BEHIND the SCENES at OXFORD UNIVERSITY'S ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM

46 Pages·2017·5.87 MB·English

DECEMBER 2017 WWW.REVIEWOFRELIGIONS.ORG VOL. 112 - ISSUE TWELVE
BEHIND
the SCENES
at OXFORD
UNIVERSITY'S
ASHMOLEAN
MUSEUM
Imagining The Divine - Art & The Rise Of World Religions
Christmas and Jesusas : Exclusive Interview: The What True Islam Is Effort vs Natural
What's The Connection? Man Behind Al-Qalam Really All About Aptittude

12 48 68 82
W ORLD FAITHS
as The Holy Prophet
The Promised Messiah
Muhammadsa prophesied
& imam mahdi that the Promised Messiahas
would be raised near a
Brotherhood
white minaret, east of
Damascus. This prophecy
was fulfilled with the advent
of the Promised Messiahas
from Qadian, India, a city
directly east of Damascus.
And hold fast, all together, by the You should bear the burden of If a man say, I love God, and
rope of Allah and be not divided; your weak brothers. You should hateth his brother, he is a liar:
and remember the favour of Allah know their deficiencies in faith for he that loveth not his brother
which He bestowed upon you and lack of means and share them whom he hath seen, how can he
weer when you were enemies and He by removing these things. You love God whom he hath not seen?’
asa united your hearts in love, so that should treat their physical ailments, CHRISTIANITY, THE BIBLE,
t
founder of n-e- by His grace you became brothers; too. No Jama’at [Community] JOHN 4:20
a
the review of religions hz and you were on the brink of is worth its name unless the
k
a
m
© a pit of fire and He saved you strong support the weak and
from it. Thus does Allah explain the only way of doing it is that
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah Hazrat Ahmadas had established himself as a respected One is my brother and the other
to you His commandments shortcomings should be covered.
and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India. writer and had written over 80 books. His writings is not - is the thinking of a narrow
From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and have been translated into more than 60 languages and that you may be guided. ISLAM, HAZRAT MIRZA
minded person. For those who are
developed a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He continue to inspire readers to this day. One of his greatest ISLAM, THE HOLY QUR’AN, GHULAM AHMADAS,
was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve. scholarly works was The Philosophy of the Teachings of broad-minded, liberals, or noble
3:104 MALFUZAT, VOL.3, 347
Over time his knowledge and understanding of religion Islam, prepared as a paper and read out at the Conference people, the entire world is one big
and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim of Great Religions in 1896.
family.
it was his firm belief that all religions were true at their
source but with the passage of time had drifted away He also wrote a fascinating treatise in 1899 entitled Jesus HINDUISM, UPANISHAD 6.72
from their original teachings; he upheld the dignity of in India, a book that uncovered remarkable evidence Do not hate each other, do Behold, how good and how
religion and demonstrated its relevance to everyone. of Jesus’sas journey to India. In 1902, the Promised
not envy each other, do not pleasant it is for brethren to
Messiahas initiated The Review of Religions which has
His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed covered a vast array of topics on religion, philosophy turn away from each other, but dwell together in unity!
when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah and contemporary issues of the day. It is the longest rather be sevants of Allah as JUDAISM, TORAH, PSALMS There is only one breath; all
– a blessing that he continued for the rest of his life. running English magazine in defence of Islam and the
brothers. It is not lawful for a 133:1 are made of the same clay; the
values it teaches.
His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions Muslim to boycott his brother light within all is the same.
held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It From 1889 until the time of his demise in 1908 tens for more than three days. SIKHISM, GURU GRANTH
was through this that he would bring mankind together of thousands of people accepted him. This blessing
ISLAM, SAHIH BUKHARI, SAHIB, ANG 96
and establish everlasting peace. has continued and will continue through his Khulafa
(successors). HADITH 5718
In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Ahmadas
founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – a Currently under the fifth successor, we are seeing that the
community that has since grown in its stature and tide of acceptance is worldwide and that the message of
strength and has remained active in conveying the Prophet Ahmadas has really reached the ends of the earth.
message of Islam to the ends of the earth.
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2017 VOL.112 - ISSUE TWELVE 58 The Al-Qalam Project
Islamic calligraphy is on of the most
venerated forms of calligraphy and
is considered to be the pinnacle
of Islamic art. The Al-Qalam
Project reignites this ancient art
form in today's generation.
