Friday Sermon
3 March 2023
The Promised Messiahas: Status and glory of the Holy Quran
After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:
I have previously delivered two sermons in relation to the understanding of the Holy Quran which the Promised Messiahas has imparted to us, or the way in which he presented this knowledge in his books and writings so that one may understand it and act upon it. In reality, it is the treasures of knowledge revealed to us in the Holy Quran which connect Man with God Almighty. Aside from this, there is no other way to reach God Almighty or to attain nearness to Him. The Promised Messiahas states in one of his couplets:
“The Holy Quran leads to God. It is the Word of God. Without it, the garden of divine cognition remains incomplete.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part 5, [English], p. 13)
This must always be borne in mind. If we desire the nearness and pleasure of God Almighty, and if we wish to adorn our life in this world and the next then, we must always bear these things in mind, along with the fact that the Holy Quran is the sole means of attaining these things. However, it should also be remembered that in order to comprehend this knowledge, there is also the need for a guide, chosen and sent by Allah the Almighty. In this era, that person is none other than the Promised Messiahas – the true servant of the Holy Prophetsa.
I have stated in two previous sermons the manner in which he delved deep and shed light upon various aspects of the Holy Quran and made us aware of its beauties. The series on the wealth of knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Holy Quran presented by the Promised Messiahas has not yet been completed, in fact, a lot of material is yet to be mentioned in this regard. Today, in continuation of this series I shall shed light upon the guidance and writings of the Promised Messiahas about the excellences and the status of the Holy Quran. The detail in which he brought to light the rank and importance of the Holy Quran is what will enable us to truly attain the nearness of God Almighty and grant us the understanding and comprehension to act upon the Quranic teachings. Hence, we must strive to listen to, and understand these matters in order to achieve the purpose of our lives.
Whilst expounding upon the Holy Quran being the Word of God, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Lala Bheem Sen in which he said:
“Only a few days ago a Brahman named Lekh Ram who is an Arya visited me in Qadian and said, ‘The Vedas are the Word of God. The Holy Quran is not the Word of God.’ I responded to him by saying, ‘You claim that the Vedas are the Word of God, but I do not consider them, in their current state, to be the Word of God, as they contain teachings pertaining to idolatry. How can a teaching which proposes idolatry be the Word of God? Aside from this, there are many impure teachings contained therein, but in any case, I consider the Holy Quran to be the Word of God, as it neither contains any teachings pertaining to idolatry, nor can one find any impure teachings therein. Furthermore, by following it, the countenance of the Living God becomes manifest and miracles can be witnessed.’” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 90)
Thus, for something to be considered the Word of God, it must be free from all forms of idolatry and by acting upon it, one ought to be able to see the countenance of God Almighty, as it were. As for how the Holy Quran has made the countenance of God Almighty manifest, one can see this in the lives of the companions. Whilst mentioning the impact of the Quranic teachings on the lives of the companions, the Promised Messiahas states:
“It is proven after carefully analysing the time of the Holy Prophetsa, which was the dawn of Islam, that the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa certainly elevated those who believed in it from the lowest of stages, which have been mentioned before, to the highest of stages. This is because the believers’ initial state at the time when they accepted Islam was worse than wild savages, and their lives were like those of beasts.
They were entrenched in such bad behaviour and immorality that they were disqualified from the pale of humanity and had become so ignorant that they did not even know that they were wrongdoers; in other words, their faculty of differentiation between right and wrong was also eroding.
