Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Rt. Hon. David Cameron
10 Downing Street, London
SW1A 2AA
United Kingdom
15 April 2012
Dear Prime Minister,
In light of the perilous and precarious circumstances that the world is currently passing through, I felt it necessary to write to you. As the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, you have the authority to make decisions that will affect the future of your country, and the world at large. Today, the world stands in dire need of peace because the sparks of war can be seen all around the world. Conflicts between countries on a small-scale are threatening to erupt into a global conflict. We observe that the situation of the world today is similar to the situation in 1932, both economically and politically. There are many other similarities and parallels, which when combined together, form the same image today that was witnessed just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. If these sparks ever truly ignite, we will witness the terrifying scenario of a Third World War. With numerous countries, large and small, possessing nuclear weapons, such a war would undoubtedly involve atomic warfare. The weapons available today are so destructive that they could lead to generation after generation of children being born with severe genetic or physical defects. Japan is the one country to have experienced the abhorrent consequences of atomic warfare, when it was attacked by nuclear bombs during the Second World War, annihilating two of its cities. Yet the nuclear bombs that were used at that time and which caused widespread devastation, were much less powerful than the atomic weapons that are possessed by even certain small nations today. Therefore, it is the duty of the superpowers to sit down together to find a solution to save humanity from the brink of disaster.
What causes great fear is the knowledge that the nuclear weapons in smaller countries could end up in the hands of trigger-happy people who either do not have the ability, or who choose not to think about the consequences of their actions. If the major powers do not act with justice, do not eliminate the frustrations of smaller nations and do not adopt great and wise policies, then the situation will spiral out of all control and the destruction that will follow is beyond our comprehension and imagination. Even the majority of the world’s population who do desire peace will also become engulfed by this devastation.
Thus, it is my ardent wish and prayer that you and the leaders of all major nations come to understand this dreadful reality, and so instead of adopting aggressive policies and utilising force to achieve your aims and objectives, you should strive to adopt policies that promote and secure justice.
If we look at the recent past, Britain ruled over many countries and left behind a high standard of justice and religious freedom, especially in the Sub-Continent of India and Pakistan. When the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community congratulated Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, on her Diamond Jubilee and conveyed to her the message of Islam, he especially prayed for God to generously reward the British Government due to the manner in which it governed justly and with equity. He greatly praised the British Government for its just policies and for granting religious freedom. In today’s world, the British Government no longer rules over the Sub-Continent, but still principles of freedom of religion are deeply entrenched in British society and its laws, through which every person is granted religious freedom and equal rights. This year the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, is being celebrated, which gives Britain an opportunity to demonstrate its standards of justice and honesty to the world. The history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community demonstrates that we have always acknowledged this justice whenever displayed by Britain and we hope that in future also, justice will remain a defining characteristic of the British Government, not only in religious matters, but in every respect that you will never forget the good qualities of your nation from the past and that in the current world situation, Britain will play its role in establishing peace worldwide.
It is my request that at every level and in every direction we must try our level best to extinguish the flames of hatred. Only if we are successful in this effort, will we be enabled to guarantee brighter futures for our generations to come. However, if we fail in this task, there should be no doubt in our minds that as result of nuclear warfare, our future generations everywhere will have to bear the horrific consequences of our actions and they will never forgive their elders for leading the world into a global catastrophe. I again remind you that Britain is also one of those countries that can and does exert influence in the developed world as well as in developing countries. You can guide this world, if you so desire, by fulfilling the requirements of equity and justice. Thus, Britain and other major powers should play their role towards establishing world peace. May God the Almighty enable you and other world leaders to understand this message.
With best wishes and with prayers,
Yours Sincerely,
MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD
Khalifatul Masih V
Head of the worldwide
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community