After the Friday Prayer, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace and blessings, delivered the following address in a public gathering: “Look here, I would like to briefly say a few words merely for the sake of Allah. I am feeling unwell and there is no need for lengthy speeches either, because those whom Allah the Exalted has granted a righteous and pure disposition, and those blessed with excellent abilities, do not require elaborate explanations. Even a slight hint is enough for such people to understand the actual purpose and purport of words, and grasp the objective at hand. However, those who do not possess a good disposition and outstanding abilities, and who do not believe in the being and power of Allah Almighty, pursue their own selfish motives. These people are in such a degenerate state that even if all the Prophets, peace be upon them, came together and stood on the same platform to exhort the people, they would still gain no benefit at all.
Here lies the secret that there are always two groups of people in the time of every Prophet and those commissioned by God: one group known as the fortunate and those who are referred to as the unfortunate. As far as exhortation and advice is concerned, both these groups have always been equal in the eyes of the Prophets, peace be upon them, and they have dealt with both groups all the same. This holy community has never held back from imparting teachings to either one of these two groups; they have always fulfilled their duty to convey the truth without distinction to both the fortunate and the unfortunate. The community known as the fortunate, however, possessed ears with which they heard, possessed eyes with which they saw and possessed hearts with which they understood. On the other hand, the unfortunate were a party that possessed no ears with which to hear, no eyes with which to see and no heart with which to understand, and so they remained deprived.
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, and Abu Jahl were both raised from the same soil—Mecca. The city of Mecca, is the same Mecca where now tens of millions of people belonging to every rank and class of society gather from all parts of the world. Both these aforementioned individuals were born in the same land. The first of them was guided due to his pure and blessed nature and righteousness, ultimately attaining the highest station among the Truthful. The second, however, is notorious for his mischief, ignorance, unjust enmity and opposition to the truth.
Bear in mind that distinction can only be of two kinds: divine and satanic. Men of divine distinction receive renown and honour in heaven. Similarly, men of satanic distinction are famed among the spawn of Satan.
In short, both of the aforementioned men existed in the same place. The Messenger of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not differentiate between anyone. All of the commandments that were given to him by Allah Almighty, he conveyed to the people equally; but the unfortunate and wretched were left deprived, while the fortunate were guided and attained to a station of excellence. Abu Jahl and his ilk witnessed numerous signs and observed the light of God and His blessings, but all this went in vain.
This is a matter of fear. After all, what was it that left Abu Jahl deprived? He witnessed the era of a magnificent Prophet—one whose era the other Prophets yearned to see. From Adam, peace be upon him, to the last, each and every one of them longed to see him, but they could not live to see his era. This wretched man was alive in a time, more blessed than all other eras, but he took no benefit. This makes it evidently clear—and one ought to be fearful—that until one is blessed with an eye that can behold Allah the Exalted, and an ear that can hear Him, and a heart that can understand Him, no one can benefit in the least from the words of a Prophet or one divinely commissioned. I reiterate that in truth, dispositions are of two kinds. Certain people are blessed with excellent faculties, and are filled with capacities that make them open to receive blessings and guidance, like a bottle brimming with perfume. This may be likened to a wick and oil, which needs no more than a spark. A small flick is enough to ignite it and set it alight.
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, was a man whose nature possessed the fuel and wick of goodness. And so, the pure teaching of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, touched him immediately and set him alight. He did not argue with the Holy Prophet (sas) at all; he did not ask to be shown any sign or miracle. As soon as he heard that the Holy Prophet (sas) had made his claim, all that he asked was: ‘Do you claim to be a Prophet?’ When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, replied in the affirmative, he proclaimed: ‘Bear witness that I am the first to believe.’
Experience tells us that those who are particular about asking questions rarely attain guidance. However, those who think well of others and show patience fully partake of guidance. An example of this can be seen in Abu Bakr (ra) and Abu Jahl. Abu Bakr (ra) did not argue, nor demand a sign, but he was granted that which those who demanded signs were left without. He witnessed sign upon sign and in fact, he became a magnificent sign himself. Abu Jahl, on the other hand, argued, and did not refrain from his opposition and ignorance. He witnessed sign upon sign, but could not see. Ultimately, he became a sign for others and died as an opponent. This clearly demonstrates that those whose dispositions are illuminated with the light of faith do not require long explanations. They grasp the essence with a slight indication alone. Their hearts are filled with light and as soon as these people hear, they are illuminated, and the divine power that lies within them is ignited and nurtured. Those who lose this strength are left deprived and ruined. This is the custom that we have always observed since time immemorial. Now everyone ought to be fearful. If in any era a divinely commissioned one is raised for the reformation of the people, those who are inclined to accept him and believe in him are blessed. However, those who feel an aversion in their hearts and whose hearts are not inclined to accept him ought to have fear, as these are signs of an evil end and a means of deprivation.
Know for certain—and this is a secret—that those who do not accept after witnessing signs and arguments in favour of the truth, and those who do not think well and show patience, and those who constantly search for ways to refute them, do behold the finest signs and the most compelling of arguments, but they do not attempt to understand them. In fact, these people become consumed in thinking of ways to rebut these arguments. Such people ought to be fearful because this is the way of the unfortunate. This class of people has never benefited from those who enjoin goodness and forbid evil. When these people hear the message of Allah Almighty and the voice of the divinely commissioned reaches their ears, they always stand up to oppose him, and begin thinking of ways to refute him due to their deformed reason, covetousness, and unjust enmity. Then, these people do not stop at this; since man naturally grows—both in friendship and enmity—ultimately there comes a time when he begins to engage in serious opposition and evil schemes, which lead to his ruin.
This is what we observe in the era of God’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. There was one class of people who grew in their faith to such an extent that they presented themselves to be slaughtered like sheep at God’s command, without thinking about what their wives and children would do after them. The wine of love had so intoxicated them that they lay down their lives without a second thought. The divine effect on these people becomes evident when one observes the manner in which they obeyed the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Do not be misled to believe that swearing an oath of allegiance to me is enough to please God. This is a mere shell. The kernel lies within. The law of nature, which one often observes, is that a shell houses the kernel within. The shell is of no benefit; it is the kernel that is used. There are some who lose their substance completely, in the likeness of wind eggs produced by certain chickens, which have neither yolk, nor proper egg white—eggs that are of no use and are thrown away as rubbish. If anything, they can entertain a child for a minute or two.
In the same manner, a person who swears allegiance to me and claims to have faith, but does not possess within themselves the essence of both, ought to be fearful. For a time comes when such a one is thrown away in the likeness of a wind egg that is smashed to pieces even by a slight hit and then thrown away.
Similarly, one who claims to have sworn an oath of allegiance to me and to have faith ought to examine themselves and ask whether they are a shell or the kernel. Without the essence, without faith, without love, without obedience, without swearing an oath of allegiance, without belief, without being a follower, a person who claims to be a Muslim is not true in their claim. Bear in mind that in truth, a shell without the kernel has no value whatsoever in the estimation of Allah the Exalted. Also, bear well in mind that one does not know when death will come, but what is for certain is that death is inevitable. So you must never suffice on a mere claim and be pleased by this alone; this is never, ever useful. Until one brings upon oneself many deaths, and undergoes many changes and transformations, one cannot attain the true purpose of humanity.
