Malfuzat - Volume VIII

Page 1

Malf uza t of The Promised Messiah & Mahdi as Dated October 1905 through October 1906 english translation of urdu volume 8

Page 2

ISLAM INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS LTD Malf uza t — English translation of Urdu Volume 8 Dated October 1905 through October 1906 Sayings and Discourses of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, peace be on him, Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community First published in Urdu in Rabwah, Pakistan, 1960s First English translation published in the UK, 2024 © Islam International Publications Ltd.All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be repro- duced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the Publisher, Islam International Publications Ltd.Published by Islam International Publications Ltd.Unit 3, Bourne Mill Business Park Guildford Road Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PS, UK Printed at: For further information, please visit www.alislam.org ISBN: 978-1-84880-646-7 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Page 3

Malf uza t of The Promised Messiah & Mahdi as (English translation of Urdu Volume 8) Sayings and Discourses of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi as Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dated October 1905 through October 1906 Published under the auspices of Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Imam and Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiah as , may Allah be his Helper Islam International Publications LTD

Page 4

Page 5

Contents About the Promised Messiah as..........................................xxiii Publisher’s Note..................................................................xxv Preface................................................................................xxix Foreword..........................................................................xxxix malf uza t Dated October 1905 through October 1906 1 October 1905..............................................................................3 Permissibility and Prohibition of Taking a Photograph..................3 Description of Sin....................................................................................5 2 October 1905..............................................................................6 The Essence of Islamic Wars...................................................................6 The Jam a ‘at of Allah’s Appointee and a Revelation...........................8 The People of Punjab are Tender-Hearted..........................................8 3 October 1905..............................................................................9 Denial of a Prophet Inevitably Leads to Kufr....................................9 The Grace of God Almighty Bestows Pleasure & Delight in Worship......................................10 11 October 1905..........................................................................11 Some Revelations..................................................................................11 12 October 1905..........................................................................11 Some Revelations..................................................................................11

Page 6

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 vi 13 October 1905..........................................................................12 Life is Fickle............................................................................................12 Keep Giving S adaqah, Though it be Little.......................................13 The Sincerity of Maulaw i Y a r Muhammad......................................13 Recognition of a True Religion..........................................................14 22 October 1905..........................................................................16 Revelations Regarding the Death of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra....................................................17 The Hesitance of God Almighty........................................................19 Some Revelations..................................................................................19 24 October 1905..........................................................................20 A Vision...................................................................................................20 Prosperity Comes after Hardship......................................................21 Visiting Graves.......................................................................................22 Etiquette of Visiting Graves................................................................23 Hadrat Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h...............................................................23 The Land of Delhi.................................................................................24 Punjab is Most Fortunate.....................................................................25 Disgraceful Means of Livelihood.......................................................26 The Real Adornment of Mosques......................................................26 Archaeology............................................................................................27 No Delay in the Time of Death.........................................................27 I am the One who Was to Come........................................................28 The Real Weapon to Combat Christianity......................................29 25 October 1905..........................................................................31 A Dream..................................................................................................31 Interpretation of a Dream....................................................................31 Why is it Necessary to Accept the Promised Messiah?.................31 The Consequence of Believing Jesus is Alive...................................33 The Jihad of this Age.............................................................................34 The Victory of Islam is in the Belief that Jesus has Died...............35 Jesus as being Alive and his Descent....................................................36 Miracles of the Saints of Delhi...........................................................38

Page 7

Contents vii The Need for a Mu s le h.........................................................................39 Why the Name ‘Ahmadi’ has been Adopted...................................40 26 October 1905..........................................................................44 The Purpose of Establishing the Ahmadiyya Jam a ‘at.....................46 Hypocrisy................................................................................................48 True Believer...........................................................................................49 Advice to the Jam a ‘at............................................................................50 27 October 1905..........................................................................52 Benefit from Every System of Medicine...........................................52 The Holy Prophet s as was the Embodiment of all Excellences......53 Importance of Taqw a............................................................................54 Trials are Necessary during the Time of Every Prophet................55 The True Nature of Descending from the Heavens.......................55 The Meaning of Tawaff i.......................................................................57 The Meaning of Rafa‘a..........................................................................58 The Criterion for a True Revelation..................................................59 The True Nature of an Ummat i..........................................................60 Definition of Nab i.................................................................................60 Revelation will Continue in Ummat-e-Mu h ammadiyyah............61 The Status of the Promised Messiah..................................................61 The Essence of Wa hi.............................................................................62 What is Meant by Scholars of the Ummah......................................63 The Promised Messiah as Is Not an Independent Prophet.............63 Miracles of the Promised Messiah as...................................................63 Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah............................64 Bai‘at is Incomplete without Steadfastness......................................65 All Evils Arise from Unending Desires.............................................65 Allah the Exalted has Placed the Power of Attraction in a Believer.........................................................................................66 Counselling the Jam a ‘at to Exhibit Patience....................................67 The Need to Accept the Promised Messiah.....................................69 Importance of the Belief in the Death of Jesus as.............................72 Islam was Never Spread by the Sword...............................................73 The Means of Islam’s Victory..............................................................74