8 Never Tire of Supplication 30 Imagining the Divine - Art SHAHZAD AHMAD, LONDON, UK
HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS, THE PROMISED
& the Rise of World Religions
MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI
64 What Does the Minaret
The Ashmolean Museum at Oxford
Symbolise
University debuts a new exhibit
HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS, THE
focusing on iconography across world
12 Notes and Comments | PROMISED MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI
Christmas and Jesusas: What's religions - join us for a behind-the-
scenes look at the exhibit.
The Connection?
RIZWAN SAFIR, LONDON, UK 68 What True Islam Is Really
It's Christmas time, and the streets
All About: Women Speak Out
are filled with glittering gold
44 A Glimpse into the Life of the Freelance journalist Sarah Linney had
decorations, sparkly lights, and
Holy Prophet Muhammadsa the opportunity to visit the Ahmadiyya
beautifully decorated Christmas
Muslim Community's Annual
trees. But what is the real connection
48 Exclusive Interview: The Man Convention in Alton, Hampshire.
between the festive celebrations of
Behind the Al-Qalam Project After spending a whole day with
Christmas and the birth of Jesusas?
NAVIDA SAYED, UK Founder Razwan Baig gives us an over 35,000 Muslims, she reflects on
insight into the inspiration behind her experiences and what the true
22
22 Fatima Al-Fihri:Pioneering this truly historic project in which teachings of Islam are really about.
SARAH LINNEY, UK
Education for Muslim Women people from around the world unite,
Visiting one of the oldest universities irrespective of caste, creed or religion,
in the world, one educator ponders to write a verse of the Holy Qu'ran. 82 Effort vs Natural Aptitude
the legacy of Fatima Al-Fihri, and Salvation: achieved through one's
Islam's emphasis on education. own effort or natural ability, or both?
SAMANTHA ISSAM, CHICAGO, USA HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS, THE PROMISED
MESSIAH AND IMAM MAHDI
88 Calendar of Religious Events

Front cover picture:
The Bowl with Kufic Script, Ashmolean 30
Museum, University of Oxford
(continued from front flap)
(continued from front flap) W
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wsehlfe ann edv ethrye nin sdpivreidaudasl ifit ntod so tpheearcse. within him or her- 99778811884488880088558747 AD MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD h(coopneti tnhuaetd w oen c baanc skt ifllla ppr)event a global catastrophe. Nakasha Ahmad Qudsi Rasheed, Fiona O’Keeffe, Waqar Ahmedi
ASSISTANT MANAGER ART & DESIGN
Tazeen Ahmad Art Editor: Ahsan Khan
Deputy Art Editor & YouTube Coordinator: Zubair Hayat
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The world is passing through turbulent times. The global economic crisis Tariq Haroon Malik
continues to manifest new and grave dangers at every juncture. The INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION
ISLAM & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Muhammad Hanif
similarities of the current circumstances to the build-up of the Second Editor: Shahzad Ahmad
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World War are stark. Events appear to be moving us rapidly towards a
Musa Sattar
Third World War. The consequences of a nuclear war are beyon d RELIGION & SCIENCE
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our imagination. Deputy: Dr. Tauseef Khan Munawara Ghauri (Head), Maryam Malik, Nusrat Haq,
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In this book, the historic addresses of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, Fifth Editor: Ayesha Mahmood Malik Farhana Dar (Head), Hina Ahmedi, Amina Abbasi, Aisha Patel Mzien
Khalifah of the Promised Messiahas and Supreme Head of the worldwide ANCIENT RELIGIONS & ARCHAEOLOGY HOUSE STYLE GUIDE
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Deputy: Rizwan Safir
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CHRISTIANITY Mariam Rahman, Mahida Javed, Munazza Khan
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letters sent by His Holiness to the numerous world leaders. Over and over Deputy: Arif Khan SOCIAL MEDIA
Mala Khan (Head), Hajra Ahmad (Deputy), Mishall Rehman (Deputy),
again, His Holiness has reminded all that the only means of averting a global WOMEN’S SECTION Nudrat Ahmad, Shumaila Ahmad, Saniya Ahmad, Adeeba Tahir
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the way to eliminate all traces of hatred and to build everlasting peace.
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Never Tire of
Supplication
The
as
Promised Messiah
& imam mahdi
(guided one)
lessed are the prisoners who never tire of supplication,
Bfor they shall one day be freed. Blessed are the blind who
are not listless in their prayers, for they shall one day see.