The word insan (human) is derived from unsan, i.e. one who possesses two forms of true love (uns); one love for Allah and the second, love and sympathy for mankind. When a person develops these two loves within themselves, only then do they become a human (insan). This is the very characteristic that is the essence of humanity (insaniyyat) and it is at this station that one is classed among the people of understanding. Until this is achieved, all is naught. One can make a thousand claims, but in the estimation of Allah Almighty, in the view of his Prophets and angels, this amounts to nothing.
Moreover, it is also worthy to note that all people require an example, and the best example that one can find is in the person of the Prophets, peace be upon them. Allah the Exalted possessed the power to write His Word on trees, but there is an underlying secret in His sending Prophets, and sending down His Word upon them in the form of revelation. The reason was so that humans could witness the divine manifestation that is witnessed through the Messengers.
The Prophets are a manifestation of divinity and a reflection of God. Then, a true Muslim and a true believer is one who becomes a reflection of the Prophets. The noble companions understood this secret well, and became so lost and absorbed in obedience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that nothing else remained in their persons. Anyone who saw them found them fully absorbed. So remember that even in this era, until one reaches a state where they are absorbed completely and lost in obedience like the noble companions, only then will one’s claim of being a follower and believer be honest and true. Instil firmly in your mind that until Allah the Exalted begins to dwell in you, and the signs of God become manifest in your person, you will be subjected to the influence of Satanic rule.
Satan invites you to falsehood, injustice, passion, murder, far-fetched hopes, ostentation and arrogance. In contrast, Allah Almighty calls on you to adopt sublime morals, to show patience, to be absorbed and annihilated in Him, to demonstrate sincerity and faith, and He calls you to prosperity. A person is subjected to the influence of both forces. Ultimately, he who is blessed with a pure nature and possesses the seed of goodness, even in the face of thousands of Satanic temptations and inner passions, hastens towards none other than Allah the Exalted, due to the blessing of the inherent faculty of righteousness, goodness, and purity that lies within him; and it is in God alone that such a one finds pleasure, comfort and satisfaction.
However, everything is accompanied by signs. Until a thing possesses the signs that are characteristic of it, it cannot be considered genuine. One may observe the manner in which a physician is able to identify various medicines. If viola odorata, cassia fistula and turpeth did not possess the characteristics that have been established in them, after a long period of experience, a physician would throw them away like rubbish. This is also the case with the signs of faith. Allah the Exalted has alluded to them in His Book repeatedly. It is true that when faith enters a person, the greatness of Allah Almighty, i.e. His glory, holiness, greatness, power, and more than anything else, the true essence of لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ (There is none worthy of worship except Allah) enters him as well. This is to such an extent that Allah the Exalted begins to dwell in him; a death overtakes one’s satanic life; one’s inclination towards sin dies. It is at this time that a new life begins—a spiritual life. In fact, one could say that the first day of one’s heavenly birth is when death overtakes a person’s satanic life to usher in the beginning of the spiritual life, like the birth of a child.
Allah the Exalted has alluded to this very birth in Surah al-Fatihah, where He states:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ مٰلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّيْنِ1
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, the Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement.
The four attributes aforementioned are attributes of Allah the Exalted, or that God Who possesses all praiseworthy qualities. There is no merit that one could possibly think of or imagine which Allah the Exalted does not possess. As a matter of fact, man can never enumerate the qualities and merits that are possessed by the Noble God. The God that Islam presents before the world is the true and perfect God. This is the very reason that the Quran begins with:
اَلۡحَمۡدُ لِلّٰہِ
All praise belongs to Allah.
The gods to which other nations and scriptures have invited humanity are marred by one defect or another. If one has no hands, the other has no ears, one is unable to speak while another has some other deficiency; in short, each one is blemished by some defect or weakness. For example, the one whom the Christians deem to be God is such that, on reflection, one realises that if a period of 1900 years had not elapsed since the rise of this delusional belief, they would have had nothing in their hands at all. Now, except for the absurd argument that this doctrine must be true because it has existed for 1900 years, the Christians have nothing whatsoever in support of the divinity of Christ. Those who deify the Messiah despite their ‘expert philosophy’ in this regard, would have felt shame had they reflected over the idea that a weak and helpless child born in such an ordinary way from the womb of a woman, through the filth of her internal passages, could ever be God—a child whose life depends on food and drink, and who must yield to the call of nature, and who is bound by every conceivable human need. All that the Christians hold on to as an argument is the fact that this concept has existed since antiquity. Similarly, Hindus believe that the water of the Ganges is pure and blessed, even though it is an ordinary river home to frogs and turtles just like other rivers, and the remains of the dead are thrown into it. Now if one were to ask a Hindu of the logic in this, they would respond by saying that the reasoning lies in their heart and they cannot explain it in words.
Similarly, the God (Parmeshwar) presented to the world by the foolish Aryas is no greater than a carpenter or craftsman, because all he can do is join things together and he is bereft of the sublime quality of creating from nothing. This god has no control over the soul or the universe itself, because he has not created them. He cannot give salvation to his servants because this would upset the workings of the entire universe and the world would slip even further out of his control. He cannot hear the prayer of even one of his sincere devotees, nor can he give them anything out of his grace, because whatever he grants to the people can be nothing more than the fruits of their actions in the form of karma.
In short, the god presented by every nation and scripture is one that moves a person to shame. A follower of Islam is never put to shame and this is a superiority and pride that is reserved for Islam alone. A Muslim grasps firmly to the mantle of the Perfect God and it is to that Perfect Being that he shall return.2
And so, this is the sheer favour and grace of Allah the Exalted. Then, Allah has conferred a magnificent bounty upon us by raising the Prophet of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. If the blessed personage of the Holy Prophet (sas) had not appeared, many false and useless gods made of clay, stone and the like, would have been taken for worship like those who hail ‘Ram, Ram’. Infinite gratitude is due to Allah Almighty that the Immaculate Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, appeared and saved us from idol-worshippers. This is the secret underlying the fact that only the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and him alone, due to his favours, was conferred the honour that:
اِنَّ اللهَ وَ مَلٰٓىِٕكَتَهٗ يُصَلُّوْنَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يٰۤـاَيُّـهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا صَلُّوْا عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلِّمُوْا تَسْلِيْمًا3
Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! you also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace.
On the other hand, the Hindus have made 330 million deities. Looking at the state of the world at that time, no one can tell where believers in the Oneness of God had disappeared. This sheds light on Allah the Exalted and the nature of His being, and how His jealousy demands the spread of guidance in times of darkness. The Hindus proclaimed ‘Ram, Ram,’ while the Christians declared, ‘Our Lord Christ, Our Lord Christ.’ There was no one who proclaimed the name of God. The great and glorious name of Allah Almighty was hidden behind a million veils. When Allah the Lord of Glory chose to bestow His favour upon the world, He raised Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The name of the Holy Prophet (sas) is Muhammad, which means ‘the one who is exceedingly praised.’ This name is in the measure of the form known as taf’il in Arabic grammar.4 The wisdom in this name is that an individual is worthy of praise to a degree that is equal to the level of their work. The Prophets of previous ages were sent to their respective peoples and one significant aspect previously lacking was that a grand reformation of magnificent proportions was not required in those times. For example, when the Messiah, peace be upon him, appeared, he came only to gather the lost tribes of the children of Israel and the Jews already possessed the Torah. These very teachings of the Torah were deemed sufficient for practice at that time. The Jews believed in the commandments and teachings of the Torah and acted upon it; albeit, there were certain moral weaknesses that had taken root in them.
