Editorial: Food For Thought: The Impact of Food On Humans and Animals

Contents February 2004, Vol.99, No.
Editorial The role of absolute justice in the human body and beyond
By Fareed Ahmad ................................................................................................................. 2
Notes & Comment Food For Thought: The impact of food on humans and animals.
By Fareed Ahmad, UK ......................................................................................................... 3
The Need For Righteousness A look at the true source of righteousness for man from
the writings of the Promised Messiah(as) .............................................................................. 5
Was Islam Spread by the Sword? How understanding, not force, was the driving force
behind Islam’s rapid progress across the globe – Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat
Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community............................ 15
Balance Within the Body The latent system of justice that governs the microcosm -
extracts taken from the book Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship: The Three
Creative Principles by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (ru) ....................................................... 27
Moderation in a Fattening World How following Islamic teachings can lead to a

healthier life – By Manzural A Sikder, MD, USA ................................................................ 48
The Prophet Promised Through Moses (as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)? Examining

a biblical prophecy about Prophet Muhammad(sa) – By Dr. A.R. Bhutta, Nigeria................ 54
Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah

Bockarie Tommy Kallon
Management Board: Special contributors: Design and layout:
Fareed Ahmad.
Mr Munir-ud-din Shams Amatul-Hadi Ahmad Tanveer Khokhar
Fazal Ahmad (Chairman) Farina Qureshi Publisher:
Fauzia Bajwa Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Proof-reader: Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah
Mansoor Saqi Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Shaukia Mir Distribution:
Mahmood Hanif Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar
Muhammad Hanif
Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad
Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb
Navida Shahid All correspondence should The Review of Religions © Islamic Publications, 2004
Sarah Waseem be forwarded directly to the The London Mosque ISSN No: 0034-6721
editor at: 16 Gressenhall Road
Saleem Ahmad Malik London, SW18 5QL
Tanveer Khokhar United Kingdom
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 1
Editorial
From the micro to the macro there is where the punishment is meted out
a very refined system of balance in by a force beyond man’s control.
our universe. This balance, like the Interestingly enough the punishment
universe itself, is not the product of acts as a warning as well as being an
chance but is a reflection of a quality action in the interest of man himself,
of its Creator. One of God’s as it seeks to limit the wider damage
characteristics is that he is ‘al-Adl’ that could result. If man rectifies his
i.e. ‘The Just’ and this forms the behaviour he may live on, perhaps
fountainhead of absolute justice for with some restrictions, but the
the heavens and the earth. The nature objective of justice would have been
of this justice permeates every sphere served. If he continues to ignore the
of creation and every law of nature, warning signs then he may suffer
for without this there can be no even more. Such justice is required to
balance or harmony. maintain balance and order within the
body otherwise it would cease to
In this issue of The Review of function, and to be effective it must
Religions two articles examine the operate independent of the will of
balance created within man and man.
review its impact on man himself. It
seems that if there is a disregard for This is a good reflection of the system
justice at one level and if this remains that operates at every level in life and
unchecked, then action is taken at a man should be ever wary that his
different level to remedy it. In the actions never go unnoticed, and if he
human body, for example, the mercy ignores the principle of absolute
of God has allowed man some justice then he will, without
flexibility in the way he looks after exception, be made accountable for
his health. However, persistent this neglect.
excesses are ultimately punished and Fareed Ahmad
disorders such as diabetes and heart
disease are an outcome of man’s
disregard for the natural limits.
The balance also reflects an in-built

system of crime and punishment
2 The Review of Religions – February 2004

Notes and Comment
Food for Thought dwindled. On average each year
Twenty years ago it seemed as if a nearly six million Ethiopians are still
moment of sanity had swept across kept alive by international aid
the world as it responded to the cry of (although this figure was a staggering
the dying people in Ethiopia. With 14 million in 2003).
governments either unable or
unwilling to act, people responded to Ethiopia’s predicament, however, is
the plight that was broadcast to their not an isolated one but it does act as a
living rooms. Hundreds of millions of stark reminder of the invisible plight
dollars were donated to alleviate the of the poor and destitute whose lives
suffering of those in the famine- are nothing more than a daily struggle
ridden country and perhaps also to for survival. The figures make
alleviate the donors’ guilt of not shocking reading – compare the six
having taken any interest beforehand. million in Ethiopia with the 900
The noble efforts were welcome and million or so worldwide who live in
saved up to two million from death, chronic and persistent hunger – that is
but as a recent BBC report1 made one person for every seven on the
clear, it was not enough; at best it was planet. There are one billion people
a palliative measure rather than a surviving on less than one dollar per
longer term cure. Sadly, twenty years day, and every day nearly twenty-four
on the situation for the poor in thousand die of hunger.2 Although the
Ethiopia is no better with more people vast majority of this crisis is faced by
facing starvation now than in 1984. the Third World, it is by no means
exclusive to it. Those who find
The aid that reached Ethiopia was themselves living in the margins of
valuable in sustaining life for millions society in the developed world also
but there was no real large-scale suffer the same torments of hunger
development investment in the and poverty.
country. The result of this is that its
agricultural capacity has weakened Yet, as many economic studies have
and hopes of reviving the country’s shown, the problem of hunger is not
ability to be self-sufficient in food are due to there being insufficient food in
disappearing as fast as its dusty the world. Even now, as noted by the
topsoil. Its food production has UN’s World Food Programme, there
The Review of Religions – February 2004 3

Notes & Comment
is enough food in the world not just to disease and other health problems3.
keep people alive but to allow them to How strange this must seem to those
lead healthy and productive lives. hanging on to life.
This is despite a huge population
increase in the latter half of the Is this not a reflection of the cruel
twentieth century. This abundance of disparity of the modern world? Often
food is in line with the Islamic we hear that a key to solving the
teaching that God, Who is ar-Rahman problems of the Third World is
and ar-Razzaq i.e. The Gracious and education, so that the poor can learn
The Provider, has created man and and apply their knowledge for self-
provided ample resources so that no advancement. It would seem that the
person should go hungry. So where is developed world could also benefit
all this food? Some is stockpiled in with a few sharp doses of education
the developed world and some is as well – for the sake of their own
exported by the third Third world health and the health of the 900
World to finance its debts, wars or million who suffer the pangs of
corruption – or in extreme cases all hunger every day. For them, the
three. However, it is also disturbing additional amounts spent by people
to note that some is simply consumed on overfeeding themselves and their
in excessive amounts as a result of pets would be enough to make the
greed and indifference. difference between life and death.
In this respect it is rather perplexing Fareed Ahmad – UK

to see that as one part of the world is
dying as a result of little or no food
the other is dying due to too much References
food. Obesity and its related problems 1. Ethiopia: A Journey with Michael
are on the increase worldwide, but Buerk 11/1/2004.
especially in the developed world. 2. World Hunger: 12 Myths. By
Furthermore, the findings of a recent Frances Moore Lappe, Institute
study by the US based National for Food and Development Policy
Research Council show that it is not Backgrounder Summer 1998,
just people that are becoming Vol.5, No.3.
overweight but also their pets. The 3. The Daily Telegraph, 2/1/2004.
study reveals that twenty-five per cent
of dogs and cats in the western world
are obese and at risk of diabetes, heart

The Need of Righteousness
On 8th January 1903, after Maghrib prayers, three people took the Oath of
Allegiance at the hand of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian, the
Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The three included Sheikh Noor Ahmad Sahib from
Abbotabad and Sayyed Hamid Ali Shah Sahib of Baddumalli and one other
person. After the Initiation, the Promised Messiah(as) addressed the assembled
group. Presented below is a translation of that address delivered in Urdu. The
original text of this address has been taken from Malfoozat, Volume 4, pp 395-402.
[Translator’s Note: The English

translation of the Holy Qur’an,
presented in italics, is by Hadhrat
Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib(ra). Where
the Promised Messiah (as) has
himself stated a certain inter-
pretation of the Arabic verse, this
is incorporated in the main body
of the text].
(Translated by Amatul-Hadi
Ahmad)
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim It is essential for our Community

Community was Hadhrat Mirza
Ghulam Ahmad(as). in these troubled times when the
In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of wind of misguided neglect and
Divine revelation, that he was the divergence from the guided path is
Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose blowing all around, that it should
advent had been foretold by adopt Taqwa (that is,
Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam
(peace be upon him) and by the righteousness). There is no rev-
scriptures of other faiths. erence for the commandments of
His claim constitutes the basis of the God in the world today. There is
beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim no consideration for rights and
Community.
covenants. There is an indulgence

The Need for Righteousness
in the material world and its The same fresh Qur’an exists about
concerns to an extreme degree. which God Almighty had stated:
Upon suffering even the minutest
material loss, people are prepared
to abandon the religious aspects
and squander the rights of God.
All these things can be observed in
the cases that regularly come Verily, We Ourself have sent
before the courts and those that are down this Exhortation, and
disputed at the time of sharing of most surely We will be its
inheritance. The treatment of Guardian.
others is motivated by greed. (Ch.15: v.10)
People are found to be very weak
in controlling emotional outbursts. A large portion of Ahadith, the
They do not dare to commit sins traditions of the Holy Prophet(sa) of
until such time as God imposes Islam, with its blessings is also in
upon them a state of weakness but existence but there is no faith
when they regain strength and they within hearts nor is there the
find an opportunity to commit practice of goodness. It is for the
sins, they immediately indulge in purpose of regeneration of these
sin. Today, in this age you may qualities that God Almighty has
search everywhere but you will appointed me [as the Reformer].
find that it is as if true God saw that the field is vacant
righteousness has been lifted out but the demand of the attribute of
of this world and there is no His Divinity is such that it did not
sincerity of faith anywhere. like the fact that the field should
However, because God Almighty remain vacant and people should
does not desire that the seed of remain so distant. Hence, by way
true righteousness and faith should of a challenge, God Almighty now
go to waste, whenever He sees that wishes to create a people who are
the ‘crop’ is about to be destroyed [spiritually] alive and our
completely, He creates a new preaching is for this purpose that
‘crop’. the life of Taqwa, that is,
righteousness may be achieved.

There are many different types of dogs but regrettable is the case of
people. There are some who take the person who does not possess
great pride in the bad deeds they even the standard of a dog. He
commit whereas it is not should then tell us what it is that
something that can possibly be he asks of God? God has granted
considered worthy of pride. Even to man such faculties that have not
the act of merely avoiding the bad been granted to any other creation.
is not a deed that can be included However, the capacity of avoiding
under acts of virtue nor can it be the bad [in obedience to a
termed true virtue as even animals command] is so basic that it is
can learn similar behaviour. Mian shared by the beasts. Some horses
Hussein Beg who was a merchant are seen to pick up the whip from
had a dog that had been trained to the ground, should it drop from the
guard over bread and it did so master’s hand and give it to the
[without ever daring to eat it]. We master. Similarly, they lie down,
have heard of a cat that had been sit or arise at the command of their
similarly trained. Some people master and they show full
wished to test the cat and it was obedience. Hence, it cannot be the
shut up in a room with a few items cause of pride for man that he
such as milk, meat and sweet avoids a handful of sins that may
halwa that might tempt it. After a be related to his hands, feet or
couple of days when the door was other physical parts. Those who
opened the cat was found dead actually commit such sins are like
without any items of food having beasts. Just as dogs and cats put
been touched. One ought to be their mouths in a vessel that may
ashamed at the fact that being be left around uncovered and they
animals they obeyed human eat whatever they see lying
command in such a good manner around, so these people are the
and yet there are human beings same [in committing sins] – they
who do not obey the command of are like dogs and cats. Ultimately
God. There exist many such they get caught and end up in
examples that can act as a prison. You should go and see how
reprimand for a person’s inner the prisons are full of such
self. There exist many faithful ‘Muslims’.

There is now an opportunity [for like a great goddess, the closer one
rejuvenation] and these are the gets to them the harder the heart
days when there is a surge of becomes. We do not prohibit
God’s [mercy]. There are some anyone from carrying on trade to
periods that are the time of God’s the extent that it be given up
mercy in which people find the altogether but we say this that
capacity [and power to attain people should reflect upon the
spiritual progress]. The present is question as to where their
such a time. We do not suggest forefathers are now? They should
that the business of worldly affairs consider how we have those who
should be abandoned altogether. are very dear to us and then they
What we wish is that efforts for slip out of our very hands when
worldly affairs should be made up death creates a great distance
to a point and the world should be between them and us.
earned with the intention that it
should become a servant of
religion. It is not at all right that a
person should become so
engrossed in the world that he Who knows the account of the
forgets the aspect of faith year ahead
altogether when he is neither Where are the friends who
aware of fasting nor of Salat as is were with us the year before?
the condition of the people these
days. Take for example the mass At the present time the scourge of
gathering at Delhi where it is said the plague is upon the land and it is
nearly one hundred and fifty said that it spans a period of
thousand people were gathered - in seventy years and nothing is of any
my view all of them are only use before it – all effort is useless –
interested in worldliness. and it comes for the purpose of
reinforcing the belief in the
It has been stated in a Hadith, [that existence of God. Hence, know that
is, tradition of the Holy Prophet He does truly exist and that nothing
Muhammad(sa) of Islam], that God can save one from the affliction that
dislikes kings the most because, comes from God except God. You

should adopt true righteousness in man, there is a transformation in

order that God may be pleased with him but to attain it prayer is
you. When a human being becomes essential. Salat alone is such a good
like a rebellious horse, he suffers act that its performance removes
punishment. Those who are the satanic weaknesses and it is this
distinguished understand a hint just that is termed ‘prayer’. Satan
as a trained horse does. Such good desires that a human being should
people are recipients of revelation stay weak in its observance because
from God - they receive wahi and a he knows that when a person
very fine point here is this that the reforms himself, the person
meaning of wahi is also given as achieves such reform by himself.
‘indication’ or ‘hint’. However, Hence, it is a condition that one
when the time of receiving should become clean and pure –
punishment passes, the time for Satan loves man as long as there is
wahi begins and this is necessary filth attached to him.
because this matter is not easily
resolved. Taqwa, righteousness, is Respectful reverence is essential
not such an easy matter that it can before one can request favours of
be achieved merely through some God. The wise always keep in
verbal utterances, rather it contains view the respect due to a king
within it a share of the satanic sin. before seeking something from a
Its example is like that of a sweet of king. This is the reason why God
which even a tiny amount can has taught, in the Chapter Al-
attract countless ants. The same is Fatiha, the manner in which a
true of satanic sin and it informs of prayer should be offered and it is
human weakness. If Allah had so taught that:
willed He would not have placed
such weakness in man but Allah
desires that man should know that
the fountainhead of all power is All praise belongs to Allah
Allah’s Being. No Prophet or who is Lord of all the worlds
Messenger has the power to grant (Ch.1: v.2)
this capacity to others. However,
when Allah grants this power to

of God as being the unseen but

now he considers Him to be
present and he calls out to Him:
The Gracious.
(Ch.1: v.3)
that is One Who gives without Thee alone do we worship and

begging or asking. Thee alone do we implore for
help. Guide us in the right path
(Ch.1: Vs.5,6)
The Merciful. ..the path that is absolutely straight