Blessed are those lying in graves who supplicate to God for help
and succour, for one day they shall be taken out of their graves.
Blessed are you who never tire of supplication, your soul melts
in prayer, your eyes shed tears, and a fire kindles in your breast
which takes you to dark closets and wildernesses so that you
may taste solitude and drives you to restlessness and near mad-
ness, for you shall finally receive Divine bounties. The God to
Whom I invite is very Gracious, Merciful, Modest, True and
Faithful. He bestows His mercy on the humble ones. You too
should be faithful and pray with all sincerity and faith so that
He may bestow His mercy on you. Dissociate yourselves from
the commotion of the world and do not give religious com-
plexion to your egoistic disputes. Accept defeat for the sake of
founder of
God so that you may become heirs to great victories. God will
the review of religions
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas show miracles to those who supplicate and those who ask will
be blessed with extraordinary grace. Prayer comes from God
and to Him it returns. Through prayer God becomes as close to
you as your very life. The first blessing of prayer is that it brings
about a holy change in a person, as a consequence of which
TRUE ISLAM
finding the
God also brings about a transformation in His attributes. His
attributes are indeed immutable, but for such a transformed
person He shows a different manifestation of which the world spiritual
knows nothing. It would seem as if He had become another
God, whereas, in fact, there is no other God. The truth is that
path
it is a new manifestation of His which portrays Him in an
22-24
altogether different light. It is then that God, in honour of this
DECEMBER
special manifestation, does for the transformed one what He 2017
does not do for others. These are what are known as miracles.1
endnotes
1. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Lecture Sialkot, (Tilford, Surrey: Islam will God respond to
International Publications, 2007), 32-33.
my call?
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as
Christmas and Jesus :
What's the
Connection?
BY NAVIDA SAYED, UK
NOTES
&
COMMENTS
Many Christian scholars are of the
alk into any shopping mall charities around the world feeding the people know what the true meaning of opinion that Jesusas was not born on
the 25th of December as is commonly
Wthis season and you are homeless and providing shelter. Christmas actually is, this is a time for
believed. His Holiness Pope Benedict
sure to come across the giving and sharing. There sure is a lot XVI has also agreed with this point.
famous song ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Charities play a pivotal role in ensuring going on at Christmas; however a pause
Frippitaun | Shutterstock
Christmas’ playing somewhere in the that no one is left out of Christmas fes- for thought and one wonders what is
background. As temperatures plummet, tivities by providing presents, food and Christmas really about?
in some places people eagerly anticipate shelter for the homeless, and this chari- The shepherds were watching
at white Christmas – the perfect scene for table effort extends to poverty-stricken The first thing people associate with
their sheep at the time of
Santa and his sleigh. But Santa isn’t only countries to raise funds for them too. Christmas is the birthday of Jesusas.
as
Jesus’ birth. It is highly
confined to the snowy parts of the world. By far the most important aspect of However, the topic of the exact birthday
He also makes his way to Christmas par- Christmas is that it unites family and of Jesusas has been debated for decades. unlikely that the shepherds
ties on the beach with barbeques in the friends, even if it means travelling from Scholars and theologians, including Pope would have been watching
heat of Australia on 25th of December. the other side of the world to be with Benedict XVI, agree that Jesusas was not
over their flock at night in the
their nearest and dearest. Regardless of born on the 25th of December.1 One
cold month of December, so
The season is also peak time for the any family disputes or disagreements, the would naturally turn to the scriptures as
entertainment world with blockbuster goodwill of the Christmas celebration an authoritative document but the prob- this indicates that the spring
movies about the nativity or Santa, theat- unites loved ones and enables every- lem we face is that there is no mention of lambing season was probably
rical plays and pantomimes. In the midst one to gather in one room at the same Jesus’as birthdate on December the 25th
in a warmer season, not in
of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas time to enjoy a traditional Christmas or any other date in the New Testament.
the month of December.
preparations, this is the busiest time for dinner. Regardless of whether or not What we do find in the New Testament
12 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 13
christmas and jesusas: what's the
connection?
