Invitation to Ahmadiyyat — Page 209
209 smallest details. If, for instance, the Holy Prophet s as wore a certain type of dress or kept long hair, we should all do the same. Some Muslims were of the view that the Holy Prophet s as had no right to command us to do anything because he was just a man like us, and that the only teaching we need to follow is that of the Holy Quran. Others were adamant that they would not accept anything that goes against the saying of certain holy men and that people are bound to follow them without question. These were the generalities, but when we delve into the details we find even greater chaos. Some Muslims believed that the learning of other languages was sinful. Others had outlawed the acquiring of modern education. In contrast, there were those who allowed for the practice of usury even though the Holy Quran categorically forbids it and says: 29 اْوُنَذْاَف ٍبْرَحِب َنِّم ِهّٰللا That is to say, the taking of interest is like going to war against God. There is so much contrast in the beliefs of different groups of Muslims regarding prayer, fasting, inheritance, etc. , that the truth has become wholly obscured. They hold on to some trivial point and declare it to be the pivot of Islam and quarrel with those who disagree. People who call themselves Muslim are known to have broken the fingers of fellow Muslims because they raised their index finger for tashahhud , or put filth in their mouth for having said a m i n aloud during congregational prayers. Thus, the practical aspect of Islam has suffered as much distortion and disfigurement as the doctrinal aspect. The Promised Messiah as also corrected these misconceptions. He disproved the notion of permissiveness and said that interces - sion is for those who do their best to avoid sin but still have some