Thus, the first effect that the Quranic teachings and the company of the Holy Prophetsa had on them was that they realised that they were devoid of the garment of purity and were enveloped in the filth of wrongdoing, just as Allah the Almighty states regarding their initial condition:
اُولٰٓئِکَ کَالۡاَنۡعَامِ بَلۡ ہُمۡ اَضَلُّ
‘They are like cattle; nay, they are even more astray.’ (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.180)
Then, as a result of being in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Quran’s alluring effect, when they realised that the manner in which they lived their lives was a bestial life and fundamentally tainted by wrongdoings, they then attained power through the Holy Spirit and moved towards doing good deeds, as Allah the Almighty testifies regarding them that:
وَاَيَّدَہُمۡ بِرُوۡحٍ مِّنۡہُ
‘He has strengthened them with a pure spirit from Himself.’ (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch. 58: V. 23)
This is precisely the unseen power which is given to man after he believes and has some level of patience. Then, after acquiring this power, not only were they at the level of recognising and being disgusted by the stench of their sins and weaknesses; rather, they began to take such steps towards goodness that they reached half of the epitome of virtue, and the power to carry out good deeds in opposition to their weaknesses was born inside them (not only did they rid themselves of weaknesses, but they also excelled in their good deeds). And by doing this, they attained an intermediate condition. And then, by being blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit, these people endeavoured to conquer Satan with their pure deeds. Furthermore, in order to please God, they took on such endeavours that are beyond human comprehension. In the way of Allah, they did not care for their lives as if it was an insignificant thing [to be sacrificed]. In the end, they were accepted, and God made their hearts completely averse to sin, while instilling a love of goodness therein.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 23, pp. 424-425)
This is the effect that the Holy Quran had on them, whereby they raised themselves up from the ground and became the shining stars of the sky, regarding whom the Holy Prophetsa said that each and every one of them is a guide for you. (Al-Mishkat al-Masabih, Vol. 3 p. 1696 Kitab al-Manaqib Bab Manaqib al-Sahabahra, Hadith 6009, published by Maktab al-Islamiyyah, Beirut 1979)
By following the Quran, a person becomes a manifestation of the attributes of God Almighty. Explaining this, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Whoever elevates their love and sincerity to the highest degree by becoming a follower of the Holy Quran, proverbially becomes a manifestation of the attributes of God Almighty.”
Just following [the Quran] is not the only condition; rather, taking such obedience to the highest degree of love and sincerity is also a condition. This means that when one acts upon its commandments, then they become a manifestation of Allah the Almighty’s attributes. The Promised Messiahas then states:
“This entire outcome is the result of the superb power and quality that we witness in the Word of God, the Holy Quran. This superb power and quality is not in any other book that is deemed by any nation to be revealed by God. Perhaps this is because they [the books] belonged to ancient periods and have since been perverted and changed. Or perhaps this is due to the fact that though their wording has not been changed, the meanings of the words have been changed. Or perhaps the reason may be that, in order to remove disharmony in these latter days and gather the people of the entire world upon one book, God has taken away the blessings of all the previous books.
“Otherwise, what is the reason that though mankind can join the community comprised of the friends of Allah by following the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa, this quality is not found in these [earlier] books? This is why the followers of these [earlier] books deny the excellences which can be attained upon achieving nearness to God, and they [the deniers] actually mock its marvels and miracles.”
Not only do they disbelieve in the miracles, but they also mock them, and this is the reason that they are now moving away from God Almighty and away from religion.
Then the Promised Messiahas states:
“But we do not mock them.”
We do not mock anyone, albeit we surely cry upon witnessing their deprivation. We hold sympathy for them in our hearts, that by moving away from God, forgetting His attributes, and calling their immoral actions the supposed light of the new age, they are again committing bestial deeds, and this is what we see today in materialistic people.
Nevertheless, in connection to what he was saying, the Promised Messiahas states:
“I am not here relating stories of the past, but only that of which I have personal knowledge. I have found superlative power in the Holy Quran and I have observed a wonderful quality that comes from complete devotion to the Holy Prophetsa. No other religion possesses such power and such quality that can lead its sincere follower to the station of sainthood. God not only honours the true servant with His word but also shows him, through His actions, that He is the God Who has created the heavens and the earth, so much so that his faith transcends the far-flung stars. I have personal experience in this regard. God speaks to me and has shown more than a hundred thousand signs at my hands. Thus, though I honour all prophets and their books, I believe that Islam alone is the living faith, for through it, God has manifested Himself to me.