Now, it is obviously clear that to merely rid the people of their moral weaknesses and identify their deficiencies is no great achievement. Even an ordinary person can do so and be a preacher of good morals. This is why the Messiah was not named Muhammad. For the services of the Messiah were not as great. Similarly, when Moses, peace be upon him, appeared, although he brought a divine law, his major task was to free the children of Israel from servitude to the Pharaoh—even though, after 400 years of bitter affliction, the people themselves as a nation were ready and waiting for a reason to rise up and go forth. The essential groundwork was prepared and the only required element was a motivating spark or catalyst. When any individual is forcibly or unjustly inflicted with pain, they naturally seek a means of deliverance from their suffering and work to free themselves. As such, when the children of Israel were suffering under the bondage of Pharaoh and at a time when they were secretly engaged in thoughts of securing their own freedom anyway, Moses, peace be upon him, who was divinely commissioned by Allah Almighty, announced that he would deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh; and when he did so, the people were ready at once to follow him. If one carefully reflects over the circumstances and accounts that surround the children of Israel, the true reason for their believing in Moses, peace be upon him, becomes clear. The main reason was because they sought deliverance from servitude to Pharaoh. As far as matters of spirituality and worship of God were concerned, they always stumbled, and constantly exhibited disrespectful and impertinent behaviour. This was to such an extent that they said:
لَنْ نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتّٰى نَرَى اللهَ جَهْرَةً5
We will by no means believe thee until we see Allah face to face.
Then, they also said:
اِذْهَبْ اَنْتَ وَ رَبُّكَ فَقَاتِلَاۤ اِنَّا هٰهُنَا قٰعِدُوْنَ6
Therefore, go thou and thy Lord and fight, and here we sit.
Moreover, during the brief time when Moses (as) was away, they began to worship the calf, and they were obstinate and constantly raised objections. When one reflects on their state of affairs as a whole, it becomes clearly evident that all they wanted was to be free from the bondage of Pharaoh and nothing more. They were themselves devoid of direction or leadership, and so they immediately became prepared to do as Moses, peace be upon him, commanded. Since they had suffered immensely, and as the adage goes: what will a man not do to save himself from death, the only way that they could see themselves uplifted was by going forth with Moses (as), but ultimately they became a stumbling block in the way of his triumphs. In short, Moses (as) was not compelled to toil and labour as greatly. His nation was fettered in the bondage of slavery and were ready to accept someone who would liberate them. On account of this, many hundreds and thousands of people accepted Moses (as) in one day, and these people demonstrated through their actions, the sort of nation they were and the degree of benefit that they derived from the teaching of Moses (as). In short, as far as leading them out of Egypt was concerned, this was no great accomplishment. When the time came for them to be reformed and when Moses (as) sought to transform them into worshippers of God so that they could enter the promised land, this era was lost away in insolence, disrespect and internal transgression. As a result, ultimately, even Moses (as) himself could not enter the promised land, and so he too could not be given the name Muhammad (the Most Praised).
Therefore, the more one contemplates, the more it becomes clear that no other Prophet was deserving of the blessed name aforementioned until the era of our Noble Prophet (sas) dawned. It was as though our Noble Prophet (sas) had stepped foot in a place of thorns when darkness had reached its extreme. It is my belief that if the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stood to one side and each of the Prophets who had gone by before him had come as one, all of them together would not have been able to accomplish what the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, achieved by himself, and they would not have been able to bring about the reformation that he brought forth. For they did not possess the heart and strength that was bestowed upon our Prophet (sas). Anyone who suggests that this is, God-forbid, a disrespect to the other Prophets, is foolish and is guilty of slander against me. I consider it a part of my faith to honour and revere the Prophets, but my belief in the superiority of the Noble Prophet (sas) over all the other Prophets, peace be upon them, is the greatest aspect of my faith, and is a part of my very being and fibre. It is not within my power to remove this nature. An unfortunate and blind opponent can say whatever they please. Our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, accomplished such a feat which no one else could have done individually or collectively; this is the grace of Allah Almighty.
ذٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللهِ يُـؤْتِيْهِ مَنْ يَّشَآءُ7
That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it on whom He pleases.
If one understands the circumstances with which the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was faced, and if one comes to know fully of the state of the world at the time of his advent and what he achieved, one becomes entranced and proclaims:
اَللّٰھُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ
O Allah, bless Muhammad (sas).
I truthfully say that this is no fanciful or hollow statement. The Holy Quran, along with the history of the world, clearly testify to what the Noble Prophet (sas) accomplished. Otherwise, why would Allah the Exalted refer to him especially in the following words:
اِنَّ اللهَ وَ مَلٰٓىِٕكَتَهٗ يُصَلُّوْنَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يٰۤـاَيُّـهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا صَلُّوْا عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلِّمُوْا تَسْلِيْمًا8
Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! You also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace.
This statement was not made about any other Prophet. It was this person alone who appeared in the world with every form of success and with the greatest praise, the man whose name was Muhammad (the Most Praised), may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is the custom of Allah that time moves forward. At last, the era of the Seal of Prophets dawned, and he was the only person ever to proclaim:
يٰۤـاَيُّـهَا النَّاسُ اِنِّـيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ اِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيْعًا9
O mankind! Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.
One could say that these are a few words and he who is blind could suggest that there is nothing exceptional about this statement. However, he who has a heart can understand, and he who has ears can hear, and he who has eyes can see that these are no ordinary words. My response to such people is that if this is an unexceptional statement, then why did Moses, peace be upon him, or the Messiah, peace be upon him, or any other Prophet for that matter not have the strength to say these words? The fact of the matter is that those who were not given this strength and this lofty station, simply could not make such a declaration. I proclaim once again that no other Prophet received the greatness and glory that was conferred upon our Noble Prophet (sas). If someone feeds meat to a sheep on a daily basis, this will not turn it into a lion.
Therefore, bear this truth in mind that the only person who was ever worthy and truly deserving of this name was the man named Muhammad (the Most Praised). This is the bestowal of God, which vests the heart and mind of a person with these faculties. God knows full well who is best suited to receive and take on these faculties. It is not within everyone’s scope to comprehend this secret, and all people do not have the strength to proclaim:
اِنِّـيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ اِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيْعًا
Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.
Without the special support of the Holy Spirit one cannot make such a statement.
The Messenger of Allah possessed all those faculties and strengths which make a person ‘the most praiseworthy,’ so that matters of potentiality could be brought into the realm of actuality. It is for this reason that he claimed:
اِنِّـيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ اِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيْعًا
Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.
