Summary of the speech
- The world faces a growing crisis of division and hatred. Racism, bigotry, and hate crimes are rising globally, even in multicultural societies like Canada, often fueled by political leaders who exploit fear and demonize particular groups.
- Islam has a strong historical record of championing peaceful coexistence. The Charter of Medina, drafted by Prophet Muhammad, established religious freedom and cooperation among Muslims, Jews, and pagans centuries before the Magna Carta, demonstrating that pluralistic governance is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition.
- Lasting peace requires mutual respect, justice, and equality. This means protecting the religious sentiments of all faiths, rejecting racism, and treating others as you would wish to be treated, which are principles the author argues are central to Islamic teaching and essential for any diverse society.
We are passing through very challenging and unprecedented times.
We live in a world where chaos and disorder are spreading. Many countries are at war, while others walk lazily on the tightrope between peace and war. Animosity and hatred amongst people of different races, religions, and nationalities is increasing. The truth is that, in many parts of the world, ‘Peace’ has become a rare commodity.
In reality, we have all witnessed an upsurge in racism and bigotry. Some world leaders thrive upon racism and bigotry, while exploiting the fear of the masses, and sometimes even igniting it. Hence, despite the record number of educated people in the world today, society continues to be plagued by internal insecurities and saddening division.
Politicians have used different wedge issues to demonize and single out a particular race or religion. This has created a ripple effect; hate crimes and discrimination have spiked even in countries where peace and prosperity prevail. The StatsCan reports show a significant increase in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims.
For example, just a few years ago in Ottawa, a synagogue, a church and a mosque were vandalized. A Quebec City mosque was attacked by a gunman. A Muslim family was mowed down in London in broad daylight. Toronto Police have reported a 132 per cent increase in hate crimes amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Who could have imagined that in a nation which beams with pride, out of indignation for celebrating differences, and not just tolerating them, people would be victimized for being different?
Canadians come from different backgrounds, different races, different religions, and different ethnicities, and this is why it is important to respect each other’s differences and to peacefully coexist.
Ladies and gentlemen, the religion of Islam is the greatest advocate and champion of peaceful coexistence.
I do not say this out of whim or opinion. History itself bears witness to this.
Charter of Medina
When the founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) migrated to Medina to escape the unthinkable persecution in his hometown of Mecca, the society of Medina was divided into four sections: Muslims, including emigrants and local Muslims called Ansar, Jews, Hypocrites from Aus and Khazraj (two local tribes) and Pagans from Aus and Khazraj.
This was a situation which was replete with dangerous possibilities in the future, and called for a strong measure of coordination, adjustment and cooperation. Therefore, as soon as the Holy Prophet (sa) settled in Medina, he called together the representatives of the Emigrants, Aus and Khazraj, and the Jewish tribes for consultation. He invited them to consider the desirability of establishing some system of mutual cooperation whereby the risk of dissension might be avoided, and the security of Medina might be provided for. After a thorough exchange of views, an agreement was reached and was committed in writing. It is known as the Charter of Medina, which predates the Magna Carta by several centuries, from which I present a few highlights:
- The Muslims and Jews would deal with each other on the basis of sympathy and sincerity and would not indulge in any aggression or wrong against each other.
- All sections of the people of Medina would enjoy complete religious freedom.
- Everyone’s life and property would be secure, and would be respected, subject to the maintenance of law and order.
- In case of aggression against the Jews or the Muslims, both would combine in repelling the aggression.
- In case of an attack against Medina, all sections would combine in repelling it.
Through it, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) wished to establish peaceful coexistence, to end tribal warfare, to institute rights and responsibilities for Muslims, Jews and Pagans alike and to establish the first Islamic state, one which guaranteed freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of thought; regardless of creed, race, or ethnicity.
Speaking about the Charter of Medina, Award-winning author Mark Graham writes in his book ‘How Islam Created the Modern World’:
Muhammad’s brilliance lay in politics as well as spirituality. One of the most extraordinary events to take place during this time was the drafting of the Covenant of Medina (Sahifat al-Madinah), what some consider to be the world’s first constitution. It was a treaty and city charter between the Arabs and Jews of the city. All groups (Muslims, Jews, and non-Muslim Arabs) pledged to live in civic harmony, governed by mutual advice and consultation. The Covenant bound these varied groups into a common defense pact and stipulated that the Jews of the city were one community with the Muslims, that they were free to profess and practice their religion and that they were entitled to all the rights pertaining to the Muslims. This amazingly foresighted document was a revolutionary step forward in civil government.[1]
Protection of Religious Sentiments
In the recent past, we have witnessed several disrespectful statements about different faiths, which is not a progressive behaviour in any civilized society, let alone a multicultural society. Sometimes, Moses (as) is depicted in cartoons in a derogatory manner, and the holocaust is denied, and made out to be a melodramatized or trivial matter.[2] We see disrespectful and inflammatory remarks made about Jesus (as), his mother, and his disciples on TV.[3] Similarly, offensive, vulgar and crude caricatures, films and satirical images of Prophet Muhammadsa are also produced. Needless to say, it is most hurtful for every Jew, Christian, and Muslim to see their holy founders and personages depicted condescendingly. The truth is that such slurs and offences do nothing to harm the stature and nobility of these highly revered great prophets of God. For these were great men of God, and their nobility is well established! A few cartoons and slurs cannot bring their status down. Instead, what such offensive acts do is to ruin peace in society and hurt the feelings of the followers of such great personalities. The irony is that all of these blasphemous acts are being done in the name of so-called FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Ladies and gentlemen, Islam upholds freedom of speech. In fact, it champions it, and its teachings go one step further in granting people freedom of speech. Islam teaches Muslims that:
… revile not those whom they call upon beside Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah intheir ignorance.[4]
Islam lays down the fundamental principle that one must not disrespect the deities of other faiths on the basis that it would cause grief to their hearts, and if others retaliate, it would only make our hearts grieve, increase enmity, and create discord and schisms.
