Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page v
INTRODUCTION IX needed to convey that message and to set an example in conformity with it. If the messages are to be different and conflicting, the advent of so many teachers, instead of pro- moting unity, peace, accord and spiritual fulfilment, would only foster hostility, discord, enmity and chaos. If everyone of these great teachers is to appear within the dispensation of each respective faith, would he uphold the values of that faith as originally set forth, or would he depart from them; and if the latter, what would be the scope of his doctrines and teachings? Either contingency would raise pro- blems that would be difficult to resolve. Mankind has, during the last two centuries or so, been pressing forward towards a unity of aim and purpose, and all the developments that have taken place towards bringing different sections into closer relations with each other afford the strongest indication that the great teacher of the latter days woulcJ be a single person and that there would not be a plurality of personages. , , It is agreed among the Muslims that the prophecy, 'He it is Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may make it prevail over every other religion, even though those who associate partners with God may dislike it' (9:33), will be fulfilled through the advent of the prophet of the latter days, that is to say, one who will be the Mahdi and the Promised Messiah. There is a very strong presumption that the great teacher of the latter days would appear within the dispensation of Islam. This presumption is upheld by many factors, into a detailed exposition of which it is not necessary to enter here. It would be enough to mention some of the oustanding ones. (I) The scripture of Islam, the Holy Quran, clearly and definitely proclaims the universality of the mission of the Holy Prophet. For instance: Proclaim, 0 Prophet: 0 mankind verily I am God's Messenger to you all [7: 159]. We have sent thee as a bearer of glad tidings and a Warner for the whole of mankind, but most people know not [34:29]. We have sent thee as a mercy for the universe [21:108].