LETTER TO THE TIMES NEWSPAPER

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sir, In the midst of the current sensitive situation in the world, Pope Benedict has certainly added fuel to the fire by his latest comments about Islam. In the light of clear guidance in the Holy Qur’an, the Word of Allah, it is absolutely wrong to say that the Holy Prophet of Islam ever commanded his followers to ‘spread by the sword the faith he preached’. The Holy Qur’an admonishes: ‘There is no compulsion in religion.’ It appears very naïve of the Pope to choose a 14th-century Byzantine Christian emperor for a quotation against Islam if he himself did not mean it. If the Pope simply wants to condemn the militant and terrorist activities being done, without any justification, in the name of Islam, he is most certainly right to do so. But the religion of Islam does not approve of militancy or terrorism. The right of fighting in self –defence is, no doubt, granted in Islam. And no one can object to this basic human right. I wish the Pope had not made these derisive comments which reflect poorly on his credibility and judgment. ATAUL MUJEEB RASHED Imam, the London Mosque 62 The Review of Religions – February 2007 Letter to The Times newspaper – September 19th 2006 Wasiyyat is a heavenly scheme A means to gain entry to Paradise Respond to this call, O my friends Our revered Imam is making this call Make a Will, do make a Will Urge everyone to do the same It is a way to gain proximity to God A source of His Forgiveness and Grace It makes one’s good deeds shine The light of God illumines the hearts Make a Will, do make a Will Urge everyone to do the same The Messiah of our times received a glad tiding Through revelation he was given this Sign How great is this Mercy and Grace of God We have been given a key to His Paradise Make a Will, do make a Will Urge everyone to do the same Be not unnerved by its conditions God shall dispel all worries and grief We shall bathe eternally in Blessings Day and night shall rain God’s Grace Make a Will, do make a Will Urge everyone to do the same (Translation by Mr. Khalil Muluck) 63The Review of Religions – February 2007 WASIYYAT English translation of a poem composed by Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Imam of the London Mosque We hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of the magazine. The Review of Religions will continue to provide discussion on a wide range of subjects and welcomes any comments or suggestions from its readers. To ensure that you regularly receive this monthly publication, please fill in your details below and we will put you on our mailing list. The cost of one year’s subscription is £15 Sterling or US $30 for overseas readers (Please do not send cash). Payments by US residents should be by check payable to “AMI” (US dollars 30) and sent direct to ‘The Review of Religions’, Baitul Zafar, 86-71 PALO ALTO ST, HOLLISWOOD. NY 11423-1203 (USA). All other subscription payments should be made payable to the London Mosque and sent to the address below: The Review of Religions The London Mosque 16 Gressenhall Road London SW18 5QL United Kingdom Please put me on the mailing list for the Review of Religions for 1 year. I enclose subscription payment of £15.00 or US $30.00 (please see instructions above for US residents). Name: ___________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Subscription The Review of Religions If you would like to order a copy of any issue published in 2004, please send £1.50 (or equivalent) providing us with your full name and address. Delivery will be on a first come, first served basis, and in the absence of a copy being available your money will be returned • Are you a subscriber to The Review of Religions? • Have you renewed your sub- scription for the next year? Why not sponsor a reader to The Review of Religions by subscribing for him/her and we will send the first edition on your behalf with your compliments