high and mountainous regions about
Historical evidence informs
Bethlehem. But the exact time of his
us ‘the reason why Christmas
birth is unknown; there is no way to
ascertain it.’3 came to be celebrated on
th
December 25 remains
Many other biblical commentators sug-
uncertain, but most probably
gest that the birth of Jesusas took place in
the reason is that early
the warm season. The Holy Qur’an also
sheds light on this: Christians wished the date
to coincide with the pagan
‘...the angel called her from beneath her,
Roman festival marking the
saying, “grieve not. Thy lord has placed
“birthday of the unconquered
a rivulet below thee; and shake towards
thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will sun” (natalis solis invicti)'
drop upon thee fresh ripe dates; so eat
and drink and cool thine eye.”’4
most probably the reason is that early
The Qur'an mentions the miraculous birth
of Jesusas and states that under divine shepherds were watching their sheep These verses about the birth of Jesusas Christians wished the date to coincide
command, Mary, the mother of Jesusas, took at the time of Jesus’as birth. It is highly mention how Mary took advantage of with the pagan Roman festival mark-
shelter under a ripe date tree, indicating
unlikely that the shepherds would have the shade under a date tree during labour ing the “birthday of the unconquered
that the time of birth was summer, rather
than December as popularly believed. been watching over their flock at night and God provided her with the dates to sun” (natalis solis invicti); this festival
in the cold month of December, so this eat; yet this would not be possible in celebrated the winter solstice, when the
Rahhai | Shutterstock
indicates that the spring lambing season December, when dates are not ripe. days again begin to lengthen and the sun
was probably in a warmer season, not in begins to climb higher in the sky.’5
are clues as to when the birth of Jesusas the month of December. In relation to The question arises, then, that if
this, Albert Barnes, an American theo- December 25th is not the birthdate of As researcher David Ingraham writes, ‘In
may have occurred; the gospel of Luke
logian of the 19th century, writes in his Jesusas then how and when did Christmas A.D. 375, the Church announced that
sheds some light on this:
commentary, celebrations and traditions enter the folds Christ’s date of birth had been discov-
of Christianity? ered to be December 25th. This date was
‘And there were in the same country
‘It is probable from this that our Saviour without biblical or historical grounds,
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night.’2 was born before the 25th December, or Historical evidence informs us ‘the rea- however and became official for the sake
before what we call “Christmas.” At son why Christmas came to be celebrated of convenience so that the celebration of
that time it is cold, and especially in the on December 25th remains uncertain, but the birth of Christ could be merged with
According to the above verse, the
14 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 15
popular forms of Christmas traditions
such as the Christmas tree, mistletoe,
gift-giving and Santa Claus all have a
historical background in pagan customs.8
Many individuals see Christmas as a
religious festival where families come
together and celebrate, but there is no
real connection between Christmas
and Jesusas at all. Christmas, however,
In 375 CE Church elders declared 25th pagan festivities of the season.’6 having been established for centuries,
December to be the official birthdate of
Jesusas. It seems that this was intended is exceedingly popular, fun and such a
to coincide with the pagan festival of The festival of Christmas was simply deeply-rooted tradition for people that
the sun called natalis solis invicti. assimilated by the church via a process it would be difficult for them to abandon Despite the enigma surrounding the birth
of Jesusas, his mission was clear: to gather
of syncretism solely for their purposes or stop celebrating it.
Mountainpix | Shutterstock the lost tribes that had been exiled from
claiming it as the time of the Jesus’as birth Jerusalem, first by the Assyrians and
and celebrating it accordingly. The New Even the story of Santa has been debated, then the Babylonians. As the Promised
Messiahas has revealed, they travelled
Catholic Encyclopedia states, particularly as to whether or not lying
along the silk route, some settling in
Even the story of Santa has
to children about Santa Claus is dam- Afghanistan and others at Kashmir.
been debated, particularly ‘Christmas originated at a time when the aging. Writing in The Lancet Psychiatry,
Thoom | Shutterstock
as to whether or not lying cult of the sun was particularly strong at psychologist Christopher Boyle and
Rome. This theory finds support in some researcher Kathy McKay state that the
to children about Santa
of the Church Fathers’ contrasting the story may lead to distrust: 'If they are including Jesus’as birthdate is not accurate
Claus is damaging. Writing
birth of Christ and the winter solstice. capable of lying about something so spe-
then children may grow up to have doubt
in The Lancet Psychiatry, Though the substitution of Christmas for cial and magical, can they be relied upon
in their faith, questioning what the truth
psychologist Christopher the pagan festival cannot be proved with to continue as the guardians of wisdom is. From a religious perspective this could
certainty, it remains the most plausible and truth?'.9
Boyle and researcher Kathy be seen as a tough test of faith especially
explanation for the dating of Christmas.’7
because celebrations such as Christmas
McKay state that the story
Whilst there are differing parental views
don’t match up with the Biblical accounts
may lead to distrust. Christmas began in Rome with a birth- when it comes to explaining the origins
and cannot be perceived as reality.
