By : Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

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This new fatwa from the renowned authority of Islamic world, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, a spiritual leader of the overwhelming majority of Muslims deals a devastating blow to al-Qaeda and its affiliates by removing decisively any remnant of theological justifications for terrorism. No longer can the Taleban and similar organisations employ Muslim scripture with impunity to advance the onslaught of civilians, be they non-Muslim or Muslim.

 While most Muslim scholars denounce terrorism, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri goes that crucial step forward and announces categorically that suicide bombings and attacks against civilian targets are not only condemned by Islam, but render the perpetrators totally out of the fold of Islam, to become unbelievers in the divine, pristine message of Islam. This empowering, unprecedented fatwa strengthens troops and civil society bodies that are engaged in counter terrorism operations, and expels terrorists from within Islam.

http://www.fatwaonterrorism.com/

Islam does not permit, under any circumstances, the massacre of innocent citizens, terroristic explosions and suicide bombings. The continuous carnage and slaughtering of people, suicide bombings against innocent and peaceful communities, explosions at mosques, shrines, educational institutions and businesses; the destruction of government institutions, buildings, trade centers; attacks on defense training centers, embassies, transports systems and other institutions of civil society; all these acts are grave violations of human rights and constitute kufr, disbelief, under Islamic law. The founder and patron in chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, and Chairman of Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Shaykh-ul-Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri issued his detailed edict (fatwa) today, consisting of 600 pages, while addressing a press video conference from Canada.

Describing the background of his edict he said a terrible wave of terrorism has been maligning Pakistan in particular, and Muslim and non-Muslim nations in general, for the last many years. There is no doubt that, while Muslims as a collective entity condemn, resist and fight terrorism, and do not accept even its remotest possible link with Islam, unfortunately there are some people who remain quiet on the issue, silence taken as a tacit approval of such atrocities.  Indeed there are others, who, instead of opposing and condemning terrorism openly, confuse the issue, merely concentrating upon the politics that cause these atrocities. Dr. Qadri appealed to all Muslim scholars, intellectuals, and opinion-makers not to concentrate on who these people are, who is behind them and why they are committing these acts. Whatever justifications they may give for their actions, they act against the teachings of Islam. They are in clear contravention of what Islam stands for. Their each action is premised on bringing harm to Islam and to the whole of humankind. Their existence is an open danger against the integrity of Pakistan and world peace. The entire nation should dissociate itself from these elements, and condemn them in the strongest possible terms, unequivocally and with one voice. The Pakistani nation is in a state of war. It is the need of the time for Pakistan to form unity among its ranks at every level. The entire nation should stand behind their armed forces busy fighting a war for the protection of the lives of the innocent citizens, and securing national defense by eradicating terrorism.

Those who commit these atrocities claim they are doing so for the preservation of Islam and Muslims.  They claim their heinous acts constitute ‘jihad’, and thus, those who join in their misguided cause will enter paradise.  They justify the killing of innocent civilians by misinterpreting Islam and brainwashing susceptible and often vulnerable individuals.  Dr. Qadri argued it is thus imperative to make Islam’s stance on terrorism precisely evident in the light of the Quran and Sunnah so that the Muslims as well as non-Muslims of the world do not suffer from any misunderstanding and ambiguity.

He explained at length, in the light of the Quranic verses, Prophetic traditions, and expositions by eminent Islamic authorities of faith and jurisprudence that perpetrating terrorism against innocent citizens, massacres of humankind, suicide bombings, the destruction of national assets and property is absolutely against Islam; it amounts to an ‘act of kufr’. Islam does not permit such acts under any excuse, reason or pretext.

Moreover, Islamic teachings do not allow any group of people to take up arms, and wage war against the state and challenge its written authority. This is sheer mischief-mongering and civil war. Islamic law regards it rebellion and insurgency. He clarified that even if Muslims, living within a state, are being persecuted at the hands of foreign non-Muslim powers, and the Muslim government remains silent over such persecution, even then no individual or group of individuals is allowed to take the law into their own hands.  Instead, one should use democratic means of protest and peaceful ways of resolution should be adopted.

Citing various Quranic verses, Prophetic traditions, sayings of the Companions, and renowned jurists and scholars of Hadith, Dr. Qadri made it clear that even in a state of war, and during warfare, Islam strictly prohibits the killing of peaceful citizens, women, children, the sick and the old.  Moreover, during a battle, it is unlawful in Islam to destroy trees, crops, buildings and places of worship of any faith.

