Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 253
253 with kindness and affection, lest people out of contrari- ness, should recede further from virtue. He must also teach people that which he knows and should not keep his knowledge or skill a secret, but should admit the public to its benefits, for the Holy Prophet sa has said that a man who keeps the knowledge of a particular thing secret and refuses to disclose it when he is asked about it, shall be bridled with a fiery bridle on the Day of Judgment. This does not mean that a man should not profit by his inventions, and that he should make them public. The object is that sciences, arts and learning should not be allowed to disappear by being hidden and confined in the bosoms of particular individuals. It is, however, permissible to use one’s knowledge and skill for one’s own profit and for the benefit of the public, and the system of registration and patents ensures not only the profit of the inventor but also the permanent preservation of the invention. A Muslim is required to be brave but not tyranni- cal. He must not oppress the weak, the poor, women or children, or even animals. It is related of Abdullah, son of Umar ra the second caliph that he saw some boys who had made a target of a live animal. When they saw Abdullah they ran away, and Abdullah exclaimed, 'God is displeased with those who have done this, for I have heard the Prophet sa say, 'God is displeased with those who make a target of a live animal for sport,'" that is to say those who tie down or secure an animal for the purpose of shooting at it. Islam does not, however, prohibit hunting or shooting. This Islamic injunction, which was laid down more than thirteen centuries ago,