(Ch.1: v.3) without any flaws. There is a path
of the blind in that they make
that is the One Who bestows upon strenuous efforts without
man the best fruit of his true effort. achieving any desired outcome.
After this, [the prayer taught in al-
Fatiha continues]:
Master of the Day of

Judgement.
(Ch.1: v.4) the path of those upon whom
Thou has bestowed blessings.
that is, all matters of judgement (Ch.1: v.7)
are in His hand – He can punish or
forgive. The judgement of the and this path is exactly that path
other world as well as of this which leads to the reward of
world, all is in His hands. When a [special] blessings for those who
person praises God this much, he tread upon it. After [this it states]:
becomes aware of the Greatness of
God who is Rab, Rahman and
Raheem (the Lord, the Gracious
and the Merciful O
ne). A person had hitherto thought

That is, not [the path] of those and station to which one can
who incurred thy displeasure progress.
nor of those who have gone
astray. [Returning to the main topic of
(Ch.1: v.7) righteousness, the Promised
Messiah(as) continued], in order to
[The prayer contained in verse 6 of become righteous, it is necessary
al-Fatiha], Ihd-e-nassirat-al for a person that he should become
Mustaqim, Guide us in the right steadfast in abandoning and
path, applies to the way of all abstaining from such sins as
things – worldly or religious. For adultery, theft, meanness,
instance, until a physician finds haughtiness, usurping the right of
the ‘straight path’ [to a patient’s others and demeaning others.
illness] he cannot cure a patient. However, it is also essential that
Similar is the case of lawyers and while one becomes steadfast in
all other professions. There is a abstaining from the bad
straight path for all knowledge and characteristics, one should at the
occupations – upon finding this same time inculcate the noble
path everything becomes easy.] characteristics such as kindness,
graciousness and sympathy for
[At this point someone raised the others and should show sincere
question as to why Prophets are in loyalty and be true to God. A
need of this prayer when they are person should seek to serve in
already on the straight path to such a manner that it would earn
which the Promised Messiah (as) him the lofty station of praise from
replied that] they supplicate with God. It is through such means that
this prayer in order to attain a person is called a Muttaqi , that
greater progress and a higher is, a righteous person and those
station. This prayer Ihd-e- who are the embodiment of such
nassirat-al Mustaqim is a qualities collectively are the truly
supplication that the believers will righteous, (that is, the term
make even in the other world Muttaqi is only fully applicable
because just as there is no limit to when the noble characteristics are
God so there is no limit to the level collectively found in a person and

not if these qualities are found God swoops down on him as a

individually). It is for such [truly lioness pounces upon whoever
righteous] people that [the Holy may dare to snatch away her cubs.
Qur’an states]:
The true principle of gaining
benefit from the fountainhead of
God’s Mercy is [to remember that]
it is a distinctive characteristic of
God that [His attitude to a human
And no fear shall come upon being reflects the action of that
them, nor shall they grieve. human being] – if a person takes a
(Ch.2: v.63) step [towards God] then God, too,
moves [towards that human
After this what else could they being]. However, the special
possibly want? God becomes the Grace and Mercy of God is not
guardian of such people as is with every one and for this reason
stated: when these are bestowed upon
someone they are referred to as
being a sign for them. [Its example
can be seen in the life of the Holy
And He protects the righteous. Prophet(sa) of Islam]. The
(Ch.7: v.197) opponents of the Holy Prophet(sa)
did their utmost to defeat him but
It is stated in a Hadith that God their efforts came to nothing. They
becomes the hands with which a even planned to take his life but
person holds, the eye with which ultimately they were defeated.
he sees and the ear with which he Such is the [nature of goodness
hears and the feet with which he and trust] that is proposed by God
walks. It is narrated in another [in order to be the recipient of His
Hadith [that God states] ‘he who special grace]. The special efforts
is an enemy of My friend, I say to that are made [for the attainment
him be ready to face Me’. In of God’s special grace] should be
another place it is stated that when presented before God and not
someone attacks a friend of God, before us. Let your hearts flow

THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF GAINING BENEFIT FROM THE
FOUNTAINHEAD OF GOD’S MERCY IS [TO REMEMBER THAT] IT

IS A DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTIC OF GOD THAT [H IS
ATTITUDE TO A HUMAN BEING REFLECTS THE ACTION OF THAT
HUMAN BEING] – IF A PERSON TAKES A STEP [TOWARDS GOD]

THEN GOD, TOO, MOVES [TOWARDS THAT HUMAN BEING].
with the love of God and with the before God is certainty that he is
acknowledgement of His standing before the most powerful
Greatness and for the attainment Being Who listens and knows and
of such a state there is nothing Who could grant there and then
greater than Salat. Compulsory should He so desire through
fasting comes but only once a year kindness. One should supplicate
for a month and Zakat is only for with deep felt emotion without
those who possess wealth but becoming disheartened. A
Salat is such that each one of persistence in such practise would
every condition has to perform it lead a person to see (the pleasure
five times daily and you should of) it very soon and other blessings
not waste it at all. It should be of God would also be with him
repeated often and it should be and he will eventually find God.
performed in such a way that one This then is the method that should
feels that one is standing before be practised with steadfastness.
the most powerful Being Who can, However, it is the case that prayer
should He so desire, accept one’s of the cruel transgressor does not
prayer there and then – in that find acceptance because such a
state, at that moment even at that person is neglectful towards God.
very second. Worldly rulers are Should a son not care about his
dependent upon material wealth, father and have no sense of his
hence, their concern about the obligations to his father, the father,
depletion of their wealth but God’s too, would not care about the son.
treasury is always full. All that is Then why should God care about
required when a person stands such a person?

sustenance but the [Arabic] term

[Here someone raised the question ‘Astafeena’ is for special instances
as to how was it that the prayer of [where special favours are
Bal’am Ba’our was accepted to sought].
which the Promised Messiah (as)
replied] that was a trial not a
prayer and in the end he was
destroyed. Prayer is the
supplication of those who are dear
to God. Otherwise it is the case PLEASE NOTE:
that God listens to [the prayers of In this journal, for the ease of
all mankind including] the Hindus, non-Muslim readers, ‘(sa)’ or
for instance, and some of their ‘sa’ after the words, ‘Holy
wishes are fulfilled but the word Prophet’, or the name
‘Muhammad’, are used. They
for that is trial not prayer. For
stand for ‘Salallahu alaihi
example, if such a person were to wassalam’ meaning ‘Peace and
ask for bread, would God not give Blessings of Allah be upon
him bread? He has made a promise him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’
to this effect [and the promise is or ‘as’ after the name of all
contained in the following verse of other prophets is an
the Holy Qur’an]: abbreviation meaning ‘Peace
be upon him’ derived from
‘Alaih salato wassalam’ for the
respect a Muslim reader utters.
The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra)
stands for ‘Radhiallahtala’ and
is used for Companions of a
Prophet, meaning Allah be
there is no creature that moves pleased with him or her (when
in the earth but it is for Allah to followed by the relevant Arabic
provide it with sustenance. pronoun)
(Ch.11: V.7) Also ru or (ru) for
Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means
the Mercy of Allah the Exalted
Dogs and cats too fill their bellies. be upon him.
Worms and insects also find their

Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
A Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V on 20 June
2003 at the Fazl Mosque London, transcribed and translated by Saleem
Malik, published at its own responsibility by The Review of Religions.
Holy Qur’an), Hadhrat Mirza

Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih
V, recited the following verse of
the Holy Qur’an:
There should be no compulsion

in religion. Surely, right has
become distinct from wrong;
so whosoever refuses to be led
by those who transgress, and
believes in Allah, has surely
grasped a strong handle which
knows no breaking. And Allah
is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
(Ch.2: V.257)
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V

stated:
‘Nowadays, the whole of the

After Tashshhad (bearing witness Western world is busy imputing
to the Unity of Allah and the that Islam is a religion of violence.
affirmation that Muhammad(sa) is It is because of the fundamentalist
His Messenger) and Taudh practising violence that Jihadi
(seeking refuge from the accursed organisations [organisations that
Satan) and reciting the Surah mistakenly believe that Muslims
Fatiha (the opening chapter of the should engage in a holy war and

either ask non-Muslims to accept grasped a strong handle which

Islam or put them to the sword: knows no breaking. And Allah
Ed] are operating in the Islamic is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
world. (Ch.2: V.257)
All Ahmadis are fully aware that Commenting on this verse,

this is slanderous and an indecent Hadhrat Musleh Maud, Khalifatul
imputation on Islam. Islam is a Masih II (ra) says:
religion that teaches love,
affection and brotherhood. The ‘It is strange that Islam is
stress that Islam places on the criticised for teaching that faith
basic human rights cannot be should be spread by force.
found in any other religion. Islam prepares Muslims to be
Unfortunately, some extremist ready for Jihad, as Allah says:
groups that have no relation with ‘Fight in the way of Allah
the true teachings of Islam, have, those who fight with you’
for the sake of the satisfaction of (Ch.2: V.191). On the other
their own ego, created a dreadful hand, Allah says There is no
image of Islam by associating compulsion in religion
Islam with Jihadi organisations. meaning that the injunction
This has distorted the beautiful about fighting does not mean
teachings of Islam. This is not a that the use of force is
service to Islam. On the contrary, permitted to convert people to
this has brought Islam into Islam. In fact, the order to fight
disrepute. The translation of the is to remove the mischief and
verse that I have recited from the eliminate the wicked designs
Holy Qur’an just now is: of the enemy. Had compulsion
been permitted, how could the
There should be no compulsion Holy Qur’an require the
in religion. Surely, right has Muslims to fight and yet in the
become distinct from wrong; same Chapter enjoin that
so whosoever refuses to be led compulsion is not permitted in
by those who transgress and religion? Is it not but obvious
believes in Allah has surely that Islam does not permit the

use of force in matters of and compulsion. The police can

religion under any circ- arrest someone who has
umstance? Therefore, this committed a crime, but religion
verse not only clearly states deters you from the intention of
that the use of compulsion is sin. Therefore, when man
unlawful but also the placing accepts the rule of religion, then
of this verse at that particular there is no need for police to
point in the Holy Qur ’an safeguard it. Allah the
clearly shows that Islam is Almighty says that force and
totally against compulsion. compulsion have no bearing
The allegation of Christian with religion; therefore, do not
orientalists that Islam orders coerce anyone because one who
the use of sword to bring non- is not a believer at heart, is a
Muslims in the fold of Islam is hypocrite. According to Sharia
totally untrue. The fact is that (Law), hypocrites and non-
Islam is the first religion that believers are in the same pot. It
presented the teaching to the is by mistake only that stories
world that everyone has full have been given currency that
freedom of conscience and that Islam was spread by the use of
there is no compulsion in sword.
religion.’ ‘It is also alleged that the
(Tafseer-e-Kabir, vol.2, pp 585 Emperor Aurangzeb was cruel
– 586) and forced people into Islam.
This is a fallacious statement.
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I(ra) The Chief of his army was a
states: Hindu. A large part of his life
was spent in fighting his
‘There is no compulsion in brothers, even his death
religion’: There is a way of the occurred when he was fighting
prophets and there is a way of Tana Shah. Also, Islam is not
the kings. It is not the custom of responsible for the actions of
the prophets to use force, the kings. Muslims made a
oppression or compulsion. terrible mistake when they
However, kings use both force accepted the accusations of its

THEREFORE, IT IS A DUTY OF THE A HMADIYYA

COMMUNITY TODAY TO LAUNCH A WORLDWIDE
CAMPAIGN TO PRESENT THE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS OF
PEACE AND HARMONY THAT ISLAM COMMANDS ALL
MUSLIMS TO FOLLOW. THE MEMBERS OF THE
COMMUNITY SHOULD EXPLAIN TO THE WORLD THAT
ISLAM HAS BEEN THE DEFENDER OF JUSTICE AND
EQUITY FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
objectors even though Islam as well, the attitude and

means sincere love and behaviour of the Holy Prophet
acceptance of truth with of Islam sa was exactly the
candour. That is why there is same. When we read through
no compulsion in Islam.’ the unbiased history, we cannot
(Haqaiqul Furqan, vol.1, find even a single instance
p.391) when the great emperors
(Mahmood Ghaznavi, Sultan
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I(ra) Salahuddin, Aurangzeb) ever
further comments: forced a single person to
accept Islam. On the other
‘In Kitabe Maghaazi (however hand, people of other religions
unreliable it may be), we find found favour with them on
no example whatsoever where merit and held many
the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) prominent offices in the
used force or employed the administration of these Muslim
sword to bring into Islam any rulers. This is an abundant
person, any family or any tribe. proof that with the exception
Sir William Muir clearly states of the sword being used for the
that out of thousands not even defence of the nation, the
one person was forced to sword was never employed for
become a Muslim in the city of the spread of Islam.
Madinah and that, in Makkah

‘According to the Islamic laws, Islam(sa) refrained them from their

subjects of other faiths in action on the very basis that ‘there
Islamic empires had full is no compulsion in religion’. The
religious freedom. The verse background to how these children
There is no compulsion in had begun to live amongst the
religion, (Ch.2: V.257) is a Jews goes back to the pre-Islamic
clear proof that Islam allows days of ignorance when some
full freedom in matters of faith Arab families who had no male
and religion and enjoins children used to pledge that if the
Muslims to use compassion next child were male they would
when dealing with non- make him a Jew. Thus such Arabs
believers. used to hand over their male
(Fasalul Khitab, second children to Jewish families. So this
edition; vol. 1; pp.83-84) is the beautiful teaching of Islam
that once you hand over your own
Therefore, it is a duty of the son to someone else and that
Ahmadiyya community today to someone else makes your
launch a worldwide campaign to descendant an adherent of another
present the beautiful teachings of faith, you cannot take him back by
peace and harmony that Islam force.
commands all Muslims to follow. Another unique example is what
The members of the community happened at the time of the peace
should explain to the world that treaty signed at Hudaibiyya. The
Islam has been the defender of Quraish laid down some strict and
justice and equity from the very unfair conditions and as a result
beginning. The events 1400 years many Muslims felt humiliated and
ago fully testify to that assertion some even demonstrated their
when the tribe of Banu Nadhir was unwillingness to accept the treaty.
exiled from Madinah. It included But the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa)
many children of the Ansar had unshakable conviction that the
(Muslim inhabitants of Madinah). victory would ultimately belong to
When the Muslims showed their Muslims because the All-Hearing,
intention to detain their All-Knowing God had promised
descendants, the Holy Prophet of him that the victory would be his.

