The Holy Quran is the most widely read book but it’s also the most misunderstood. There’s a misconception that it only talks about Jihad or violence. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Holy Quran is a book of mercy and teaches my Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s motto, “Love for all, hatred for none.” It is sent as a guidance for the whole of mankind, not just Muslims.
The Holy Quran says, “A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury” [2:264]. This means that It is better for a person to say a kind word and forgive others rather than help those in need and later boast about it, humiliating them.
This is further emphasized by Messiah Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He says that the Holy Quran, “does not emphasize any one aspect, rather it teaches a judicious exercise of both forgiveness and chastisement.” Both are a means to the end of reformation and establishing peace in society.
Everything I’ve learned about the Holy Quran is from Prophet Muhammad. His kindness and forgiveness were limitless and without any discrimination. His greatest victories were a peace treaty and forgiveness of even his staunchest of enemies.
Maybe our politicians can incorporate forgiveness and compassion during this time of great peril and work together so we can overcome this pandemic.
As an Ahmadi Muslim, my heart breaks for those affected by COVID-19. We search for God’s pardon during the night of power in the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan.
During this time, and as the festival of Eid approaches, I will pray for humanity at large.
Irfan Chaudhry, Sandy