Questions and Answers
The Light (Pakistan), 1st June 1922 Issue (Vol. 1, No. 12, pp. 3–4)
Question:
What is the source of friendship? In how many senses is the word used? Can I befriend a Christian, according to the Holy Quran? — S.A. Abbas
Answer:
Real friendship springs out from the affinity between two persons. Loosely, the word is used for any acquaintance. There is a verse in the Holy Quran,
“And you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to those who believe (to be) those who say: We are Christians” (The Holy Quran, 5:82).
Question:
Does our religion allow us to dine with any non-Muslim at the same table? — S.A. Abbas
Answer:
Yes. Even the lawful food of the “People of the Book” is permissible.
Question:
Why do Christians believe that all nations will be amalgamated into their faith when there is ample testimony in religious books that Islam cannot perish? — S.A. Abbas
Answer:
There appears no reason for it.
Please ask the Christians who have got this novel idea.
Question:
What is the difference between you and Sunni Muslims? — Yaqub Ali
Answer:
No difference, with the only exception that we hold that Jesus Christ died a natural death according to the Holy Quran, and the prophecy in regard to his second advent as contained in reports of the Holy Prophet [pbuh] has been fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian.
Question:
Do the various newly-invented sects of Islam not destroy the fraternity of Muslims? — Yaqub Ali
Answer:
Yes, they do, and that is why all Muslims should be united together under the banner of the Mujaddid of this century [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian], who is also the Promised Messiah of Islam.
Question:
Was there any difference of sect, creed, or party when Islam came into existence? If not, how did it creep in, and what will be the result of it? — Yaqub Ali
Answer:
No. Differences always arise after the lapse of time, and such was the case with Islam. But it should be borne in mind that these differences are not in regard to the basic principles of Islam and, therefore, if Muslims try to be broadminded, there is every possibility of their unity.
Question:
What to do with the interest on bank deposits? — Yusaf Ali
Answer:
It may be spent in the propagation of Islam.
Question:
Is life insurance permissible in Islam? — Muhammad Mustau Sharaf
Answer:
No.
Question:
Where does the spirit of man go after death? — Muhammad Mustau Sharaf
Answer:
Please see the last issue. The soul does not require any place.
Question:
What is your opinion about Shabbrat [Shab-e-Barat]? Is it a religions festival? — Muhammad Mustau Sharaf
Answer:
It is not enjoined by our religion
Question:
Is it necessary to follow some religion? — Muhammad Mustau Sharaf
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
What is Arash [Arsh]? — Fazal-ul-Karim
Answer:
Arash [Arsh] means the divine control over the universe.
Question:
Is Jesus Christ mentioned in the Holy Quran? — Fazal-ul-Karim
Answer:
Yes. Isa [Jesus], son of Mary, is one of the prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Question:
Is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the Promised Mahdi and Messiah? — Fazal-ul-Karim
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
What is the necessity of Qurbani (sacrifice) of an animal? — Fazal-ul-Karim
Answer:
It is enjoined by the religion. As a matter of fact, it is a symbolical institution, and its significance is that we must sacrifice our desires, our passions, our interests, even our lives, in the path of Allah.
Question:
Whether any Muslim can call professors of other religions kafirs or infidels on any authority. Did our Prophet [pbuh] use the term against any man in his lifetime? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
The term kafir is frequently used in the Holy Quran for those who did not believe in the Holy Prophet [pbuh]. Those who believe in Islam are Muslims, while others are kafir (unbelievers); that is, outside the pale of Islam.
Question:
Belief or faith is a spiritual thing. Can it not exist irrespective of our outward actions? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
Yes, but the Law (Shariat) is based upon our external actions.
Question:
Are forms very important with the essence and spirit of religion? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
Yes, because:
- the Law deals with outward forms;
- our physical attitude has a bearing on our spiritual life.
Question:
Our Prophet [pbuh] did not come with a different religion, but he came as a reformer. Does this reformation come in absolute form; that is, does it concern even those who are already good? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
No. The Holy Prophet (may place and blessings of God be upon him) came as a divine law-giver. He gave a complete code of life to humanity and completed the religion.
Question:
Is cohabitation with a bandi or maid-servant without marriage illegal or immoral? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
Yes. It is illegitimate without marriage.
Question:
Was Hazrat Ismail [AS] really slaughtered by Abraham [AS]? If not, what is his later history? — Mahammad Tah-ur-ud-Din
Answer:
Hazrat Abraham [AS] was going to sacrifice Hazrat Ismail [AS], but divine revelation came, and animal sacrifice was substituted. After this, [Hazrat] Ismail [AS] grew older and became a prophet and settled in Arabia.