Times of Ahmad: USA: Opinion - Peace really amounts to justice

"If you want that God should be pleased with you in Heaven, unite and be one, like two brothers from the same mother. Nobler is he among you who forgives the sins of his brother, and doomed is he who is stubborn and does not forgive."

Imam Shamshad A. Nasir, Baitul Hameed Mosque, Chino, California

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
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By Imam Shamshad A. Nasir January 30, 2011

At the beginning of each new year, the perfunctory calls for peace and happiness are heard the world over. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but upon closer examination, one finds the sentiments devoid of meaning without some concrete morality and methodology to secure and maintain this longed-for peace and happiness.

It has been observed by others more knowledgeable than I that peace is not the absence of disagreements or conflicts between peoples, communities and nations, but the presence of justice in the resolution of their disagreements and conflicts. Being just is the duty and responsibility of each and every one of us, not a quality to be expected in our leaders but not in ourselves. The well-known expression "Peace begins with me" should also include the practice of justice, for without that, there is never true peace.

This ideal may seem as obvious as it is (apparently) absent throughout recorded human history, but that does not mean that its manifestation in the world is not at all evident. In the Islamic tradition, all prophets of God are clear examples of courage, morality, justice and peace. It is not, therefore unsurprising that religions at their core present codes of morality and conduct designed to inculcate a deep spiritual connection with the Creator as well as peace and justice among people. The world's holy scriptures regularly proclaim God's desire for and requirement that justice be applied equitably in all situations so that true and actual peace will be the result.

So, as an Ahmadi Muslim who believes in the Messiah, I will present some teachings on the subject of justice from the Holy Quran, and from the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him), and from his subordinate, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Messiah of Muhammad (pbuh), Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian.

Starting with the Word of God in the Holy Quran, 16:91, it says:

"God enjoins equity and benevolence ..."

And in 49:10, "... Act justly, verily God loves the just."

And in 6:153, "And when you speak, observe justice, even if the person concerned be a relative, and fulfill the covenant of God; that is what He enjoins upon you, that you may be mindful and take care."

And in 5:9, "O ye who believe, be steadfast in the cause of God, bearing witness in equity, and let not a people's enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness."

Justice is such an important concept in Islam that it is not only expected among friends and co-religionists, but it is expressly mandated in dealings with one's enemies.

In the Sayings (Hadith) of the Holy Prophet of Islam, we read:

"The just will be placed in columns of light in the presence of God. They will be those who act justly in their decisions, their families, and the affairs (duties) committed to them."

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908), the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, sheds light on the importance and necessity of forgiveness in the promotion of peace and justice when, in his book "Our Teaching," he writes:

"If you want that God should be pleased with you in Heaven, unite and be one, like two brothers from the same mother. Nobler is he among you who forgives the sins of his brother, and doomed is he who is stubborn and does not forgive. He has nothing in common with me. Live in fear, lest you be cursed by God ... (for) the wicked cannot attain His nearness, the arrogant cannot gain His nearness, nor can the tyrant, nor the one who breaks a trust. ... Be kind to your subordinates, to your wives, and to your less-fortunate brothers so that you may be shown kindness in Heaven. Become truly His so that He may become truly yours."

Let us bring about a change in our behavior and in our character and welcome in the new year with peace and justice by acting upon these teachings. Let us endeavor to create peace and happiness for others, without discrimination, so that God may smile upon us.

Imam Shamshad A. Nasir is imam of Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino; 909-636-8332.

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