Review or Religions March 2014

The Maori People 8

First Ever Maori Translation of the Qur’an 15

Religious Trends in New Zealand 26

World Peace - The Critical Need of the Time 46

VOL. 109 - ISSUE THREEMARCH 2014 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG

DEEPENING DIVISIONS – IS A WORLD WAR LOOMING?

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied that the Promised Messiahas would be raised near a white minaret, east of Damascus. This prophecy was fulfilled with the advent of the Promised Messiahas

from Qadian, India, a city directly east of Damascus.

The Promised Messiahas

and imam mahdi

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India. From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and developed a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve. Over time his knowledge and understanding of religion and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim it was his firm belief that all religions were true at their source but with the passage of time had drifted away from their original teachings; he upheld the dignity of religion and demonstrated its relevance to everyone.

His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah

– a blessing that he continued for the rest of his life.

His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It was through this that he would bring mankind together and establish everlasting peace.

In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Ahmadas founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – a community that has since grown in its stature and strength and has remained active in conveying the message of Islam to the ends of the earth.

Hazrat Ahmadas had established himself as a respected writer and had written over 80 books. His writings have been translated into more than 60 languages and continue to inspire readers to this day. One of his greatest scholarly works was The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, prepared as a paper and read out at the Conference of Great Religions in 1896.

He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence of Jesus’sas journey to India. In 1902, the Promised Messiahas initiated The Review of Religions which has covered a vast array of topics on religion, philosophy and contemporary issues of the day. It is the longest running English magazine in defence of Islam and the values it teaches.

From 1889 until the time of his demise in 1908 tens of thousands of people accepted him. This blessing has continued and will continue through his Khulafa (successors).

Currently under the fifth successor, we are seeing that the tide of acceptance is worldwide and that the message of Prophet Ahmadas has really reached the ends of the earth.

© m

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founder of the review of religions

And if thy Lord had enforced His Will, surely, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Will thou, then, force men to become believers? And no soul can believe except by the permission of Allah. ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR’AN, CH.10:V.100-101.

A man among the Muslims and a man among the Jews reviled one another. The Muslim said, “By Him who chose Muhammad above the universe,” and the Jew said, “By Him who chose Moses above the universe.” Thereupon the Muslim raised his hand and struck the Jew on his face, and the Jew went to the Prophet and told him what had happened between him and the Muslim. The Prophet summoned the Muslim and asked him about that, and when he informed him the Prophet said, “Do not make me superior to Moses, for mankind will swoon on the day of resurrection and I shall swoon along with them. I shall be the first to recover and see Moses seizing the side of the Throne; and I shall not know whether

he was among those who had swooned and had recovered before me, or whether he was among those of whom God had made an exception.... Do not make distinctions between the Prophets.”ISLAM, THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMADSA, HADITH OF BUKHARI AND MUSLIM.

Our God has never discriminated between one people and another. This is illustrated by the fact that all the potentials and capabilities (Prophets) which have been granted to the Aryans (Hindus) have also been granted to the races inhabiting Arabia, Persia, Syria, China, Japan, Europe and America. ISLAM, THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS, A MESSAGE OF PEACE, P.6.

Our rabbis have taught, “We support the poor of the heathen along with the poor of Israel, visit the sick of the heathen along with the sick of Israel, and bury the [dead] poor of the heathen along with the dead of Israel, in the interests of peace.”JUDASIM, TALMUD, SOTA 14A.

Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.CHRISTIANITY, BIBLE, 1 PETER 2:12.

Those who praise their own doctrines and disparage the doctrines of others do not solve any problem.JAINISM, SUTRAKRITANGA, 1:1.50.

Religious Tolerance & Respect

WORLD FAITHS

6278

46

CONTENTS

8 Notes & CommentsThe Maori PeopleHARRIS ZAFAR, PORTLAND, USA

16 Revelation, Inspiration, Vision and Dream

How do we define ‘revelation’?HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS, THE PROMISED

MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI

26 Religious Trends in New Zealand – Diversity on the Rise

New Zealand has a strong liberal tolerance policy. TAZEEN AHMAD, MARYLAND, USA

34 Dispelling the Misconceptions of a Mosque

Are people’s fears of mosques justified?HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMADABA, HEAD OF THE

WORLDWIDE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY,

KHALIFATUL MASIH V

46 World Peace – The Critical Need of the Time

With deepening divisions between countries, is a world war looming?HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMADABA, HEAD OF THE


KHALIFATUL MASIH V

62 Illuminating Peace in CrawleyCan a mosque really be a means to spread love and peace?HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMADABA, HEAD OF THE


KHALIFATUL MASIH V

78 An Antepodean Trip of PeaceKhalifah of the Promised Messiahvisits New ZealandADAPTED FROM AN URDU ARTICLE

BY ABDUL MAJID TAHIR

MARCH 2014 VOL.109 ISSUE THREE

The English Rendering of the 5 Volume Commentary of the Holy Qur’an One of the most insightful commentaries of the Holy Qur’an ever written.

Commentary by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad(ra)

Read it online at: http://www.alislam.org/quran/Or Purchase the print version at: http://store.alislam.org/

© A

MA

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M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D

Chairman: Munir-Ud-Din Shams

Secretary: Syed Amer Safir

Board Members: Mubarak Ahmad Zaffar, Ataul Mujeeb

Rashed, Naseer Qamar, Abdul Baqi Arshad, Abid

Waheed Ahmad Khan, Aziz Ahmad Bilal

C H I E F E D I T O R & M A N A G E R

Syed Amer Safir

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Bockarie Tommy Kallon, Fazal

Ahmad, Hassan Wahab, Hibba Turrauf, Jonathan Butterworth,

Mansoor Saqi, Munazza Khan, Murtaza Ahmad, Nakasha

Ahmad, Navida Syed, Sarah Waseem, Tariq H. Malik

W E B D E V E L O P E R & I T

Hibba Turrauf, Mubashra Ahmad

A S S O C I A T E E D I T O R S

Nakasha Ahmad, Tariq H. Malik (Sub-Editor: Mariam Rahman)

S U B - E D I T O R S

Head: Hibba Turrauf

Sub-Editors: Ayesha Malik, Nusrat Haq, Maryam Malik,

H O U S E S T Y L E G U I D E

Head: Maleeha Ahmad Team: Sadia Shah, Humaira Omer

P R O O F R E A D E R S

Head: Munawara Ghauri. Deputy: Farhana Dar. Proofreaders:

Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan, Hina Rahman, Amina Abbasi

S T A F F W R I T E R S & R E S E A R C H E R S

Arif Khan, Tazeen Ahmad

D I S T R I B U T I O N / S U B S C R I P T I O N

Head: Mohammad Hanif

Team: Sami Ullah

A R T E D I T O R

S. Taalay Ahmad

P R I N T E D I T I O N D E S I G N E R

Ahsan Khan

I N D E X I N G / T A G G I N G T E A M

Head: S. Taalay Ahmad. Deputy: Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed.

Team: Humaira Omer, Humda Sohail, Mirza Krishan Ahmad,

Ruhana Hamood, Mubahil Shakir, Adila Bari, Hassan Raza Ahmad

T W I T T E R

Hibba Turrauf, Mala Khan, Nudrat Ahmad

NOTE ABOUT REFERENCES

Verse references to the Holy Qur’an count ‘Bismillah…’ (In the Name of Allah…) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted. Should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the number quoted in this journal.For the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘sa’ or ‘(saw)’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used normally in small letters. They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘as’ or ‘(as)’ after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or ‘(ra)’

stands for ‘Raziallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘rh’ or ‘(rh)’ for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him. In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc.

Like countless people around the world, I watched with great interest as His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba – the worldwide spirit-ual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Islamic world’s only Khalifah – made his historic 8-day visit to New Zealand beginning on the 28th of October, 2013. His Holiness not only inaugurated the beautiful new Baitul Muqeet Mosque in Auckland, but also delivered a keynote address at the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington and presided over the 25th annual Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) in New Zealand – all the while meeting with countless members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

While I marvelled at the significance of the Khalifah’s entire tour through New Zealand – as part of his ongoing

tremendous effort to meet and connect with people of all cultures to foster peace – I particularly enjoyed learning about His Holiness’ exploration of and interac-tion with the indigenous Maori culture and community in New Zealand. I was inspired and touched when the Khalifah met the Maori King, Tuheitia Paki, at the Turangawaewae Marae, which is a very sacred complex for the Maoris and head-quarters for the Maori King. The complex is used as the venue where the King or Queen host highly revered world fig-ures who visit New Zealand (e.g. Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela are among those who have been welcomed into the Turangawaewae Marae). It was at this complex where not only His Holiness was welcomed and honoured by the Maori King and his people, but also where His Holiness presented the Maori King with the first ever Maori

The Maori People

Harris Zafar, Portland, USA

notes & comments

8 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | MARCH 2014

translation of the Holy Qur’an – Islam’s holy scripture.

This trip to the Turangawaewae Marae by His Holiness brought back many memo-ries of the three months I had spent in New Zealand in 2005 for work purposes. I recalled the fortunate opportunity to meet Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Munir, the man who undertook the enormous task of translating the Holy Qur’an into the Maori language. He graciously welcomed me into his home, which was next to the building that was being used as a mosque at the time. While drinking tea, he showed me his work and explained his incredibly inspirational story of com-ing to the country to learn the language, in order to translate the Qur’an’s Arabic script into Maori. It was nothing short of amazing.

This has become a hallmark of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which endeavours for all people of the world to benefit from the infinite wisdom and guidance housed within the Qur’an. The Arabic word Qur’an itself means a book that is meant to be read and conveyed to people. To this end, His Holiness has expressed the mission of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to share the beauty and Divine wisdom of the Qur’an in all languages of the world. During his address at the Turangawaewae Marae, His Holiness stated: ‘The Qur’an teaches people how to live together in peace and certainly today we need love, peace and reconciliation to spread far and wide – that is the message of the Qur’an.’1

His Holiness’ words follow the message of the Promised Messiahas, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community,

© Patricia Hofmeester / Shutterstock.com

MARCH 2014 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 9

who stated: ‘The Holy Qur’an is the springhead of real blessings and is the true source of salvation.’2 For this rea-son, the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has translated the Qur’an into more than 70 languages – more than any other single Muslim organisation in the world.

While in New Zealand, I endeavoured to engage in travel and sight-seeing as much as possible. This gave me an oppor-tunity not only to learn more about New Zealand and its history but also to learn about the native Maori peo-ple and culture. In particular, I enjoyed my experience in Rotorua, a city on the North Island about 140 miles southeast of Auckland by car. Rotorua is primarily

known for its geothermal activity, hot bubbling mud pools, geysers and hot thermal springs – which along with the botanical gardens, provide for great sight-seeing activities. The initially pun-gent smell of sulfur in Rotorua is quickly forgotten as one experiences fascination for the unique natural beauties of this city.

One of my most memorable activities in Rotorua was when I visited the Tamaki Maori Village on the outskirts of the city – a highly acclaimed tourist activity that aims to give visitors (who are grouped into ‘tribes’) a glimpse into the historic culture and way of living of the Maori people. Upon arrival, everyone greets each other with the Maori greeting of


‘Kia Ora’ (pronounced kee-ora), which wishes a person to be well and healthy. We also learned how to greet one another with the hongi – a traditional greeting in which two people press their noses and foreheads to one another. This is the same greeting that was exchanged between the Maori King, Tuheitia Paki, and His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, during his visit with the King at the Turangawaewae Marae.

After all the tribes arrived outside the village, they were gathered outside the marae for the ceremonial welcome by the village. Everyone stood to the side while each tribe chief stood in the middle of the courtyard to receive what is called the Powhiri, or a welcome ceremony

that entails not only singing but, more prominently, a fierce welcome challenge performed by a warrior wielding a large spear-like weapon. The Powhiri was also performed for His Holiness when he arrived to meet the King as is a com-mon ceremonial welcome at maraes and formal gatherings. Such ceremonies and preserved villages offer a robust glimpse into the proud and historic Maori civi-lisation as it would have existed before European settlers began arriving in the 1800s.

The Turangawaewae Marae, the sacred complex for the Maoris and HQ for the Maori King. The Maori King can be seen seated beside the Khalifah of the Promised Messah in this historic meeting.


The Maoris have a rich culture, which has been preserved centuries after New Zealand was colonised by the British. Their King and ceremonies are signifi-cant because the native culture of New Zealand has not only been preserved but

also accepted in modern society. People of native Maori decent have more of a presence and prominent role in society as compared to the native populations of other countries. Unfortunately, the Native Americans and the Aborigines of Australia, for example, have not had their identities, cultures and histories pre-served in their lands to the same degree. Although possessing no legal authority in the New Zealand government, the Maori King symbolises a certain unity of the Maori people. When established in 1858, this position of authority was meant to be a counterpart to the British monarchs,

His Holiness’ words follow the message of the Promised Messiahas, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who stated: ‘The Holy Qur’an is the springhead of real blessings and is the true source of salvation.’