“Anyone who doubts this statement of mine should come to investigate these things and stay with me for a period of two months. I shall be responsible for all his expenses during his stay. It is my belief that a true religion must be a living religion which is able to exhibit God through living and opportune demonstrations of His powers. Otherwise, a mere claim on behalf of a religion is vain and without basis.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 427-428)
Those who were to derive benefit from this invitation of the Promised Messiahas, indeed did so and thereby succeeded. They remained in the company of the Promised Messiahas and accepted him. Even today, the proofs, arguments and treasures found in the writings of the Promised Messiahas are enabling many to guide others to God Almighty. Thus, not only should we draw the attention of others towards this, but we should also strive to derive benefit from the writings of the Promised Messiahas ourselves. It is only then that we can achieve the purpose of our pledge of allegiance.
Whilst mentioning the qualities of the Holy Quran the Promised Messiahas states that the Holy Quran possesses four miraculous features, the details of which are as follows:
“Of the miraculous features of the Holy Quran, one is its eloquence and perspicuity, such that is entirely distinct and unique from human eloquence and expression. Human eloquence and expression is severely limited and until one’s words are not purified of any exaggeration, falsehood or superfluity, one cannot achieve a high standard of eloquence and perspicuity. (The Word of Allah the Almighty is unadulterated and free from all such impurities.) Secondly, another miraculous feature of the Holy Quran is that all the stories and accounts mentioned within it are, in fact, prophecies that have been alluded to throughout [its text]. (This is another aspect found within the Holy Quran.) Thirdly, another miraculous feature of the Holy Quran is that its teachings are fully equipped to perfect the human condition, and it contains all the necessary proofs and signs for humanity to attain the rank of certainty. Fourthly, another significant feature of [the Holy Quran] is that it brings those who truly adhere to it so close to God that they partake in divine discourse; they begin to manifest clear signs and they achieve purity of the self and unwavering faith. This feature of the Holy Quran, in particular, is worthy of remembrance, that the heavenly grace bestowed to a perfect believer in the form of signs is an act of God. A believer cannot deem this to be a quality of his own. The inherent qualities of a perfect believer comprise of righteousness, purity, strong faith, and steadfastness. For instance, if the light of the sun is cast on a wall, the light cannot be considered a feature of the wall because the light exists independently of the wall. The features of the wall are that it is grounded on a strong foundation and is firmly cemented to withstand the harshest of floods, winds and tempestuous rains without becoming unsteady.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 268 [footnote])
Thus, your faith should also exhibit these same characteristics. Our actions, after understanding the Holy Quran as God Almighty’s holy words, should also exhibit these same characteristics that strengthen our faith and enable us to come face to face with God. No gust, storm or opposition should cause one’s faith to falter. These are the features of humankind, which are constantly illuminated by the light that is the words of God Almighty. Such a person continuously endeavours to understand [God’s Words].
