Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk Fath-e-Nawaz Jang Syed Mahdi Husain Sahib, Bar at Law, who was a trustee of Aligarh College, came to visit His Holiness (as) with immense joy and sincerity. The Promised Messiah (as) delivered the following address: “Each and every step that is taken on the path of rectitude, and in search of the truth, is blessed with a great reward. However, the realm of spiritual reward is hidden and cannot be seen by the physical eye.
The fact of the matter is that despite being manifest, Allah Almighty is the most hidden and concealed; one of His names is Al-Ghayb (the Unseen). In the same manner, belief in the unseen is also an aspect of faith which, although beyond the physical eyes, becomes manifest through the practical state of an individual. At present, belief in the unseen has become extremely weak. If people truly believed in God, why do they not possess a thirst for truth and rectitude, which is the hallmark of faith?
It is faith which moves a person to bear hardships on the path of God, and to become fully prepared to endure trials and tribulations in His cause. Faith is a power that grants one true courage and resolve. This example can be found in the lives of the noble companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them. When they accepted the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, what gave them the hope of receiving spiritual reward for joining a seemingly weak and helpless man? All that a worldly eye could see was that after joining this one man, all the surrounding peoples became enemies. As far as this community was concerned, it was inevitable that a mountain of hardships and afflictions would fall upon them and crush them, and they would perish. But these people possessed another eye as well, which saw these trials and tribulations as though they were nothing, and which made them feel that it was a means of pleasure and tranquillity to die in this cause. This eye saw what was completely hidden and imperceptible by the eyes of those who viewed the apparent. This was the eye of faith and the power of faith, which made all this pain and suffering seem insignificant. Ultimately, it was faith that prevailed. Indeed, it was a miracle of faith that he who was the target of ridicule, and who was deemed weak and helpless, raised—through the power of faith—this community of followers to remarkable heights. That spiritual reward, which was hidden initially, later became so manifest that the world witnessed it and was able to perceive that it was indeed the fruit of their faith. It was by the gift of faith that the community of the companions did not tire, nor lose strength. In fact, moved by the power of faith, they made the greatest, most magnificent achievements; and after all this, they would say that they had not done as much as they should have. Faith granted the companions such strength that putting forward their necks and laying down their lives was insignificant, and all this at a time when the Muslims were yet to see any concrete results. Just observe the kinds of hardship and affliction that the Muslims endured at the hands of their enemies merely for proclaiming:
لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّااللّٰہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ
There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
There was a time when laying forth one’s head to be slaughtered seemed insignificant. Yet, now we are in an era where people have fallen so weak in the strength of their faith that even though our opponents do not subject us to such torments, even though we live under the shade of a just government, even though the ruling power does not interfere in our religious obligations, even though every facility is available for the acquisition of religious knowledge, even though there is no actual difficulty in fulfilling the tenets of our religion, even one prostration in Prayer seems a heavy burden on the people. Reflect! On the one hand, there are people whose heads were severed, while here all that is required is one prostration. This clearly demonstrates the extent to which the people’s faith has deteriorated.
People are negligent, even though the observance of Prayer and performing ablution carries medical benefits as well. Physicians say that if every day a person did not wash their face, this would cause ophthalmia (an inflammation of the eye—Editor) and this is a precursor to cataract. This results in many other ailments as well. Tell me, why does it feel like the end of the world for people to perform ablution? Anyone can see the excellence in this practice. In the ablution, a person must rinse their mouth with water and they must brush their teeth; this expels foul odour from the mouth and strengthens the teeth, which in turn enables one to properly chew their food so that it may be easily digested. Then, one is required to clean their nose. When a foul smell enters the nasal passages, this disturbs the mind. Now do tell me, what is so unacceptable about this? After this, they take their needs before Allah Almighty and receive an opportunity to submit their requests to Him. During this time one has ample opportunity to make their supplications. At most, it takes one hour to offer the Prayer; although some Prayers take less than fifteen minutes. It is astonishing then that the offering of Prayer is considered to be a waste of time, even though it possesses such merits and benefits. Even if the entire day and night are wasted away in vain and useless things, or in sport and merriment, this is regarded as being occupied. If the people possessed strong faith—rather, strong faith aside, if they possessed any faith at all, why would this be their condition and why would matters reach such a plight?