Maori King being gifted by the Khalifah of the Promised Messiah with first ever Maori transalation of Holy Qur’an.


but the rule of the King has never truly united the Maori people, as the history of the Maori dynasty exhibits significant dissension and factions. Today, although all Maori tribes do not recognise the King as their ruler, he is still considered the chief of many important Maori tribes and, thus, an important figure within the Maori culture. The Maori King now makes appearances on significant occa-sions, such as the opening of a facility or a funeral of a chief. According to the New Zealand Herald, the King speaks publicly only once a year,3 which made his willingness to meet with the Khalifah a significant moment. His Holiness met with the King in order to foster greater levels of understanding and kinship and thus, establish peace and equitable relationships among all peoples. This is based on the Islamic injunction to enjoin charity, goodness and peace among and between all peoples.

So great was the impact of this visit between these two leaders that the Maori King also graciously decided to visit the grand opening of the new mosque that His Holiness came to inaugurate in Auckland. This unprecedented visit by the King demonstrated the friendship and respect that had been established between him and the Khalifah.

As I learned more about the Maori peo-ple, what appealed to me was the Maori belief in the oneness of everything that exists. They subscribe to the belief that all human beings are related to one another. This reminded me of the teaching from Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who once wrote ‘We belong to the same denomination of God’s species and are referred to as humans. Furthermore, as inhabitants of the same country, we are mutual neighbours. This requires that we become friends to each other, with purity of heart and sincerity of intentions. We should dispose kindly to each other and be mutually helpful. In the difficulties pertaining to religious and worldly mat-ters, we should exercise such sympathy towards each other as if we have become limbs of the same body.’4

The Maoris believe that humans are related to all living beings and creatures that come from the Earth Mother. This belief builds a powerful spiritual and mystic sense of connectedness among all of God’s Creation. This reminds me of the Islamic concept of taking care of the environment and all of God’s Creation. It is recorded that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa once said: ‘If a


Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity on his part.’5 Thus, we are reminded that we all are the creation of the Almighty and it is our responsibility to take care of all of His creation.

I deeply value the Maori people I met during my short stay in New Zealand and I am glad they were blessed with the opportunity to meet His Holiness. It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to learn from one another, see our com-monalities and strengthen our bonds of love and kinship.

endnotes

1. “Press Release: Muslim Leader Presents Quran to Maori King,” AlIslam.org, 29 October, 2013, http://www.alislam.org/egazette/press-release/muslim-leader-presents-quran-to-maori-king/.

2. Translated from Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 181

3. “Maori King speaks of challenges,” The New Zealand Herald, 22 August, 2011, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/te-reo-maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=336&objectid=10746653.

4. Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, A Message of Peace (Tilford UK: Islam International Publications, 2007), p.5.

5. Imam Nawawi, Riyadh as-Salihin (Gardens of the Righteous), Translated by Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra, (London, UK: Curzon Press Ltd, 1975), p.35.

If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity on his part.’


Karanu Tapu1st Ever Translation of the Holy Qur’an into the Maori Language!This is truly a remarkable and newsworthy item. For the first time in history, a Te Reo Mauri version of the Holy Qur’an, now known in Maori as Karanu Tapu, is available to the Maoris, through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The Maori people form roughly 15% of the population of New Zealand.

Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Munir, an Ahmadi resident of New Zealand who learnt the Maori language and then set about this enormous task, spent 20 years to complete this translation. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, personally gifted a copy of the translation to the Maori King. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has now translated the Holy Qur’an into more than 70 languages of the world.

The Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa 1500 years ago as a universal message for all peoples, nations and races. This translation of the Holy Qur’an enables for the True Message of God to become accessible to another section of the world community.

Revelation, Inspiration, Vision & Dream

hazrat mirza ghulam ahmadas, the promised messiah and imam mahdi

I tell you truly that every door can be closed but the door of the descent of the Holy Spirit is never closed. Open the doors of your

hearts so that it might enter into them.

What is Revelation?We present extracts from the writings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias, on revelation. These are republished from the second volume of Essence of Islam.

What a pity! They say that revelation has come to an end;Now this Ummah will have to depend on old tales to the Day of Judgement

Surely this belief is against the Word of God;But who would shed the weight of this age-old yoke?

That God still appoints whomsoever He wishes to be a recipient of revelation (Kalim);He still speaks to whom He loves

Why do you discard the gem of Divine revelation? Take heed!For this alone is the source of honour and distinction for the faith

This is the flower which has no peer in the garden;This is the fragrance before which

the musk of Tataristan pales into insignificance

This is the key, which opens up the gates of heavens;This is the mirror, which shows us the countenance of the Beloved

This is the only weapon which guarantees our victory;This alone is the fortress, the citadel of security

In Islam, this alone is the instrument of attaining knowledge of the Divine;Mere tales cannot help a person out of the raging storm

Divine revelation alone is the sign of knowing God;Whoever receives it, also finds the Eternal Friend

How wonderful is the garden of love! The

Why do you discard the gem of Divine revelation? Take heed! For this alone is the source of honour and distinction for the faith


passage to which lies through the valley of death;Whose fruit is the communion with the Beloved even though it is surrounded by thorny bushes.1

Revelation is a message from the hidden, which does not depend upon any reflec-tion or deep thinking. It is clear and open feeling as a hearer has about a speaker, or one beaten has about the beater, or one touched has about him who touches him. The soul does not experience any spiritual pain on its account. The soul has an eternal accord with revelation, which it enjoys as a lover finds pleasure in beholding the beloved. It is a deli-cious communication from God which is called revelation.2

What is Revelation?By revelation is not meant something that arises in the mind as a result of thinking and reflection, like that which a poet experiences in writing his verses. He writes a verse and reflects about the next one and it suddenly arises in his mind. This is not revelation; it is a conse-quence of thought and reflection, which flows from the law of nature. Anyone who thinks about good things or evil things finds that something arises in his mind in consonance with his thinking and his search. For instance, a good and righteous person writes some verses in support of truth and another one, who is wicked, supports falsehood in his verses and abuses the righteous. Each of them will produce some verses and it should be no matter for surprise that the enemy of the righteous who writes in support of falsehood may, on account of greater practice, write better verses than the other one. Thus, if anything arising in the mind were to be called revelation, a wicked poet, who is the enemy of truth and of the righteous and always abuses the truth and indulges in imposture, would be deemed the recipient of Divine revelation. Works of fiction contain many affecting passages and the minds of authors are able to produce a series of writings on purely fictitious subjects,

revelation, inspiration, vision & dream

Works of fiction contain many affecting passages and the minds of authors are able to produce a series of writings on purely fictitious subjects, but they cannot be called revelation.


but they cannot be called revelation. If revelation were the name of any idea aris-ing in the mind, a thief could be called a recipient of revelation for he can think of clever ways of robbery and ingenious plans of housebreaking and manslaughter cross his mind. We cannot call all this revelation. This is the thinking of peo-ple who have no clear notion of the True God, Who comforts the hearts with His converse and bestows the understanding of spiritual knowledge on those who are not familiar with it.

What is revelation? It is God’s converse in living and powerful words with a chosen servant or with one whom He desires to choose. When this converse starts in an abundant and satisfactory manner and is free from the darkness of false thinking and is not confined to a few scattered and incomplete phrases, and is delicious and is full of wisdom and majesty, it is the Word of God by which He desires to comfort His servant and through which He manifests Himself to him. Sometimes a communication is made only for the purpose of a trial and is not accompanied by all the characteristic blessings of revelation. A servant of God Almighty is thereby tried whether by tasting a little of revelation he adjusts his circumstances to those of true recipients

of revelation or fails to do so. Then if he does not adopt true righteousness, he is deprived of the perfection of this bounty and is left with only vain boasting.

Millions of good people receive rev-elation but they have not all the same rank in the estimation of Allah. Even the Prophets who are the recipients of clear revelation are not all equal in rank, as God Almighty has said that some Messengers are superior to others.

3

لينا إ رجعيـن قويل فل م يف شك حد أ اكن نإ و

هو وهللا عىل ما نقول قدير و .بصدق إلقدم ـرمر نصيأ يف لك

It shows that revelation is pure grace and is not the insignia of rank. Rank depends upon the degree of sincerity and fidelity, which is known only to God. Revelation when accompanied by its blessed con-ditions is also a fruit of sincerity and fidelity. There is no doubt that if rev-elation takes the form of question and answer in a proper sequence and is char-acterised by Divine majesty and light and comprises hidden matters or true under-standing, then it is Divine revelation. For Divine revelation, it is necessary that there should be converse between the servant and his Lord as there is converse between friends when they meet. When the servant asks a question and in reply


hears a delicious and eloquent speech from God Almighty, in which there is nothing of his own thinking and reflec-tion and such converse becomes a bounty, then it is Divine speech and such a serv-ant is dear to God. But this degree of revelation, which is a bounty, and is liv-ing, pure, clear, and unsullied, is bestowed only upon those who march forward in their faith, sincerity, righteous action, and also in what is simply ineffable. True and holy revelation demonstrates great won-ders of the Divine. On many occasions, a brilliant light appears and along with it a majestic and shining revelation is conveyed.

What could be greater than a recipient of revelation conversing with the Being Who is the Creator of heaven and earth? The beholding of God in this world is

to converse with God. By this, we do not mean that condition in which some odd word, phrase or verse might flow from the tongue of a person without being accompanied by a direct address. A person who has such an experience is being tried. He casts about like a blind one and does not know the source of the communication whether it is from God or from Satan. Such a one should have recourse to Istighfar [seeking forgiveness from God for one’s sins]. But if a good and righteous person begins to receive Divine communication without obstruc-tion, a bright, delicious communication which is full of wisdom, in majestic terms and in complete wakefulness, and there has passed between him and God Almighty a series of at least ten questions and answers in the course of which God accepted his prayers a number of times and conveyed to him fine understandings and informed him of coming events, then such a person should be most grateful to God and should be wholly devoted to Him, in as much as God has of His pure grace chosen him out of all His servants and has made him heir to the righteous ones who have passed on before him. Such a bounty occurs rarely and is a mat-ter of good fortune. Everything beside it is of no value.


What could be greater than a recipient of revelation conversing with the Being Who is the Creator of heaven and earth? The beholding of God in this world is to converse with God.


Islam has always produced people of this rank and station. It is Islam alone in which God comes close to a serv-ant and talks to him. He speaks inside him and makes his heart His throne and draws him towards heaven and bestows upon him all the bounties that have been bestowed upon those who have gone before. It is a pity that the blind world does not appreciate how near a person can approach to God. They do not step forward themselves and when someone steps forward he is either dubbed a Kaafir [infidel] or is deified and is put in the place of God.4

Revelation Provides Comfort in DistressIt is idle to assert that revelation has no reality and is a vain thing, the harm of which is greater than its benefit. Such an assertion is made only by a person who has never tasted this pure wine and does not desire to have true faith. Such a one is happy with his habits and customs and never seeks to find out to what degree he believes in the Almighty God and how far his understanding extends, and what should he do so that his inner weaknesses are removed and a living change takes place in his morals, actions, and designs. He is not eager to cultivate that love

which should make his journey to the other world easy and whereby he should develop the inner quality of making spir-itual progress.

Everyone can understand that this heedless life is ever pulling a person downward, with his relationship with wife and children and with the bur-den of honour and good repute, which are all like heavy stones pressing him downwards. He is in need of a high power, which, by bestowing true sight and true vision upon him, should make him eager to behold the perfect beauty of God Almighty. That high power is Divine revelation that provides com-fort in distress. It enables a person to take his stand joyously and comfortably under mountains of misfortunes. That Imperceptible Being, Who confounds the reason and wisdom of all philoso-phers, manifests Himself only through revelation. He comforts the hearts of seekers and bestows contentment upon them and revives the half-dead ones by saying: I am present. It is true that the Holy Qur’an contains all the guidance, but when the Qur’an leads a person to the fountain of guidance, the first indica-tion of it is that he begins to experience converse with the Divine, whereby a revealing understanding of high degree



and a visible blessing and light is cre-ated and that cognition begins to be acquired which cannot be achieved by blind following or through intellectual theories, for they are all limited, full of doubts, defective, and incomplete. We need to extend our cognition directly: for the greater our cognition the greater will be our eagerness. With a defec-tive cognition, we cannot expect perfect eagerness. It is a matter of surprise how unintelligent those people are who do not consider themselves in need of that perfect means of approaching the truth upon which spiritual life depends.

It should be remembered that spiritual knowledge and spiritual understanding can be acquired only through revelation and visions, and until we achieve that standard of light our humanness cannot acquire any true understanding or true perfection...

Revelation is a Means of SalvationWe have been created for a great purpose, which is the true understanding of God; on that understanding depends our salva-tion. It delivers us from every impure and doubtful way and leads us to the edge of a pure and clear river. It can be acquired only through Divine revelation. When, being delivered entirely from our ego,

we dive deep with an eager heart into an unattainable Being, our humanness, having appeared in the court of Godhead, returns with some signs and lights from that world. Thus that which the worldly ones look upon with contempt is the only thing which brings a long-separated one in an instant to his Beloved and bestows comfort upon the lovers of the Divine. It relieves a person suddenly of all types of egoistic limitations; until that true light descends upon the heart, it is not pos-sible that the heart should be illumined. The imperfection of human reason and the limitations of current knowledge bear witness to the need of revelation.5

OBJECTION. The belief that God sends down His word from heaven is utterly wrong for the law of nature does not confirm it, nor do we ever hear a voice coming down from above. Revelation is the name given to those thoughts which arise in the minds of wise people by the use of reflection and observation, and that is all.