The Promised Messiahas further states that adherence to the Holy Quran results in the acceptance of prayers. Whilst further elaborating, he states:
“The miraculous potency of the Holy Quran is that one who truly adheres to it attains acceptance, and upon accepting their prayers, God Almighty informs them through captivating and awe-inspiring discourse. Furthermore, He grants them exceptional help against their enemies, and as a means of support, He reveals extraordinary matters of the unseen to them.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 271 [footnote])
Whilst explaining that the Holy Quran contains all forms of guidance, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The People of the Book in this country are just as guilty as the polytheists of Arabia. Christians lay great emphasis on the matter of atonement, and after putting their faith in it, have considered that all sins are now lawful for them. Jews claim that even after committing sin, they will only reside in hell for no more than a few days, as Allah the Almighty states:
ذٰلِکَ بِاَنَّہُمۡ قَالُوۡا لَنۡ تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ اِلَّاۤ اَيَّامًا مَّعۡدُوۡدٰتٍ ۪ وَغَرَّہُمۡ فِيۡ دِيۡنِہِمۡ مَّا کَانُوۡا يَفۡتَرُوۡنَ
[‘That is because they say, “The Fire shall not touch us, except for a limited number of days.” And what they used to forge has deceived them regarding their religion.’ (Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.25)]
This audacity and boldness is because they say (the reason for their boldness in committing their actions stems from them saying the following, which is the verse I have just presented) that even if the fire does touch them it will only be for a limited number of days; thus, they take pride in the lies that they forge in which these thoughts are rooted. Thus, when the People of the Book and the disbelievers of Arabia were steeped in immorality, considering their evil deeds to be virtuous and would not desist from their crimes thereby disturbing the peace of society, God Almighty sent His Prophet with complete reign in hand so that he may save the poor. Since Arabia was unbridled and they were not under the rule of any ruler, every tribe lived with complete autonomy and boldness. Since there were no laws of punishment, they progressed in their crimes by the day. Then, God had mercy on this nation and sent the Holy Prophetsa to them and not just as a messenger, but also as the ruler of the nation. The Holy Quran was made a complete law which provides guidance encompassing matters pertaining to human, criminal and financial laws. Hence, as the ruler, the Holy Prophetsa became the judge for all factions and people from all different faiths would come to him to settle their disputes. It is recorded in the Holy Quran that once, a case between a Muslim and a Jew was brought before the Holy Prophetsa; after an investigation, the Holy Prophetsa determined that the Jewish man was truthful and awarded him the decision based on his claims against the Muslim. Alas, some foolish opponents who do not read the Holy Quran carefully think every matter to be under the messenger-ship of the Holy Prophetsa, whereas certain punishments were determined in his role as the ruler.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 242-243)
Then, with regards to adopting a life of purity through the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“It is an obvious fact that the great merit of anything lies in its fulfilling the purpose for which it has been made. For instance, if a bullock is purchased for ploughing land its merit will be judged by the degree to which it is able to discharge its function of ploughing. (A bullock is bought to plough a field and so it will only be used for that purpose. The bullock that ploughs the field in an excellent manner will be considered beneficial). In the same way, it is obvious that the true purpose of a heavenly book is that it should rescue its followers from every sin and a sinful life through its teachings and influence, and its power of reform and spiritual qualities. It should bestow a pure life upon them, and after purifying them, should bestow upon them full insight for the recognition of God, and should establish a relationship of love and devotion between them and the Peerless Being, Who is the Fountainhead of all joys. In truth, this love is the root of salvation, and this is the paradise upon entering which all fatigue, bitterness, pain and torment are removed. Without a doubt, the living and perfect revealed book is the one which should lead a seeker after God to his goal and while rescuing him from a low life, should lead him to the True Beloved, meeting Whom is salvation itself. It should rescue him from all doubts and bestow such perfect understanding upon him as if he can see God. It should establish such a strong relationship between God and him that he should become a faithful servant of God and God should be so benevolent towards him that He should distinguish between him and those beside him with diverse types of His help and support and should open the gates of His understanding to him. If a book fails to discharge this duty, which is its real purpose, and seeks to establish its merit by making other irrelevant claims, it would be like a person who claims to be an expert physician, but when a patient is brought to him and he is asked to heal him, he replies that he is unable to heal him, but that he knows how to wrestle, or that he is an expert in astronomy or philosophy. It is obvious that such a person would be called a jester and would deserve the condemnation of all reasonable people. The chief purpose of a book of God and a messenger of God is to rescue the world from a life of sin and to establish a holy relationship between God and the world. It is not their purpose to teach people subjects of secular study and to instruct them in worldly inventions.
