RR200412

Contents December 2004, Vol.99, No.
12
Editorial By Mahmood Hanif UK .................................................................................. 2
Introduction from Jesus in India The introduction to this masterpiece is as relevant today
as it was at the time of its writing over 100 years ago. The misconceptions of both Muslims and
Christians concerning the life and death of Jesus(as) and his bodily ascension has caused much
confusion. However, the expectation of a bloody Messiah is a false belief of shortsighted scholars.
By Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).. ................................................................................. 4
Inaugural Address at the Opening of Darul Barakat Mosque in Birmingham
A short speech delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current Supreme Head of the
Ahmadiyya Community in Islam, on the inauguration of a new mosque in Birmingham. A fresh
look at ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.
By Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community ......... 18
The Holy Qur’an Answers Four Questions on Education The authors discuss four
basic questions on learning in the light of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
By Abdul Majid and Shahab Ahmad ........................................................................................ 24
Is there a God? The author discusses the different means by which one can prove the
existence of God and reject the conclusion of atheists.
By Dr Tariq Anwar Bajwa ..................................................................................................... 42
The Review of Religions 2004 Index The list of articles published in 2004 ................. 58
Front Cover Picture: Darul Barakat Mosque, Birmingham (see page18)
Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah

Bockarie Tommy Kallon
Management Board: Special contributors: Design and layout:
Fareed Ahmad Amatul-Hadi Ahmad Tanveer Khokhar
Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman)
Fazal Ahmad Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Farina Qureshi
Publisher:
Fauzia Bajwa Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Proof-readers: Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah
Mansoor Saqi Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Shaukia Mir
Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Distribution:
Mahmood Hanif. Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad
Khan Muhammad Hanif
Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad
Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Navida Shahid All correspondence should The Review of Religions © Islamic Publications, 2004
Sarah Waseem be forwarded directly to the The London Mosque ISSN No: 0034-6721
editor at: 16 Gressenhall Road
Saleem Ahmad Malik London, SW18 5QL
Tanveer Khokhar United Kingdom
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community 1
Editorial
Belief in the existence of God Cause, a Cause that has no prior
defines one of the great divides cause and that we recognise as
in the world today. It is an issue the actions of the Creator of the
that divides the secular West and Universe, or do we only have an
North from the religious East and original self-existing effect? Is
South, that in Europe divides the life in the Universe as we know it
increasingly atheist native a result of Divine design or the
Europeans from the largely outcome of a long line of
devout recent immigrant random, chance occurrences?
communities and that in the The article ‘Is there a God?’ by
United States is at the heart of Dr. Tariq Anwar Bajwa attempts
many current socio-political to address some of these issues
controversies such as gay by drawing from the Holy
marriage rights and the teaching Qur’an, the teachings of the
of evolution in schools. It is an Promised Messiah (as) and the
enormously important question writings of the fourth Khalifa of
that has profound ramifications the Ahmadiyya Muslim
for our view of life, how we Community, Hadhrat Mirza
conduct ourselves and how we Tahir Ahmad(ru).
deal with others.
Mr. Jonathan Miller recently
On examining the various presented a documentary series
arguments for and against the on the ‘History of Disbelief’ on
existence of God, it becomes BBC television, beginning with
clear that the issue of Creation ‘Shadows of Doubt’ (on Greek
lies at the heart of the matter. If mythology: 30 Oct); followed by
you take the general principle of ‘Noughts and Crosses’ (how
cause and effect to its ultimate disbelief re-emerged in 15-16th
conclusion we are left with the century Christianity: 1 Nov) and
question: is there an Ultimate ‘The Final Hour’ (on Thomas
2 The Review of Religions – December 2004

Editorial
Paine and Darwin’s theory of with little care for the rest of
evolution: 2 Nov). It is obvious humankind. Muslims believe the
that disillusionment at the rigid Holy Qur’an to be the best path
interpretations of natural law by to a true understanding of God
Christianity has caused many to and the key to communion with
abandon their traditional reli- Him. By delving deep into the
gion. ‘The Review of Religions’ treasures of the Holy Qur’an we
shall be examining some of the become closer to God and also
issues raised by this series in its gain a richer understanding of
future editions. ourselves and the Universe
around us. In this issue of ‘The
Those who deny the existence of Review of Religions’, Dr Abdul
God declare that belief in God is Majid and Dr Shahab Ahmad
at best unnecessary and at worst (authors of ‘The Holy Qur’an
detrimental to living as a ‘moral’ answers four Questions on
being. On the other hand, it is Education’) illuminate Qur’anic
clear from the behaviour of many teachings and wisdom on the
of those who declare that God topic of education and learning.
exists, that belief in an abstract
concept of God alone is not Mahmood Hanif – UK
sufficient to live a ‘moral’ life.
The perception and under-
standing of God varies widely
among ‘theists’ (those who
believe in God) from those who
regard God as a sort of absentee
landlord Who, having created the
Universe and set things in
motion, makes little interference
in day-to-day human affairs, to
those who see God as being
fiercely attached to their
particular group of humanity
The Review of Religions – December 2004 3

Introduction from Jesus in India
Below is the ‘Introduction’ from the book Jesus in India by Hadhrat Mirza
Ghulam Ahmad. The theme of the book deals with the escape of Jesus(as)
from death on the cross, and his journey to India in search of the lost tribes
of Israel. Christian as well as Muslim scriptures and old medical and
historical books including ancient Buddhist records, provide evidence
about this journey.
In The Name Of Allah, The Beneficent, The Divine Unity, but the
Merciful We Praise Him And Invoke His unwholesome and poisonous
Blessings Upon His Noble Prophet
influence of which has for long
been noticed in the morals of the
Lord! Judge between us and our Muslims of this country.
people with truth; Thou art the Spiritual maladies, i.e., want of
best of judges good morals, evil thoughts,
callousness, want of sympathy,
Introduction are spreading among most
I have written this book, so that, Islamic sects, being the result of
by adducing proofs from beliefs in unfounded stories and
established facts, from anecdotes of this kind. Human
conclusive historical evidence of sympathy, pity and love of
proved value and from ancient justice, humility and humble-
documents of non-Muslims, I mindedness - all good qualities –
might remove the serious mis- are disappearing day by day, as if
conceptions which are current they will soon bid a last farewell
among Muslims and among most to this community. This callous-
Christian sects regarding the ness and this immorality make
earlier and the later life of many a Muslim appear no better
Jesus(as) – misconceptions, the than the beasts of the jungle. A
dangerous implications of which Jain or a Buddhist is afraid of and
have not only injured and avoids killing even a mosquito or
destroyed the conception of a flea, but, alas! there are many

among us Muslims who, while

they kill an innocent man or
commit wanton murder, are not
afraid of the powerful God, who
rates human life higher than that
of all the animals. What is this
callousness and cruelty and want
of sympathy due to? It is due to
this – that from their very
childhood, stories and anecdotes
and wrong views of the doctrine
of Jihad are dinned into their ears
and inculcated into their hearts,
the result being that gradually The founder of the Ahmadiyya
they become morally dead and Muslim community was Hadhrat
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).
cease to feel the heinousness of
their hateful actions; nay, rather, In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of
Divine revelation, that he was the
the man who murders another Promised Messiah and Mahdi
man unawares and thus brings whose advent had been foretold by
ruin to the murdered man's Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of
family thinks that he has done a Islam (peace and blessings of Allah
meritorious deed; or rather, that be upon him) and by the scriptures
he has made the most of an of other faiths.
opportunity to win favour with His claim constitutes the basis of
his community. As no lectures or the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim community.
sermons are delivered in our
country to stop such evils - and if
there are any such lectures they several books in Urdu, Persian
have an element of hypocrisy in and Arabic, in which I have
them – the common people think stated that the popular view of
approvingly of such misdeeds. Jihad prevalent among Muslims,
Accordingly, taking pity upon that is, the expectation of a
my own people, I have compiled bloody Imam, full of spite and

hostility for other people, is a against such beliefs a wonderful

texture of false beliefs inculcated change in the hearts of the
by shortsighted Ulema; other- Muslims. And I hope – I am sure
wise, Islam does not allow the – that after these truths have been
use of the sword for the Faith; comprehended, there will flow
except in the case of defensive out of the hearts of the righteous
wars, or in the case of wars waged sons of Islam the sweet and
to punish a tyrant or to uphold beautiful springs of lowliness,
freedom. The need of a defensive humility and mercy, and that there
war arises when the aggression of will come about a spiritual
an adversary threatens one's own change which will have a
life. These are the three kinds of wholesome and a blessed
Jihad permitted by the Shariah, influence on the country. I am
and, apart from these three kinds, also sure that Christian investi-
there is no other kind of war gators and all other people who
which is permitted by Islam for hanker after the truth and thirst
the propagation of the Faith. I for it, will benefit from my books.
have, in short, spent a large sum And the fact just now stated by
of money on such books, and me, that the real object of this
have published them in this book is to correct the wrong
country and in Arabia and Syria beliefs which have become part
and Khurasan, etc. But, by the and parcel of the creeds of
grace of God, I have now Muslims and Christians, requires
discovered powerful arguments a little explanation which I set out
which are meant to eradicate below.
these unfounded beliefs from the
hearts of the people. I have clear Let it be known that most
proofs, circumstantial evidence of Muslims and Christians believe
a conclusive character, and that Jesus(as) went alive to the
historical evidence the light of heavens; both these people have
whose truth holds out the promise believed for a long time that
that soon after their publication Jesus(as) is still alive in the
there will be brought about heavens, and will sometime in

the latter days come down to the his earthly body, and he is still
earth. The difference in their alive in the heavens - which, they
views, i.e. the view of the say, is the second heaven where
followers of Islam and that of the is also the prophet Yahya, i.e.
Christians, is only this, that the John. Muslims, moreover, also
Christians believe that Jesus(as) say that Jesus(as) is an eminent
died on the Cross, was prophet of God, but not God, nor
resurrected, and went to the the son of God, and, they believe
heavens in his earthly body, that he will in the latter days
seated himself on the right hand descend to the earth, near the
of his Father, and will come to Minaret of Damascus or near
the earth in the latter days for some other place, supported on
judgment; they also say that the the shoulders of two angels, and
Creator and the Master of the that he and Imam Muhammad,
world is this Jesus the Messiah the Mahdi, who will be already in
and no one else; he it is who, in the world, and who will be a
the latter days of the world, will Fatimite, will kill all the non-
descend to the earth with a Muslims, not leaving anyone
glorious descent to award alive except those who will
punishment and reward; then, all forthwith and without any delay
who will not believe in him or his become Muslims. In short, the
mother as God, will be hauled up real object of the descent of
and thrown into hell, where Jesus(as) to the earth, as stated by
weeping and wailing will be their Muslim sects known as Ahl-i-
lot. Sunnat or Ahl-i-Hadith called
Wahabis by the common people
But the aforesaid sects of – is that, like the Mahadev of the
Muslims say that Jesus(as) was not Hindus, he should destroy the
crucified, nor did he die on the whole world; that he should first
Cross; on the other hand, when threaten the people to become
the Jews arrested him in order to Muslims and then, if they persist
crucify him, an angel of God in disbelief, massacre them all
took him away to the heavens in with the sword; they, moreover,

say that he is alive in the heavens Khalifa of the time should be a

in his earthly body, so that, when Koraish, Jesus(as) will not be the
Muslim powers become weak, he Khalifa of the time; the Khalifa of
will come down and kill the non- the time will be that same
Muslims or coerce them on pain Muhammad, the Mahdi. Muslims
of death to become Muslims. say that these two together will
Regarding the Christians espe- fill the earth with the blood of
cially, the divines of the aforesaid man, and they will shed more
sects, state that when Jesus (as) blood than has ever been shed
comes down from the heavens he before in the history of the world.
will break all the Crosses in the No sooner will they appear than
world, do many a cruel deed with they will start this bloody
the sword, and inundate the campaign; they will neither
world with blood. And, just as I preach nor plead, nor show any
have stated, these people, i.e. the sign. And they also say that
Ahl-i-Hadith etc. from among although Jesus(as) will be like an
the Muslims, are enthusiastic adviser or a lieutenant of Imam
about their belief that a short Muhammad, the Mahdi, and
time before the coming down of although the reins of power will
the Messiah there will appear an be in the hands of the Mahdi
Imam from the Bani Fatima only, Jesus (as) will instigate
whose name will be Muhammad, Hadhrat Imam Muhammad, the
the Mahdi. He it is who will be Mahdi, to massacre the whole
Khalifa and King of the time, and world and will advise him to
as he will belong to the Koraish, adopt extreme measures, i.e. he
his real object will be to kill all will make amends for the
non-Muslims except those who humane teaching which he had
readily recite the Kalima. Jesus(as) given to the world before,
will come down in order to help namely, ‘not to resist evil,’ and,
him in his work; and although being struck on one cheek, ‘to
Jesus(as) himself will be a Mahdi – turn the other cheek also.’
nay, a greater Mahdi – yet,
because it is essential that the This is what Muslims and

