Essence of Islam – Part 12

6 The Review of Religions – October 2006 ‘All knowledge is comprised in the Qur’an, but the intellect of people falls short of it.’ One of the principal causes of people going astray in this age is that in the eyes of most people the greatness of the Holy Qur’an no longer prevails. One group of Muslims has become the follower of misleading philosophy. They seek to decide every matter by reason. They claim that the highest arbiter available to man for the settlement of disputes is reason. When they find that the existence of Gabriel, Izrael and other angels that are mentioned in religious books, and the existence of heaven and hell as is established in the Holy Qur’an, cannot be proved by reason, they immediately reject them and begin to have recourse to flimsy explanations. They interpret angels as meaning powers, revelation only as a faculty, and heaven and hell as meaning merely spiritual comfort or pain. This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH, THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(sa) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into English, was collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah have mercy on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The English rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, may Allah be pleased with him, and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume 1. All references throughout, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an. ESSENCE OF ISLAM: The Holy Qur’an’s Lofty Station – Acknowledge by the Holy Qur’an Itself – Part 12 7The Review of Religions – October 2006 They do not seem to realise that reason alone is not the instrument for discovery of the unknown. Indeed high verities and extreme insights are far above the reach of reason and are established only through true visions. If the touchstone for verities were to be reason alone, the great wonders of Godhead would remain hidden and man’s understanding would remain incomplete and imperfect and he would not be rid of doubts and suspicions. The end of this one-sided understanding would be that in the absence of guidance from above and without any knowledge of the lines of thought that are set in motion by the Power on High, all sorts of doubts would arise with regard to the existence of the Creator Himself. Therefore, the idea that reason alone is sufficient for unravelling all the intricate mysteries of the True Creator, is wholly unsup- portable. The second group has discarded reason altogether and has also left aside the Holy Qur’an which is the fountainhead of all knowledge of things Divine and has taken firm hold of stories and meaningless sayings. We desire to draw the attention of both these groups to the Holy Qur’an and to urge them to value its ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of Divine revelation, that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose advent had been foretold by Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and by the scriptures of other faiths. His claim constitutes the basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. 8 The Review of Religions – October 2006 greatness and its light, and to make use of reason in receiving the guidance of its light. They should leave aside the sayings of other people, and even if they should find a Hadith which contradicts the Holy Qur’an, they should discard it immediately, as God Almighty has said in the Holy Qur’an: …Then in what thing will they believe thereafter. (Ch.7:V.186) In what discourse, leaving aside the Holy Qur’an, will they believe? It is obvious that, for us Muslims, the Holy Qur’an is an authority of the highest grade which is absolute and certain. Most Ahadith, even when authentic, are at best useful probabilities. …Surely conjecture avails nothing against truth… (Ch.10:V.37) Study the following verses carefully and then consider whether it is proper to leave aside the Word of God and to set up some other guide or arbiter. These verses are: Surely, this Qur’an guides to what is most right. (Ch.17:V.10) This Qur’an guides to the way which is straight; Herein, surely, is an important message for people who worship God… (Ch.21:V.107) To the worshippers it provides guidance about true worship; And verily it is a reminder for the righteous. (Ch.69:V.49) To those who are righteous, it is a reminder of the excellences of righteousness; And surely, it is the true certainty. (Ch.69:V.52) Consumate wisdom… (Ch.54:V.6) ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 9The Review of Religions – October 2006 It is wisdom par excellence; …And We have sent down to thee the Book to explain everything… (Ch.16:V.90) It is certain truth and is universal in scope; …Light upon light!… (Ch.24:V.36) It is light upon light; …a cure for whatever disease there is in teh hearts… (Ch.10:V.58) A cure for the souls; It is God, the Gracious Who has taught the Qur’an. (Ch.55:Vs.2-3) The Gracious God revealed the Holy Qur’an. …Who has sent down the Book with truth and also the Balance… (Ch.42:V.18) He has revealed the Book which is the truth and is a balance for weighing the truth. …the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. (Ch.2:V.186) It is guidance for mankind and contains the exposition of guidance. It discriminates between truth and falsehood by its reasoning. It is surely a decisive word. (Ch.86:V.14) It is a decisive discourse. …there is no doubt in it. (Ch.2:V.3) It is free from doubt. And We have not sent down to thee the Book except that thou mayest explain to them that concerning which they differ, and as a guidance, and a mercy for a people who believe. (Ch.16:V.65) ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 10 The Review of Religions – October 2006 We have revealed it to thee so that it might decide matters concerning which there is difference and so that believers may be provided with guidance and mercy. Therein are the everlasting taechings.