The difficulties in dealing with just one nation give rise to countless challenges. In fact, if a person is forced to put up with even one servant who is wicked in nature, it becomes difficult to put him right. Ultimately, the master becomes so frustrated and helpless that he will dismiss such a worker. But how worthy of praise would such a one be who instead, reforms that servant; and what a champion then is the one who reforms his entire nation, though this too is not entirely exceptional. Now, just reflect on how excellent and sublime the faculties of such an individual would be who was sent to reform the diverse nations of the world. It is no small achievement to gather under one teaching people of varying dispositions and ages, belonging to different countries, and who subscribe to a wide array of ideologies and possess differing faculties; and then to train and mould all these people as well. Then, this instruction was no worldly training, rather it was spiritual in nature, and its purpose was to nurture divine cognisance and to fully enlighten people of the deepest and most subtle mysteries of divine insight; further, the objective was not simply to impart a teaching, but also to mould humanity to act upon this teaching as well—this is no small task. People will come together for worldly objectives because they are motivated by personal gain and materialistic greed. However, someone ought to tell me, how could one join a person merely for the sake of Allah at a time when the entire world is ignorant of His glorious name; and in circumstances when proclaiming belief in Him would mean to take upon oneself all the afflictions of the world? This is only possible when the person who invites the people to Allah possesses a magnificent power of attraction, which draws in the hearts of people uncontrollably, so that all of the trials and tribulations associated with this evoke a sense of pleasure and delight. Now reflect over the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his community, and it will become brilliantly clear that only the Holy Prophet (sas) was worthy of being named Muhammad (the most praiseworthy). Only he was capable of demonstrating by action the claim that he made verbally:
اِنّـِيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ اِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيْعًا
Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.
Then, came the time:
اِذَا جَآءَ نَصْرُ اللهِ وَ الْفَتْحُ وَ رَاَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُوْنَ فِـيْ دِيْنِ اللهِ اَفْوَاجًا10
When the help of Allah comes, and the victory; and thou seest men entering the religion of Allah in troops.
This clearly indicates that when the Holy Prophet (sas) appeared in the world no one knew of God’s chosen religion and the world was wholly plunged in darkness. But when he left this world, he saw before his eyes the following words fulfilled:
يَدْخُلُوْنَ فِـيْ دِيْنِ اللهِ اَفْوَاجًا
People entering the religion of Allah in troops.
He did not tire or fall weak until he had achieved this purpose. The opposition of his adversaries, the conspiracies and schemes of his enemies, their plots to murder him, and the pains inflicted upon him by his people were worthless and futile in the face of his courage and spirit. Nothing was able to thwart him even for a moment in any of his objectives. Allah the Exalted kept the Holy Prophet (sas) alive until he had completed the task for which he had come. This is also a hidden secret that those who come from God cannot be likened to those who are liars.
In the same manner, the greatest sign of the truth of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (sas) is his very own life. Is there anyone who would realise this point? The Holy Prophet (sas) was sent in a time when darkness had engulfed the world and he was kept alive until the time that he heard the call:
اَلْيَوْمَ اَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِيْنَكُمْ وَ اَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِيْ11
This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you.
He remained alive long enough to see a multitude of hosts entering Islam. So, it is due to a plethora of reasons such as these that the Holy Prophet (sas) was named Muhammad (the Most Praiseworthy).
Then, the Holy Prophet (sas) was also given another name and that is: Ahmad (the one who is greatest in giving praise). As such, this was also the very name in the prophecy made by the Messiah (as) as well:
مُبَشِّرًۢا بِرَسُوْلٍ يَّاْتِيْ مِنْۢ بَعْدِي اسْمُهٗۤ اَحْمَدُ12
Meaning, after me I give you glad tidings of the coming of a Prophet whose name will be Ahmad. This was an indication of the fact that he would be one who praises Allah the Exalted beyond measure. One can clearly derive from this name—and this is the truth as well—that a person will only praise someone from whom they receive something, and the more one receives from another, the more one will praise them. If an individual were to receive one rupee from someone, they would praise them accordingly, and someone who receives a thousand rupees gives praise in proportional degree. Therefore, this clearly establishes that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, received the grace of God more than all others. In actuality, there was a prophecy in this name that the Holy Prophet (sas) would inherit and possess blessings, supremely great.
There is an underlying secret in the blessed names of the Holy Prophet (sas). His two names, Muhammad, meaning the most praiseworthy, and Ahmad, meaning the one who is greatest in giving praise, both allude to two distinct forms of excellence possessed by the Holy Prophet (sas). The name Muhammad demands characteristics of glory and majestic greatness because the name means ‘one who is praised immensely’ and it naturally follows that the bearer of this name be loved, because he who is loved is praised. In short, this name reflects a nature of glory. However, the name Ahmad suggests that the bearer of this name be absorbed in love for another, because a lover is one who praises—a lover incessantly showers his beloved with praise. Therefore, just as the name Muhammad is associated with characteristics of glory and majestic greatness, which are the hallmarks of one who is loved, in the same manner, the name Ahmad inherently bears qualities of humility and meekness, which are the distinctions of one who loves another. The underlying secret in these names is that the life of the Holy Prophet (sas) has essentially been divided into two parts. First there was his life in Mecca which spanned a period of thirteen years. The second part of his life was spent in Medina, which lasted ten years. During his life in Mecca, we see a manifestation of his name Ahmad. During this time, the Holy Prophet (sas) engaged himself in weeping and crying before God Almighty day and night and would spend his time seeking divine help and in prayer. Anyone who is fully aware of the manner in which the Holy Prophet (sas) spent his life during this time knows that no lover has ever cried and wept so fervently in search of their beloved as the Holy Prophet (sas) did during his life in Mecca, and nor will anyone ever be able to match him in this regard. Then, these lamentations of the Holy Prophet (sas) were not for his own soul, but due to his clear knowledge of the state of the world. The worship of God had disappeared completely. The soul and the inherent nature of the Holy Prophet (sas) was leavened by a faith in Allah the Exalted, which fostered within him pleasure and delight. The Holy Prophet (sas) naturally desired to fill the world with this pleasure and joy as well. But when he cast a glance on the world, he found that their capacities and natures had been strangely deformed, and there were many difficulties and hardships at hand. In short, the Holy Prophet (sas) would weep and cry over this state of the world, and he did so to such an extent that he may well-nigh have lost his life. It is to this that the following words of Allah the Exalted allude:
لَعَلَّكَ بَاخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ اَلَّا يَكُوْنُوْا مُؤْمِنِيْنَ13
Haply thou wilt grieve thyself to death because they believe not.
This was the life of the Holy Prophet (sas) in which he humbly begged for divine grace and mercy, a life which showed a manifestation of his name Ahmad. During this era, the Holy Prophet (sas) was engaged in deep contemplation. The effects of this contemplation and prayer became apparent during life in Medina, when the name Muhammad was manifested, as is evident from the following verse:
وَ اسْتَفْتَحُوْا وَ خَابَ كُلُّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيْدٍ14
And they prayed for victory, and as a result thereof every haughty enemy of truth came to naught.
