Snake in the grass part 1

Bismillah Al-Rehman Al-Raheem

Anti Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam 21st July 2003  

Snake in the Grass

by Dr. Syed Rashid Ali

Part I

"You can fend off a danger which you can see, but you are more liable to be taken unawares and be bitten by a snake in the grass." - B A Masri

Al-Hafiz Basheer Ahmad Masri said in his audio recording "The Henchmen of Europe":

"the Qadianis had the benevolent patronage of the British Raj. The Colonial Government in India at that time considered the Muslims a perpetual and potential threat. It was only 35 years earlier that the Muslims had carried out a near successful revolt, known in history as ‘The Mutiny of 1857’. The British administration saw in the Qadianis a useful collaborator in distrupting the established doctorinal framework of Islam and started aiding and abetting them."

"Some of our people become impressed by the apparent organisation of this cult and by their exaggerated claims of success in opening up their mission houses in various parts of the world. Little do they know that these are in reality spy centers in the guise of ‘da’awa (Tabigh) missions’. For that matter, even the Qadiani public doesn’t know what is going on behind the scenes. They are given the impression that all this progress is being made possible by their donations. While the fact is that large sums of money are being paid to the Qadiani Establishment by those countries, whose political and economic interests are at stake in these Islamic countries. Such enemies of Islam have found in Qadianis willing partisans and useful spies. It makes it much easier and safer for the Qadianis/Ahmadis to work as such, for the simple reason that they are functioning under the garb of Islam and are accepted by the non-Muslims as a sect within Islam."

AlHafiz Masri, was a born Qadiani, who later reverted to Islam. His words were not just ramblings of a mad man. He had seen the working of Jamaat at close quarters, and his words in 'Henchmen of Europe' were based on his personal knowledge and observation.

This conclusion is supported by the following facts:

Historical Background:

In the 19th Century, British who came to India as traders, usurped the power from Muslims. Naturally they met with a lot of resistance from Indian Muslims. In 1868 a Commission of Inquiry was sent to India to assess the causes of the resistence and mutiny against the Empire and to suggest ways to deal with this opposition. The commission comprised of British MPs, Church officials and Journalists. After two years of investigations, they returned to London, and presented their findings to the Parliament  as well as at a conference organized in 1870, attended by the commission members as well as prominent missionary heads. They each produced their reports, which were published together in a do*****ent called 'The Arrival of the British Empire in India' (source: Abu Mudassara, Qadian Say Israel Tak, Lahore , 1979, P. 24; History of Khatme Nabuwwat by Agha Shoresh Kashmiri). This report states how the Indian Muslims are very naive and blindly follow their religious leaders. Hence the missionaries suggest to find and put into office a Muslim who would be willing to claim prophethood, and who would abrogate jihad against the British.

“Majority of the population of the country blindly follows their ‘Peers’ (spiritual leaders). If at this stage, we succeed in finding out some who would be ready to declare himself a Zilli Nabi (apostolic prophet) then the large number of people shall rally round him. But for this purpose, it is very difficult to persuade someone from the Muslim masses. If this problem is solved, the prophet-hood of such a person can flourish under the patronage of the Government. We have already overpowered the native governments by mainly pursuing a policy of seeking help from the traitors. That was a different stage for, at that time, the traitors were from the military point of view. Bur now when we have sway over every nook of the country and there is peace and order every where, we ought to undertake measures which might create internal unrest among the country.” (Arrival of the British Empire in India, 1871, quoted in Ahmadiyya, the British-Jewish Connections by Bashir Ahmad M.A., Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA., Chapter 1 ; The Files of Church of England Magazine Church of England Quartery Review Church Missionary Intelligence and Church Missionary Record Corroborate the beed of Such an Imperialist lackey. )

Mirza was selected for the task. His family background as well as his own character helped him earn this post.