(Ch.98:V.4) It comprises all the verities which were contained in the previous books in a scattered form. Falsehood cannot approach it either from before or from behind it… (Ch.41:V.43) Falsehood cannot approach it from fore or aft. This Book contains clear evidences for mankind and is a guidance and a mercy for a people who possess firm faith. (Ch.45:V.21) It comprises clear proof for people and is a guidance and a mercy for those who have faith. In what word, then, after rejecting that of Allah and His Signs will they believe? (Ch.45:V.7) Then leaving aside Allah and His Signs, in what discourse will you believe? It follows that if a Hadith is contradictory of the Holy Qur’an, it must be rejected. If it can be interpreted as being in accord with the Holy Qur’an, it might be accepted. Say, ‘All this is through the grace of Allah and through His mercy; therein, therefore, let them rejoice. That is better than what they hoard.’ (Ch.10:V.59) The meanings of the remaining verses is: Tell them that by the Grace and Mercy of Allah this Qur’an is a precious possession which you should accept with joy. It is better than the properties which you gather together. This is an indication that no property is as valuable as knowledge and wisdom. ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 11The Review of Religions – October 2006 Knowledge of Holy Qur’an and Promised Messiah This is the wealth concerning which it had been prophesied that the Messiah would distribute it so much that people will have their fill of it. The prophecy does not mean that the Messiah would collect together material wealth concerning which it has been said: Verily, your wealth and your children are a trial… (Ch.64:V.16) and that he would deliberately put people on trial by distributing wealth among them. In his first advent also, the Messiah felt no attraction towards worldly wealth. He has stated in the Gospel that the property of a believer are not gold and silver, but are the jewels of verities and understanding. This is the property that is bestowed by God Almighty on the Prophets, which they distribute. It is concerning this property that the Holy Prophet(saw) said: ‘I am a distributor and Allah is the Bestower.’ It is stated clearly in the Ahadith that the Promised Messiah would come into the world when knowledge of the Qur’an will be lost and ignorance will prevail. That is the time which is referred to in the Hadith: ‘If faith ascends to the Pleiades it will be brought down by a man of Persia.’ It has been revealed to me in a vision that the climax of that age will begin in the Hijri year which corresponds to the value of the letters of the verse: It is We Who determine its taking away. (Ch.23:V.19) which amounts to 1274. Consider this well, and do not pass over it in haste and supplicate God that He should open your minds to it. A little reflection will make you understand the prophecy contained in the Hadith that in the latter days the Qur’an will be taken away from the world, its ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 12 The Review of Religions – October 2006 knowledge will be lost, ignorance will prevail and the eagerness and sweetness of faith will depart from the hearts. Among them is the Hadith that if faith will ascend to the Pleiades and will disappear from the earth, a man of the Persians will extend his hand and will bring it down. This Hadith shows clearly that when ignorance, faithless- ness and error, described as smoke in the other Ahadith, will become widespread and true faith will become so rare as if it had been drawn up to the skies, and the Holy Qur’an will be abandoned as if it had been raised towards God Almighty, at that time, a man of Persia will take hold of the faith from the Pleiades and will descend with it to the earth. Be sure, therefore, that he is the son of Mary who was to descend. (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 3, pp.452-456) Verities of the Holy Qur’an in This Age I was young and am now old and people can bear witness that I never concerned myself with worldly affairs and was always interested in matters of the faith. I have found the Word which is called the Qur’an of the utmost holiness and full of spiritual wisdom. It does not deify any man and does not bring God into contempt by excluding souls and bodies from His creation. The Holy Qur’an in the end brings down that blessing on the heart of man for which a religion is embraced and makes him the heir of Divine grace. Then having ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 ‘THE CLEAR MIRACLE OF THE HOLY QUR’AN WHICH CAN MANIFEST ITSELF TO EVERY PEOPLE AND BY PRESENTING WHICH WE CAN SILENCE EVERYONE, WHETHER AN INDIAN, PERSIAN, EUROPEAN OR AMERI- CAN, IS THE UN- LIMITED TREASURY OF INSIGHTS, VERITIES AND WISDOMS, WHICH ARE