Allah had heard his supplications sufficient. You will only succeed if
and the time of acceptance of these you firmly hold on to the
prayers was near. With absolute commandments of Allah and His
belief, the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) Prophet(sa). According to the
accepted all the conditions and prophecies of the Holy Prophet of
taught his companions that the Islam(sa), the Promised Messiah(as)
victory of Islam would not come is that strong handle today that
by fighting wars, but by peace, presents to you the true
goodwill and by acting on the true interpretation of the Divine
commandments of Allah. commandments. He is the one
who reiterates to you the true
God willing, the victory of Islam teachings of the Holy Prophet of
in this age will also come about by Islam(sa). You will only succeed if
following this principle. It is you act on these instructions.
important that Muslims also Because of their sad conditions,
understand clearly that although Muslims remained distressed for a
the eventual victory of Islam is long time and kept on waiting for
certain, it will not come about by the Messiah and Mahdi to appear
force. The victory of Islam will so that they could join him and
only come by the sheer blessings witness the victory of Islam.
and Grace of Allah and by the Those who truly cared for Islam
Muslims following the com- kept on praying and supplicating.
mandments of Allah and by But, what happened when the
following the example and the advent of this Promised One took
teachings of our beloved Prophet place? A large number refused to
Muhammad(sa). accept him simply because he had
brought the message of peace,
As Allah explains in the verse that harmony and brotherhood.
when you left the ways of error
and joined the ways of Allah, it is Then, in his commentary on Ch.2:
as though you have got hold of a V.257 (quoted at the beginning),
strong handle which knows no Hadhrat Musleh Maud, Khalifatul
breaking. But merely uttering the Masih II(ra) expounds:
words ‘I believe’ are not

‘In this verse, acceptance and ‘By stating ‘Urwa’ man is also
belief means that one rejects the informed that if he holds it
evil of Satan and accepts the firmly, it will help him at all
command of Allah. Such a times of difficulty.
person is described as ‘has
surely grasped a strong handle ‘Urwa’ also points to the fact
which knows no breaking.’ that religion is the only really
(Ch.2: V.257) ‘Urwa’ also beneficial possession that will
means a handle by which you help both in this world and the
hold a pan; a thing that can be next. All other relationships
trusted; anything towards are temporary and are cut off
which one turns at the time of one by one at the time of need.
need; that which is everlasting Although man certainly
and cannot be diminished; and considers his relations and
can also mean the best wealth. friends as his best companions
If the meanings are taken as a yet ‘a friend in need is a friend
handle then this verse would indeed’ and they can show
mean that Allah the Almighty weakness and disloyalty at
has compared faith to subtle times. Only then he finds out
contents contained in a pan and that the real relations were
which is safe or preserved and those based on religion as they
someone has taken possession bestow the real blessings.”
of this pan firmly by the handle. (Tafseer-e-Kabir, Vol.2; pp.587
–588)
‘Urwa’ in this verse also points
to the fact that faith is what one Addressing the Muslims, the
uses as a support when one is Promised Messiah(as) says:
afraid of falling, just as one
holds on to a rope when ‘According to your belief,
climbing a ladder. Similarly, Messiah the son of Mary will
religion is also a support like descend from Heaven and
that rope and one holds on to it joining forces with the Mahdi
when one is afraid of falling. will start a war to convert
everyone by force to Islam.

This preposterous belief brings the Almighty says,

Islam into disrepute. Where in ‘Permission to fight is given to
the Holy Qur’an is it those against whom war is
mentioned that compulsion is made, because they have been
permitted in religion? On the wronged – and Allah indeed
contrary, the Holy Qur’an has power to help them’
says,‘There is no compulsion (Ch.22: V.40) – i.e. those
in religion’. (Ch.2: V.257). Muslims against whom the
How, then, will Messiah the infidels are fighting are
son of Mary be given the right permitted to confront them
to use force? That is to say to because they have been
use force to such an extent that oppressed and Allah is Mighty
accept Islam or be killed, so and has the power to help
much so that even the option of them. Then, there were those
Jizya [(a tax imposed on non- wars that were fought as
Muslims guaranteeing their defensive wars. Either the
protection and not requiring enemies were advancing with
them to be part of the Muslim aggressive designs to exter-
army] will be cancelled? From minate Islam or they were
which part or chapter of the using torment and inquisition
Holy Qur’an is this contention on Muslims in their countries
supported? The whole of the to stop the spread of Islam. The
Holy Qur’an keeps saying wars were fought with such
repeatedly that there is no enemies for protection, or for
compulsion in religion. It is obtaining independence in
evident that the wars that the defence or to create freedom in
Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) a country. Except for the three
conducted against various scenarios mentioned above,
adversaries were as a neither the Holy Prophet of
punishment for their crime of Islamsa nor the revered
the massacre of Muslims in Khalifas of the Holy Prophet(sa)
large numbers and sending fought any wars. In fact, Islam
others into exile and inflicting suffered inquisition and
cruelty upon them. As Allah persecution at the hands of

foreign nations with such should be to eradicate with true

patience that you would not proofs the false beliefs of
find another example amongst crucifixion instead of going
other people. around smashing the golden,
silver, bronze or wooden
‘What sort of persons would crucifixes. If you use
then be Jesus the Messiah and compulsion, then your force
the Mahdi who would start the only testifies that you have no
killing instantly so much so convincing argument about
that he would refuse to accept your truth. Whenever any fool
Jizya even from the people of or tyrant runs out of
the Book; and would thus arguments, he resorts to the
abrogate the verse of the Holy gun and the sword. But a
Qur’an which enjoins, ‘Until religion that needs sword for
they pay the Jizya (tax) with its propagation can never be
their own hand submissively from God Almighty. If you do
and acknowledge their sub- not refrain from such Jihad
jection.’ (Ch.9:V.29). What and, in anger, call the righteous
sort of supporter of Islam by the names of impostors and
would he be that he would heretics, then I end my dis-
even abrogate the verses of the course with the words, – ‘Say!
Holy Qur’an that had not been “O ye disbelievers! I worship
abrogated in the times of the not that which you worship”’
Holy Prophet (sa) and despite (Ch 109: V.2-3).’
this revolution the issue of (Tafseer, Hadhrat Masih Maud (as),
Khatme Nabuwwat would be Vol. 1; pp. 747-748)
unaffected? In this age, after
1300 years of the prophethood The Promised Messiah(as) further
have passed and Islam itself says:
has been divided into 73 sects,
the duty of the Messiah should ‘Whatever Allah the Almighty
be to win the hearts not by the does, He does for the sake of
use of sword but by arguments teaching and training. Since
and persuasion. His duty the period of glory lingers on,

and Muslim power and glory ‘There should be freedom in

had prevailed over a long matters of faith. Allah the
period and their conquests Almighty says that, ‘There is
stretched to the far corners of no compulsion in religion.’
the world, some fools began to (Ch.2: V.257) You will not find
think that Islam was spread by such a sentence anywhere in
force although its teaching is the Holy Bible. People have
There is no compulsion in misunderstood the true cause
religion (Ch.2: V.257). To of wars. If war was the
prove its truth, Allah the commandment, then the Holy
Almighty sent his Khatamul Prophet(sa) wasted thirteen
Khulafa (the Most Perfect of years of his life when he did
Vicegerents) and by giving not lift the sword once. The
him the task of ‘Yadha’ul permission is granted to fight
Harb’ (ending wars) gave him only those who fight with you.
the second task of ‘Le It has never been the principle
Yudhhirahu ‘aladdeen-e- of Islam to initiate wars. Allah
kullihi’ (that He may make it Himself has explained the
prevail over every other reason for war by saying
religion Ch.9: V.33). In other ‘Dhulimu’ (because they have
words he would bring about been wronged Ch.22: V.40).
the victory of Islam by When Allah saw that His
evidence and arguments and people are oppressed and
would remove fighting and persecuted, only then did He
wars. Those who are waiting permit them to fight in self-
for a blood-thirsty Mahdi and defence. Allah never declared
blood-thirsty Messiah are in that now the time for the sword
great error’. has come and you should
(Al-Hakam, vol. 6; No. 24; 10 convert people to Islam by
July 1902; p.3) force. Instead, Allah enjoined
that since you are victims of
Again, the Promised Messiah(as) oppression, you should fight
states: back. In fact, all laws of the
world permit victims of

oppression to fight for their other people who can show

life’. comparable miracles. They will
(Al-Badr, Vol. 2; No. 1-2; 23 never, never, never come forward!
January 1903) They will never be able to show
even one miracle even if they die
In this context, the Promised trying. Their gods are artificial.
Messiah(as) further elaborates: They do not follow a true God.
Islam is an ocean of miracles.
‘The opinion of Nawab Siddiq Islam has never used any
Hassan that in the time of the compulsion nor has there been any
Messiah, people will be compelled need for it’.
to become Muslims, is incorrect. (Appendix to Haqiqatul Wahy; pp.
God Almighty says, There is no 35-36)
compulsion in religion. (Ch.2:
v.257) Yes, once, Christians used The Promised Messiah (as) states
to use force to convert others to further:
Christianity. But ever since the
advent of Islam, Islam has been ‘In their foolish ignorance,
against the use of force. Only these illiterate clerics promptly
those who possess no Divine sign declare that Islam was spread
resort to force. But Islam is an by the sword. The obtuse
ocean of Heavenly Signs. No Christian clergy is also wedded
prophet ever showed as many to these doubtful ideas. There
miracles as were shown by our can be no bigger lie than to
Holy Prophet(sa). The miracles of accuse a religion whose first
the earlier prophets died with their teaching happens to be There is
death, but the miracles of our no compulsion in religion.
Prophet(sa) are still being (Ch.2: V.257) of compulsion
manifested today and they will and the use of force. The
continue till the Judgement Day. battles that our beloved
Whatever is being demonstrated in Prophet(sa) and his companions
my support are, in fact, the had to fight were purely to
miracles of the Holy Prophet(sa). defend themselves and to
Where are those priests or Jews or create peace. Those who pick

up the sword to stop the faith by the excellence of its teachings.

have to be stopped by the Tell those who are associating
sword’. Islam with the sword that they are
(Tiriyaqul Qaloob, p.16) following the wrong course.
Explain to them and pray for them
The Promised Messiah (as) because they come in the category
continues: of ‘Inna hum La Ya’alamoon’ –
Verily, they do not know. It is the
‘The true Muslims of the past crying need of the time to
never believed in the use of convince the world that Islam
sword for propagating Islam. spread during the time of the Holy
Instead, Islam spread all over Prophet(sa) because of his prayers
the world because of its own and supplications; and in this age,
attributes. Therefore those who God willing, this will happen only
call themselves Muslims, and by presenting the true teachings of
know only that Islam should be Islam as expounded by the
spread by the use of sword, do Promised Messiah (as), the true
not know of the beauties of devotee and servant of the Holy
Islam. Their actions are no Prophet of Islam(sa).
better than the actions of
beasts’.
(Tiriyaqul Qaloob, footnote
p.167)
Therefore, it is a duty of every

Ahmadi today that he should take
this message to the whole world
that the true teaching of Islam is
the one that has been given to us
by the Promised Messiah(as). They
should take the message of love,
peace and brotherhood; and
declare to the whole that Islam
was not spread by the sword but

Balance Within Man’s Body
This article is an extract from the book
Absolute Justice, Kindness and
Kinship: The Three Creative Principles,
in which the author, Hadhrat Mirza
Tahir Ahmad – Khalifatul Masih IV,
elaborates on the three stages of
human relations; namely Adl
(Absolute justice), Ihsan (to grant
someone more than his due) and Ita’I
Dhil-Qurba (to treat someone with
such grace and overwhelming
benevolence as one would treat one’s
kindered).
This section follows a discussion of one
meaning of verse nine of Surah Al-
Shams (‘And He revealed to it what is wrong for it [fujoor] and what is right
for it [taqwa]’), and focuses on another aspect of its meaning.
The Inbuilt Criterion for Good and good for it and what is bad for it
Bad within its own tiny world of the barest
God has endowed the human form of existence. Even the amoeba
physiology with intrinsic potentials to has its limitations of health and
distinguish disease from health and disease, what it should endeavour to
creative phenomena from destructive possess and what it should avoid and
phenomena. This system of dis- evade. But in man it is so highly
crimination works without the developed and complex, that even a
knowledge of human consciousness cursory glance at its function is
and as an ongoing self-flowing absolutely astounding.
phenomenon. In fact this applies not
only to human beings but to all forms The process of selection and rejection
of life as well. Each species, whether is observed in perfect operation at
elementary or advanced, is well every level of human existence; the
equipped with that inbuilt ability following simple illustration will help
which informs each individual elaborate the case in point.
belonging to any species of what is