It is the way of Allah that those who are commissioned by Him are given grief and pain. They are confronted by one difficulty after another. However, this is not so that they would perish but so that they may attract the help of Allah. This is the very reason that the life of the Holy Prophet (sas) in Mecca spans over a longer period than the time he spent in Medina. The Holy Prophet (sas) spent thirteen years in Mecca and ten years in Medina. As it is clear from the aforementioned verse, every Prophet and all those who are divinely commissioned are made to suffer in the beginning; they are branded as liars, cheats, and merchants, and given all sorts of names. There is no derogatory name that is not attributed to them. The Prophets and the divinely commissioned tolerate all of this and endure every pain that is inflicted upon them, but when this reaches an extreme, another power is manifested out of sympathy for mankind. In the same manner, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was tormented in every possible way and given every dishonourable name. Ultimately, the spiritual concentration of the Holy Prophet (sas) was roused until it reached an extreme, as is derived from اِسْتَفْتَحُوْا (they prayed for victory), and this ultimately resulted in وَ خَابَ كُلُّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيْدٍ (and as a result thereof every haughty enemy of truth came to naught). All the wicked and those who perpetrated schemes against him perished. This spiritual concentration of the godly is roused when the mischief of their enemies reaches its extreme, because if it were to surge forth in the very beginning, every enemy would be destroyed at once! During his life in Mecca, the Holy Prophet (sas) fell before the One True God and cried before him in such a manner that those who saw him or heard him would tremble. But after all this, just observe the majestic glory of his life in Medina. All those who were actively engaged in mischief and who hatched schemes to kill and expel the Holy Prophet (sas) from his homeland perished, and those who remained were left with no choice but to humbly accept their wrongdoings and beg for his forgiveness.
Observe the degree to which Hazrat Umar, may Allah the Exalted be pleased with him, benefitted the Muslims. There was a time when he had not yet accepted the Holy Prophet (sas) and four years had gone by since the advent of Islam. Allah the Exalted knows best the wisdom in this underlying mystery. Abu Jahl was in search of someone who would murder the Messenger of Allah. During those times, Hazrat Umar (ra) was renowned for his bravery and courage, and was a man of great stature. The two discussed the matter with one another and Hazrat Umar (ra) took on the responsibility of putting an end to the Messenger of Allah . The agreement was signed by Hazrat Umar (ra) and Abu Jahl, and it was settled that if Umar (ra) was successful in killing the Holy Prophet (sas), he would be given such and such amount as remuneration.15
It is due to the power of Allah Almighty that the very same Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, who at one time was proceeding to martyr the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, later accepted Islam and himself became a martyr. What a wondrous era that was. And so, it was settled that Hazrat Umar (ra) would kill the Holy Prophet (sas). After this agreement had been put to writing, Umar (ra) began to scour the streets in pursuit of the Holy Prophet (sas) and stalked him at night so that he could find an opportunity to kill him when he was alone. He would ask the people when and where the Holy Prophet (sas) would spend time alone. The people said that he comes to the Ka’bah after midnight to offer his Prayer. Hazrat Umar (ra) was very pleased to hear this and so he came and hid near the Ka’bah. When some time had passed, he began to hear a voice coming from the wilderness. A man was proclaiming:
لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّااللّٰہُ
There is none worthy of worship except Allah.
This was the voice of none other than the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. On hearing this voice and confirming that the voice was moving towards him, Hazrat Umar (ra) hid himself even more carefully and determined that when the Holy Prophet (sas) would fall into prostration, he would strike him with his sword and sever his blessed head. The Holy Prophet (sas) began to offer his Prayer as soon as he arrived, and the events that transpired thereafter are narrated by Hazrat Umar (ra) himself. He relates that: ‘While he was in prostration the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, wept and cried so emotionally in his supplications that my body began to tremble. At one point, the Holy Prophet (sas) also made the following submission to God:
سَجَدَلَکَ رُوْحِیْ وَجَنَانِیْ
Meaning, O my Lord! My soul and my heart have fallen before You in prostration. Hazrat Umar (ra) says: ‘As I heard these supplications, they pierced my heart. Ultimately, due to the awe-inspiring nature of the truth, my sword fell from my hand. I understood from this state of the Holy Prophet (sas) that he was truthful and that he would definitely succeed in his mission. But the self that incites to evil is a terrible thing. When the Holy Prophet (sas) had finished his Prayer and left, I began to pursue him. When he sensed the footsteps behind him, in the dark of night, the Holy Prophet (sas) inquired: ‘Who is there?’ ‘Umar,’ I responded. The Prophet (sas) said: ‘O Umar, you do not stop pursuing me at night, nor during the day.’ It was at that moment that I began to sense the fragrance of the soul of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and in my heart I felt that he would perhaps pray against me. I said: ‘Do not pray against me!’ Hazrat Umar (ra) relates: ‘This was the time, this was the hour that was reserved for my acceptance and so God enabled me and I became a Muslim.’
Just reflect over the kind of sword that was hidden in these emotional entreaties and cries—a sword that was wielded against a man like Umar (ra), who had come after settling a contract to kill the Holy Prophet (sas)—and which turned Umar (ra) into a martyr through its charm. This spiritual concentration of the Prophets and their tearful supplications command a sword that is far greater than metal swords and spears. Therefore, the life of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Mecca was an era in which his name Ahmad was manifested. As such, in Mecca the Holy Prophet (sas) carried himself in a manner that was especially characteristic of a lover’s love for his Beloved. He mixed himself to dust and bore a thousand deaths. No one but Allah Almighty can know the extent of his passion, devotion, humility and tearful supplications. It was after these deaths that the Holy Prophet (sas) was granted a strength and life by which he was able to breathe life into thousands, rather, hundreds of thousands of the dead, and he was the one who brought together the whole of mankind; in fact, even today, through the power of his spiritual influence, he is giving life to tens of millions of the dead, and he shall continue to do so until the day of resurrection.
Hence, the life of the Holy Prophet (sas) in Mecca was a manifestation of a lover’s love for the beloved and was a reflection of the inherent nature of his name Ahmad (sas), which means ‘the one who is greatest in praise.’ After this time had passed, his life of majestic glory began, which was a manifestation of his name Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—a name which reflects the phenomenon that is observed when a beloved draws in the affection of one who loves him. In this latter life, the enmity of the Meccan people surpassed all limits, and so the prayers and supplications of the Holy Prophet (sas) also reached their pinnacle. The animosity of his vile opponents ultimately became the cause for his expulsion from the House of Allah in Mecca. But his enemies did not stop at this; they pursued him and left no stone unturned in causing him grief and injury. Even when the Holy Prophet (sas) had migrated to Medina, the Meccans resolved to attack him. It was then that the indignation of Allah Almighty surged forth, and divine might and glory demanded that a manifestation of the name Muhammad, which means ‘the most praiseworthy’, be shown during the life of the Holy Prophet (sas) in Medina.
