Ayesha Naseem Mirza, UK
After over two years of the war in Ukraine, there is barely any sign of it coming to an end. If anything, with every passing day, the war escalates to a new high and so do the chances of it turning into a wider world war.
There was a time during the initial months of the Ukraine conflict when supplying long-range missiles, tanks and fighter jets would have started the Third World War according to American and European officials, but over two years later, these same officials are close enough to permit Ukraine to use their country’s advanced military equipment to strike inside the borders of Russia.
The Italian Foreign Minister confirmed the new supply of Samp-T (anti-missile system) to Ukraine in order to “protect hospitals, schools, universities […] for the country that was attacked by Russia’, while also adding that ‘defending Ukraine does not mean bringing a world war […] we are helping Ukraine and must reach a fair peace.”
Speaking at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on 19 September 2024, the outgoing NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that arming Ukraine to help defend itself against Russia was imperative to ensure peace. He referred to it as the alliance’s willingness to “pay the price for peace. The more money, the stronger our defences, the more effective our deterrence, the greater our security.”
He also warned the alliance members not to “trade short-term economic interests for long-term security needs,” saying that “protectionism against allies does not protect our security.” Regarding the war in Ukraine and NATO’s support, Stoltenberg said that “Ukraine has to engage with Russia from a position of strength” and that any future peace deal between Russia and Ukraine “must be backed by strong and sustained military support, not just pieces of paper.”
He also warned against the glaring “isolationism” that the US and its allies in the NATO alliance are faced with urging that “investing in the transatlantic relationship is the only winning way forward” and that “isolationism will not keep anyone safe.”
Similarly in the Middle East, the fire of war continues to spread, where the Biden administration, alongside its allies in Europe, is “hoping” and “working for a ceasefire” in Gaza. At the same time, they are continuing to supply Israel with weapons to continue its brutality in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria.
Even while it is being held responsible for pagers and hand-held radio explosions across Lebanon, Israel has moved its troops to the north of the border with Lebanon and has intensified airstrikes on Southern Lebanon including southern suburbs of the country’s capital Beirut. The killing of Gazans also continues in the backdrop.
The calls for de-escalation and restraint from the US and allies are falling on deaf ears. A whole year of unprecedented impunity and freedom for Israel by its allies has meant that no warning or call for calm means anything. There has come a point that it is no exaggeration to say that every day in Gaza is worse than the last. New and even more horrific forms of aggression and cruelty are coming to show with no sense or glimmer of it ending anytime soon.
The Biden administration continues to sign off billions to Israel in weapons and military equipment and the Democrats presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris has already committed to continuing with the same. Trump has also chimed in and express his open support for Israel if he is elected.
In both the cases of Israel and Ukraine, the Western irony glares back: How can arming one side of the conflict ensure the restoration of peace?
NATO chief suggested earlier this month that the invasion of Ukraine could have been prevented had Ukraine received the West’s help militarily earlier. Rationality fails here, so does reason. The very existence of NATO is owing to its aim and objective to “counter the Russian threat” and the alliance expanding around the close proximity of the Russian border negates peace, it does not ensure it.
With Israel as well, everytime a new massacre or bloody airstrike kills hundreds, angry statements with empty words are released by the US administration’s spokespersons. What will that do when in the very moment those statements are released to the public, the president’s office authorises more sales of deadly weapons to the same entity that they claim to regulate and condemn? Has fire been put out by fire ever? So, how can more weapons end a war?
The bleak and dystopian state of the world is disturbing. It is almost unbelievable and at times feels like a long scene from a fictional film. And as harrowing as it may seem, this was long coming.
The current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been drawing the world’s attention to this for over two decades. The only regret is that the world didn’t listen and those who referred to his warnings and concerns to be pessimistic and overly exaggerated, are now in agreement that he was in fact right.
Yet even in the face of these adverse and extremely cruel affairs of the world where one could easily lose faith and hope, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa is urging the world to pay heed. For it is still not too late, provided that the people of this world turn to their Creator and seek for His mercy and forgiveness.
Since 7 October 2023, almost every weekly Friday Sermon has included Huzoor’s heartfelt request to Ahmadis to intensify their prayers for the relief of oppression against the Palestinians and for the world to see sense before things are out of its control. Guidance and ways to resolve conflicts have been detailed in his addresses and sermons for twenty years, in the hope that the tide could turn.
In the wake of western irony of hoping for peace with more war and the painful and deafening silence of the Muslim nations while their own suffer the most gruesome levels of oppression, it is the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya which is guiding the world with the enlightening Islamic teachings, with only one message, that is of peace. Peace that protects and ensures the interests of all, peace that restores integrity of nations and offers a path to stable international relations.
During his address at the National Peace Symposium UK in 2017, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa spoke about the viewpoint of supplying weapons to ensure peace:
“It is sometimes argued that the sale of weapons may actually “encourage” peace, as weapons can act as a “deterrent.” In my opinion, this view is completely senseless and only encourages the further production and sale of extremely dangerous weapons. Indeed, it is such justifications that have caused the world to become embroiled in a never-ending arms race. For the sake of the good of mankind, governments should disregard fears that their economies will suffer if the arms trade is curbed. Instead, they should think about the type of world they wish to bequeath to those that follow them.”