IN SHORT, IN TERMS OF HUMAN PHYSIQUE, THIS VERSE OF

SURAH AL-SHAMS INDICATES THAT HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
AND ANATOMY AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE
PORTAL SYSTEM, INTRAVENOUS SYSTEM AND GLANDULAR
SYSTEM , AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ARE ALL WELL
EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS GOOD AND
BAD FOR THEM, AND HOW TO AVOID EVIL AND ADOPT A
HEALTHY COURSE.
The appetite in man creates in him constituent materials and purifying it

the awareness of the requirements of from alien matters not needed by the
energy. The sense of sight, smell, body and purifying it from bacterial
touch and taste, and even in some or viral impurities and breaking it
cases the sense of hearing, all into such chemical elements as can
immediately begin to take an active be readily assimilated by the system
part in determining what is good and and recycled into other more
what is bad, and to what extent complex organic materials after
something is good and to what extent having being introduced into the
something is bad for the man in need bloodstream of man.
of some form of energy. Then if a
morsel of something is introduced These are but a very few
into the mouth, the taste buds and oversimplified examples of how the
heat buds and the sensory organs human body is equipped to create a
relating to touch etc., the teeth and balanced diet for human con-
salivary glands and jaw bones and sumption. If the balance is disturbed,
the nerves attached to the teeth, then the quality of human life and
muscles of the jaws and circular health is adversely affected. The
fibres around the oesophagus and balance needed within the system of
trachea, all begin to play a perfectly life in human beings is so perfectly
balanced role, as if dancing in perfect measured and precisely proportioned,
harmony in step with the music of that even a slight disturbance in
life. Then, when at last something is mutual proportions can turn life into
swallowed, the selection process death.
begins to play a more profound role
in disintegrating the food into its

Here it would be logical to translate Qur’anic statements. There is an

Fujoor as changes threatening the amazing balance between man’s
healthy progress of life, and Taqwa as propensity to fall ill and catch
measures of the potential ability to diseases and his potential ability to
avoid the dangers which may lead to cure himself from all forms of disease
illness and death. This also has a of which he may be stricken. Even
connotation of protective capabilities cancers can be cured without
or defensive measures. intervention of physicians or
oncologists. In fact there are some
In short, in terms of human physique, terminal cases of cancer which are
this verse of Surah Al-Shams duly recorded in medical history
indicates that human physiology and where the patient made a complete
anatomy and the nervous system and recovery, defying the scientific
the portal system, intravenous system understanding of how it could have
and glandular system, and the happened. The specialists’ know-how
immune system are all well equipped is disregarded when terminally ill
with the knowledge of what is good patients begin to recover and return to
and bad for them, and how to avoid life without any understandable
evil and adopt a healthy course. A cause. The scientists are in
minute study of just one of the unanimous agreement however that
systems alluded to would virtually the intricacies of the human immune
require volumes to be written; yet by system are as yet superficially
no means would the subject be understood. Yet only this much we
exhausted. To say that this magical can say with certainty, that our
and wonderful would be naive. To defence system is provided with
compare the intricacies and the tiers limitless possibilities.
upon tiers of mysteries with which
human life is endowed is like placing Despite its perfection no defence
Alice in Wonderland. In comparison apparatus in man can bring him
to the wonders of human creation all eternity. In each system that man is
fiction relating to mystery and endowed with there is an inherent
wonder is paled into nothingness. counter system which works in
measured tones for its ultimate
When we study the scientific destruction. Everything is precisely
explanation of how the human body measured and proportioned. The
functions, we are amazed to notice estimated duration of the life of each
how perfectly they verify the relevant cell of the human body is

predetermined by the most intricate remains intact. After a pre-calculated

dominant and recessive charac- size is reached, suddenly a perfect
teristics etched onto the genes. It is balance between the rate of growth
also clearly predetermined as to how and the rate of wear and tear is
long the growth rate for certain delicately maintained, so leaving
organs would move at a faster pace injury through disease and accident
than the death rate of the same organ. aside, they remain in a perfectly
Also it is clearly predetermined as to healthy and balanced state with no
the age at which the pace of growth apparent changes occurring in their
and destruction would remain length and size.
perfectly matched, and again it is also
predetermined as to the time after Ordinarily people think they have
which the rate of death would outpace grown and stopped growing, and that
the rate of growth. None of these is is all that there is to it. This naive
accidental. concept is farthest from the truth. If
they had stopped growing they would
Physical Growth have ground into nothingness in a
Let us study by way of illustration the matter of weeks and months. If on the
simple example of the growth of other hand, the rate of growth
teeth. The milk teeth as we know continued to remain the same as was
them are governed and are being operative in the initial stages, they
constantly monitored in the rate of would have continued to grow longer
growth and decay, so that for some and longer till the lower teeth would
years the rate of growth outpaces the have jutted out of the top of the
rate of decay. For some years the human skull and the upper teeth
balanced stage is reached where the would be seen hanging below the jaw.
rates remain constant. Then suddenly
the balance is tilted in favour of death So it is not an unmeasured, uncon-
and decay, and the days of the milk trollable phenomenon that we are
teeth are numbered. After that begins observing. All the factors responsible
the age of the adult teeth. The rate of for measuring growth to a certain
growth in the beginning is much period and the change in the rate of
faster in this case than the rate of the growth after a certain period of time
wear and tear. Up to a certain stage, and the mutual balance between the
when they reach their predetermined rate of growth and decay, are an
size of length, breadth and thickness, extremely complex set of instructions
the balance in favour of growth specifically and clearly written into

the blueprint of human creation. constantly require sugar as a source of

When they act in detail, it is mind energy for their survival. There are so
boggling to realise how the blueprint many glands involved in this complex
of human design and engineering task. Even if the animal does not eat
unfolds itself and works in such an sugar directly, various forms of
amazing and intricate manner. carbohydrates he consumes in the
forms of starches, powders, fruits and
The safe removal of the waste vegetables etc., are broken down into
products through the human sugar by certain glands in the body.
excretory system is also a system in This sugar, or any other sugar directly
itself which astounds human consumed by an animal is a ready
understanding. Here of course the source for all his requirements of
principle of Adl is applicable with no energy, but it cannot be directly
awareness on the part of the human utilised by any human organ or part of
mind. Only when he treats the teeth the body without the help of insulin.
with injustice does he begin to realise But if insulin is produced in excessive
the outcome of his folly through the quantities, a disease which is the
damage that he himself inflicts on his opposite of diabetes can be caused and
own teeth. And within a small sphere this is called hypoglycaemia. In this
he begins to observe another form of disease, the sugar level is so lowered
justice in play, that is the justice by over-consumption or by other
operative in the phenomena of crime factors, that if it is not immediately
and punishment. rectified it can result in sudden death
or a deep coma which is damaging for
Diabetes the brain and other vital organs.
Diabetes is a common disease which
can be used to illustrate the mysteries To keep a counter check on
of balances. Among other things, production of insulin there is a
diabetes is caused by imbalances in complex signalling system at work in
the secretions of some vital glands in the body which sounds an alarm as if
the human assimilative system. announcing the fact that all the insulin
that was needed has been produced
The pancreas produces two types of and no more is required. This counter
secretions or chemicals. One is called insulin secretion is also produced in
insulin and is largely responsible for the same area of the glandular system
the assimilation of sugar into all parts which is responsible for the
of the organs of the body, which production of insulin. When secretion

is released the production of insulin electrolyte system in which the cells

suddenly halts and the animal seems are suspended. This bi-layered
to enter a state of perfect satiation. envelope provides a very effective
Tilt the balance to either side and the preventative cover to each cell. But it
health will be adversely influenced to creates its own problems.
some degree.
Sugars are found dissolved in the
But this is not all to the story of bloodstream and the same double
insulin and measures created by God cover preventing the solution of blood
to keep it in check and balance. from reaching the nucleus also
prevents sugar from reaching the
Each human organ requires insulin nucleus where it is vitally needed far
for the assimilation of sugar, but also survival. Also, a well-proportioned
other rare elements and secretions are amount of insulin must somehow be
needed to support this complex transported into the cell. So to keep
system. Every cell in the bloodstream perfect balance between both
constantly needs energy. After the requirements and provide effective
consumption of energy, the waste measures against both dangers (either
product needs to be thrown out. For side), God has designed the two covers
this, adequate measures are taken of the cells to meet the situation
whereby the waste product and toxins perfectly. Both covers have certain
etc. are secreted out of the system. pores through which a molecule of
sugar is transported with an attached
All the above functions are performed molecule of insulin into the heart of
through the agency of the blood- the cell where it is immediately
stream. Talking of the bloodstream, consumed. The waste products are
this in itself offers limitless wonders. carried back through the pores of the
The problem with the bloodstream is same covers to the bloodstream where
that it can be self-destructive. The they are washed out to the porous skin
medium of liquid in which blood cells in the form of perspiration, or highly
of different types are suspended can complex mucous membranes in the
destroy the nucleus of the cell kidney etc. This transportation of
immediately if it is permitted to flow sugar into the cell and the expulsion of
into the cell freely. To counter this waste product occurs at unbelievably
danger there is a bi-layered envelope high speeds.
around each cell which cannot be
penetrated directly by the liquid This is the energy transportation

system; but this again is not all. There levels of existence. Hence they may
is far more to it. Each human organ, not be referred to as absolute justice,
including cells in the bloodstream, but one cannot escape the fact that
requires a certain amount of sugar justice and perfect balance are two
constantly for survival. But of course names for the same phenomenon. In
there are priorities, the priority of the other words, we can say without fear
brain is supreme over all the organs of of contradiction that perfect health is
the body. If the sugar level in the another name for absolute justice.
bloodstream sinks, the brain must
somehow be guaranteed a constant To understand the issue of balance in
supply till the entire reserve of sugar relation to sugar in the human body,
is depleted. If every organ and let us discuss the specific example of
cellular tissues of the body had equal how much sugar is needed, and what
access to the consumption of sugar, are the minimum and maximum
there would always be a danger of the levels. For each 100 ml of blood,
brain being deprived of its vital there must always be at least 60 mg of
supply of sugar because of over- sugar available for consumption. But
consumption elsewhere. Hence to on the other side of the equation the
keep the balance between various sugar level must not exceed 180 mg
priorities, glands also create other per 100 ml of blood (Textbook of
secretions which direct the Medical Physiology, Arthur C.
consumption of insulin in a complex Guyton, 5th Edition, Saunders, 1976,
and controlled manner. Chap, 78.). If it exceeds that level
then the state of imbalance is referred
If the sugar falls below a certain level to as blood sugar.
where the supply to the brain could be
threatened, the relative glandular To keep the balance correct if the
secretions would stop all supply of insulin fails to maintain the balance,
insulin and sugar to other organs of the excess sugar in the blood is
the body including blood particles. washed out by the kidneys so that the
The entire stock will be stopped for excessive presence of sugar in the
the survival of the brain. The balances blood may not corrode the cellular
are not only in one place. Tier after tissues of the body. When the excess
tier of extremely delicate balances are is passed out into the urine what we
created and maintained. In short, this have is a case of diabetes with the
is absolute justice which works unwarranted presence of sugar in the
unconsciously in man at different urine. Sometimes the threshold of the

kidneys is high and the excess of Protection Against Disease

sugar in the blood is not washed out, Let us now turn our attention to
resulting in dangerously high levels certain other examples of balances
of sugar in the blood. This has a created by God for the healthy
corrosive effect on some organs; the maintenance of human life. Not only
heart valves can also be eaten up by human life of course, the entire
the excessive flow of sugar through universe of innumerable species of
them (like acid corroding the life are firmly controlled and run
channels it flows in). The extra sugar under the absolute and unwavering
is somehow deposited where the flow principle of justice. Where violated,
of the blood is slow, in places like the inadvertently or intentionally, one
capillaries, causing many types of will never fail to discover the
irritation and damage. When this presence of disease.
happens in the blood capillaries of the
eyes, the person may suffer from There is an amazing system of
cataract and glaucoma and other types balance within our bodies. Any
of eye diseases. It can slow down the imbalance may cause complications,
impulses carried through the nerves eventually leading the patient to
and create dangers directly resulting death. If we know how this intricate
from this lethargic state of transport system of balance, which God has
through the nerves. created in our bodies, works we will
only appreciate it more. How
In every day experience we find that unfortunate is the case of man,
some diabetic patients remain otherwise such a proud animal,
unaware of pain they should feel as a conscious of being at the head of all
result of spasms around the heart. By evolutionary achievements of life,
missing these signals they may be being equipped with the most
taken by a surprise heart attack. So complex faculties of thinking and
talking of the balance of justice is not computation, yet he remains unaware
just an academic luxury. The of the most complex system of
persistent lack of justice or balance God has provided him with.
disproportion in balance is unlikely to This in itself is an injustice. In fact
go unpunished in nature. Alas, this there is a vast internal universe of
lesson is ignored by man and he lives innumerable correlating factors,
under the illusion that he can escape suspended in perfect balance and
the consequences of injustice. But harmony constantly taking care of life
that we will turn to later. in every aspect of its requirements.