Dr. Qadri said the first ever ‘war against terror’ in Islamic history occurred during the Caliphate of Sayyidina Ali (r.a). The Khawarij and Harooria were a rebellious group of people and the first militant terrorists.  They rejected Sayyidina Ali’s (r.a) policy of dialogue, arbitration and peaceful means of dispute resolution.  They were in favor of resolution through armed conflict.  They used Islamic slogans of Jihad and rebelled against the state, and justified human killings according to their extremist theology.  The Khawarij committed acts of terrorism whilst citing Divine law in their defense, arguing they were acting for the dominance of Islam.  However, the Holy Prophet (saw) had already identified the Khawarij in more than fifty Prophetic traditions. He (saw) stated they were outside the ambit of Islam, had no legitimate authority to declare jihad, and instead, were the worst of humankind. Sayyidina Ali (r.a), with his army, himself fought against them in order to stop their atrocities, and eradicated the Kharijite terrorism.

Dr Qadri’s detailed religious edict consists of 200 pages, and clarifies his point of view in the light of dozens of verses from the Holy Quran, Prophetic traditions, countless commentaries of Muslim jurists, etc. This religious edict is in the process of publication, and will be available in the form of a book in Arabic, Urdu and English, later this week.

Farghana Institute (Manchester chapter) hosted historic and prestigious conference in a grand hall of a local hotel in Manchester on August 31, 2008. In addition to Khateeb Jam-e-Mosque Damascus Fazeelat as-Shaykh Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji, President Supreme Council MQI Sahibzada Hassan Mohi ud Din Qadri, as-Shaykh Sakhroof, As-Shaykh Abdur Rahman al-Hamami, Member European Parliament Sajjad Kareem, Counselors Muhammad Afzal Khan, M. Abid, Muhammad Naeem and other distinguished personalities, participated in the conference. Thousands of people especially youth came to attend the programme from across UK including Birmingham, Bradford, Halifax, Nelson and Scotland.

The proceedings of this historic conference got under way with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hammad Mustafa al-Madani, the grandson of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The principal of Farghana Institute and young scholar, Allama Muhammad Ramzan Qadri, conducted the proceedings of the programme.

Addressing the audience of the programme, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that fifteen centuries have gone by with the result that vast changes have taken place in economic, social, political and sociological domains, also incorporating individual and family needs. The demands of the contemporary age have engulfed every walk of life. In these circumstances, the question arising in the minds of young people is that why are the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw) the source of security, stability and direction? He said it is the perfect obedience of the Prophet of Islam (saw) that provides the only way to achieve success and can steer the Umma from its present state of decline.

Throwing light on the reservations and misgivings about Islam and Shariah, Shaykh-ul-Islam said the youth and modernist society are caught in the web of these reservations. These reservations owe itself to the misinterpretation and misconstruction of Islamic teachings in the Western society. This face of Islam has been presented by a group of people called Taliban. The reality is that these people are themselves unaware of real Islamic teachings.

He said the teachings and ideal conduct of the Last Prophet (saw) are the source of inspiration for the Muslims. He said that accepting the Prophetic guidance as final guidance is the preliminary condition of being a Muslim. It warrants a thorough study of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) life, his universal teachings, sayings and the circumstances in which he was raised as a Prophet.

He said the pre-Islamic Arab society was known for extremism, injustice, tribal arrogance, social and moral evils. It was a time when humanity used to be degraded and dishonoured. He said that the mention of Roman civilization can be found at that time along with Greek, Persian and Hindi civilizations but these societies were unaware of the meanings of human values, culture and morality. In these circumstances, the Holy Prophet (saw) was sent with Divine message and he introduced those principles of civilization, morality and tolerance whose source was the Holy Qur’an and Sunna, The touchstone of its authenticity was his own ideal conduct.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) said while delivering his address to people after conquest of Makkah: none of you can enter paradise as long as he does not embrace faith and no one can be believer as long as he does not become paragon of good, virtue, peace for one another.

He said the so-called champions of modern-day world have come to know the meanings of extremism today but 15 centuries ago, while founding new civilization, the Holy Prophet (saw) eliminated terrorism, extremism and sectarianism by urging his companions to behave nicely with their neighbours with benevolence. The Companions were so led to feel by his insistence on this command as if the Holy Prophet (saw) eradicated the difference between Muslim and non-Muslim as a human being and neighbour.

Mentioning the rights of the downtrodden and less privileged sections of society, Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) emphasized on his followers to worship their Lord, feed those of the needy whom they knew and also those whom they did not know.

He said that the Holy Prophet (saw) gave a special instruction to establish a charity for the poor, talk to them tenderly and not hurt their feelings. He said the instructions about prayer, Zakat and fasting came later on but teachings about individual and familial brotherhood and ideal code of conduct were put into practice first.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) gave the first constitution of the world 15 centuries ago. Islam introduced the concept of federal, provincial and local governments at a time when word coming from the mouth of King was a law unto itself and its violation or disobedience invited punishment and even death at times. Islam presented the consultative system and endowed on women their legal and human rights, whereas the fact remains that the so-called torch-bearers gave women the right to vote in 1920s for the first time in history.