The fundamental purpose of the advent of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was none other than to manifest the glory of God on earth, as it had become hidden from the eyes and hearts of humanity; false and worthless deities, idols and stones had taken the place of God. Now this was only possible if Allah the Exalted manifested Himself through the life of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which was distinguished by divine grace and also through his life which was characterised by divine might and glory; it was only possible if God exhibited a miraculous display of His hand of power.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was a perfect example of one who attained the pleasure of Allah and became the beloved of God. This is why Allah the Exalted clearly states:
قُلْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّوْنَ اللهَ فَاتَّبِعُوْنِيْ يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللهُ وَ يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوْبَكُمْ16
Meaning, Say, ‘If you desire to become the beloved of God and for your sins to be forgiven, there is only one way, and that is for you to obey me.’ This means that following the Holy Prophet (sas) never lets a person despair of divine mercy; it becomes a means for the forgiveness of one’s sins and makes an individual the beloved of Allah Almighty. Moreover, a person’s claim that they love Allah the Exalted shall only prove to be true and sincere when they follow the Holy Prophet (sas).
This verse clearly establishes that man cannot become the beloved of Allah Almighty and become worthy of His nearness by self-invented forms of spiritual exercise, labour or meditation. Divine light and blessings cannot descend on anyone until they become lost in obedience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. A person who becomes absorbed in love for the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and takes upon their own soul every death in order to obey and follow him, is conferred the light of faith, love and passion, which frees them from all that is besides Allah, releases them from the bondage of sin and grants them salvation. Such a one is blessed with a holy life in this very world, and is pulled out from the dark and narrow graves of carnal passion and desire. It is to this that the following Hadith alludes:
اَنَا الْحَاشِرُ الَّذِیْ یُحْشَرُ النَّاسُ عَلٰی قَدَمِیْ
Meaning, I am the one who raises the dead and at whose feet the people are raised. In short, such knowledge on which salvation is based cannot be conclusively and categorically attained except by a life which is bestowed through the Holy Spirit. The aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran manifestly and openly declares that such a spiritual life can only be attained by way of obedience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. All those who defy the Noble Prophet (sas) due to their own close-mindedness and animosity, are under the shade of Satan. Such an individual is deprived of the pure life just mentioned. Although they seem to be alive, they are actually dead and Satan rules their heart.
It is a pity that such people are not mindful of death. Is death a far off thing? A person who has reached the age of fifty will live perhaps for a few more years, or ten years at most; ultimately, he must die. Death is certain and no one can evade it in any way. I observe that people remain inexplicably absorbed in counting their money but never bother to count the days of their lives. Unfortunate is the one who gives no attention to counting the days of one’s life. It is one’s life which is most important and most worthy of being calculated, lest death arrive and a person is forced to depart from this world deprived. It is established from the Holy Quran that just as the heavenly life begins in this world, so too a life of hell begins here on earth. When a person is at the brink of death with their desires unfulfilled, they suffer an excruciating form of hell. When one sees that they are about to depart this world and when they become afflicted by cholera, plague, typhoid, palpitations, or some other severe disease, they experience a death before their actual death, which crushes their heart and soul, as it were, and this is also a sort of deprivation. Certain ailments do not let a person live in peace for even a few moments and finish a man within no time. A person who realises that they are nothing more than a creature bound to die, will reflect on the means by which to save themselves from that punishment which consumes a person through grief.
One of our relatives began to suffer from colic and his condition reached a state where he could no longer pass urine. He vomited a black substance after which he could no longer hold up his head. It was at this time that he said: ‘I have now realised that the world is worth nothing.’ Always remember, the world has no value. Who can say that those of us who are present here at this time will also definitely be alive in the coming year. Many of our friends who were alive last year are no longer with us today. What did they know that they would no longer be in the year to come. Similarly, who can say at this time that they will definitely be present when the new year dawns, and who can know the names of such people who are in the list of those destined to pass on. Hence, an individual who does not reconcile with God before they die, and who gives precedence to their superficial relations, is utterly foolish and ignorant.
Keeping evil company is also from among the things which lead a man to ruin. One may observe that Abu Jahl not only perished himself, but also took many others along with him to destruction—the people who would go and sit in his company. His meetings and gatherings were characterised by nothing except mockery and ridicule. These people would say:
اِنَّ هٰذَا لَشَيْءٌ يُّـرَادُ17
Meaning, this is mere fabrication. Now do tell us, is it the light of him who was named a fraud and a deceiver that shines in the world today or the light of someone else? Abu Jahl is dead and has nothing but curses to his name. However, observe the lofty grandeur of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Day and night, rather, at every moment, people far and wide invoke salutations upon him and he commands a following of 990 million Muslims. If today Abu Jahl returned, he would be astonished to witness the same man whom he once saw walking the streets of Mecca alone and whom he subjected to every possible grief, with a community consisting of 990 million people; in fact, this very sight would be enough to kill him. This is proof of the truthfulness of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (sas). If Allah the Exalted had not been with him, the Holy Prophet (sas) could not have triumphed in such a manner. How numerous were the efforts and schemes that were employed against him out of enmity and opposition, but ultimately, all of these adversaries were frustrated and met with failure. In this state of affairs, at the very outset when there were only a handful of people with the Holy Prophet (sas), who could imagine that he would attain such greatness in the world and that he would emerge safe and unscathed from all the conspiracies of his opponents to gain victory? But bear in mind that it is the custom of Allah Almighty that the ultimate victory belongs to the servants of God. Conspiracies of murder, edicts of disbelief, and varying forms of injury can do them no harm. Allah the Exalted is true when He states:
يُرِيْدُوْنَ لِيُطْفِـُٔوْا نُوْرَ اللهِ بِاَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَ اللهُ مُتِمُّ نُوْرِهٖ وَ لَوْ كَرِهَ الْكٰفِرُوْنَ18
Meaning, these evil disbelievers desire to extinguish the light of Allah with the breath of their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers dislike it. What exactly is the breath of their mouths? It is when he who belongs to God is branded a cheat, labelled a deceiver, dubbed a disbeliever, called irreligious. Therefore, those who level such allegations desire to extinguish the light of Allah the Exalted, but they can never succeed.
The armies of those who belong to Allah Almighty are in heaven; and so, the disbelievers and worldly people cannot see them. If they came to know of these hosts and if they were able to behold them even slightly, they would die of fear. But this army cannot be seen until one is covered by the mantle of Allah Almighty.
I return to my actual subject and say that there is only one path appointed by Allah Almighty to attain ultimate prosperity and that is to obey the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. As Allah the Exalted states:
قُلْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّوْنَ اللهَ فَاتَّبِعُوْنِيْ يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللهُ19
That is, come and follow me, so that Allah may also take you as a friend. This does not mean that one should engage in worship in the form of a tradition. If this is the essence of religion, then of what significance is Prayer and fasting? To refrain from a certain action, or to perform an action of one’s own accord—this is not the true meaning of Islam. The meaning of Islam is for one to place their head to be slaughtered like a sheep, just as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: ‘My death, my life, my Prayer and my sacrifices are for Allah alone, and I am the first to put forth my neck to be sacrificed.’ This pride of Islam was first and foremost the distinction of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, not Abraham (as) or anyone else. It is to this very point that the following words allude:
کُنْتُ نَبِیًّا وَّاٰدَمُ بَیْنَ الْمَآءِ وَالطِّیْنِ
I was a Prophet even when Adam was in the initial stages of creation between water and clay.
