distortion of religion and cults Practical minded and educated people – feel disgruntled – leading to agnosticism and atheism Political exploitation & Media bias Khalifa IV expressed deep concern for mankind – need for revival of true religion

The question may arise… What could be the basic requirements of a ‘true’ religion?

True Religion In accordance with natural principles In accordance with human psyche Applicable to all people Now and in future Accepts right of all people to receive Divine guidance, now and in pre-Islam era

This is IslamThis is exactly what Quran claims about its teachings

The question may arise… We have made a claim! So may others. All have the right as long as they can substantiate their claim with reason We have to give our reasons

Universality of ProphethoodIslam teaches truthfulness of all Divine messengers 16:37 We did raise amongst every people a messenger with the teaching: ‘worship Allah and shun evil’ Does not monopolise Truth 35:24-5 Thou art but a Warner. Verily We have sent you with the Truth….and there is no people to whom a Warner has not been sent

Equality of Prophets In term of Divine authority Their sincerity in exercise of such authority Authenticity of message 2:286 this messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers; all of them believe in Allah, in His angels, books, and in His messengers saying ‘we make no distinction in any of His messengers’… 4:151-2 surely those who disbelieve in Allah & His messengers & seek to make a distinction between Allah and some of His messengers and say ‘we believe in some and disbelieve in others’ and take a path in between; these really are the disbelievers and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.

The question may arise… What then is the distinction of the teachings of the Prophet of Islam (pbuh) if all prophets are equal? Why must then Islam be followed if other religions also carry truth ?

Authenticity is equal. Rank is different -1 Evident from Bible, Quran and other scriptures All religions claim their founder to be supreme Islam does so too, definitely. But there is a difference in Islamic claim!

Authenticity is equal. Rank is different – 2Difference in Islamic claim Recognition of truth of all prophets Acceptance of validity of prophets even if not named in Quran. 40:79 And we did send messengers before thee, of them some We have mentioned to thee, and some We have not mentioned… Islam accepts human limitations in respect of all prophets including Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) Prophet Mohammad himself taught humility in comparing him with other prophets Bukhari: do not declare me superior to Moses do not declare me superior over Jonah, son of Mattah

Authenticity is equal. Rank is different – 3Arguments for Supreme Rank of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and Islamic Teachings Religion has been perfected through him after a process of evolution of Divine guidance 5:4 this day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion God declares him ‘the seal of prophets’ – the ultimate, the final authority 33;41Mohammad is not the father of any men amongst you but the messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets and Allah has full knowledge of all things Quran has been promised protection by God 15:10 Verily, We Ourself have sent this Exhortation and We will most surely be its guardian

cDoes that mean one has to follow Islam in order to achieve salvation or be ‘doomed’? How could this be claimed at the same time while claiming to be the religion that advocates inter-religious peace? The question may arise…

Salvation is not a monopoly of any religion All religions claim salvation and redemption from Satan – including Islam Some claim damnation to those who do not follow the claimant’s religion – this is contradictory to what Quran teaches In the Quran, general principles of belief in God and the process of accountability along with righteous conduct are declared essential for salvation 2:63 surely the believers and from the Jews, the Sabians, the Christians; whoso truly believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve 3:114-6 they are not all alike. Amongst People of the Book there is a party who stand by their covenant, they recite the word of Allah in the night and prostrate themselves before Him. They believe in Allah and the Last Day and enjoin good and forbid evil and hasten, vying with one another in good deeds. These are amongst the righteous. And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied the due reward. And Allah well knows the God-fearing

Accepting good in others Essential for inter-religious peace Good is no monopoly of Islam 7:160 And of the people of Moses, there is a party who guides with truth and does justice therewith 7:182 And of those we have created there are people that guide with truth and do justice therewith

Hence……there is a difference between claims made by other religions and one made by Islam.

Universality of Religion Main points revised: - In accordance with the natural laws -In accordance with human psyche -Applicable to all people, all races, all cultures -Applicable all times now and in future Quran declares all religions have this quality to some degree, unless corrupted by followers later 98:6 they (people of the book) were not commanded but to serve Allah, with sincere obedience, and being upright, and to pray, and to pay zakat. That is the religion of the right 30:31 so set thy face to religion as one devoted; to nature made by Allah, the nature in which He created mankind. There is no altering the creation of Allah. This is the right religion. Most people know not

The question may arise… If so what is the distinction of Islam. Why should Islam be more universal than other religions?

Universality of Islam Evolution of society required new teachings with time, along with restoration of original fundamental principles - all learning is stepwise – human nature - so is all development – following gradual steps Stage of universal religion: when societies established themselves - farming and agriculture, commerce and trade, political systems, communication and travel, economic systems, sciences and knowledge Stage to remove secondary and transient teachings Stage to add universal teachings to original fundamental principles

The question may arise… According to this we now have a universal religion, so is there no need of other religions? Must everyone follow Islam then?

