Editorial

2 The Review of Religions – September 2005 Religion is a dynamic phe- nomenon, not a static one. God has sent prophets to guide mankind and He continues to care for his His creation. He responds to prayer when called upon. This dynamic nature of religion is also reflected in the manner in which man can continue to progress in developing a relationship with the Creator and this is achieved by carrying out one’s duties to God and also one’s duties to one’s fellow human beings. Islam instructs the believer concerning both his duties to God and to man. In this issue of the The Review of Religions the address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V delivered at the closing session of the Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Tanzania is presented. In his address Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V draws attention to the importance of both progressing spiritually and doing of good works. It is not sufficient to simply be content at remaining at one level but instead there is a need to cultivate the desire to progress. In the beginning of this address it is stated: ‘The Holy Qur’an has urged Muslims, saying: that you should always be concerned and try to do your utmost in performing good deeds and making progress in your worship, progress in good works, progress in higher values and progress in fulfilling the rights of others. Allah does not merely expect us to safeguard ourselves from evil and do good works but has instructed that we should vie with each other in the doing of good deeds’. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V adds: Mansoor Saqi– UK EDITORIAL ‘Now see what a lovely teaching Allah has given us through which we have been shown the way for our religious and material and national progress. In fact, it is a key to success and if we act upon it we can bring about a radical change within ourselves.’ The importance of recognising one’s duties to one’s fellow human beings together with a recognition that all resources that we have are really from God, also provides a framework for leadership. On page 40 of this issue is the text of a speech delivered at the Inter-Religious Federation for World Peace held in Korea earlier this year. In a speech Maulvi Abdul Wahab Adam explores the themes of leadership and governance from a religious perspective, and how the Holy Qur’an lays down the principles for leadership. 3 EDITORIAL The Review of Religions – September 2005 In this journal, for the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(sa)’ or ‘sa’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. 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’ for the respect a Muslim reader utters. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahu 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, ‘ru’ or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.