“It is not difficult for a reasonable and just person to understand that the purpose of a book of God is to lead people to God, and grant them certainty of His existence, and to stop them from committing sin by impressing the majesty and awe of God upon their hearts. Of what use is a book which cannot cleanse a heart, nor can bestow such pure and perfect understanding as should make one hate sin? The attraction of sin is a dangerous leprosy which cannot be healed till the manifestations of the living understanding of God, and the signs of His awe, greatness, and power, descend like rain and till a person perceives God with His awe-inspiring powers as a goat perceives a lion which is only two steps away from it. Man needs to be freed from the fatal passion of sin. The greatness of God should so occupy his heart that it should rid him of the overpowering desire of passion which falls upon him like lightning and instantly consumes his store of righteousness. Can such impure passions as attack repeatedly like epilepsy and destroy all sense of piety be wiped out by any self-conceived concept of God? Or can they be suppressed by one’s own thinking, or be blocked by an atonement whose suffering has not been personally experienced? Certainly not. This is not a matter of indifference but in the estimation of a wise person it is worthy of consideration above all else as to how he might safeguard himself against the ruin which confronts him on account of his daring and his lack of relationship with God, the root of which is sin and disobedience. It is obvious that a person cannot give up a certain pleasure for the sake of a conjecture.”
Indeed, there are pleasures that one can be certain about. However, one cannot simply assume that they will experience these pleasures later on, the manner in which they will manifest, or the manner in which they will receive them, simply on the basis of conjecture.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“Only a certainty can rescue one from another matter that is certain. For instance, if we are certain that there are a number of deer in a forest which we can easily catch, we are incited by that certainty to enter the forest for that purpose; but if we are also certain that there are 50 lions in the forest and thousands of blood-thirsty pythons, we would be dissuaded from making the attempt. Thus, sin cannot be avoided without this degree of certainty.”
The way to abandon sin is that one must have firm conviction that though they will partake in temporary pleasure by committing a particular sin, committing that sin would be akin to entering into a jungle in order to hunt, where there are lions and pythons and the fear of that prevents one from hunting. In the same way one can abstain from sin if they instil within themselves the conviction that God’s wrath is very severe, and that if we sin, we will be seized by His wrath.
The Promised Messiahas says:
“It is only iron that can break iron. One’s degree of certainty in the greatness and awe of God should be to the degree that tears up the curtains of heedlessness, should make the body tremble, and should make death appear near. The heart should be so overcome by fear that all roots of the sinful ego should be cut asunder. One should be drawn by hidden hands towards God and the heart should be filled with certainty that God, Who is truly present, does not leave a daring offender without punishment. What shall a seeker after true purity do with a book which does not fill this need?
“Thus, I wish to convey this to everyone that the Holy Quran is the book which fulfils all these needs. Through it, a person is drawn to God and his heart grows cold to the love of the world. For those who follow it, God, Who is hidden beyond the hidden, in the end, manifests Himself and displays those powers of which outsiders have no notion. He Himself informs the one who follows Him of His existence (one ought to remember these words of the Promised Messiahas that God Almighty reveals Himself to the one who adheres to the Holy Quran) and shows him His divine kingdom and gives proof of His existence by the proclamation: اَنَا الْمَوْجُوْد [‘I am present.’]”
Hence, this is the knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran that one should possess. This is the practical aspect of the teachings which we should exhibit, otherwise, our claim of faith will be nothing more than a claim like that of other faiths. Here, the Promised Messiahas has stated that, unlike other books, this book [the Holy Quran] reforms people, because the teachings [of other books] are incomplete and so they cannot. If we believe in the Holy Quran, yet we do not become reformed, then we are the ones to blame because – as the Promised Messiahas stated – we must become true followers [of the Holy Quran]. If we do not truly follow it, then how can we become reformed? If we do not act upon it, then how can we become reformed? Thus, we must strive to become those who are true followers; may Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.