Christians believe regarding to the growth of that Faith, this

Jesus(as), and while it is a great would furnish the opponents with
error to call him, as the an opportunity to find fault with
Christians do – a humble man – it. The ultimate result of a
God, the beliefs of some of the principle like this is that hearts
followers of Islam, among whom become devoid of the quality of
is the sect called Ahl-i-Hadith human sympathy and that mercy
also known as Wahabis, and justice, which are great
regarding a bloody Mahdi and a human moral qualities, take
bloody Messiah, are affecting leave of men, and instead,
their morals very badly, so much spitefulness and enmity tend to
so, that on account of their bad grow; there remain behind only
influence their dealings with the animal passions, wiping out
other people are not based on all high moral qualities. But it
honesty and goodwill, nor can would be noticed that such a
they be truly and completely loyal teaching could not have
to a non-Muslim Government. All proceeded from God, Who sends
reasonable men will realise that His punishment only after He has
such a belief, namely, that non- completed His argument.
Muslims should be subjected to
coercion, that they should either Let this therefore be pondered
forthwith become Muslims or be over: that if there is a man who
put to death, is open to the most does not accept the true Faith
serious objections. Every con- because he is yet ignorant and
scientious person will readily unaware of its truth, of its
admit that before a man teachings and its beauties, would
adequately realises the truth of a it be reasonable to kill such a
Faith, and before he has man forthwith? Nay, this man
comprehended its beauties and deserves pity; he deserves to be
its wholesome teachings, it is instructed gently and politely in
extremely undesirable to coerce the truth, beauty and the spiritual
him, on pain of death, to adopt benefit of that faith; not that his
that Faith. Far from contributing denial should be met by the

sword or the gun. So, the go to the authorities they flatter

doctrine of Jihad proposed by them and assure them that they
these sects of Islam, as well as do not approve of such ideas. If,
the belief that the time is near however, they are really opposed
when there will arise a bloody to such ideas, why do they not
Mahdi whose name would be propagate this in writing, and
Imam Muhammad, that the why should they await the
Messiah will come down from coming of that bloody Mahdi and
the heavens for his help, and that the Messiah standing as it were at
both together will kill all non- the doorsteps, ready to join them
Muslim people if they deny in their campaign?
Islam, is utterly opposed to our
moral sense. Is not this the belief Such beliefs, in short, have very
which puts out of action all good much demoralised these
human qualities and morals, and Maulvis: they are incapable of
encourages the qualities of life in teaching people decency and
the jungle? Those who hold such peace. On the other hand, killing
beliefs live a life of hypocrisy in others without rhyme or reason is
relation to others, so much so a great religious duty with them.
that they cannot give true loyalty I would be glad if any sect of the
to state authorities of another Ahl-i-Hadith is opposed to these
Faith; they dishonestly profess to beliefs, but I cannot help
give allegiance to them, which is observing with regret that among
wrong. That is why some of the the sects of the Ahl-i-Hadith 1
Ahl-i-Hadith sects mentioned by there are those who in secret
me just now are living a double believe in a bloody Mahdi and in
life under the British Government the popular notions of Jihad.
in British India. In secret, they They are opposed to correct
hold out hopes to the common notions, and they think it an act
people of the coming of bloody of great merit to kill when they
days of a bloody Mahdi and a have the opportunity to kill all
bloody Messiah, and instruct the people professing other
them accordingly, but when they faiths, whereas the beliefs in

killing others in the

name of Islam, or
believing in prophecies
like the prophecy of a
Bloody Messiah and
wishing to advance the
cause of Islam by
bloodshed or by threats,
are absolutely against
the Holy Qur’an and
the reliable Hadith. Our
Holy Prophet(sa) suffered
great persecution at the
hands of the Kafirs at
Makkah and thereafter.
The thirteen years
which he spent at
Makkah were years of
great affliction and
suffering of many kinds
– a thought of them
brings tears to one's
JESUS IN INDIA:
eyes. But he did not raise
ISBN: 1 85372 196 4 Pbk
the sword against his (Published by Islam International Publications Ltd)
enemies, nor did he reply
to their abuse, until many
of his Companions and dear had been laid. When, however,
friends were mercilessly mur- God’s vengeance came, it so
dered; and until he himself was happened that the elders of
subjected to sufferings of various Makkah and the chiefs of the
kinds, such as being poisoned tribes unanimously decided that
many a time; and until many an this man should in any case be
unsuccessful plan to murder him put to death. At that time, God,

who is the Supporter of His loved this, when Makkah was taken,
ones and of the truthful and our Holy Prophet (sa) pardoned
righteous, informed him that them all. It is, therefore, utterly
there was now nothing left in wrong and unjust to suppose that
that town except evil, that the the Holy Prophet (sa) or his
townspeople were bent upon Companions ever fought for
murdering him and that he spreading the Faith, or that they
should therefore quit it at once. ever coerced anyone to join the
Then it was that, in accordance fold of Islam.
with the divine command, he
migrated to Madinah, but even It is worth noting also that, as at
then his enemies did not leave that time all the people were
him alone; they pursued him prejudiced against Islam, and as
there, and tried to destroy Islam the opposing people were
in all possible ways. When their scheming to destroy Islam,
excesses went to an extreme, and which they thought was a new
when they had rendered religion and the followers of
themselves deserving of pun- which were only a small
ishment by the murder of many community, and as everyone was
an innocent person, permission anxious to see the Muslims
to fight with them in self- destroyed early or disrupted so
defence, to fight with a view to as not to leave any chance of
warding off their attack, was their further growth and
given. And those people and development, the Muslims at
their helpers had rendered that time were obstructed in the
themselves deserving of such smallest matters, and anyone
treatment because of their from any tribe who accepted
having killed many an innocent Islam and became a Muslim was
person whom they had murdered either killed at once by his tribe
not in any fight or battle but or lived in perpetual danger. At a
simply out of wanton mischief time like this, God Almighty,
and whom they had robbed of taking pity on Muslim converts,
their property. But, in spite of all had imposed on the bigoted

rulers a penalty, namely, that reliable histories of Islam in a

they should become subservient spirit of detachment, but have
to Islam, and thus open the door made free use of falsehood and
of freedom for Islam. This was have brought wrong charges
meant to remove the against it. I know, however, that
obstructions in the way of those the time is near when those who
who wished to accept the Faith; are hungry and thirsty for Truth
it was God's compassion for the will be enlightened as to what
world, and it harmed no one. It is reality there is in these charges.
evident, however, that non- Can we ever describe that Faith
Muslim rulers of today do not as a faith of compulsion, when
interfere with Islam; they do not the Holy Book, the Qur’an,
ban the essential Islamic clearly directs that there is no
practices. They do not kill new compulsion in religion, that it is
Muslims, they do not put them not permissible to use com-
into prison or torture them; why pulsion in religion, that it is not
then should Islam raise its sword permissible to use compulsion or
against them? It is obvious that force in getting anyone to join
Islam has never advocated Islam? Can we accuse that great
compulsion: if the Holy Qur’an, Prophet of using force against
the books of Hadith and others, who, day and night for
historical records are carefully thirteen years, exhorted all his
examined and, as far as possible, Companions in Makkah not to
studied or listened to thought- return evil for the evil of the
fully, it will be realised with enemy, but to forbear and
certainty that the charge that forgive? When, however, the
Islam wielded the sword to mischief of the enemy went to
propagate the Faith with force is extremes and when everybody
an utterly unfounded and shame- started exerting himself for
ful charge against Islam. Such a wiping out Islam, the Jealous
charge against Islam is made by God thought it fit that the people
people who have not read the who had wielded the sword
Qur’an, the Hadith and the should be annihilated by the

sword. Except for this the Holy i.e. war by way of self-protection;
Q u r’ an has not approved of (2) punitive wars, i.e. blood for
compulsion. If compulsion had blood; (3) war to secure freedom,
been approved of by Islam, the i.e. with a view to break the
Companions of our Holy power of those who kill those
Prophet(sa), in moments of trial, who accept Islam. Therefore,
would not have behaved like when there is no direction in
people of sincere and genuine Islam that anyone should be made
faith. Yet, the loyalty and to join it by compulsion or by the
faithfulness of the Companions threat to kill, it is absolutely
of our Master, the Holy absurd to await the appearance of
Prophet(sa), is a matter which I any bloody Mahdi or a bloody
hardly need to mention. It is no Messiah. It can never be that
secret that among them are there should appear in this world,
examples of loyalty and against the Qur’anic teachings, a
steadfastness the parallel of man who would use the sword to
which it is difficult to find in the make people Muslims. This is not
annals of other nations; this band at all so very difficult to realise or
of the faithful did not waver in above one’s understanding. Only
their loyalty and steadfastness foolish people have been led to
even under the shadow of the this belief by their selfishness.
sword. On the other hand, in the For most of our Maulvis labour
company of their Great and Holy under the misconception that the
Prophet(sa), they gave proof of wars waged by the Mahdi will
that steadfastness which no man bring a large amount of wealth to
is ever able to give unless his them, so much so, that they will
heart and his bosom are lit up be unable to hold it, and, as most
with the light of true faith. There of the Maulvis today are very
is, in short, no compulsion in poor, they await day and night the
Islam. appearance of a Mahdi, who, they
think, will provide for their
Wars in Islam fall under three selfish desires.
categories: (1) defensive wars,

Therefore, these people turn true God, Eternal and

against him who does not believe Unchangeable, Who has perfect
in the appearance of such a Holiness, perfect Knowledge,
Mahdi; such a one is at once perfect Mercy, and perfect
declared a Kafir, and outside the Justice.
pale of Islam. I too, therefore, am
a Kafir in the eyes of these I am the light of this dark age; he
people; and on these very who follows me will be saved
grounds. For I do not believe in from falling into the pit prepared
the appearance of a bloody Mahdi by the Devil for those who walk
and a bloody Messiah. Nay, I hate in darkness. I have been sent by
such absurd ideas and regard God to lead the people of the
them with contempt. And I have world to the true God through
been declared a Kafir, not only peace and humility, and to
because of my denial of the reassert the reign of morals in
appearance of this supposed Islam. God has provided me with
Mahdi and this supposed Messiah heavenly signs, for the
in whom they believe, but also satisfaction of seekers after truth.
because I have publicly He has done wonderful things in
announced, having been my support; He has disclosed to
informed of it by God through me secrets of the unseen and of
revelation, that the real and true the future which, according to
Promised Messiah who is also the the holy books, is the sign of a
real Mahdi, tidings of whose true claimant to divine office,
appearance are to be found in the and He has vouchsafed to me
Bible and the Qur’an and whose holy and pure Knowledge.
coming is promised also in the Therefore, the souls which hate
Hadith, is myself; who is, truth and are pleased with
however, not provided with any darkness, have turned against
sword or gun. I have been me. But I have decided to be
commanded by God to invite sympathetic towards mankind –
people with humility and as far as I can. So, in this age the
gentleness to God, Who is the greatest sympathy for the