This micro-universe of symphony in room for excess. This is only the

man is the greatest wonder that God dictate of justice. But God has
has created. Man is the masterpiece of provided animals with far greater
God’s creation and is so naively possibilities to meet the eventualities
unaware of his own creative wonders of excessive eating on their part. With
that he consequently remains some effort of course everyone can
oblivious of the gratitude he owes to digest twice the amount of food
his Creator. required for healthy living. When that
is exceeded, then the domain of
But there is more to it than just Adl. punishment begins. When one begins
God in His extreme beneficence has to become a habitual violator of
taken measures to provide an justice a breakdown follows at long
additional system of cushioning and length. This is a very primitive and
resilience to the working of the simple example of the provisions of
human body, which strictly speaking Ihsan in all functions of human and
does not belong to the realm of Adl animal life.
and justice. It is something extra, as if
unearned, granted to the body entirely The Production of Insulin
by way of special kindness. Looking In order to illustrate this point further
at it from another angle, one can say we look at the example of the daily
that in view of human faults, requirements of sugar of every animal
excessive negligence and even and see how the factors of
accidents, a system of compensation benevolence perform rescue
is provided by God. When viewed operations and shield the patient’s
from the vantage point of conscious health from the bad affects of
human actions, it appears much like indulgent eating. For instance, if the
the term Ihsan in action, as we have insulin produced by the pancreas was
previously discussed at same length. in exact proportion to the daily
requirements of sugar by an animal
The benefaction of Ihsan and Ita’i then this would only fulfil the
Dhil-Qurba are granted to protect the requirements of Adl and benevolence
system of justice. Far instance, if man would have no part to play. But God
was provided with digestive juices has granted the pancreas the
sufficient to meet the daily capability to produce more insulin
requirements of food, that would than is the ordinary requirement. If a
imply that each animal eats exactly healthy man consumed ten to twenty
what he requires with there being no times more sugar, his metabolism

would not allow him to suffer from taste. The amount of food consumed
diabetes. Also, if the pancreas is is such a variable factor that no
damaged by disease or accident, so regular measured intake could be
that only one-seventh remains guaranteed to suit each individual
functional, still the daily requirements animal. Yet scientifically it can be
of the insulin supply could be determined as to how much average
maintained. intake of food is required by each
animal of certain weight, size and
It is interesting to note here that if the physique. So when we talk of daily
pancreas produced less insulin than requirements we talk in terms of
the required amount, this too would averages, while the actual intake of
violate the principle of justice. It food may change almost daily.
would be befitting here to elaborate
this discussion a little further for the The pancreas is not only equipped to
benefit of the lay people, who produce the average need of the
normally do not understand the animal, but the production system is
workings of the scientific so well regulated and monitored that
phenomena. somehow messages are delivered to
it, informing it of the exact measures
The production of insulin is not in any of insulin needed at a certain time.
way accidental. When we say it can
produce insulin matching exactly the Hence every time the animal requires
need for insulin, we do not mean that insulin for the breakdown of sugar
automatically the pancreas produces a intake, the pancreas produces the
certain amount of insulin irrespective exact amount that is needed. First of
of the presence of sugar in the body all, the point worthy of note is the
system. That would be extremely fact that no blind accidents seem to
unjust. The intake of food in all take place in creation. Otherwise in
animals is not measured or regulated some animals the pancreas would
to ensure that every animal takes the always fail to produce the daily
exact amount of needed sugar, requirement of the animal and such
directly or in the form of animals would ultimately die due to
carbohydrates. Animals have no lack of energy. In other animals it is
knowledge of what they require, only possible for the pancreas to overwork
a vague craving for eating, which and overproduce insulin which
compels them to eat whatever satiates would result in another unhealthy
their hunger and is palatable to their state. This chaotic behaviour could

result from their being provided by Merciful, has taken into account the
more or less potential than needed. accidental or intentional excesses on
Also it could result from lack of a the part of animals, particularly in the
monitoring system. case of man. Hence, potentially,
human beings are provided by so
What we observe in real life, many times more pancreatic material
however, is the most beautifully so that even if a person were to
balanced state of affairs. The size and consume so many times more sugar,
production of pancreas in each this crime would be overlooked and he
animal is exactly made to measure. would not be immediately punished
When there is less need for the for such occasional excesses. But if he
production of insulin, or no need at continues to disregard the dictates of
all, the pancreas slow down or cease justice and if he constantly violates the
functioning accordingly. The principles of healthy living by eating
pancreas would constantly receive disproportionately to his requirements,
signals which would will it to sleep. then a time may come when the hand
When the intake of sugar requires of Ihsan would be withdrawn, and
production of insulin, immediately pure and simple justice would take
the entire factory will begin to over. The pancreas would break down
function at maximum capacity until and cease to work the extra load; such
the need is met. Then suddenly it will transgressors would then suffer from
receive signals transmitted from what we call diabetes.
somewhere, ordering the pancreas to
cease to function at once. What we Even at this stage we find the
are talking about by way of elements of Ita’i Dhil-Qurba coming
illustration is that the provision of to the rescue of such sufferers. If the
Ihsan is beyond the discussion of sugar level were to then rise to a
genuine demand and supply. dangerous level in the bloodstream,
the kidneys would be ordered to start
We are talking about accidental or excreting extra sugar to the maximum
intentional over-pumping of sugar into capacity. Here again we observe the
the system. If only the system of fascinating display of balance and
justice had been operative, the preference. The kidney suffers of
principle of crime and punishment course, but by way of sacrifice for the
would continue to punish the animal more vital organs. It suffers because it
forthwith for all excesses committed. can take more of the suffering.
But God, the most Beneficent and

If the kidney were designed to excrete kidney would be sufficient, and it

blood sugar automatically as a routine would require no extra cushioning in
function, no sugar in the blood would case of accidental disease or excesses
be left for the normal consumption of by gourmet eaters. It is a fascinating
the human body. It would constantly display of Ihsan and Ita’i Dhil-Qurba
leak out into the liver if so. On the together.
other hand, if the kidneys were
designed never to excrete sugar from The kidneys are fashioned to take
the complicated and highly designed eight times more load than the
membranes, then every diabetic ordinary requirement of the day-to-
patient would hasten to his end faster. day bodily functions. That is to say
In the case of those whose kidneys that if there is a constant disregard
excrete excessive amounts of sugar, towards the dictates of justice and
this over and extra kindness above the towards the beneficence of God, and
routine benevolence of Ihsan can be if man were to lose seven parts of his
linked to Ita’i Dhil-Qurba. When the kidneys out of his eight parts, still he
kidneys take the load of excreting could survive as a normal healthy
sugar, it is a self-sacrifice on their person, provided he learns his lesson
part. But the kidneys themselves are a and returns to a normal balanced life.
marvel of creation.
Thus we see that absolute justice and
All the human waste in the benevolence in most situations can
bloodstream which is constantly flourish together without one
produced through metabolic activities interfering with the other. However, if
is channelled out of the human system there is a danger of a clash occurring
through various organs. It is not the between the two, then benevolence is
normal function of kidneys to excrete not permitted to play a role and
sugar; the normal function of kidneys absolute justice must prevail. If the
is to excrete waste products of coming into play of benevolence
metabolism. If the human body is requires the sacrifice of justice, that is
healthy and enjoys a balanced diet, to say if favours can only be shown at
the metabolic waste would require a the cost of justice, then the course of
certain size and weight for the kidney benevolence cannot be permitted to
to perform its function of excretion. If function. As long as benevolence
the kidneys are only made to measure coexists without interfering into the
in accordance with this requirement, domain of justice it will be permitted
one-eighth of the size of the human to survive and function. Although

benevolence is a thing of a higher the pancreas working normally. So

order, justice is more fundamental in far, scientists have discovered
its nature and fundamentals are never hundreds of possible factors which
sacrificed on the altar of what is extra play a role in the maintenance of the
and optional. complex sugar absorption system in
the body. Yet, in the final analysis, the
We shall now consider the above emphasis is on perfect balance, or an
mentioned example in the light of a absolute justice, as it has also been
tradition of the Holy Prophet(sa) that: referred to.
‘A non-believer may eat seven Calcium

times more, in comparison to a Calcium also plays an important role
believer.’ in keeping man’s health in good
(Muslim Kitab-ul-Ashreba, Ch. order. His health is at a great risk if
34, Hadith 182, 184.) the balance of calcium is somehow
disturbed even ever so slightly. In this
This tradition so accurately demon- respect, the margin between health
strates the minimum maximum and disease is much narrower than
capacity of the digestive system. that which exists in the case of the
glucose level in the blood. A healthy
However, this subject is vast and body needs a minimum amount of
requires a deeper study to reach the 9.2% calcium and a maximum of
intricate workings of the mechanism 10.4% calcium (Textbook of Medical
of digestion of sugar into the system Physiology, Arthur C. Guyton, 5th
and the maintenance of the relevant Edition, Saunders, 1976, Chap. 79.).
balances. Again, the subject is so Any rise or fall in the proportion of
complex that by no means could it so calcium may cause severe damage to
accurately be kept in poise and health, even resulting in sudden
balance through accidental creation. death. A study of a disease not
Insulin is just one factor which is uncommon among cattle would be
largely involved in the transportation helpful in demonstrating how
of sugar from the blood system to the important it is for calcium to be
areas of requirements. But hundreds present in the body in exactly the
of other factors are responsible for right proportions.
perfect balance of insulin-related
activities. Hence it is possible for a Sometimes due to viruses or
patient to suffer from diabetes despite environmental factors, the cattle

begin to show signs of sudden loss of The poor condition of the cells and
energy which is perplexing for the teeth and excessive irritability are
farmer, as there is no outward reason among the symptoms possible for
for this to happen. A cow, perfectly indicating a shortage of calcium,
healthy the night before, suddenly whereas too much calcium may result
buckles in at the knees and drops like in mental confusion and the lethargic
a dead weight and simply cannot rise condition of the body.
again. There is no fever and no sign of
any disease, just a slump into death. A Inside the cell is the living protoplasm
capable veterinary could of course which is surrounded by a tough
save the cattle by the injection of membrane. Any deficiency of
readily soluble calcium which would calcium in the membrane removes its
miraculously inject life into the dying toughness, consequently making the
cattle. This is how important it is for cell weaker. This may result in the
calcium not to drop below the protrusion of protoplasm. Among
minimum required level. humans, the intake of calcium varies
according to what they consume and
Sometimes persistent progressive where they live. Thus any deficiency
debility amongst humans is traced to of calcium or its excessive intake can
the gradual decrease in calcium. So make their lives vulnerable to
far, the principle to understand is that diseases. An imbalance of calcium in
the delicate levels of calcium should the bone tissue and bloodstream can
not be disturbed, as this would be be responsible for the following
dangerous for human health. disorders:
Generations of scientists working on
this may not have quite understood all • Vasodilation resulting in a drop in
the factors responsible for blood pressure.
maintaining this delicate balance.
• Reduced contractility of the heart
Its role in the composition of the muscles.
human body is a complex one.
Calcium phosphate gives rigidity to • The change in bone tissue which
the human skeleton and the calcium results in rickets.
salts provide the hard structure of the
bones and teeth and give hardness to • Serious osteoarthritis where the
the membranous tissues covering the ratio of calcium is disturbed and
cell. also involves angina attacks. The

drop in the calcium level is because The body adjusts its absorption rate
of the drop in the blood pressure and according to the supply of calcium in
causes serious and permanent the diet – a low dietary intake means
damage to the brain and tissues. the absorption is high, and a high
intake means that the excess will be
Hence God has provided man’s body stored in the bones until an optimum
with another protective system which is reached, and then the absorption
keeps the balance of calcium in order. from the gut is slowed down. The
The factors responsible for maintaining presence of Vitamin D increases the
the delicate balance in calcium are absorption of calcium. Hence, in
numerous and intricately interrelated. tropical countries, even though the
This monitoring and corrective system diet may be deficient in calcium, the
can be likened to the phrase in Surah high level of Vitamin D in the body
Al-Shams, verse nine. Taqwa, in this (from exposure to the sun) will make
context would mean, ‘We have the absorption of calcium more
computed into the building material of efficient.
life the instructions concerning the
areas of dangers which should be Regulation of the calcium balance is
avoided, as well as the detailed under control of a hormone called
instructions of how they could be parathormone, which is produced by
avoided.’ Accordingly, the calcium the parathyroid glands. This works in
balance also has many inherent conjunction with Vitamin D to adjust
monitoring systems which constantly the absorption of calcium to meet the
guard over it and, whenever necessary, requirements of the body. Calciton is
call for remedial measures. The call is another hormone which plays a role
immediately responded to by the in regulating the balance of calcium.
complex glandular system, which is If there is too much calcium in the
well equipped with the necessary blood, calciton takes the excess back
mechanism to create the supply of the to the bone. It also slows down
much-needed remedies. absorption from the gut.
A small amount of calcium is needed Sodium and Potassium

by the blood and soft tissues, the rest is Let us illustrate the system of Fujoor
stored in the teeth and bones. If and Taqwa from another angle.
calcium in the blood is in short supply Sodium and potassium are two
it is replenished from the store in the elements which are essential for the
bones. maintenance of human life, and a

balance has to be kept between them. counter-balances that exist in our

However, the necessary sodium- bodies.
potassium ratio varies with the
different parts of the body. For Cell Division
example, the bones and the flesh Similarly, the process of cell division
require more potassium than they do is very interesting. Every seven years,
sodium, whereas blood cells need each cell in the body is replaced under
more sodium than they do potassium. the highly complicated system of
An imbalance between these salts can catabolism. Catabolism is the process
lead to dangerous consequences. The whereby cells are constantly
balancing of these two chemicals in consumed and destroyed. However,
all parts of the body is not accidental we are not aware that this
either, but is part of a well organised phenomenon is taking place as none
scheme. of our physical features change
radically.
Also, the health of the nervous system
is largely dependent on both sodium It is possible that with the passage of
and potassium, but the requirement of time, one may improve in health and
nerves for each chemical changes gain weight, or deteriorate and lose
according to the situation. Nerve cells flesh, but the personality of one’s
pass messages to other nerve cells in physical being remains exactly the
a chain, so that the messages same. Each new-born cell which
eventually reach the part of the body replaces the dying one is born almost
that they are intended for. In the in the image of its predecessor which
transfer of messages from nerve cell is destroyed in the process of
to nerve cell, sodium flows into the catabolism.
cell while potassium flows out. If this
process is then not reversed To illustrate this point perhaps the
immediately and potassium is not most commonly known example is
rehabilitated to its resting level then that of fingerprints. The thumb
the result can be spontaneous death. impression of the newborn babe in its
intricate pattern remains exactly the
It is from this that we can deduce the same as when he grows up to a ripe
meaning of the Qur’anic expression old age. The thumb impression does
Fa Sawwaka Fa Adalaka. One short not change.
phrase summarises the entire
complex system of balances and This subject is related to the system of

