All the distinguished guests,

ladies and gentlemen, Peace

and blessings of Allah be

upon you

Some months ago, a Danish

newspaper published some

cartoons about the Holy

Founder of Islam, Hadhrat

Muhammad

(saw)

*

in which,

unfortunately, an attempt

was made to show that the

law and teaching brought by

him is one of extremism. As a

result, terrorism and cruelty

has begun to grow in the

hearts of the followers of Islam. It is alleged

that Muslims believe that the solution to all

their problems lies in adopting a cruel and

barbaric attitude. According to them there is

no concept of tolerance, reconciliation or love

and affection in Islam.

Non-Muslims draw this conclusion based on

the incorrect behaviour and improper actions

of the so-called Jihadi organisations (that is to

say those who are trigger-happy and call their

act a holy war) and the attacks of their suicide

bombers. Instead of solving issues through

love and understanding, they display

obstinacy and intolerance. Then, some

scholars of today, unfortunately, support such

Jihadi organisations even though their actions

are totally opposed to the teachings of Islam.

But I wish to say just one thing that may

perhaps be construed as if I am supporting

such Jihadi organisations.

The ultimate decisive

authority assumed by the

superpowers in respect of the

poor and under-developed

nations and the double

standards in the manner in

which the superpowers deal

with these nations, is the

cause of this violent natural

reaction by these nations.

Admittedly, this is not an

Islamic method and is totally

against the teachings of

Islam. However, in this day

and age, the trend not to

conform to the teachings of one’s faith is as

prevalent amongst followers of other religions

as it is amongst Muslims whose majority is by

lip-service Muslim even though their deeds are

not Islamic.

In due course, a reformer is needed to make

the act of the people conform to the teachings.

This is why the Ahmadiyya Muslim

community holds the belief that when, with

the passage of time, the people begin to forget

the teachings of their faith, then equipped

with guidance from God, God sends prophets

or reformers who bring mankind back to the

ways of God, and thus remind man to

discharge the obligations due to the Creator

and His creation.

We Muslims believe that there have been

124,000 messengers who have come to the

Freedom

of Speech

&

Tolerance in Islam

An address by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya

Muslim community delivered in Baitul Futuh Morden on 25 March 2006