Christians is that their attention appearance of a bloody Mahdi

should be called to the true God, and Messiah, which are entirely
Who is free from such defects as against the Islamic teachings. I
being born and having to suffer have just now stated that the
death and undergo suffering, the ideas of some of the Ulema of the
God who made the earliest day that there will appear a
heavenly bodies spherical in bloody Mahdi who will spread
shape and, in His law of nature, Islam at the point of the sword,
set down this point of spiritual are all opposed to the Qur’anic
guidance that, like a sphere, there teachings and are the result of
is in Him Unity and absence of greed and selfishness. For a
direction. That is why the things right-minded and truth-loving
which occupy space have not Muslim to forsake such beliefs or
been made triangular, i.e., the ideas, it should be enough to
things which God created first study carefully the Qur’an, and
such as the earth, the heaven, the to pause, consider and see that
sun and the moon, and all the the Holy Word of God is quite
stars, and elements - all are against holding out a threat of
spherical, the spherical nature of murder to force anyone into the
which points towards Unity. fold of Islam. This one argument,
Therefore there can be no greater in short, is sufficient to refute
sympathy with the Christians these false ideas. Nevertheless,
than that they should be guided out of a feeling of sympathy, I
towards the God Whose have decided to refute the
creations declare Him to be free aforesaid ideas by positive and
from the idea of trinity. clear proofs from history, etc.
Hence, I shall try to prove in this
The greatest sympathy towards book that Jesus(as) did not die on
Muslims is that they should be the Cross: he did not go up to
reformed morally and that an heaven, nor should it be
effort should be made to dispel supposed that he will ever again
the false hopes which they come down from heaven to earth;
entertain in connection with the that, rather, he died at the age of

120 years at Srinagar, in put into prison the British rulers of

Kashmir, and that his tomb is to India and that the Christian king
be found in the Khan Yar Street will be arrested and will be
brought before him. Such books
of that town.
are still to be found in the houses
of these Ahl-i-Hadith, one such
I hope readers of this book will being Iqtarab-us-Saat by a well
read it diligently. I expect them known Ahl-i-Hadith, on page 64
not to throw away out of of which such an account is to be
prejudice the truth contained in found.
it. I should like to remind them
that this is not a cursory
investigation; nay, the proofs
contained in this book have been
made available after a deep and In this journal, for the ease of non-
searching inquiry. I pray to God Muslim readers, ‘(sa)’ or ‘sa’ after
that He may help me in this the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the
undertaking and lead me through name ‘Muhammad’, are used.
They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi
His special revelation and wa sallam’ meaning ‘Peace and
inspiration to the perfect Light of blessings of Allah be upon him’.
truth - for all true Knowledge and Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’
after the name of all other prophets
clear Realisation descend from
is an abbreviation meaning ‘Peace
Him, and only with His be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis
permission guide human hearts salatu wassalam’ for the respect a
to Truth. Amen! Amen! Muslim reader utters.
The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands

MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and
Qadian, 25 April 1899 is used for Companions of a
Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased
with him or her (when followed by
Footnote to Introduction the relevant Arabic pronoun).
1. Some of the Ahl-i-Hadith imper- Finally, ‘ru’ or (ru) for
tinently and unjustly state in their Rahmahullahu Ta’ala means the
Mercy of Allah the Exalted be
books that the appearance of the
upon him.
Mahdi is imminent: that he will

Inaugural Address by
Hadhrat Khalifatul
Masih V on the Opening
of Darul Barakat Mosque
in Birmingham, UK on
Friday 1st October, 2004
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
God Almighty has enabled the

Ahmadiyya community today to
build this new Mosque. Mosques people, and when they are trying
are the Houses of Allah and are to create an atmosphere of peace
built for the worship of God. and reconciliation in their
They are places for good and society.
pure persons of God to come
together in one place. This is because it is one of the
basic commands of God that His
In Islam, the concept of the worshippers should discharge the
worship of One God is that when rights of human beings and also
they pray for themselves, the the rights of kith and kin and the
world and the Hereafter bowing neighbours. You should also
down before their God, they feel honour the rights of the society in
and should feel that their prayers which you live and the rights and
would only be accepted when duties that you owe to the
they are also respecting and country in which you live.
honouring the rights of God’s

Inaugural address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V at the Opening of Barakat Mosque
These rights should be discharged So, this is the teaching of Islam

with love, kindness and affection for its believers and its
and by obeying the laws of the worshippers. When a Muslim
land. You should include them enters a mosque with this thought
and remember them in your and this feeling, then when he
prayers. Pray for their well-being prays in the mosque and leaves
also. Only then can you be called the mosque, he would have the
the good and pure people of God fear of God out of deep love for
and God Almighty will listen to the Creator in his mind and
and accept your prayers. If you do would honour and respect human
not pray like this, then there is no rights and obligations with
need to build mosques nor is their kindness and out of love and
benefit to be gained from coming affection. There can be no
to mosques to pray. question that voices and slogans
would be raised from such
God turns the prayers round, that Houses devoted to the worship of
is to say God does the opposite of God. When the hearts of those
what is sought from Him, of those coming to a mosque are joined in
who violate or usurp the rights of this purpose, their hearts can
God’s creation, or those whose never think ill of others or hate
neighbours are fed up of them, or those who believe like them or
the environment cannot bear to those belonging to any other
have them amongst it, or of those faith.
who break the laws and create a
bad atmosphere in the society. In this connection, the Founder
God says to them how dare you of the Ahmadiyya community,
come to My House when you the Promised Messiah, peace be
have caused such misery for My upon him, states:
people. This is all a show off. If
your prayers were out of fear of ‘There are only two
Me, then you would have components of a religion: one
honoured the rights of others. is complete love of God and
the other is to love mankind

so much so that one should mosques as cruel and unjust

think that their difficulty is persons; as God Almighty says:
one’s own and prays for
them.’ And who is more unjust than
he who prohibits the name of
Then he says: Allah being glorified in
Allah’s temples and seeks to
‘Islam has divided its ruin them? It was not proper
teachings in two parts: one is for such men to enter therein
the obligation to God and the except in fear. For them is
other is the obligation to disgrace in this world; and
God’s creation. The right due theirs shall be a great
to God is to consider Him punishment in the next.
worthy of obedience and the (Ch.2: V.115)
rights of the creation are to be
kind to God’s creation. It is an This is such a beautiful teaching
evil way to harm others that we can only find it in the
merely because of opposition Holy Qur’an, the Sacred Book of
to their faith.’ Islam. It says that the one who
prohibits others from
So the teaching that our Founder worshipping is a most unjust
gave to our community was that person. Every one has his own
the worship of God and kindness way of worship and prayers and
to the creation cannot be can say one’s prayers to one’s
separated from each other. Creator in whichever manner one
likes.
Islam is such a tolerant religion
that it permits non-Muslims to Hence, when a delegation of
enter its Mosques and pray in it Christians went to meet the Holy
in their own way. This is why Prophet Muhammad (sa), in
God Almighty has called those, Madinah, when their time for
irrespective of their faith, who prayers approached, they were
prevent others from entering permitted by the Holy Prophet(sa)

to observe their prayer

service in the Prophet’s
Mosque. This open-
heartedness and toler-
ance that Islam requires
of its believers and
whose practical exam-
ple forever was set for
us by the Holy
Prophet(sa) is a sufficient
response to those who
allege that Islam is a
strict religion.
Islam permits that when

required others can pray
in its mosques so that
their feelings should not
be hurt. It does this in
the interest of creating
an atmosphere of peace and give expression to its superiority
harmony. So perish the thought and to worship in its way. The
that a Muslim should even think most unjust thing is to deprive
of destroying a house of worship one the right to respond to one’s
of some other believers. heart and believe in that which
one has adopted as one’s faith. It
Everyone is of course free to is also most unjust on the part of
believe in whatever one likes and those who think they have a
to express it in a peaceable monopoly on faith and gather
manner is also a part of that outside a place devoted to the
freedom. Freedom of conscience worship of Allah and shout
and faith is also one of the slogans of hatred.
fundamental rights of man, to

So, as the Promised Messiah(as) aware that the slogan of love for
required that we should all can only be said when there is
discharge the rights of human truly no rancour or hatred for
beings, and as the right of belief anyone in one’s heart.
is a basic and major human right
that the Ahmadiyya Muslim So each Ahmadi should try that if
community claims that it confers there is any envy or hatred in any
on others, each Ahmadi should, part of the heart it begins to
therefore, never obliterate its change into affection, liking and
history from his mind. The then love. Love and hatred are
Ahmadiyya community has to be inter-related to each other. It
in the forefront always in means that not only do I love
honouring human rights and everyone but that I love everyone
creating an atmosphere of peace. for the sake of winning God’s
It is for this peaceful purpose that pleasure. As a result, hatred
mosques are built. This aim is cannot dwell in such a person. So
perhaps unique to the Ahmadiyya every Ahmadi should set an
community. It means that in the example of this wherever he
thousands of mosques all over lives.
the world, you will not hear any
slogans being shouted from any May Allah enable that after the
of its mosques urging anyone to building of this mosque, love
go and violate the peace or should be fostered and the rights
prohibit the freedom of faith and of others honoured more than
conscience or usurp any rights of before. Amin
other human beings.
I also wish to thank all the guests
If there is any slogan it would be who took part in this
the service of humanity and the inauguration reception and
Greatness of God and His expressed their feelings frankly
worship. If there is any slogan, it and who responded to our love
is of ‘Love for all, hatred for with love.
none.’ Every Ahmadi is fully

Acquired for £200 as a listed building,

covered area 30,000 sq.ft., the mosque can
accommodate 1000 worshippers with a
further 1000 in adjoining halls
These thanks are not just lip advancing towards destruction

service but I express this because of the envy and hatred
gratitude in compliance with the that its people have in their
command of the Holy Prophet(sa) hearts. This is because they have
that he who is not thankful to forgotten their God. It is a
others is not grateful to God. So terrible end that you cannot even
because the work undertaken by imagine. My prayer is that man
each Ahmadi is for the sake of should turn away from these
God Almighty and indeed should envies and hatred and should
be, so I thank those who came truly repent and recognising God
today out of affection for us from Almighty should become His
the core of my heart. worshippers. May they be the
ones to spread the sweet smell of
I pray that Allah makes this love. May Allah cause this to be
Darul Barakat Mosque a true so.
Sign of peace and love. The
world is apparently rapidly Amin.

The Holy
Qur’an
Four
Questions on
Education
By Abdul Majid, M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D. and Shahab Ahmad M.A., Ph.D.
When we talk about educating, theories and practices and deals

whether our thinking is based with the basic educational
upon a spiritual or a materialistic problems in terms of the
point of view, our focal point is following four questions:
always the individual who has an
innate urge to know himself as 1. Why should we learn?
well as his environment and who
lives in a society and who also 2. When should we learn?
has a way or philosophy of life.
That is why the main deter- 3. What should we learn?
minants of the theory and
practice of education are 4. How should we learn?
Psychology, Philosophy and
Sociology. In the discussion of these
questions in the light of the Holy
The Holy Qur’an, the Book full Qur’an and other teachings of
of wisdom, which addresses the Islam (Ahadith), we cannot
entire humanity and is a perfect ignore the postulations of the
guide for man in all walks of his exponents of the educational
life in all the stages of theories and practices. These
civilisation also emphasised questions are directly related to
these determinants of educational the existence of man and the

The Holy Qur’anAnswers Four Questions onEducation
development of his personality; It means that the purpose of the

therefore, the starting point of creation of human beings and
this discussion is the clarification jinn is nothing else but to devote
of the purpose of the creation of themselves to the worship of
Man and the Universe. Allah.
According to the Holy Qur’an 1. Why Should We Learn?