Then, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Our observation and experience, along with that of those before us, bears testament that through its spiritual distinction and its intrinsic light, the Holy Quran draws its followers unto itself and enlightens their hearts. Then, by showing grand signs, God grants them such a strong connection that cannot be broken even by a sword which seeks to cut it to pieces. It unlocks the heart’s perception and brings the filthy stream of sin to a halt and grants the delight of converse with God. He grants knowledge of the unseen and informs about the acceptance of prayer in His own words. When one challenges a true follower of the Holy Quran, God makes apparent to him through astounding signs that He is with those who follow His Word.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 305-309)
Therefore, being a true follower is a fundamental requirement. Then, whilst mentioning that the Holy Quran is a means of being saved from shirk [associating partners with God], the Promised Messiahas states:
“The seed of the unity of God which the Holy Quran has sown in Arabia, Persia, Egypt, Syria, India, China, Afghanistan, Kashmir and other regions, and the manner in which it has rooted out idol worship and the worship of creatures from most places, is a matter which has not been matched in any era.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 77)
When Islam spread in the beginning and idolatry was vanquished from those areas, it was achieved by acting on the teachings of the Holy Quran. It was for this reason that our ancestors accepted Islam. However, if we do not act on its teachings then we are reverting to the very same ignorance.
The teachings of the Holy Quran are most excellent; regarding this, the Promised Messiahas says:
“The book that would have been revealed at the beginning of creation could not, according to reason, be a perfect book. (Reason cannot accept that the books revealed in the beginning were perfect) rather, it would be like a teacher who teaches children the alphabet. It is obvious that for such elementary instruction, no great ability is needed. (If a teacher only teaches at a primary level such as the alphabet, etc., one does not need great abilities to teach such elementary education). When human experience increased and Man fell into many errors, detailed instruction became necessary, especially when the darkness of error became widespread and human souls became involved in diverse types of intellectual and practical misguidance. At that time a superior and perfect teaching was needed and that came in the Holy Quran. In the beginning, instruction of a high grade was not needed, for human souls were simple and no darkness or misguidance had overcome them. Superior teachings were needed in the book which appeared at the time of extreme misguidance and came for the reform of the people whose false doctrines had become confirmed and whose evil conduct had become habitual.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 70 [footnote])
The Quranic teachings were revealed at a time when the human mind had become mature and attained a level of understanding. Furthermore, sin had reached its peak wherein mankind was deeply engrossed in sinful behaviour. It was at such a time that a teaching was revealed in accordance with human intellect.
With regards to the Quran being a book sent for the whole of mankind, the Promised Messiahas says that one ought to remember that indeed it is true that at the beginning of creation, mankind was given one revealed scripture.
The Promised Messiahas states, “If it is asked why only one revealed book was given to mankind in the beginning and why every nation was not given their own books; the answer is that in the beginning mankind was small in number and they did not amount even to a nation, and one book was sufficient for them. When mankind spread over the earth and the dwellers of each region of the earth became a separate nation, and on account of long distances nations lost contact with one another, divine wisdom demanded that at such time there should be separate messengers and revealed books for different peoples; and so that is what happened. When mankind increased more in numbers and communications were established, and means of communication became available, and it became known that different parts of the earth were inhabited by man, and God Almighty determined that they should all be made one nation, and should be gathered together after their dispersal, God sent one book for all regions. In this book, it was commanded that as it reached different parts of the world, it should be accepted and believed in. That book is the Holy Quran which has been revealed to establish a relationship between different regions. The books that were revealed before the Quran were confined to specific people. Books and messengers appeared among the Syrians, Persians, Indians, Chinese, Egyptians and Romans and they were each confined to one people and were not concerned with the others. Last of all came the Holy Quran which is a universal book and is not for any one people, but for all peoples. It came for a people who were henceforth to become one. In this era, the means of uniting nations have become available. Mutual interaction which is at the root of converting mankind into one people has become so easy that a journey that used to take years can now be accomplished within a few days, and such facilities have become available for communication that news that took a year to travel from one far country to another, can now be transmitted within an hour. So great a revolution is in progress, and the river of culture is flowing in such a manner, that it appears obvious that God Almighty has determined that all the nations who are scattered in the earth should be made into one people and that those who had been separated over thousands of years might now come together. This is mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Holy Quran alone claims that it has come for all the peoples of the world, as it is said:
