The Gulf Crisis and New World Order — Page 174
Tenth Friday Sennon Jan 25, 1991 narrow nationalism. It is never opposed to nationalism because truth can never be in conflict with rational nationalism. If the concept of nationhood in any country is wrong, then it can be proved to be wrong by examining it in the mirror of absolute truth. Therefore, when I say that Islamic teachings do not clash with nationalism I do not claim that the concept of nationalism of ALL countries is in agreement with the teachings of Islam. It is quite possible that the very concept and definition of nationalism in some countries might be distorted, as is the case in the conception or JUSTICE. The definition of loyalty has thus altered. Sometimes, "nationalism" is understood to mean that one should remain loyal to one's country, whether it is on the right or wrong, irrespective of whether one is disloyal to the God-given higher human values! If this be the definition of nationalism then Islam is certainly in conflict with it, but only in the sense that Islam will attempt to rectify this definition, irrespective of the sacrifices which such an action will entail, and so long as mankind does not follow the path of God and His teachings, Islam will resolutely oppose any distorted or erroneous nationalistic leanings and philosophy. The conflict arising from such opposition will result in many supporting voices being raised from all parts of the world. The stand taken by The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the present world situation has found favour and many voices or approval are heard risi ng from many countries. Just two days ago, an Ahmadi from a Western country informed me that a well known and influential commentator had expressed identical views on the present crisis as though he had read my sermons. He enquired if I, or some other Ahmadi was in communication with him. This was not an isolated letter. I have received similar letters from many places. Apparently it is a tribute to my sermons but I am not so naive as to accept this as personal praise. Praise is not due to me but to Islam. All praise belongs to God and to God's revealed religion and this is the proof of the truth and excellence of that teachi ng. However, that was a clear indication that people are beginning to recognise truth; this gave me satisfaction in the sense that my confidence was stre ng thened. That made me believe that whatever 174