World conflicts and the need for justice (III)

There have been many published reports suggesting that a large number of young Muslims have been radicalized by a feeling of injustice at seeing their beliefs attacked in Western countries. This does not justify them or serve as an excuse in any way, and they remain guilty and responsible for their actions. However, common sense dictates that we should not add fuel to a burning flame. On the contrary, we must seek mutual understanding, respect the beliefs of others and try to find a common denominator. In this regard, the Holy Quran has laid down a principle of great wisdom and value in chapter 3, verse 65 where it states: 

“Come to a word that is the same between you and us.” 

Here the Quran has laid down a golden principle for peace, where it states that people should focus on those issues that unite them. With respect to the great religions, the unifying figure is Almighty God himself, but this does not mean that a religious person cannot have anything in common with a non-religious person. Therefore, the Quran has taught us how to build a peaceful and multicultural society, where people of all faiths and beliefs can live together. The key ingredients are mutual respect and tolerance. Accordingly, elsewhere, the Quran has urged Muslims not to speak against the idols or deities of others, for in reaction, they will cast curses on Allah, producing a cycle of perpetual offense. 

As you already know, the theme of tonight's event is: “WORLD CONFLICTS AND THE NEED FOR JUSTICE.” I have said for many years that the lack of justice has plagued every segment of society causing disorder. The lack of justice can also be observed in the United Nations, to such an extent that those with close ties to the United Nations openly express its shortcomings and its failure to fulfill its main objective of maintaining international peace and security. For example, in an article published by the New York Times, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Anthony Banbury wrote: “I love the United Nations but it is failing. There is a lot of bureaucracy and few results. Many of the decisions are made for political reasons, rather than adopting the values ​​and objectives of the UN or the situation on the ground… For the UN to continue and prosper a complete transformation is needed, for which an external panel should examine the system and recommend changes.” 

Similarly, over the past few years, certain governments have made unjust and foolish political decisions that have had a negative effect on world peace and stability. A well-known columnist, Paul Krugman, also recently wrote in the New York Times about the 2003 Iraq war: “The Iraq war was not an innocent mistake, it was not an operation undertaken on the basis of information that ultimately turned out to be wrong. .. The public justifications for the invasion were nothing more than pretexts, and false ones at that.” 

The reason I have given these examples is to illustrate that it is wrong to claim that Muslims are the sole cause of the increase in conflict seen in the world. While it is undeniable that certain Muslim countries are the epicenter of today's cruelties and wars, it cannot be said that the rest of the world is united and immune to this disorder. For example, there are numerous reports and claims pointing to growing tensions between the United States and China, and even the possibility of a war between them. In fact, it has been widely reported that a close advisor to President Trump has said that there is no doubt that a war between the United States and China will occur in the next 5 to 10 years. Similarly, in January, the South China Morning Post quoted a senior Chinese military official as saying that a war between the United States and China was not “just a slogan” but was becoming a “practical reality.” Similarly, tensions between Russia and the West remain simmering and threaten to escalate at any moment. In fact, as tensions continued to rise, former German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeir personally spoke out against NATO military activities near the Russian border. Last June he said: “The only thing we should not do is aggravate the situation with intimidation and bellicose boasts. Anyone who thinks that a symbolic tank parade on the alliance's eastern border will bring security is wrong. It would be wise not to give an excuse to renew old confrontations.” I agree with the former Foreign Minister's statement that nations should not provoke each other to assert their power, but should instead embrace diplomacy and try to resolve differences amicably and without the need for mutual threats. Sadly, as time goes by we seem to be losing the ability to listen to and tolerate opposing perspectives and visions. It is essential to open communication channels and facilitate dialogue, otherwise the world's unrest will continue to worsen. 

In any case, I have cited several reports that suggest that we are heading towards a future war and bloodshed. At the national and international level we are seeing polarization and aggressive attitudes between each other. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming each other, it is time to look for solutions. In my opinion there is a preconceived solution that can have an instant impact and start the process of healing the world. I am referring to the international sale of arms, which I believe should be restricted and stopped. We all know that Western nations, to feed their economies, are selling weapons to foreign countries, including those nations that are involved in wars and armed conflicts. For example, just a few weeks ago, it was widely reported that the new US administration was signing a new agreement with Saudi Arabia for the sale of precision-guided missile technology. Furthermore, a United Nations report published last year indicated that, when it comes to arms sales, the usual rules of law do not apply. It found a list of companies, individuals and countries that have long been violating the international arms embargo on Libya and supplying weapons to different factions in the country. Therefore, even where certain limitations exist, they are not being imposed correctly. 

While the primary interest of all nations should be the well-being of humanity and the achievement of peace, the sad reality is that the interests of business and the pursuit of wealth take higher priority than these concerns. Evidence of this narrow selfishness, a well-known CNN anchor recently said that curbing arms sales could result in a loss of jobs for American defense companies. During a live interview he said: “There are a lot of jobs at stake. "Certainly if many of these defense contractors stop selling warplanes or other sophisticated equipment to Saudi Arabia, many jobs, and income, will be lost here in the United States." Furthermore, it is sometimes argued that arms sales can “promote” peace, since weapons can act as a “deterrent.” In my opinion, this approach is meaningless and only further promotes the production and sale of extremely dangerous weapons. In fact, justifications like this have caused the world to become embroiled in an endless arms race. For the benefit of humanity, governments should not fear that their economies will suffer if the arms trade stops. Instead, they must think about the kind of world they want to leave as a legacy for those who follow them. Many of the weapons used in Muslim countries, and even those used by terrorist groups such as Daesh, are produced in the West or Eastern Europe and it is time to effectively implement appropriate sanctions. If this step is taken, I truly believe it can have a significant impact in the short term. Otherwise, it is better not to think about what could happen. 

I do not need to elaborate on the subject because the articles I have cited speak for themselves and point in the direction of another full-scale war. No country or group should have any illusions that it is safe because when wars begin, they evolve rapidly and often unexpectedly. If we reflect on World War II, we will see that several nations were determined not to get involved, but were eventually drawn into it as alliances and blocs continually changed. Currently, several countries have acquired nuclear weapons and even if even one of these weapons were used, the consequences would be unimaginable and would last long after we are gone. Instead of leaving behind a legacy of prosperity for future generations, we will be guilty of leaving behind only despair and grief. Our gift to the world will be a generation of disabled children, born with defects and intellectual disabilities. Who knows if their parents will even survive to care for and feed them? Therefore, we must always keep in mind that if we follow our own interests at any cost, our neighbors will be deprived of their rights, which will inevitably lead to conflicts, wars and misery. We must all reflect and understand that we are on the edge of a precipice and we must recognize the purpose of our creation. 

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community appeared to forge a bond between man and His Creator and to unite humanity and, therefore, I fervently pray that the world comes to its senses before it is too late. . My message to the world is to look to the future and not just to the present. May our legacy be one of hope and opportunity for our children, rather than burdening them with the horrible consequences of our sins! 

With these words, I ask God to grant common sense to the inhabitants of the world and that the dark clouds that hang over us give way to a prosperous and promising future. May God have mercy on humanity! Amen! Thank you. My sincere thanks to all the guests.” 

(lpbD) – may the peace and blessings of God be upon him. 

(lpD) – peace be upon him.