Qasim Choudhary, Student Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada
Defaming, contriving, circulating misinformation and fueling hatred against Islam and its Holy founder are all trademarks possessed by Abu Lahab.
The Abu Lahab that manifested in the time of the Holy Prophetsa in the form of his antagonist uncle, Abdul Uzza, continues to reveal himself in the shape of nations conspiring against Islam. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, pp. 499-501)
Today, countries like France are brazenly pushing for Islamic separatism and outcasting the Muslim population. All this and burqa bans are apparently means to ensure France will remain “French” and establish secularist ideals.
In reality, these measures will only unfairly stigmatise France’s Muslim population, the largest in Western Europe. Recent provocations by Macron, coupled with the horrific and unjustifiable attacks by extremists who call themselves “Muslim”, have further polarised French society.
The extremely regrettable decision of Charlie Hebdo to reprint the offensive caricatures depicting the Holy Prophetsa – in the name of freedom of speech – was certainly not a wise step for the peace of the world.
This is the same satirical magazine that suggested Alan Kurdi, a Syrian toddler who drowned and was washed up ashore (many will recall the deeply saddening image), would have grown up to be a sexual abuser. (www.reuters.com/article/us-france-cartoon/charlie-hebdo-cartoon-featuringdrowned-syrian-boy-causes-outcryidUSKCN0US2WJ20160114)
Who can forget the despicable act of Stram Kurs, a Danish far-right group that burned a copy of the Holy Quran in Sweden? Rasmus Paludan, leader of Stam Kurs, whilst justifying his actions, stated, “Islam is an evil and primitive religion that has no place in Denmark, Sweden or any other civilised society”. (www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/10/sweden-far-right-activists-burn-copy-of-quran-plan-more-stunts)
Unfortunately, desecration of the Holy Quran hasn’t only been confined to burning. An ignoramus Christian apologist, David Wood, took it a level further by eating pages of the Holy Quran on his YouTube channel not so long ago. The growing wave of new atheism and far-right political parties have openly embraced hostility towards Islam.
From Germany’s AfD party to Vox in Spain, the Anti-Muslim sentiment is rapidly altering Europe’s political landscape. In turn, the reaction from Muslims hasn’t been productive at all.
Emotional responses of boycotts will not lead to those who are out to defame the religion of Islam to suddenly stop. Educational about Islam – something which Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has been focusing on – is what will curb the ignorance.
As an onlooker, the situation appears bleak for Islam and most Muslims cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. In truth, today’s anti-Islamic rhetoric has taken on the fiery nature of Abu Lahab and just as his wife supported him centuries ago, in our time, blocs have been formed in a united effort against Islam. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, p. 500)
This begs the question, what is the future of Islam against such heavy opposition? Some may feel that Islam will crumble and will be rendered trivial. However, it was the Holy Prophetsa who prophesied the downfall of Islam and its ultimate resurgence. The enemy boasts and is prideful of its advancements, power and wealth.
However, Allah the Almighty shatters their false sense of security and states:
مَاۤ اَغۡنٰی عَنۡہُ مَالُہٗ وَ مَا کَسَبَ
“His wealth and what he has earned shall avail him not.” (Surah Lahab, Ch.111: V. 3)
Muslims must not lose hope or become dejected at Islam’s seemingly delicate condition. It is Allah who promised to return the spirit of the Holy Prophetsa in the latter days to rejuvenate the ummah. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, pp. 503-504)
Today, through the teachings of the Promised Messiahas – who the Holy Prophetsa said would revive Islam – can the Muslim Ummah find direction and solace. By following his legacy – Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya – Muslims will be able to counteract the attacks made on their faith and existence in a manner that Islam advocates.
A divided Ummah will never bring about any valuable, lasting change. Allah’s guidance is needed and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has the support of Allah. Regarding those who level false accusations against Islam and the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa unequivocally stated:
“Those who make wrong allegations against the Holy Prophetsa and ridicule him, presume they can succeed. Their conspiracies cannot harm this beloved of God in any way at all. Neither did the Prophet’s opponents succeed in the past nor will they now.” (Friday Sermon, 16 January 2015)
Furthermore, Huzooraa advised that a true Muslim should:
“Profusely invoke durood (salutations and blessings) on the Holy Prophetsa to exalt him just as God and His angels do. To join those who advance the cause of the Prophetsa and along with God and His angels, invoke durood on the Holy Prophetsa.” (Ibid)
Our beloved Imamaa beautifully echoes the Quranic guidance regarding the approach of a true believer in the face of opposition; complete trust in Allah.
وَ کَذٰلِکَ جَعَلۡنَا لِکُلِّ نَبِیٍّ عَدُوًّا مِّنَ الۡمُجۡرِمِیۡنَ وَ کَفٰی بِرَبِّکَ ہَادِیًا وَّنَصِیۡرًا
“Thus did We make for every Prophet an enemy from among the sinners; and sufficient is thy Lord as a Guide and a Helper.” (Surah al-Furqan, Ch.25: V.32)
However, this does not mean we should stand idle on the sidelines expecting a sudden revolution. An expiation is required of us. And that expiation is to bring a revolution within ourselves and attach our vision with that of the Khalifa. Only then will the flag of Islam reign supreme once again, for today’s sacrifice could be tomorrow’s success.