The Fourth Khalifah or Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (ru), wrote in his book Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues:
All religions must conform to the Islamic principle of showing respect and reverence to the Founders and holy personages of other faiths. In pursuance thereof, they do not have to compromise their principles. It is simply a matter of fundamental human rights. The right of every human being that his religious sensibilities and sentiments shall not be violated and offended must be recognised.[5]
Bridges of love and peace can only be built between nations and peoples if there is a genuine and sympathetic desire to understand each other.
Opening His Mosque to the people of other faiths
While serving as an Imam in Ottawa, I was invited to a breakfast organized by a Christian group, where I had the honour of meeting several Ministers of the Christian faith. During my conversation with one of the Ministers, I inquired which church he was serving at that time. When he told me that he was a Minister without a church as his church had burnt down in a fire, I offered him our mosque in Ottawa to hold his prayer services there. He was quite perplexed and gave me an inquisitive smile. I told him that I was obliged to do so. He then asked me how I was obliged.
I explained to him that Muslims are commanded in the Holy Qur’an to follow the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). During his life, a Christian delegation came for a debate with Muslims. The Prophet’s Mosque, one of the holiest places in Islam, was the venue for the debate. When the time came for Christians to pray, they sought permission to go out and pray. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said, “Is it not a house of God? You can pray here. Christians prayed in the mosque while the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) and his companions waited outside.
This is how peace prevails in a society where people of different religions coexist. That is by respect, understanding, and acceptance.
Ladies and gentlemen, these are not the stories of yore. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, which believes in the latter-day Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), strongly holds fast to these teachings and practices them on a daily basis. All across Canada, we open the doors of our mosques for our neighbours and friends to hold their events and meetings. Many appreciate this gesture.
Eliminated Racism
Islam also eliminated racism. Before Islam, racism was deeply rooted in the Arabian society. Muslims are taught in the Holy Qur’an:
O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you.[6]
Islam teaches that all human having been ‘created from male and a female’ as human beings have been declared equal in the sight of God. The worth of a person is not to be judged by the pigment of their skin, the amount of wealth they possess or by their rank or social status, descent or pedigree, but by their moral greatness and the way in which he discharges his obligations to God and humans. The entire human race is but one family. Division into tribes, nations, and races is meant to give them a better knowledge of one another’s national characteristics and good qualities.[7]
The Holy Prophet (sa) has also taught his followers that:
“All of humanity is the family of God, and the most beloved to God is the one who is of most benefit to His children.”
Moreover, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) uprooted racism during his (sa) last message, which was for all humankind and for all times to come.
He addressed his followers as “humankind” and not as “Muslims”. He said:
“O Ye humankind, you are all brothers and are all equal. None of you can claim any privilege or any superiority over any other. An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab, nor is a non-Arab superior to an Arab; nor is a white man superior to a black, or a black to a white, except on the basis of righteousness.”
Early Muslims held fast to these teachings and treated everyone equally. There are many examples in the history of Islam. For example, Caliph Harun al Rashid, who ruled in the eighth century, appointed a Christian as Director of Public Instruction who oversaw all schools and colleges. In Andalusian Spain, Jews were sent by the Muslim rulers as ambassadors to other parts of Europe. Islamic civilization attracted people from all over the world to join in this freedom and coexistence.
Islam’s (sa) teachings call upon individuals to exercise their rights according to the common human principles of respect, dignity, peace, equality, justice, compassion, and unity, in order to build a better and brighter future. The Holy Qur’an lays a golden principle for establishing lasting peace:
Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred;[8]
This ultimately fosters peaceful coexistence. As believers in the latter-day Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (as), the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at advises following this golden principle to establish lasting peace.
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aa), has taken this message across the globe, presenting it at the international forums, parliaments, including the US Congress. He explains that:
“Always remember that peace can only be established by helping both the oppressed and the oppressor in a manner that is completely impartial, free from vested interests and devoid of all enmity. Peace is made by giving all parties an equal platform and playing field[9].”
He further states that:
If we truly want peace in our time, then we must act with justice. We must value equality and fairness.
Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, we should pursue the universal standards of justice outlined in the Holy Qur’an. As the Prophet of Islamsa so beautifully stated, we must love for others what we love for ourselves. We must pursue the rights of others with the same zeal and determination that we pursue our own rights. We should broaden our horizons and look at what is right for the world, rather than what is only right for us. These are the means for peace in our age.[10]
References:
[1] https://themuslimtimes.info/2014/04/30/the-constitution-of-medina-islamic-secular-and-pluralsitic-first-ever-in-the-world/
[2] http://freethoughtblogs.com/taslima/files/2012/09/moses-shipping.png
http://freethoughtblogs.com/taslima/files/2012/09/426292_2477537316173_1784717405_1495638_746188338_n.jpg
[3] https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/critics-slam-hbo-show-that-mocked-catholic-devotion-to-jesus
[4] The Holy Qur’an Al-An’am 6:109
[5] Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues, page 48
[6] The Holy Qur’an Al-Hujurat 49:14
[7] The Five Volume Commentary, Commentary on Al-Hujurat 49:14
[8] The Holy Qur’an Al-Nahl 16:91
[9] https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2012/12/khalifa-islam-makes-historic-address-european-parliament/
[10] https://www.reviewofreligions.org/12839/justice-in-an-unjust-world-2/
