If history doesn’t suit you, make it up! That seems to be AKM Moslem Ali’s rule of thumb — and it’s also a useful adage to bear in mind when you’re hearing about the tolerant, pluralistic Ottoman Empire or Al-Andalus. “Roman Pope of Prophet’s era and Benedict XVI – What difference ?” by AKM Moslem Ali in The New Nation of Bangladesh (thanks to DFS):
Pope is the Head of Roman Catholic Church and also Bishop of Rome. He is the spiritual leader of the Christian community of the world. Both the Roman Pope of the Prophetic era in the 7th century A.D. and the present Pope Benedict xvi of this 21st century are men of high esteem and regards to the billions of people on earth irrespective of caste or creed They belong to the cadre of the highest rank and file in the society.But where lies the difference in between them is the question in every body’s mind today,whether it is in their outlook, mentality or mind-set with regard to Islam and Mussalman ? Let us investigate.
After the conquest of Mekka, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) sent letters to all Heads of state, chieftains and religious leaders of the Jews and Christiansin and around Arab Peninsula and its beyond. One such letter written to the Roman Pope of the day, is given below. “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Peace be on him, who believes in Allah. I am of the faith that Isa (Jesus A.S.) son of Marian (Mary) was the spirit of Allah and His word! Allah infused him in the Pious Mariam.”
“I believe in Allah, all His Books and His Commands which he sent to Me and which He sent to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq and Yaqub (S.S.) and their descendants. I also believe in what was given to Musa nod Isa (A.S.) and other prophets by Allah! In faith and belief, we do not differentiate in accepting any of the prophets. We are Muslims (meaning obedient to Allah) Peace be on him who follows the guidance.”
Seal Allah’sProphet
Muhamma
Taken from,”Letters of the Holy Prophet (SWAWS)” Translated by: Sultan Ahmed Qureshi, International Islamic Publishers Karachi- Pakistan. (P.73)The Pope realized the inner meanings of the letter, and maintained a soft corner for the Prophet (S.W.A.S.). He convened a meeting in the Cathedral. While addressing the congregation, he disclosed the contents of the letter and testified that ” there is no God save Allah and that Muhammad (S.W.A.S.) is the servant and Prophet of Allah”. This declaration angered and infuriated the people who beat him to such an extent that he died. This people did not think or ponder about the message. They were swept away by their sentiment, false pride and vanity. For the crime of giving an witness to the Divine Truth reveled to Hazrat Mhammed (SAWS), the Roman Pope gave up his life.
Beyond parody.