Family Background:

·         "My father was a well-known landlord in this country and he enjoyed great eminence in the Government's offices. He was truely grateful and well wisher of the British Government. In the mutiny of 1857, he supplied fifty horses and selecting good young men, provided 50 horsemen to aid the British Government. For this favor to the Government, he was very popular among the officials and high officials of government used to meet him to please him, rather many times Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners used to come to the house to meet him." (Izala-e-Auham, Roohani Khazain vol. 3 P. 167, footnote)

·         "I come from a family which is out and out well wisher of this government. My father, Mirza Ghulam Murtaza, was considered loyal and well wisher in the eyes of Government, used to be granted a chair in the Governor's Darbar (cabinet) and has been mentioned by Mr. Griffin in his 'History of Punjab Chiefs. In 1857 C.E. he [Mirza's father] helped the British government beyond his means, that is by providing fifty horses along with fifty riders, helped the English Government right at the time of mutiny. He received letters of commendation from the British government officials, alas some of them have been lost but three of these which been published long time ago are appended here on the margin." (Kitab al-Bariyyah, Roohani Khazain vol.13 p.4)

·         "It is not hidden from the benevolent Government that we are from among their servants since ancient times, their sympathizers and well wishers. We have come to their aid whole heartedly in every hour of need. In the eyes of government my father was held in high position and high esteem; and our services to this Government hold clear distinction. I do not think that the Government will ever forget these services of ours. My father, Mirza Ghulam Murtaza, son of Mirza Ata Muhammad Chief of Qadian, was among the well wisher and sincere friends of this government and enjoyed great respect from them. And this government knew him well, and never had there been any doubts about us, rather our fidelity was proven among all people and became clear to the government officials. The British Government may confirm this from the officers who came here and lived among us; and how we lived with them and how we always remained among those who took the lead in serving the Government." (Noor-ul-Haq, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 8, P. 36)

·         "Then, after the death of my father, my elder brother Mirza Ghulam Qadir remained occupied with services to the government and when the evil-doers encountered the forces of the British government on the highway of Tammun, he participated in the battle on the side of the British Government (under General Nicholson he killed several freedom fighters - Rashid). At the time of the death of my father and brother, I was living in recluse; but, for seventeen years I have been helping and supporting the British Government with my pen." (Roohani Khazain, Vol. 13, P. 4-7)

·         "I am scion of a family which the English Government acknowledges to be faithful to it. British officers have also admitted that my father and my people are amongst those who served the Government in all sincerity and with heart and soul. I can not find the words to express my homage and gratitude to the beneficent Government on account of the peace and composure which we have found as subjects of the Government. For this reason, we - myself, my father and my brother - have girded up our loins that we will exhibit the favors and advantages of this Government, make obedience to it in*****bent on the people and embed it in their hearts." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P. 8-9)

"(after listing the services being rendered by Mirza and his familty to the British, he wrote)...the services rendered by my pen which are evident through my publications of the last 18 years, all this should not go to waste and destoryed, and God forbid, that the British government should get any ill feelings in its heart about their long-time faithful and well-wisher family. It is impossible to stop these people from lying about us due to religious difference, jealousy or personal reasons. We only request that regarding such family, whose 50 years of continuous experience has proven them to be a faithful and devoted (Jan-ne-saar - sacrificing life) and about which there are issued letters from the British government attesting to their faithfulness and servitude for a long time in their commendation letters; regarding this self-implanted seedling they should exercise absolute determination and care, fact-finding and pay great attention and also direct their subordinate officers that due to our proven faithfulness and sincerity of our family, they

·         should render special consideration and kindness to me and my Jamaat. Our family has never hesitated in shedding their blood and laying down their lives in the way of British rulers and nor do they now. Therefore in the light of our services, it is our right to request the full favors and special attentions of British government, so that people don't get encouraged to insult us without reason. Here are the names of few members of my Jamaat:..." (Roohani Khazain, Vol. 13, P. 350)

Treason against Islam: Mirza deprives Muslims of the right of self-defensive (Jihad) against the British

Contrary to the propaganda of Islamophobic/anti-Islamic forces, Jehad is a doctrine of self-defense, and self-discipline in Islam. It teaches an individual how to discipline himself in life in accordance with the laws of shariah; and for the community, lays down the principles to guide it in its right to defend itself against any kind of oppression. It is never an act of aggression, never an act of violence against innocent men, women and children of any faith. It can never be used as an excuse to terrorise people, and those who misuse this term to justify their violence or ulterior motives are in grave error and will be answerable to Allah on the Day of Judgement. Islamic literature is full of principles of Jehad and its application, both in personal life as well at the community level, which is available for any seeker of truth, and an honest analysis of these resources will confirm what is said above.

