27 April 1908

(In Batala—during the journey to Lahore)

The Beauties of Muslim Society Resulting From the Blessings of Tauhid

Someone said that it would be nice if there was a way to resolve the disputes among the Muslims. As other nations are successful due to the unity and cooperative efforts in worldly matters, Muslims also should at least cooperate in worldly matters, etc., etc.

The Promised Messiah (as) said:

God Almighty has said that there will always be differences, so who is the man to try to eliminate these differences? In fact, if one looks closely, internal unity does not exist even among the British. There are indeed some among them who believe Jesus (as)—God forbid—to be God. There are some who are monotheists. They consider him only to be a Messenger of God. And then, there are yet others amongst them who neither believe in Jesus (as) nor in God. They are the atheists. However, the difference is that some expressed their beliefs in a callous manner while others gave expression to it a little gently. Therefore, when differences exist among all, expressing agreement despite these disagreements would only mean the adoption of hypocrisy, but Allah the Exalted does not want this nation to become hypocritical. Allah the Exalted, in fact, warns of hypocrisy and describes it to be the worst form of living:

اِنَّ الْمُنٰفِقِیْنَ فِی الدَّرْکِ الْاَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ1

The sense of honour and sanctity of a firm Muslim can never bear to hear views opposed to his beliefs and established religious doctrines, or see them being defiled or to have true love and unity with those who abuse or sully his revered elders whom he believes to be the leadership of his faith. In my view, such a person who maintains friendship and affection with someone despite all these, is a despised animal chasing after worldly objects and a hypocrite. The sense of honour of a true Muslim can never agree to being a hypocrite.

Just recently, an American tourist came to me. I asked him, ‘You try so very hard through back-breaking efforts to make people accept your religion and you want to convert the entire world to Christianity; pray tell me what have you gained by being a Christian so that others may also gain the same benefit?’

The advances the Christian people have made in sin and impiety are no secret. A large section of their society has even rebelled against God and is, in a way, exposing through its own conduct that they do not even need God. Now tell me, why do you favour a nation that itself confesses the same? Why do you want Muslims to follow a nation steeped in such terrible habits and sin and impiety, who fall under the threat of [Divine] chastisement for their perverted deeds?

God desires righteousness and piety. I concede that Muslims are sinful as well, they are impious; however, should a relative comparison be made against that nation, it can be clearly deduced that the life of Muslims is a thousand times better in contrast to theirs. Due to the blessing of Tauhid [the Oneness of God], God Almighty has not allowed this impiety and sin and shamelessness to develop among the Muslims. Some Christian writers have themselves acknowledged that the Muslim people are a blessing for the world because their life is a thousand times better than that of the Christian nations. Owing to the option of Atonement being available to Christians, what sin is there in the world that is not committed with audacity and temerity by them? What vice is there that a Christian can face any obstacle to in committing? Their doctrine of Atonement is, indeed, such that all the unlawful things became lawful for them. Otherwise, Atonement becomes futile.

Nur Afshan, which is a well-reputed newspaper of the Christians, once documented that an ordinary Muslim can stand next to the current king or even ahead of him in the Muslim places of worship and mosques, and one cannot see any deference for material wealth or might and majesty in their mosques. Among the Christians, on the other hand, a European Christian would never come together with a local Christian even in the church to the extent that, even in their churches, they have ranks of seating.

In short, great blessings have always been present among the Muslims and are present even now. You should ponder over these matters and expand your knowledge. Without comprehensive knowledge you should not make such a claim that Christians are better than Muslims in virtue, righteousness, and purity. All matters are judged on a comparative basis. Muslims are comparatively far ahead of Christians in virtue, righteousness, purity, and fear of God.

As for the lack of mutual agreement among the Muslims, this is the will of Allah the Almighty, and there is mercy in it. However, agreement and unity will develop to a certain degree all by itself when God so desires. The special grace of Allah the Exalted has always accompanied the Muslims in that God saves them when they stumble while other nations are deprived of this. Adversities, like day and night, circulate among every nation but God Almighty has always saved Muslims on such occasions with help from the unseen. The kind of reconciliation you desire is, in my opinion, hypocrisy and I am hostile to such reconciliation.

