A Message for Our Time — Page 11
11 A Beacon of Peace None’. This motto is nothing new, or something we have sud- denly fashioned; rather, this slogan is based on the teachings of Islam’s Holy Book, the Holy Quran, and the teachings given to us by the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas. From the outset, Islam has taught that mutual respect and tolerance are basic human values. For example, in chapter 6, verse 109, the Holy Quran declares that Muslims should not even speak against the idols of non-religious people because it could provoke them to speak against Allah the Almighty. Thus, to ensure that tensions are not inflamed and to protect society from a cycle of hate and hostility, Muslims have been instructed to show restraint and patience at all times. Whilst it is frequently alleged that Muslims do not respect other religions or their religious figures, nothing could be fur- ther from the truth. In fact, based upon the teachings of the Holy Quran, Muslims believe that prophets of God were sent to all nations in order to guide and reform the people of those regions. We firmly believe in the truth of all the prophets and believe they were sent to draw mankind towards God Almighty and to teach morality and to establish universal human values, such as freedom of conscience, justice and human sympathy. Given this, how could it be possible for us to disrespect or dishonour other religions, or their followers? Hence, we Ahmadi Muslims are sincere in our claim that we do not hate anyone. Moreover, we hold genuine love for all people and are ever-ready to extend a hand of friendship to others. Just to give one small example, last year when a local Jewish cemetery was attacked here in Philadelphia and their gravestones were dese- crated, the local members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community