Epigraph

Will they not, then, meditate upon the Qur’an? Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much disagreement and contradictions. (Al Quran 4:83)

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Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Bringing Communities Closer in Calgary

Lajna Imā’Illah Canada along with the members from the local chapter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Calgary organized the 3rd Annual Holy Qur’an Exhibition on January 13, 2014 at SAIT Polytechnic.

‘The truth is from your Lord, so whosoever wants let him believe and whosoever wants let him deny’ Al- Qur’an (16:29).

It is a regular effort of local chapter to clarify misconceptions regarding Islam and its teachings especially about Jihad versus terrorism, modesty versus captivity, purpose of marriage and rights of women in Islam and difference between Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Jammat) and other Muslims.

Approximately 200 people stopped to peruse the exhibits, of which 50-100 people asked questions and conversed. They took some pamphlets, with them, as well.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat is a revivalist movement within Islam. Its founder’s name is Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) who lived in a small town called Qadian in India. He was succeeded by first Khalifa and currently we are in the period of 5th Khalifa. Ahmadiyya Community is established in more than 192 countries and the membership runs in to tens of millions. It is a non political movement and is entirely funded by contributions from its members. It is one of the largest volunteer organizations in world. The current Headquarter is in London, UK.

O people be aware of your Lord, Who created you from a single soul (nafs) and created therefrom mates for you. Al- Qur’an (4:2)

Why Qur’an dictate restrictions on women?

Qur’an does not dictate any restrictions on women. Men and women are equal and have equal rights. Islam however admits that men and women are biologically and psychologically different so their major Primary Role is different, Man is care taker / provider for family and woman is the manager of family and a teacher and trainer for children. These roles are not rigid, they are flexible, and overlapping, may even be reversible depending upon situations. Islam requires that primary roles should not be compromised to achieve a secondary role and this is to maintain stability of family. Islam lays the greatest emphases on sanctity and stability of family since it is the building unit of any society.

According to your teaching what is Jihad?

Our teachings are based on the Holy Qur’an and the narratives and conduct of the Holy prophet. So our perspective is the Islamic perspective on Jihad.

 Jihad means to strive or struggle for good cause and there are three categories: Greatest Jihad or the Jihad of the highest order is to struggle for self-reformation; getting rid of worldly temptations. It is a journey from an ‘animistic’ state of existence where immediate gratification is desired to a disciplined psyche. The Holy Prophet said: Out of all those who carry out jihad, the most exalted is the one who strives against his own passions. This type of Jihad is obligatory and a continuous process in every one’s life.

Second type is the Greater Jihad and that is also obligatory and continuous one. This is to make efforts to propagate the truth, the message of Qur’an with wisdom and peace. According to the Qur’an anyone who devotes his time, effort, wealth or knowledge to the cause of righteousness is practicing Greater Jihad.

Lower Jihad is a defensive war and is strictly conditional. It is never offensive and is allowed only when Muslims have been persecuted for practicing their faith. Even when persecuted they should first migrate away and if the persecution still continues in their new homeland and they are attacked, then defensive war or Lesser Jihad becomes obligatory. Unfortunately this is the only category of Jihad which majority of the world has heard about. Current wars are not for religious persecutions, wars between two Muslim countries do not fit in to Jihad Criteria. It is the Greater and the Greatest Jihad which is need of our time and I am sure many of you are also participating in that Jihad.

Further on, there are clear directions regarding what can and cannot be done in such defensive battle. For example civilians who are not fighting against Muslims are not to be attacked or killed at all. Crops or other sources of food and water and cattle or other animals are not to be destroyed. Hospitals, orphanages and other places of safety and refuge are not to be destroyed. Mosques, churches, synagogues or other places of worship are not to be destroyed. Women, children, old and disabled are to be left untouched. If the aggressor stops the aggression or offers a treaty it should be accepted and the fighting stopped forthwith. Fleeing oppressors need not be pursued to any unnecessary length and should be allowed to return to their home. Prisoners of War should be treated with respect and their basic needs be fulfilled and they should be freed or ransomed as soon as possible after the battle.

They (your wives) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them………..Al-Qur’an (2:188)

Our Holy Prophet engaged in the Greatest and the Greater Jihad all his life and only spent four months in the Lesser Jihad. Muslims in Mecca suffered severe religious persecution for 13 years including 3 years of captivity in Shub e Abi Talib. Ultimately they migrated to Medina. When they were attacked in Medina, the Lesser Jihad began.

Once while returning from a battle Prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him, reminded his followers that they are returning from the Jihad of a lower order to Jihad of the highest order and that they need to resume the effort of self-reformation without any delay.

Some of the interesting questions usually asked at such occasions & answers to them may be read HERE

Additional Reading

The Holy Quran as the Miracle of the Holy Prophet

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