Adl in that the cells which replace the than are born, then man’s physique
dead ones are born in accordance with would expand out of all proportion.
the needs and requirements of the On the other hand, if dying cells were
body. The body organs need a not replenished at the required rate,
constant system of repair because man would fade out of existence.
every organ would diminish in size
unless the cells lost in the process of A Look Into the Insect Kingdom
its function are replaced. If the rate of Although we are discussing human
supply of cells rises higher than the life, it should be borne in mind that
requirement, the organ will continue this system of absolute justice
to grow beyond its designed size. If it encompasses all forms of life.
is less than the needed rate, then the
organ in question will diminish in Justice, in application to the
size. governing of life processes, means
that everything is kept within its
If human cells which are perpetually designed limits and is not permitted to
consumed for one reason or the other transgress into others’ areas of rights.
are not replaced by almost exactly the If every cell of a living body,
same number as those lost, an whatever the nature of the tissue it
imbalance will occur causing serious belongs to, has a definite function to
disorder in the human physique. By perform the principle of absolute
applying this principle to any organ of justice requires that the function of
the body one can easily visualise the each must be confined within the
abominable consequences. Take the limits of its design and should not be
eyeball, for instance. During the daily permitted to outgrow and run amok
function of the eye, we are constantly without any control.
using life cells in every part of the
eye. If replacements are made at a In application to the insect kingdom,
rate faster than consumption, the it becomes evident that it is this
eyeball will begin to grow out of its intricate system of control which
socket. If the balance is tilted on the keeps them within a limited level of
other side, the eyeball would reduce growth. Each insect has a
in size until it becomes a mere dot predetermined dimension, which
before passing into nothingness. could be disturbed to an unman-
ageable degree if strict controls were
To sum up, if the balance in man’s not applied against the overgrowth of
body is disturbed, and fewer cells die its tissues. Insects constantly

consume certain types of food Imbalance and Disease

suitable for the maintenance of their If man were to reflect on his true
life. If unchecked by the laws of worth, he would realise that he is no
nature they would grow to such more than a handful of dust. All that
gigantic sizes as to fill the earth from he is arrogant about is vain pride,
end to end. Why should their growth while he possesses nothing. All
come to a halt at a certain stage? belongs to Allah. Man has been
What are the forces which impose granted such a perfect body, but when
such limits? What is the system which in health he fails to comprehend that
keeps them within a limited level of he is dependent on a grand and
growth? These are questions which intricate system of balances. When he
are as yet to be understood by falls ill, his discomfort, pain and
scientists. To let them grow would suffering bring out the realisation in
appear to be an act of kindness, but at him of his frailty. It is then that his
what cost? At the cost of all other dependence on God begins to dawn
forms of life. upon him. It is God who prevents him
from falling victim to the numberless
So balance, or absolute justice in diseases which hover around him. But
human terminology, is not kept he is protected from each by an
automatically, but is imposed and inbuilt defensive mechanism which is
controlled by certain forces as yet not constantly on the watch. Even a
fully comprehended. Previously we minute lapse here or there would
mentioned the example of growth make him a victim of disease.
within each organ of the body. The
mechanism which controls the The point to be highlighted here is
growth of teeth and eyeballs etc. that even if a small and insignificant
within every individual human being, part of the body is permitted to fall ill,
also seems to be operative in relation while the remaining parts stay
to one species and the other. perfectly healthy, the diseased person
suffers in totality. A small sore on the
Alas, man is ingrate. In spite of tip of a finger, a corrosion of a tooth,
intelligence, he remains heedless of an infection in a part of the eyelid, can
that Omnipotent Being, while every make one suffer so intensely that
particle of the universe bears witness people are known to have taken their
to His existence! own lives in order to escape the agony
caused by such apparently minor
ailments. The growth of a gland in the

brain could make a person epileptic, a Such was the treatment by

suffering not only to himself but to Shakespeare of Julius Caesar when in
his entire circle of family and friends one of the masterly strokes of his
as well. genius he shows Julius Caesar at the
height of his glory and majesty at one
Only in such cases can the immense moment, and writhing in pain and
beneficence of God be fully realised; suffering under a severe epileptic
a beneficence which is constantly attack-like a mere worm of the earth-
showered on every living creature. in another moment
This realisation can only dawn on
those who have the faculty to think And when the fit was on him, I
and be grateful. Again in the final did mark
analysis, disease is nothing but the How he did shake; ‘tis true, this
disturbance of balance which we term god did shake;
as absolute justice. His coward lips did from their
colour fly,
A mere imbalance in the elements of And that same eye whose bend
the body can cause a number of fatal doth awe the world
diseases. Many a great man, king, Did lose his lustre;
philosopher and scholar, who Julius Caesar (Act I, Scene II)
commanded respect and earned great
renown at various times in history, But little do these observations make
when afflicted with disease and impression on the ego of man. The
suffering, lost all dignity and self- moment he returns to health, he
respect and stooped to the level of completely forgets those trying
begging abjectly for help from those moments of his life and loses no time
of their attendants who themselves in returning to his vanity. Epilepsy,
had no power to help them ease their which can make a person feel as if he
suffering. Great emperors who struck had been robbed of his dignity, is in
terror into the hearts of men far and fact caused by a minor imbalance in
wide, when afflicted with paralysis, the nervous system. The imbalance
or palsy or epilepsy, appeared so is so minor, that very often it is not
small and insignificant and possible to determine which part of
meaningless, that the meanest of their the nervous system is affected, and
servants and slaves would not how.
exchange their slavery with the
sovereignty of those moments.

Guardian Angels The Excesses of Man

The path to progress is fraught with If given leave, man would transgress
pitfalls and dangers. Each step all boundaries. But it is a great bounty
towards advancement can, if of God that he has little control over
carelessly taken, lead to destruction. the enormous workshop which
There is no exaggeration in this. Even operates within his body. He is
the minutest details of the workings unaware of what goes on inside him
of life and death seem to go hand in and is incapable of manipulating his
hand. Protection of life is a own internal mechanisms. An
profoundly well organised mech- overwhelmingly large number of
anism which is still to be fully functions of human life run without
comprehended. But whatever of it has conscious control of the possessor of
been understood, to a degree, is life.
astounding.
There are of course some limited
Behind this apparently self-flowing areas where he is able to exert his
mechanism, according to religious influence. For example, excessive
understanding, there are some eating, indulgence in carnal
invisible conscious forces who have pleasures, habits and lifestyles are
different dimensions than ours and the few areas where he is free to
are known as angels. The entire exercise his will. We know well the
universe is run by the laws of nature, havoc he plays in the areas under his
which are governed, maintained and control.
implemented in the minutest details
by these governing agents – the Yet in spite of all the licenses he
angels. The same applies here. One takes, and the excesses he commits
can visualise for instance, any unit of against himself, there runs an innate
life advancing in time. At every system of well cushioned protection
minute step it takes, there is always within his physical mechanism. This
the attendant danger of taking the protective system is designed to bear
wrong turn to death. The angels of with many a fault to a certain extent.
life guide each step of the But if man continues to commit
components of life in the right mistakes, or takes suicidal steps
direction, but when the moment of beyond all limits, then the punitive
death is decreed it is the angel of system takes over. Even then, a
death who takes over and every step struggle begins between disease and
of living is turned towards death. health, life and death, with each step

being provided with all of the From a study of the physical world,
requisite devices for prolonging this we can draw safe and dependable
struggle against the destructive conclusions to guide our steps in the
forces, with a fair chance of victory. spiritual and religious world.
What we understand in religious Likewise man can draw his lessons by
terminology as indecency or lax critically examining his social,
behaviour or decidedly abhorrent political and economic behaviour. It
attitudes, or at a third stage, rebellion is not difficult for him to discover that
against all order, are in fact if he were to conduct himself
applicable to the physical world as carelessly in any area of his activity,
well in all these three categories of he is likely to suffer the consequences
progressive transgression. Of course of his digression from the path of
we do not mean to apply the same justice.
terms to the physical counterparts of
spiritual behaviour, but the
similarities are so strong that one is
tempted to use the same terminology.
To find appropriate descriptions for

the three categories of’ transgression,
perhaps we could coin our own
terminology, with the first stage being
that of carelessness and lack of
responsibility in maintaining one’s
health. The second stage would be
described perhaps as positive
degradation from the principle of
health with incautious indulgences.
The third stage could of course be
appropriately described as blatant
rebellion against all norms and
principles. Yet it should not be
forgotten, that even at such extreme
stages, the benevolence of God and
Hs limitless mercy can still come to
man’s rescue.

Moderation in a Fattening World
By Manzurul A Sikder, MD – New York, USA
Although many concerned of Chinese children to be over-

clinicians and activists have been weight, with urbanized areas of
warning the world about ‘fattening sub-Saharan Africa not far
of humanity’, serious attention has behind.ii Without immediate
been paid to obesity in the western intervention, our future looks
society only recently. The present bleak indeed.
situation is in such a brink that
some advocates have even brought What solutions can Islam present
lawsuits against fast food to this worldwide epidemic?
restaurants that serve greasy
foods. Perhaps it is because of the Experts agree that obesity,
overwhelming burden on the especially fat-eating habits learned
national economy that has finally in childhood, is associated with
triggered a response from the familial and socio-cultural factors.
authority. Obesity is a risk factor A recent article in the Journal of
of contracting a broad range of the American Dietetic Association
debilitating conditions, including suggested that, ‘Attitudes about
heart disease, hypertension, food and eating are learned and
diabetes and cancer. In all, the cost reinforced within the home.’iii If
of obesity in the United States we are to, therefore, strike at the
alone is estimated to be $99.2 root of its cause, we must modify
billion annually.i eating habits within the family at
an early age.
This once affluent-only illness is
not limited to the western nations The religion of Islam deals with
any longer. Obesity and its every aspect of human existence.
associated morbidities have fast In providing man with a complete
crept into many parts of Asia and and perfect code of life, it has laid
Africa in the past few decades. out numerous guidelines for his
Time magazine quotes ten percent physical and spiritual progress.

The Qur’an teaches us, ‘O to eat only the clean and

children of Adam! look to your wholesome portions, vi lest it
adornment at every time and place affects our relationship with the
of worship, and eat and drink but Creator negatively.
exceed not the bounds; surely, He
does not love those who exceed the The Holy Prophet of Islam(sa), the
bounds.’iv Eating and drinking are personification of the code of
natural habits of man that are living prescribed by the Holy
carried out in order to survive. But Qur’an, reminds us, ‘Whoever has
even in doing something as simple food enough for two persons,
as eating, one must exercise should take a third one (from
excellent judgment. In this verse, among them), and whoever has
God admonishes us to set certain food enough for four persons,
limits: while we should keep our should take a fifth or a sixth.’vii
physical well being intact, we And: ‘When your servant brings
should also maintain social order your food to you, if you do not ask
and bear in mind the true purpose him to join you, then at least ask
of our lives. him to take one or two handfuls,
for he has suffered from its heat
When done properly our eating (while cooking) and has taken
and abstinence from food should pains to prepare it nicely.’ viii
be an extension of our worship, as
we are told, ‘On those who believe The Prophet(sa) was very careful
and do good works there shall be against excesses of food. Abu
no sin for what they eat, provided Huraira(ra) narrated, ‘The family of
they fear God and believe and do Muhammad(sa) did not eat their fill
good works, and again fear God for three successive days till he
and believe, yet again fear God died.’ix The Holy Prophet’s pious
and do good. And Allah loves consort Hadhrat Aisha(ra) reported
those who do good.’v Paying heed that the ‘Prophet(sa) died when we
to our eating habits is our duty, it had satisfied our hunger with two
being a part of our state of black things: dates and water.’x He
righteousness. Even of those food admonished his companions, ‘A
items that are lawful, we are urged Muslim eats in one intestine (that

is, he is satisfied with a little food) digestive tract a well-deserved

while an unbeliever eats in seven rest. In addition, it boosts our
intestines (eats much).’ xi immune system. Fasting also
makes us conscious of worldwide
Narrated ‘Umar bin Abi Salama(ra), suffering through hunger and
“I was a boy under the care of thirst. It teaches us to curb our
Allah’s Apostle(sa) and my hand self-indulgence, and be mindful of
used to go around the dish while I our own eating while so many go
was eating. So Allah’s Apostle(sa) without food. It fights against an
said to me”‘O boy! Mention the astonishing statistic that “nearly
Name of Allah and eat with your 80% of all malnourished children
right hand, and eat of the dish what in the developing world live in
is nearer to you.’” xii countries that report food
surpluses.’xiv
At the end of meals the Prophet(sa)
used to pray, ‘Praise be to Allah Short-term starvation, as in the
Who has satisfied our needs and case of fasting during Ramadan,
quenched our thirst. Your favour has been shown to have many
cannot be compensated or denied, health benefits including increased
nor can be dispensed with, O our insulin sensitivity, stress
Lord.’xiii resistance, reduced morbidity, and
increased life span. xv Insulin
Ramadan gave Muslims a timely resistance seems to play an
opportunity to remember and integral role in many common
abide by these golden guidelines. human disorders such as obesity,
During that month, healthy diabetes, hypertension, non-
Muslims all over the world alcoholic fatty liver disease,
abandon food and drink for a great polycystic ovary syndrome and
part of the day, and along with gallstone disease. As energy in the
spiritual benefits, look to attain form of sugar becomes readily
physical cleansing. Fasting available due to obesity, cells
initiates mobilisation of stored fat. become more and more resistant to
In the long run, it lowers our total this anabolic hormone. This in
blood cholesterol. It gives our turn stores further body fat, and

the vicious cycle continues. Newer cause of heart attacks. Although a

research also demonstrates that the salted diet appears to be a sine qua
once known metabolic disease of non for the development of
Syndrome X (combination of essential hypertension, low salt
obesity, diabetes and hypertension, diets often have a modest or even
which often presents as heart negligible impact on blood
attack) is mainly due to body’s pressure of hypertensives.
increasing resistance to insulin. Therapeutic fasting, however, has
been shown to put a limit on
On the other hand, leptin and modern, rich diet, and
adiponectin, two fat-derived subsequently lower elevated blood
hormones, increase sensitivity to pressure. xviii This again is thought
insulin, control body weight, to be related to the fact that fasting
prevent atherosclerosis and minimizes insulin secretion and
negatively regulate haema- has the potential to break the
topoiesis and immune functions.xvi vicious cycle mentioned earlier. A
A recent study conducted at meta analysis of multiple clinical
University of Louvain Medical studies concurred with these
School in Brussels, Belgium results: it was found that along
demonstrated that plasma with nearly 10% decrease in body
adiponectin levels were 30% weight and 9% drop in serum
higher in anorectic (food cholesterol, twelve weeks of
deprivation or fasting state) than in energy-restricted diets were also
control subjects. When normalised associated with an 8-9% decrease
for fatness, adiponectin values in both systolic and diastolic blood
almost doubled in these subjects. pressures. Larger reductions in
Insulin sensitivity tended to be these values were observed with
40% higher in anorectic than in larger weight losses.xix
control subjects.xvii
In brief, food deprivation over
Heart attacks remain the number time decreases insulin resistance,
one killer of both men and women an identified culprit in many life-
in the western world, and high threatening illnesses.
blood pressure is the number one

