Testimony of the Holy Quran — Page 143
H A D R AT M IR Z A GHU L A M AH M AD A S 143 This government is a divine command of a heavenly their faith, to undertake thorough research using the best of their reason and insight, and to publish literature in favour of the firm religion of Islam in order to conclusively establish its superiority over its opponents. It is this Empire whose equitable support has provided the ulema, after a long time—indeed, as it were, after centuries—the opportunity to fearlessly inform the ignorant people about the pollution of innovations, evils of idolatry and mischief of creature-worship, and to clearly guide them to the right path of their beloved Prophet. Can it be lawful to bear ill- will towards a government under whose shelter all Muslims live in peace and freedom and are able to practice their faith to the full extent and are engaged in its propagation more freely than in any other country. Not at all, it is never ever justified. Nor can a pious and religious person entertain such evil thoughts. I declare truly that this is the only government in the world under whose protection many services to Islam are done that are entirely impossible in other lands. Visit a Shia country and you will find that they become furious when they hear the preaching of Sunnis; and in countries ruled by Sunnis, Shias fear to express their views. Likewise, the muqallid i n are unable to protest in the territories of the muwa hh id i n and the muwa hh id i n are unable to protest in the territories of the muqallid i n, so much so that even if they see an innovation in religion with their own eyes, they are unable to speak out against it. After all, this is the only govern - ment under whose protection each and every sect is free to express its beliefs with peace and comfort. This is something which is of great benefit to the righteous; for how can truth spread in a land where there is no freedom of expression and no tolerance for admonition. Only such a country is suitable for spreading the truth where the righteous can preach freely. It should also be borne in mind that the objective behind