14 January 1898

Remember the Hereafter

The Promised Messiah(as) said: It is incumbent for people to remember the hereafter. One ought to be fearful before punishment arrives.

A man who keeps their sights set on the hereafter is fortunate.

Observe how the people of Lot(as) and others faced their end. It is essential that even if a person is hard-hearted, they ought to admonish it and teach it to be humble and meek. This is necessary for our community more than all others because they receive fresh insight in matters divine. If an individual claims that they are blessed with divine understanding, but they do not act upon it, then such claims are nothing but mere boasting and bragging. Therefore, our community must not become heedless on account of the negligence of others, nor allow their love to cool on account of the lack of passion in others. An individual harbours many desires. Who has knowledge of the hidden matters of destiny and decree? Life never moves in parallel with one’s wishes. A person’s longings are one thing, but the design of fate and destiny is quite another, and it is this phenomenon which is true to life. Bear in mind that the circumstances of a person’s life are in the knowledge of God Almighty. Who knows what life has in store for them? This is why an individual must constantly awaken their heart to make it vigilant. The Promised Messiah(as) said: It is a pity that although afflictions have become widespread, the arrogance and pride that consumes the people has not diminished. I truthfully say that they will not be dispelled until the obstinacy and prejudice of the people is removed. I observe that people are not fully prepared to reconcile with God Almighty. During the period of famine, the people remained unmoved. In earlier times, a religious edict issued from Mecca or Medina would frighten the people. When someone would say that an edict had been issued from Mecca, people would become awe-inspired, but now even the calamities of the present day do not inspire them in the least. It is my opinion that until people turn to God completely, divine decree will never change. Allah the Almighty states:

1
Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.2