The state of the people’s faith has deteriorated immensely. Yet, the individual who desires to make the people realise this weakness and cure it, and the one who tells them of a path by which they can receive strength and courage from God, is labelled a disbeliever and Antichrist. I say that if the people cannot accept with certainty that faith bears fruit, then in the least, let them suppose it. Even assumed propositions lead to great and significant outcomes. Just observe how the entire foundation of Euclid is based on a set of initial axioms; thus, even assumptions are remarkably beneficial. Many important and fundamental sciences are based initially on hypotheses. Now, if the people had accepted faith even on the basis of assumption, I am certain that they would not have remained deprived of belief completely. However, the state of affairs in this era is that they consider faith to be something that is wholly meaningless.
Once again, I present the state of the companions as an example and say that they believed in the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and demonstrated through their practical example that they witnessed with their eyes—indeed, with their eyes—that God Who is the most unseen of all beings, and Who is hidden and veiled from the sight of those who worship falsehood. Otherwise, do tell me, why did they not care even slightly for the fact that they were compelled to leave their people, abandon their homeland, forsake their properties and sever ties with their friends and relatives? It was nothing other than trust in God alone. It was through trust in God that they were able to accomplish feats which fill a person with astonishment and wonder when passing through the pages of history. The companions possessed faith, and faith alone. In contrast, they were confronted by the schemes and designs of worldly people, along with their utmost endeavours and intense efforts, yet their opponents could not prevail over them. The opposition was greater in number, supporters, wealth and in everything else, but they were devoid of faith. It was due to their lacking this one aspect—faith—that they perished without attaining success. The companions, on the other hand, won over everything due to the strength of their faith. They heard the voice of a man who was brought up without a formal education, as one unlettered, but he was renowned for his truth, honesty and righteousness. When he announced that he had come from Allah Almighty, they joined him at once, and followed him madly. I reiterate once more that it was only one thing that transformed the state of the companions, and it was faith. Remember! Faith in God is a magnificent quality.
The British and other western nations in general are occupied in worldly investigations and objectives. Initially, they begin their work on the basis of a presumed and supposed hope. Hundreds of lives are wasted and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of rupees, are spent and exhausted in this cause. Ultimately, they do find some truth. Then, how unfortunate and surprising is it that people say one cannot find God. Who has ever made an effort, and striven in this cause, and then not found God? God can be found, and very quickly at that, but where are those who seek Him?
If someone were to raise the allegation that God does not exist, I would say that this is absolutely absurd; nothing could be more foolish and ignorant than to deny the existence of God. Worldly courts issue a verdict even if there are two witnesses; in fact, a few witnesses are enough for the courts to issue a verdict against something as valuable as life itself, and people are hung. This is despite the fact that fabrication and conspiracy in the matter of witnesses is not just some imaginary risk; there are actual cases of this as well. Yet, when it comes to God, the testimony of thousands, in fact, hundreds of thousands of people who are categorically recognised in their own nation and country as being righteous and of good character, is deemed insufficient. What could be more asinine and obstinate? Hundreds of thousands from among the holy bear witness, and have demonstrated through their practical example, and written testimony with the blood of their heart that God most definitely exists. After all this, anyone still in denial is foolish.
Such people are strange indeed. Anyone who gives a view on a certain matter, must have knowledge of the subject under discussion. A person who is uneducated in the subject at hand also does not have the right to advance a view in that regard; and if they did, would people not consider them to be extremely foolish and unwise? Of course they would. In fact, other intellectuals in the field would put them to shame by saying: ‘You foolish person, when you have no knowledge in this field, how can you put forth a view on this subject?’ Similarly, those who say that God does not exist, what right do they have to give a view on this, when they have no knowledge of matters divine, and they have never made a struggle in this field.
