Editorial

‘If one desires to investigate with an open mind the root cause of all evils, whether social, political, economic, or moral, one will always find that the disregard for justice lies at the heart of all such evils.’ (Hadhrat Mirza Ta h i r A h m a d( r u ), 1996) The author continues to say : ‘If man is not just in his obligations to God, then it is quite unlikely that he will be just to his fellow human beings – the creation of God.’ In his book Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship, the author explains that it is the principle of absolute justice that forms the very foundation of life. This point is elaborated in this m o n t h ’s article ‘Promoting Peace’, delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V to a multi- faith audience. As he explains, ‘In my opinion, one of the most important reasons for unrest in the world is that man has stopped following the commandments or guidance of God or has begun to interpret these teachings in his own self- made meanings. The commands of God are very simple, that one should worship Him and take care of o n e ’s fellow human beings.’ Indeed this sense of compassion should be so great that even if one has been subjected to cruelty and then the chance for revenge arises, compassion should outweigh the desire for revenge. It is the fear of God that leads people to act righteously and to uphold justice even if it means that they will alienate their friends and family. 2 The Review of Religions – April 2005 By Sarah Waseem EDITORIAL Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad( r u ) also refers to another cause of injustice when he quotes the following verse from the Holy Q u r’ a n : The heavens might well-nigh burst thereat, and the eart h cleave asunder, and the mountains fall down in pieces, because they ascribe a son to the Gracious God. (Ch. 19:Vs.91-92) He writes, ‘The Christian doctrine of Trinity is a gross example of the injustice of man in his relation to God.’ He writes that the concept of trinity creates splits in the person of God, which can in turn lead to splits in other areas of life. So although Christians refer to the Unity of God, the concept of Trinity is actually a form of idolatry. The author writes: ‘the displeasure of God will manifest itself in the form of great global turmoil. It would split people and people and nation and nation.’ (1996). The issues concerning the divinity of Jesus( a s ) are explored further in an article by the Promised Messiah( a s ) from a 1903 edition of The Review of R e l i g i o n s entitled ‘The Tomb of Jesus’. In it the Promised M e s s i a h( a s ) reviews the evidence that Jesus( a s ) could not have died on the Cross and risen to Heaven. Indeed had he been caused to die and then been raised again, it would have been an injustice to the purpose of his mission. To ensure justice in the world, individuals must first re- establish their relationship with God and then with their fellow human beings. This is the only way that the process of reducing further turmoil and suffering in the world can begin. 3 EDITORIAL The Review of Religions – April 2005