Answer: The message of Islam to non-Muslims is one of monotheism, unity, and mutual understanding. This is beautifully encapsulated in the following verse of the Qur’an:

"Say, O People of the Book, come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall associate no partner with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].'" (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:64)

Key Points of the Message:

1. Worship of One God (Monotheism):
   Islam invites all people, including followers of previous scriptures (People of the Book), to worship Allah alone, rejecting idolatry and polytheism.
2. No Association of Partners with Allah:
   Islam emphasizes that Allah has no partners, no equals, and no children. He is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
3. Equality Before God:
   The verse rejects the concept of human beings taking others as "lords" besides Allah. It calls for the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty over all creation.
4. Mutual Respect and Dialogue:
   The verse encourages finding common ground and fostering peaceful coexistence through shared values, such as belief in one Creator.

Broader Implications of Islam’s Message:

• Universal Guidance:
  Islam’s teachings are not confined to a specific group or ethnicity; its message is for all of humanity. The Qur’an repeatedly calls for people to reflect, understand, and embrace the truth.
• Justice and Compassion:
  Islam calls for treating others with fairness, kindness, and compassion, regardless of their faith or background.
• Invitation to Reflection:
  The Qur’an invites non-Muslims to ponder its message, the natural world, and the signs of Allah’s existence, encouraging an open-hearted approach to understanding Islam.

Conclusion: Islam’s message to non-Muslims is one of unity, monotheism, and peaceful coexistence. It invites all people to worship Allah alone and to live a life of sincerity and submission to Him, while fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities.

Answer: Islam and the Ahmadiyya movement differ fundamentally in several key beliefs, particularly concerning prophet hood, the role of Imam Mahdi, and other theological matters. Below is a summary of the main differences:

1. Belief in the Finality of Prophet hood:

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims unanimously believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him &his progeny) is the Last and Final Prophet (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), as explicitly stated in the Qur'an:
  "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
  After him, no prophet—major or minor—will come. This belief is central to Islamic faith.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): Ahmadiyyas believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835–1908) was a prophet. They claim he was a subordinate prophet who came to revive the teachings of Islam, which contradicts the mainstream Islamic belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s prophet hood.

2. Belief in Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa (Jesus):

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims believe that Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) will appear before the Day of Judgment to establish a universal government based on justice on Earth. Additionally, Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) will descend from the heavens to assist Imam Mahdi and follow his leadership, affirming the message of Islam.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): Ahmadiyyas believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was both Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa in one person. They reject the traditional Islamic belief that Prophet Isa will physically return and instead argue that the return of Jesus was symbolic, fulfilled through Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

3. Beliefs About Angels and Satan:

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims hold traditional beliefs about angels and Satan, as described in the Qur'an and Hadith. Angels are created from light and serve Allah’s commands, while Satan (Iblis) is a rebellious jinn who tempts humans to sin.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): The Ahmadiyya understanding of angels and Satan often deviates from mainstream Islamic teachings. Their interpretations are more symbolic, which diverges from the literal understanding held by Muslims.

4. Other Theological Differences:

There are additional differences in practices and beliefs, including interpretations of certain Qur’anic verses, the role of jihad, and aspects of Islamic law. However, these are secondary compared to the fundamental disagreements on prophethood and the roles of Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa.

Conclusion: The primary difference between Islam and Ahmadiyya lies in the belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). While mainstream Muslims uphold the belief that he is the last prophet, the Ahmadiyya movement claims the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, which places them outside the fold of mainstream Islam according to Islamic scholars. This divergence forms the foundation of the theological differences between the two.

Answer: Muhammadanism is a term historically used in the West to refer to the religion of Islam. However, this term is inaccurate, misleading, and rejected by Muslims. Here’s why:

1. Islam: The Religion of Allah:

• Definition of Islam: Islam means "submission to the will of Allah" and is the universal religion that all prophets, from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all), brought to humanity. It emphasizes monotheism (the oneness of Allah), divine justice, mercy, and accountability on the Day of Judgment.