Huzooraa further said:
“No country or group should be under the illusion that they are safe, because when wars start they evolve rapidly and often unexpectedly. If we look back to the Second World War, there were nations who were determined not to take part, but were eventually dragged into it, whilst alliances, and blocs continued to shift and change. Today, several countries have acquired nuclear weapons, and if even just one such weapon is ever used, the consequences will be unimaginable and will live on long after we are gone.
“Rather than leaving behind a legacy of prosperity for our coming generations, we will be guilty of leaving behind only sorrow and despair. Our gift to the world will be a generation of disabled children, born with defects and intellectual disabilities. Who knows if their parents will even survive to care for and nurture them? Hence, we must always remember that if we seek to pursue our own interests at all costs, the rights of others will be usurped and this can only lead to conflict, wars and misery. We must all reflect and understand the precipice upon which we stand. We must recognise the purpose of our creation.
“[…] the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community came to forge a bond between man and His Creator and to unite mankind and so from the depths of my heart, I pray that the world comes to its senses before it is too late. My message to the world is to look at tomorrow, and not just to today.”
Justice: A prerequisite for peace
In the Holy Quran, it is said:
“O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, [and be witnesses] for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or [against] parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both [than you are]. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may [be able to] act equitably. And if you conceal [the truth] or evade [it], then [remember that] Allah is well aware of what you do.” (Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4: V.136)
Explaining this teaching during his address to the National Peace Symposium in Canada, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“Islam teaches that a Muslim’s first loyalty must always be to the truth and so a person must never hide the facts or give false testimony. A person should not be governed by his own personal desires, as this leads to bias and prejudice and takes a person away from what is fair and what is right. This enlightened principle is the means to solve the problems of the world and to transform all forms of hatred into peace, tolerance and mutual respect.” (“Muslim leader says justice is a prerequisite to conflict resolution”, Press Ahmadiyya, 22 October 2016, www.pressahmadiyya.com)
In the same address, Huzooraa referred to the treatment of prisoners of war during the wars in early Islam and narrated the example of the Battle of Badr where the non-Muslims of Mecca waged a war against Islam. After the victory of the Muslims, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, instructed the prisoners of war who could read and write to educate the Muslims who were illiterate; it was a means of their freedom.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa added:
“It was an incomparable example of how even from amongst a state of bitter war and conflict some good could ultimately be retrieved. Those who had themselves shown no mercy towards the Muslims were treated with compassion and consideration and utilised as teachers. This example exhibited two beautiful aspects to the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). On the one hand, he was neither vengeful nor bitter towards those who had persecuted him and his followers. Secondly, it proved how highly he valued education and learning. He desired for people to better themselves and to progress in all spheres of their lives and education was the key to this.”
Again, iterating the lesson for the world who is succumbed in cruel practices with no sense of justice or reformation, Huzooraa said:
“Some governments completely ignore the human rights abuses taking place in countries because they wish to have access to the oil or natural resources of those nations. However, members of the public are not blind, deaf or dumb. They can see that such policies are not based on justice and naturally this leads to frustration and anger. Nations must be fair in their dealings and should not be governed by narrow self-interest but rather by what is right, what is just, and what is in the interest of the world at large.”
Some may ask however, that war is permitted in Islam, even if in extreme circumstances and as a last resort, so how do we know at which point is intervention necessary to stop the aggressor.
In the Holy Quran, it is stated in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 191:
“And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.”
Regarding this verse, it is written in the Five Volume Commentary:
“The verse contains the gist of the conditions which should regulate a religious war and which were made binding on Muslims. The conditions mentioned in this verse are four in number:
“(1) Such a war should truly be فی سبیل الله i.e. undertaken with the object of removing obstacles placed in the way of God and His religion. Any war that is not فی سبیل الله is not a lawful, religious war.
“(2) Such war is allowed only against those who first take up arms against Muslims as the words. الذین یقاتلونکم (those who fight against you), indicate.
“(3) Great care should be taken that women, children and old men of the belligerent nation who do not take actual part in the war against Islam are spared, for religious war is allowed only against those who fight against you. If, however, an old man or a woman takes actual part in the fighting, the responsibility lies on him or her and in such a case he or she loses the concession. Says the Holy Prophet: “Do not kill an old man or a child or a woman, and always try to improve things and reform matters and act kindly towards others, for Allah loves those who act kindly” (Dawud).