ANSWER: A truth which is well estab-lished and has been observed with their own eyes by numberless men of under-standing, and the proof of which can be found in every age by a seeker after


truth, suffers no harm by the denial of a person who is bereft of spiritual insight. If the thinking or defective knowledge of a person whose heart is wrapped up in coverings fails to confirm it, the truth cannot be considered as being outside the law of nature. For instance, if a person who is unaware of the power of attraction of a magnet and has never seen a mag-net, were to claim that a magnet is only a piece of stone and that he has never witnessed any such power of attraction in any stone, and therefore it is wrong to assert that a magnet has such a power for this is contrary to the law of nature. Then, would his assertion cast doubt on the well-established quality of a mag-net? Certainly not. All that his assertion would prove would be that he is stupid and ignorant who considers his own lack of knowledge as proof of non-existence of a reality and does not accept the evi-dence of thousands of people who have experience of it.

It is not possible to hold that every law of nature should be capable of being tested by every individual. God Almighty has created the human species with great diversity in their overt and covert facul-ties. For instance, some people possess very good sight, others are weak sighted and some are altogether blind. Those who

are weak sighted, when they find that those with good sight have perceived a thing from afar—for instance, they have sighted the crescent which they them-selves are unable to see—they do not deny it and think that their denial would only expose their weakness. The blind, of course, have nothing to say in such a mat-ter. In the same way, those who possess no sense of smell believe those serious and truthful people who speak of good smell and ill smell. They do not doubt them for they know that so many people do not tell lies and must be speaking the truth, and that without doubt their own sense of smell is lacking and that is why they are unable to experience any smell.

Men also differ in respect of their covert capacities. The capacities of some are of a low degree and are covered up by veils. Some have from ancient times possessed high and clear souls and have been the recipients of Divine revelation. For the former to deny the personal character-istics of the latter would be the same as if a blind one, or one with weak sight, were to deny the observations of one with excellent sight, or as if a person lacking the sense of smell should deny the expe-riences of one with a sense of smell.

Then to convince a person who denies



the existence of revelation, there are ways like the ways of convincing a per-son who denies the observations of the overt senses. For instance, if one who is congenitally bereft of the sense of smell should deny the existence of good and foul smell, and should assert that those who claim such a sense are liars or are mistaken, he can be persuaded to admit his mistake in the following manner. He should be asked to select a few pieces of clothing and should rub some with perfume and leave others untouched and thus test the sense of smell of a normal person, so that by repeated experiences he would be convinced of the existence

of this sense of smell and that there are to be found people who can distinguish between that which is fragrant and that which has no smell. In the same way, the existence of revelation can be proved to the satisfaction of a seeker after truth through repeated experiments. When hidden matters and secret mysteries which cannot be discovered through the experience of reason alone, are dis-closed to a recipient of revelation, and a revealed book is found to contain won-ders which are not to be discovered in any other book, a seeker after truth realises that Divine revelation is an established truth. If such a person possesses a pure soul, he himself, by treading on the right path can, to the extent of the illumination of his heart, have experience of Divine revelation like the Auliya’, whereby he acquires a certain knowledge of the rev-elation vouchsafed to the Messengers of God. For a seeker after truth who would sincerely express a desire to accept Islam, I am prepared to provide this means of satisfaction.

6

لينا إ رجعيـن قويل فل م يف شك حد أ اكن نإ و

هو وهللا عىل ما نقول قدير و .بصدق إلقدم ـرمر نصيأ يف لك

When hidden matters and secret mysteries which cannot be discovered through the experience of reason alone, are disclosed to a recipient of revelation, and a revealed book is found to contain wonders which are not to be discovered in any other book, a seeker after truth realises that Divine revelation is an established truth.


Fine Thought is not to be confused with RevelationTo imagine that the fine points that are disclosed to people through reflec-tion and observation are revelation, and that revelation is nothing more than this, is an error due to ignorance. Were it true that human thinking constituted Divine revelation then man also could have discovered the unseen by the use of his reflection and observation. It is obvi-ous, that however wise a person may be he cannot disclose anything hidden by merely reflecting on the matter. Nor can he exhibit any sign of Divine power. His speech indicates no sign of God’s Power and, however much he might reflect, he cannot discover the unseen which is beyond his reason and observation and his other senses. Nor is his speech or composition of such a high degree that no one can compete with him. Thus, there are enough reasons for a wise per-son to conclude that whatever a man might think in consequence of his own reflection, or observation, cannot be the Word of God. Had it been the Word of God, a person would have had access to all that is unseen and would have been able to expound those matters the expo-sition of which depends upon Divine power, inasmuch as it is necessary that the Work of God and the Word of God

should disclose Divine manifestations.

endnotes

1. Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 21, p. 137 (Eng. Translation, Essence of Islam, Vol 2, pp.45-46).

2. Purani Tehrirain, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 2, p. 20 (Eng. Translation, Essence of Islam, Vol 2, p.46)

3. Holy Qura’n, Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 254.

4. Islami Usul ki Philosophy, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 10, pp. 437-441 (Eng. Translation, Essence of Islam, Vol 2, pp.47-50).

5. Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 3, pp. 326-329 (Eng. Translation, Essence of Islam, Vol 2, pp.50-52).

6. If any one should doubt my word, let him come to me with sincerity. Allah has the power to do what I say and He is the Helper in every matter.


Religious Trends in New Zealand Diversity on the Rise

by tazeen ahmad, potomac, maryland, u.s.a.

Aerial View of Auckland CBD at night. © ChameleonsEye | shutterstock.com


Today, four out of every ten New Zealanders are no longer affili-ated with an organised religious

group. Christianity has taken the big-gest hit, losing followers in almost every denomination.

In the past seven years alone, mem-bership to New Zealand churches has fallen by 196,000, while the number of non-religious soared to a staggering 1.6 million, up 338,000 over the same period, according to figures released by the 2013 Census in November.

Major churches had the biggest losses with Anglicans leading the pack - losing close to 100,000 members; Presbyterians lost 70,000 members and the number of Catholics dropped by 16,000. Only

the Adventist and Evangelical churches managed to fight the trend by adding to their membership.

The difference is even more striking when comparing the religious landscape in 1991 to the 2013 data.

Today, Christians make up only 43 percent of the total population of the country, as opposed to 69 percent in 1991.

Photo: Anglican Church in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In New Zealand, secularity is effectively equated with the absence – or the absenting of – religion from public life,’ Pratt said. ‘Religion is regarded as a personal matter; something an individual chooses or not.


Today, Christians make up only 43 percent of the total population of the country, as opposed to 69 percent in 1991. The number of non-religious is a close second at 40 percent, followed by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Spiritualism and New Age religions and Judaism. Interestingly, New Zealand also has a significant number of people that object to being asked about their faith. University of Waikato professor Douglass Pratt, who specialises in religious stud-ies, attributes the trend of moving away from religion to a continued mispercep-tion that a secular society is a society that avoids religion altogether.

‘In New Zealand, secularity is effectively equated with the absence – or the absent-ing of – religion from public life,’ Pratt

said. ‘Religion is regarded as a personal matter; something an individual chooses or not.’

Pratt said that New Zealanders are toler-ant of all faiths but there is a ‘widespread ignorance of and apathy toward religion.’ The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings has been collecting data on religious affiliation since the early 20th century and their data corrobo-rates that while the vast majority of New Zealanders were affiliated with Christianity early on, that trend changed and over the past few decades, there has been a steady and significant decline in the number of Christians.

From 1991 to 2013, as Christian numbers dropped by 26 percent, other religions saw increases in their membership; with a 20 percent increase in the number of Hindus, 22 percent increase in Buddhists and 13 percent increase in Muslims.

The increase in membership of non-Christian religions mirrors recent immigration trends to the islands, though despite recent growth, they still account for only 5.7 percent of the total population.

There are 90,000 Hindus in New

According to the 2013 Census, the five largest ethnic groups are New Zealand European, Maori, Chinese, Samoan and Indian. The smallest ethnic groups include Greenlander, Sardinian and Latin American Creole.


Zealand, 25,000 more than there were in 2006 and 46,000 Muslims, an increase of 10,000 over the same period. Sikhs also doubled their number in the past seven years; currently having 20,000 members.The composition of the non-Christian population is highly diverse. For example, the 46,000 Muslims represent over 40 different countries including some 3,000 European Muslims and now about 750 Maori converts. The Muslim popula-tion has also seen a substantial jump in their numbers through increased migra-tion largely from India and Fiji but New Zealand Muslims hail from all parts of the world.

According to the 2013 Census, the five

largest ethnic groups are New Zealand European, Maori, Chinese, Samoan and Indian. The smallest ethnic groups include Greenlander, Sardinian and Latin American Creole.1

Today, people who identify themselves as European account for 74 percent of the total population, but other ethnicities continue to flourish and almost one out of eight people living in New Zealand are Asian. Hindi is now the fourth most

The 46,000 Muslims represent over 40 different countries including some 3,000 European Muslims and now about 750 Maori converts. Photo: The Baitul Muqeet Mosque built by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.


common language after English, Maori and Samoan.

The influx of Europeans to the country dates back to 1769 when James Cook, an English navigator, first landed on New Zealand soil. However, it was not until 1840 that large-scale settlement of Europeans, mainly from the United Kingdom, led to the colonisation of this island country.

The Europeans brought Christianity with them and the Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian churches all established themselves strongly, making Christianity the dominant religion of the country.

Notwithstanding the historical domi-nance of Christianity in New Zealand, the country has remained secular. However, that has not prevented reli-gion from playing a significant role throughout its history; dating as far back as 1300CE, when Maori settlers from Eastern Polynesia arrived on the island in canoes.

The Maori lived for several centuries in isolation, developing a unique culture that became known as the ‘Maori’, with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts.

Traditional Maori religion taught that everything, including natural elements and all living things are connected by common descent through genealogy. Accordingly, all things were thought of as possessing a life force or ‘mauri.’

The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand starting from the 17th century brought enormous change to the Maori way of life.2 Maori people gradually adopted

“The English navigator Captain James Cook sighted New Zealand on 6 October 1769, and landed at Poverty Bay two days later. He drew detailed and accurate maps of the country, and wrote about the Māaori people.” (The Encyclopedia of New Zealand - http://www.teara.govt.nz/)

Photo: Official portrait of James Cook in 1776 from the National Maritime Musuem, UK


many aspects of western society and culture, and in the early 19th century, many Maori embraced Christianity and its concepts.3

Large numbers of converts joined the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, both of which are still highly influential in Maori society. Christian prayer became the expected way to begin and end Maori public gath-erings of many kinds. Prayers were also made at the beginning of many new pro-jects, personal journeys and endeavours.Since the late 20th century, movement away from Christianity is evident among the Maori as well, with the resurgence of attempts to revive and recover lost pre-Christian spiritualities among the Maori; there has also been significant conversion among the Maori to Islam.

In the 2013 Census, there were approxi-mately 600,000 people in New Zealand

identifying as Maori, making up roughly 15% of the national population. They are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, after European New Zealanders.

Neill Atkinson, chief historian of New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage, says that New Zealand is a relatively stable, peaceful county. He

Samuel Marsden conducting reportedly first Christian Service, Rangihoua Bay, Christmas, circa 1964. Marsden is often credited as the first to introduce Christianity to New Zealand.

© Taigi / Shutterstock.com

Traditional Maori religion taught that everything, including natural elements and all living things are connected by common descent through genealogy. Accordingly, all things were thought of as possessing a life force or ‘mauri.’


attributes the peaceful coexistence of diverse ethnic and religious communities in the country to the deeply entrenched model of secularism that has emerged during the 20th century.

Pratt agrees that the country’s long-standing commitment to upholding religious freedom has enabled a wide-range of ethnicities and faiths to thrive. ‘The Human Rights Commission and the Office for Ethnic Affairs are involved … in promoting religious harmony and mutual tolerance, including monitoring and responding to instances of prejudice,’ Pratt said.

New Zealand’s strong liberal tolerance policy has cultivated a social acceptance of religious plurality and ethnic diversity, allowing for the free expression of not only diverse cultural and religious beliefs but of non-belief as well, both in the pri-vate and public sphere.

Maori children traditional greeting.

New Zealand’s strong liberal tolerance policy has cultivated a social acceptance of religious plurality and ethnic diversity, allowing for the free expression of not only diverse cultural and religious beliefs but of non-belief as well, both in the private and public sphere.


endnotes

1. “2013 Census QuickStats about national high-lights,” Statistics New Zealand, December 03 2013, Accessed February 16 2014. http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-about-national-highlights.aspx

2. Ivan Lorin George, Sutherland, The Maori Situation (Wellington: Harry H. Tombs ltd., 1935), 13.

3. Ivan Lorin George, Sutherland, The Maori Situation (Wellington: Harry H. Tombs ltd., 1935), 26.

Auckland City from Mount Victoria, Devonport, New Zealand.