What an absurd thing it is to say that the Christian people patronize learning! Knowledge is also power, and with this power, man can save himself from every darkness and base doctrines. Their knowledge—what use is their knowledge? A weak, frail, and helpless individual who was born from the womb of his mother according to the law of nature like an ordinary human being, who endured the struggle of saving himself from worldly hardships and rigours, who was ultimately put upon the cross after suffering various indignities and beatings at the hands of the Jews—they have made such a man God!

Can this be called knowledge? As the saying goes, ‘The elephant has one set of teeth to show and another to eat with!’ When someone is crowned a king, he is administered a solemn oath that he will follow the teachings of the Gospels. Is this what it means to say that the Christians value learning?

The questioner said that they always have a book or a newspaper in their hands.

The Promised Messiah (as) said:

It cannot be said about someone who is totally bereft of true knowledge and spirituality that he values learning.

Test of Faith

Upon mention of exams taken by students, the Promised Messiah (as) observed:

عِنْدَالْإِمْتِحَانِ یُکْرَمُ الْمَرْءُ أَوْ یُہَانُ [‘It is through a trial that man is honoured or debased’]. The students are, in fact, excusable. The hardships of exams are rather arduous. When the worldly exams are so difficult, what would be the situation with spiritual trials? How much one prepares for worldly exams, how much he is worried and anxious about them, and how much strenuous effort he endures!

Is there anything that people do not worry about at all? Yes, the trials of faith.

Is there anything no one makes any efforts for? Yes, it is for the trials of faith that no one makes any preparation.

Allah the Exalted says:

اَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ اَنْ یُّتْرَکُوْۤا اَنْ یَّقُوْلُوْۤا اٰمَنَّا وَ ہُمْ لَا یُفْتَنُوْنَ2

Allah the Exalted also draws attention towards an exam. One should show some concern for it too. It is essential to make some preparations for this exam as well. Look, the Reformer who comes at the head of each century is, indeed, a trial from Allah the Exalted.

Now, at this time also, Muslims are being put to a test. God has sent an Appointed One and has proven to the world, by showing radiant Signs of thousands of earthly and heavenly miracles and support for him, that he is from God Almighty. At this time, too, the faith of the people is being tested. At this time, too, there is the display of یُکْرَمُ الْمَرْءُ أَوْ یُہَانُ [‘man is honoured or debased’]. Therefore, blessed are those who worry about the test of God. And then, blessed are those who pass the test of God.

The Word of God Descends in Segment by Segment

Thereupon the same person asked, ‘Were each of the lengthy chapters present in the Holy Quran revealed all at one time?’

The Promised Messiah (as) said:

The Word of God Almighty always descends segment by segment and then it becomes a complete unit. I am experienced in this matter. It used to descend the same way as it descends now. What is there to object to in this, and what phenomenon is being labelled contrary to the law? One can say something is contrary to the law if he claims that he has studied all the secrets of Allah the Exalted, and has encompassed the entire law of nature. He may then also claim that such and such matter is against the law of nature. But since no one has been able to fathom the extent of God’s powers, how can this kind of claim be made?

The Holy Quran is the basis of my revelations but these [my revelations] are not a shariah.3 The Shariah is the same that was brought by the Holy Prophet (sas) and what was taught to the world by the Holy Quran. Not a dot has been added or deleted.

God Almighty Speaks Even Now

God sees even now as He used to see in the past. Likewise, He still maintains the ability to speak as He had in the past. It cannot be said that God does not speak anymore. Is it conceivable that God would hear in the past but does not hear now?

In short, all the attributes of Allah the Exalted that existed before, are still present in Him even now. There is no alteration in God, but because the Shariah has been completed, there is, therefore, no need for a new shariah. That is why Allah the Exalted said, اَکْمَلْتُ لَکُمْ دِیْنَکُمْ4. Thus, there is no need for any new shariah as religion has been perfected.

