9 September 1900

An Exhortation to Remain Patient

His Holiness (as) delivered a most exquisite address prior to the Zuhr Prayer and addressed Maulana Abdul-Karim Sahib (ra) in the following words: “Whatever is happening at this time is in accordance with the will of God. It was necessary for these people to set a seal with their own hands on the truth of those signs which foretold that when the Promised Mahdi appears, there would be a great uproar, and the Promised Mahdi would be deemed a disbeliever who forges doctrines that are at odds with their predecessors and forefathers. At this time, our friends ought to show patience just as our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his companions demonstrated while they were in Mecca, the Great. They did not commit any action that would make them guilty in the eyes of the ruling authorities. At this time, do not depend on anyone and entertain the thought that such and such person will help us. Remember that in this hour, we have no friend or helper except for God, the Lord of Glory and Greatness.”1

The Outcome of Warring With Saints

A certain individual brought a lengthy announcement published by some Sheikh Abdur-Rahman of Kashmiri Bazar to His Holiness (as). On this, the Promised Messiah (as) said: “Now, these people fail to understand my words. In reality, until light descends from heaven and bestows understanding upon their hearts, neither can anyone make them understand, nor can they understand themselves. These are days of trial.”

Then the Promised Messiah (as) said: “How true it is that to war with the saints of God Almighty results not only in a loss of faith, but also a loss of sense. At present, everyone repeats the same thing, and many letters from various places are being received, stating that since Mehr Shah accepted all of Mirza Sahib’s conditions, why then did I not come forth to contend against him? Goodness gracious! A storm of insolence rages on and no one stops to reflect on the actual fact of the matter.”2