© Shaun Jeffers / Shutterstock.com


Dispelling the Misconceptions of a

Mosque

Keynote Address by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

at the inauguration of Baitul Muqeet Mosque, New Zealand

hazrat mirza masroor ahmadaba

k h a l i f a t u l m a s i h v h e a d o f t h e w o r l d w i d e a h m a d i y y a m u s l i m c o m m u n i t y

Guest Speeches prior to Keynote Address

“It is a pleasure to be here today for the opening and the celebrations around New Zealand for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Mosque. It’s a great achievement for the community, especially as you celebrate your 25th anniversary in New Zealand, so congratulations to you. It is also very fitting that today is the pub-lic launch of the Te Reo Mauri version of the Holy Qur’an. This is in itself an example of how the Islamic faith and its followers are finding a home here in New Zealand…Your values of peace and respect are clear in all the ways in which you embrace New Zealand culture and observe many other religious events and

cultural celebrations. By doing this you also contribute to the social harmony and diversity which makes our country New Zealand so very special…I con-gratulate the Ahmadiyya Community on your very first mosque here in New Zealand, the organistaion’s 25th anniver-sary in New Zealand and the launch of the Te Reo Mauri version of the Holy Qur’an, which as we have heard has been quite a long time in the making and obvi-ously a tremendous amount of work has gone into it. These are achievements that you can be very much proud of. Thank you for inviting me again and I’d like to acknowledge, again, Your Holiness for your presence here in New Zealand and trust that you enjoy the rest of your visit to New Zealand; the best little country on earth! Thank you. Kia ora” Hon Judith Collins – Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Minister of Justice

Keynote Address by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, Khalifatul Masih V and worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, on 2nd November 2013 at a special

reception to mark the inauguration of the Baitul Muqeet Mosque in Auckland, New Zealand. The event was attended by more than 50 Non-Ahmadi dignitaries and guests, including Judith Collins, Minister of Justice and Minister for Ethnic Affairs and David Rutherford, New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner.


“Assalmo Alaikum. Tena Koutou! Warm Pacific greetings. Firstly thank you for your invitation to speak and join you in the celebrations here today and it’s fan-tastic to be here to celebrate the opening of the new mosque and the translation of the Holy Qur’an into, now known in Maori as Kuranu Tapu and I’ve been privileged to see it and it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing. This translation is a won-derful gift to New Zealand. It will not have been the first or the last time Maori have crossed the paths with the people and the words of Islam. And welcome, Your Holiness, the King, the Minister and the members of the Ahmadiyya

community today. We live in a country based on a treaty, which in many ways says Fo ka pona hia te ranga tahi ‘We believe that together we grow.’ It’s a promise of two peoples to take the best possible care of each other and that has not always happened here but it is happening now more than ever and there’s a great deal more to do, to make than great vision real of two peoples living and growing together, and to make things even more fun we now have the gift of many peo-ples wanting to live and grow together in Aotearoa, in New Zealand. The translation of the Holy Qur’an is a manifestation of the desire to grow together and it is a way to grow together…We must adequately discharge our responsibilities to defend freedom and democratic way of life every day, everywhere. If we do, our mountains will forever be freedom’s ramparts on the sea. People of every creed and race will live in peace in this place. There will be no strife and war here and New Zealand’s praises will be heard afar. I can think of no better statement of what it will take for there to be peace and the statement at the back of this hall; His Holiness’s state-ment of ‘Love for all, Hatred for None.’ We never want to fight a war like we fought before or send out young people so far away. And Maori and Muslim were bound then and should be bound now

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to share time with Your Holiness because he walks the world stage with a very powerful message of faith and peace.”

dispelling the misconceptions of a mosque


together in that task and all of us should be. Thank you!” David Ruthford – Chief Human Rights Commissioner

“Tena Koutou. Assalmo Alaikum! Your Holiness welcome to Aotearo, greetings to you all and I bring the greetings from my own particular Christian community and also the wider Christian community and offer our congratulations on this very auspicious occasion of the launch of the Kuranu Tapu and of the inauguration of the beautiful Mosque outside this place…”Reverend Bruce Keeley – Baptist priest

“Your Holiness, the Maori King, distin-guished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this is an utterly unexpected surprise for

me but a great privilege to be here in a setting such as this and reflective of huge contribution which this community has made in the building of a mosque which I’m sure will be a centerpiece of this community. I’ve listened with great interest to the speeches which have been made by those before me. I fully endorse the comments which are made. I think all of us here will support this mosque, this community and the growth of the Islamic religion and culture in this coun-try. Thank you very much for the privilege of allowing me to speak for a short time.”Dr. Hon Richard Worth – Honorary Consul of Monaco

“I’ve listened with great interest to the speeches which have been made by those before me. I fully endorse the comments which are made. I think all of us here will support this mosque, this community and the growth of the Islamic religion and culture in this country. ”


After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba said:

“All distinguished guests – A s sa lamo A l a i k u m Wa R a h m a t u l l a h e Wa Baraka tohu - peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

Today is a day of great joy for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand, as they are inaugurating their first mosque.

Before I go on to speak about the pur-poses of mosques and their importance to Muslims, I consider it essential to first of all thank all of the guests for accepting our invitation. The fact you have come to attend the mosque opening, despite holding differences of religion, demon-strates your enlightened minds and broad vision. Indeed, it proves that you desire

for New Zealand to be a country where all religions can stand side by side and flourish. And you desire that regardless of a person’s religion, he is treated as an equal citizen of the country.

It is a universal truth that religion is a matter of the heart and no-one’s heart can be forced to believe in a particular religion. It is for this very reason that the Holy Qur’an says that there should be no compulsion in matters of reli-gion. Furthermore, addressing the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in the Holy Qur’an, Allah said that his task was merely to convey the message of Islam. Thereafter, whoever wished to accept his message was free to do so and whoever wished to reject it was also free to do so.

Furthermore, after his migration to Madinah, the Holy Prophetsa was chosen as the leader of the government. In this capacity he formed a covenant with the Jews, whereby they were allowed to live their lives in Madinah, being governed in accordance with their religious laws. And so the judicial decisions made regarding the Jews were in accordance with Jewish religious laws, rather than Islamic laws.

Let me present another example of the Holy Prophet’ssa absolute commitment to



the freedom of religion. Upon returning victoriously to his hometown of Makkah, the city where for thirteen years he and his companions faced the most brutal and sustained persecution, the Holy Prophet’ssa example was truly exemplary. Not only did he forgive all of those dis-believers who had inflicted such cruelties, but it was also the case that despite his victory, he said that though the people would now live under an Islamic state, no person would be forced or com-pelled in any way to become a Muslim. In fact, some of the non-Muslim chiefs of Makkah had said that if living in Makkah meant that they would have to accept Islam, they would leave the city. The Holy Prophetsa responded by

announcing that they were free to con-tinue to practise their own religions and they would not be placed under any pres-sure or compelled in any way. Thus, there was absolutely no compulsion in religious matters, although of course, certain laws were created for the civic and administra-tive running of the state and all people were equally bound by them.

And so today, I would like to thank the people of New Zealand, its government and all of you here today, for giving us the opportunity and permission to build this mosque and for sharing in our happiness.

Vintage illustration of the Holy city of Makkah.

© Morphart Creation / Shutterstock.com


These feelings of gratitude are truly heartfelt, and this thankfulness becomes even more significant to me, given that my master, the Holy Prophetsa, said that a person who is not grateful to man cannot be grateful to God.

We believe this mosque to be a “House of God.” It is a place to gather together in congregation to worship Him. And so when we enter it with this objective, we will not only be thankful to God Almighty for granting us the ability to build this mosque, we will also feel great appreciation in our hearts for the people of this area. They are deserv-ing of our thanks because they have allowed this mosque to be built, even in an age where the acts of certain extrem-ist Muslim groups has instilled a great fear of Muslims in much of the world. The fear of Islam has developed because some non-Muslims are not familiar with Islam’s true teachings and so their views are strongly influenced by the heavily publicised hate-filled acts of extremist

Muslim groups. And so perhaps they believe that a mosque built in the area will become a centre of disorder and of a lack of peace.

Let me very clearly state that this con-cept of a mosque is absolutely wrong. The word Masjid is an Arabic word, which in English is translated as “mosque.” Masjid literally means a place where people bow down - meaning they submit before God. To bow down before God, requires that He is worshipped and that all of His commands are acted upon.

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Communityas, who we believe to be the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (the Guided One), was sent by God in this era in order to fulfil the objective of reviving the true Islam, in accordance with a prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. The Promised Messiahas came to shine a light on the true and original teachings of Islam, which had become corrupted and distorted with the passage of time. The Promised Messiahas clearly explained that the purpose of his advent was to remove the distance that had developed in the relationship between man and God. He came to show mankind the path towards God Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas also said another purpose of his advent was to end all religious wars.



The Promised Messiahas also said another purpose of his advent was to end all religious wars. He was sent to incul-cate amongst the people of all religions mutual understanding, so that they could live side by side together with a spirit of love and affection. The Founder of our Community also said that one of his most significant objectives was to draw the attention of mankind towards fulfill-ing the rights of one another. Indeed, he said he came to strive for a society where all people discharged each other’s due

rights. Therefore, these were the objec-tives for which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established.

It is to achieve these ambitions that the Ahmadiyya Community builds mosques. Ahmadis desire and believe that by wor-shipping in the mosque, they can grow closer to God and be those who follow His commands. Certainly, fulfilling the rights of mankind is one of the most significant and important commands of Allah. And so I shall now present a few examples of the Qur’an’s teachings in this regard. Islam or the Qur’an says that after God Almighty, it is your par-ents who have favoured and nurtured you

Baitul Muqeet Mosque, Auckland.


the most and so you must treat them in the very best and most loving way. When they become elderly it is the duty of their children to take care of them and cater for their needs. Islam further teaches that if your parents are elderly, and as a result of their frailty and illness they speak to you in a harsh manner, you should not reproach them in any way. Nor should you give even the slightest indication of displeasure.

God Almighty has further drawn the attention of Muslims towards fulfilling the rights of mankind by stating in the Qur’an that those who are hungry and thirsty should be fed and watered. The Qur’an further counsels Muslims to care for and support orphans and the under-privileged members of society.

It is because of these teachings that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sends volunteers to aid and assist disaster relief efforts in countries where natural disas-ters have occurred. In fact, in some of the poorer nations, we have permanent arrangements for humanitarian services. But our efforts are not only limited to the developing world, but also exist in the developed world. Thus, even in the United States we provide food and drink to the people living in poor and deprived areas. We take care of orphans without any distinction of religion or background.

People and weaker nations are being financially enslaved, whereby those in desperate need are forced to take loans with unjust conditions attached, which enchain them in a cycle of despair.


We are carrying out many such services to help those from poor and deprived backgrounds in Africa. Further, the Qur’an teaches that there are two types of poor people. One category comprises those who beg or ask for help, whilst the second are those poor people who remain silent, despite their suffering. The Qur’an has taught that both categories of people should be assisted and their due rights ought to be fulfilled.

It is for this reason that in various poor countries the Ahmadiyya Community has initiated projects to assist and to provide the under-privileged with educa-tion and healthcare. Under such schemes every person in need is helped irrespec-tive of his religion or background. In the Qur’an, Allah has said that the worship of people who shun orphans and who neglect to feed starving people and who do not assist those mired in poverty will be entirely worthless.1 Furthermore, the Holy Qur’an condemns slavery in abso-lute terms and says that slaves should be freed and that to free them from their bondage is a great act of virtue.2 Thus, the allegation that Islam advocates slavery is entirely wrong. As I said, Islam teaches that slavery should be abolished. In the past, the horrific tradition of slavery was widespread and it was the influence of

Islam which led to its gradual eradication.

In this era, slavery continues, but its form and nature has changed. Islam has also taught the means to free oneself from this modern type of slavery. As I said, today there are still individuals and nations who are shackled by subjugation. People and weaker nations are being financially enslaved, whereby those in desperate need are forced to take loans with unjust conditions attached, which enchain them in a cycle of despair. The unjust condi-tions include forcing weaker countries to abide by certain policies or forcing upon them political deals that are not in their long-term interests. Further, whilst it is claimed that economic aid, assistance and providing technical skills and expertise to financially dependent countries is given to help them, often it only proves to be a means of shackling them. This is because these are all ways through which the rich countries constrain the poorer and weaker countries and oblige them to obey them in worldly matters.

The economic aid, assistance and tech-nical expertise is only provided when the country in need agrees to accept the demands and conditions laid down. The conditions are utterly unjust, whereby the country claiming to help, in fact takes


advantage of the natural resources of the poor country. And so the deprived nation ends up reaping less benefit from its own wealth than the assisting coun-try. Islam entirely condemns and rejects this type of slavery and bondage. Islam says that a true worshipper of God, who fulfils His rights, must also always ful-fil the rights of man. Where on the one hand a Muslim comes to the mosque to fulfil the rights of worship, he should also enter the mosque to consider and devise ways of how he can express his love and sympathy for mankind.

It is for this reason that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community undertakes various

charitable activities, including char-ity walks and supports the work of a number of external charities. Within our mosques, financial appeals are reg-ularly made in which the Ahmadis are asked to make financial sacrifices for the sake of helping orphans and poor people in desperate need. If a mosque fulfils this objective of serving mankind, only then will it be fulfilling the rights of the mosque itself. However if it fails in this task, then the Qur’an deems such mosques as devoid of righteousness. One such mosque that proved to be a source of disorder and corruption is mentioned in the Qur’an. Those who built it and who entered it were those who spread disorder and strife in the world and for this rea-son God instructed the Holy Prophetsa to demolish that mosque.

I have thus explained the purpose and importance of a mosque briefly to all of you. The 125-year history of the Ahmadiyya Community proves that wherever in the world our mosques are built, they are used only for good and pious objectives. Never from any of our mosques has any disorder or cor-ruption come forth and neither has a voice ever been raised showing disloy-alty to the nation. It is impossible for a true Muslim, who gathers in a mosque

The 125-year history of the Ahmadiyya Community proves that wherever in the world our mosques are built, they are used only for good and pious objectives. Never from any of our mosques has any disorder or corruption come forth and neither has a voice ever been raised showing disloyalty to the nation.



to worship God, to ever show disloyalty to his nation, because the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa taught that love for one’s nation is an essential part of faith.

