The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 307
Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama'at, and Instructions 307 Names like Hanafi, Shafi'i, which people have ap- pointed for themselves, are all innovations. The Holy Prophetsa had only two names, Muhammad and Ahmadsa. . . . Mosesas described the Holy Prophetsa as Muhammadsa, for Mosesas himself was a manifesta- tion of glory. Jesusas described the Holy Prophets as Ahmad, for he himself was a manifestation of beauty. Since our community has been established for the manifestation of beauty and harmony, it has been named Ahmadī. [Malfūzāt, vol. 2, p. 208] The Need for Acquiring Knowledge and Using it Wisely The best way of holding religious discussions is not to criticize a religion foolishly but to put forward one's objections respectfully on the basis of the accepted and authentic books and writings of that religion. There should be no mockery or derision or insult and all discussion should be conducted wisely. Nor should such objections be raised against a religion with re- gard to which the objector's own faith is open to criticism. . . . Every research scholar can put forward objections pointing out the mistakes of doctrine of any sect in a reasonable and respectful manner. An effort should be made that all objections should be of a scholarly nature so that people may benefit from them, and it should not create any disorder or provo- cation. [Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, Rūķānī Khazā'in, vol. 13, pp. 15-16]