The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 3
3 question. Only a few have sought to cross the swamp of the history of that era safe and sound, and who were able to succeed in their objective. It is for this reason that I have decided to speak to you on this very topic. MAGNIFICENT PAST OF ISLAM As you may be aware, the task which has been assigned to me by God the Exalted (i. e. , to train the Ahmadiyya Community, manage its needs and plan for its progress), in its nature, encompasses many aspects. Hence, for the purpose of its administration, it is absolutely imperative for me to possess knowledge of the historical subjects which specifically relate to the era of Khilafat. For this reason, despite having little time to spare, I am compelled to keep the history of that era under study. Although our primary task is to investigate and deeply contemplate upon religion, but along with this study, by the grace of God, such hidden aspects of the history of early Islam have been disclosed to me which most people of the current age are unaware of. Due to this unfamiliarity, some Muslims are even becoming averse to their own religion. They see their past as being so dreadful that in its presence, they cannot hope for a glorious future. However, their despair is ill-founded and such views are false, and are merely due a lack of knowledge in true Islamic history. For Islam ’ s past is so magnificent and spotless and all those trained in the company of the Holy Prophet sa were people of such high moral excellence that their likes cannot be found in any nation of the world, even if such people had lived in the company of a prophet. It is only those who enjoyed the company of the Holy Prophet sa about whom it can be said that