25 August 1898
Present-Day Persian
On the morning of 25th August while discussing the Persian language, the honourable Maulvi Abdul-Karim Sahib of Sialkot said: ‘Nowadays, the Iranians have directed their attention heavily to the writing of literature. They have begun to use Arabic words so abundantly that except for connecting words, the actual usage of Persian vocabulary has fallen drastically. They have begun to use words in the measure of the Arabic forms mufa’alah, infi’al, istif ’al, etc., so greatly that one’s mind is left astonished.’ At this, the Promised Messiah(as) said: ‘In earlier times the word fehmidan, etc., was in common usage. But today, this word is rarely used.’ Maulana Abdul-Karim Sahib humbly submitted: ‘These days, they simply say mufahamah, tafhim, etc.’
The Breadth of the Arabic Language and the Support of Islam
In the context of this discussion, the Promised Messiah(as) went on to say: ‘The Arabic language is immensely vast and contains all kinds of terminology. Written works are being produced so abundantly that only God has a knowledge of their number. Simply take the example of the Hadith. No one can claim confidently that they have seen all the books which relate to the science of Hadith.’
After this, Maulana Abdul-Karim Sahib stated during the course of discussion: ‘Just recently, Maulvi Sahib (i.e. Respected Maulvi Nur-ud-Din Sahib, may the Lord protect him) has received a list of the books from the Khadawiyyah Library in Egypt, which extends over seven volumes. The list has been compiled in a manner that it is enjoyable to just read through it. The books have been numbered systematically in such a manner that even a person who has not visited the library before can walk in and locate precisely where a certain book is placed, provided that they have read through the list at least once.’
At this, the Promised Messiah(as) inquired: ‘Can these books be issued?’ Maulvi Sahib responded: ‘Yes, these libraries place no such restriction; books can be copied as well, etc.’
Then, our Noble Leader, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, said: ‘How abundantly has God Almighty supported Islam. If any foolish person were to deny the divine succour furnished in favour of Islam, they would have to accept that God has never supported anyone in the world before. For a language to be so vast in its scope, and then for so many written works to be produced in that language, is a means of support for Islam, for this actually supports the Holy Quran. Whenever a lexicographer defines an Arabic word, if the word has appeared in the Holy Quran, they have always written the relevant verse as well.’
At this, Maulana Abdul-Karim Sahib said: ‘Lisan-ul-Arab has adhered to this practice strictly.’ Then, the Promised Messiah(as) stated in the course of his discourse: ‘Languages such as Sanskrit and others have almost died away. Neither is written work produced in those languages, nor anything else. So too is the case of the Christians, who have paid no attention to maintaining their Gospel in its original language.’
The Spiritual Revolution Brought About by Islam
In the context of this discussion, the Promised Messiah(as) stated: I am surprised then why people take issue with Islam. The God of Islam is not an artificially contrived God, rather He is the same Powerful God that has existed since eternity. In addition, reflect over the purpose of prophethood. Firstly, the Messengers appeared at a time of need and then they fulfilled that need in the best possible manner. This pride also is reserved for none other than our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The state of Arabia and the world in general at the advent of the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is not hidden to anyone. The people of that time were barbarians who knew nothing but eating and drinking. They were ignorant of the rights due to their fellow man and oblivious of the rights due to Allah. In one instance, God Almighty presents an illustration of their state by saying: 1
(They eat even as the cattle eat). But then the teaching of the Holy Messenger(sa) influenced them so impressively that their state become such that 2
, that is to say, they would spend their nights in the remembrance of their Lord, prostrating before Him and standing in His presence. My goodness! How magnificent is the superiority of the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him! It was through him that an unparalleled revolution and a magnificent transformation was brought about. He established the rights owed to humankind and the rights due to Allah in perfect balance. He transformed a lifeless people that consumed carrion into a pure and living nation of the highest degree.
There are only two forms of excellence: intellectual and practical. As far as their practical state is concerned, this is described in the words 3
. Then, their intellectual state may be gauged by the fact that the abundant stream of written works which have been produced by them, and the ongoing service rendered to expand the language, continues in an unparalleled manner.
On the other hand, when I look at the Christians, I am only astonished. For what success did the disciples attain due to their adhering to the Christian faith? Judas Iscariot, the treasurer of Christ, would sometimes misappropriate funds, and everyone already knows that he had his teacher apprehended for thirtypieces of silver. Christ’s pouch would remain filled with a sum of 2,000 in the currency of that time. On one hand we have this example, but in contrast, when the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was about to leave this world, he inquired whether there was anything in the home. Respected Ayeshah Siddiqah, may Allah be pleased with her, said that they had one dinar, to which the Holy Prophet(sa) responded: ‘Distribute it, for how is it possible that the Messenger of Allah moves on to meet his Lord leaving behind one dinar in his own home.’
I am amazed that the Christians are strong proponents of philosophy, but God knows where has this philosophy disappeared to when it comes to matters of doctrine. Just look at the Atonement; it may be likened to a mythical animal. What has the Atonement brought about? If intellectual arguments are put to one side, this concept neither reformed the disciples at an intellectual level, nor in the practical sense. As far as intellectual reform is concerned, the Gospel clearly establishes that they were of rudimentary intelligence, undiscerning and greedy. The degree to which they were reformed practically has also been illustrated in the Gospel; while a certain person curses Christ, there is another who had him arrested for thirty pieces of silver, and what to talk of other sins. Darkness and gloom begin in this very world, just as Allah the Exalted states:
Now cast a glance upon the disciples of Christ, and think about whether any change took place in their persons. When an individual is purged of sin, this enlightens them and grants them insight, yet the disciples are bereft in this regard. Then what purpose was served by the Atonement?5