Page 8

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 viii 28 October 1905..........................................................................76 Abandoned Mosques............................................................................76 Islam did Not Spread in India by Force of the Sword....................77 Listening to Music.................................................................................78 Flutes........................................................................................................79 Khi d r i Mysteries....................................................................................79 29 October 1905..........................................................................81 A Comprehensive Treatise on the Death of Christ........................81 1 November 1905.........................................................................86 The Places where Blessings Descend.................................................86 4 November 1905.........................................................................87 Lecture Ludhiana.....................................................................89 Arguments of Truthfulness.................................................................89 My Tenet is to Follow the Noble Quran & the Holy Prophet s as 101 Belief that the Messiah is Still Alive is Insulting to the Holy Prophet s as.........................................................................103 The Damaging Effects of the Belief that the Messiah is Still Alive................................................................109 The Doctrine of the Messiah’s Death, the Victory of Islam, and the Weapon to Break the Cross............................................110 Appreciation of the Government’s Love for Peace, Justice, and Religious Freedom..........................................................................114 Explanation of the Tenet of Jihad....................................................119 Islam did Not Spread through Force of Sword.............................121 I Swear by God Almighty that I am Truthful................................123 A Forewarning Prophecy can be Averted.......................................125 The Doctrine of the Bloodthirsty Mahdi.......................................129 Ultimate Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah........129 The Essence of Islam and its Teaching.............................................131 The Door of Dialogue and Converse [with God] is Open for the Ummah.................................................................139

Page 9

Contents ix The Correct Remedy for Safeguarding against Sin......................141 I am Indeed the Promised One who was to Come......................144 The Life of Islam is in the Death of Jesus........................................144 Heavenly Support and Signs.............................................................145 The Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah..................148 Evidence of Reasoning........................................................................152 9 November 1905.......................................................................156 20 November 1905.....................................................................158 Two Recent Revelations.....................................................................158 Two Types of Orders and Commandments..................................159 Undated......................................................................................161 On the Swadeshi Movement.............................................................161 26 November 1905.....................................................................162 In Blessed Memory of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra.............162 Truly Righteous is only He about whom God Bears Witness.................................................165 29 November 1905.....................................................................166 The Purpose of Starting the Madrasah............................................166 Recent Revelations..............................................................................167 Fulfilment of the Aims and Objectives of those Commissioned by God by their Followers.................168 It is Natural for the Community to be Saddened by the Death of the Appointed One of God.............................170 Certainty of the Existence of the Hereafter...................................171 The Prayers of Jesus as...........................................................................172 The Death of God’s Appointee has No Impact on the Movement Established by God Almighty....................173 Maul a Bas..............................................................................................174 The Immense Good Fortune of the Holy Prophet s as....................175 The Essence of Khullat.......................................................................176 The Great Favour of Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra upon the Ummah.......177 Hadrat Hasan ra and Hadrat Husain ra..............................................179

Page 10

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 x Everyone Works according to their Ability...................................179 Benefiting from the Dead..................................................................181 The Mortal World...............................................................................182 Undated......................................................................................182 The Late Maulaw i Burh a n-ud-D i n..................................................182 2 December 1905........................................................................183 A Vision and a Revelation.................................................................183 A Lesson in Spending in the Way of Allah among Birds............184 6 December 1905........................................................................185 A Revelation.........................................................................................185 The Need for Life Devotees..............................................................185 7 December 1905........................................................................187 Revelations about Death....................................................................187 In Loving Memory of a Few Deceased Companions..................189 8 December 1905........................................................................190 Proposal for an Exemplary Graveyard............................................190 14 December 1905......................................................................192 Offering Prayer behind a Non-Ahmadi..........................................192 26 December 1905......................................................................193 A Revelation and its Subtle Interpretation....................................193 Speech of the Promised Messiah as....................................................194 Reasons for Opposition to the Jam a ‘at...........................................195 All these Oppositions are Meaningless...........................................198 The Need for Striving and Effort.....................................................197 The Impact of the Power of Holiness of the Holy Prophet s as.....197 The Present Situation of the Jam a ‘at................................................199 Scheme of a Cemetery by the Command and Revelation of Allah the Exalted........................................................................................200 Who is a True Believer?.....................................................................203 Give Preference to Faith over the World........................................205 A Promise to be Given a Truthful Jam a ‘at......................................207