Indeed, they would have the right to make this assertion only if they had first made a positive effort to search for the truth and find God in the method taught by the godly. If after this, they were unable to find God, they would have been justified in saying that God does not exist. But when these people have made no effort or struggle on this path, they do not have the right to reject the existence of God.
In short, God does exist, and the more one increases in their belief of Him, the more strength they receive and the more they are able to behold this immensely hidden Being, until finally, one is able to see Him openly and manifestly. Then, this strength grows day after day. It is this very objective that the world ought to seek, but in today’s world, these powers have become weak.
This strength of faith that was brought by Islam has now become extremely weak. Generally, Muslims have also felt that they have lost strength. If this were not the case, why are gatherings and events being held so often, and why are new associations being formed so abundantly, which claim that they are working to advocate and support Islam. I am disappointed when I hear these people chanting slogans for the nation and singing songs promoting national progress in their gatherings. Someone ought to tell me, in earlier times, was our nation built by following in the footsteps of Europe? Did our people attain all of their successes by following in the footsteps of Western nations? If it is proven that indeed, this is how progress was attained in the past, then it would undoubtedly be a sin if we did not follow in the footsteps of the Europeans. But if this cannot be proven, and surely, it cannot, then how grave an injustice that the nation should follow a materialistic people, and abandon the principles of Islam and forsake the Quran, which transformed savages into humans, and then humans into godly people. Those who wish to see Islam in a better state, as a living Faith, by making the Western world their ideal, cannot succeed. Only those will succeed who follow the Holy Quran.
Success is impossible and inconceivable if one forsakes the Quran. These people are pursuing an imaginary hope in search of success. Keep the examples of the companions before you. When the companions followed the Prophet of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and gave precedence to religion over worldly affairs, all of the promises made to them by Allah Almighty were fulfilled. Initially, the opponents would mock the companions and say that those who cannot even leave their homes with freedom claim that they shall be given kingdoms. However, when the companions lost themselves in obedience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they attained all that of which they were long deprived. They loved the Holy Quran and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and strove to obey and follow him, day and night. They would not even follow the disbelievers in their customs and traditions. As long as Islam remained in this state, it enjoyed an era of prosperity and success. The secret in this was:
خدا داری چہ غم داری
When God is yours, how can you suffer any grief?
The key to the victories and triumphs of the Muslims was faith as well. Salah-ud-Din was confronted by a swarm of attacks, but to the very end, no one was able to defeat him. His intention was to serve Islam. Hence, for a period in time, this era prevailed. However, when Muslim kings began to follow a course of sin and impiety, the wrath of Allah Almighty struck them, and gradually they began to suffer such a decline that now you can see the current state of affairs. In my view, the people’s assessment of this malady is one with which I disagree. Further, the remedy that is proposed to cure this disease will prove even more dangerously harmful. Until Muslims turn to the Holy Quran, they will not develop true faith, they will not become healthy. Honour and success will only be attained on the path from which it was achieved in previous times.
My purpose is not to suggest that Muslims ought to become indolent. Islam does not make anyone slothful. You ought to engage in business and employment as well, but I do not approve that you should have no time at all for God. When it is time to engage in business, engage in business; but even then, keep the fear and awe of Allah Almighty in view so that even your businesses become a form of worship. When it is time for the Prayer, do not miss your Prayer. In every situation, whatever it may be, give precedence to religion. Let not the world itself become your objective; instead, religion ought to be the actual objective that you seek. When this becomes your way, even your worldly engagements will be deemed religious. Look at the companions—even in the most trying times, they did not forsake God. At a time of war, when the sword is drawn, one is faced with such danger that even the mere thought of this makes one anxious. This is a time of passion and anger, but even in this state, the companions never turned away from God; they did not miss their Prayers. In fact, they remained engaged in supplication. The unfortunate thing now is that Muslims exert efforts in every other way; they deliver eloquent speeches, they hold conventions in order to further the progress of the Muslims, but they are so negligent of God that they do not turn to Him even by mistake. When this is the state of the Muslims, how can they hope that their efforts will bear fruit, when all of them are so materialistic?