قُلۡ يٰۤاَيُّہَا النَّاسُ اِنِّيۡ رَسُوۡلُ اللّٰہِ اِلَيۡکُمۡ جَمِيۡعَا
“‘Proclaim to the people: ‘I am Allah’s Messenger to you all.’ (Surah al-A`raf, Ch. 7: V. 159)
Again it is said:
وَمَاۤ اَرۡسَلۡنٰکَ اِلَّا رَحۡمَةً لِّلۡعٰلَمِيۡنَ
“‘I have sent thee as a mercy for all the peoples.’ (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.108)
And it is said:
لِيَکُوۡنَ لِلۡعٰلَمِيۡنَ نَذِيۡرَا
“‘We have sent thee so that thou shouldst be a Warner for all peoples.’ (Surah al-Furqan, Ch. 25: V. 2)
“I declare with all the emphasis at my command, that no revealed book made this claim before the Holy Quran. Each confined its message to its own people. Even the Prophet who was deified by the Christians affirmed: ‘I have not been sent but to the lost sheep of Israel,’ (this statement of Jesusas has been recorded in the Bible). The conditions of the world also bear testimony that the claim of the Holy Quran of a universal message was timely for upon the advent of the Holy Prophetsa, the door of general propagation of the truth had been opened.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 74-77)
The Promised Messiahas has stated that the Holy Quran has four causes. He states:
“Everything has four causes; they are:
“1. the efficient cause (who is the one who causes it)
“2. the formal cause, (the apparent and practical reasons of its cause)
“3. the material cause (what is the physical benefit of it)
“4. the final cause, (the real and fundamental reason for its existence.)
“The Holy Quran mentions these four causes. Thus, الٓـمّٓ refers to the perfection of the efficient cause. It means: انَا اللّٰہُ اعْلَمُ i.e. I am God, the All-Knowing. (Allah the Almighty knows the purpose of man’s creation). The perfection of the material cause is indicated by ذٰلِکَ الۡکِتٰبُ which means that this book has been sent down by God Almighty, who is All-Knowing (by acting on this book one can attain many benefits). The perfection of the formal cause [of the Holy Quran] is indicated by لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡہِ meaning that this book is free from every error, doubt, and confusion, (i.e. the teachings are so beautiful that no other teaching can match it). Whatever has been mentioned is authentic and whatever claims lie therein have been furnished with proofs and absolute clarity. The perfection of its final cause is indicated by the words ہُدًي لِّلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ meaning that the reason for this book to be revealed is that it guides the righteous (this indeed ought to be the objective of a religious scripture).” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, pp. 306-307)
Whilst presenting the translation of the first, second and third verses of Surah al-Baqarah, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Righteousness is such a highly significant and necessary quality that Allah the Exalted has deemed it to be the ultimate cause behind the revelation of the Holy Quran. As such, at the start of the second chapter, Allah the Exalted states:
الٓـمّٓ ذٰلِکَ الۡکِتٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡہِ
“‘Alif Lam Mim (I am Allah the All-Knowing). This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.2-3)
“My belief is that this sequence of the Holy Quran is extraordinary, to say the least. In these verses, Allah the Exalted has alluded to the four causes: the efficient cause, the material cause, the formal cause and the ultimate cause. All things are characterised by these four causes. The Holy Quran manifests these causes in a most perfect manner.
“Firstly, Allah the Exalted states:
الٓـمّٓ
“‘Alif Lam Mim – I am Allah, the All-Knowing’
“This indicates that Allah the Exalted who is the All-Knowing, has revealed this word upon Muhammad, the Messengersa of Allah, i.e., God is the Agent in this context. Then, there are the words:
ذٰلِکَ الۡکِتٰبُ
“‘This is a perfect Book.’ (i.e. The Holy Quran).
“This describes the matter in this case, or one could say, alludes to the material cause of the Holy Quran (i.e. by adhering to the book that we have in the physical form, one can attain their objective.)
“Moving onwards, there are the words:
“These words allude to the formal cause of the Holy Quran:
لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡہِ
“‘There is no doubt in it.’
“These words allude to the formal cause of the Holy Quran and indicate that all things are susceptible to doubt, suspicion and corrupt thoughts, but the Holy Quran is a book that is free from all forms of doubt.
