Voice of British Muslim Women

Sitwat Mirza, London

Article 18 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

According to this Article, all governments must ensure that a religious individual or group is protected from harassment and persecution within their country. Yet, in some European countries, communities are being oppressed for openly expressing their religious practices. Only recently the world has witnessed riots involving the burning of copies of the Holy Qur’an, led by far-right activists in Sweden.[1] One can also take the example of France, where Muslim women are banned from wearing a full-face covering.[2] Even Boris Johnson has been reported to have compared Muslim women in burkhas to ‘letter boxes’ in 2018, prior to him becoming UK’s Prime Minister.[3] Constantly hearing about such news headlines does make one wonder whether The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds any importance in the eyes of the state, or has it just become a historic document that outlines the basic principles of a utopian world?

Islam enshrined human rights a long time before they were officially recognised by western governments. Whilst great emphasis is placed on the difference between belief and disbelief in the Holy Qur’an, we are taught to invite others to Islam in a harmonious and friendly manner; not one that creates disorder and inflicts pain on others.

In chapter 109, verse 7 of the Holy Qur’an it states:

“For you your religion, and for me my religion.” [4]

This verse highlights the key differences that exist between the religious concepts and values held by a believer in Islam and a disbeliever. However, this does not mean that conflict is the way to resolve issues between people of different faiths. Naturally, people of one religion will hold strong opinions about the assertions made by their religion, and they will make an effort to convince others to adopt their beliefs. Nevertheless, Islam’s very foundation is built on peace. Would it not then be hypocritical to use coercion as a means to summon one towards a religion that claims to be underpinned by such peaceful teachings?   

In chapter 2, verse 257 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah reminds us:

“There should be no compulsion in religion…”[5]

As Ahmadi Muslims, we are taught to use reason and logic to resolve the differences that exist between Muslims and non-Muslims.[6] The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) would engage in intellectual discussion with Hindu, Sikh and Christian missionaries of his time. Such debates were published in the form of literature such as The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. In like manner, despite the anguish that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community felt as a result of the burning of our Holy Scriptures, members of our community condemned the act by writing articles in Swedish newspapers, and inviting people to mosques to discuss the beautiful teachings of the Holy Qur’an.[7] Islam proposes that spreading knowledge is the most peaceful way in which one should defend his or her religion from false allegations. There is no doubt that such a method will be the most effective in encouraging others to take an interest in learning about other religions, which will work to maintain pleasant interfaith relations within society.

Furthermore, did you know that Islam imposes no worldly punishment for apostasy? Allah has given His creation the freedom to make their own choices, and He guides whom He pleases to the right path.  

It states in chapter 10, verse 100 of the Holy Qur’an:

“If thy Lord had enforced His will, surely, all who are on the earth would have believed together. Wilt thou, then, force people to become believers?”[8] 

We must then keep in mind that it is Allah alone who possesses full knowledge of what is in the hearts; He knows who is a true believer and He knows what we conceal and what we reveal.[9] We should always pray that Allah gives us the ability to improve our spiritual condition in light of the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness. Ameen.

---

[1] https://hatecrime.osce.org/sweden

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering

[3] https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/boris-johnson-telegraph-column-muslim-women-letterboxes-bank-robbers-spike-islamophobic-incidents/

[4] The Holy Qur’an, English with Short Commentary (2016), Chapter 109, Verse 7 https://www.alislam.org/Qur’an/view/?page=1836&region=E3

[5] The Holy Qur’an Chapter 2, Verse 257, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[6] Muhammed Zafrullah Khan, Islam and Human Rights, pages 157-160.

[7] https://www.reviewofreligions.org/24479/swedish-imams-response-to-burning-of-the-holy-Qur’an/

[8] The Holy Qur’an Chapter 10, Verse 99, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[9] The Holy Qur’an Chapter 16, Verse 19, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib