Source: Review of Religions

By: Jonathan Butterworth

In this era, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ^(as), the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, who was prophesied to appear by the past scriptures of religions and by the Holy Qur’an as the Messiah, has explained to us the true teachings of Islam and the correct practice of the Holy Prophet^(saw). Hence, in light of his teachings, when the Danish cartoons were published in 2005, the Community he left behind – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the auspices of the 5^th Successor to the Promised Messiah^(as), Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V^(aba) – displayed the true manner in which Muslims should react to such incidents. Whilst some other Muslims caused damage and destruction to life and property, Ahmadi Muslims presented the true and exemplary teachings of Prophet Muhammad^(saw), and used peaceful means of voicing their protest.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V(aba) also delivered a series of Friday Sermons, beamed around the world through the Community’s 24-hour satellite television station, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International (Sky Channel 787 in the UK) in which he unequivocally denounced hurtful speech, and also the disorderly reaction of certain misinformed Muslim groups. He expounded the beautiful model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(saw), and explained how a true Muslim should behave in such situations. Thus, an article was prepared by the Ahmadiyya Community which was sent to the newspaper that had published the cartoons. Islam’s real teachings were expounded as well the appropriate manner in which to protest; namely through peaceful ‘Jihad [struggle] of the Pen’ to express disapproval and anguish at the publication of the images, rather than inflammatory public rallies. The people of Denmark received the article positively, which was published in the newspaper. The President of the Journalists’ Union extended an invitation to the Ahmadiyya Community, where the matter was further explained. The Union were told of the beautiful teachings brought by the Holy Prophet^(saw); his high morals, tolerance, compassion for others and also his civility. Numerous meetings were held with ministers and others, articles published, and discussions took place where the correct teachings of Islam were explained. One cartoonist plainly stated that had such meetings taken place previously, and had he known what Islam truly stood for, he would never have made the caricature.^[18]

It is strongly believed that when a person becomes acquainted with the true teachings of Islam, he or she would never harbour a desire to ridicule its religious personages, but would instead praise the virtues Islam promotes. And when certain misled Muslim organisations comprehend the true meaning of the verses of the Holy Qur’an, they would not react violently to criticisms of Islam, but would rather respond with wisdom, love, prayers and logic—which was the manner in which Muhammad^(saw) himself responded to insult and offensive speech.

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