everything has been created with The purpose of worshipping God
a certain purpose as impressed by can only be fulfilled when man
the order that pervades in the knows Him and the mani-
Universe. Men of understanding festations of His attributes in the
admit: Universe and may also acquire
the skill of expression. For this
Our Lord, Thou hast not reason the Gracious God started
created this in vain. teaching man from the very
(Ch.3:V.192) beginning of human civilisation,
i.e. since the time of Prophet
The Universe and its parts were Adam(as):
not created in vain and Man, the
acme of creation, could not be And He taught Adam all the
created without a purpose. Nay, names.
the purpose of his creation is (Ch2:V.32)
higher than that of other
creatures, which is: The teaching continued till the
advent of the Holy Prophet(sa) of
And I have not created the Islam in the form of revelation of
Jinn and the men but that they the Holy Qur’an:
may worship Me.
(Ch.51:V.57) Taught man what he knew
not. (Ch.96:V.6)
You worship nothing beside
Allah. Its teachings continued and will
(Ch.12:V.41) continue forever. It is a fact that

for proper worship we must have the fact that language

knowledge of God and proper developed out of the
skills of expression. For these imitation of sounds produced
reasons God has not only by inanimate (the falling of
bestowed knowledge on us but water, blowing winds, etc.)
taught us the skill of expression and animates are outdated.
as well: The argument that because
man can imitate sounds,
He has created man. He therefore, he must have
taught him the skill of invented language on the
expression. basis of sounds is a mere
(Ch.55:Vs4-5) fallacy. The faculty of speech
coexists with the ability to
He created man from dry imitate sounds and one does
ringing clay which is like not exclude the other. In fact,
baked pottery. the ability to imitate sounds is
(Ch.55:V.15) only a minor part of the
faculty of speech. Words full
In accordance with verse of wisdom, reason and logic,
Ch.55:V.15, God created man words describing the whole
from matter in which the faculty universe, human nature - its
and attribute of speech lie latent passions and thoughts, and all
and in accordance with verses that man lives and works for
Ch.55:Vs.4-5, He Himself taught cannot be reasonably
man the skill of expression, i.e. supposed to be the outcome
language. The Qur’anic claim of mere accidental sounds.’ 1
that God Himself taught
language to man is not hollow The Gracious God did not stop
but supported by research. We here. In order to accomplish the
quote only one study: purpose of man’s creation, He
taught us to supplicate:
‘The onomatopoeic and inter-
jectional theories, based upon Guide us in the right path-the

path of those on whom Thou Say, ‘Can those who know

hast bestowed Thy blessings, and those who do not know be
those who have not incurred equal?’
displeasure and those who (Ch.39:V.10)
have not gone astray.
(Ch.1:Vs.6-7) It is not a question but a form of
expression to say that those who
Say, ‘O my Lord, increase me know are superior to those who
in knowledge’. do not know.
(Ch.20:V.115)
Allah will raise those who
It is repeated that in these prayers believe from among you, and
we supplicate for an increase in those to whom knowledge is
knowledge, in addition to given, to degrees of rank.
spiritual and moral progress. (Ch.58:V.12)
The scholars say that educated Mark the high rank promised to
persons are much superior to the the educated by God. This is also
uneducated. The Holy Qur’an supported by the following
agrees with its import: Ahadith:
Only those of His servants ‘A learned one is superior to a

who possess knowledge fear worshipper as the moon is
Allah. (Ch.35:V.29) superior to all the planets’
(Abu Daud and Tirmidhi)
The verse defines knowledge
itself as fear of God, i.e. to have ‘The ink of the scholar is
true knowledge about Him and more holy than the blood of
behave accordingly. God is the the martyr.’
Highest; therefore, the highest,
the best and the most com- Throughout the ages, philo-
prehensive knowledge, is to sophers and thinkers recognised
know Him: the supremacy of knowledge and

the scholars. Socrates (470-399 to tolerate these hardships for the

BC) believed that knowledge is sake of knowledge.
virtue. Knowledge guides
conduct and by obtaining When fifteen months after
knowledge man lives a virtuous Hijrah, the Battle of Badr was
life. According to Plato (428/27- won, the ransom fixed by the
348/47 BC), education is the first Prophet(sa) for a literate captive
and the fairest thing that the best was that he should teach reading
of men can ever have. To and writing to ten Muslim
Socrates and Plato attainment of children of Madinah (Zurqani,
knowledge was necessary both Vol. 2). The appeal of the
for the interest of the individual Prophet(sa) may be summed up in
and the society, hence it was a these words:
virtue by itself. To Aristotle
(384-322 BC), the attainment of Acquire knowledge. It enables
‘happiness or goodness’ in life is the possessor to distinguish right
the aim of education, and, from wrong, it lightens the way
therefore, virtue lies in the to the Heaven, it is our friend in
attainment of goodness or the desert, our society in
happiness. Aristotle declared that solitude, our companion in
educated men are as superior to friendliness, it guides us to
the uneducated as the living are happiness, it sustains us in
to the dead. misery, it is an ornament among
friends and armour against the
It is because of the importance of enemy.
education that the Holy
Prophet(sa) asks Muslims to seek It needs to be remembered that
knowledge even if it be in China. the Holy Prophet (sa) was an
Think of the distance between unlettered person himself and
Arabia and China and the yet he placed great emphasis on
difficulties involved in journey the acquisition of knowledge.
in those days. Even then the
Holy Prophet(sa) asked Muslims

IT IS BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION THAT

THE H OLY PROPHET(SA) ASKS MUSLIMS TO SEEK
KNOWLEDGE EVEN IF IT BE IN CHINA. THINK OF THE
DISTANCE BETWEEN A RABIA AND CHINA AND THE
DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED IN JOURNEY IN THOSE DAYS.
EVEN THEN THE HOLY PROPHET(SA) ASKED MUSLIMS TO
TOLERATE THESE HARDSHIPS FOR THE SAKE OF
KNOWLEDGE.
2. When Should We Learn? ‘It looks as if they recognise

It is an accepted fact that the their mother’s voice at birth
impact of the environment starts based on the muted but still
from the time of conception, but audible sounds they hear in
informal learning starts just after the womb’2
birth. In other words, the
environment is divided into: (a) At birth the baby starts a new and
prenatal and (b) postnatal stages different life. Therefore, the
of development. When the Holy Islamic Tradition is that before
Prophet(sa) advised expecting giving mother’s milk to the
mothers to consume wholesome newly born child, Muslims say
foods, avoid the harmful, and Adhan (call to Prayers) in its
also to avoid any and every right ear and Aqamat (call to line
situation that may upset them, he up in prayers) in the left. This is
was pointing to the good or bad nothing but to convey a good
effects of the prenatal message to the newly born,
environment on the expected before it is exposed to any other
babies. This wonderful doctrine stimulus.
is supported by three 20th
century psychologists, Alison Educational thinkers have
Gopnik, Andrew N. Meltzoff and different views about the age of
Patricia K. Kuhl, who say: starting informal learning. Plato

STARTING FROM ARISTOTLE TILL THE END OF THE 20TH

CENTURY, A PERIOD OF ABOUT 2,500 YEARS, THE
IMPORTANT CONCLUSION OF ALL RESEARCH HAS BEEN:
LEARNING STARTS WITH THE START OF LIFE, I.E. RIGHT
FROM THE TIME OF CONCEPTION, CONTINUES
THROUGHOUT THE HUMAN LIFE, AND ENDS ONLY WITH
DEATH, AND IT IS IMPORTANT, NATURAL, AND PART AND
PARCEL OF HUMAN LIFE.
is of the view that education and upon direct observations and

admonition commence in the experiments. The first scholar to
first year of the child and last to be quoted is the great biologist,
the very end of life. J.J. Rousseau naturalist and psychologist, Jean
believes that it cannot begin too Piaget (1896-1980), who
early and says that the first and thought:
the most important part of
education, precisely that which ‘Learning was just as rooted
all the world neglects, is that of in biology as any innate idea
preparing a child to receive in the genetic code. He often
education. But Islam recognised used the metaphor of
the importance of this period. digestion: babies’ minds
The Holy Qur’an and Ahadith assimilated information the
strongly advise Muslim parents way babies’ bodies
to take proper care of their assimilated milk. For Piaget,
children immediately after birth learning was as natural as
and to continue it till they reach eating.’3
the age of maturity.
The second study is again from
Here, we would like to refer to Alison Gopnik, Andrew N.
two studies, not because these Meltzoff and Patricia N. Kuhl
have added something entirely who thoroughly researched
new, but because these are based infants, some as young as 42

minutes, and babies, for thirty of about 2,500 years, the

years. Some important conclu- important conclusion of all
sions of this study are: research has been: learning starts
with the start of life, i.e. right
A. What we apparently see in from the time of conception,
the crib is an innocent and continues throughout the human
helpless creature. But, in fact, life, and ends only with death,
what we see is the greatest and it is important, natural, and
mind that has ever existed, part and parcel of human life.
the most powerful learning
machine in the universe. The Holy Qur’an, revealed in the
seventh century, says the same:
B. We human beings, no
more than a few pounds of Your wives are a tilth for you;
protein and water, have come so approach your tilth when
to understand the origins of and how you like and send
the universe, the nature of ahead some good for
life, and even a few things yourselves.
about ourselves. (Ch.2:V.224)
C. Trying to understand He it is Who fashions you in

human nature is part of the wombs as He wills.
human nature. (Ch.3:V.7)
D. For human beings, nurture The likening of women to tilth

is our nature. The capacity (Ch.2:V.224) is very explicit that
for culture is part of our life, and therefore, learning starts
biology, and the drive to learn at the time of conception. For
is our most important and this very reason the Holy Prophet
central instinct.4 of Islam(sa) has advised Muslims
to select their wives, who are
Starting from Aristotle till the physically healthy, well-behaved
end of the 20th century, a period and possess good moral and

spiritual qualities, and they Ahmad, the Promised

should treat them well. Only then Messiah(as), has written in
will the husbands and wives be Baraheen-e-Ahmadiyya (Vol.
able to train their children in a IV) that in this supplication,
proper way. in addition to other blessings,
the supplicant, begs God for
As the development of the child an increase in his knowledge.5
takes place in the womb of
mother (Ch.3:V.7), the offspring The other supplication is:
is naturally affected by her
physical and moral conditions. Say, ‘O my Lord, increase me
For this very reason Islam in knowledge.
advises expectant mothers to use (Ch.20: V.115).
wholesome foods and avoid the
harmful. In addition, they should In this verse, God Himself asks
avoid any and every situation, the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) and
that may upset them, physically, all Muslims to pray for an
morally or in any other way. increase in their knowledge.
Educational thinkers and All good Muslims supplicate the

scholars agree on this point that above mentioned prayers
learning is a continuous and throughout their lives. Even the
never-ending process. The Holy Prophet (sa), the greatest
Qur’anic verses related to this scholar the world has ever
subject are: produced or will produce, did the
same till overtaken by death,
Guide us in the right path – which points to the fact that he
the path of those on whom believed that learning was a
Thou hast bestowed Thy never-ending process. We should
blessings. seek knowledge from cradle to
(Ch.1:Vs.6-7). grave. The following Hadith
further supports this view:
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam

scholars have been outlining

BASICALLY, THE MAJOR different plans of teaching
PORTION OF THE ISLAMIC learning process or curriculum
CURRICULUM IS THE HOLY which include all the learning
experiences whether in the
Q U R’ A N , S U N N A H AND
boundaries of school or outside
A H A D I T H, BUT ALL
of school that may be conducive
SUBJECTS THAT ARE to the mental, emotional, social
USEFUL FOR HUMAN LIFE and economic adjustment of the
CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE learner. But the Qur’anic concept
ISLAMIC CURRICULUM. of curriculum, in spite of its
precision, is all-inclusive.
‘A believer never has his fill According to Islam, life is a unit
of knowledge till he ends up which cannot be divided into
in Paradise’ cells; therefore, Islam wants to
(Tirmidhi) see a curriculum rich in know-
ledge of the wisdom of the East
3. What Should We Learn? and the West. It takes the worldly
In our discussion about the and religious knowledge side by
questions, ‘Why should we learn side. Basically, the major portion
and when should we learn,’ we of the Islamic curriculum is the
have reached the conclusion that Holy Qur’an, Sunnah and
the purpose of the creation of Ahadith, but all subjects that are
man is to devote himself to useful for human life can be
worshipping God. But for included in the Islamic
worshipping God he should learn curriculum. God Himself started
how to comprehend the attributes the Qur’anic curriculum in the
of God and how to express form of His attributes or names:
himself. This learning process
continues from the cradle to the And He taught Adam all the
grave. In search of the answer to names.
the question, ‘What should we (Ch.2:V.32)
learn?’ educational thinkers and

