An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islam — Page 283
283 their cruel persecutors more arrogant and gave them the hope of soon striking a death knell to Islam. It was planned as a last measure to exterminate Islam by murdering the Holy Prophet sa himself, with the result that he had to leave Mecca after 13 years of worst persecution. All this, however, did not satisfy the enemies of Islam and they pursued the Holy Prophet sa in order to execute their evil designs. He reached Medina. Even there his enemies did not relax their efforts to uproot Islam. The whole of Arabia responded to the call of the Meccan Quraish and marched to slaughter the Muslims. And it was not until their enemies were upon them that the permission was granted to the Muslims to defend themselves. ( Life of Ahmad by A. R. Dard ra , edition of 2008, pp. 760-761) The Quran says: “Permission is granted to those against whom war is made (that they may defend themselves) for they have been wronged” (22:40). Again it says: “And fight in the way of God with those who fight with you” (2:191). Specimen of Writing I have brought you a commandment which is that Jihad with the sword has been ended but the Jihad of the purification of your spirits must continue to be waged. I say this not on my own but in order to proclaim the design of God. Reflect on the hadith of Bukh a r i wherein it is stated that the Promised Messiah would put an end to fighting for the faith. Accordingly, I command those who have joined my ranks that they should discard all such notions. They should purify their hearts and foster their mercy and should have sympathy for the afflicted. They should spread peace on the earth, for this would cause their faith to spread. They should not wonder how this would come about. As God Almighty has utilized the elements and all earthly means for the purpose of bringing about new inventions to serve human needs like mechanical locomotion, etc. , in the same way, He will put His angels to work for the fulfilment of spiritual needs through heavenly signs, without the intervention of human agencies,