And so this mosque, which has been built due to the large financial sacrifices made by a small number of Ahmadi Muslims living here, has been built with a number of objectives in mind. It has been built so the Ahmadis can gather together to wor-ship God. It has been built so they can join together to devise plans to fulfil the rights of man and to serve humanity. And it has been built so they can supplicate before God praying that they increase in their standards of love and loyalty to their nation. With these words, I would now like speak in light of the current world situa-tion. Today, there is a huge risk of a world war and this is a direct result of the fact that some countries and governments are not fulfilling the rights of their peo-ple, whilst conversely the people are not fulfilling the rights of their leaders and governments. Neither are the major pow-ers making decisions at an international level that keep in view justice, and nor are the smaller countries realising their own responsibilities. Thus at every level and at every stage, rather than fulfilling each

other’s rights, the rights of one another are being usurped and seized and this is a huge threat to the world.

Accordingly, I request all of you that within your circles of influence, you should draw the attention of your politi-cians and leaders. Those politicians sitting here should themselves also realise, that the urgent need of establishing peace is very important in today’s world so that the world can be saved from an unimagi-nable destruction.

It is my prayer that the world comes to recognise its Creator, and instead of incur-ring His Wrath and Punishment, comes to obtain His Mercy and Compassion. At the end, I would like to once again thank all of you who have taken the time to join us today. May Allah bless you all. Thank you very much.”

endnotes

1. References The Holy Qur’an, Ch.107:Vs.3-5.2. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.90:Vs. 12-14.


DEEPENING DIVISIONS – IS A WORLD WAR LOOMING?

As we go to print, escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine threaten to boil over into a wider conflict. The dispute has sparked concern that the area has become a flashpoint which could lead to a world war. Simmering tensions in recent years in other parts of the world have led opposing blocs of world powers onto a dangerous precipice. In 2013 an upsurge in the dispute between Japan and China over territory in the South China Sea engulfed several other countries and many feared could have global consequences. In Syria last year two blocs of world powers were at loggerheads and the world stood at the brink of a catastrophic disaster, when thankfully, common sense prevailed and dialogue and diplomacy was preferred. Today, the stand-off between Russia and Ukraine has engulfed many countries into conflict. Will it be resolved peacefully? Or are we staring at the outset of a world war?

One leader can always be relied on to provide a calming dose of truth in times of tension and conflict. Although the following address was delivered before the current turn of events in Russia and Ukraine, its message is timeless and particularly pertinent to the current situation. Therefore, we urge our readers to give it special heed and to help convey it far and wide.

World Peace - The Critical Need

of the Time

Keynote Address by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at New Zealand’s National Parliament

in Wellington on 4th November 2013



“Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem – In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, Ever Merciful.

All distinguished guests – Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu - peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those people who have organised

this event, in particular the honourable Member of Parliament, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, and have given me the opportu-nity to address all of you today. Secondly, I would like to thank all of you who have come here to listen to me.

Of course, in this Parliament House, the various politicians and members of parliament regularly meet to develop pol-icies and plans and to enact legislation all aimed at making the nation progress. Apart from this, I am sure many secular or worldly leaders will have come here and addressed you based on their knowl-edge, expertise and past experiences. However rarely, if ever, will you have been addressed by the head of a religious com-munity and in particular a Muslim leader. Thus, for you to give me the opportunity to address you, as the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community,

In the face of increasing tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community delivered an historic address at

New Zealand’s National Parliament in Wellington on 4th November 2013 advocating the urgent need for justice as a means to develop world peace, to an audience of parliamentarians, ambassadors of state, academics and a range of other guests.


which is a purely Islamic organisation and whose sole objective is to spread the true teachings of Islam, is a sign of your open-heartedness and your very high lev-els of tolerance. Therefore, I am obliged to thank you for this kind gesture.

With these words of thanks, I would now like to move on to the main part of my address and say a few things about Islam’s beautiful teachings. I will speak about that issue, which in my opinion is the critical need of the time - and that is the establishment of world peace. From a secular perspective many of you, both politicians at an individual level and the government collectively, are mak-ing efforts towards achieving peace. Your efforts will be motivated by a good intent and you will have enjoyed some success in these efforts. Also, over the

years, your government will have given advice to other major powers about the means to develop a peaceful and harmo-nious world.

No doubt, the state and circumstances of the world today are extremely precarious and are causing a great deal of concern to the entire world. Whilst some of the major conflicts today are taking place in the Arab world, the truth is that any wise or intelligent person will be aware that such conflicts will not remain limited to just that region. There is no doubt that a conflict between a government and its people can escalate into a much broader international conflict. Already, we find that two blocs amongst the major pow-ers are forming. One bloc supports the Syrian Government, whilst the other is supporting the rebel forces. And so clearly this situation is not merely a grave threat to the Muslim countries but is also a source of extreme danger for the rest of the world.

We should never forget the heart-wrenching experiences of the two World Wars that occurred during the last cen-tury. The sheer devastation that they caused, in particular the Second World War, was unprecedented. Just through the use of conventional weapons heavily

world peace - the critical need of the time

We should never forget the heart-wrenching experiences of the two World Wars that occurred during the last century. The sheer devastation that they caused, in particular the Second World War, was unprecedented.


populated and thriving towns and cit-ies were utterly demolished and left in absolute ruin and millions were killed.

Further, during the Second World War the world witnessed that truly devastat-ing event when the atom bomb was used against Japan causing such annihilation that just hearing of its effects makes a person tremble and shudder. The muse-ums in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are a sufficient reminder of the horrors and utter devastation that took place.

During the Second World War around 70 million people were killed and it is said that 40 million of those who died were civilians. Thus more civilians sacri-ficed their lives than military personnel. Further, the aftermath of the war was truly terrifying, whereby the post-war related deaths ran into millions. For many years after the nuclear bombs were used, radiation continued to have a terrible degenerative effect on new-born children. In today’s world, even some small nations have come to pos-sess nuclear weapons and their leaders are trigger happy. It seems they do not care about the destructive consequences of their actions.

And so if we imagine a nuclear war

occurring today, the picture painted leaves a person shaken and utterly pet-rified. The atom bombs possessed by smaller nations today are perhaps even more powerful than those that were used during the Second World War. And so this climate of conflict and instability can only cause great concern to those people who wish to establish peace in the world and who are working towards it.

The pathetic situation of today’s world is that at one level, people speak of estab-lishing peace, whilst at another level they are engulfed in their egotistical ways and wrapped by a shroud of pride and arro-gance. In order to prove their superiority and might, every powerful government is ready to make all possible efforts. After the Second World War, in an effort to establish long-lasting peace in the world and to prevent future wars, nations joined together to form an organisation, which they called the United Nations. However, it seems that just as the League of Nations miserably failed in its objec-tives, the status and respect of the United Nations continues to fall by the day. If the requirements of justice are not fulfilled, then no matter how many organisations are formed for the sake of peace, their efforts will prove fruitless.


I have just mentioned the failure of the League of Nations. The institution was formed after the First World War, with the sole objective of safeguarding world peace; however it could not stop the onset of the Second World War, which as I have already said caused so much devastation and loss. New Zealand also suffered casualties as a result of the war. It is said that it suffered a loss of around 11,000 people, virtually all of whom were from the military. As New Zealand was far removed from the epicentre of the war it did not suffer civilian casualties. However, as I have already alluded to, overall in the war more innocent civil-ians were killed than military personnel. Just imagine: normal innocent people,

including countless women and children, were killed indiscriminately having com-mitted no crime.

It is for this very reason that you will find in the hearts of people who live in countries which were directly engulfed in that war an innate hatred of war itself. Certainly, it is a requirement of loving one’s nation that if it is ever attacked, it is the duty of a citizen to be ready to give every sacrifice for its defence and to liberate the nation. Nevertheless, if the conflict can be resolved in a cordial or peaceful way through negotiations and diplomacy then one should not need-lessly invite death and killings. In olden times when wars took place, there were mainly military casualties with a very minimum civilian loss. However, the means of today’s wars include aerial bom-bardment, poison gas and even chemical weapons. And as I said there is also the potential use of the most horrific weapon of all - the nuclear bomb. Consequently, the wars of today are entirely different to those of the past, because today’s wars could potentially wipe mankind from the face of the earth. Let me at this point present a beautiful teaching of the Holy Qur’an regarding the establishment of peace. The Qur’an says:

And so if we imagine a nuclear war occurring today, the picture painted leaves a person shaken and utterly petrified. The atom bombs possessed by smaller nations today are perhaps even more powerful than those that were used during the Second World War.



“And good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with that which is best. And lo, he, between whom and thyself was enmity, will become as though he were a warm friend.” (Chapter 41, Verse 35)

Thus, the Qur’an teaches that as far as possible, any enmities or grudges should be reconciled and solved by opening the channels of communication and through dialogue. Most certainly to speak to someone with kindness and wisdom can only have a very positive and endearing effect on their heart and is a means of removing hatred and grudges.

No doubt, we in this era believe ourselves to be extremely advanced and civilised. We have created various international charities and foundations that provide healthcare and education to children or that provide healthcare to mothers. Similarly, there are countless other chari-ties established out of human sympathy and compassion. We, who have done all

of this, should reflect and pay attention to the urgent need of the time and con-template how we can save ourselves and others from devastation and destruction. We should remember that compared to six or seven decades ago the world is now much closer together. Sixty or seventy years ago New Zealand was a distant country, far away from Asia and Europe. However, today it is an integral part of one common global community. Thus, in

A Nuclear war is a real possiblity today.© Lukas Gojda | Dreamstime.com


a state of war, no country and no region is safe.

Your leaders and your politicians are the guardians of the nation. They are responsible for the safety of the country and for its continued progress and bet-terment. And so it is essential that they always keep in mind the critical point that it is from local wars that devasta-tion and destruction spreads far and wide. We should be grateful to God that He

recently granted sense and wisdom to some of the major powers so that they realised that they had to take action to stop war to prevent the utter devastation that would have ensued. Most perti-nently, Russia’s President made efforts to hold back some of the other major powers from attacking Syria. He made it clear that all countries, whether large or small, should be treated equally. He also said that if the requirements of justice were not met and if other nations went to war independently then the United Nations would suffer the same sorry fate as the League of Nations. I believe that he was completely correct in this analy-sis. Although I do not support of all of his policies, but a word of wisdom ought to be accepted. I wish only that he had gone one step further and said that the right of veto power held by the five per-manent members of the UN Security Council should be ended once and for all so that true justice and equity could prevail amongst all nations.

Last year, I was given the opportunity to make an address at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The audience included numerous Senators, Congressmen, think-tank representatives and many other educated people from various fields. I clearly said to them that the requirements

Just imagine: normal innocent people, including countless women and children, were killed indiscriminately having committed no crime.

© ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com



of justice are only fulfilled when all par-ties and all people are treated equally. I said to them that if you want to high-light the differences between the large and small countries and the rich and poor nations and if you want to maintain the injustice of veto power, then restless-ness and anxiety will certainly develop. Indeed such anxieties have already begun to show their face in the world. And so, as the Head of a worldwide Muslim community, it is my duty that I should draw the attention of the world

towards establishing peace. I consider this my obligation because Islam’s very meaning is peace and security. If certain Muslim countries carry out or promote hate-filled acts of extremism it should not lead to the conclusion that Islamic teachings promote disorder or strife. I have just quoted a verse of the Holy Qur’an and within it is a lesson of how to establish peace. Furthermore, the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa taught his followers to always give “Salaam,”

Today’s world is close knit together like a global village. Countries such as New Zealand, although far away from Europe and Asia, will not be safe in the event of a world war.

© Anton Balazh / Shutterstock.com


meaning to always spread the message of peace. We know from his blessed exam-ple that he would invoke peace to all non-Muslims, be they Jews, Christians or the people of any other faiths or beliefs. He did so because he understood that all people formed part of God’s Creation, and because one of God’s names is the “Source of Peace’” and so He desires peace and security for all of mankind.

I have mentioned some of Islam’s teach-ings in relation to peace, but I should clarify that due to the lack of time I have mentioned only a few aspects. In truth, Islam is filled with commandments and teachings advocating peace and security

for all people. And in relation to estab-lishing justice what does the Qur’an say? In Chapter 5, Verse 9, Allah says:

“O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is Aware of what you do.”

And so in this verse the Qur’an outlines the very highest possible standards of jus-tice. This commandment leaves no room for people who call themselves Muslims yet who commit atrocities and brutali-ties. Neither does it leave any room for criticism from those people who consider or seek to portray Islam as a violent and extremist religion. The Qur’an has further laid down the most exemplary standards of justice and fairness. It has not only said to be just, but in fact advocates equity to such an extent that it states:

“O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against your kindred. Whether he, against whom witness is borne, be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore do not follow your low

The United Nations is in grave danger failing, much like the Leage of Nations before.Photo: Knotted-gun, a symbol of non-violence, outside the UN Headquaters.

