Written by Throughout history, wars have plagued human civilization, with their roots tracing back to the very dawn of humanity. From territorial disputes to political and economic interests, religious differences, and beyond, wars have been fought for a multitude of reasons (1). Yet, curiously, each new war is often waged with the intention of bringing an end to warfare altogether. Yet, despite this lofty ambition, the historical record clearly demonstrates that this objective has never been achieved. Regrettably, this reality continues to persist to this very day.
The term “A War to End All Wars” suggests that a single conflict could fundamentally change the world order and bring about lasting peace. However, complex social, economic, and political factors often drive wars. Therefore, for a war to truly end all wars, there needs to be a fundamental change in the underlying structures and systems that give rise to conflicts. This requires sustained effort and transformational change to promote a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (as), made a prediction regarding his community that, following numerous conflicts in the world, “I foresee my followers in Russia as numerous as the grains of sand” (2).
Thus, the Promised Messiah (as) prophesied of a third, even larger world war that would follow the second. This catastrophic conflict would erupt suddenly between two opposing camps, catching everyone off guard. The earth would be engulfed by deadly flames, and destruction would rain down from the sky. The modern civilization’s colossus would be reduced to rubble, and both communist and opposition blocks would perish. Russia and its allies on one side, and the U.S. and its cohorts on the other, would be destroyed, their might broken, civilization ruined, and their system shattered. The survivors would be left in shock and awe at the tragedy. However, the end of this catastrophic event would signify the dawn of the triumph of Islam. Russia would recover relatively quickly, with many people accepting Islam’s truth and acknowledging it as the only genuine religion. The message of Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Allah (sa), will be seen as the means to liberate humanity (3).
It is important to note that, like all prophecies, this warning can be delayed or even averted if humanity turns to its Lord, repents, and mends its ways. Divine wrath can be avoided by forsaking the false idols of wealth, power, and prestige, establishing a genuine relationship with God, refraining from all transgression, fulfilling one’s duty to God and humankind, and working for the welfare of humanity.
Continuing with the warnings, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih III (rh), explicitly cautioned superpowers about the grave outcomes of their actions. Failure to base the actions of two opposing power blocs on justice may lead to a devastating war that could become a war to end all wars.
Looking towards the future, the prophecies of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Promised Messiah (as), and his Khulafa present a clear picture.
“The Third Global catastrophe will mark the beginning of Islam’s worldwide dominance and power, culminating in the ultimate destruction of its foes. After this event, Islam will spread rapidly throughout the world, and many will embrace it in great numbers, recognizing it as the only true faith. It will become clear that only through Islam can mankind achieve salvation, as revealed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
These prophetic words were eloquently articulated by Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh) in a Friday Sermon in 1967 (4).
Islam’s propagation and triumph are not reliant on warfare, as its essence embodies peace. Rather, it is the misguided actions of humankind that lead to the afflictions of war and its consequential misery. Presently, the world’s dominant powers are increasingly disregarding the existence of the Almighty. Nonetheless, as evident throughout history, the fall of mighty nations often leads to their acknowledgment of the Divine. Prophesies indicate that the advent of Islam following a significant “earthquake” is imminent.
While Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba), works tirelessly towards establishing peace and extending prayers for peace, it is also his appointed responsibility to caution the world of the potential consequences if guidance from the divinely selected Khalifa is not heeded by the nations of the world.
During his visit to Japan in 2015, a country that has experienced the devastation of a nuclear holocaust, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba), expressed concerns over the ongoing global conflicts that have led to the suffering of innocent people. He emphasized that even though a Third World War has not been officially declared, the world is already engulfed in a global war that has resulted in widespread violence, torture, and oppression of men, women, and children. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always condemned all forms of cruelty and oppression, regardless of where they occur in the world, in line with the teachings of Islam, which call for speaking out against injustice and aiding those who are in need or suffering (5). Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has identified the problem of war and provided solutions to it. He believes that adherence to principles of justice is the key to averting wars.
Despite his efforts, one of the biggest challenges Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) faces is the entrenched interests of powerful countries and brokers who prioritize their interests over the greater good. Moreover, extremist groups and individuals remain resistant to peaceful solutions and opt for violence and terrorism to achieve their objectives. These obstacles emphasize the importance of continued efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and respect for human rights as essential components for achieving lasting peace.
Hazrat Masroor Ahmad (aba) has been widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to peace and his advocacy for values such as mutual respect, justice, and dialogue. However, the task of achieving lasting peace and preventing conflicts is complex and requires the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, religious leaders, civil society, and individuals.
Since the turn of the century, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has undertaken various activities, including delivering keynote addresses at parliaments worldwide, meeting with world leaders, and writing letters to several world leaders to promote peace. In his messages to world leaders, Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masih V (aba) acknowledges the current state of the world and the pressures and external factors that are pushing it closer to disaster. He emphasizes the need for peace and respect and the importance of promoting universal human rights (6). The annual National Peace Symposium, a key event of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, aims to deepen understanding of Islam and other faiths and inspires collective action for lasting peace.
Despite the challenges, achieving peace and preventing war is still possible with genuine commitment and concerted effort from all stakeholders. Efforts by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) to promote dialogue and understanding between different communities and religions can reduce tensions and build trust, which can significantly prevent conflicts. His emphasis on justice and fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion, can help address the root causes of conflicts and create a more just and equitable world.
It is important to note that justice and fairness are essential components of sustainable peace, and without them, any peace deal or agreement may not last. However, to achieve sustainable peace, we must acknowledge our human powerlessness and recognize that embracing the divine guidance of Allah is the key to securing our peace, progress, and happiness. This involves not only submitting to His sovereignty but also taking into consideration the rights of His creation.
While applying principles of absolute justice to every sphere of human activity may seem simple, the flaws of individuals and nations could improve its practical implementation. These flaws are driven by desire, unjust punishment, arrogance, and short-sightedness, which indicate a disregard for the afterlife. Therefore, humanity’s primary goal should be to prioritize justice to avoid chaos and misery. Divinely appointed leaders have outlined this path, and it is up to humanity to choose wisely. We must shift our focus away from false idols and turn toward our Creator or face the catastrophic consequences of A War to End all Wars.
References
- Charles Townshend (ed.), “The Oxford History of Modern War,” Oxford University Press, 2020.
- Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, “Tadhkira, “Appendix,” p. 1115, Islam International Publications Ltd., 2019.
- Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khutbat-e-Nasir, “Friday Sermon Oct 20, 1967,” Volume 1, pp. 932-933, Islam international publications, 2005, Urdu.
- Ibid, p. 934.
- Mirza Masroor Ahmad, “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace,” pp. 193-194, Islam International Publications Ltd., 2017.
- Ibid.
Last modified: March 2024
