The Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly the ongoing strife between Israel and Palestinian Hamas, has been a subject of global attention and concern. While many narratives have emerged to explain the situation, it’s crucial to understand that this is not a religious war between Muslims and Jews. This perspective is strongly supported by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a sect within Islam that advocates for peace, unity, and the sanctity of all human lives.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad, revered by Ahmadi Muslims, emphasize the importance of respecting all human life, regardless of religious or ethnic background. A poignant example is when Prophet Muhammad stood up to express his condolences upon seeing a group of Jewish people carrying a deceased man to the cemetery. When questioned about his actions, the Prophet responded, “Was not the Jewish man a human being?” This principle serves as a cornerstone for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s stance on the Middle East conflict.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community unequivocally condemns any form of violence against civilians. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the spiritual Caliph and world leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has stated that even in a state of war, Islam does not permit the killing of women, children, the elderly, and innocent civilians. He emphasized that if there is a legitimate state of war, it must be confined entirely to the respective armies and never against innocent civilians.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also warns against the misuse of religious terminology to justify violence. Phrases like “Allahu Akbar” (“God is the Greatest”) are often misused to legitimize acts of terror. However, in the Ahmadiyya Muslim perspective, this phrase is a call for peace, harmony, and unity. The word “Jihad” often associated with holy war, is understood within this community as one’s own struggle against evil.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s perspective on the Middle East conflict is rooted in the teachings of Islam that advocate for peace, respect for human life, and the responsible use of religious terminology. While the conflict continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember that at its core, it should not be seen as a religious war but rather a complex issue that requires nuanced understanding and dialogue.