Remember! Until the words لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) saturate our heart and soul, and until every particle of our being is not illuminated and ruled by Islam, progress can never be attained. If you present the example of the Western nations and say that they are advancing, then remember that they are a different case. You have been given a Book and the truth has been conveyed and clarified to you completely. As I have said, they are a different case and shall be called to account on another day. If you, however, abandon the Book of Allah, your hell will be waiting for you here on earth.
In the current climate, there are associations and conferences held in order to improve the state of the Muslims in almost every city. But none of Islam’s advocates say that Muslims should make the Quran their guiding star. Follow the Quran. All that these people say is that you should study English, establish colleges and become barristers. This demonstrates that these people do not have faith in God. If an experienced physician sees that his medicine is not proving effective after ten days or so, he stops administering that particular medicine. Here, Muslims are met with failure upon failure, but they do not give up their methods. If there is no God, then Muslims can abandon Him and surely succeed, but when God most definitely exists, Muslims will never be able to attain success if they forsake Him. They dishonour God, they disrespect His Book, and then they wish to be successful and create a nation? Never will they succeed.
My view is nothing but the obvious. There is only one path to success and it is to recognise God and to develop a living faith in Him. If I were to say these things in a gathering of these materialists, they would mock me, but I pity them. It is unfortunate that such people cannot see what I can see. God Almighty has given you an opportunity to have made such a long journey to come here and you have suffered the difficulties that any journey entails. I believe that if you had not been moved by the power of faith, you would not have subjected yourself to such travails. May Allah the Exalted reward you and further strengthen this power of yours, so that you are blessed with eyes that are able to behold this radiance and spiritual light, and what Allah Almighty has sent down to the world in this age through His grace.
On certain occasions, it so happens that a person will go somewhere, but then return quickly. But after the individual has returned, their soul feels restless over why they returned. Our friends come to visit us and then they return to their homes due to various compelling circumstances, but then, they feel a sense of regret for leaving so quickly.”
On this, Maulvi Syed Mahdi Husain Sahib said: “I am sure that I will also feel the same way. If I had not already sent a telegram to Nawab Muhsin-ul-Mulk Sahib and others, I would have stayed for longer.”
The Promised Messiah (as) responded by saying: “In any case, I do not wish to hold you back from your promise. As you have informed them already, you must go, but I am hopeful that you will return here again. I advise, merely for the sake of Allah, that if on another occasion, you come here and stay for a week or two at least, this will prove extremely beneficial for you. You will be able to hear those words which God has sent me to convey. At the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the disbelievers had the following view about him:
اِنَّ هٰذَا لَشَيْءٌ عُجَابٌ1
This is indeed a strange thing.
The disbelievers would allege that this was a worldly enterprise. Those opponents who do not receive the opportunity to remain in the company of one sent by God are unable to form a proper opinion. It is not right for one to form a view from afar, because until a person comes closer and gains first-hand knowledge of the matter at hand, how can they form a proper opinion?
I observe that at this time Allah Almighty has laid the foundation for a heavenly community and there is nothing new about this fact. For this community has been established precisely on the precepts of prophethood. This fact may be ascertained in the same manner that the truth of the communities of other Prophets, peace be upon them, was determined. That way is to remain patient in the company of the Prophet and to think well of them. Since their opponents do not receive the necessary opportunities, they are unable to form the right opinion and come to a conclusive outcome. Until one is able to cut through the veils of these diverse thoughts and ideas, one cannot receive true insight, strength and courage. Only such a one is fortunate who remains attached to the men of God—those sent by Allah Almighty at their appointed time—and attains the objective for which they are raised. Although such people are few and far between, they nevertheless exist.