© Christoffer Hansen Vika / Shutterstock.com


desires that you may be able to act equi-tably. And if you hide the truth or evade it, then know that Allah is Well-Aware of what you do.” (Chapter 4, Verse 136)

And so it is such principled standards of justice that establish peace in the world, from the most basic element of society all the way through to the international arena. History testifies to the fact that the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, acted upon this teach-ing and spread it to all corners. And

now in this era, the true devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, who was the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (Community), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, spread and cham-pioned this teaching and instructed his followers to also spread peace. He fur-ther instructed his followers to draw the attention of mankind towards fulfilling

His Holiness leading silent prayers at the conclusion of his epic address.

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP being gifted a Holy Qur’an by His Holiness.

Upon the conclusion of the event, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad met with various dignitaries including the Ambassadors of Iran and Israel. His Holiness was then given a tour of Parliament by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP and thereafter His Holiness led the Zuhr and Asr prayers at the Parliament.


both the rights of God and the rights of God’s creation. It is for this reason that the Ahmadiyya Community emphasises to all people the critical need of fulfilling the rights of Allah and of His creation and of establishing the very best stand-ards of justice. It is my prayer that every single one of us, irrespective of religion or belief, pays heed towards fulfilling each other’s due rights, so that the world can become a haven of peace and harmony.

With these few words I conclude and I thank you once again for inviting me and coming here to listen to me.”

(Upon the conclusion of the event, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba met with vari-ous dignitaries including the Ambassadors of Iran and Israel. His Holiness was then given a tour of Parliament by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP and thereafter His Holiness led the Zuhr and Asr prayers at the Parliament.)

New Zealand Parliament Reception, November 4th 2013 – Guest Speeches

“Thank you very much Your Holiness. It’s our privilege to have him here today in Parliament. Can I thank you all for coming here today and listening to his wisdom and it’s great to have his thoughts. I have been working with the Ahmadiyya Community for almost the last 10 years and I have always found that the main aim of this organisation has been to bring peace and work with the inter faith council and different religions…I’ll take this opportunity to particularly thank my parliamentary col-leagues Dr Rajend Prasad, and Dr Kam Colder, who have specially flown in from Auckland to hear this lecture and obvi-ously the ambassador of Israel, Cuba and Iran, also present here today and other members of the Diplomatic Core. Thank you very much!” Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP- Ruling National Party


I have always found that the main aim of this organisation has been to bring peace and work with the inter faith council and different religion.


“Your Holiness, a special welcome to you to parliament on behalf of the opposi-tion and our leader David Cunliff, who for all kinds of reasons is unable to be here. It’s a pleasure for us to welcome you and acknowledge also our Ahmadiyya friends, and I have friends in the com-munity and others who have come from the Diplomatic Core and friends from Wellington. My observation: I was born in Fiji, and I’ve been here almost 15 years now. Fiji also has a strong Ahmadi community and we have lots of friends in that community. I have always been impressed with the way they lead their lives. As true friends of the nation and of different faiths, but also reflecting your message, Your Holiness, of peace because there is nothing stronger than that mes-sage of peace. It’s amazing how difficult it is to get that message through in today’s world, because as Your Holiness reflected, its honoured more in its breach, than in respect for peace, so every message you give is important. This parliament is a very special place. This parliament has a

strong tradition of standing for what is right and my colleagues and I respect, and our parties and our colleagues inter-nalise that notion of peace and it’s good to hear it again and it’s good to remind us that not are we only talking about world peace, but peace in our com-munities, peace amongst our women, peace amongst our children and peace amongst those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

So it’s a wonderful reflection of that peace. I want to acknowledge Ahmadiyya leaders in Auckland for the very special work you do and for how you have gone about building your first Mosque and I wasn’t able to be there for its opening the other day, for our party conference was on in Wellington but know that we will be there to support you and that our colleagues from both sides of the house will be there too. Your Holiness, you are most welcome in New Zealand, you are most welcome in this parliament, along with our friends who are here as well and thank you for coming and honouring His Holiness and showing our respect for the Ahmadiyya Community and thank you for being here.” Hon Dr Rajend Prasad MP – Member of Labour Party


A sign will appear some days from now, Which shall devastate country and town and meadow. So suddenly will people be seized by Divine wrath, An undressed person will have no time to secure his loincloth.

They shall all be suddenly shaken by the earthquake; Be it men, or trees, or rocks, or oceans. In the twinkling of an eye the earth will be thrown upside down, Blood will flow like in streams. Those whose night garments were white as Jasmine, Will wake up in the morning clad in red. Men and animals will lose their senses, And pigeons and nightingales will forget their songs. That hour will be hard upon every traveller; And every wayfarer will lose his way in agony. With the blood of the dead, Mountain streams will become red as red wine. Men high and low will be convulsed with fear; Even the Czar, at that hour, will be in a wretched state. This sign will be an example of Divine Wrath, And Heaven will attack with a drawn sword. Hasten not to repudiate it, you ignorant fool, For on the fulfilment of this sign depends my truth. This is the word of God, and it will surely be fulfilled; Be patient a while, and be righteous and forbearing. Never imagine that this mistrust will be forgiven; It is a credit and shall be repaid to you in full.

(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, part 5, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 21, pp. 151-152)

A PROPHECY of The PROMISED MESSIAH and MAHDI(AS)

Divine revelation has repeatedly employed the word ‘earthquake’ and has indicated that the earthquake will present a spectacle of doomsday, as described in the Surah:

When the earth is shaken with her violent shaking. (Ch. 99:V.2)

But I cannot say with certainty if it will in fact be an earthquake. It may not be an earthquake but some other dire calamity evoking the spectacle of doomsday, the like of which would not have been witnessed by this age, and which would bring about great destruction of life and property. However, if no such extraordinary sign appears and people do not openly reform themselves, then I shall prove to be a liar.

(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, part 5, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 21, p. 151, footnote)

Illuminating Peace in Crawley

Can a mosque

really spread love and peace?



Guest Speeches prior to Keynote Address

“Assalamo Alaikum! First of all I would like to thank you for this kind invita-tion to me and to the Mayoress to attend today. It is a pleasure, an honour and a delight to attend this most auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the first Ahmadiyya Mosque to be built in West Sussex. It’s yet another example of where Crawley leads, the rest will surely follow. It’s also an honour for me to represent the people of Crawley here this even-ing at this momentous event, and also to welcome to Crawley, the Khalifah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. I trust Sir, that you enjoy your stay here and I do hope you will be able to visit again in the future. When my wife Brenda was Mayor of Crawley four years

ago, she met His Holiness in London, and she invited him to come to Crawley and today he has fulfilled that invitation, so thank you Sir. To mark the occasion of His Holiness’ visit, I would like to pre-sent in a moment, a small gift to His Holiness, but I want to talk about you, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Your saying is ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’, and surely this is a philosophy that we could all learn from and all adopt in our own lives. As we all know and read in the newspapers, we see on the tele-vision, we hear on the radio, there are

It is a pleasure, an honour and a delight to attend this most auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the first Ahmadiyya Mosque to be built in West Sussex. It’s yet another example of where Crawley leads, the rest will surely follow.

Keynote Address by His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, Khalifatul Masih V and Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, at the Inauguration of the Noor Mosque in

Crawley, West Sussex, UK on 18th January 2014.


many, many conflicts across the globe. Surely things would be far better if peo-ple were able to respect each other, and sit down together. A focus on humility would not go amiss; a focus on respect for others would not go amiss; a focus on peace would not go amiss. If the peo-ple were to love all and hate none, the world would be a far better place. There is another saying about love, which says that love conquers all. I believe this place is going to be called ‘Masjid Noor’. Noor means spiritual light and I hope that this place will act as a spiritual light and help to illuminate peace in Crawley. That is its aim and that is a sentiment that I wholeheartedly echo. Finally I would like to wish the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community every success in all that they do in the future. Thank You!” Mayor of Crawley- Councilor Bob Burgess

“Assalamo Alaikum!… What an amazing honour this night is for West Sussex, Crawley and my neighbourhood of Langley Green! This must be the most prestigious gathering that we have had the honour to host and it is all because of this wonderful building that we are gath-ered here tonight. I have used the word ‘Community’ but how do we use and define ‘Community?’ Not by the value of the properties, the beauty of the buildings or the status of the cars in the drives, but by the contribution of every individual and organisation who live, meet or work within an area. This building has been transformed into the beautiful place we are now in but it is not just the paint or the decoration that make it so special, it is the people whose dreams it fulfils. The journey to this evening has been long and stressful and I don’t mean the weather and the floods! The Ahmadiyya Community has been living, working, and growing here in Crawley for years and I have been proud to be associated with them for almost 15 years… … We are truly blessed in Langley Green

illuminating peace in crawley

This building has been transformed into the beautiful place we are now in but it is not just the paint or the decoration that make it so special, it is the people whose dreams it fulfils.


to have a richly diverse community of cultures, faiths and beliefs, who are tol-erant out-reaching and welcoming to their neighbours. Noor Masjid certainly has found the right place to settle. In the short time since the Ahmadiyya Community moved into our Old Ealing Church building, they have displayed all of these qualities. Tonight is a wonder-ful evening which I’m certain we will enjoy and remember for years to come. I am certain that this is the start of even greater times for the Ahmadiyya com-munity and us all, as I know they will continue to promote their faith and beliefs as they work in this and the wider West Sussex community to bring love, peace and tolerance to all. Thank You.” Labour Councillor for Langley Green - Brenda Smith

“…On behalf of the Lord Leftenant and through her, Her Majesty the Queen, may I congratulate you and your com-munity on the progress which you have made, on the work that you are doing, on the beautiful building which you have provided and wish you all the very best for the future in your work in Crawley. Thank you very much.” Dr John Godfried - Deputy Lord Leftenant of West Sussex

“Your Holiness, Deputy Leftenant, Mr Mayor, County Chairman, distinguished guests, as I look around the Marquee this evening I see many people who repre-sent all of the political parties across local government, many different local gov-ernment areas here in West Sussex, and

“…On behalf of the Lord Leftenant and through her, Her Majesty the Queen, may I congratulate you and your community on the progress which you have made, on the work that you are doing...”


most pleasing of all, I see friends and rep-resentatives from different faith groups who represent communities across this great borough of Crawley and West Sussex as well. And I think it is very telling that those who have been invited here this evening, to celebrate together the auspicious occasion of this official opening of the Masjid Noor Mosque, that it is an inclusive event and not exclu-sive. Much has been said already in the remarks so far of the quite correct maxim of the Ahmadiyya Community of “Love for All, Hatred for none” and indeed as speakers have said so far, that it is some-thing that we can all fully support but it causes me to reflect on particularly the journey that the Ahmadiyya Community

has been through and has suffered, if we are being honest, for over a century and regrettably into recent times. And with suffering, with persecution, there are huge challenges but one of the things that has struck and inspired me is the sense of forgiveness and not having slights and persecution against the Ahmadiyya com-munity, prevent that community from reaching out to the rest of the world…I would like to just close, again by reflect-ing on comments that some of our other distinguished speakers have made this evening and that of course, is the name Noor meaning light. I have passed this Mosque as it has been developing over the previous months many times and indeed even yesterday in the torrential rain, as I passed here, I could see peo-ple busily working away, preparing for today’s opening. But this evening, as I arrived I noticed something new, and that was a light coming from the mina-ret, that this Mosque is fortunate to have and I think that is very fitting as a bea-con to not only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but indeed a beacon and a welcoming light for all communities here in Langly Green, in Crawley and in West Sussex. And thank you for your generous hospitality this evening.” Henry Smith – Member of Parliament for Crawley

...I noticed something new, and that was a light coming from the minaret, that this mosque is fortunate to have and I think that is very fitting as a beacon to not only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but indeed a beacon and a welcoming light for all communities here in Langly Green...



After reciting Tashhahud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, His Holiness said:

“All distinguished guests, A s s a l a m o A l a i k u m Wa R a h m a t u l l a h e Wa Barakatohu - peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our guests who have come here tonight to attend the inauguration of our new mosque in Crawley. It is of utmost importance for a true Muslim to express sentiments of gratitude whenever and wherever another person benefits him or expresses his soli-darity, friendship and good will. Further, I would also like to thank all members of the local council and the mayor, who have permitted us to construct this mosque despite the widespread misconceptions that exist regarding Islam. In today’s world there are certain fears and reser-vations about our religion and so quite naturally the local officials may have been concerned that the construction of an Ahmadiyya mosque could harm the

peace of the local society. And I am very grateful to them for granting us permis-sion to build this mosque.

I am also extremely grateful to our neigh-bours, who out of neighbourly values and

It is of utmost importance for a true Muslim to express sentiments of gratitude whenever and wherever another person benefits him or expresses his solidarity, friendship and good will.


kind consideration have permitted the local Ahmadi Muslims to build a mosque in this area, despite all hidden fears. It should always be remembered that one of the closest possible relationships is the one that exists between neighbours. And so now that this mosque has been built

our neighbours are deserving of great rights from the mosque itself and from the people who enter it. In true Islamic teachings the rights of a neighbour have been catered for to such an extent that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said that Allah had emphasised the rights of neighbours so strongly and so repeatedly that he thought he might be commanded to include neighbours amongst a person’s rightful inheritors. Indeed, the Qur’an very specifically commands Muslims to fulfil the rights of their neighbours. And our ‘neighbours’ do not only include ‘next-door neighbours,’ but in fact also comprises of all people who live nearby from one door to the next, and so in this way the circle of neighbours extends very far and wide.