Hadhrat Adam(as) was the first ‘The best morals in man are
vicegerent and the first Prophet those which are in conformity
of God on earth. Through him with the great attributes of
started the great economic, God.’
religious and social revolution –
therefore, God Himself taught Man also must be familiar with
him His names. The Arabic word these attributes, so that he may
used in this verse is ‘Asma’a’, pray to Him, invoking attributes
which has the following most suited to the prayer. For
meanings. example, if one prays for
forgiveness and mercy, one
A. God’s names or attributes should invoke the attributes of
B. Qualities of different things forgiveness and mercy; and if the
in nature or the laws of prayer be for the attainment of
nature righteousness, God should be
C. Language invoked by names which pertain
to that quality, etc.
A. God’s names or attributes
As mentioned earlier the chief B. The Law of Nature
purpose of man’s creation is to As man was to make use of the
worship God, which is not forces of nature, God gave
confined only to rituals but Adam(as) the capacity of knowing
includes introjecting Godly their qualities and properties
qualities within ourselves. For upon which is based the whole
example, God is Merciful; we working of the Universe, in
should also show mercy to which everything is governed by
others; as He is Forgiving, so we certain fixed and immutable
must also be ready to forgive our laws. For example, fire burns and
fellow beings, etc. This water assuages thirst. The earth
interpretation of the word, is circling around its axis and
‘Asma’a’ is supported by the revolving around the sun at the
following Hadith: same speeds for the last billions
of years. Upon this constancy

depends the alternation of days teachers and students. Human

and nights and the solar years are society would be a society of the
completed. The same constancy deaf and dumb. Transfer of
principle is working for other knowledge from one generation
planets in the Solar System, and to the next is possible only
even outside the System. The through language. Psychologists
growth and decay of plants and and other educators agree that
animals, including man, are man is the only animal bestowed
governed by some laws. with language. For this very
Societies and nations being reason, man is called a ‘social
composed of individuals are also animal.’ It is because of the
governed by some principles. It blessings of language that man
is, therefore, on the unchange- has continuously advanced in
ability of the laws of nature that accumulation of knowledge
all educational progress depends. spread over thousands of years of
Even if there is some change, the human civilisation, and animals
change itself is governed by some are there where they always
law. Had it not been so, were. Not only this, according to
astronomers, cosmologists, some psychologists even to think
botanists, chemists, physicians, is not possible without a
physicists, physiologists, psychol- language. For example, the
ogists, zoologists, etc. could not American psychologist, J.B.
discover what they have Watson, emphatically says:
discovered. For this scientific thinking is a sub-vocal talk
reason, God bestowed on Adam(as) (Contemporary Schools of
some knowledge about Nature. Psychology).
C. Language And the Russian psychologist,

Communication in any society Lev Vygotsky says:
without language is impossible.
Without it there could be no ‘Language is not only the
communication between parents medium by which we transfer
and their children, and between our cultural inventions but it

is a natural, biological and include undesirable learning e.g.

unique feature of human phobic learning, to learn the art
beings’.6 of cheating and stealing etc? The
answer is, ‘no’. Implicit is this
In short, one simple word, novel idea in all the Qur’anic
‘Asma’a’ includes almost all verses related to learning. A sane
branches of education: religion person cannot supplicate God to
and morality, science and secular teach him undesirable learning,
learning, and language. and if he does so, God will never
accept such supplication. Two
The Holy Prophet(sa) has divided Ahadith further clarify this point:
all types of learning only in two
branches (a) Ilmul-Adyan and (b) ‘Allah, His angels, and all
Ilmul-Abdan, that is religious those in the heavens and the
and secular knowledge. earth even the ants in their
heaps and the fish in the water
When we have a look at the call down blessings on those
educational institutions any- who instruct people in
where in the world, they are beneficent knowledge’.
mainly divided into religious (Tirmidhi)
institutions (e.g. Madrasas) and
secular institutions (schools and ‘The knowledge from which
colleges). But the Holy Qur’an, no benefit is derived is like a
by using one simple word, treasure from which no
‘Asma’a’, has included all charity is bestowed in the
branches of learning, no matter way of Lord.’
what type of institution they are. It
is the only pivotal point to decide Secular educators also speak and
or formulate the curriculum or advocate conducive and useful
what we should learn. learning.
A natural question that arises 4. How Should We Learn?

here is: Does the word ‘Asma’a’ In the light of the Holy Qur’an

and Ahadith we have answered In the modern age, we talk about

the questions of ‘Why should we frame-by-frame or programmed
learn?’, ‘When should we learning. But, it is not new; one
learn?’, and ‘What should we can observe that the verses of the
learn’. Now we need the answer Holy Qur’an are arranged in a
to the question of ‘How should logical order. Any question that
we learn?’ This question may be arises in the mind of the reader
discussed in terms of the by reading one verse is answered
methods of teaching. As far as in the next, and any question that
the methods of education are arises in the next is answered in
concerned , not only the Holy the succeeding verse. By
Qur’an and Ahadith but also the maintaining this logical order
modern education discards all throughout the Book, it keeps the
those methods of teaching in reader fully alert and his brain
which the learner becomes the works at the highest possible
passive recipient of knowledge. level. This wonderful Book has
It strongly recommends the covered the two main methods of
active participation of the learner learning, (a) learning by reward
in the process of education at all and punishment (Ch.1:V.7), and
stages of learning. (b) learning by following a
model (Ch.1:V.7, Ch.33:V.22,
According to Plato, the know- Ch.62:V.3 and Ch.68:V.5). It
ledge which is acquired under teaches us to learn by the straight
compulsion obtains no hold on and the shortest method
the minds of the learners. He is of (Ch.1:V.6). It asks its readers to
the opinion that there should be think and reason – the Holy
no compulsion in teaching; rather Qur’an is full of verses in which
it should be a sort of amusement: the words ‘think’, ‘why you do
You will then be better able to not think’, etc. are emphasised.
find out the natural bent. In the Blind following is condemned
‘Laws’, the significance of play and it is mentioned as the way of
in education has been positively disbelievers (Ch.2:V.171). It
emphasised. establishes freedom of con-

science and asks humans to experience, Albert Einstein

decide on the basis of unbiased, (1879-1955), perhaps the great
free and individual thinking scientist of this age, realised that
(Ch.34:V.47). It gives great education should not be based
importance to ‘wisdom’ which is upon fear or force (1936).
described as ‘abundant good’
(Ch.2:V.270). In spite of giving ‘To me the worst thing seems
importance to the individuals, it to be for a school principally
has not ignored the role of to work with methods of fear,
society (Ch.9:V.119) and the role force, and artificial authority.
played by great personages in Such treatment destroys the
shaping the behaviour of sound sentiments, the sin-
common people and furthering cerity and the self –
their learning (Ch.1:V.7; confidence of the pupil. It
Ch.3:V.50; Ch.28:Vs.32-33; produces the submissive
Ch.33:V.22; Ch.60:V.5; Ch.62:V.3 subject’.7
and Ch.68:V.5).
It is obvious that if students
The German educator Friedrich attend school because of fear of
Forbel introduced ‘the authorities, not because of their
Kindergarten’ educational sys- inner genuine interest, they will
tem in 1826, and, based upon this accomplish very little.
‘System’, started the first school
in Blankenberg, Germany. God When educators, philosophers,
taught this ‘System’ to Hadhrat psychologists, etc. say that there
Hadhrat Adam (as), the first should be no compulsion in
Prophet, six thousand years ago learning, it should be a sort of
(Al-Baqarah, 2:32), i.e. even ‘amusement’, they emphasise
long before Plato. the role of ‘motivation’ in
learning. In the last two centuries
Though not an educator or a the Russian physiologist, Ian
psychologist in strict terms, on Petrovich Pavlov (1849-1936)
the basis of his personal and the American educational

psychologist, Edward Lee these learners fully alert and

Thorndike (1874-1949), have strongly motivated, they must be
emphasised the role of moti- convinced that they have joined
vation in learning very strongly. an institute of a very high
They taught a variety of tasks to standard; the teachers are true
animals and humans. No matter scholars of their subjects and use
what task they taught to their the most advanced teaching
subjects, they motivated them methods. They should also be
first, and then they continued convinced that the purpose for
these tasks throughout the which they have joined the
learning period. (Contemporary institute will be accomplished. If
Schools of Psychology). they are not satisfied on these
aspects, their interest in learning
Albert Einstein also realised this automatically drops.
fact:
Now let us examine whether or
‘But behind every achieve- not the Qur’an has thrown any
ment exists the motivation light upon the role of motivation
which is at the foundation of in learning. The answer is, it has
it and which in turn is definitely done so. It is because
strengthened and nourished of the role of motivation in
by the accomplishment of the learning that God, through
undertaking…. The most Moses(as), has taught us to
important motive for work in supplicate. ‘My Lord, open up
the school and in life is the for me my heart’ (Ch.20:V.26).
pleasure in work, pleasure in Opening of the heart stands for
its result.’8 an increase in motivation. It is
for this very reason that God, the
Animals and young children can First and the Real Teacher, has
be motivated by awarding them been described as the All-
food or simple praise, but it does Knowing (Ch.2:V.2), the Holy
not work in case of grown up Prophet(sa) as a teacher who
children and adults. To keep teaches with wisdom (‘He it is

Who has raised among the 25; Ch.27:Vs.8-13; Ch.28:Vs.32-

Unlettered people a Messenger 33), Prophet Jesus(as) (Ch.3:V.50)
from among themselves who and Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa)
recites unto them His Signs, and (Ch.9:V.128 and Ch.15:V.89)
purifies them, and teaches them taught and trained their followers
the Book and wisdom, although affectionately and by keeping
they had been, before, in them close.
manifest error’) (Ch.62:V.3), and
the Holy Qur’an as a Perfect In addition to the methods of
Book, free from any doubt or learning mentioned above, the
defect, and a Book which guides Holy Qur’an has mentioned
the learner to his ultimate goal some more novel techniques for
(Ch.2:V.3). These verses suggest efficient learning e.g. students
that planners of education should should obey the teachers, show
plan and run educational patience and not question during
institutes on these lines, i.e. the the lecture (Ch.18: Vs.66-71).
institutes should be free from Doing so is against discipline,
defects and the teacher should be interrupts the teacher, and the
true scholars and efficient in students themselves are deprived
learning. of using their intelligence,
thinking, reasoning, etc,
Islam recognises the role of necessary for efficient and
mothers in upbringing and effective learning.
educating their children, because
they are the closest and the most Being complete in every respect,
affectionate persons to them. All the Holy Qur’an has not only
good teachers keep their students motivated learners or students,
close and teach them but parents and teachers as well.
affectionately. The Holy Qur’an Man has been described as made
has not left this aspect. As of dust (Ch.3:V.60 and
directed by God, the Patriarch Ch.18:V.38), of clay (Ch.7:V.13)
Prophet Abraham(as) (Ch.2:V.261), and of dry ringing clay
Prophet Moses(as) (Ch.20:Vs.18- (Ch.15:V.29 and Ch.55:V.15).

The reason for comparing man York, N.Y., U.S.A. pp. 27-28
with dust and clay is that these 3. Ibid, p. 17
can be easily molded into
different shapes; similarly human 4. Ibid, pp. 1-8
beings can be educated and 5. Mirza, Ghulam Ahmad, Roohani

trained for different professions. Khazain, The London Mosque, London,
United Kingdom, 1984, Vol. 1, pp. 502-
The sooner the training starts, the 505
greater will be success, because
babies start learning soon after 6. Vygotsky, Lev: The Scientist in the Crib,
William Marrow & Co. Inc. New York,
conception. The claim of the N. W., U.S.A. p. 19
American psychologist, J.B.
7. Einstein, Albert: Out of my Later Years,
Watson that if he is given a Wings Books, New York, N.Y. U.S.A.,
normal infant with full control in 1956, p. 31
training him, he can make him a
8. Ibid, pp. 31-33 .
doctor, a lawyer, and even a thief,
supports the Qur’anic verses
quoted above.
In short, whatever learning

theory or method of teaching
man can formulate or even
imagine, you can find the roots of
all wisdom in this Book of ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Wisdom, the Holy Qur’an. Dr Abdul Majid started his
educational career in 1963 as the
Headmaster of Talimul Islam High
School Qadian, when he was just 23
BIBLIOGRAPHY years old and served in India,
1. Mazhar, Muhammad Ahmad: Arabic the Kashmir, and various places in the
Source of all the Language, The Review
Middle East as a lecturer,
of Religion Publication, Rabwah,
Pakistan, 1963, Vol. 1, pp. 2-3 headmaster, principal etc. Dr
Shahab Ahmad who did his Phd
2. Gopnik, Alison, Meltzoff, Andrew N. from Aligarh and Dr Abdul Majid
and Kuhl, Patricia K: The Scientist in the now reside in Canada.
Crib, William Marrow & Co. Inc., New

Is There a God?
Based on an address at the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
community in Ireland
Dr. Tariq Anwar Bajwa - UK
I quote an interesting incident partake of food offered by a

about a 25-year-old gentleman of teacher. How good that is!”’
India. This was in the year 1866
and after having achieved his ‘I continued my meal, and, while
Diploma of Education from the holding his horse, he waited for
Normal School in Rawalpindi, me to tell some student to go and
this young man had been hold his horse. When he saw that
appointed as Head Teacher of a I made no move, he asked me,
school in a town called Pind “Kindly tell a student to hold my
Dadan Khan. He was four years horse.’”
into this job when one day an
Inspector of Schools arrived for ‘I answered: “Sir you are so
inspection. The young man punctilious that you do not
describes the incidence himself: partake of food offered by a
‘On one occasion, the Inspector teacher deeming it to be a bribe.
of Schools arrived while I was at Then how can I ask a student to
my meal. I invited him to join hold your horse.They come to
me. Instead of accepting my school to study and not to serve
invitation, he retorted, “I am as stable boys. Besides, you
afraid that you have not might ask for it to be tethered and
recognised me. My name is fed: but how could the horse be
Khuda Bukhsh and I am the fed when you yourself are not
Inspector of Schools.”’ willing to accept the hospitality
of a teacher?”’
“‘Oh! Indeed. That is well. You
are a man of integrity. You do not ‘The horse was getting impatient.