وَ قَلِيْلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُوْرُ2
But few of My servants are grateful.
If these were not few in number, their value would be diminished. This is why gold and silver is not as widely available as iron and tin.
It is necessary also that opponents exist as well, because it is the way of Allah that every individual who advances towards God, must be tried. God Almighty states:
اَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ اَنْ يُّـتْرَكُوْۤا اَنْ يَّقُوْلُوْۤا اٰمَنَّا وَ هُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُوْنَ3
Do men think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and that they will not be tested?
It is the custom of God to test His servants. One should not entertain the idea as to why God, Who is the Knower of the unseen, has a need to try us. Such an idea is the fault of one’s own understanding. Allah Almighty has no need to test us; it is man who requires this so that he may be informed of his own state of affairs and so that the reality of his faith may be revealed to him. If a person was overcome upon hearing an opposing view, it would have to be accepted that they do not possess any strength. Further, without tests and trials, one would not be able to understand any of the arts and sciences that exist in our world. The purpose in God subjecting us to trials is so that we may realise the state of our own condition. This is why those commissioned by Allah always have enemies, who inflict pain and suffering upon them; who dishonour them. In this backdrop, those blessed with an enlightened conscience are able to determine their truthfulness. Hence, the opponents of those divinely commissioned must exist, just as flowers are accompanied by thorns, or in the same manner that where there are antidotes, poisons exist as well. Tell me of an era of any Prophet who was not met with opponents; any Prophet whose opponents did not allege that he was a man seeking worldly profit; and that he was an imposter, a liar and a fabricator. Allegations were levelled against Moses, peace be upon him, as well; in fact, a wicked person went so far as to allege that he was guilty of fornication and even put forth a woman to support this lie. Therefore, all sorts of aspersions are cast upon the divinely commissioned so that the people may be tested. The saplings planted by God can never be destroyed by the breath of these worthless people. This is the one sign and distinction that proves that the divinely commissioned are truly sent by God, in that the opponents strive to eliminate them, but they only grow and flourish. Of course, those who are not from God ultimately perish and fade into non-existence. He who is planted by the hand of God, however, cannot be destroyed by anyone’s efforts. The opponents endeavour to uproot him, but he blooms and prospers. This clearly demonstrates that it is the hand of God that protects him.
What a magnificent miracle of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in that he was opposed on every front, but he reigned victorious in every field. When the companions witnessed this sight, imagine the heartfelt joy they would have felt on witnessing this proof.
What is Islam? It is the contribution of countless lives. Our forefathers also are the fruits of this very contribution. Now, in this era as well, Allah the Exalted has willed to make Islam prevail over all other nations. God has sent me for this very purpose in the same manner that other divinely commissioned men of God appeared. And so, you will hear many things in opposition against me and will observe many schemes working against me, but I say to you as a word of counsel for the sake of Allah that you ought to think and reflect: can these waves of opposition tire me or have they had even the smallest effect upon me? Absolutely not. The hidden hand of God works with me in my favour; for if this were not the case, who am I and of what value is my existence? It is said that I seek fame. However, do the people who make this assertion not realise the amount of verbal abuse I bear for the discharge of my obligation? Nonetheless, I do not care even for a moment or worry about the abuse that I hear and the pain that is inflicted upon me; in fact, truth be told, I feel no suffering at all. My God stands by me. If I had not been sent by God, I would not have had to bear at all any of this opposition either.
You have travelled a long distance and have suffered the difficulties that accompany a journey. This is worthy of reward in the sight of Allah Almighty. May Allah the Exalted give you a good reward and may He give you the ability to reflect over this community which has been established by God Almighty. Ameen.”4
1 Sad, 38:7
2 Saba, 34:14
3 al-Ankabut, 29:3
4 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 4, dated 31 January 1901, pp. 2-6