The Ahmadis who will come to use this mosque do not reside in just one small area, but are actually spread quite far and so the neighbours of our mosque

Indeed, the Qur’an very specifically commands Muslims to fulfil the rights of their neighbours. And our

‘neighbours’ do not only include ‘next-door neighbours,’ but in fact also comprises of all people who live nearby from one door to the next, and so in this way the circle of neighbours extends very far and wide.


are also spread over quite some distance. Naturally therefore, more and more peo-ple will be introduced to our Community through this mosque and so the respon-sibilities of the Ahmadis towards them will continue to increase and we will be duty-bound to fulfil the rights of all people around us. Mutual relationships will be created, whereby we will get to know people we did not know before, and they will get to know us, and in this way the rights and scope of our neigh-bours will become ever stronger and will continue to expand day by day. As this spirit and relationship develops, and the rights of neighbours are fulfilled, it will give birth to a bond of such love, unity and brotherhood, which normally only exists amongst blood relatives. And so in light of this, it is certainly the abso-lute right of all of our neighbours that I extend my feelings of heartfelt grati-tude to all of you for permitting us to build a place where we can worship God

Almighty. Certainly this is proof of your neighbourly values and open hearts. And now, even more than before, it is our responsibility to treat and consider all of you with great love and as if you are our own blood relatives and part of our family. I am confident that this will be the way the Ahmadi Muslims living in this area will consider all of you.

As I mentioned before there may exist certain fears or reservations in the hearts of some people about whether the con-struction of this mosque will negatively affect the peace of this area. I have already clarified that it is our duty to maintain and protect the peace of the area and to fulfil the due rights of our neighbours. Secondly, it should also be clear that a mosque or the place of worship of any religion should always project an image of being a ‘House of God.’ Certainly, Allah the Almighty has deemed a mosque to be a ‘House of God’ and so


every true Muslim considers a mosque to be so and in reality it is. One thing to always keep in view is that if anyone enters a home and seeks to spread evil and disorder within it, whereas the owner of the house desires to spread only love and brotherhood, then no doubt the owner of the house will expel such peo-ple from his home. And so the objectives underpinning a House of God are those very objectives that God desires from mankind.

What does God Almighty desire from us? Allah has very clearly commanded that when you enter a mosque or when you enter any House of God, your pur-pose should be to worship Him and to bow down with sincerity before Him. When you enter a mosque, not only should you pray for your own success and betterment, but also for the benefit and progress of the society in which you live

and for others. If there is a need for any worldly activity in a mosque it is only to consider and to search for ways to serve the Creation of Allah the Almighty and to devise plans for this.

A mosque should never be used for spreading evil and for developing ways to hurt any of God’s creation or seek-ing revenge from others. Within the four walls of a mosque it is completely for-bidden to make any plan that could hurt any individual, any community or any group. Allah the Almighty has strictly prohibited such hateful activities in the strongest possible terms. Thus, the objec-tive of every Ahmadi Muslim who will come to offer his prayers in this mosque, and [the objective of ] the Ahmadiyya Community itself, will always remain to submit to God Almighty and enter the domain of His protection and to pro-tect society from every type of evil and anxiety. Those who enter this mosque will not only seek to protect the local people, but will seek to help them and benefit them in every possible respect. These are the great objectives for which mosques are built and to fulfil these objectives the Ahmadiyya Community will make every possible effort in this area also.

Wherever the Ahmadiyya Muslim

A mosque should never be used for spreading evil and for developing ways to hurt any of God’s creation or seeking revenge from others.



Community builds mosques it is these paramount objectives that we keep at the forefront of our minds. Certainly, a glance at our history proves that only a message of love, affection and brother-hood echoes in every direction from our mosques. And from the minarets of our mosques only a bright light shines forth spreading love, compassion and human-ity throughout the area, the town, the city and indeed in all directions.

This mosque has been called the ‘Noor Mosque.’ I am delighted to know that quite a number of our honourable speak-ers are aware of its meaning; however I will further explain it. This literally means a mosque from which light emanates. It means it is that mosque which is itself illuminated and which will illuminate others so that the darkness of the world can be transformed into a shining bright light of peace and prosperity. In the world there are various types of dark-ness that exist. There is for example, the visible darkness of the night, which we are able to physically see with our eyes. There is darkness of the heart, which is called ‘spiritual darkness.’ There also exists ‘emotional darkness’ borne out of frustration, felt by people because of the injustices of the world or because of the tough conditions and circumstances that

they endure and which lead to depression and devastation. We also find that there is darkness resulting from the environ-ment in which one lives, whereby those who wish to create disorder in the world cause restlessness to develop amongst the people. This can be classified as the ‘dark-ness of anguish and unrest.’ Thus, it is the job of a true Muslim to dispel all forms of darkness from the world. We believe the best way to achieve this is for mankind to recognise and remember its Creator and to follow His teachings.

God is He who sent numerous Prophets throughout the world and so many dif-ferent religions were established during different eras. Some religions were for a specific and limited region and some prophets came only to reform the peo-ple of their nation. Other prophets came

Thus, it is the job of a true Muslim to dispel all forms of darkness from the world. We believe the best way to achieve this is for mankind to recognise and remember its Creator and to follow His teachings.


to rejuvenate a previous teaching, whilst some prophets brought new laws; but all of them came with the same core mes-sage of bringing mankind closer to its Creator and to draw the attention of ful-filling the rights of one another. Every Messenger of God taught to worship of God and to be compassionate to His Creation. No religion has ever taught to spread disorder and strife in the world. In terms of our religion, we believe Islam to be a perfect and complete teaching. Indeed, in the Qur’an, Allah said to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that he had been given a complete teaching and it was his duty to propagate this universal religion to all parts of the world. How could it be that a religion deemed to be perfect and for the entire world could convey a message of hate, rather than a message of love and kindness? How could such a religion be spread through

force rather than through compassion? In fact the Holy Prophetsa has been declared the ‘mercy for all of mankind’ by Allah the Almighty, that is the person whose mercy and compassion extends to the entire world, who spreads Allah’s bless-ings to all people, who loves all others, cares for their feelings and develops the love of God in their hearts.

And so these are the very teachings that we seek to impart to the world and that we strive to follow and act upon ourselves. It is this message that I always convey to Ahmadis, that only if they spread Islam’s true message of love and peace will they be enabled to dispel darkness from the world and replace it with spiritual light. Only then will they be able to remove every form of darkness, whether it is spiritual darkness or the darkness borne out of frustrations in which people feel there is no escape from their dire cir-cumstances and because of which they become depressed, restless and even sui-cidal. We must remove all such people from their darkness. We must solve the problems of others and heal their distress and help those whose rights have been usurped.

It is also the task of Ahmadi Muslims to remove the darkness and hatred caused

No religion has ever taught to spread disorder and strife in the world. In terms of our religion, we believe Islam to be a perfect and complete teaching.



by certain individuals and groups and which is causing suffering in the world. Sadly, certain Muslim groups are asso-ciating their extremist ways with the teachings of Islam and so rather than spreading Islam’s light they are consum-ing the world into a bitter pit of darkness. Our community, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is continually working at all levels to remove the darkness of such hatreds and evils from the world and to instead spread light in all direc-tions. Allah the Almighty has said in the Qur’an that He is the light of the heavens and the earth. Thus it is only by forming a close union with God that a person can free himself from all forms of darkness and desperation.

For this it is necessary to recognise your Creator and to understand what He desires from us. Thus, any person who is involved in terrorism and who seeks to justify his acts by attributing them to Allah can never become deserving of His pleasure and rewards, because such a per-son spreads only darkness, rather than light. The truth is that those who commit cruelties in God’s name are unjust and wrongdoers and according to our beliefs they will be subject to God’s wrath and punishment.

It is our claim and belief that Allah’s Light encompasses the entire world and is for everybody, and it is this teaching that we ourselves follow and which we advocate to others. It is impossible for a person to be a true believer in God, to worship Him sincerely and perceive His true light and yet at the same time be a means of spreading darkness and cruelty. Such people have either been unable to understand God’s teachings, or are moti-vated by vested interests or do not really believe in God and rather are just using God’s name to perpetrate immense cru-elties in the world.

We, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, seek to remove the pain and suffering of God’s Creation and we always endeavor to do this to the best of our abilities within our limited resources. However

It is impossible for a person to be a true believer in God, to worship Him sincerely and perceive His true light and yet at the same time be a means of spreading darkness and cruelty.


much we can help and assist others, how-ever much we can benefit society and however much we can spread love and affection we do so and will continue to do so. If a Muslim does not act in this way, he or she is not following the teachings of God Almighty.

Consequently, for such people to offer their prayers or to worship in mosques is entirely worthless. As I said before, the purpose for any real mosque is to be a place where people can come together to fulfil the rights of Allah’s worship and to follow His teachings. Today, we the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, claim that we build our mosques to fulfil these great and noble objectives and so we seek to serve humanity at every opportunity.

We are ever ready to serve mankind and to help those who are distressed

– whether they are spiritually distressed, whether they are in pain due to their environment or whether they are grief-stricken because of circumstances. No matter what type of suffering, we desire and seek only to help and remove the pain of the people of the world and to fulfill their needs without any discrimi-nation of cast and religion. We seek to give peace of mind to those who are rest-less. It is for these reasons that, with the Grace of God, wherever natural disas-ters strike the Ahmadiyya Community immediately helps and assists those who have been affected. Similarly, in the developing world and in particular in a number of African countries we are, within our limited resources, running humanitarian projects to help alleviate the suffering of the local people and to help them develop.

We are providing education and health-care and we are engaged in various schemes to help the local people stand on their own two feet. In their remote villages we are physically providing facili-ties to give light. We are installing solar panels which are lighting up their streets and homes. We are also undertaking vari-ous social and economic projects to fulfil their basic requirements so that they can live in comfort, in peace and in happiness.

Today, we the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, claim that we build our mosques to fulfil these great and noble objectives and so we seek to serve humanity at every opportunity.



Thus, these are the great and noble teach-ings and high morals that Muslims have been given and which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community seeks to practi-cally implement in all parts of the world. Whatever we do is motivated entirely by the teachings given to us by Allah in the Holy Qur’an. It is because of these teachings that we consider the pain of the world to be our pain. We seek to allevi-ate the suffering and anguish of mankind as though their problems are our prob-lems and their grief is our grief. This is the teaching that compels me and every Ahmadi Muslim to raise slogans of love and compassion loud and clear through-out the world and to remove all forms of hatred. And we do not limit our efforts to mere words or slogans but we practically seek to help and assist others in all possi-ble ways and to spread love, affection and brotherhood to every corner of the world.

I have therefore explained the objectives of a true mosque and so here in Crawley

the Ahmadiyya Community will also seek to fulfil these noble objectives to the best of its abilities. With these words I hope that if there were any reservations in the hearts of our guests or neighbours they will have been removed.

We care for our friends and neighbours so much that if we ever find out that an Ahmadi has, God forbid, caused any problem for them we take appropriate action. And so please rest assured that this mosque will never be a source of creating disorder or strife. Rather, this mosque will become a beacon of light illuminating its surroundings and the society at large. This mosque will be a means of eliminating all forms of dark-ness. With these few words I would like to once again thank all of you for enlight-ening tonight’s event with your presence. Thank you very much.”

His Holiness leads the silent prayer at the conclusion of his keynote address.


“The Ahmadiyya Community is a community of love and respect and I would want to promote that amongst people. I know a lot of people are probably skeptical and fearful of people from other beliefs or religions and I think it’s important to be positive and say what you find in that belief or religion and I would want to promote the fact that it’s a very loving, very trusting, very caring, very respectful group of people.” Mayoress of CrawleyBrenda Burgess

“Well I came here this evening, and I think, typical of many English people, lacking in knowledge of the Muslim faith. I had no knowledge at all about the community, and that is why I accepted the invitation so readily and it has been a very enlightening and very happy experience for me.” Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council Councillor Gordon Marples

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim community has themselves very much gone out to the community to say we’re not here to take over, we’re not here to do anything like that, we just want to be a presence. When I was driven down today, this shining light was absolutely a wonderful sight to see. Absolutely fantastic!” Mayor of CrawleyCouncillor Bob Burgess

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here this evening and when I drove down the road, I was literally spellbound by the light that was shining out from the Mosque and I felt it was drawing me to it which was a wonderful feeling.” Chairman West Sussex County CouncilAmanda Jupp

“Seeing this Mosque develop over the last year or so, has been a very good thing to see for the local community. One of the things I witnessed this evening were people from many

Guest Comments & Reflections

on Address of His Holiness in Crawley


different faiths, many different backgrounds, coming together to celebrate this event. People were getting on well and enjoying the occasion and that’s the memory I will have and I’m sure will be the legacy of this Mosque as we go forward. ” Member of Parliament for CrawleyHenry Smith

“Oh it’s absolutely beautiful! As I said, I stood here a year ago virtually, when they first moved in, I was asked to welcome you to Langley Green. I was pleased to do that but coming back today, I think it’s only the third time I’ve come to the Mosque since you moved in and I can’t believe it. I just don’t believe it! I live here, so I drive past most days and I’ve watched the building slowly change and a lot of work took place inside so you couldn’t see what was going on and then gradually things changed on the outside but these last two weeks, it has been amazing. Every day I’ve had to come past to see what’s happened next? What’s happened next? The minaret went up, and then the whole building was painted white, then the arches appeared and then just in the last two days the writing, the scrolling in silver appeared and across the arch at the top

of the roof. And it is stunning! It is so outreaching and I think that is what’s so important. Buildings can become very closed. They are so owned by the people who come in to worship there, particularly churches but this Mosque has suddenly opened up to the whole community. Everybody who comes to Langley Green, and passes here can see exactly what it is and what it thinks and what it stands for. That’s just so important, so important. ” Labour Councillor for Langley GreenBrenda Smith

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here this evening and when I drove down the road, I was literally spellbound by the light that was shining out from the Mosque and I felt it was drawing me to it which was a wonderful feeling.” Chairman West Sussex County Council amanda jupp


Adapted from Official Urdu Reports by Abdul Majid Tahir

An Antepodean Trip of Peace

Khalifah of the Promised Messiah as Visits New Zealand

Translated by Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael

After an historic and successful visit to Australia, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul

Masih Vaba and worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s next stop was New Zealand. His Holiness was on a seven week tour of Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan with the main purpose of promoting the peaceful teachings of Islam and enhanc-ing the spiritual and moral training of Ahmadis. His Holiness travelled to New Zealand after having visited Singapore and Australia.

