Mahzarnama (The Memorandum) — Page 11
11 Definition of a Muslim and the Viewpoint of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at t is a universally agreed upon principle that before determining whether an individual or a group belongs to a particular species, an all-encompassing and exclusive definition of such a species is made, which acts as a touch-stone. As long as such a definition exists, it becomes quite easy to decide whether or not any particular individual or group may be counted as a member of that species. In this respect, it is our demand that prior to commencing any further deliberation upon this matter, first a unanimously agreeable, all-encompassing and exclusive definition of a Muslim must be formulated which not only has the unanimous support of all contemporary Muslim sects but on which may also exist the consistent unanimity of all Muslims in history. In this context it will be necessary to keep the following observations in view: A. Can any definition of a Muslim be found in the Holy Quran, or by the Holy Prophet sa which definition may have been applied without exception during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet sa ? If there does exist such a definition then what is it? B. Can it be considered legitimate for anyone to propose any definition, in any era, which is in disregard of such a definition which is found in the Holy Quran, or by the Holy Prophet sa , a definition that can be shown to have been applied in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet sa ? C. Apart from the definition referred to above, if the term Muslim has been defined in various historical periods by different religious scholars or different sects, then what are I