Page 11

Contents xi The Exemplary Standard of the Holy Jam a ‘at of the Noble Companions.....................................................................................208 Three Grades of Human Beings.......................................................211 Missionaries Require Worldly Knowledge.....................................213 A Rational Argument for the Necessity of Divine Revelation..215 Taqw a Depends on Knowledge........................................................216 Commentary........................................................................................217 Four Causes for the Holy Quran......................................................218 Attributes of the Righteous...............................................................218 The Next Stage after Belief in the Unseen......................................219 The Next Stage after Establishing Prayer........................................221 Three Stages of the Nafs.....................................................................223 The State of being Just........................................................................225 The State of I h s a n................................................................................226 The State of It a -e-Dhil-Qurb a..........................................................226 The Effect of the Company of the Righteous................................228 The Truth of Islam...............................................................................229 The Third Mark of a Muttaq i............................................................232 The Status of Lill a h i Waqf.................................................................233 The Fourth Attribute of the Muttaq i..............................................233 The Door of Revelation and Inspiration is Open in Islam.........234 Become an Exemplary Model of True Muslims............................237 Upon Death One Must Go before God.........................................238 Exhortation to Join Wa s iyyat by giving Precedence to Faith over Worldly Matters......................................................................239 Purpose of Establishing the [Ahmadiyya] Movement and the System of Wa s iyyat..........................................................................240 The Need for Servants of the Faith and Life Devotees................242 Advice to Life Devotees to Learn Foreign Languages.................243 Education and Training of Life Devotees......................................244 The Effect of the Companionship of the Promised Messiah.....248 We have No Enmity with Anyone...................................................249 Some Irrational Beliefs of the Aryas................................................249

Page 12

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xii 27 December 1905......................................................................251 The Advent of the Promised Messiah and the Purpose of Establishing the Movement...........................................................251 The Mischief about Jesus being Alive..............................................254 Proof of the Holy Prophet s as being Alive........................................258 Comparing the Holy Prophet’s Companions with the Disciples of Jesus.......................................................................260 Comparison of the Noble Quran and the Gospel........................261 The Issue of the Messiah’s Death was Kept Hidden by Divine Will..................................................................................262 The Issue of the Messiah’s Death is an Established Fact..............263 The Life of Islam is in the Death of Jesus........................................264 The Weapon that Breaks the Cross..................................................266 Another Purpose for the Establishment of the [Ahmadiyya] Movement.........................................................................................267 The Mischief of Loving the World...................................................268 The Blessing of Truthfulness.............................................................271 Sincerity is a Prerequisite for Virtues..............................................276 Give the Grandeur of God a Place in your Heart.........................277 The Need for Patience and Perseverance in the Activities of the Faith...................................................................................................279 Acting Ostentatiously.........................................................................281 Explanation of Morals........................................................................283 A Comparison of the Moral Teachings of the Holy Quran and the Gospel................................................................................................283 Jesus and Mary being Untainted by the Touch of Satan.............285 The True Nature of Mi‘r a j..................................................................286 The Holy Quran Takes Precedence over Hadith..........................287 Days of Jalsa December 1905.................................................289 In Loving Memory of the Late Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m 289 Everyone’s Well-Being is our Doctrine............................................290 The Blessing of the Promised Messiah’s Companionship...........291

