English PDF - Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada

The question arises, then, how
can Muslims balance both
commitments, particularly when
their own country is at war with
fellow believers? This is not the
first time Muslims have faced
this dilemma. But whilst many
intellectuals throughout Islām
Islāmic history have attempted
to address this issue, only the
name of Hadrat Mirza Ghulām
Ahmad as of Qadian, an unrivalled
inspiration in Islāmic ideology,
stands out. Hadrat Ahmad as who
lived under British rule in India
and is today regarded by millions
as the Promised Messiah, was
instrumental in enlightening
Muslims on the principle of loyalty
to one’s country. Notwithstanding
the ills of colonialism, he observed
that there were many virtues of
Queen Victoria’s reign, one being
its guarantee of freedom of faith.
Hadrat Ahmad as wrote in his
booklet, British Government and
Jihad,
“The life, property and honor of
Muslims are safe. We live under
the protection of a peaceful
and kind government which
has never shown any religious
prejudice.”
He elucidated the illegality in Islām
of defying such an authority—even
if it clashed with Muslim nations.
He further said:
“How can we even think of
doing or saying or uttering a
word against this government
which gives us a peaceful
society, where justice is
established, where justice is
delivered, where there is no
strife between the different
communal groups, where there
is a beautiful atmosphere of
dialogue and debate, where
Muslims, Christians, Jews and
Hindus can debate in peace.
They can disagree on certain
issues, of course, but the
government guarantees that
freedom for everyone. In these
circumstances, how can we
act treacherously against this
government?”
He also used to say:
“The Holy Qur’ān states: “Is the
reward of goodness anything
but goodness?” (Ch.55 V.61). Is
this the reward we should give
to this excellent government
who has given us freedom
and who has given us freedom
of conscience, freedom of
expression, freedom of practice
of our religion?”
Although Muslim’s may question
the state’s policies, they are dutybound
to comply. Disagreement
is one thing, disobedience quite
another. Islām says that you
cannot create mischief in the land.
You cannot create disorder; and
Allāh loves not those who create
mischief.
Then, how can extremists
rationalize destroying the World
Trade Center or bombing the
railway transport system in Spain
or blasting the Underground in
London, UK and with going to
paradise? God does not teach this
kind of conduct. The Holy Prophet sa
also said:
“Love of your homeland is part
of your faith.”
This is such a beautiful saying of
the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa
and the love of one’s country is
more than just having loyalty to
a government. The Holy Qur’ān
presents the ideal concept of
governance and enumerating a
few basic ideas, teaches that these
must be a part of the basic mandate
of a government. It is amazing
to discover that all those points
are found within our governing
system in Canada. These points are:
• Integrity of judiciary;
• A social welfare system;
• Consultation of people;
• Freedom of religion;
When we consider loyalty, another
aspect that should not be forgotten
is gratitude. A person who is
grateful can’t be disloyal. The Holy
Prophet Muhammad sa said;
“He who is not grateful to
people, cannot be grateful to
God.”
Clearly, Muslims who enjoy the
liberty to practice and preach their
faith are required to honour their
country and its government, living
as decent, law-abiding citizens.
It is in this spirit that Ahmadī
Muslims around the world proudly
raise their national flags at their
gatherings. The present worldwide
Ahmadiyya head, Hadrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad aa , said:
“A true Muslim can never raise
his voice in hatred against
his fellow citizens, nor for
that matter against the ruling
authority or Government of the
time. It is the responsibility of
a true Muslim that he should
remain loyal and fully abide by
the laws of the land of which he
is a subject.”
This is a Community which upholds
the banner and timely message,
Love for All, Hatred for None.
Ahmadī Muslims, in particular,
consider it a religious duty to make
a positive contribution to their
country. Not only does this enable
Muslims to fulfill their duties as
citizens, it should help to promote
a greater appreciation of Islām
amongst the population. Evidently,
being faithful to a government that
ensures religious freedom and
tolerance constitutes an important
article of Islāmic faith. The peace
of any civilized nation depends on
upholding these precious values.
Reconciling Faith With Loyalty
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