He said 15 centuries ago, the Muslim women were appointed on the positions of judge and sent to other countries as diplomats during the days of rightly guided Caliphs. He said the sister of Sultan Saluhuddin Ayubi was the governor of Halab. Whatever the champions of human rights may say today, they cannot present even a semblance of similar human values and rights, which the Holy Prophet (saw) presented while addressing his followers when he said that the protection of the Muslims and non-Muslims in man and material without discrimination, guarantee of freedoms of traditions and culture and their religious rights would be legal and constitutional responsibility of the Islamic state. Islam is a religion of peace and love and its message also denotes the same. No one can be allowed to pass religious edict at personal and sectarian levels in the name of Jihad and Caliphate. Labeling Muslims to be terrorists is nothing but injustice, pure and simple.

Urging all participants especially the youth to carve out their position in their societies and live amicably and peacefully along with other communities, Shaykh-ul-Islam said that Islam does not preach isolation.

Referring to the reconstructive work of Shaykh-ul-Islam, Sheikh Ahmad Dervaish of Egypt said that Shaykh-ul-Islam does full justice to a topic to which he commits his pen. He urged the youth and people living in UK and Europe to join his caravan practically. He also requested all religious scholars to spread the reconstructive and research work of Shaykh-ul-Islam throughout the world. He also appreciated the services of the Principal of Farghana Institute.

Great religious scholar and Hadith-narrator, Shaykh as-Saad Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji, said in his speech that the meanings of the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Holy Prophet (saw) are revealed upon the heart of Shaykh-ul-Islam like en enlightening light of Allah. That is why his research-based and scholarly speeches compel everyone to ponder and act. He said the passion to learn Hadith and love of Shaykh-ul-Islam attract him to attend such conferences each year. He said he considers his knowledge to be just a particle in comparison to knowledge of Shaykh-ul-Islam. Shaykh Asad Muhammad Saeed said he is a ray of hope in this age of mischief and disorder.

Counselor Afzal Khan said in his talk that it was a matter of fortune for people of Manchester that Shaykh-ul-Islam came here whom we hold in high esteem from the core of our hearts.

Play this video here : http://www.islamtune.com/play-video-670.html

The central leaders who spoke in the Workshop included Sahibzada Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, president of MQI Supreme Council, Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, Secretary General of MQI, Allama Sadiq Qureshi, Amir of MQI London, Allama Hafiz Iqbal Azam, Director of Minhaj-ul-Quran Foundation Europe, Allama Noor Ahmad Noor and Allama Hassan Mir Qadri.

The topics upon which speeches were delivered in the Workshop included aims and objectives of Training Workshop, aims & objectives of MQI, requisite character for service of religion in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunna, mutual relationship between the leader and worker, and qualities of an ideal organization etc. A documentary film of ‘Aagosh’ (Orphan Care Home under Minhaj Welfare Foundation) was also shown on a big digital screen. Sahibzada Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri delivered argumentative, logical and thought-provoking Juma address on the topic of ‘relationship with the Holy Prophet (saw).

The formal proceedings of the camp got underway with recitation from the Holy Quan by Qari Zaheer Ahmad followed by recital of Naat by Minhaj Naat Council Denmark. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri delivered special address to the training session.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said in this speech that only that journey undertaken for the sake of knowledge is blessed in which knowledge learnt is implemented in practical life. He said that the Prophets, saints and blessed people of Allah would undertake frequent journeys to the distant and far-off places for the sake of knowledge because whatever a person can learn during journey, he cannot do the same while staying at the same place. He said that little importance should be given to facility because it is part of training. He said that we were on a journey in our lives and we should not lose sight of our final journey. He urged the participants to love Allah intensely because love does not admit of polytheism. Whenever Allah talks of love, He does not want this love to be devoted to Him alone. Rather He includes the love for the Holy Prophet (saw) in this whole.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that man was also a traveler and we should try to get rid of love for the Satan by replacing it with love for Allah and His Prophet (saw) so that our conditions both internal and external could undergo transformation. Allah Almighty eliminated any difference in the realm of love and brought down wall that might separate it. The first sign of faith is that love of Allah and His Prophet (saw) should be superior to any other kind of love in the world. Allah Almighty did not adopt this style of description for any one else. He did not mention the name of any other creation with His Name and ordain His subjects to hold it superior to others. It is only lawful for the person of the Holy Prophet (saw). He in fact eliminated difference in the domain of love that love for no other object should be intense except for both of them.

Two Norwegian people embraced Islam at the hands of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in the training camp. It was announced after the Juma prayers that a Norwegian woman wanted to get into the fold of Islam and wanted to acknowledge it in front of everyone present there. The woman was brought main hall fully dressed in Islamic veil and she accepted Islam at the hands of Shaykh-ul-Islam. A large number of people were present in MQI Oslo Islamic Center.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri asked the woman in English language whether she was embracing Islam out of her free will or under coercion. She replied that she was accepting Islam willingly and out of her free volition. Shaykh-ul-Islam then administered Kalma to the woman and briefed her about basic pillars of Islam and beliefs. She was renamed as Zainab. In the similar manner, a man also accepted Islam at the hands of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The newly converted Norwegian was renamed as Ahmad Hussain at that occasion.

