The Riots of 1953 — Page 57
57 Q. Does it mean that Allah’as forgiveness will extend to those who are not even Muslims? A. Certainly. Q. Is the modern conception of a nation, namely, citizens of a State belonging to different religions having equal political rights, known to Islam? A. Certai n ly. Q. What is the duty of a Muslim living under a non-Muslim Government, if that Government makes a law which is repugnant to the Qur’an or Sunnah? A. If the State in legislating uses powers which it should use as a State, the Muslim should obey the law. If the law is personal, for instance, if it forbids Muslims from saying prayers, then, since this is a major question, the Muslim should leave the land. If it is a minor question, as for instance, a matter that affects succession, marriage, etc. , the Muslim should reconcile himself to it. Q. Can a Muslim be a faithful subject of a non-Muslim State? A. Certainly. Q. What is his duty, if, being in the army of a non-Muslim State, he is required to fight with the army of a Muslim State? A. It is for him to consider whether the Muslim State is in the right. If he considers the Muslim State to be right, it would be his duty to resign or to declare himself a conscientious objection, as is done in some countries. Q. Do you believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib also would be shafi in the sense in which our Holy Prophet is considered to be a shafi? A. No.