Is There a God?
In the meantime the Inspector’s considerably when asked to

staff arrived and began to look different people. There are
after everything. Then he people, who would say, ‘No I do
signified that he would proceed not believe in God.’ There are
with the examination of the others who would say, ‘there
students, whereupon I put the may be a God, but I am not
students in order and myself interested.’ There are many
withdrew and sat apart. The others who would say, ‘yes, there
Inspector held the examination is a God.’ In both these groups
and then said to me: “I have of people answering in
heard that you are very capable, affirmative or in negative, the
and hold a distinguished degree of certainty with which
Diploma from the Normal they say so varies quite
School. Perhaps that explains considerably. There are those
your imperious attitude.” who believe in God because they
acquired that belief in Him. In a
‘I replied: “Sir, I do not regard a similar way there are people who
few square inches of paper as were born in a society which was
God.” Then I sent for the drifting away from God and
diploma and tore it into pieces hence were told to go away from
before his eyes and demonstrated the concept of God. Of these
that I did not associate anything people there is also a group of
with God.’ people who say God has not
created us. Perhaps we have
His name was Hadhrat Hakeem created god through our imagi-
Maulvi Nooruddin (ra) and he nation. There are also scholars
became the first successor of the and philosophers who have
Promised Messiah(as). Such was thought deeply and concluded
his firm faith in God that nothing that there should be a God. Of
could ever shake it. course the certainty with which
they say so comes through
But ‘is there a God?’ is a inference and because their belief
question whose response varies in a God is weak, they are unable

Is there a God?
to convince somebody with There are people who have

surety about the existence of a inferred that there has to be a
God. God. There are others who have
experienced God themselves and
The Holy Qur’an, which then there are people who have
according to Islam is the Word of seen these holy men and seen
God Himself, divides knowledge God through them and they say it
into three types: knowledge by that certainly there is a God.
way of certainty of inference, Nobody can change their minds
knowledge by way of certainty of because of the degree of certainty
sight and knowledge by way of they have in this belief.
certainty of experience.
The source of the first type of
The knowledge by certainty of knowledge, that is to say
inference is that a thing is known knowledge by the certainty of
not directly, but through inference, is reason and
something else through which its information.
existence can be inferred: an
example being that of inference God Almighty does not require
of the existence of fire by human beings to accept anything
observing smoke from a beyond their intellectual
distance. We do not see the fire, capability, and only sets forth
but we see the smoke and we such doctrines as are com-
believe in the existence of fire. prehensible by men, so that his
Then when we can see the fire, directives should not impose
this would give us certainty by upon man that which he is unable
sight. Now if we were to enter to bear. (Ch.2:V.287)
this fire, our knowledge would
have the quality of certainty by The certainty of knowledge by
experience. The variation in the inference can be obtained by
certainty while answering to the various faculties given to human
question about the existence of beings, one of them being ears.
God is thus explained. For instance, many of us have

Is there a God?
not visited Tokyo or Sydney, but and potent reason why we must
we have heard of them from respect the possibility of the
those who have visited these existence of God. History tells us
places. We do not doubt the that even those ancient religions
existence of these cities because that no longer exist in the world,
we do not believe all these also held the view of God,
people might have told a lie. whether they were in ancient
America, or in the jungles of
In fact all the religions on this Africa or Australia. So the books
earth claim to be from God. of history are also a source of
Muhammad(sa), Moses(as), Jesus(as), knowledge provided they do not
Krishna(as), Buddha (as), Baba contradict themselves. Even the
Nanak and every religious leader books of the prophets lose their
taught people to believe and reliability if there is contradiction
worship God. Although all the in them about a certain point.
religions have slight differences However, the point at which they
in the attributes they ascribe to agree is likely to be believed and
God, yet all the religions hold the is certainly a source of
common view that there is a God knowledge by inference.
Who created this universe. In
fact, the creation of man goes The Holy Qur’an is not confined
hand in hand with religion and it merely to knowledge gained
is not the work of philosophers or through continuity of hearing; it
sociologists whether or not the contains well-reasoned argu-
concept of God exists. It is a ments that carry strong
universal concept that existed conviction. Not one of the doc-
independent of any knowledge of trines and principles and
what people believed in other commandments that the Holy
parts of the world. It was this Qur’an sets forth is imposed
universal presence of belief in merely by authority. How can the
the whole world that convinced word of God impose belief in
many an atheist, at least to a Himself without giving rea-
degree, that this is a very strong sonable arguments?

Is there a God?
Let us look at the evidence God The second argument given by

has given Himself about His the Holy Qur’an is that every-
existence in the Holy Qur’an. thing that has been created has
been given appropriate faculties
The Holy Qur’an has adopted two as it says:
methods for an understanding of
God. First, there is the method Our Lord is He Who has
whereby human reason is bestowed upon everything its
strengthened and illumined for the appropriate faculties, and has
purpose of setting forth reasons in then guided it to (the
support of the existence of God. achievement of) its appro-
Through this, one may reach the priate purpose.
first degree of certainty about the (Ch. 20:V.51)
existence of God i.e., there should
be a God or there has to be a God. The third argument of the Holy
The second method is the spiritual Qur’an is the order that you see
method through which you in this universe.
achieve the second and third
degree of certainty through sight No incongruity canst thou see
and through experience. in the creation of the
Gracious God. Then look
As regards the first method, one again: Seest thou any flaw?
of the foremost arguments God Aye, look again, and yet
gives is to study nature, how He again, thy sight will only
has created this universe? In the return to thee frustrated and
Holy Qur’an, God says: fatigued.
(Ch.67:Vs.4-5)
Do you doubt in the existence
of Allah, Who has created the And then Allah says :
heavens and the earth (from
nothingness). It is not for the sun to
(Ch.14:V.11) overtake the moon, nor can
the night outstrip the day. All

Is there a God?
of them float in an orbit. giving the logic of the existence

(Ch.36:V.41) of God but let us stop here and
look at these claims in some
The fourth argument given by the more detail.
Holy Qur’an is that God says He
is the ultimate cause of all There is a host of evidence
causes: available to us if we look around
ourselves. If one keeps in mind
And that to thy Lord do all and then reflects upon the shape
things ultimately go. and form of man and all the
(Ch.53: V.43) animals on land and in the sea,
and the birds, one is impressed
And in another verse reminds us: with the power of God Who has
created them and then bestowed
All that is on earth will perish its appropriate form on every
and only the Person of thy thing.
Lord, Master of Glory and
Honour, will survive. The Holy Founder of
(Ch.55:V.27-28) Ahmadiyyat, the Promised
Messiah(as), has well said:
The fifth logical argument
presented by the Holy Qur’an is ‘O my Beloved! How
that God says that He has put in wonderful is Thy creative
the inherent nature of a human power manifested every-
being that he believes in God. As where:
Allah says that when the souls of Whichever way I look, I find
human beings are asked by Him: every road leading to Thy
Presence.
Am I not your Lord? And they
answer: Indeed, we do bear In the fountain of the sun,
witness. the tides of Thy Power are
(Ch.7:V.173) witnessed:
There are many other verses

Is there a God?
Every star is twinkling with notice in this universe, how

Thy Glory beautifully, efficiently and
The mellow intoxicating mysteriously it works to a
eyes of all, who are endowed common end! There is a
with beauty magnificent system of organ-
Remind one of Thee every isation.
moment
To Thy direction is turned, There are only two options
the pointing finger of every available to us – either there is a
curly lock.’ God Who created human beings
and the universe around us or
Just imagine what an infinite there is no God and it is human
Universe has been created for the beings who have created their so-
satisfaction of our physical called creator.
needs. There is a sky with
innumerable stars and planets, The issue of Creation can be
including a sun and a moon, examined from this perspective,
which give us light and warmth – beginning with the origins of life,
so essential for our well-being. ending our journey with the
Think of the vast expanse of consummation of life into human
atmosphere around us, full of air beings. Each step that was
to make us breathe and space to advanced in the direction of the
allow us to build, rise and fly evolvement of human beings was
wherever we please. Take the an organised step. Life is not
earth itself and, look at the series eternal – the possibility of life
of rivers, mines and mountains began with the ‘Big Bang’ that
so wonderfully distributed over occurred around twenty billion
its surface. Just see the different years ago and ever since then life
strata suited for the production of has emerged out of nothing. Even
various vegetable growths. Think the firmest believers in blind
of the animal and vegetable evolution have to admit that for
kingdoms, what a wonderful and this to happen they cannot find
exquisite scale of creation we an answer.

Is there a God?
Upon contemplation of the are commonly used to try to

wonders of evolution created or explain the creation, organisation
packed in a small space of one and evolution. These terms are
billion years, even those atheists ‘Chance’, ‘Evolution by natural
begin to calculate through selection or Survival of the
mathematics of large numbers Fittest’, or ‘Evolution by change
the time it should have required bit by bit’. For a moment, just
for evolution to take place and to visualise the drama of life and
reach its consummation, by blind death as staged, act-by-act, from
chance. The figure they have the beginning of evolution to the
reached is ten raised to the power present time. As the curtain lifts,
of 249 which means that one does it lift from the vision of a
needs to place 249 zeros to the mindless universe endlessly
right of number one. That is how engaged in the casting of a dice,
many years would be needed, not or does it lift from a completely
for the completion of the whole different scenario? The drama
evolution, but just for the remains the same, as also the
creation of the first brick of life, actors who play their part.
the proteins that are needed for
building DNA’s. The rest is still The vision alters only in relation
to be calculated. Based on this to the viewer. If the viewer sees it
evidence, one can always through the coloured glasses of
question the scientists as to how deep seated, pre-conceived
man could have been created, atheistic prejudices, then of
how could the very first course he would view nothing
organism of life have been but chaos wedded to chaos,
created without the existence of a giving birth to a brood of
preceding Conscious Being, an meticulously-shaped and well-
All-Knowledgeable Being Who disciplined offspring. This hap-
was Eternal. pens generation after generation
after generation. Each generation
For those who do not believe in invariably recedes yet again into
God, there are a few terms that a world of chaos, continuously

Is there a God?
giving birth to order and Creator. Frank Allan, Professor

discipline, without exception and of Biophysics, University of
without fail. So the drama of Manitoba, Canada, recipient of
evolution moves on from chaos the Tory Gold Medal, Royal
to order without an orderly Society of Canada writes:
disciplined mind to command it.
‘The adjustments of the earth
Despite this, order always for life are far too numerous
emerges out of disorder, until to be accounted for by
man the masterpiece of evolution chance.’
is created – the ultimate child of
compound chaos and confusion. What he evidently means is that
If on the other hand the viewer is in the long journey of evolution
an unbiased observer of what he we find design, order and
sees and permits his vision to be harmony, which cannot be
led to whichever direction the ascribed to chance. Commenting
scheme of creation leads him, on the complexity of proteins and
then of course the same drama the manner in which they play
will take on a completely the essential role of building,
different complexion. At each supporting and advancing life,
replication of life into more Allan categorically rejects the
complex and more organised idea of attributing it to chance.
entities of a higher order and at
each step forward on the For a single protein molecule to
evolutionary journey, he would be formed out of chance would
perceive the guiding hand of the require 10 raised to the power 98
Supreme Creator. years. To accommodate this
figure in the span of evolution is
Many a competent scientist has impossible because it only took
had to confess that the only 4.5 billion years for all the
solution to the problem of amazing steps of creation.
creation lies in the admission that
there does exist a Supreme To be very simple, if I claim that