As British had planned, Mirza started a campaign to deprive Muslims of this right of self defence (Jihad) against the British colonial occupation.

* "I have been writing in favor of and to help the British Government for the past seventeen years. During all these seventeen years, in all the books which I wrote, I have been enticing people to be subservient to and sympathiser of the British Government and wrote very convincing lectures regarding abrogation of Jihad and, then I thought it expedient and to spread this doctrine of the same abrogation of Jehad in other countries, I wrote books in Arabic and Persian, on whose printing and publication thousands of ruppees were spent, and all those books were distributed in Arabia, and Syria and Rome and Egypt and Baghdad and Afghanistan." (Al-Barriyah, Sept. 2, 1867, Roohani Khazain vol 13 p. 7-8)

*"I have filled shelves with books which I wrote in praise of the British, especially about the abrogation of Jihad in which many Muslims believe. This is a big service to the Government. So I hope for an appropriate and good reward." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P. 19)

* "I believe that as my followers increase, the believers in the doctrine of Jihad will decrease. For, accepting me to be the Messiah and Mahdi itself means the rejection of the doctrine of Jihad." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P. 17; Letter to British Lieutenant Governor)

*"From today, the order of manly Jihad by sword is abrogated, by the commandment of God. From now on, anyone who lifts a sword against the unbelievers and calls himself a Ghazi will be considered to oppose the Prophet of God - the Prophet who had informed 1300 years ago that Jihad with sword will be abrogated in the time of the Promised Messiah. Thus, now after my arrival, there is no Jihad. From our side we have raised the flag of Peace." (Khutba-Ilhamia, Roohany Khazaen, Vol. 16, P. 28-29, Collection of Advertisement P. 295, Vol. 3; Khutba-Ilhamia, P. 28-29; Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 9, P. 47)

*"This sect, which is known as Ahmadiyya, is endeavoring both day and night to erase the nonsensical idea of Jihad from Muslim minds." (Review of Religions, Vol. No. 1, P. 12, 1902; by Maulvi Muhammad Ali)

If there were any doubts remaining, he further explained his position in relation to British:

"For the sake of the British government, I have published fifty thousand books, magazines and posters and distributed them in this and other Islamic countries. I have stressed that the British Government is the benefactor of the Muslims and it is, therefore, in*****bent upon every Muslim to extend his faithful obedience to this Government, express gratitude from the bottom of his heart to that (government), and pray for it. And I have written these books in Urdu, Arabic and Persian and have distributed them throughout the entire Muslim world, so much so that they have reached the two sacred cities of Mecca and Medina; and, as far as possible, also in the Capital of Room - Constantinople and Syria, Egypt and Kabul and many other cities of Afghanistan. As to the best approach, these have been published in Istanbul and in the different cities of countries like Syria, Egypt and Afghanistan. It is as the result of my endeavors that thousands of people have given up thoughts of Jihad which had been propounded by ill-witted mullahs and embedded in the minds of the people. I can rightly feel proud of this that no other Muslim in British India can equal me in this respect." (Sitara-e-Qaisaria, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 15, P. 114; Sitara-e-Qaisaria, P. 3-4; Letter to Queen Victoria; Khutba-Ilhamia, Appendix)

·         "It is binding upon the British Government to be aware of the services of the Qadianis by every care as their Imam (Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) spent twenty two years of his life preaching to the people that Jihad is Haraam (forbidden) and is strictly abrogated. He not only propagated this idea in India, but also in other Muslim countries such as Arabia, Syria and Afghanistan." (Review of Religion, No. 1, P. 2, 1902; by Maulvi Muhammad Ali)