Early Ahmadiyyat in New Zealand - Professor Clement WraggsThe Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was first established in New Zealand in 1987. One of the earliest Ahmadis from New Zealand, Prof Clement Wraggs, was born in England. A trained mete-orologist, he was regarded as one of the leading astronomy experts of his time. He visited the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in May 1908, for many profound and deeply philosophical question answer sessions. Professor Wraggs was most impressed and stated that the Promised Messiahas had explained that there was

no conflict between religion and science. Religion is in complete accordance with science; no matter how much progress science makes, it will never be able to refute the laws and principles given in the Holy Qur’an and Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Australia and New Zealand worked tirelessly to trace Professor Wraggs’ progeny, who had the honour to meet His Holiness in 2006. During his last visit to New Zealand in 2006, His Holiness visited the grave of the Professor and prayed and also instructed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand to strive for a purpose and build a mosque. The Ahmadis in New Zealand were able to raise funds to build a mosque in Auckland. The building work on the Baitul Muqeet Mosque started in July 2012 and was completed in August 2013.

One of the earliest Ahmadis from New Zealand, Prof Clement Wraggs, was born in England. A trained meteorologist, he was regarded as one of the leading astronomy experts of his time.


The TourDuring this 8 day tour of New Zealand, His Holiness began his days by leading the Fajr (dawn) prayer in congregation. His Holinessaba spent most of the morn-ings attending to his wide and varied official commitment as the Supreme Leader of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and responded to thousands of letters from Ahmadis asking for prayers, guidance and sup-port in a wide range of matters. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba also oversaw the official reports about the activities of Ahmadiyya Muslim missions in 204 countries. Moreover, he also found time in his busy schedule for Mulaqaat (a pri-vate audience) with hundreds of ordinary Ahmadis;listening to their problems, challenges and difficulties. His Holiness provided them with moral and spiritual support, helping them through prayers and advice. His Holiness also attended the celebrations of Ameen (the first com-plete reading of the Holy Qur’an) and Nikah (the Islamic, public declaration of marriage). All these extensive activities of His Holiness were arranged around five daily prayers offered in congregation which His Holiness would lead each day himself. In the evening, His Holiness concluded his official day with evening congregational prayers.

Arrival - 28th October 2013Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba arrived at the Aukland International Airport at 2.50 pm and was received by the dig-nitaries of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand as well as an official Security Officer appointed by the Government of New Zealnd. His Holiness led Zuhr and Asr (afternoon) prayers in congregation in one of the halls in the hotel. At 8 pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba set out to visit the Ahmadiyya Headquarters in New Zealand, located at Baitul Muqueet Mosuqe. Upon his arrival, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba

was warmly received by men, women and children of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand and His Holiness affectionately reciprocated this devoted welcome. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba led the late evening - Maghrib and Isha - prayers at 8:30 pm, before retiring to his residence.

Historic Meeting with Maori Tribe - 29th October The highlight of the day was a recep-tion by the oldest community of New Zealand, the Maori tribes. The members of the Maori tribe put on a spectacular show to welcome Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba, holding the flags of the

an antepodean trip of peace


Maori tribe and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Maori children sang beauti-ful songs to welcome their revered guest; the welcome ceremony was attended by the King and Queen of the Maori tribe. During the formal ceremony, His Holiness presented the Maori King with the Maori translation of the Holy Qur’an along with a crystal model of the Minaratul Masih (a minaret built in Qadian India, to mark the advent of the Promised Messiahas). Introducing Islam, His Holiness explained that Islam is a religion of peace, tranquility, brother-hood, kindness and compassion. Islam indeed teaches practical ways to attain these values. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba explained that Ahmadis believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed of Qadian was the Promised Messiahas of our age. The dignified ceremony ended with silent prayers.

Afterwards, His Holiness travelled to Rotorua, where His Holiness led the afternoon prayers in a hotel hall. Whilst sight seeing, His Holiness made a video of an unusual sight of boiling mud pools, sulphur fountains and geysers. His Holiness spent some time next to lake Ratorua and enjoyed refreshments. The reception of His Holiness by the Maori tribe was given extensive media coverage.

Flowers of Beauty - 30th October His Holiness visited Hamilton Gardens and enjoyed the vast and beautiful col-lection of flowers and exceptional horticulture. His Holiness took photo-graphs and made a video of the gardens. In the afternoon, on his return back to Auckland, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba led Zuhr and Asr in congregation at Masjid Baitul Muqueet. Afterwards, His Holiness granted a private audience to 93 members of the 58 families.

Educating the Youth - 31st October Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba presided over a class with Ahmadi children of New Zealand, during which various presenta-tions were made by them. Presentations included the signs of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas and the impor-tance of the recitation, understanding and

The members of the Maori tribe put on a spectacular show to welcome Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba, holding the flags of the Maori tribe and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.


implementation of the commandments of the Holy Qur’an. One presentation covered the benefits of Manuka honey, which is known to have many medicinal properties. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba granted Mulaqaat to 92 mem-bers of 24 families.

Annual Convention - 1st November This was the first day of the Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of New Zealand. The Inauguration ceremony started with the Friday sermon by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba, which was relayed live across the globe via MTA. In his sermon, His Holiness highlighted the importance of mosques and emphasised the vital role they play in Tabligh (preaching). The Inauguration ceremony was recorded by the national television channel TVNZ. In his message, His Holiness underscored that our mosque is open for worship to the followers of any religion in accordance with the traditions of the Holy Prophetsa. His Holiness explained the Ahmadiyya belief about the advent of the Promised Messiahas. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has continued the mission of the Promised Messiahas by translating the Holy Qur’an in 72 languages, includ-ing the Maori language. Ahmadis believe that the Holy Prophetsa was a messenger

of God sent for the benefit of the whole world; therefore it is vital that the mes-sage that God revealed to him, the Holy Qur’an, should reach all the people of the world. His Holiness spoke of the intense persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba also clari-fied some fundamental differences in beliefs between ordinary Muslims and Ahmadis. Explaining the true concept of Jihad, His Holiness explained that Jihad means to strive for self reformation. Under certain circumstances, permission to fight in self-defense was granted only. The philosophy of this permission was to protect religions from attacks and to fight to defend places of worship; including synagogues, churches and mosques. The Islamic teaching is to defend all religious beliefs and a true Muslim cannot harbour resentment or bigotry against anybody.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba presided over a meeting with the Executive body of Khuddam (Ahmadi men 15-40 years of age). Whilst giv-ing various and detailed directives, His Holiness advised that the true and peace-ful message of Islam should be promoted by humanitarian activities such as charity walks to raise funds for the local commu-nities, blood donations and the cleaning of streets after the new year celebrations.



His Holiness stressed that currently in the world the image of Islam is negative and inaccurate. By engaging and promot-ing the activities of service to humanity, Ahmadis can raise awareness about the true teachings and portray the peaceful image of Islam.

This was followed by a meeting with the Executive body of the Ansar (men over the age of 40). Amongst various directives, His Holiness again stressed the importance of projecting the true image of Islam by arranging humanitar-ian events; like raising money for charity through Marathon walks, visits to old people’s homes and raising funds for local and national charitable organisations.

Thereafter, in the meeting with the Executives of Lajna Ima’illah (Ahmadi women), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba

again stressed the importance of Salat and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, highlighting the need to follow its teach-ings and commandments. His Holiness encouraged Ahmadi women to engage in interfaith dialogues arranged by various organisations. The most important way to promote harmony in these meetings is to focus the discussion on the posi-tive aspects of one’s own religion only.

His Holiness advised that Ahmadi youth should be educated in the differences in the beliefs of Ahmadis and Christians; holding regular question and answer ses-sions is a good way to do so.

New Mosque Opens - 2nd November Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba attended a reception to mark the inauguration of the Baitul Muqeet Mosque, coverage of which has been given in this edition. In an interview with a journalist from the Sunday Star Times, His Holiness explained that the translation of the Holy Qur’an into many languages of the world including the Maori lan-guage, is a part of the mission of the

In an interview with a journalist from the Sunday Star Times, His Holiness explained that the translation of the Holy Qur’an into many languages of the world including the Maori language, is a part of the mission of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.


Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His Holiness candidly answered questions relating to the advent of the Messiah of the latter days, signs of truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas, the last Divine law i.e., the Holy Qur’an, the concept of Jihad and the purpose of building a Mosque. His Holiness enlightened the interviewer with the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, ‘Love for all, Hatred for none.’

In the af ternoon, His Holiness addressed the women of the Ahmadiyya Community in New Zealand during the Annual Convention. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba reminded Ahmadi ladies that the higher purpose of an Ahmadi woman’s life is to reform the world and it is her responsibility to train the next generation with the same philosophy. His Holiness explained that we cannot reform a nation without the reformation of its women. For an Ahmadi woman, running a good home and achieving success in her professional career is not enough; she must strive higher and fulfil her religious responsibilities also. Young, talented Ahmadi women can take part in ‘Jihad with the pen’ and raise aware-ness about the true teachings of Islam. His Holiness urged Ahmadi women to rise up to the challenge of the time and

with their actions dispel the myth that Islam does not give women rights. His Holiness advocated that to attain these high stations, Ahmadi women should not let the fashion and glamour of this world take them away from their reli-gion and roots. To enhance their religious knowledge Ahmadi women should watch MTA; they must as a minimum, listen to all the Friday sermons and speeches of the Khalifatul Masih, so that they can bring about a positive change in themselves and gain Allah’s Pleasure. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba granted a Mulaqaat of 116 members of 31 families.

Annual Convention Concludes - 3rd November In his concluding address to the Annual Convention New Zealand, His Holiness stressed that there should be a clear dis-tinction in the morals and practices of Ahmadis from others; if Ahmadis cannot demonstrate a pious change in themselves after accepting the Promised Messiahas then there is no point in calling themselves Ahmadis. The goal and aspi-ration of a true believer is to bring about a pious change in oneself. The focus of life should be to please Allah Almighty; this is the key to success.



Following the afternoon Zuhr and Asr prayers, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba led a Ba’ait (a formal initiation pledge to enter the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) ceremony. Thereafter, His Holiness chaired a meeting with the National Executive body of New Zealand, advising them on the issues of moral and secular training of Ahmadis in New Zealand and gave advice regarding the youth.

National Parliament – 4th November Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba travelled from Auckland to Wellington by air on this day in order to address the National Parliament of New Zealand, coverage of which is given in this edition.

Farewell - 5th NovemberAfter a heartfelt and emotional fare-well, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba set out for the airport. At the airport, His Holiness was extended protocol by the government of New Zealand. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba boarded a flight with his entourage, destined for Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan, for the next phase of his tour.

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Saturday 1st MarchFaith: ChristianEvent: St David’s Day

Saint David, or Dewi Sant as he’s called in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales.

Faith: JewishEvent: Fast of Esther (Taanit Esther)

A fast in commemoration of the fast of Mordechai and Esther. This is not a major Jewish fast.

Wednesday 5th MarchFaith: ChristianEvent: Ash Wednesday

The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches. Lent is the season marking the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Wednesday 5th MarchFaith: ChristianEvent: St Piran’s Day

Piran is regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners. He was born in Ireland. The Cornish flag may have been inspired by the legend that Piran discovered the process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross of pure metal.

Sunday 16th MarchFaith: JewishEvent: Purim

Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.

CALENDAR of RELIGIOUSEVENTS & FESTIVALS

MARCH 2014

Friday 21st March Faith: ShintoEvent: Shubun-sai - Equinox day

A day for visiting graves. Also associated with Buddhism in Japan.

Faith: ZoroastrianEvent: Jamshedi Noruz (Fasli)

Zoroastrian New Year’s Day in the Fasli calendar.

Tuesday 25th March Faith: ChristianEvent: Annunciation

Marks the angel Gabriel’s message to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the incarnation of Christ. It also celebrates the incarnation itself as the date falls 9 months before Christmas.

Monday 31st March Faith: HinduEvent: Ugadi (Yugadi)

Ugadi (literally ‘the start of an era’) is the New Year festival for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in southern India. It occurs on the first day of the month of Chaitra.

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ISSN NO. 0034-6721

Review or Religions March 2014

Spiritual

Transcript of Review or Religions March 2014