Is there a God?
all the things have been shrubbery with small roots

organised after an earthquake or should vanish. Similarly animals
a blast, you would have doubts with long necks like giraffes and
about my mental health and some camels, which can reach these
of my colleagues may be kind trees to graze on, should be able
enough to refer me to a to survive such a drought.
psychiatrist. Strange it is, though, However, if we look at the facts,
that people have sympathy with they are very different and after
those who think this universe has years of famine, the small
originated out of chance or shrubbery and small animals
accident, without design and survive these droughts in a better
without a Creator. The proba- way. This rejects the survival of
bility of life originating from an the fittest or blind natural
accident is comparable to the selection theory.
probability of an unabridged
dictionary resulting from an Now looking at the appropriate
explosion in a print factory. faculties given to the creation,
we can look at a few examples,
Sir Fred Hoyle, author of the which reject either the ‘bit-by-
Black Cloud says: ‘the bit’ change theory or the ‘blind
spontaneous formation by evolution’ theory.
“chance” of a working enzyme is
like a hurricane blowing through In the world of birds, if we look
a junkyard and spontaneously at the woodpecker, the force with
putting together a Boeing 747.’ which it hits the trees to make the
insects come out is such that if it
The theory of ‘survival of the did not have a protective cushion
fittest’ is easily rejected by a between its beak and its brain, it
simple example. In a famine or could not have survived at all. It
drought, when water can be could not have developed over a
found very deep, only the trees long period because it has to be
with very deep roots should be part of its creation right from the
able to survive whereas all the beginning. There are so many

Is there a God?
similar examples, like spiders, and the eyebrows. Thousands of

electric fish etc. The complex books have been written about
system of making honey in a the beauty as well as the
honeybee is still astonishment to functioning of the eye. The fact is
the human being. Special senses that it only points towards its
in the animal world are a discrete Creator and no theory of
example, which reject evolution evolution can explain it.
by a ‘bit-by-bit’ change because
they cannot be functional if any In 1859, in his great work, The
part of them is removed. For Origin of Species during his
example consider the functioning discussion on the intricacies of
of the eye. Even in the most an ‘eye’ as an organ, Darwin
rudimentary form, which was in confessed.
a deep-sea fish, eyes have been
found to be fully functional. ‘To suppose that the eye,
They have to have been made with all its inimitable
with a purpose and design. We contrivances for adjusting
know that for an eye to function, the focus to different
it has a cornea with a defined distances, for admitting
curvature, an iris to control the different amounts of light,
light and the ciliary muscles to and for the correction of
control curvature of the lens. spherical and chromatic
Then there is the aqueous aberration could have been
humour, the lens vitreous formed by natural selection,
humour and the Retina with its seems, I freely confess,
10 layers of cells. From the absurd in the highest
retina, the image has to reach the possible degree’.
occipital cortex where it is
interpreted. Then there is a Having said that he carves a path
complex system of lachrymal of retreat by building his ‘bit-by-
fluid to keep cleaning the eye. bit’ theory, which has now
The protection for the eye has become the mainstay of Prof.
been provided by eyelids, orbit Dawkin’s arguments in favour of

Is there a God?
natural selection being the only system of cause and effect. This
creator. system is at the root of all
knowledge. No part of creation is
However this ‘bit-by-bit’ theory outside this system. It is not
is rejected by the fact that the possible that in this finite world
most ancient specimens of eyes this pattern of cause and effect
as found in the earliest species of should have no limit. We are
marine life are fascinatingly compelled to acknowledge that it
purpose-built masterpieces of must terminate with some
such visionary systems as ultimate cause. The ultimate
perplex the most modern cause is God.
manufacturer of optical instru-
ments. Up to now we have spoken of
logic, which only makes us reach
The Holy Qur’an says: a conclusion that there should be
a God. However, a human being
And He it is Who has created does not get contented just with
for you ears, and eyes, and this type of certainty and wants
hearts, but little thanks do to reach the surest degree, which
you give. is the certainty by sight and
(Ch.23:V.79) experience. All the prophets of
God have provided this certainty
There are many examples which by their own example. They
have been given in detail in the were weak people who had no
book Rationality, Revelation, apparent powers with them. At
Knowledge and Truth by Hadhrat the very time they claimed that
Mirza Tahir Ahmed(ru) the fourth God had appointed them, their
successor of the Promised contemporaries stood against
Messiah(as) to which one can them and tried their level best to
refer. destroy them. However it never
happened that a representative of
Then we observe that the entire Allah was not able to achieve his
universe is bound together in a goal. They were all successful

Is there a God?
proving that there is a Living People see God through him as if

God Who has appointed them. he is a walking proof of the
The same thing happened with existence of God. Hadhrat
Noah(as), and Abraham(as), Moses(as) Khalifatul Masih I Hakim
and Jesus(as) and the Holy Prophet Maulvi Nooruddin was one such
of Islam, Hadhrat Muhammad(sa). example whom I quoted in the
The same thing is being repeated very beginning.
in this age in the person of the
Promised Messiah(as), who was The Holy Founder of
from a small village of India and Ahmadiyyat, the Promised
was not known in his own area, Messiah(as) says:
when he claimed that God had
told him that his message would ‘With regard to the hereafter
reach the corners of the earth. our knowledge arrives at the
Today his message is reaching degree of certainty by sight
the corners of the earth, proving when we receive direct
that there is a God Who supports revelation and hear the voice
and brings victory to His of God through our ears, and
appointed ones against all odds. behold the true and clear
visions of God with our
Not only do these representatives eyes. Without a doubt we are
of Allah prove His existence by in need of direct revelation
their own success but also invite for the purpose of achieving
everybody towards God so that such perfect understanding
people are able to achieve the for which our hearts hunger
certainty of the existence of God and thirst in our beings. If
by their own experience. God Almighty has not
provided the means of such
The truth is that when one comprehension for us in
achieves the goal of having advance then why has He
communication with God, one created this hunger and thirst
becomes a manifest sign of the in our hearts? Can we be
Living God in one’s own person. content that in this life,

Is there a God?
which is our only measure teach us? In short, if God

for the hereafter, we should Almighty designs to bestow
believe in the true and perfect understanding upon
perfect and mighty and His seekers, then He
living God only on the basis certainly has kept open the
of tales and stories, or way of converse with them.’
should depend upon under- (The Philosophy of the
standing or reason alone, Teachings of Islam)
which understanding is still
defective and incomplete? The Promised Messiah(as) has not
Do not the hearts of true only told us that God
lovers of God desire that communicates with human
they should enjoy the delight beings but also has shown us the
of converse with the pathway to find Him. He has
Beloved, and should those mentioned eight steps to find
who have given up God. In short they are:
everything in the world for
the sake of God and have 1. To believe in the True God,
devoted their hearts and for if the very first step is not
lives to Him, be content with right, for instance, if a person
the repining in a dim light believes in a bird or an
without beholding the animal, or in the elements or
countenance of that Sun of in the issue of a human
Truth? Is it not true that an being, as god there can be no
affirmation by the Living hope of progressing towards
God: I am present, bestows God. The True God helps His
such a degree of under- seekers to reach Him.
standing compared with
which the self conceived 2. The second means is to be
books of all the philosophers informed of His beauty, for
amount to nothing at all? the heart is naturally drawn
What can those philosophers to the beauty the observation
who are themselves blind of which generates love in

Is there a God?
the heart. God’s beauty is His and to observe their perfect

Unity and His Greatness and example.
His Majesty and His other
attributes. 8. The eighth means of
reaching Him, are visions
3. The third means of approach and true dreams and reve-
to God is knowledge of His lation. As the path to reach
Beneficence, which is an Him is not an easy one, the
incentive to His love. mercy of God keeps com-
forting them and these
4. The Fourth means of visions and dreams keep him
reaching Him is supplication, going.
as He says ‘Call on Me, I
shall respond to you’. The fact is that the purpose of
human life and the highest reach
5. The fifth means to reach Him of man’s faculties is to meet God
is to strive in His cause, that the Exalted.
is to say we should seek God
by spending our wealth in The importance of achieving this
His cause and by employing goal in life, has been described
all our faculties in furthering by the Promised Messiah (as):
this cause and laying down
our lives in His cause and by ‘ Our paradise is in our God.
employing our reason in His Our highest delight is in our
cause. God for we have seen Him
and have found every beauty
6. The sixth means is stead- in Him. This wealth is worth
fastness, not to get tired or procuring though one may
disheartened when one have to lay down one’s life
encounters trials. to procure it. O ye, who are
bereft, run to this fountain
7. The seventh means is to keep and it will save you. What
company with the righteous, may I do, and how may I

Is there a God?
instil this good news in their Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam

hearts, and by what drum Ahmad(as).
shall I make the announce-
ment that this is your God, 2. Revelation, Rationality,
so that people might hear? Knowledge and Truth by
What remedy may I apply to Hadhrat Mirza Khalifatul
their ears so that they should Masih IV(ru).
listen?
If you belong to Allah, rest

assured that Allah will ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Tariq Anwar Bajwa resigned from
indeed belong to you.’
the Pakistan army, did his FRCS,
(Kashti –e- Nuh) served in Tanzania for 3 years and
has been in the UK since 1996 where
he is a GP. He is the Chairman of the
Ahmadiyya Medical Association
REFERENCES:
UK, Secretary Tahrik Jadid and
1. The Philosophy of the newsreader on MTA.
Teachings of Islam by
The staff and editorial team at

The Review of Religions wishes all its readers
a very healthy, peaceful and blessed New Year

Index of 2004 articles
Index of articles published in 2004

Was Islam Spread by the Sword
January 2004
How understanding, not force, was the driving
Eid Message force behind Islam’s rapid progress across the
From the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya globe – Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat
Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide
Khalifatul Masih V. Ahmadiyya Community.
The Essence of Islam – Part 1 Balance Within the Body

Start of a serialisation of extracts from various The latent system of justice that governs the
writings and books of the Promised Messiah(as). microcosm – extracts taken from the book
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship: The
Three Creative Principles by Hadhrat Mirza
History of the Ka’aba Tahir Ahmad(ru).
Background and history of the Ka’aba and
related holy sites in Makkah. Moderation in a Fattening World
Fazal Ahmad – UK How following Islamic teachings can lead to a
healthier life.
Manzurul A Sikder, MD, USA
The House of Allah
A Friday sermon from 1983 delivered by The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as);
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ru) that explored Jesus(as); or Muhammad (sa)?
the significance of a mosque with reference to Examining a biblical prophecy about Prophet
the Ka’aba. Muhammad(sa).
Dr A.R. Bhutta, Nigeria
Hajj and its Significance
A short summary of the rites related to the
Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. March 2004
Bilquees Cheema, Kenya Message from Hadhrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmad
Journey to Truth: Hinduism Message from the Head of the worldwide
A look at the teachings of Hinduism and related Ahmadiyya Community to the 23rd World
Prophet Krishna. Religious conference in Canada
Abdul Kudus Alimi, Switzerland
In Search of the Existence of God
The Impact of Alcohol on Society Arguments in support of the existence of God.
A brief look into problems caused by Naseem Mahdi, Canada
alcoholism and Islamic teachings on the
subject. The Essence of Islam – Part II
Mr Latif A Qureshi – Edinburgh What is religion and what are the signs of its
truth?
February 2004 Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
The Need for Righteousness Service to Humanity – A Religious Duty in

A look at the true source of righteousness for Islam
man from the writings of the Promised The importance of doing good to others.
Messiah(as). Bockarie Tommy Kallon – UK

Al-Hayy – The Living God birth of Jesus(as).