The study conducted by the concluded that, ‘Intermittent

National Institute on Aging 15 fasting schedule itself is neu-
further illustrated that rats that roprotective independent of overall
were sustained on intermittent caloric intake.’
(defined as ‘alternate-day’) fasting
had a ‘dramatic increase in life Although the next Ramadan is not
span’ in comparison to animals due until October, the discipline
that ate ad libitum. They attributed and benefits of the last Ramadan
this to the moderate decrease in should not be forgotten. Besides
blood level of insulin-like growth spiritual gains, one of the objects
factor 1 (IGF-1) achieved on of Ramadan is to improve the
intermittent fasting schedule. physical well-being of a person. In
a world that is suffering from
Furthermore, several other well- excessive consumption, Muslims
designed experiments over the last should take the lead under the
three decades have demonstrated instructions of the Qur’an and
that dietary restriction reduces fight against excesses.
cancer formation xx,xxi and kidney Encouraging our youngsters to fast
disease,xxii and increases the for a few days during Ramadan
resistance of neurons to can lower their fat burden and help
dysfunction and degeneration in them achieve a leaner body.
experimental models of Ramadan promotes a sense of
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s health, which will stay with them
diseases as well as stroke and into their adulthood and will
seizure.xxiii,xxiv,xxv,xxvi The last effect is hopefully continue to the next
thought to be due to increased generations. To fight the dangers
production of ketone bodies as an of obesity and its related health
energy source, which provide problems, Islamic solution of
neuroprotection. Fasting increases conscientious moderation and
the survival of CA3 and CA1 abstinence in the form of fasting
neurons in the hippocampus of the can certainly go a long way.
brain. Loss of these pyramidal
neurons induce seizures in
experimental mice. The researchers

References xvi Tierney, Jr LM, et al., Ed., Diabetes

i Wolf AM, Colditz GA. Current mellitus and hypoglycemia. Current
estimates of the economic cost of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
obesity in the United States. 1148-9, 2004
Obesity Research 1998; 6:97-106 xvii Delporte ML, et al.,
ii Gibson H. Obesity goes global. Hyperadiponectinaemia in anorexia
Time August 25, 2003 nervosa. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf)
58:22-9, 2003
iii Bruss MB et al. Prevention of
childhood obesity: Sociocultural xviii McCarty MF, Fasting as a strategy
and familial factors. Journal of the for breaking metabolic vicious
American Dietetic Association cycles. Med Hypotheses 60:624-33,
2003 vol 103, no 3 2003
iv The Holy Qur’an 7:32 xix Anderson JW, et al., Importance of
weight management in type 2
v Ibid. 5:94
diabetes: review with meta-analysis
vi Ibid. 2:169 of clinical studies. Journal Am Coll
vii Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Nutr 22:331-9, 2003
Number 781 xx Blackwell BN, et al., Toxicol Pathol
viii Ibid., Volume 7, Book 65 (Book of 23:570-82, 1995
Food and Meals), Number 370 xxi Mukherjee P, et al., Br Journal
ix Ibid., Number 287 Cancer 86:1615-21, 2002
x Ibid., Number 295 xxii Fernandes G, et al., Proc Natl Acad
xi Ibid., Number 308 Sci USA 75:2888-92, 1978
xii Ibid., Number 288 xxiii Bruce-Keller AJ, et al., Ann Neurol
xiii Ibid., Number 369 (Arabic prayer: 45:8-15, 1999
Al-hamdu lillah kathiran taiyiban xxiv Duan W & Mattson MP, Journal
mubarkan fihi ghaira makfiy wala Neurosci Res 57:195-206
muwada’ wala mustaghna’anhu xxv Yu ZF & Mattson MP, Journal]
Rabbuna) Neurosci Res 57:830-9
xiv Gardner G, Halweil B. Underfed xxvi Zhu H, et al., Brain Res 842:224-9,
and overfed: The global epidemic of 1999.
malnutrition. Washington, DC:
Worldwatch Institute; 2000
xv Anson RM, et al., Intermittent
fasting dissociates beneficial effects
of dietary restriction on glucose
metabolism and neuronal resistance
to injury from calorie intake. Proc
Natl Acad Sci USA 100:6216-20,
2003
The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as);
Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)?
An examination of the prophecy of prophet Moses(as) regarding the advent
of a great future prophet.
by Dr. A.R. Bhutta, published in The Truth, Nigeria, August 1986
Chapter 18 of Deuteronomy, the 5th to pass that whosoever will not

book of the Bible, mentions in very hearken unto my words which he
clear and concise words, a prophecy shall speak in my name, I will
about the advent of a prophet after require it of him. But the prophet,
Moses(as). Moses(as) is reported to have which shall presume to speak a
revealed this prophecy to the word in my name, which I have
assembly of Israel after his return not commanded him to speak, or
from the Mount Horeb. He told them: that shall speak in the name of
other gods, even that prophet
‘The Lord thy God will raise up shall die.”’
unto thee a Prophet from the midst (Deut. 18:15-21)
of thee, of thy brethren, like unto
me; unto him ye shall hearken; The prophecy quoted above happens
According to all that thou to be the most important and
desiredst of the Lord thy God in significant prophecy of the Bible.
Horeb in the day of assembly, This is one prophecy which all the
saying, “Let me not hear again priests and prophets of Israel have
the voice of the Lord my God, been preaching and propagating
neither let me see this great fire among their people, right from the
any more, that I die not.” And the days of Moses (as) down to the days of
Lord said unto me, “They have Jesus(as) and his disciples,. ‘For
well spoken that which they have Moses truly said unto the fathers, A
spoken. I will raise them up a prophet shall the Lord your God raise
Prophet from among their up unto you of your brethren, like
brethren, like unto thee, and will unto me; him shall ye hear in all
put my words in his mouth; and he things whatsoever he shall say unto
shall speak unto them all that 1 you.
command him. And it shall come

The Prophet Promised Through Moses (as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)
And it shall come to pass, that every come, or because they were still
soul, which will not hear that prophet, confused and confounded by the
shall be destroyed from among the appearance, and disappearance, of a
people. Yea, and all the prophets from Messiah who had eluded their death
Samuel and those that follow after, as sentence and had vanished into thin
many as have spoken, have likewise air leaving an empty tomb. But for the
foretold of these days.’ Christians to reject that prophet was
(Acts 3:22-24). most unfortunate indeed. Since they
could find no excuse for their refusal
In fact one main theme of the whole to accept that prophet they quickly
Bible in general and of the New retraced their steps back to the days of
Testament in particular, has been to Jesus(as), and came out with the
emphasise the importance of this explanation that this prophecy had
prophecy and to prepare the minds of already been fulfilled by the
the people for its forthcoming appearance of Jesus(as) Christ and that
fulfilment. Little wonder then, that the they never expected any other prophet
whole Biblical era resounds with the after him. This theory of the
praises sung for the prophet promised Christians now accepted and
in that prophecy and all the people of preached by them today is merely an
Israel have been eagerly looking afterthought and has no basis at all.
forward to his blessed advent. The
long wait and watch for that prophet Little do they realise, that in their
came to an end when that prophecy re- desperate bid to refute the Qur’anic
echoed in the Holy Qur’an with a version, they are actually renouncing
happy note that it has been fulfilled in the testimony of their own holy Book.
the person of Muhammad, the Holy In the light of their holy Book we
Prophet of Islam(sa). examine that prophecy to ascertain
who out of Jesus (as) and
This claim of the Holy Qur ’an, Muhammad ( s a ) really fulfilled that
however, was deeply resented and prophecy of Moses(as). Before we take
rejected by most people of the Book, up the contents of the prophecy, we
because they found it quite shall study its context first, because it
inconsistent with their own views and can be grossly misleading to study
wishes. If the Jews failed to accept any statement out of context,
that long awaited prophet, it could be particularly when that statement is
because they were still lost in the controversial and open to various
heavens looking for their Elijah to interpretations.

The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)
Context Of The Prophecy who shall receive His words, will be

Let us start with the background of raised not from them but from their
the prophecy. brethren. (Deut. 4:10-14; 5:23-28;
9:8,9; 18:15-18)
1. From the Bible we learn that before
Moses(as) went up the Mount Horeb to Now with this background in mind, it
receive the commandments, he is simply impossible to believe that
ordered all the people of Israel to the prophet mentioned in that
assemble near the mountain so that prophecy could be raised from the
they could also see the glory of God nation of Israel, because it was the
and hear His voice. As these people refusal of the children of Israel to hear
stood at the foot of the mountain, the word of God again that had
thick clouds and darkness came over prompted God to reveal that prophecy
them and then they saw a big fire on to Moses(as). It is, therefore, clear that
the mountain and heard the voice of the prophet promised through
God coming out of that fire. Moses(as) could never be a prophet
from Israel and that it could only be
They were scared to death at this sight from the brethren.
and even feared that they might be
burnt to death. All the heads of their Now Jesus(as) was a prophet raised
tribes, therefore, went to Moses(as) from the Israel. He was born and bred
and told him that they did not want to as a Jew. He was baptised as a Jew
see the glory of God or hear His voice and he was sent only to the Jews. He
any more, lest they die. They told preached and practised the Law of
Moses(as) that he should go up the Jews and in fact he was sent to fulfil
mountain and hear for them what God that Law of Jews. He, therefore, could
had to say. never be the prophet mentioned in
that prophecy of Moses(as). (Mat. 2:2-
We are further told in the story that 6; 5:17-20; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21)
God was displeased at this
impertinence of Israel and told Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of
Moses(as) that He had heard what his Islam(sa), on the other hand, was a
people had said. Then God went on to prophet raised not from Israel but
reveal that prophecy to Moses(as) in from the Gentiles. He in fact is the
which the people of Israel were only prophet who appeared from the
informed that according to their own Gentiles and who claimed at the same
desire, the next prophet like Moses(as) time that he had been sent according

to the prophecies of the Bible. As an he baptising the people. (John 1:19-

immediate inference, therefore, we 25).
will have to believe that the prophecy
of Moses (as) was fulfilled in Now this conversation between the
Muhammad(sa), the prophet from the Jews and John the Baptist(as) shows
Gentiles and not in Jesus (as), the clearly that at that time the people of
prophet from the Jews. Israel were looking forward to the
advent of three prophets according to
It may be mentioned here rather the prophecies of the Old Testament.
sadly, that the children of Israel were They were expecting Elijah, the
a very rebellious people, and they Christ and ‘the prophet’. All the
were afraid of hearing the word of reference books and the
God and had told Moses(as) to go to commentaries of the Bible agree that
his God and hear it for them. They the prophet referred to in that
were afraid of fighting for their conversation was the prophet
promised land and had told Moses(as) promised in that prophecy of
that he and his God should go and Moses(as).
fight for them. Consequently they lost
both the next Law of their God and All these three prophets were
the Land of their promise; one expected to appear as three distinct
permanently, the other temporarily. personalities with different missions
(Deut. 18: 15-20; 1:26-40). to perform. It is also clear from this
conversation that three and only three
2. The second context of this prophets were expected to come at
prophecy is provided by the Gospel that time. No more, no less. No
of John. We are told in this Gospel prophet other than these three was
that when John the Baptist started his supposed to come and baptise the
ministry, a delegation of Jews went to people; and no prophet out of these
him to enquire from him, who he three could fail to come and
was. They asked him if he was disappoint the people.
Elijah; and he replied in the negative.
Then he was asked if he was the Now we know that Elijah came in the
Christ; and again he said he was not. person of John the Baptist (as), and
Finally they asked him if he was ‘the Christ came in the person of Jesus(as),
prophet’. Then the delegates asked but what about that prophet? It is,
him if he was neither Elijah, nor the therefore, clear from the above
Christ, nor the Prophet, then why was mentioned context that the prophet