A meeting presided over by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and attended by office holders and worker of MQI decided to establish ‘Halq-e-Durood’ at forty different places in the city. The duration of one such session would not be longer than two hours and forty sessions would be held at different places in every week.

Talking to the people at the occasion, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that this step would help promote the message of MQI and strengthen the weakening spiritual relationship of the Umma with the Holy Prophet (saw). “This is how the broken relationship would not only be repaired but the worries of people would also be lessened,” he concluded.

Thanks to some developments across the globe for last few years, the universal values of great religion, Islam, have come in for denunciation. By invoking the actions of a few individual Muslims to typify the character and conduct of millions of adherents of this divine faith, efforts have been made to equate Islam with bigotry and obscurantism. This is most unfortunate at a time when the need for inter-faith dialogue and harmony cannot be over-emphasized in order to bridge the gulf between Islam and West. The proponents of ‘clash of civilizations’ and their counterparts in the Islamic world are bent upon creating differences aimed at spreading confusion and misunderstanding about the teachings of Islam. In view of these circumstances, it is all the more necessary to bring the message of Islam in correct perspective to serve the cause of coexistence Islam so emphatically lays its stress on.

Let me state at the outset categorically and unambiguously that the message of Islam is peace, tranquility and unity. If one concentrates on the meanings of word ‘Islam’, it appears that this word takes its origin from saluma (safety) or silm (peace). Etymologically and literally the word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace, tranquility and harmony’. The word ‘Imaan‘ can be translated into or more clearly it means ‘faith’. Every religion is based on faith. Faith is known as Imaan in Islamic terminology. Imaan has its own root-word and that is amn. Amn again means ‘peace, tranquility and harmony’. The difference between Islam and Imaan can be explained in the sense that there is a faith to be believed in and there is practical order to be practised. The faith is known as Imaan and the practical order is known as Islam.

In Islam, the word Imaan is used in two dimensions. Firstly Imaan means to be in peace or to live in peace. Secondly, the other meaning is to live for peace and to be peaceful to others. According to Islam a man who does not maintain peace for mankind, cannot be regarded as a genuine Muslim or even a believer. The believer is the man who lives only peacefully for mankind. When he lives for the sake of others, only then he would be blessed by Divine peace from Allah Almighty. The Holy Prophet (saw) was sent not only for the Arabs or a specific tribe or territory but his raising was for the whole of mankind. As declared by the Holy Qur’an:

“O men! I am sent to you all as the Apostle of Allah.” (7:158)

In the tradition of the Holy Prophet (saw), it has been mentioned: “I have been raised (as messenger) for the whole creation.” Here lies the main point. Since the raising of the Holy Prophet (saw) was for the whole mankind, his message of peace is also for the whole mankind. The Holy Qur’an gives the idea of peace and welfare for mankind on the basis of unity of mankind. The Holy Quran says:

“O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person.” (4:1)

The verse has two layers of interpretation namely historical interpretation and scientific interpretation. From the point of view of historical interpretation, the whole mankind has been created from a single father, Adam (as). He is the origin of the whole mankind. Everybody has been created from the same single unit. From the perspective of scientific interpretation, the verse shows that the whole mankind has been created from a single cell of life and that is zygote.

According to the historical and scientific approach, the origin of human life comes into the category of single unity. This unity (historically and scientifically) of the creation of mankind indicates that our destination is also the attainment of unity. We should work for uplift and unity of mankind. This uplift of mankind, its welfare and betterment is absolutely impossible without harmony, reconciliation and unity.

In his last sermon delivered to the believers, the Holy Prophet (saw) eliminated the unjust order imposed upon the mankind. That unjust order at that time was based on human degradation, social injustice, economic exploitation and political suppression. The Prophet of Islam (saw) inaugurated a new world order based upon four concepts namely respect for humanity, social equality, economic justice and political freedom.

The concept of human welfare is the basic target and we need to pool together all our resources for its attainment at personal, social and global levels. Any type of process of reform has to start from the personal level in Islamic scheme of things. Islam instructs and educates us that welfare should be achieved at every level by creating a balance and harmony between mundane and spiritual aspects of life. Human personality is a compact whole consisting of many parts, which are epitomized in the form of division of life between secular and spiritual aspects. Biological dimension of life is manifested in social, cultural, socio-cultural, psychological aspects and there is a need to take these factors into view too at the personal domain.