Page 13

Contents xiii 29 December 1905......................................................................291 Glad Tidings for Those who Spend their Wealth in the Way of God Almighty..................................................................................292 A Magnificent Sign.............................................................................294 The Purpose of Signs...........................................................................296 Taqw a and I h s a n..................................................................................296 The Essence of Taqw a.........................................................................301 What is Meant by the Acceptance of Worship.............................303 Beneficence...........................................................................................304 It is Not Impossible for Man to Attain Lofty Spiritual Status...306 Consequences of Mistrusting God Almighty...............................308 The Zanjab i l i State..............................................................................309 The Difference between the Acts of Worship of Ordinary People and Those of the People of Allah.................................................311 Make Use of Striving and Prayer......................................................314 The Mark of Genuine Sincerity........................................................315 The Love that Prophets and Messengers Have for Seclusion..........................................................................316 True Monotheists................................................................................317 The Commandment to do Virtuous Deeds Openly and Secretly........................................................................318 Fortunate is the One who Avoids Ostentation.............................320 These are the Days to Please God.....................................................321 Authenticity of the Hadith about the Eclipse of the Sun and the Moon..............................322 The Plague—an Earthly Sign............................................................323 Spend your Wealth for the Progress of Islam.................................324 Objections against Prophets and Messengers................................325 Proof of the Truth of the Holy Prophet s as......................................326 Lailatul-Qadr—the Time of the Coming of the Holy Prophet s as..........................................................................330 The Blessed Day of the Perfection of Religion..............................332

Page 14

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xiv The Discernment of Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra.........................................333 Help Me in Fulfilling this Will.........................................................333 The last week of December 1905.........................................335 Conversation of the Promised Messiah as with an Arya...............335 11 January 1906.........................................................................338 Prayer and Charity for the Deceased..............................................338 15 January 1906.........................................................................340 The Death of a Prophet and the Manifestation of the Power of Allah the Exalted.............................................................................340 He whose Advent is Promised is only One....................................341 Those who Oppose the One Sent by God are in Error................342 20 January 1906.........................................................................342 The Enemy of Oneness.......................................................................342 22 January 1906.........................................................................343 Miracles.................................................................................................343 Merely Abandoning Evil is Not Something to be Proud of.....................................................343 1–8 February 1906....................................................................344 Surviving in a Terrible Time Depends only on the Grace of Allah...........................................344 11 February 1906.......................................................................345 Acceptance of Prayers.........................................................................345 Allah the Exalted is Not Angered by Supplications.....................346 Distributing Food in the Cemetery in the Name of the Deceased.............................................................347 Isq at for the Dead................................................................................347 18 February 1906.......................................................................348 God Almighty is Not Cruel..............................................................348 God Almighty Should Not be Tested.............................................348 19 February 1906.......................................................................349 Practical Weaknesses are Removed by the Grace of God Almighty..........................................................349

Page 15

Contents xv 20 February 1906.......................................................................350 The Wisdom behind Baba Nanak Not Openly Becoming a Muslim...............................................................................................350 Undated......................................................................................351 The Advice of the Promised Messiah as............................................351 A Pure Disposition..............................................................................351 Children must be Warned.................................................................352 Expression of Gratitude.....................................................................352 Complaining and Blaming are Not Good.....................................353 Avoid Backbiting.................................................................................354 9–14 March 1906.......................................................................355 18 March 1906............................................................................355 God’s Recent Revelation....................................................................355 19 March 1906............................................................................357 A Sign.....................................................................................................357 A Point of Rebuke...............................................................................357 It is Proven that Yas u‘ Mas ih was a Weak Man.............................357 The Meaning of Tawaff i.....................................................................358 Tasb ih [Rosary] is a Later Invention...............................................358 1 April 1906................................................................................359 Divine Revelation................................................................................359 The Requirement of Good Manners...............................................360 A New Composition..........................................................................360 Bombay..................................................................................................361 About the Earthquake........................................................................361 Coming again—O Friends!—are the Days of the Impending Earthquake........................................................................................361 A Rightly Guided One in Amritsar.................................................362 7 ApriL 1906................................................................................363 Develop Faith in the Boundless Powers of God Almighty.........363 F a ti h Khw a n i and Isq at......................................................................364 14 April 1906..............................................................................365 Beholding Manifestations on the Mountain.................................365

Page 16

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xvi 17 April 1906..............................................................................366 The Practice of Allah with Respect to Miracles............................366 God’s Acceptance of Those who Enter this Jam a ‘at.....................366 Religious Wisdom is Sharpened by Righteousness......................366 24 April 1906..............................................................................367 The Spiritual Condition of the Jam a ‘at will Continue to Strengthen....................................................................................367 26 April 1906..............................................................................368 Extraordinary Days.............................................................................368 The Disease of P i rz a dg i......................................................................369 5 May 1906...................................................................................370 The Class of Laul a k (Those for whom the Heavens were Created)...................................................................................370 8 May 1906...................................................................................371 Incline towards God Almighty with Full Fervour.......................371 Exhortation Not to Speak Ill of the Weak.....................................371 10 May 1906.................................................................................372 Mub a halah is a High Calibre Weapon............................................372 Differences among Muslims about the Mahdi..............................373 21 May 1906.................................................................................374 The Promised Messiah’s Advice to Expelled Medical School Students.............................................................................................374 27 May 1906.................................................................................375 Fulfilment of a Revelation and a Vision.........................................375 Easy Way to Reach a Verdict for Opposing Recipients of Revelation.........................................................................................376 30 May 1906.................................................................................377 The Messiah will always be Victorious............................................377 No Salvation without Following the Holy Prophet s as..................377 A Revelation.........................................................................................378 A Vision Conveying Good News and its Interpretation about the Protection of the Jam a ‘at.............................................378