date for Jesusas and the traditions of of Christmas to children, the majority of
Saturnalia and Yule festivities morphed parents may overlook things. The point
Regardless of the popularity of Christmas
and gradually spread across the globe. All is that if everything about Christmas celebrations on 25th December, the
16 THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS | DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017 | THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS 17
christmas and jesusas: what's the
connection?
problem is that there is no theologi- guided his followers to do. Christmas are at liberty to conclude that I have not Luke 2:8". "Barnes' Notes on the New
cal evidence in any Biblical ancient has probably continued to be celebrated come from God Almighty. However, if Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/
documents or scriptures to support its without a pause for thought about its this wisdom and understanding – which commentaries/bnb/luke-2.html. 1870.
connection with Jesusas. Jesusas neither exact origins or true meaning. However, serves as the water of life for those whose
observed Christmas nor taught others there are good things that occur during hearts are dead – is not procurable from 4. The Holy Qur’an, 19:25-27.
to observe it. the festive season in many countries such any other source, then you have no excuse
as charitable efforts to feed and support for the crime of having rejected the foun- 5. POSS, J. (2017). Articles by Subject. [online]
Jesusas was definitely born to his pious the homeless and acts of kindness, which tain that has been opened from heaven. Graceandtruthministries.org. Available at:
mother Mary of a miraculous virgin Jesusas humbly taught. No one on earth can stop it.’12 https://graceandtruthministries.org/why_
birth and came to earth for a purpose. december_25th.html
Reflecting on the purpose of Jesusas com- This festive season is a good time to ...............................................................
ing to earth and his mission, we learn reflect on the true purpose and life of About the Author: Navida Sayed is a long 6. Ingraham, D. (2000). Pagan traditions of the
from the New Testament that Jesusas was Jesus’as true mission on earth to fulfill and serving member on the Editorial Board of holidays. Oklahoma City, Okla.: Hearthstone
a devout follower of the Old Testament guide people to follow the Mosaic Law, The Review of Religions and is currently Pub. pg.102
which taught against idol worship, there- and to gather the lost sheep of Israel. At Editor of the Christianity Section. She has
fore it seems highly unlikely that Jesusas the same time Jesusas also guided peo- been the Coordinator of the Ahmadiyya 7. The New Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 3 (New
would ever wish for his followers to wor- ple about the prophecies for the future Muslim Community’s Women’s Research York: McGraw Hill, 1967), 656.
ship him as an idol after his death. especially relating to his second coming. Team UK since 1992, whose work has
predominantly revolved around Biblical 8. Rätsch, C. and Müller-Ebeling, C. (2006).
‘Do not think that I came to abolish the As followers of the true Promised studies. Pagan Christmas. Rochester, Vt.: Inner
Law or the Prophets; I did not come to Messiahas, we feel it is incumbent upon ............................................................... Traditions.
abolish, but to fulfill.’10 us to disseminate the message that the
Promised Messiahas has come. endnotes 9. Boyle, Christopher & McKay, Kathy. (2016).
This verse in the Gospel of Matthew tells A wonderful lie. The Lancet Psychiatry. 3. 1110-
us how Jesusas was a devout follower of The Promised Messiahas says: 1. Pollak, S. (2017). Pope Benedict 1111. 10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30363-7.
the Old Testament law, which warned Disputes Jesus’ Date of Birth | TIME.
against adopting pagan worship customs ‘I tell you truly that those who were com. [online] TIME.com. Available at: 10. The Bible, Matthew 5:17.
to honor Him.11 revived by the Messiahas [Jesus] are dead, http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/11/22/
but he who will drink of the cup that has pope-benedict-disputes-jesus-date-of-birth/ 11. The Bible, Deuteronomy 12:29-32.
The celebrations of Christmas in some been bestowed upon me will never die.
parts of the world such as partying or If there is anyone else who can also utter 2. The Bible, Luke 2:8. 12. https://www.alislam.org/library/books/
merry making and excessive indulgence the life-giving words that I speak and Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya-Parts1-2.pdf
are certainly not what Jesusas may have proclaim such wisdom as I do, then you 3. Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on
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