• Continuity of Message: All prophets conveyed the same core message of Islam, though their Shari'ah (laws) varied based on the needs and maturity of their communities. For example:
  • Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) brought the Torah.
  • Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) brought the Injil (Gospel).
  • Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought the Qur'an, which is the final and complete guidance for humanity.

2. The term "Muhammadanism" is Misleading:

• Islam is Not Named After Muhammad (peace be upon him& his progeny):
  Unlike Christianity (named after Christ) or Buddhism (named after Buddha), Islam is not named after any individual. It is the religion of Allah, not of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims worship Allah alone, not Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad is revered as the final messenger and the perfect example of how to live according to Allah’s commands, but he is not an object of worship.
• Misconception of Founder:
  The term "Muhammadanism" falsely implies that Prophet Muhammad founded a new religion, distinct from the faith of previous prophets. In reality, he was the last in the chain of prophets who all preached Islam.
• Rejection of the Term:
  Muslims reject the term "Muhammadanism" because it distorts the essence of Islam, reducing it to a personality cult rather than the eternal and universal submission to Allah.

3. Islam: A Universal Religion:

• Islam encompasses the teachings of all prophets and is not confined to any specific time, place, or people.
• The Qur'an emphasizes the unity of the message of all prophets:
  "Say, We believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:136)

Conclusion: The term "Muhammadanism" is not synonymous with Islam and is a misrepresentation of the religion. Islam is the timeless and universal submission to Allah, brought by all prophets and culminating with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By emphasizing "Islam and NOT Muhammadanism," we uphold the truth that Islam is the religion of Allah, not tied to any single prophet but encompassing the guidance given to all of humanity.

Answer: Sufism, or Tasawwuf, refers to the mystical and spiritual dimension that focuses on achieving closeness to God through inner purification, devotion, and love. It emphasizes introspection, self-discipline, and a direct connection with the Divine. While it is often associated with Islam, its origins and compatibility with Islamic teachings have been subjects of debate.

1. Origins of Sufism: Some argue that Sufism is rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his progeny). Others suggest that Sufism has borrowed elements from other traditions, such as:

• Christianity: Focus on love, asceticism, and renunciation of worldly desires.
• Hinduism: Concepts like meditation, detachment from material life, and the pursuit of unity with the Divine.
• Kharijite and Hasan Basri Connection: Some claim that early Sufis were influenced by the austere practices of the Kharijites or by Hasan Basri. While he is not widely regarded as a student of Imam Ali (peace be upon him).

2. Compatibility with Islam:

The central question is whether Sufism aligns with Islamic teachings. There are differing views: Proponents argue that Sufism embodies the essence of Islam by focusing on spiritual refinement, love for Allah, and sincere worship. They cite Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions encouraging inner purification, humility, and remembrance of Allah. Many scholars, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, integrated Sufi principles into mainstream Islamic thought.

Criticism of Sufism: Critics claim that some Sufi practices, such as venerating saints, seeking intercession, and engaging in rituals not prescribed in the Qur’an or Sunnah, deviate from pure Islamic monotheism (Tawhid). Additionally, elements influenced by other religions raise concerns about the authenticity of certain Sufi traditions. Therefore, they believe that it is not 100 per cent right path.

Answer: While both of these sects encompass a wide set of doctrines, at the core, the majority of Sunni and Shia Muslims share the same beliefs in the five pillars, oneness of God, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

The main division originates from the question of succession in leadership following the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS). Shias believe that the successors of the divine Messenger must be chosen by God and introduced by Holy Prophet. They claim that God has chosen 12 successors who have been introduced by the prophet (SAWAS) on several occasions, whereas Sunnis believe that the Muslim community is free to choose a leader. After the death of Prophet Muhammad, some people gathered in a place called “Saqifa” and selected Abu Bakr, as prophet’s successor while no one of the decedents of the  prophet was invited in that Saqifa meeting. Those who were loyal to the prophet and his household, rejected Abu Bakr’s leadership and followed Imam Ali, the prophet’s cousin as well as his son in law, as their first divine leader.

