On 9 May 1901, the Promised Messiah (as) related the following revelation that he received:
آج سے یہ شرف دکھائیں گے ہم
From today We shall manifest this honour.
There was mention that nowadays people begin writing commentaries of the Holy Quran without true knowledge and understanding. In this relation, the Promised Messiah (as) said: “Any endeavour to write a commentary on the Quran is a very delicate matter. Such an undertaking is only blessed and pure when the individual who takes on this task does so with the help of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, to flaunt one’s secular knowledge of contemporary fields of study and write on this basis is nothing more than the artifice of those absorbed in worldly affairs.”
A question from someone was presented to the Promised Messiah (as) stating: “My brother has passed away. Shall I have a solid grave structure built for him or not?” The Promised Messiah (as) said: “If permanent grave structures are constructed for show and display, and painted with decorative patterns and designs, and built with domes, then this is forbidden. However, if someone were to suggest, like a close-minded cleric, that in every circumstance and in all places unburnt bricks must be used, then this too is forbidden.
اِنَّمَا الْاَعْمَالُ بِالنِّیَّاتِ
This means, deeds are based on intentions. I believe that, in certain cases, it is proper to have constructed graves. For example, certain regions are prone to flooding. In certain other places dogs, badgers and the like will dig out corpses and take them away. Even the dead must be honoured. If such circumstances arise, it is permissible to construct solid graves so long as no pomp and pretension is intended and the purpose is to save oneself from grief. Allah and His Messenger have stated that even the corpse of a believer is to be given its due respect. Otherwise, if this respect was not important, what need would there be to wash the dead, shroud them and perfume them—just cast them before animals like fire-worshippers. A believer never desires dishonour for themselves. Care and protection is important. So long as a person’s intention is pure God does not punish them. You may observe that the wisdom of God so determined that constructed domes be built over the grave of the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Many saints also rest in built tombs, such as Nizam-ud-Din, Farid-ud-Din, Qutb-ud-Din and Mu’in-ud-Din, may the mercy of Allah be upon them all. These were all righteous men.”
A written question was presented to the Promised Messiah (as) as to whether or not it is permissible, during the days of Muharram to distribute flatbread and the like as a means of spiritual reward for the souls of the Imamayn1 (the Two Imams). The Promised Messiah (as) said: “It is generally true that distributing food for the sake of someone who has died becomes a means of spiritual reward for the deceased. However, this should be done without customs that promote association of partners with God. It is not permissible to adopt such customs as are practiced by the Rafidis.”
A question from someone was presented to the Promised Messiah (as) stating: “If a person were to sincerely believe that you are a holy man, and holds a relationship of sincerity and devotion with you, but does not take the oath of allegiance with you, then what is the harm?”
The Promised Messiah (as) said: “The Arabic word bay’at (swearing allegiance) literally means to sell oneself, and this is a state that is felt by the heart. An individual grows in their sincerity and devotion to such an extent that when they develop this state of heart, they feel themselves compelled to take the oath of allegiance. And until one develops this state, one should recognise that there is still a deficiency in their sincerity and devotion.”
There was mention during the course of discussion that the scholars of Lahore have asked Ilahi Bakhsh, who claims to be the recipient of revelation, whether his revelations are free from the adulteration of Satan or not. Ilahi Bakhsh responded by saying: “My revelations are not pure from the adulteration of Satan.” On this, His Holiness (as), our Immaculate Leader, stated: “These people fail to understand the underlying secret in this matter and the degree to which a person’s revelations or visions are free from the adulteration of Satan. There are two classes of sin to which man is susceptible. Firstly, those which move a man to disobey God intentionally so that he commits sin with brazen disregard. These people are wrongdoers, and that is to say, their relationship with God is severed completely and they become those belonging to Satan. And secondly, there are those people who, although they refrain from wrongdoing, on certain occasions, commit some error due to weakness. The degree to which one forsakes sin and moves to God is the extent to which their dreams and visions are pure from satanic adulteration. This is to such an extent that when a person closes all the doors from which Satan can enter, nothing enters him except for God. When you hear that someone receives revelation, do not first look towards their revelations. Revelations mean nothing until an individual purifies themselves of satanic influence, and until one cleanses oneself of unjust prejudices, malice, jealousy and from all that which displeases God. This may be illustrated by the example of a great many streams of water which lead into a single reservoir. If the water running in one of these streams was polluted, would this not contaminate all of the water in the reservoir? This is the underlying secret in the statement about the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which is as follows:
مَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوٰى اِنْ هُوَ اِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُّوْحٰى2
Nor does he speak out of his own desire. It is nothing but pure revelation that has been revealed by God.
Indeed, one ought to invoke God’s forgiveness abundantly for the removal of these weaknesses. In order to be saved from the punishment of sin, seeking forgiveness from God is like the fine that an offender pays to have themselves released from prison. Through God’s forgiveness, God suppresses the ill effects of sin.”3
1 A title of honour which refers to Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) and Hazrat Imam Husain (ra). [Publisher]
2 an-Najm, 53:4-5
3 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 16, dated 17 May 1901, pp. 12-13