Efforts should also be made for the achievement of human welfare at the social level; the level of collective environment of our society. We have to work for the elimination of economic exploitation so that human welfare is achieved socially. We have to fight against political oppression and for educational uplift. We have to campaign for economic, social, cultural and spiritual welfare. This is not possible without eradication of hatred. There is no place for hatred in communities. Ideas and philosophies can be different but we need to look at the singularity of origin in spite of differences and plurality of ideas. Allah Almighty has created balance between singularity and plurality. It is this diversity, which brings about perfection, balance, tolerance and moderation in society. Historically speaking, people belonging to various religions have lived in Islamic societies as equal partners in the business of state and this aspect of multiculturalism figures quite prominently in Islamic societies.

From Islamic point of view, peace and human welfare at the global level owes itself to the acknowledgement of the following principles:

Firstly the right of survival and existence should be accepted equally. This right should be given to each and every country, state and society without any difference and superiority. The Holy Prophet (saw) rightly declared this fact:

“An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab and non-Arab is not superior to an Arab. Neither a black anyway better than a red nor a red is better than a black. The criterion for the superiority is only the element of piety.”

Superiority does not lie in colours but in character, in conduct and in moral values. Whether one is living a human life or wild life, superiority rests in character only. So we need to work for peaceful coexistence, which is possible only when we recognize the right of others to live. Our motto should be “to live and let others live”.

The principle of non-interference is the basis upon which the edifice of global peace and welfare can be erected. If nations and societies respect the sanctities of national sovereignties of others and do not indulge in any type of adventurism, global peace stands ensured.

Islam does not approve of extremism of any kind. It is a religion of balance and moderation. So in true Islamic society, extremism is discouraged at every level because it has the potential of spoiling peace, calmness and order at every level of society.

Since Islamic state believes in equal rights, so it does not believe in any act of coercion. Islamic state disapproves hegemony. It has its faith in equality. Everyone has rights – some by birth and some given by state.

Islam is against terrorism and condemns all of its forms and manifestations. Terrorism negates all such values which Islam espouses. So by definition, Islamic state is a peaceful state where rights of all are secured constitutionally irrespective of one’s caste, creed, colour, race and religion. Islam holds that all members of Islamic society whether rulers or the ruled are equal in the eyes of law.

Given the enormous challenges posed to the peace of world, it is high time we made sincere efforts for peaceful coexistence among nations and religions. It is through joint struggle that we can defeat all such elements who want to create misunderstandings and confusions. We are all children of Adam (as) and have many similarities to share among us. Let our succeeding generations not say that we did not prove equal to the challenges.

By Sahibzada Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrain
(Central Ameer Minhaj-ul-Quran International)

Certainly there is for you in them a good model for him who has hope in Allah and the Last Day. But who so turns away, then Surely, Allah is All Self-sufficient, All Praised.

It may be that Allah will bring about friendship between you and those whom you hold to be your enemies among them. But Allah is All-Powerful. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Allah does not forbid you in respecting those who have not fought against you on account of (your) religion, and who have not expelled you out from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly. Surely, Allah loves the just ones.

Allah only forbids you in respect of those who have fought against you on account of (your) religion and expelled you from your homes and backed (others) in your expulsion, that you befriend them. And whoever makes friendship with them, these are the cruels. (Al-Quran- Chapter 60 (verse 6, 7,8,9)

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman

On behalf of Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran and its founder and PIC Sheikh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, all the office bearers of Tehreek and PAT, I welcome you to the Central Secretariat TMQ and wish you wonderful X-Mas. Of course, 25th Dec. is a day; highly honoured, bestowed and a day of blessings to the mankind, as one of the highly exalted and honoured Messengers of Allah, was sent to the Planet Earth for teaching love and harmony to the mankind; the straight path of Allah, the Dean-i-Islam and the true philosophy of human life. He was the second last of all prophets and came just before the Last Prophet the Holy Muhammad SAW. Quran; the last book of revelation as revealed to the Last Prophet Muhammad SAW, has expressly confirmed not only the Prophet hood of His Highness Jesus Christ (AS) but his spiritual distinctive signs as well. It tells us that Allah SWT gave Jesus(AS), the son of Mary (AS) clear signs and strengthened him with a holy spirit (Rooh-ul-Qudus)

“Allah (SWT) says the son of Mary (AS) held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.” It is the integral part of the Muslim faith that he has to believe in the truthfulness of all the Prophets whose names have been mentioned in Quran. He has also to believe in all the Books revealed to these Prophets. It is obligatory to all the Muslims to call Jesus; not only Jesus but His Highness Isa (PBUH) A Muslim calls his mother; Her Exalted Maryam (AS) A Muslim believes that she is the more respectable than all the women of the world.

Islam; the most enlightened and last religion of the world, is the religion of peace, tolerance and forbearance. One single devilish machination is sufficient to sow seeds of dissension and discord among human beings. The Satan does so with wickedness and ignorant people are taken in by his ruse. Man has to be extra cautious lest he is entrapped. In this context we may mention several faiths and creeds expounding, elucidating and analyzing the original inflammable mutual hate and bigotry. Islam discourages injudicious plots and instead preaches tolerance and patience for all. Quran is Sura Maaeda- verse 32 upholds that killing one person amounts to murdering the entire mankind and saving one life is like protecting the whole humanity.

