Message of Peace - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

28MESSAGE OF PEACEabstained from joining this cause, but they also obstructed thepassage of Hindu efforts by openly opposing it. Thus mutualenmity increased.I admit that such factors contributed to furthering theenmity which had already existed. But I cannot accept themto be the real reason. I beg to differ with those who believethat religious disputes are not at the root of Hindu-Muslimenmity and discord, and that the disputes are in fact politicalin nature.Everyone can easily understand why Muslims are reluctantto join forces with Hindus in demanding their due rights andwhy they have been refusing to join Congress and why again,having perceived the soundness of the Hindu strategy, theybegan to follow the same path step after step while maintaininga distinct and separate entity, taking great care not tobe identified with them. They did not join the Hindus, butcreated a similar but separate Muslim organisation. 18Dear Friends! I reassert that the underlying factor responsiblefor this behaviour is religion, and nothing else. If todaythe same Hindus embrace the Muslims while pronouncingthe kalimah Tayyibah: 19then Muslims would cease to oppose them forthwith.Conversely, if Muslims renounce Islam and embraceHinduism and start worshipping fire, air, etc., in accordance18. The organisation was called Muslim League and was establishedin 1906. [Publisher]19. There is none worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammadis the messenger of Allah. [Publisher]