Islam gives complete freedom of choice… 2:257 there should be no compulsion in religion ‘Swords can win territories, not hearts Force can bend heads, not minds’ Freedom of expression to all religions Even Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is warned in the Quran 88:22-3 admonish, therefore, for thou art but an admonisher; thou have no authority to compel them

…and encourages rational debate Debate with reason 37:157-8 have you clear authority? Then provide your book if you are truthful Invite with code of conduct 16:126 call towards thy Lord with wisdom, goodly advice and in the best possible manner and argue with them in a way that is best… 90:18 again, should be of those who believe & exhort one another to exercise patience and exhort one another to be merciful and considerate With utmost respect for others beliefs 6:109 and insult not those whom they call upon beside Allah, lest they out of spite insult Allah in ignorance; thus to all We made their doing seem fair; then unto their Lord is their return & He will inform them what they used to do

So, about the question ‘Must everyone follow Islam then?’… -Everyone has to answer it for themselves -We can only give reason, with sincerity and with best manner and respect -Everyone remains free to chose -We are no one to pass judgement ! -Rational debate will help

Survival of the Fittest Reason The principle that has played a very important role - in evolution of life - development of the human specie - can also be applied to intellectual/spiritual evolution since Quran teaches inter-religious debate has to be rational …and that ultimate victory be achieved with logic 8:43 …so let him perish who is to perish by verdict of manifest logic and let him survive who is worthy of survival by virtue of manifest logic

Blasphemy No physical punishment is prescribed in Quran for blasphemy - Contrary to commonly held notion Major examples of Jewish claim against H. Maryam, Christians’ claim against God’s unity - no physical punishment - disagreement in principle However it is condemned on moral and ethical grounds 6:69 when you encounter vain discourse concerning Our signs, turn away until they engage in a different discourse. If Satan causes thee to forget, sit not, after recollection, with the unjust 6:109 revile not those they call upon beside Allah, lest out of spite, they revile Allah in ignorance Mulla’s notion of ‘death/stoning’ - no validity

Attitude towards Other Religions Quran encourages inter-religious cooperation for philanthropic programs Discourages highlighting differences that may lead to segregation 3:65 say ’o People of the Book, come to a word equal between us & you – that we worship none but Allah & that we associate no partner with Him and that some of us not take others for our god beside Allah. But if they turn away, then say ‘bear witness that we have submitted to the will of God’ Remain just and kind and respectful to followers of other religions 60:8-9 it maybe that Allah will bring love between you and those with whom you are at enmity now...Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion & those who have not driven you out of your homes, that you be kind and equitable with them. Surely Allah loves those who are equitable Teaches justice even with those who transgressed against Muslims 5:3 …and let not the enmity of those who hindered you from access to the Sacred Mosque, incite you to treat them with inequity; & help one another in piety & righteousness but not in sin & transgression

Therefore it is not in accordance with Islamic teachings to… - Break the Buddha - Burn the temple - Kill innocent people - ‘Suicide bombing’ Issue verdict of ‘death’ for blasphemy Damage buildings or take law in one’s hands in anger

If so… It is easy to see how… … teachings of Islam lead to inter-religious peace We humbly invite you make your own judgement from study of comparative religion rather than go on lay hearsay

Summary1 Current climate in the world requires effort to revive the true spirit of religion Islam claims all qualities required of a true and universal religion and thus also claims to have the capacity to bring inter-religious peace through its teachings Teaches universality of prophethood ie all people, ever, have had prophets bring them Divine guidance; hence recognises other sources of Truth as well Teaches equality of all prophets and truth of all religions at source Claims supremacy of Quranic teachings as the pinnacle of Divine guidance and offers arguments with reference to authentic Divine scripture and other rational arguments

Summary 2 Does not claim to have monopoly over salvation, and does not condemn those who do not follow Islam to damnation Recognises righteous behaviour amongst followers of other religions Islam categorically opposes any compulsion and gives complete freedom of choice in matters of religion Advocates freedom of expression for all religions

Summary 3 Encourages rational inter-religious debate with a strict code of conduct and due respect to all Encourages inter-religious cooperation for the good of mankind Teaches tolerance, justice, kindness; even to those who have transgressed against its followers

The question may remain… So is all this teaching conducive to peace between religions? It is for you to make their own judgement from study of comparative religion. We believe Quranic teaching to be overwhelmingly conducive to peace between religions

Islamic approach to resolution of the current problem All religions to defy use of force in inter-religious strife Even if other religions cannot agree with the Islamic view of truth of all religions at source, Islamic teaching of mutual respect must be practiced International or local legislation is not enough on its own, religious authority has to play its role too Interfaith Conferences are recommended - restrict to highlighting good of one’s religion and not malign other’s - attempt to speak of others’ positives - attempt to work for the benefit of mankind with mutual cooperation - encourage, not discourage, inter-religious debate within the parameters described before