Discernment

The Promised Messiah (as) said:

When God gives someone dominion, He grants him discernment too, provided that he himself does not sully this holy jewel with the foulness of mischief and prejudice. In matters where truth and falsehood are concealed, Allah the Exalted shows the truth to good-natured rulers with help from the unseen, and they are enabled to reach the very root of the matter with true discernment. Then, they do not remain in need of further arguments either.

There are many Signs for one who ponders over the proceedings of the litigation that was presented against me before [Captain] Douglas.

The fact of the matter is that discernment is a wonderful thing. One can intuitively recognize that this person is truthful. Truth has a boldness and bravery to it. A liar shows cowardice. One whose life is sullied by impurity and filthy sins, always remains afraid and cannot enter the field. He cannot express his truth with bravery and boldness like a truthful person can, nor can he present evidence of his purity.

Just ponder upon worldly affairs: is there a person who has been granted even a trivial portion of well-being by Allah, and he is not beset by jealous individuals around him? People do become jealous of every prosperous person and remain in his pursuit. The same is the condition of spiritual matters.

Satan, too, is the enemy of reformation. Therefore, one ought to keep his account clean and keep his dealing with God straight. He ought to please God and, then, not be fearful of anyone nor worry about anyone. He should refrain from such matters as would make him the target of [Divine] chastisement. However, all this cannot happen without the help from the unseen and an ability granted by God.

Human effort alone cannot accomplish anything unless it is also accompanied by the grace of God:

خُلِقَ الْاِنْسَانُ ضَعِیْفًا5

Man is feeble. He is full of wrongs. He is encircled by adversities. Thus, pray that Allah the Exalted may grant the ability to do good and make one heir to help from the unseen and the blessings of [Divine] grace.

Trust in God

The truth is that trust in God alone is the one thing that can make man succeed and achieve his goals. Allah the Exalted says:

مَنْ یَّتَوَکَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰہِ فَہُوَ حَسْبُہٗ6

Allah becomes sufficient for him who puts his trust in Allah the Exalted, provided he progresses in everything honestly with a sincere heart and with the true understanding of trust in God. And he should be patient and steadfast. He should not withdraw by becoming intimidated by adversities. This world is a temporary, transient place as is everything in it and so too are the affairs associated with it. Therefore, it is essential for man to grieve over it less and be more concerned about the Hereafter. If concern for religion comes to prevail over man, God Himself becomes the surety for his worldly affairs.

One Should Repent Before the Wrath of God Descends

It is a pity that great calamities are taking place every day and yet people pay no heed. They do not care. Even the disbelievers of Moses (as) were better in that they would at least become heedful when the chastisements would descend upon them, and would say that they would accept if only those calamities would abate. However, the disbelievers of today are even more diehard than they were, given that they are not perturbed even though ever-new calamities befall and the wrath of God descends in ever-newer forms.

Just look at how lethal the attacks of this plague alone have been! How heart-wrenching the destruction that took place that one shivers in fear just listening to their accounts, and yet no one was moved. Those people would ask Moses (as) to pray for them in such a crisis, but these people say it is not much—such things do happen and such calamities come all the time.

It was the promise of God from yore that diverse calamities would visit in the Latter Days. Some would accept at that time but most would perish. God does indeed show Signs but only they benefit from Signs who are believers and they are but a few.

A person had come to me and said: ‘The plague has wreaked such havoc in my town that many are prepared to come to Your Holiness and repent. In fact, it is the plague that has brought me to Your Holiness as well.’

This year the plague is somewhat less and, because of it, the hearts are hard. People are audacious, but who knows what is to transpire in the future? Therefore, one should not feel secure and one should repent and lean towards God and seek protection from Him before the chastisement strikes. However, all this can happen only with His help. At times, Satan creates great doubts in man: my relations and links would be severed, my honour and respect would suffer, my means of livelihood would get shut down, or my superiors would become displeased with me. However, remember, all these concerns do not stop one from accepting the truth.

The government is not concerned with any religion at all. Besides, my doctrine—by the grace of God—is not such that would offend the government. As for relationships getting severed or livelihood getting compromised, one should remember that God does not waste the one who surrenders something and subjects himself to some hardship for the sake of God. On the contrary, God Himself becomes his Helper and Benefactor in every situation.7