“The words لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡہِ (no doubt) indicate that the Holy Qur’an is free from all doubts. Now, when Allah the Exalted has described the greatness of this Book with the words: لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡہِ naturally, the soul of any good-natured and blessed individual would be thrilled and would desire to act upon the instructions of the Holy Quran. I must say with regret that the manifestly clear and radiant grandeur of the Holy Quran is not presented before the world; for the Holy Quran possesses such qualities and excellences, such beauty within itself, and such attraction and allure that hearts are drawn to it helplessly. For example, if someone were to praise a beautiful garden, if they were to speak of its fragrant trees, its refreshing and revitalising plants and pathways, and its streams and rivers flowing with pure water, anyone would desire to visit and walk through that garden, and enjoy its beauty. Moreover, if it was said that some of the flowing streams in the garden cure chronic and deadly ailments, people would flock there with even more fervour and desire. In the same manner, if the qualities and excellences of the Holy Quran are described in the exceedingly beautiful manner that behoves it, and using effective words, the soul races towards it with extreme ardour.
“In reality, the means by which the soul is satisfied, and satiated and the manner in which the need of the soul is truly fulfilled, are contained within the Holy Quran. This is why Allah the Almighty has stated:
ہُدًي لِّلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ
“‘It is a guidance for the righteous.’
“At another instance, God Almighty states:
لَّا يَمَسُّہٗۤ اِلَّا الۡمُطَہَّرُوۡنَ
“‘None shall touch it except those who are purified.’ (Surah al-Waqi‘ah, Ch.56: V.80)
“The word mutahharun refers to the very same muttaquin referred to in the verse:
ہُدًي لِّلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ
(‘It is a guidance for the righteous.’)
“From this it is clearly evident that righteousness is a necessary condition to attain knowledge and understanding of the Quran.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 138-140)
However, the so-called scholars of today who are bereft of righteousness, have presented the teachings of the Holy Quran in such a manner whereby the opponents of Islam are given further opportunities to level allegations against it. Today, it is the duty of Ahmadi Muslims to instil righteousness within ourselves and practically demonstrate its beautiful teachings through both word and action. Let the world know that it is only the Holy Quran which is a cure for all types of ailments. Allah the Almighty has sent this Quran with the objective of bringing about the reformation of the world. May Allah the Almighty enable us to adhere to its teachings whilst inculcating righteousness within us.
These are very deep subject matters that one needs to listen to very attentively, and also adhere to them with the utmost diligence. We ought to ponder greatly whilst reciting the Holy Quran.
I would also like to make a request for prayers. The Jalsa Salana Bangladesh is currently taking place and today was the first day. However, the opponents attacked the Jalsa site and many people have been injured as well. I believe they attacked from outside with such intensity that some of the members have been severely injured. Also, according to reports, they are also setting fire to the houses of some of the Ahmadis who live nearby. The actual extent of the damage they have caused remains to be determined. May Allah the Almighty protect the Ahmadis from the evil ploys of the enemy and punish them. One can no longer pray for their guidance now, rather the only prayer that comes from the heart is:
اللّٰھُمَّ مَزِّقْھُمْ کُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ وَ سَحِّقْھُمْ تَسْحِيْقًا
[‘O Allah, annihilate [the enemy] and crush them to pieces.’]
Similarly, pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan that may Allah the Almighty keep the conditions safe for them. The situation in Burkina Faso is also very fragile; pray for them as well. Also, there are certain lawsuits filed against the Ahmadis in Algeria, so pray for them as well. May Allah the Almighty keep all the Ahmadis under His protection.
As I mentioned that in Bangladesh, the official administration [of the country] had told them that they should not be worried and to carry out their Jalsa and they will arrange for the security. However, when the extremist clerics came along with groups of people, the police stood there simply watching on and did nothing. In any case, we ought to prostrate before Allah the Almighty and supplicate to Him. May Allah the Almighty quickly alleviate the difficulties of our fellow brothers.
(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 24 March 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)