Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat urges restraint over Syria and calls for equity and justice

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has spoken with great concern about the potential impact of military intervention in Syria.

His Holiness said that such action would cause the Syrian conflict to spread far and wide and ultimately could lead to a devastating Third World War. His Holiness said the only way to solve the crisis was to act at all times upon the Quranic teaching of remaining fair and just.

Speaking about the inherent dangers of the Syrian conflict, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said the crisis had already caused division and dissension in the wider world. He said that whilst some major powers were siding with the Syrian Government, other major powers were siding with the rebel forces. His Holiness said this divide “had created the most dangerous state of affairs.”

Speaking about the effect of such division, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If foreign powers become directly involved in Syria it will harm not just the Arab countries but also other nations. It seems that many of the major powers do not realise that such a war would not remain limited to just Syria but could well be a precursor to Third World War.”

His Holiness said it was a source of regret that the crisis in Syria had been brought about by Muslims, who all claimed to follow the same Islamic creed (Kalima). He said violence and instability had consumed the entire Syrian nation and that no party remained safe. He spoke also of his concern that extremists and terrorist groups, from both within Syria and from abroad, had joined the Syrian Opposition rebels. He said that whilst they claimed to be helping the Syrian people, such extremists cared only for their own interests and the damage they would cause to the country would be long-lasting.

The Khalifa said than the underlying cause of the unrest in certain Muslim countries was that that today’s Muslim Governments were moving far away from Islam’s real teachings.

His Holiness said:

“The Quran has deemed Muslims as the ‘best of mankind’ but what good are the Muslim leaders doing in today’s world? They neither have a sense of compassion, nor of love and they do not follow Islam’s true teachings. There is no sense of honour in them and they seek help from outsiders only so that they can continue to kill their own brethren.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad then outlined the key to peace in Syria based on the teachings of the Holy Quran. He said the Quran clearly stated that where two parties are in conflict it is up to their neighbours to step forward and negotiate a peace settlement based on true equity and justice. He said the Quran stated very clearly that national enmities or grievances must not lead to any form of injustice. Reconciliation and peace must always remain the paramount objectives rather than settling scores or furthering personal or national interests.

His Holiness went on to say that it ought to have been the task of the Muslim world to take responsibility for solving the Syrian crisis.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The organisation representing Muslim countries (OIC) should from the very beginning have taken responsibility for developing peace in Syria on the basis that they all worship the same One God, follow the same Prophet and believe in the same Holy Book. The Muslim countries should have come together and sought to develop peace in light of the perfect guidance given by the Quran.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that he had repeatedly drawn the attention of world leaders and politicians to the urgent needs of the time, which were of peace based on true justice. His Holiness said that within its limited resources the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had spread this message far and wide. His Holiness counselled that Ahmadis should continue these efforts whilst praying to God Almighty for the world to be saved from destruction.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Ahmadi Muslims throughout the world must pray for peace and for the world to be saved from all forms of devastation and calamity. We must pray because our master, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came only to establish a loving union between man and His Creator and to spread peace on the earth.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said it was not the job of foreign Governments from outside the region to become directly involved in such conflicts. He added that even at this late and desperate stage the Muslim Governments should assume their duties.

His Holiness said:

“Even now the Muslim Governments should demonstrate a sense of honour. Rather than look at their own interests they should seek to prioritise the interest and well-being of the Muslim world. This can only happen when a true fear of God becomes established in the hearts of the governing officials and the citizens of the country and when they come to truly follow the blessed model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded by praying for peace in the world and for all parties to understand and assume their responsibilities.