Today, unfortunately, Sunni sect of Islam has divided into many sects and hijacked by Wahhabism led by Saudi Arabia, while the Shia Muslims are comparatively, united and growing fast, due to their strong beliefs in divine leadership. Many Sunni Intellectuals are converting into Shia faith because of their intellectual and logical arguments across the globe. Especially, in the Middle east.

Currently, the Shia Muslims are holding the majority in Iran, Iraq, Yamen, Bahrain and Azerbaijan.

Answer: Shi'ism refers to a branch of Islam that follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) as interpreted and practiced by his family (Ahlul-Bayt), particularly twelve Imams who succeeded him First of them is Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the last of them is Imam Mehdi (peace be upon him). Shi'ism emphasizes the spiritual and political leadership of these Imams as divinely chosen and infallible guides for the Muslim community.

Origin of the Term "Shia": The word "Shia" is derived from the Arabic word Tashayyu’, which means "to follow" or "to support." It is used to describe those who are followers or supporters of a particular figure.

In the context of Shi'ism, it refers to the followers of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his descendants, who are considered the rightful leaders of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad.

Answer: Yes, the term "Shia" is mentioned in the Qur'an in its linguistic sense, meaning "followers" or "supporters." For example:

• "And indeed, among his Shias (followers) was Abraham." (Surah As-Saffat, 37:83)
  This verse refers to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) as a follower of the same path as Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him), illustrating the term’s use in the Qur’an.
• "But he who was of his Shia (followers) asked for his help against the one who was of his enemies." (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:15)
  This verse describes an incident involving Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), where a follower of his called for his assistance.

Answer: Shi'ism traces its roots to the early days of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) emphasized the unique role of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Numerous hadiths highlight the Prophet’s designation of Ali as his successor. For example:

• Naming of Shia by the Prophet:
  Renowned Sunni scholars, such as Allamah Ibn Hajar in As-Sawaiqul-Muhriqa and Allamah Ibn Athir in Nihaya, record the Prophet's words:
  "O Ali, verily thou wilt come in the presence of Allah, thou and thy Shias happily, and Allah will be pleased with you."
  This indicates that the term "Shia" was used by the Prophet himself to refer to the followers of Ali.

1. What is "Ithna-Ashari" (Twelver) Shi'ism?

Answer: The term "Ithna-Ashari" means "Twelvers" in Arabic. It refers to the largest branch of Shi'ism, which believes in twelve divinely appointed Imams who succeeded the Prophet Muhammad:

1. Imam Ali (peace be upon him)
2. Imam Hasan (peace be upon him)
3. Imam Husayn (peace be upon him)
4. Imam Ali Zainul Abidin (peace be upon him)
5. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him)
6. Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him)
7. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him)
8. Imam Ali ar-Ridha (peace be upon him)
9. Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (peace be upon him)
10. Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him)
11. Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)
12. Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), who is in occultation and will reappear to establish justice.

Answer: Many verses in the Quran present general principles and exceptions to these principles are clarified in other verses or in Hadiths. This is because the general rule usually applies to most cases, meaning that hardships often result from one's sins. However, according to reason and religious teachings, there are other factors that can also lead to hardships.

The "Tafsir-e-Namunah" commentary explains this verse by stating that although the verse appears to be general and all-encompassing, there are exceptions as usual. For example, the hardships faced by the Prophets and the infallible Imams were meant to elevate their spiritual status or to serve as a test. Similarly, the hardships encountered by non-infallible individuals can also serve as tests or result from their negligence, lack of caution, or failure to seek advice.

In other words, reconciling different Quranic verses and Hadiths indicates that the generality of this verse can be specified in certain cases.