Our God — Page 154
154 teachings. Instead, the teachings of religions have been corrupted by the actions of humans, giving an opportunity to free-minded individuals to raise objections against religions. But the fact of the matter is that, of all means that promote world peace and enlight- ened minds, religion is the most powerful one. Whenever people adhered to the essence of religion, it decreased discord and undue strife and promoted broad-mindedness and fortitude. A study of religious history demonstrates that during periods when the fol- lowers of any particular religion abided by its teachings, they were found to be magnanimous, broad-minded, sympathetic, and seek- ers of peace and reconciliation. In contrast, during the age when these followers gave up their teachings and their commitment to religions existed in name only, they became narrow-minded, lack- ing in fortitude, prejudiced, petulant, and anarchistic. I make this claim without fear of contradiction and for every religion, and I believe anyone who researches history honestly in this matter will reach the same conclusion. By the Grace of Allah, I am a Muslim and take the greatest pride in counting myself among the hum- blest servants of the Holy Prophet saw. Nevertheless, I cannot but make the regrettable admission that, these days, like other people, the Muslims are also afflicted by the dangerous and disastrous ill that is called narrow-mindedness. Undue national prejudices have overcome their sublime and noble sentiments. Quarrelsomeness and inclination to violation of peace over petty differences have permeated their nature. Is Islam to blame for this? No, never! These things did not exist among the Muslims when they fol- lowed the true teachings of Islam and the Islamic spirit was alive in them. They were a nation of bright-minded and big-hearted people; they were well-wishers and sympathisers of mankind,