The prime attribute of God that makes God Moosa Qureshi – UK
worshipable. God lives today as He did before.
Naeem Ahmad – USA May 2004
Death on the Cross Islam is a PeacefulReligion
Ten undeniable proofs that Jesus(as) did not die A lecture asking those who call Islam
on the cross. belligerent to reflect. Do Islam’s high values
Abul Atta Jallandhri – UK manifest themselves when bombs rain down
from the skies?
The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
Jesus(as); or Muhammad(sa)?
Continuing the look at the biblical prophecy Divine Guidance – Part II
about Prophet Muhammad (sa). The advent of the Prophet of Islam(sa) was the
Dr A.R. Bhutta, Nigeria need of the time. The message given to him is
a living Book, not a story but a philosophy.
April 2004 Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Alexander Dowie and His Zion Religious Tolerance

Message from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ra) An excellent formula for inter-faith respect,
sent to the Ahmadiyya Community in USA tolerance and dialogue, based on a lecture
before the start of the conference to delivered in Ghana.
commemorate the fulfilment of a grand Abdul Wahab Adam, Amir and Missionary-in-
prophecy concerning Alexander Dowie. charge, Ghana
Divine Guidance – Part I Economic Justice

Those who turn a deaf ear to the Prophets of The Islamic economic system narrows the gap
God, deprive themselves from guidance and between the haves and have nots. An emphasis
are engulfed by the wrath of God. on spending, zakat and prohibition of interest
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) ensuring a fast circulation of wealth.
Saad Ahmad, USA
True Islamic Teachings Compared to Al-
Qaeda’s Doctrine Who are the Amish?
A paper read at the networks of instability An insight into a sect of Mennonites whose
seminar in Brussels. Religious terrorists, men wear broad-brimmed black hats and
disowned by their own faith, have mentors women ankle-length dress.
who provide them with the political Zakaria Virk, Canada.
justification in pursuit of their objective of
dying as martyrs. The teachings of Islam June 2004
totally condemn terrorists and suicide
Avoid Those Who Create Disorder: People
bombers.
should identify you as the special servants
M.A. Ashraf, Scotland
of Allah
The Immaculate Conception Address to the Annual gathering of the
‘We breathed into her Our Spirit’ is Ahmadiyya Community in Ghana asking
misconstrued as implicating God in a paternal participants to deal with others with kindness,
role: Understanding the physical and spiritual tolerance, compassion, justice and humility.

By saving the next generation from the ills of are beliefs which run counter to the majesty
the society, become a guarantor for the and glory of the Gracious God. This piece
survival of your future generation and nation. presents the true Islamic concept of God with
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. detailed exposition of relevant Qur ’anic
verses and the attributes of God..
The Essence of Islam – III Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Devoting one’s life to the cause of God
Almighty so that He becomes the object of A Short Review of the Historical Critique
worship, the true goal and the beloved and so of Usury
that one’s life is devoted to the service of His Bringing together all the arguments from
creatures are the true essence of Islam. various religions, traditions and institutions as
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) to why lending on interest should be
considered wrong with special emphasis on
Treatment of Prisoners of War: the Islamic model of banking as a viable
The enslavement of conquered people or their alternative to the interest-based global
being held as prisoners of war requires that economy.
they must be treated with justice and granted Wayne A.M. Visser and Alaister McIntosh
the rights available to all free persons. Islam
set the standards for others to follow. Investment, Interest and Islam
Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (as) If Islam prohibits lending at interest, how does
Islam encourage investment and ensure that
Peace Symposium capital is not hoarded? Why, in fact, has Islam
A Dharma Talk on Buddhism: Emphasis on forbidden the use of interest?
Peace argues that peace and happiness depend Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru)
on our minds, by Phrakru Sarnu Lom;
A Jewish View on Peace looking squarely at Cyrus the Great
the absence of war to promote peace, by Rabbi The legend of the great King Cyrus, famed not
Danny Rich. only for his expansion of the Persian Empire
but also the magnanimity with which he
My Journey into the Ahmadiyya treated all his subjects, is recorded in history
Community and also mentioned in the Bible. Could he be
A young American recalls her acceptance of the Dhu’l Qarnain mentioned in the Holy
Islam. Qur’an?
Dara Fulton, USA Fazal Ahmad – UK
Noak’s Ark – Another Viewpoint August 2004

Those who rode in Noah’s Ark heeded the
Warner sent to them; likewise the plague Jihad – The True Islamic Concept
during the time of the Promised Messiah(as) The much misunderstood concept of Jihad
swept away 10 million disbelievers. which extremists within Islam and Islam’s
Latif Qureshi. opponents construe as believe or be smitten by
the sword.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
July 2004
The Essence of Islam, Part IV: Allah the Divine Guidance – III
Exalted The Holy Prophet(sa) reformed people who had
The concept of God differs among world become beasts and had prepared such truthful
religions. Even within the body of Islam, there and faithful people that they were prepared to
sacrifice everything for the cause of his The Philosophy of Revival of Religion
religion. On the other hand, Jesus (as) never had A speech in Australia describing the
the opportunity to cause such a change in his prophesies related to the advent of the
apostles. Messiah, who would bring about the revival of
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Islam.
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru)
Jihad, Human Rights and the Treatment
of Minorities in Islam Saladin – The Legend of Salahuddin
A paper read at the OIC (Organisation for The life and characteristics of Salahuddin (as
Islamic Cooperation) on Jihad and human witnessed through the dignified manner in
rights from Islamic and western perspectives. which he confronted the Crusaders) and what
Islamic societies respected non-Muslim we can learn from his experiences.
minorities but since the second half of the last Fazal Ahmad, UK.
century, political manipulation of an ill-
informed clergy and extremists by October 2004
governments has led to an abuse of personal
freedoms and a call for Jihad. The Essence of Islam: Allah the Exalted –
M.A. Ashraf Part 5
Describes in detail the four principal attributes
Outstanding Female Muslims of the Holy of Allah as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, and
Prophet’s(sa) Era how they are related to each other and have
Some inspiring accounts from the lives of been described in the correct order.
some of the first female Muslims. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Quratul-Ain Mirza, Canada
Distinctive Features of Islam
A Brief Introduction to The Daily Al-Fazal Some of the unique features of Islam ranging
A brief account of the origins and history of from the unity of God, prophethood, the Holy
the Rabwah (Pakistan) based religious Qur’an, rights of women and life after death
publication, the Alfazl, at present the only that attracted the author to join Islam.
Bilal Atkinson, Hartlepool, UK
daily published by the community.
Ahmad Mustansir, Rabwah
The Holy Qur’an – The Perfect Guidance
for Mankind
September 2004 Discussion on how the Holy Qur’an uses the
The Issue of Evil and Suffering – the emotions of Hope and Fear to guide mankind
Islamic Perspective towards God.
Fauzia Bajwa - Montreal, Canada
Addresses the question on why innocent
people suffer and whether one can benefit
The Task Ahead
from such trials.
A plea to engage in personal reformation and
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, OBE, UK
to ignore the fashions and distractions of the
The Essence of Islam: Allah the Exalted, outside world.
Part 4 Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan
Describes many of the attributes of Allah as
mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, and their The Concept of Jihad in Islam
permanent nature. A study of the life and teachings of the Holy
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Prophet(sa) towards other faiths co-exisiting

with Muslims. Proof that concepts such as greatest benefit is to be derived from
forced conversion are alien to the original beneficent spending and distribution of wealth
notion of Jihad, and that actually Jihad is a and not from avariciously holding it back.
personal battle of reformation. Late Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan
Amjad Mahmood Khan, Boston, USA
Epilogue
The concluding chapter of the highly
November 2004 acclaimed book, Revelation, Rationality,
The Human Soul Knowledge and Truth which has been
The soul is created by God from the union of serialised regularly in this publication
two seminal fluids. It is not eternal and Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru)
uncreated as the Vedas claim. Nor is it created
somewhere else and then injected into the body December 2004
at or just before the birth of a human being.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) Introduction from Jesus in India
The introduction to this masterpiece is as
Universality of Islam relevant today as it was at the time of its
An in-depth refutation of claims made by writing over 100 years ago. The mis-
Western Orientalists, that Islam was originally conceptions of both Muslims and Christians
intended only for the local Arab tribes. concerning the life and death of Jesus(as) and his
Exposing the weakness of arguments raised bodily ascension has caused much confusion.
against the universality of Islam and clearly However, the expectation of a bloody Messiah
establishing that the message of Islam from is a false belief of shortsighted scholars.
the outset was for the whole world. By Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)
Nuruddin Muneer
Inaugural Address at the Opening of
Interview With Montgomery Watt Barakat Mosque in Birmingham
An interview from 1999 of the one whom the A short speech delivered by Hadhrat Mirza
Muslim press has described as ‘the Last Masroor Ahmad, the current Supreme Head of
Orientalist.’ The Reverend Professor the Ahmadiyya Community in Islam, on the
Montgomery Watt was 90 at the time. His inauguration of a new mosque in Birmingham.
interest in Islam was aroused by an A fresh look at ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.
argumentative Muslim back in 1937. His
study of Islam appears to have influenced his The Holy Qur’an Answers Four Questions
own interpretation of Christianity. Professor on Education
Montgomery Watt is alive in Scotland and is a The authors discuss four basic questions on
member of the ecumenical Iona Community. learning in the light of the teachings of the
Bashir Maan & Alistair Mcintosh Holy Qur’an.
By Abdul Majid and Shahab Ahmad
Economic Values
The author reflects on verses of the Qur’an Is there a God?
and the hadith relating to economic values. The author discusses the different means by
Economic values go hand in hand with social which one can prove the existence of God and
values. Recognising that all prosperity reject the conclusion of atheists.
proceeds from God should lead individuals By Dr. Tariq Anwar Bajwa
and society as a whole to realise that, even
from the purely selfish point of view, the

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Contents December 2004, Vol.99, No.

Editorial By Mahmood Hanif UK .................................................................................. 2

Front Cover Picture: Darul Barakat Mosque, Birmingham (see page18)

Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah

2 The Review of Religions – December 2004

The Review of Religions – December 2004 3

4 The Review of Religions – December 2004

among us Muslims who, while

The Review of Religions – December 2004 5

hostility for other people, is a against such beliefs a wonderful

6 The Review of Religions – December 2004

The Review of Religions – December 2004 7

say that he is alive in the heavens Khalifa of the time should be a

8 The Review of Religions – December 2004

Christians believe regarding to the growth of that Faith, this

The Review of Religions – December 2004 9

sword or the gun. So, the go to the authorities they flatter

10 The Review of Religions – December 2004

killing others in the

The Review of Religions – December 2004 11

12 The Review of Religions – December 2004

rulers a penalty, namely, that reliable histories of Islam in a

The Review of Religions – December 2004 13

14 The Review of Religions – December 2004

Therefore, these people turn true God, Eternal and

The Review of Religions – December 2004 15

Christians is that their attention appearance of a bloody Mahdi

16 The Review of Religions – December 2004

120 years at Srinagar, in put into prison the British rulers of

The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands

The Review of Religions – December 2004 17

God Almighty has enabled the

18 The Review of Religions – December 2004

These rights should be discharged So, this is the teaching of Islam

The Review of Religions – December 2004 19

so much so that one should mosques as cruel and unjust

20 The Review of Religions – December 2004

to observe their prayer

Islam permits that when

The Review of Religions – December 2004 21

22 The Review of Religions – December 2004

Acquired for £200 as a listed building,

These thanks are not just lip advancing towards destruction

The Review of Religions – December 2004 23

When we talk about educating, theories and practices and deals

24 The Review of Religions – December 2004

development of his personality; It means that the purpose of the

According to the Holy Qur’an 1. Why Should We Learn?

The Review of Religions – December 2004 25

for proper worship we must have the fact that language

26 The Review of Religions – December 2004

path of those on whom Thou Say, ‘Can those who know

Only those of His servants ‘A learned one is superior to a

The Review of Religions – December 2004 27

the scholars. Socrates (470-399 to tolerate these hardships for the

28 The Review of Religions – December 2004

IT IS BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION THAT

2. When Should We Learn? ‘It looks as if they recognise

The Review of Religions – December 2004 29

STARTING FROM ARISTOTLE TILL THE END OF THE 20TH

is of the view that education and upon direct observations and

30 The Review of Religions – December 2004

minutes, and babies, for thirty of about 2,500 years, the