The Afghan Martyrs — Page 151
does not engage in unfair, unjust and oppressive acts against Muslims nor does it interfere with or prevent discharge of their religious worship or religious duties. Under their rule we openly preach and practice our faith and they do not prevent us from discharge of our religious duties and if someone else indulges in excesses they punish the wrongdoers. Our real task is propagation of the Unity of God and keeping alive the traditions of the Chief of the Prophets (PBUH) and under the British rule, that we can do without let or hindrance. Why then, contrary to religious tenets should we engage in 'Jehad', and without reason become guilty of shedding blood of either party? On hearing this response the person who asked the question was silenced as he understood the real purpose of 'Jehad'. II (Sawaneh-Ahmadi Page 71) (b) It is faithfully reported that one day during his stay in Calcutta, when Maulana Mohammad Ismaeel Shaheed was delivering a sermon he was asked if it was permissible to engage in 'Jehad' against the British Government. In reply he said, nOn no account is 'Jehad' permitted against a government which is benevolent and is free from prejudice. Currently the conduct of the Sikhs in the Punjab is excessive and therefore 'Jehad' against them may be organized. " (Sawaneh-Ahmadi Page 57) 3. Mouvli Mohammad Husain Batalvi writes, "Currently the conditions for 'Jehad' are non existent. Therefore, in India, from Calcutta to Peshawar and from Sindh to Deccan no one can be licensed to engage in 'Jehad' against the British Government. " (Ishaatul-Sunna Volume 9 No. 1) 4. Interpreting sentiments of the Muslims of India in his book 'Asbaab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind' written in 1858 Sir Syed Ahmad Khan the founder of the Aligarh University writes: 151