Voice of British Muslim Women

Siaraa Syed, Hounslow

Six simple words; yet, they carry so much weight, magnitude and relevance, especially in modern society.

“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a White has no superiority over a Black, nor does a Black have any superiority over a White, except by piety and good action.” [Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)]

1400 years ago, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) unequivocally outlined that discrimination of all kinds should be entirely eradicated from mankind. However, he stated that the only means by which to gain superiority over one another in God’s eyes is to excel in righteousness and good deeds.

Despite claims that the 21^st century is progressive and liberal, which indeed it is in many respects, regrettably, we see that there has been very little advancement in purging the discrimination and prejudice that has been entrenched in mankind from the beginning. In the last few years #MeToo and Black Lives Matter are just two examples of movements to fight long-standing discrimination.

Discrimination on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, disability or any other kind, has been utterly condemned by Islam. However, particular emphasis has been placed on the complete freedom of religious belief. The Holy Qur’an states:

“There should be no compulsion in religion…” [Chapter 2, Verse 257]

Regardless of an individual’s personal beliefs, Islam places paramount importance on the upholding of human rights. Indeed permission to fight in the wars fought by the early Muslims in self-defence was given by Allah through revelation of a verse which is given in the Holy Qur’an in chapter 22. The defensive battles were not merely to defend Islam, but to protect and preserve all religions and all people. This is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in the verse soon after the verse permitting Muslims to fight back and it states:

“…And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated…” [Chapter 22, Verse 41]

Islam highlights that, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality or any other differences that exist in mankind, the priorities are love, harmony and cooperation. Indeed, this is the foundational tenet of all religions.

This motto of ‘Love For All, Hatred For None’ was first said by His Holiness Mirza Nasir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) the third worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in an address in   1980 during his visit to Spain to lay the foundation stone of the first mosque built in Spain in the last 700 years.

It must be understood that during the time that this motto was first said , the third Caliph had been patiently and steadfastly enduring extreme difficulties, predominantly that his entire community was being ordained non-Muslim by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Decades of persecution followed, which is still transpiring today. In spite of this His Holiness Mirza Nasir Ahmad created and advocated for the most beautiful, peaceful and loving motto.

Today we see that this motto has been admired by many world leaders and dignitaries, and it is something we can all embrace and implement in our lives, by showing compassion and care for those around us, and refraining from hurtful, insensitive or cruel comments about others.

Many journalists and media representatives inquire how this motto can truly be put into practice; what does it mean for one to truly love all and harbour no hatred for anyone?

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the fifth and current Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, answers this question beautifully and simply:

“Love for all, hatred for none means we have no enmity, no jealousy, and no animosity for anybody in our hearts.”