Book Review: ‘The Great Religions of the World’ by Mrs. Ulfat Aziz-us-Samad
A Scholarly and Authentic Book on Comparative Study of Religion
The Light (Pakistan), 8th/16th November 1976 Issue (Vol. 56, Nos. 42–43, p. 23)
Recently the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, Lahore, has added to its already valuable literature, another precious and much-needed book, under the above-mentioned title, compiled by Mrs. Ulfat Aziz-us-Samad, the able and learned lady, whose scholarly editorials are being published in this paper. The book is a synopsis of nine great religions of the world, i.e., Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. She deals with each of these faiths with a brief background, a short history of its founder; the essence of its teachings and then traces its historical development. Her sources are either English translations of the original scriptures or writings of some eminent and accredited leaders of the religion. The work thus, has been based on authentic and copious references. It evinces vast and serious study of the various faiths, together with hard work in their summation and compilation. The main feature of the book is to prove that each religion being originally from the same Divine source and having the same purpose, of service to mankind, presents similar basic teachings in its original form. Shorn of later corruptions and accretions, all these great religions are one and the same in essence. This idea of singleness and similarity of faiths was first given by the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him). The ultimate aim is to weld the whole world, its various sections into a one common and united community. The world events having already brought mankind to such a concept, the value and need for such a timely book cannot be exaggerated. We recommend it not only to every student of comparative religion but also to followers of these faiths.
Pp. 258; Rs. 10.00
Can be had from: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, Ahmadiyya Buildings, Lahore, Pakistan