The Prophet Promised Through Moses(as); Jesus (as) or Muhammad(sa)
promised in the prophecy of Moses(as) looking forward to the advent of

who was still being expected at that these prophets.
time, had to appear apart from the
Christ sometimes after the Christ; Moreover we know, and Jesus (as)
and that Jesus (as) who appeared as the again confirmed, that the Jews were
Christ could not be the ‘prophet’ right in expecting the advents of
mentioned in the prophecy of Moses. Elijah(as) and the Christ; therefore if
Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of they were right in expecting the first
Islam(sa), therefore, turns out to be the and the second prophet, why could
only prophet who could have they not be right in expecting the third
possibly fulfilled that prophecy of one? (Mat. 16:14; 17:11-13).
Moses(as).
The Jews, therefore, might have
A Baseless Argument failed to accept and respect these
It is sometimes argued that the prophets when they actually
Pharisees and the Scribes of Jews appeared, but they could not be
might have misunderstood the wrong in expecting their appearance
prophecies about the advent of these in the light of their Scriptures. This is
prophets and might have been particularly true of the prophet
incorrect in expecting these prophets promised through Moses(as) because
as three different personalities. there is Biblical evidence to show that
all the prophets who came from
It may be noted in this connection Moses(as) down to the days of Jesus(as),
that the Pharisees and scribes of Jews had been preaching and proclaiming
knew their holy Books very well and the advent of that prophet (Acts 3: 20-
could not have been preaching about 24). How could the Jews be confused
the prophets they were not very sure and mistaken about a prophecy of
and clear about. Even Jesus(as) had prophets for more than a thousand
accepted and approved the authority years? How many more prophets did
of these Scribes and Pharisees as the they need to understand the real
teachers and preachers of the Law of importance of that prophecy?
Moses(as). Jesus (as) in fact had advised
his disciples to do and observe what It is, therefore ridiculous to think that
they preached and had condemned all the prophets and priests of Israel
only their hypocrisy and evil were confused about the advents of
practices (Mat. 23:1-15). The Jews, the Christ and that prophet and that
therefore, could not be mistaken in the real truth dawned only upon

Christians; and that too after the 14: 16).

advent of Muhammad(sa). The term ‘another Comforter’
used by Jesus(as) shows that he
3. For the third context of this too, considered himself to be a
prophecy, let us see what we can learn Comforter. Since Jesus came as
from Jesus (as) on this issue. If all the a prophet, the coming of
prophets from Moses (as) down to ‘another Comforter’ after
Jesus(as) had been talking about this Jesus ( a s ) can only mean the
prophecy, as Bible says they did, then coming of another prophet after
Jesus(as) could not have been silent on Jesus(as). (Mark 6:4,15).
such a hot issue of the Biblical era. In
fact, Jesus(as) a prophet immediately (b) We are told by Jesus(as) that the
before the advent of that prophet, had Comforter would come and
a primary duty to clear the air, if any, ‘teach the people all things’ and
on this issue and prepare the ground ‘guide them into all the truth,
for its forthcoming fulfilment; and (John 14:26; 16:7-13).
Jesus(as) actually did that duty very
well. This part of the statement clearly
means that the world had not yet
There are many statements of Jesus(as) been ‘guided into all the truth’
recorded in the Gospels that directly and ‘taught all the things’ by
or indirectly refer to this prophecy Jesus(as) and all the other
and its fulfilment, but I shall confine prophets who came before him;
myself to only two of them. and that the ‘whole truth’ the
‘perfect guidance’ was to be
(i) First and foremost, I refer to the revealed through the Comforter.
statement of Jesus (as) about the Now, we know that Jesus(as) and
‘Counsellor’ or a ‘Comforter’ that he all the other prophets who came
said would come after him. This before him had been teaching
prophetic statement is very long and and preaching the Law of
elaborate and again 1 shall refer to Moses(as). Jesus(as), in fact, had
only a few important features of it. been sent to fulfil the Law of
Moses(as) (Matthew 5:17). All
(a) Jesus(as) is reported to have said these prophets of God had done
that when he is gone from this their best to teach and guide the
world, God would send another people through that Law of God
‘Comforter’ into the world (John which Moses(as) gave them.

If teaching and preaching of the This feature of the Comforter is

Law of Moses(as) by all these very important and significant. It
prophets could not guide the makes it clear to us that the
people into all the truth and ‘Word of God’ given to that
teach them all the things, then, Comforter will not be in the
does it not automatically follow form of written tablets or any
that the coming Comforter other form but in the form of
would have to bring something words of God, not on his own
better than the Law of Moses(as) authority, but under the control
if he were to guide the people and command of God.
into ‘all the truth’, and teach
them ‘all the things’? In fact, Now if we can remember, this
nothing less than a complete and exactly is the feature of ‘that
perfect Law of God was required prophet’ mentioned in that
if he were to be such a perfect prophecy of Moses (as)
teacher as portrayed by Jesus(as). (Deut.18:18).
After all, if the other prophets
could not do a perfect job, it was (d) Finally, Jesus(as) is reported to
not because they were inefficient have said:
but because the Books they were
supposed to teach were ‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth.
deficient. They were not It is expedient for you that I go
supposed to go beyond the limits away. For if I go not away, the
laid down by the Law of God. Comforter will not come to you’.
(John 16:7)
So we see that the ‘Comforter’
promised by Jesus(as), was not This again is a very significant
only a prophet but also a prophet aspect of the advent of that
with a Law, and that too a Law Comforter. We are told that the
far better than the Law of Moses. Comforter would not come as
long as Jesus(as) was there in the
(c) Then we are told that the world. For the Comforter to
Comforter ‘will not speak on his come, Jesus(as) had to go. But
own authority but whatever he why?
will hear he will speak’ (John Two or more prophets have been
16:13). preaching at the same time in the

past. Jesus (as) and John the Jesus(as) rightly said.

Baptist(as) have been preaching at
the same time and to the same In the same vein we can see that the
nation. Why then was Jesus(as) so Comforter could not be a prophet from
incompatible with the the Israel because he had to come and
Comforter? abrogate the Law meant for Israel and
establish a universal Law for the whole
The reason is not far to seek. world.
Two or more prophets can
appear at the same time and even A collective look at the various
work together if they are features of the Comforter makes it
teaching and preaching the same abundantly clear that the Comforter
Law. But if they have different promised by Jesus(as) could be no other
Laws, obviously they could not person than the ‘prophet’ promised by
be preaching together at the Moses(as); and the only prophet who
same time and to the same appeared after Jesus(as) and who can
people. We have already seen answer the description of the
above that the Comforter Comforter, in all its details, is the Holy
expected to come after Jesus(as), Prophet of Islam(sa).
was a prophet who was to come
with a new Law, quite different (ii) For the second testimony of
from and far superior to, the Law Jesus(as) on this issue, I refer to his
of Moses(as). parable of ‘Vineyard and wicked
tenants’. This parable is very clear and
Jesus(as) on his own part, was sent to convincing in its moral and message
preach and propagate the Law of which Jesus(as) wanted the Jews to get;
Moses(as) which was meant only for the nevertheless, concluding his, parable,
nation of Israel. Naturally, therefore, Jesus(as) is reported to have told them
the two could not be working together rather candidly:
preaching different Laws. Jesus(as) had
to go, winding up the spiritual rule of ‘Therefore I say unto you, that The
Israel in this world and clearing the Kingdom of God shall be taken from
way for that Comforter so that he you and given to a nation bringing
could come with his perfect Law and forth fruits thereof’..
teach us ‘all the things’ and ‘guide us (Matthew 21:43).
into all the truth’. This evidently was This declaration by Jesus(as), again is
to the advantage of the whole world as very significant. We are told that the

Kingdom of God was with the nation when a ‘new Moses’ with a new Law
of Israel and that it was to be taken of God will be raised from that
away from them and given to another nation.
nation.
Needless to say that this declaration
What was so special about that nation by Jesus(as) was simply a brief and
of Israel that they were considered to modified version of the same
be a ruling nation in the Kingdom of prophecy of Moses (as) about that
God? prophet; and it was fulfilled when
Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of
The only answer is that on account of Islam(sa) was raised with a new Law
God’s covenant with Ibrahim, Israel from the other descendants of
was reckoned as a ‘chosen nation’ of Abraham(as).
God. The Kingdom of God was
established among them when God 4. For the fourth and final context of
raised from them a great prophet, that prophecy of Moses(as), let us go to
Moses(as), and gave them His Law the Acts of the Apostles and try to
through Moses (as), so as to guide and find out what the disciples of Jesus(as)
govern their lives. Naturally, as long thought about the fulfilment of this
as that Law of Moses(as) was in force, prophecy. The testimony of the
the Kingdom of God was to stay with disciples, in fact, may prove to be a
the nation of Israel. Now that we deciding factor in this case because if
know the nature of the Kingdom of the disciples are found to be still
God and also how and why the people looking forward to the fulfilment of
of Israel came to have it, we can that prophecy even after the advent of
understand the implication of that Jesus Christ (as), then it will
statement of Jesus (as). When he immediately clinch the argument in
declared that the Kingdom of God favour of Muhammad, the Holy
will be taken away from the Jews and Prophet of Islam(sa), and close that
given to another nation, he was case against Jesus(as) as the possible
simply trying to remind the Elders of contender for that particular post
the Jews that the time was near when mentioned in the prophecy.
the Law of Moses (as) shall be
abrogated, putting an end to their In the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ we are
Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of told that one day Saint Peter,
God will now be established afresh in accompanied by Saint John, was
another equally chosen people of God preaching to a gathering of Jews. He

told them how Jesus Christ(as) came remain in heaven and could not come
and suffered at their hands and then for the second time until all that was
he went on to say: foretold by all the previous prophets
was fulfilled; and what remained to
‘And now, brethren, I know that you be fulfilled was that prophecy of
acted in ignorance – But what God Moses(as).
foretold by the mouth of all the
prophets, that His Christ should Saint Peter not only referred to that
suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent prophecy but also repeated it to the
therefore, and turn again that your hearing of the Jews, warning them
sins may be blotted out – and that He that they have to repent and accept
may send the Christ appointed for that prophet if they wanted to see the
you, Jesus, whom heaven must Christ in his ‘second coming’. This
receive until the time for establishing statement of Saint Peter proves
all that God spoke by the mouth of his beyond any shadow of doubt that
holy prophets from of old. Moses said, even after the appearance of Jesus
‘The Lord GOD will raise up for you Christ(as), his disciples believed that
a prophet from your brethren as he the prophecy of Moses(as) about ‘that
raised me up. You shall listen to him prophet’ had yet to be fulfilled and
–’ And all the prophets who have that it was to be fulfilled sometimes
spoken, from Samuel and those who before the Second Advent of the
came afterwards, also proclaimed Christ.
these days.’ (Acts 3: 17-24)
One wonders how, in the presence of
This short but comprehensive sermon this testimony of Saint Peter,
of Saint Peter is very clear and hardly somebody can think, even remotely,
needs any comments. It emphasises of Jesus (as) in that prophecy of
two major issues which have been the Moses(as). Since Jesus(as) had been
focal point of all the predictions and counted out of the race by his own
preaching of the Biblical prophets. disciples, that prophecy of Moses(as),
therefore, was fulfilled by the advent
Firstly, we are mistakenly told that of Muhammad (sa), and Muhammad(sa)
Christ came and suffered as was alone.
foretold by the various prophets; then
he went back from where he came.
Continued next month
Secondly, it is said that Christ had to

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Editorial: Food For Thought: The Impact of Food On Humans and Animals

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Contents February 2004, Vol.99, No.

Moderation in a Fattening World How following Islamic teachings can lead to a

The Prophet Promised Through Moses (as); Jesus(as) or Muhammad(sa)? Examining

Basit Ahmad Chief Editor and Manager: Mansoor Ahmed Shah

The balance also reflects an in-built

2 The Review of Religions – February 2004

The Review of Religions – February 2004 3

In this respect it is rather perplexing Fareed Ahmad – UK

4 The Review of Religions – February 2004

[Translator’s Note: The English

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim It is essential for our Community

The Review of Religions – February 2004 5

6 The Review of Religions – February 2004

The Review of Religions – February 2004 7

8 The Review of Religions – February 2004

should adopt true righteousness in man, there is a transformation in

The Review of Religions – February 2004 9

of God as being the unseen but

that is One Who gives without Thee alone do we worship and

The Merciful. ..the path that is absolutely straight

Master of the Day of

10 The Review of Religions – February 2004

The Review of Religions – February 2004 11

not if these qualities are found God swoops down on him as a

12 The Review of Religions – February 2004

THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF GAINING BENEFIT FROM THE

FOUNTAINHEAD OF GOD’S MERCY IS [TO REMEMBER THAT] IT

HUMAN BEING] – IF A PERSON TAKES A STEP [TOWARDS GOD]

The Review of Religions – February 2004 13

sustenance but the [Arabic] term

14 The Review of Religions – February 2004

Holy Qur’an), Hadhrat Mirza

There should be no compulsion

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V

‘Nowadays, the whole of the

The Review of Religions – February 2004 15

either ask non-Muslims to accept grasped a strong handle which

All Ahmadis are fully aware that Commenting on this verse,

16 The Review of Religions – February 2004

use of force in matters of and compulsion. The police can

The Review of Religions – February 2004 17

THEREFORE, IT IS A DUTY OF THE A HMADIYYA

objectors even though Islam as well, the attitude and

18 The Review of Religions – February 2004

‘According to the Islamic laws, Islam(sa) refrained them from their

The Review of Religions – February 2004 19

20 The Review of Religions – February 2004

The Review of Religions – February 2004 21

This preposterous belief brings the Almighty says,

22 The Review of Religions – February 2004

foreign nations with such should be to eradicate with true

The Review of Religions – February 2004 23

and Muslim power and glory ‘There should be freedom in

24 The Review of Religions – February 2004

oppression to fight for their other people who can show

The Review of Religions – February 2004 25

up the sword to stop the faith by the excellence of its teachings.

Therefore, it is a duty of every

26 The Review of Religions – February 2004

The Review of Religions – February 2004 27

IN SHORT, IN TERMS OF HUMAN PHYSIQUE, THIS VERSE OF

The appetite in man creates in him constituent materials and purifying it