Although the Holy Prophet (sas) appeared after all other Prophets, the call that ‘my death and my life are all for the sake of Allah Almighty’ was not proclaimed by anyone else.
Observe the state of the world today. Our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrated through his own actions that his death and his life were all for the sake of Allah Almighty alone, but then, there are the Muslims of today. If someone is asked whether they are a Muslim, they will respond in the affirmative by saying: ‘All praise belongs to Allah.’ But the man whose creed they recite was one whose entire life was based on the guiding principle of devotion to God. Yet the Muslim of today lives for the world and dies for the world. Until they finally begin to breathe their last, it is the world that is their objective, the object of their love and desire. How then can such a one say that they follow the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him?
This is an instance for contemplation; do not consider this to be an ordinary matter. It is not easy to be a Muslim. Do not rest until you develop obedience for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and inculcate a true image of Islam within yourselves.
The current state of affairs may be likened to a shell and nothing more. You may call yourselves Muslims without truly following the Messenger of Allah, but bear in mind that it is unwise to be content with a name alone, and nothing but the husk. It is written that a Muslim told a Jew to accept Islam, to which the Jew responded: ‘Do not be pleased by a mere name. I named my son Khalid (i.e. one who lives long) but I was forced to lay him to rest before the start of the evening.’ So seek the essence. Do not be satisfied with mere names. How shameful is it to call oneself the follower of such a magnificent Prophet, yet spend a life akin to that of disbelievers. Show an example of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in your own lives and foster within yourselves a similar state. Be mindful that if you have not developed such a condition, then you are a follower of Satan.
In short, it can now be very well understood that becoming the beloved of Allah Almighty ought to be the prime objective of a person’s life. Until a person is endeared to Allah the Exalted and they do not receive His love, they cannot live a life of success. Now this is not possible until one sincerely obeys and follows the Messenger of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has shown through his own example what Islam truly is, so inculcate that very same Islam within yourselves so that you may become the beloved of God.
I wish to reiterate that it is the word hamd (praise) from which Muhammad and Ahmad are derived—may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Prophet . These are two names of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which were two manifestations of hamd or ‘praise.’ Then, in Surah Fatihah, after alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to Allah), four attributes of Allah Almighty have been mentioned: Rabb-ul-Alamin (the Provider and Nourisher of all the worlds), Ar-Rahman (the Gracious), Ar-Rahim (the Merciful) and Maliki Yawm-id-Din (the Master of the Day of Judgement).
I have just mentioned that alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to Allah) was reflected by two manifestations of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: namely, Muhammad and Ahmad. Now our Perfect Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, not only expounded these four aforementioned attributes of Allah the Exalted but demonstrated them to be true in favour of the noble companions as well. This indicates that Allah the Exalted desires to confer His attributes by way of reflection. As such, the meaning of a person being annihilated in God (fana-fillah) is when a person is absorbed in divine attributes.
Now observe the manner in which the Holy Prophet (sas) demonstrated a practical example of these four aforementioned attributes in relation to his companions. When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was born, the people of Mecca could be likened to an infant who depends on milk; that is to say, they were in need of divine providence and nourishment (rububiyyat). For they were living a life of beasts and savages at the time. In the likeness of a mother, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, gave them milk and nurtured them. Then the Holy Prophet (sas) reflected in himself the attribute of divine graciousness (rahmaniyyat) and in doing so, conferred upon them such provisions for which they had made no effort on their part. For example, the Messenger of Allah (sas) gave them a blessing as great as the Holy Quran and graced them with his own practical example. Then, he also displayed within himself a manifestation of divine mercy (rahimiyyat), in that he made fruitful their endeavours, he accepted and trusted their faith, and saved them from going astray like the Christians. In fact, he granted them the ability to remain steadfast and determined. The blessing in making a sincere effort is that God makes a person steadfast. No one from among the companions of the Holy Prophet (sas) became an apostate, while there were thousands among the followers of other Prophets. In just one day, five hundred followers of the Messiah abandoned their Faith, and from among those in whom he had great confidence and trust, there was one who had him arrested for a mere thirty pieces of silver, while another cursed him three times.
The fact of the matter is that the faculties of a teacher carry influence. The more influential and complete a teacher, the stronger and more lasting the effects of their training.
Another proof that our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the greatest and most perfect in his spiritual influence lies in the fact that the community trained by him was so steadfast and firm that they showed no hesitation whatsoever in even laying down their lives and sacrificing their wealth. A clear proof of the weakness of the Messiah is that the community which he prepared was the one who turned out to be responsible for having him arrested and put to death, and it was they who cursed him. Therefore, it was due to the effect of the divine mercy (rahimiyyat) reflected within the Holy Prophet (sas) that his companions possessed steadfastness and perseverance. Then, the practical manifestation of Maliki Yawm-id-Din (Master of the Day of Recompense), as it was demonstrated in the life of the companions, is that God made a distinction between them and others. Or one could say, the divine insight and love of God which the companions were blessed with in this world, was their recompense in the present life. In short, a manifestation of these four attributes shone in the lives of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them.
However, there is a point here that is worthy of great attention. Do not consider the companions to be a community limited to a people who have now passed on. There is another party that Allah Almighty has mentioned in the Holy Quran. The followers of that man who is a spiritual reflection of Ahmad are also from among the companions. As such, Allah the Exalted states:
وَ اٰخَرِيْنَ مِنْهُمْ لَمَّا يَلْحَـقُوْا بِهِمْ20
And among others from among them who have not yet joined them.
Meaning, do not consider the companions to be a community who came and went in the past. The followers of the Promised Messiah, who belong to his era, are also from among the companions.
The commentators accept in respect of this verse that the party referred to here is the community of the Promised Messiah. The arabic words minhum (from among them) establish that this community would be the recipient of the same spiritual influence and grace with which the companions were blessed. The companions were trained in the apparent sense, but now no one can see them physically. However, this community of the latter days would also be trained, as it were, by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is for this reason that all the scholars have referred to this latter day community as ‘the companions.’ Just as the four divine attributes mentioned previously were manifested in the lives of the first companions, so too it is necessary for this manifestation to be shown in the lives of that community of the companions who is referred to in the words:
اٰخَرِيْنَ مِنْهُمْ لَمَّا يَلْحَقُوْا بِهِمْ
Others from among them who have not yet joined them.
Observe how the companions were divinely supported at Badr; and Allah the Exalted states that this support was at a time when the Muslims were few. On the occasion of Badr, the back of the disbelievers was broken.