According to Quran “There is no compulsion is faith” It maintains that no one is to be forced to convert to Islam. Mankind is like one body with limbs joined with each other. Humanity is their race and the planet earth is their homeland. The renowned occidentlist Comp Gobinow exclaims: “No religion is more tolerant of followers of other faiths than Islam”

Today; when we are jointly celebrating the X-mas, the Day of his Highness Hazrat Jesus crist PBUH, the day of joy, pleasure and a day of peace, tranquility and brotherhood, we must take it as a Day of pause and ponder. The choicest peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (SAW) and Hazrat Isa, (AS), who faithfully conveyed their messages to the mankind and practically demonstrated in their own sacred lives, perhaps we should pause and ponder on the causes of today’s terrorism, bloodshed, horror and hateredness throughout the world.

Human history, particularly the modern age events vividly testify that the major causes of “Terrorism” are:

1. Injustice
2. Exploitation and
3. Oppression

But Islam; the Din of Muslims and Christens strictly forbid injustice, exploitation and oppression. Again we should pause and ponder on the horrendous consequences of our actively and passively producing and supporting leaders who become heroes when they win and villains if they lose, they who in fact cause so much destruction and nuisance. Is it not a fact that people of the most of the powerful countries are active or passive party to producing private and worst state terrorism? Must we have a clash of civilizations? To cause millions to be orphans widows and home less? Must we continue to violate or help to violate the sanctity of human blood. Must we?

To-day, both the religions and both the Prophets; the second last and the Last (PBUT) do ask us to pause and ponder on all this.

Once again, I wish happy X-Mas to the followers of two great religions Christianity and Islam and thank you all for joining us.

by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

Islam is a religion, the edifice of which has been raised upon the foundation stone of peace. It is like a thick shady tree, stems from peace and provides peace to the weary and pooped bands of travellers. It is also a safe and peaceful highway leading towards the house of serenity and tranquillity (Dar-us-Salam).

The word Islam is of Arabic origin, stems from Salama means peace and therefore Islam is what, based upon peace or that produces and breeds peace. It means that the flesh and blood of Islam is peace, tranquillity and harmony. So a person embracing Islam is called “Muslim” or “Momin”(faithful) ie one who comes into the fold of Islam, enjoys peace and developing himself into the source and fountainhead of peace, provides the same to those around him regardless of their colour, race and creed. One who refutes this basic and central theme has nothing to do with Islam. Following tradition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) throws light on the same concept:

“The faithful is he, in whom people repose their confidence about their property and life.” (Tirmzi V.2, P.90) Allah Almighty has also been named in the Holy Qur’an as “Salam” (The Giver of peace and the Keeper of faith. 59:24) .

The etymology of the word Islam reveals that Islam is the synonym of peace and denies every form of terror and oppression. It enjoins upon believers to sink their aspirations into the Divine Will and enter completely and wholeheartedly into the fold of Islam (peace). (2:208). Islam stresses the propagation of peace and the Muslims all over the world, conclude their prayers, five times a day, asking Allah Almighty for peace:

“O Allah! The Giver and Keeper of peace, keep us alive in peace and admit us into the house of peace (in the life hereafter).” (Muslim V.1, P:218)

Islamic history bears the testimony to the fact that Islam is the only religion across the globe that can claim to be the most peaceful religion, which abhors the spillage of blood of innocent people. From Asia to Africa to Europe wherever the Muslims established their authority, the first priority was to maintain order and peace. There is no denying the fact that it was the very characteristic of Islam that dwelt into the hearts of the non-believers and enveloped them into its benevolent fold.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself set an unsurpassed example of mercy by declaring amnesty to those who depleted all of their human and financial resources and exhausted all of their energies to annihilate the Muslims from the face of earth. A non-Muslim historian Stanley Lane Poole pays homage to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on his above mentioned act of mercy in the following words:

“The day of Muhammad’s (PBUH) greatest triumph over his enemies was also the day of his grandest victory over himself. He forgave the Qoraish all the years of sorrow and cruel scorn in which they had afflicted him and gave an amnesty to the whole population of Makkah.” He further states: “The army followed his example, and entered quietly and peacefully; no house was robbed, no women insulted.” He concludes the account of the glorious entry of The Holy Prophet (PBUH) into the Makkah, saying:

“It was thus Mohammad (PBUH) entered again his native city, through all the annals of conquest there is no triumphant entry comparable to this one.” (The Speeches and Table Talk of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) (PBUH).