“(4) Muslims should bring the war to an end as soon as the enemy desists from fighting, for in this case further fighting is not permissible, as the words لاتعتدوا i.e. do not transgress; surely Allah loves not the transgressors, clearly prove. What a just and noble teaching and how tersely and beautifully expressed!” (Five Volume English Commentary of the Holy Quran, Vol. I, pp. 309-310)
In the following verse, it is stated:
“[…] for persecution is worse than killing […]” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.192)
The Five Volume Commentary states on this:
“The clause, persecution is worse than killing, provides an argument in support of defensive war. The disbelievers were persecuting Muslims in diverse ways with a view to turning them away from their faith and they were also creating disorder in the land. It was certainly better to put a stop to this state of affairs by fighting against the aggressors than to allow it to continue. There are circumstances when, to every right-thinking man, war becomes necessary.
“The words فتنة (persecution) and قتل (killing) may be interpreted in another way also. فتنة means, “persecution or war waged against a people with a view to turning them from their faith”, and قتل means, “an ordinary secular war”. Now the verse points out that a war of religious persecution is worse than an ordinary war; for, firstly, worldly interests are nothing as compared with matters of faith; and secondly, wars caused by religious differences are more bitter and cruel, and seldom come to an end.” (Five Volume English Commentary of the Holy Quran, Vol. I, pp. 310-311)
Beyond the reasons for the permission to fight wars, we also find detailed guidance and injunctions on conflict resolution that are equally relevant to the state of the world today and in fact, if taken into consideration, would resolve all ongoing conflicts and wars.
In Surah al-Hujurat, verse 10, it is stated:
“And if two parties of believers fight [against each other], make peace between them; then if [after that] one of them transgresses against the other, fight the party that transgresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Then if it returns, make peace between them with equity, and act justly. Verily, Allah loves the just.”
“The central theme of the Surah is the solidarity of Islam. Directions and rules of conduct which are calculated to achieve and maintain this solidarity have been laid down in it in some detail. Some of these rules have been mentioned in the preceding verses, others follow in the verses that come later. A great danger to the security and solidarity of the Muslim State or Community are the disputes and quarrels that haply might arise between different Muslim groups or parties. The verse under comment provides a most effective remedy to compose these quarrels. Primarily, the verse deals with the settlement of disputes between Muslim parties, but it equally embodies a sound basis on which a really effective ‘League of Nations’ or a ‘United Nations Organisation’ can be built. The verse lays down the following principles for the maintenance of international peace.
“As soon as there are indications of disagreement between two nations, the other nations, instead of taking sides with one or the other, should at once serve notice upon them, calling upon them to submit their differences for settlement to a ‘League of Nations’ or ‘United Nations Organisation’, as the case may be. If they agree, the dispute will be amicably settled. But if one of them refuses to submit to the ‘League’ or, having submitted, refuses to accept the award of the ‘League’ and prepares to make war, the other nations should all fight it.
“It is evident that one nation, however strong, cannot withstand the united might of all other nations and is bound to make a speedy submission. In that event, terms of peace should be settled between the two original parties to the dispute. The other nations should act merely as mediators and not as parties to the dispute and should not put forward new claims arising out of the conflict with the refractory nation, for that would lay the foundation of fresh disputes and quarrels. The terms of peace should be just and equitable with reference to the merits of the dispute; they should be confined to the original dispute between the parties and should not be allowed to travel beyond it.
“It is only such a ‘League’ or ‘Organisation’ which can safely be entrusted with the maintenance of international peace, not a League or Organisation whose very existence is dependent upon the goodwill of others.” (Five Volume English Commentary of the Holy Quran, Vol. V, pp. 2961-2962)
At this year’s National Peace Symposium, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa elaborated on the failures of the United Nations and the vulnerability of the Security Council. Huzooraa said:
“For example, the United Nations has become a weak and almost powerless body where a few dominant nations wield all the power and easily override the views of the majority. Instead of deciding each issue based on its facts and merits, nations have formed alliances and vote according to their self-interests. Ultimately, critical decisions are made by a few privileged nations in whose hands rests the veto power. Instead of faithfully serving the cause of peace and justice, they wield their veto like a trump card wherever their narrow interests are threatened, irrespective of whether their decision shatters the peace and prosperity of other nations and leads to the death and destruction of scores of innocent people. Let it be clear, therefore, that where a veto power exists, the scales of justice can never be balanced.” (“The Critical State of the World – What is the Blue Print for Peace”, 13 March 2024, www.reviewofreligions.org)
What we see currently is powerful nations fighting each other through their proxies, be it Russia and Ukraine or be it Israel in Gaza, blocs that have formed are supporting the side that is of interest to them and irrespective of the catastrophe and the misery that it brings to the people of these nations, their leaders still prefer to fight and exceed in their aggression. When comparing the war in Ukraine and the aggression in Gaza, we find western facade of humanity and compassion face overt defeat in the face of their blatant hypocrisy and propaganda.
As the war in Ukraine brings threats of direct war between NATO and Russia closer than ever and as Israel’s war and aggression intensifies beyond Gaza to the West Bank and Lebanon, it is staggering to suggest or even attempt to defend the policy of arming and supplying nations with military equipment claiming that it is to restore and bring peace. If anything, there is now more to prove otherwise as these policies only increase the thirst for more bloodshed and destruction.