Our world is increasingly dominated by mutual competition, mistrust, and a constant quest for supremacy between superpowers, often wielding influence with reckless disregard. Russia's recent decision to lower the threshold for a nuclear attack, coupled with the continued US policy of allowing first use of nuclear weapons in “extreme circumstances”, risks escalating these tensions.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of absolute justice and fairness in leadership, and believe that power is a divine trust and promotes harmony and peace. Instead, we are seeing countries put their own interests ahead of the world's welfare, deepening inequality and disharmony. His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Community, has long warned that the severity of the situation could lead to World War III at any time, and that it has already begun on a small scale.
To avert disaster, world leaders must embrace justice and responsibility. This includes fair policies, de-escalation of conflicts, and restoring trust in international institutions such as the United Nations as neutral mediators. The possibility of an impending nuclear war should serve as a wake-up call. History warns that if world powers fail to prioritize peace and humanity over domination, even the most powerful empires will inevitably collapse. Only through mutual respect and a commitment to absolute justice can we hope to secure a future free from the shadow of destruction.
Malik Fraz Ahmad, Durham University (from Bradford)