There was a prophecy for the future in the magnificent sign that was manifested at Badr. The full moon is also called badr and so, this is an allusion to the succour of Allah Almighty, which was to be manifested in the fourteenth century. Even illiterate women would say that the fourteenth century is one that would bring good fortune and blessing. The words of God Almighty were fulfilled and in the fourteenth century, as per divine will, the spiritual reflection of the name Ahmad was manifested. I am the one about whom a prophecy was made in the incident of Badr, to whom the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, conveyed his greetings of peace. But alas! When that day arrived and the full moon emerged, I was called a deceiver, I was accused of being selfish. Pity on those who have seen the truth but yet do not see; those who saw the awaited era but failed to recognise it. Those who stood on pulpits and tearfully proclaimed that this prophecy would be fulfilled in the fourteenth century have died, and now those remain who stand on pulpits and announce that the one who has appeared is a liar! What has happened to these people? Why do they not see and why do they not reflect? Even in the previous era, it was at Badr that Allah the Exalted bestowed His support, and that divine support was for a people who were referred to as adhillah (weak). It was at a time when only 313 people entered the field of battle with a few wooden swords. Most of those 313 were small children. What could be a greater state of weakness? On the opposing end was a large and elite force of experienced and powerful warriors. In terms of materialistic equipment, the Holy Prophet (sas) had nothing. In the face of these circumstances, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, prayed:
اَللّٰھُمَّ اِنْ اَھْلَکْتَ ھٰذِہِ الْعِصَابَۃَ لَنْ تُعْبَدَ فِی الْاَرْضِ اَبَدًا
Meaning, O Allah! If, today, you allow this community to perish, there will remain no one to worship You.
Hearken! I proclaim with certainty that even in this age we are faced with a state of affairs that are akin to the time of Badr. In the same way, Allah the Exalted is preparing a community, and the very same words, badr and adhillah (the weak), have been used in connection with them. Is it not false to state that Islam has suffered no weakness and disgrace? It possesses no stature in terms of worldly sovereignty either. Even when Europe confronts them, they flee and have no strength whatsoever to raise their heads. What is the state in this country? Are the Muslims not suffering humiliation and weakness here? Even the Hindus are greater in power than the Muslims. Is there only one form of indignity in which the Muslims are greater than others? You will find Muslims in all of the lowest professions. Muslims are at the forefront in begging. If one visits the jails, one will find that among the imprisoned, criminals who are Muslim outnumber people of other Faiths. If one visits the taverns, one will find them abundantly full of Muslims. Even now Muslims suggest that they have not been disgraced? Filthy and abusive books, which number in the tens of millions, have been written against Islam. Mughals and Syeds from among our people and others belonging to noble families have converted to Christianity and then they actively attack the Chief of the Sinless, the Seal of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Take the example of Safdar Ali and Imad-ud-Din and others like them. Who was the writer of Mothers of the Believers,21 a book that sparked great outrage and clamour; yet after everything, the Muslims managed to achieve nothing. Despite this, the Muslims assert that they have not been disgraced and weakened. Will such people continue in their denial until even the last shred of Islam’s good name is tarnished? Is it then that they will finally concede that now Islam has been disgraced!
Alas! How shall I demonstrate to you the state of Islam in this day and age? Heed my words! I openly declare once again that the present age is the time of Badr. Islam is currently suffering from weakness and disgrace, but now God has willed to help Islam. As such, God Almighty has sent me so that I may demonstrate the superiority of Islam over all other religions and Faiths through evidence and conclusive argumentation. In this blessed era, Allah the Exalted has willed to manifest His glory, and there is no one who can stand in His way. Just as God’s four attributes mentioned earlier were especially manifested previously in the age of the companions of the Holy Prophet (sas), this too is a similar age. The time has now come for God to manifest His providence. Foolish opponents seek to separate this child as it were, but the loving care of God shall not allow it. God is showering His mercy at present like a rain. These Muslim clerics who call themselves supporters of the religion of Islam desire to extinguish the light of Allah Almighty through their opposition, but this light shall be perfected, just as Allah the Exalted has willed. It pleases these people, it seems, and they accept it when Christian priests stand up and announce that the Prophet of the Muslims has died and the only Prophet who lives is the Messiah, and when they claim that only the Messiah was saved from the touch of Satan, and when they assert that the Messiah revived the dead. And then, the Muslims further reinforce them by suggesting that indeed, the Messiah created and gave life to birds. A believer in the unity of God once visited me and I said to him: ‘The birds which the Messiah used to create, must have multiplied by now to a great number. How can one now distinguish them from the ones created by God?’ He said: ‘Yes, they have all become mixed with one another.’ In this way, such people have turned the Messiah into a partner of half of God’s divinity. Similarly, they also believe that the Antichrist will give life to the dead and that he would perform other miraculous feats. The Muslim creed لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ (There is none worthy of worship except Allah) is a sword as it were, and with it, the Holy Quran slays all those beings to whom divine attributes are falsely attributed. Then from where has this Antichrist emerged? Surah Fatihah teaches us a prayer so that we may be saved from following in the footsteps of the Jews and Christians. Did God forget to mention this grave trial of the Antichrist? The fact of the matter is that these people have lost their senses and they are like the one who cuts off the branch they sit on.
When these people began to disgrace Islam, Allah the Exalted sent me at the head of the fourteenth century to establish the greatness of the Holy Quran in accordance with His promise:
اِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَ اِنَّا لَهٗ لَحٰـفِظُوْنَ22
Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.
Do the people not observe how His signs are being manifested? The lunar and solar eclipses have taken place in the month of Ramadan. Is it possible for this sign of the Mahdi to be fulfilled without the Mahdi actually being present? Was God mistaken? Then, even after camels have become obsolete as a means of transport, has the Messiah not arrived? The signs of heaven and earth have been fulfilled. The state of the present age itself calls for the advent of the one who is awaited, but these people go on in their denial. The one awaited has appeared and the denial of his opponents, and their clamour and outrage can do no harm. This has always been the way of such people. The words of God are true and they are always fulfilled. All that is required of you is that you ought to save yourselves from the evil company of such people, remain engaged in prayer and develop within yourselves the true spirit of Islam.”23
1 al-Fatihah, 1:2-4
2 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 1, dated 10 January 1901, pp. 2-4
3 al-Ahzab, 33:57
4 In the Arabic language, verbs and nouns in the measure of taf'il convey a number of additional nuances compared to their basic analogues, including intensity, extensiveness and repetition. [Publisher]
5 al-Baqarah, 2:56
6 al-Ma’idah, 5:25
7 al-Jumu’ah, 62:5
8 al-Ahzab, 33:57
9 al-A’raf, 7:159
10 an-Nasr, 110:2-3
11 al-Ma’idah, 5:4
12 as-Saff, 61:7
13 ash-Shu’ara, 26:4
14 Ibrahim, 14:16
15 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 2, dated 17 January 1901, pp. 2-4
16 Aal-e-Imran, 3:32
17 Sad, 38:7
18 as-Saff, 61:9
19 Aal-e-Imran, 3:32
20 al-Jumu’ah, 62:4
21 In 1897, Ahmad Shah Shaiq, a Muslim turned Christian, wrote an extremely offensive and hurtful book attacking the wives of the Holy Prophet (sas) and named it Ummahat-ul-Mu’minin—Darbar-e- Mustafa’i Kay Asrar, i.e. Mothers of the Believers—The Mysteries of the Court of Mustafa. One thousand copies of this book were sent free to Muslims in India. [Publisher]
22 al-Hijr, 15:10
23 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 3, dated 24 January 1901, pp. 1-5