·         "From my early days till now that I am sixty years old, I have been engaged, with my pen and tongue, in the important task of turning the hearts of Muslims to faithful loyalty to the British Government and to create the feeling of goodwill and sympathy for the Government; and that I obliterate false notions like Jihad from minds of the foolish among them, as it is these ideas that prevent them from establishing an open-hearted and sincere link with this government... I have not only made the Muslims of British India sincerely obedient to the British Government, I have also written a number of books in Arabic, Persian and Urdu to apprise Muslims of other Islamic countries of the peace, prosperity and freedom under the benevolent protection of the British Government." (Kitab-ul-Barriyah, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 13, P. 350; Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P. 10; Letter to Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, Feb. 24, 1898)

·         "I have spent most of my life in 'yeamanship' (supporting and defending) of the British Government and in opposing Jihad. I continued my efforts till the Muslims became sincerely faithful to this Government." (Tiryaq-ul-Quloob, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 15, P. 155; Tiryaq-ul-Quloob, P. 15, Mirza Ghulam Qadiani)

·         "Let the Government ascertain through inquiry whether or not it is a fact that thousands of Muslims who dub me as a Kafir and who deem it their duty to condemn and persecute me and my followers who are to be found in large numbers in the Punjab and India. One of the reasons behind this attitude is that, quite against the sentiments of these foolish Muslims, I published thousands of posters to demonstrate heartfelt gratitude to the British Government and sent books to Arabia, Syria, etc. My claims are not without proof. If the Government so likes, I can produce conclusive proof in support thereof." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P. 13; Letter to British Lieutenant Governor)

Mirza Boasts of Un-paralleled service

"Whatever I have performed with full vigour and with great perseverence continuously for the last 17 years, to help the British Government and maintain peace, and to stop the Jehadi thoughts, is there any parallel of such work and of such conspicuous service and of such lenghthy duration, among other Muslims who are against me?" (Ishtihaar Wajib ul Izhaar, for the attention of Queen Victoria and government officials, Roohani Khazain vol.13 p.8)

Mirza spies for the British

Mirza draws up a list of all those muslims who "in their heart consider this country as an enemy country", a list he passes on to the British rulers:

·  "For the welfare of the government, it is expedient to prepare a list of those stupid Muslims who are against the British government inwardly and who consider this country as an enemy country. We hope that our wise government will keep these lists as State Secrets in safe custody in one of its offices. The following are the names and addresses of such persons." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 3, P. 11)

·  "For the Attention of the Government from ... Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Qadian...

·  Whereas, it is expedient to make a list of the names of such stupid Muslims who consider British India a country of enemies of Islam against whom Islamic Sharia enjoins war and therefore such rebellious Muslims hide mutiny in their hearts;...

·  Whereas, it is proposed to lay out a format - example below - in which names of such ungrateful individuals should be preserved for all times; although by the good fortune of the British India such Muslim mutineers who are hiding rebellion in their hearts are few;

·  Whereas, it is a most opportune time to identify those insurgents who are having secret designs against the Government;

·  Whereas, we are moved by the political well-wishing of our generous Government to make a list of names of these wicked men who by their beliefs prove their seditious nature;...

·  We Resolve, to inform the Government, in all our humility, that such lists of names shall remain in our custody as 'Political Secrets' till such time that the Government demands it from us. We fully trust that our sagacious Government shall also keep these statements in their offices treating them as a 'National Secret'."

(Majmua Ishtaharat, Vol. 2, P. 227-228; Collection of Posters, Vol. 2, P. 227-228, No. 145; Rabwah)

Even the Germans considered Mirza's followers to be spies for the British:

·  "The whole world considers us to be the agents of the British. That is why an explanation was called from a German Minister, when he attended the opening ceremony of the Ahmadiyya building in Germany, as to why he had attended the celebration of community which was the agent of the British." (Al-Fadl, Nov. 1, 1934; by Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood)

Ahmadiyya participates in Offensive War for the british against muslims - Ahmadis willing to lay down their lives for the British

On the one hands Mirza wrote:

"From today, the order of manly Jihad which is done by sword is abrogated, by the commandment of God. From now on, anyone who lifts a sword against the unbelievers and calls himself a Ghazi will be considered to be disobedient to that Prophet SAAW of God who had informed 1300 years ago that Jihad with sword will be abrogated in the time of the Promised Messiah. Thus, now after my arrival, there is no Jihad. From our side we have raised the white flag of Peace and Truce."(Khutba-Ilhamia, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 16, P. 28-29, Collection of Advertisement P. 295, Vol. 3)

Yet the followers, on the order of Khalifa, successor to Mirza Ghulam, had no qualms about fighting alongside British in their War of Aggression against the Muslims.

"Hundreds of Ahmadis joined the British Army to conquer Iraq and shed their blood on the way." (Al-Fadl, August 31, 1923; by Mirza Mahmood Ahmad)"We thank God a thousand times on the victories of Britain. This surely is a cause for our joy and happiness as our imam used to pray for her victories and advise his sect to pray for her. Also, the doors of our call towards Ahmadiyyat which where hitherto barred, have been opened. All this is because of the extension of the British empire over other countries." (Al-Fadl, Nov. 23, 1918; by Mirza Mahmood Ahmad)"(in a challenge to Muslim Ummah) ... We will be victorious and you will surely be brought before us like criminals and on that day you will meet the same fate which befell Abu Jehal and his party on the occasion of the conquest of Mecca." (Al-Fadl, Nov. 23, 1952)

If someone thinks that this might be an independent decision of the khalifa and had nothing to do with the founder, well he is sadly mistaken. the guiding principle was laid down by Mirza himself:

"I have written scores of books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu with the view to (preach that) Jihad against the benevolent government was in no way justified; rather, whole hearted obedience to it was a religious duty. I got these books published at great cost and then had them distributed in Islamic countries. And I know that these books had a great influence even on this country and those people who owe allegiance to me, they are growing into a party whose hearts are full to the brim with sincere fidelity to the Government whose moral condition is excellent; I think they will be a boon to this country and are wholeheartedly ready to lay down their lives for the Government." (Arizah ba-Aali Khidmat Government, Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 6, P. 65)

Obedience to the British - an articles of faith - disloyalty to British described as sin to God

His loyalty to the Birtish leads him to define Islam as consisting of two parts: obedience to God and obedience to the British government. He actually makes loyalty to the British one of the conditions for joining his movement:

"No doubt my faith and doctrine, which I stress repeatedly, is that Islam is composed of two parts. One is obedience to God and the other is obedience to the Government which has created peace and who has given us refuge under its protection from the hands of oppressors - that is the British Government." (Shahadat-ul-Quran, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 6, P. 380)"It has been proven from my continuous seventeen year long speeches that I am faithful and sincere to the English Empire from the core of my heart and soul. I am a peace-loving man and my principle is to obey this Government and love the people; These are the same conditions set for my followers who take the oath of allegiance to me. I have stressed this clause under the fourth item of my pamphlet Shuroo-al-Baiat (oath of faith) which has been distributed among my devotees and followers." (Kitab-ul-Barriyah, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 13, P. 10)"I published the provisions of faith so that these may become a constitution for my sect and for everyone who follows me and I have named it as: 'Completion of the Mission and requirements of Fealty'. I have sent one copy to the Government so that it may know that I have planned for my followers to be faithful to the British Government." (Tabligh-e-Risalat, Vol. 7, P.16)

Mirza's son further clarifies:

"The promised Messiah included among the conditions of fealty faithfulness to the English Government and said: 'Whoever does not obey the Government, takes part in demonstrations against it or does not enforce its orders is not a member of our community'." (Tohfatul-Muluk, P. 123; by Mirza Mahmood Ahmad Qadiani son of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani)

Mirza describes his aim as "to convert Mulsims towards faith in the British Government":

