The Gulf Crisis and New World Order — Page 173
The Gulf Crisis & The New World Order Muslim minorities in different countries. As a result of the misrepresentation of the teachings of Islam, they are unable to follow the right path. They are on the wrong path and, therefore, they suffer extreme harm. They misrepresent and thereby defame Islam. A QUESTION OF LOYALTY TO ONES'S FAITH OR TO ONE'S COUNTRY The question of loyalty to one's faith or to one's country is being raised everywhere in the world and now it is also being raised in Britain. Because of the lack of a convincing answer by the Muslims and because of their reaction based on ignorance, Muslims in Britain now face increased dangers. Their places of worship are being set on fire, they are being threatened; and they face dangers in every day life. There was news today that two taxi drivers were held up and badly beaten because they were alleged to be supporting Saddam Hussain. All these violent reactions result from ignorance and misapprehension and have no link with Islam. The te!lchings of Islam have a universal appeal. Because of its inherent strength, it is invincible. No one can successfully oppose it because it is based on truth. Therefore, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community must always and particularly in these times keep in mind the reasons for these reactions and respond with wisdom. Whenever, there is emotional excitement in the air, it is also reflected in the heart. The heart feels the tremor. That is the time of self analysis to examine whether one is following the true path of Islam or otherwise. One must also monitor his feelings, keeping in view, personal, national prejudices and differences. It is in times of extreme excitement that a God fearing man can make an appraisal of the depth of his faith. He can see his relationship with God reflected in the mirror of his heart. Toe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, all over the world, must comport in such a manner that an English Ahmadi, without hesitation can say with confidence that Islam teaches the truth, and that to a Muslim there is no conflict between his allegiance to his country and bis faith. An Ahmadi from Africa can also proclaim that Islamic teachings are universal and based on truth and there is no question of any conflict with bis national identity. Toe fact is that if the world was ever to consent to a universal teachings, then it is only Islam which presents such a teaching because it is above and beyond 173