By A. Abdul Aziz

More than 41,000 people attend three-day convention in Karlsruhe 

According to our International Press Desk U.K., the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded the 42^nd Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany on 27 August 2017 with an inspirational and faith inspiring address.

During the address, His Holiness presented a comprehensive response to those who alleged that Islam was a violent or extremist religion by explaining that the wars fought by Muslims in the early period of Islam were entirely defensive and were fought in order to defend the principle of universal freedom of belief.

His Holiness said that all major faiths and religions had met opposition in their early stages, however in today’s world only Islam continued to face sustained opposition from critics. Tragically, so-called ‘Jihadi groups’ and certain Muslim governments were providing ammunition to the critics of Islam by conducting heinous atrocities and violating the rights of their people.

His Holiness said that the current state of the Muslim world was in fact a sign of the truth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he had foretold that the state of the Muslims would degenerate to such an extent that the so-called Muslim scholars would be the worst creatures under the canopy of heavens.” 

Yet alongside this warning, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prophesied the advent of the true Messiah and Reformer, who would rejuvenate Islam’s true teachings. 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) was sent by Allah to enlighten the world of Islam’s true and complete teachings, which cover all possible issues within society, from domestic relations within a home, to international relations and establishing peace in the world.”

 Explaining the context of the defensive wars fought by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), His Holiness said that the early Muslims were relentlessly persecuted and tormented for thirteen years. 

For example, Muslim women had each of their legs tied to different camels who were then made to run in opposite directions so that the bodies of the Muslim ladies were wrenched apart.

Other Muslims were mercilessly beaten or made to lie on the burning desert sands of Arabia as heavy stones were placed upon them. Their persecutors demanded that the Muslims renounced their faith, yet they never countenanced abandoning Islam.

Further, after being driven out of their homes, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers were not left in peace, rather the opponents of Islam pursued them to wage war in order to eliminate Islam once and for all. It was then that Allah the Almighty permitted the Muslims to defend themselves but not just to defend Islam but to defend the institution of religion itself and in order to defend the principle of universal freedom of belief.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The Muslims who were tortured by non-Muslims in early Islam never wavered in their faith because they had been given the glad tidings of attaining heaven. However, the terrorists and unjust rulers of today, who perpetrate the most heinous cruelties, will never enter heaven, rather their only destiny is hell.”

His Holiness quoted chapter 2, verse 194 of the Holy Quran which states:

And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors.”

Explaining the meaning of this verse, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

This verse gives a very clear injunction that Muslims are only permitted to engage in war in a defensive capacity, when an attack is made to destroy religion. Wars are not permitted to pursue vested interests or in order to seize the wealth of others or to conquer lands or people.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Even in defensive warfare, Islam is very clear that only the aggressors can be targeted and it is not permitted to attack innocent people. Thus, if Muslim extremists are waging wars where innocents are being killed it is completely barbaric and can never be justified. Similarly, those governments that are conducting airstrikes in which innocent people are dying are also committing great cruelties.”

Later, His Holiness referred to the example of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) when he returned victoriously to Mecca as a ruler and had the opportunity to avenge those who had tortured and murdered countless Muslims in years gone by.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The cruelties and crimes committed by the Meccan non-Muslims over many years meant that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would have been justified in authorising all means of punishment. Yet, he who was the true ‘mercy for all of mankind’ and the ‘King of Peace’ proclaimed that all transgressions and cruelties were to be forgiven. He said that all those willing to live in peace were free and all would have the right to practice their beliefs without any fear.” 

Earlier in the day, over 41,000 Ahmadi Muslims attending the event in Karlsruhe took part in an emotional pledge of allegiance (Bai’at) at the hand of the Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), whilst Ahmadi Muslims around the world also took part through viewing the proceedings live on MTA International. 

During the ceremony, a number of people took the pledge for the very first time.