"The greater part of my life has been spent in supporting and backing the British Government. I have written and published so many books against the abrogation of Jihad and the need for obedience to the British that if all these tracts and books were put together, it would fill fifty almiras (large cupboards). I have distributed these books to all the Arab countries and Egypt and Syria and Kabul (Afghanistan), and Rome (Turkey). It has always been my effort that these Muslims become truely faithful to the British Government and to discard from their minds the baseless traditions of cruel Mahdi and bloody Maseeh, and the stimulating ideas of Jihad, which spoil the hearts of stupid people." (Tiryaq-ul-Quloob, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 15, P. 155-156)"For the last twenty years from my own heartfelt passion, I have been publishing such books in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and English, in which I have repeatedly written that it is an obligation on Muslims, evading it would be a sinning against God, to become truely loyal and heartily sacrificing their lives subjects of the Government and to discard absurd thoughts of Jihad and awaiting a blood-thirsty Mahdi which have no basis in the Quran. Even if they are not prepared to give up these wrong notions, at least they are duty bound to do in this sphere is that they should not show ingratitude to this benevolent Government and should not become sinners against God by committing any act of disloyalty against it." (Tiryaq-ul-Quloob, Roohani Khazain, Vol. 15, P. 488-489)

Human Rights in Islam - Obedience is to Allah only

Contrary to Mirza's subservience to the British, in Islam obdience is required to Allah, and leaders do not stand above the law. Maududi clarifies the Islamic position:

"Islam clearly insists and demands that all officials of the Islamic State, whether he be the head or an ordinary employee, are equal in the eyes of the law. None of them is above the law or can claim immunity. Even an ordinary citizen in Islam has the right to put forward a claim or file a legal complaint against the highest executive of the country. The Caliph 'Umar said, "I have myself seen the Prophet, may God's blessings be on him, taking revenge against himself (penalizing himself for some shortcoming or failing)." On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, when the Prophet was straightening the rows of the Muslim army he hit the belly of a soldier in an attempt to push him back in line. The soldier complained "O Prophet, you have hurt me with your stick." The Prophet immediately bared his belly and said: "I am very sorry, you can revenge by doing the same to me." The soldier came forward and kissed the abdomen of the Prophet and said that this was all that he wanted. A woman belonging to a high and noble family was arrested in connection with a theft. The case was brought to the Prophet, and it was recommended that she may be spared the punishment of theft. The Prophet replied: "The nations that lived before you were destroyed by God because they punished the common men for their offences and let their dignitaries go unpunished for their crimes; I swear by Him (God) who holds my life in His hand that even if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, has committed this crime then I would have amputated her hand." During the caliphate of 'Umar, Muhammad the son of 'Amr ibn al-'As the Governor of Egypt, whipped an Egyptian. The Egyptian went to Medina and lodged his complaint with the Righteous Caliph, who immediately summoned the Governor and his son to Medina. When they appeared before him in Medina, the Caliph handed a whip to the Egyptian complainant and asked him to whip the son of the Governor in his presence. After taking his revenge when the Egyptian was about to hand over the whip to 'Umar, he said to the Egyptian: "Give one stroke of the whip to the Honourable Governor as well. His son would certainly have not beaten you were it not for the false pride that he had in his father's high office." The plaintiff submitted: "The person who had beaten me, I have already avenged myself on him." 'Umar said: "By God, if you had beaten him (the Governor) I would not have checked you from doing so. You have spared him of your own free will." Then he ('Umar) angrily turned to 'Amr ibn al-'As and said: "O 'Amr, when did you start to enslave the people, though they were born free of their mothers?" When the Islamic State was flourishing in its pristine glory and splendour, the common people could equally lodge complaints against the caliph of the time in the court and the caliph had to appear before the qadi to answer the charges. And if the caliph had any complaint against any citizen, he could not use his administrative powers and authority to set the matter right, but had to refer the case to the court of law for proper adjudication." (source: Human Rights in Islam, by Allamah Abu al-'A'la Mawdudi al Tawhid Journal, vol. IV No. 3 Rajab-Ramadhan 1407)
تاريخ الاضافة: 26-11-2009
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