The details, cited above, portray the vivid picture of Islam, the vivacious colours of which cannot be darkened by the filthy propaganda campaign launched by the Western media backed by the Western governments in the name of guarding their so-called “National Interest”. No doubt the propaganda is not based upon their hatred against Islam as a religion. It flows out of the fears and apprehensions regarding Islamic revival as a political power, that they consider, is detrimental to their “National Interest”.

Thus to put a curb on the activities of Islamic Movements aiming at Islamic Renaissance, they go to the extent of violating even their own centuries old democratic values by supporting tyrant dictatorial regimes in Islamic countries. The campaign swelled following the soul-searching and mind-boggling mass destruction of September 11 in the American cities of Washington and New York. Going by the tradition the champions of peace pointed their fingers at Islam. But how a peaceful religion like Islam can allow its followers to fall into the abyss of ignorance by sabotaging world peace? How can the followers of such a religion seize the fundamental right of life of the innocent people? It is impossible for a Muslim to commit such horrendous acts and claim to be true believer as it is the negation of the true spirit of Islam.

In the end I would like to leave an introspective comparison of a Christian writer Mr Arthur Gilman for the champions of Western media who are breathing fire at Muslims and leave no stone unturned to distort the fair picture of Islam. Mr Gilman says: “In comparison, for example with the cruelty of the crusaders, who, in 1099, put seventy thousand Muslims, men, women and helpless children to death when Jerusalem fell into their hands; or with that of the English army, also fighting under the Cross, which in the year of grace 1874 burned an African capital, in its war on the Gold Coast, Muhammad’s (PBUH) victory was in very truth one of religion and not of politics; he rejected every token of personal homage, and declined all regal authority; and when the haughty chiefs of Qoraishites appeared before him he asked: ” What can you expect at my hands? “Mercy, O generous brother. “Be it so; you are free! He exclaimed. (The Saracens)

The reason demands that a realistic approach aimed at getting down to the core of the matter should be pursued instead of hurling the blame at any religion so that the life may be worth living in this world.

“There is a constant talk of peace in the entire world today and war on terror is being fought to establish elusive peace. There is no denying this truth that terrorists are not only enemies of peace but also of entire humanity. The peaceful forces should struggle against them but the questions arise here as to who fanned terrorism? Who opened this front? The situation was not as volatile as today ten years ago. Where have the army of terrorists appeared from all of a sudden? Is it not likely that the global forces fighting terrorism have also been responsible in creating this monster and now the whole world is being made victim to clash of civilization in the name of establishment of peace?

“Condemnation of terrorism is not sufficient for the establishment of peace only. Rather real enemies of peace should be identified first. The second important thing is that Northern Areas of Pakistan, FATA, Wazirastan, and Swat have historically been known as peaceful areas where religious-minded but simple people reside. These areas are even without basic necessities of life. Majority of people are poor and earn their livelihoods through day-long labour.

“What revolution has come about in these regions in a period of last three years that these people have turned against their country and started confronting army and other security forces? From where have arms and ammunition come in large quantities and who is providing people with expertise to take on a state and its army? Who is providing training, weapons and money to terrorists? As it is now being openly and clearly said that foreign powers are supporting terrorism, what role has our former and present governments including the provincial ones performed to address the problem? Why did they allow it to grow amidst our polity? Drone attacks have become a routene in northren area of Pakstan. The first thing that needs to be mentioned here is that Drone attack constitutes an attack on security and sovereignty of an independent country. Why did the government allow the US to violate our territorial integrity and at what forum? Suppose these attacks are meant to target terrorists, why has no detail of these terrorists been published in the press?

“In the similar manner, our army stakes claim to killing scores of terrorists each day but never has their identity been established? Local people are getting caught up in the crossfire between security forces and terrorists and are losing their lives for no fault of their own. The remainder of them, who are lucky enough to be spared, get maimed and injured for life. What type of peace is being established here? There is another noteworthy point that why are people who are involved in spreading mischief and who have even threatened the US many a time being spared and not taken out by US’ drone hits? Why it is so that many citizens of Pakistan have been picked up on mere suspicion but hundreds of people living in Afghanistan and adjoining areas who are involved in open warfare have been given carte blanche to operate?

“The semi-literate leaders and commanders of terrorist organizations brief media and unveil their plans to target their adversaries and still their location is not identified, which might result in their capture in this day and age of satellite. These questions are brain-teaser for a man with normal IQ and intelligence level. To top it all, what is matter of more concern is the fact that the longer the war on terror is getting, the more terrorism is spreading instead of getting eliminated.

“This war was exported to the tribal regions of Pakistan from Afghanistan and now it is directed at Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, Dera Ismail Khan, Peshwar—the mainland Pakistan. The situation has reached such alarming levels that our Mosques, sacred places, religious institutions and hospitals are not being spared.

