Her Excellency
Chancellor of Germany
Angela Merkel
Bundeskanzleramt
Willy-Brandt-Str.1
10557 Berlin
15 April 2012
Dear Chancellor,
In light of the alarming and extremely worrying state of affairs in the world today, I considered it necessary to write to you. As the Chancellor of Germany, a country which has significant power and influence in the world, you have the authority to make decisions that will affect your country and the entire world. Today, when the world is becoming divided into blocs, extremism is escalating and the financial, political and economic situation is worsening, there is an urgent need to extinguish all kinds of hatred and to lay the foundation for peace. This can only be achieved by respecting all of the sentiments of each and every person. However, as this is not being implemented properly, honestly and with virtue, the world situation is rapidly spiralling out of control. We observe that the requirements of justice are not being fulfilled by most nations, and as a result, the foundation for another World War has already been laid. Numerous countries, both large and small, now possess nuclear weapons. Thus, if a World War now breaks out, it is likely that it will not be fought with conventional weapons; rather, it will be fought with atomic weapons. The destruction that will result from a nuclear conflict will be utterly devastating. Its effects will not be limited to only the immediate aftermath; rather future generations will suffer from the long-term effects and will be born with serious medical and genetic defects.
Thus, it is my belief that to establish world peace, true justice is required, and the sentiments and the religious practices of all people should be honoured. I appreciate that many Western countries have generously permitted the people of poor or under-developed nations to settle in their respective countries, amongst whom are Muslims as well. Undoubtedly, there is a minority of so-called Muslims who act completely inappropriately and create distrust in the hearts of the people of the Western nations. However, it should be clear that their acts have no link with Islam whatsoever. Such extremists do not truly love the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who brought a message of peace, love and reconciliation to the world. Indeed, the actions of just a handful of misguided people should not be used as a basis to raise objections against our religion and to hurt the sentiments of the majority of sincere and innocent Muslims. Peace in society is a two-way process and can only be established if all parties work together towards mutual reconciliation. Due to the mistrust in the hearts of the people in the West, instead of relationships between nations and people improving, the reaction of some non-Muslims is getting worse by the day and is creating a chasm between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.
We observe that on the basis of the misguided acts of certain Muslim groups and nations, the vested interests of some of the major powers are given preference to honesty and justice. Some of the powerful countries of the world desire to maintain easy access to the wealth and resources of certain countries and wish to avoid competing countries from having complete access to these same resources. That is why decisions are often made on the basis of helping people, or establishing world peace. Further, a major factor underlying the current political circumstances in the world is the economic downturn, which is pulling us towards another World War. If truth was truly being exhibited then some of these countries would derive benefit from each other in a just manner, by forming proper industrial and economic ties, based on fair dealings. They would not try to derive illegitimate benefit from the resources of one another, but instead would seek to come together and mutually assist one another. In short, the disorder prevalent in the world today is based upon one overriding factor, and that is a complete lack of justice, which is causing widespread anxiety and restlessness.
Thus, it is my request that strive to your utmost to prevent a World War from breaking out. Utilise all your energy, resources and influence to save the world from the horrific destruction that looms before us. According to reports, Germany will be providing three advanced submarines to Israel which could be armed with nuclear weapons. One German Professor has stated that such a decision will only serve to flare up the already heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. We must remember that nuclear weapons are not possessed by only the major powers of the world; rather, even relatively smaller countries now possess nuclear weapons. What is worrying is that in some of these small countries the leaders are trigger-happy, and appear unconcerned of the consequences of using such weapons. Therefore, once again, it is my humble request to you that try your level best to establish world peace. If we fail in this task there should be no doubt in our minds that a nuclear conflict will cause devastation that will lead to generation after generation being born with defects, and who will never forgive their elders for leading us into a global catastrophe. May God the Almighty enable you, and all 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