EXPOUNDED IN EVERY AGE ACCORD- ING TO ITS NEED …’ 13The Review of Religions – October 2006 found a light, how shall we revert to darkness and having eyes how shall we become blind? (Sanatan Dharam, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 19, p.474) It is well established that the Holy Qur’an has duly perfected the faith, as it affirms itself: This day have I perfected your religion for you and have completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion. (Ch.5:V.4) Thus there is no need for any other book after the Holy Qur’an, for it sets out all that is needed by man. Now only the door of converse with God is open, but not automatically. True and holy words which are obviously charged with Divine help and comprise many hidden matters, are acquired after the purification of the soul only through following the Holy Qur’an and obeying the Holy Prophet(saw). (Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 23, p.80) For every revelation the way of Allah mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, is the guide, guardian and leader. It is not possible that any revelation should be vouchsafed contrary to this way, for that would amount to falsifying Holy Scriptures. (Majmua Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 84) The clear miracle of the Holy Qur’an which can manifest itself to every people and by presenting which we can silence everyone, whether an Indian, Persian, European or American, is the unlimited treasury of insights, verities and wisdoms, which are expounded in every age according to its need and stand as armed soldiers to refute the thinking of every age. If the Holy Qur’an had been limited in its verities and insights, it would not have amounted to a perfect miracle. Beauty of composition is not a matter the miraculous nature of which can be appreciated by every literate and illiterate person. The clear miracle of the Holy Qur’an is the unlimited insights and fine points which it comprises. A person ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 14 The Review of Religions – October 2006 who does not admit this miracle of the Holy Qur’an is altogether deprived of the knowledge of the Qur’an. He who does not believe in this miracle does not estimate the Qur’an as highly as it should be estimated, and does not recognise God as He should be recognised, and does not honour the Holy Prophet(saw) as he should be honoured. Bear it in mind that the miracle of unlimited insights and verities which are contained in the Holy Qur’an has accomplished more in every age than has the sword. All the doubts that every age raises according to its circumstances, and all the claims of superior insights that are put forward, are completely refuted by the Holy Qur’an. No Brahmu Samajist, Buddhist, Arya or any other philosopher can put forward a Divine verity which is not already comprised in the Holy Qur’an. The wonders of the Qur’an will never cease. As the wonderful qualities of the book of nature have never come to an end in any previous age, but appear ever fresh and new, the same is the case with this Holy Book, so that the Word of God and the Work of God should be proved to be in accord. As I have written before, very often the wonders of the Holy Qur’an are revealed to me and are such that they are not to be found in the commentaries. For instance, it has been revealed to me that the period that elapsed between the creation of Adam and the advent of the Holy Prophet(saw) is mentioned in Surah Al-‘Asr in the value of its letters and amounts to 4,740 lunar years. This fine point which dis- closes the miracle of the Holy Qur’an is not mentioned in any commentary. In the same way, God Almighty has disclosed to me that the meaning of: Surely, We sent it down on the Night of Destiny. (Ch.97:V.2) is not only that the Qur’an was revealed in a blessed night, but that it also has another meaning which I have set out in my booklet Fath-e-Islam. Which ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 15The Review of Religions – October 2006 commentary mentions all these verities? It should be borne in mind that a multiplicity of meanings of the Holy Qur’an does not create any contradiction, nor import any defect in the guidance of the Qur’an. Indeed the light of the greatness of the Qur’an is enhanced by the addition of one light to another. Since time on account of limitless changes gives rise to limitless ideas, as a matter of course, it is necessary for the Holy Qur’an to manifest itself in ever new forms, to disclose ever new knowledge, and to refute all innovations and novelties. In these circum- stances, if a Book which claims to be Khatam-ul-Kutub were not to meet new contingencies, it would not establish its claim. If this Book comprises everything that is needed in every age, we would have to confess that it comprehends unlimited insights, and that it takes care of the needs of every age. It should also be remembered that the way of Allah with every perfect recipient of revelation has been that the hidden wonders of the Qur’an are revealed to him. It often happens that a verse of the Holy Qur’an is conveyed to the mind of a recipient of revelation and its purpose is something different from its original meaning. Maulavi ‘Abdullah Ghaznavi has written in a letter that on one occasion he received the revelation: ‘We said: O fire be cool and a means of peace and security.’ but that he could not comprehend its import. He then received the revelation: ‘We said: O steadfastness be cool and a means of peace and security.’ Then he understood that in his case fire had meant stead- fastness. (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 3, pp.255-262) This is an age in which thousands of objections and doubts have been raised and Islam has been attacked from many directions. ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 16 The Review of Religions – October 2006 God Almighty has said: And there is not a thing but with Us are the treasures thereof and We send it not down except in a known measure. (Ch.15:V.22) There is not a thing but We have unlimited treasures thereof, and We send them down in regulated and known quantities. Thus, this was the age of the disclosure of spiritual and temporal verities that are hidden in the Qur’an which refute and reject every kind of philosophical and unphilosophical faith, for they could not be disclosed without their need having arisen. Now that attacks were made by the new philosophy, the time came for the manifestation of those insights. It was not possible that without the manifestation of those insights, Islam could be victorious against all false religions. A victory by the sword means nothing and is wiped out by the decline of temporary power. True and real victory is that which is achieved with an army of insights and verities. This is the victory that Islam is now achieving. This prophecy related to this age and it was so understood in the past. This is an age that demands that the Holy Qur’an should disclose all the meanings which are hidden in it… An intelligent person can easily ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 ‘AN INTELLIGENT PER- SON CAN EASILY UNDERSTAND THAT NO CREATION OF GOD THE GLORIOUS IS WITHOUT FINE AND WONDERFUL QUALITIES. IF ONE CARRIES OUT A RESEARCH TILL THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT INTO THE QUALITIES AND WONDERS OF A FLY, THEY WOULD NOT COME TO AN END. THEN ARE NOT THE WONDERS AND QUALITIES OF THE HOLY QUR’AN EVEN AS MANY AS THOSE OF A FLY?’ understand that no creation of God the Glorious is without fine and wonderful qualities. If one carries out a research till the Day of Judgement into the qualities and wonders of a fly, they would not come to an end. Then are not the wonders and qualities of the Holy Qur’an even as many as those of a fly? Without doubt, those wonders are in excess of the total wonders of the whole of creation and to deny them would be to deny the Divine origin of the Holy Qur’an for there is nothing in the world which proceeds from God Almighty and does not comprise unlimited wonders. The verities and fine points which foster understanding are always disclosed according to need. New corruptions call for ever fresh meanings, which are full of wisdom. It is obvious that the Holy Qur’an is a miracle in itself, and the greatness of its miracle is that it is compre- hensive of unlimited verities, but they are manifested at their due time. As the difficulties of the time demand, those hidden insights are disclosed. Look! secular knowledge, most of which is opposed to the Holy Qur’an and is so misleading, is spreading rapidly. Currently, wonderful changes are being brought about in mathematics, physics and philosophy. Was it not necessary that at such a time the door to progress in faith and understanding should also have been opened, so that facilities might become available for repelling every new mischief? Know it for certain then that the door has been opened and God Almighty has determined to disclose the hidden wonders of the Holy Qur’an to the arrogant philosophers of the world. Half- baked Mullahs, who are the enemies of Islam, cannot frustrate this design. If they do not desist from mischief, they will be destroyed and visited by such Divine wrath that will grind them to dust. These fools do not apprehend the prevailing circum- stances. They desire that the Holy Qur’an should appear as defeated, weak, small and insignificant, but it will now march forward like a champion. 17 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 The Review of Religions – October 2006 It will roar like a lion and devour the entire worldly philosophy and shall demonstrate its own supremacy and fulfil the prophecy: …that He may cause it to prevail over all religions… (Ch.61:V.10) This verse also appears in Al- Tauba (Ch.9:V.33) and in Al- Fath (Ch.48:V.29). and culminate in the spiritual fulfilment of the following prophecy: …He will surely establish for them their religion… (Ch.24:V.56) It is not possible to establish faith in the world to its perfection by means of compulsion. Faith is established upon the earth when no other faith remains standing in opposition to it and all opponents lay down their arms. That time has now arrived and cannot be blocked by the ignorant Mullahs. Now the son of Mary, whose spiritual father is none other than the True Teacher, who also re- sembles Adam on this account, will distribute Qur’anic treasures among the people, so much so, that the people will become satiated and will be unable to accept more, and everyone will have had his fill according to his capacity. (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazai’in, Vol.3, pp.464-467) 18 ESSENCE OF ISLAM – PART 12 The Review of Religions – October 2006