“We are, no doubt, living in critical and perilous times but our national habit of blame game or being content with expressions of condemnation could not protect us from this raging fire of extremism and terrorism. Whatever be the source of attack on our sovereignty be it external or internal, we need to formulate a serious and dynamic national policy. Major responsibility of taking much-needed initiatives rests on the government. Our parliament has already passed a consensus resolution against terror and there is a need to fully implement this national consensus into policy framework. Our national leadership including religious, political and military needs to act and act fast. Some points are instructive in this regard:

• We need to reassess, re-evaluate and reformulate our foreign policy having the potential and dynamism to draw clear lines between our friends and foes.
• We should rethink our relationships with India, Afghanistan and especially the US in the light of our national interests.
• The tendency to look towards others for protection of our sovereignty and national security will have to be shunned as no one including any Islamic country would come to our rescue. National solidarity should be promoted instead as necessary part of self-reliance initiative.
• We need to clarify our position vis-à-vis war on terror and apprehensions of international community in the larger interest of durable peace by employing robust diplomacy.
• Taliban have become an identity and representative of a particular religious mindset. Some religious scholars of Pakistan regard them as their brainchild. Therefore, heavy responsibility lies on their shoulders to take initiative and make Taliban understand the real concept of religion so that they (Taliban) do not end up defaming Islam and undermining the only atomic Islamic state by becoming stooge in the hands of anti-Pakistan elements.”

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Dr. Haifa Javad was the second main speaker and her talk dealt with the topic of Jihad in contemporary Muslim Politics. She linked this concept to historical examples of e.g. Salah ad-Din in order to illustrate that Jihad was mutually related to the principle of justice in particular. Hence means does not justify the ends, rather noble ends requires noble means.

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad added an academic dimension to what Lord Nazir initiated. Shaykh Murad started with a historical perspective and described the conditions of the Muslims during the Inquisition in Al-Andalus (Spain) starting in the late fifteenth century. The trials of past were more severe than the current challenges faced in the West. Muslims should accordingly remember that history was in Allahs control and that it functions as a lesson for the successive generations. Shaykh Murad perceived modernity as a new form of materialist ideology. Still the response to modernity should not be merely screaming (i.e. polemical), rather a firm belief in tawhid (unity of Allah), which will lead to sabr (patience), which leads toward a condition of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and eventually a state of shukr (gratitude) among Muslims. When Muslims loose patience, they also loose gratitude, thus becoming reactionaries. This reactionary response is, according to Shaykh Murad, derived from European totalitarian intellectual history rather than Islam. Thus the key to success is patience and changing our hearts to become proper believers. Muslims should hence extend the Islamic concept of love to the humanity.

Shaykh Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri was the last of the main speakers to share his taught with the audience. His speech lasted for more that one and half hour and thus longer than all of the previous speakers put together. Shaykh Qadri touched upon several indispensable themes in a very structured manner starting with the peaceful nature of Islam. Though, the Shaykh emphasized that being peaceful is not about becoming defensive. However, the first main theme of Shaykh Qadri`s contribution was the principles of balance and tolerance. Balance is a principle of Islam that neutralizes extremism. Some reactionary Muslim groups, according to Shaykh Qadri, use attractive slogans in an attempt to attract followers, despite of these slogans being against the wisdom of the Quran and the Sunnah. These groups do therefore follow the same approach as the early Muslim sectarian group known as the Kharijites (Khawarij). Hence Muslims have to follow the hukm (rule, i.e. the Quran) with hiqmah (wisdom, i.e. the Prophet`s Sunnah) in order to avoid any form of Muslim extremism and thus maintain the balance too.

The second main theme of Shaykh Qadri`s contribution was to clarify the concept of Jihad. The term means struggle or effort and there are five levels of Jihad. The first level is the struggle for human self-purification, the second level is the struggle for attaining and spreading of knowledge, the third level is the struggle for the practice of righteousness, the fourth level is the struggle of spending in charity and the fifth stage is the struggle of killing (Qital), i.e. physically defensive or pre-emptive. Shaykh Qadri emphasised that one precondition of the fifth level of jihad is that it is not permissible to engage if one`s expectation/changes of loosing are greater than winning.

As a whole, the symposium was very well arranged, in spite of being slightly delayed. The quality of all the speakers was impeccable and did leave the audience enlightened on the topic concerned. The academic contribution of the speakers was very good and original, avoiding mere polemics. What Lord Nazir, Dr. Haifa, Shaykh Murad and Shaykh Qadri said was a positive contribution toward clarifying prevalent misconceptions about Islam/Muslims and terrorism in the post 9/11 environment.

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Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri explains many significant evidences based on authentic sources including the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW); evidences that establish the basic teachings and core values that Islam embeds into the hearts of its believers- values and teachings that strictly and completely refute any form of extremism or terrorism.

Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri further discusses on the fact that such misconception about Islam are intentionally designed and dispersed through various means such as the media to create an endless conflict between the West and the Muslims.  The lecture emphasizes on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as being a mercy to the whole of the universe and not exclusively just for Humans or Muslims alone.

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