The Afghan Martyrs — Page 150
fight themselves or in any way assist those who fight their own government even if the government be Jewish or Christian. On this basis for Muslims in. India opposition to and revolt against the British Government is totally prohibited. " (Ishaautul-Sunna Volume 6 No. 10) (b) "Brethren, time for the use of a sword has passed. Currently it has become necessary to use one's pen instead of a sword. " (Ishaautul Sunna Volume 6 No. 12) 2. From Hadhrat Syed Ahmad Barailvi, In his famous book 'Sawaneh Ahmadi' Moulvi Mohammad Jaafer Thaneeri quoting Hadhrat Syed Ahmad Barailavi the reformer of the thirteenth century says: "It is accurately related that whenever he proceeded to engage in 'Jehad' against the Sikhs he was asked why he travelled so far for 'Jehad' against the Sikhs and why he did not engage in 'Jehad' against the British, who had established their rule in the country and who did not subscribe to the Islamic faith. He was advised that within his own surroundings he could regain the Indian territory and would find hundreds of thousands of men who would join him and help him. To travel hundreds of miles through the Sikh territory to Afghanistan, to live there for years and then fight the Sikhs was, many said to him, beyond their capability. In reply the Syed said, "We do not wish to, nor is it our aim to establish our regime by snatching authority either from the British or from the Sikhs. The sole basis for our 'Jehad' is that they (Sikhs) engage in persecution against our Muslim brethren as they interfere with Azan and also with discharge of other religious duties. If right now or after our domination the Sikhs refrain from moves which merit 'Jehad' there will be no need for us to fight. Though the British Government does not subscribe to Islam but it 150