Editorial

EDITORIAL Mecca Tragedy For the first time in the history of Islam, the sanctity of the Haj was marred by the tragic incident that happened at Mecca leaving a trail of blood in the holy city. Whatever cause would be established, whosoever was responsible for this bloodshed, the fact remains that such an ugly incident took place in the vicinity of the Ka’aba, the heart throb of every Muslim. It was proof of growing hostility and intolerance within the Muslim world today. It was a great tragedy which has befallen the Muslim Ummah. Haj (Pilgrimage) has always been regarded as a cementing force for the Muslims of the world rather than a religious ritual. The unpleasant scenes which were witnessed on Friday, 31st July, 1987, were, no doubt, a grave catastrophe. While the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was gathering in Islamabad, Tilford, UK, to promote Islamic values, to renew its pledge to assert the supremacy of Islam, and to establish fraternity and love among different nations and people, the news was pouring in from Mecca about the despicable behaviour of some of our brother Muslims. Those responsible ignored the very message of Islam. They forgot, completely, the exhortations ofthe holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) on the occasion of his last pilgrimage: “Even as this month is sacred, this land inviolate, and this day holy, so has God made the lives, property and honour of every man sacred. To take any man’s life or his property, or attack his honour, is as unjust and wrong as to violate the sacredness of this day, this month, and this territory. What I command you today is not meant only for today. It is meant for all time. You are expected to remember it and to act upon it until you leave this world and go to the next to meet your Maker.” Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Community in Islam, has touched the vibrant chords of our heart when he observed: “Disregarding who is responsible for the tragic incident in the holy city of Mecca, we are deeply shocked at the loss of life of Muslim brethren. Such action defames the fair name of Islam. We condemn in strongest possible terms the disgraceful events which resulted in this tragedy. Mecca and Medina are places holy to all of us and their love and reverence are ingrained in our souls. We pray to Allah that the sanctity and security of these holy places be maintained and ensured and the authorities in Muslim States rise above political or personal considerations and ensure that such incidents are not repeated so that the world of Islam becomes a haven of peace and security. Amen.”