Introduction — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 3
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 3), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Introduction.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 3)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: II – Brief Note on Islamic Equality
Pages: Book pp. 35–36 (PDF pp. 53–54)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Objection of the People to the Commandership of Zaid bin Harithah (ra) and its Refutation by the Holy Prophet (sa)] | Next: [Fundamental Perspective on Islamic Equality] »
Historical Account
At this point it would not be inappropriate to write a brief note on Islāmic equality, because this issue is such that most people have a misconception regarding it. In other words, one class has understood Islāmic equality to infer that in Islām, the young and old are equal in every respect and Islām does not accept the distinction or greatness of any individual in any case, and wishes to efface all distinctions, thus bringing every individual to the same level. Another group has created unpleasant classes of the nature which are mostly found in other nations, and these separate classes have been given separate rights. As a matter of fact, endeavours are undertaken to further widen the rift between these classes. As such, it should be known that in the spirit of true Islāmic teaching, both of these ideologies are erroneous and incorrect in their path of extremity. Quite the contrary, the actual Islāmic teaching is that as far as rights and the means of the acquisition of progress are concerned, all people are equal, and no individual or community possesses superiority in any manner over another individual or community. In this regard, there are absolutely no ranks or classes, rather, there is absolute and complete equality. However, on the other hand, if an individual rightfully acquires religious or worldly success or greatness, putting the issue of rights aside (in which either way, all are equal), in everyday relations, Islām accepts the acquired greatness and success of such an individual. It does not diminish him from his rightful rank, and thereby does not follow a path of injustice and inequity. In
summary, on the one hand where Islām places all the children of Adam at one level in the matter of rights and the means of the acquisition of progress, and does not accept any unnecessary racial, ancestral, genealogical or individual distinction, on the other hand, it has not expunged the acquired greatness or success of individuals or peoples by way of compulsion and coercion. It has not deprived them of the fruits of their labour or good fortune. Albeit, it has of course employed such effective policies, whereby the downcast may be uplifted. It is this very lofty and moderate method which the world has overlooked, and so today, is falling prey to a variety of socio-economic problems. Furthermore, the capitalism and communism of today are but extreme products of these very problems, whereby one has taken on a form of excessive abundance, and the other has taken an approach of extreme deficiency.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 3)
Section: II – Brief Note on Islamic Equality | Navigation: « Previous: [Objection of the People to the Commandership of Zaid bin Harithah (ra) and its Refutation by the Holy Prophet (sa)] | Next: [Fundamental Perspective on Islamic Equality] »