Page 17

Contents xvii Proof of the Truth...............................................................................380 The Glory of God is Associated with the Glory of the Messenger of God.....................................................................380 Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m................................................................................380 The Cross indeed Merits being Broken...........................................381 Characteristics of True Revelation...................................................381 The Late Chaudhary Ilah D a d..........................................................381 True Belief in Tau hi d can only be Attained by Believing in the Holy Prophet s as.....................................................................382 The Prophethood of the Promised Messiah as................................382 31 May 1906.................................................................................384 A Vision.................................................................................................384 Opponents will be Destroyed through Arguments.....................384 Trials Necessary for Higher Ranks..................................................384 God Almighty’s Grace Needed for a Spiritual Revolution.........385 Undated......................................................................................386 Advice Given to Women by the Promised Messiah as...................386 Backbiting.............................................................................................386 Pride and Boastfulness.......................................................................386 Obedience to the Husband...............................................................387 Women’s Rights...................................................................................387 Meaning of Tawaff i.............................................................................388 It is Impossible to Ascend to the Heavens......................................388 The True Nature of Mi‘r a j..................................................................389 The Excellence of a Servant [of God] is Not in Receiving Revelation but in Righteous Deeds.............................................390 Prayers will be Combined for the Promised Messiah..................390 The Meaning of Two Yellow Sheets.................................................391 Jealous Regard for the Honour of the Faith is Essential along with Peaceableness...............................................................392 Disputes Arise out of Thinking Ill of Others.................................393 Occurrence of Earthquakes according to Prophecies..................393

Page 18

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xviii 7 June 1906..................................................................................394 Undated......................................................................................396 The Difference between a True Mu s le h and Preachers................396 Need of an Imam.................................................................................397 Our Weapon is Prayer.........................................................................398 Undated......................................................................................400 Excellences of a Perfect Teaching.....................................................400 14 July 1906.................................................................................404 Transient World...................................................................................404 Thinking Ill of Others........................................................................405 Good Treatment of People of Other Faiths...................................406 Undated......................................................................................408 How to Recognize a True Religion.................................................408 Undated......................................................................................410 Sins and their Forgiveness..................................................................410 Supplications in the Prayer................................................................412 16 July 1906.................................................................................414 Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m................................................................................414 Char a gh D i n.........................................................................................415 Undated......................................................................................415 Advisory Message of the Promised Messiah as for Women..........415 29 July 1906.................................................................................421 Elders of Islam and Scholars of this Age.........................................421 Principles of Prayer..............................................................................422 Undated......................................................................................425 Prayer and its Acceptance..................................................................425 The Only Way to Safeguard against Sins........................................426 Doctors should Pray for their Patients............................................427 1 August 1906.............................................................................428 Patience upon Adversity....................................................................428 Supplication in Prayer........................................................................428

Page 19

Contents xix 26 August 1906...........................................................................430 Smoking Tobacco................................................................................431 1 September 1906......................................................................432 The Righteous Always Face Opposition.........................................432 9 September 1906......................................................................434 The Work of the Promised Messiah.................................................434 The month of September 1906..............................................438 May God Grant you Endless Joy— O Editor of Tash hi dhul-Adh-h a n!..............................................438 Ghazal....................................................................................................439 Old Writing of the Promised Messiah............................................440 19 September 1906....................................................................441 No Disease is Incurable......................................................................441 23 September 1906....................................................................442 Cause of Death of the Arya Religion..............................................442 Exhortation to Study Haqiqatul-Wahi...........................................443 Ghul a m Dastg i r of Kasur...................................................................444 Undated......................................................................................445 Tar a w ih Prayer.....................................................................................445 Trust in Allah.......................................................................................446 Baba Nanak was a Muslim.................................................................446 15 October 1906........................................................................447 Prophecy is a Great Miracle..............................................................447 Maulaw i ‘Abdullah Ghaznavi............................................................448 Elders of Earlier Generations will Not be Called to Account....448 Ottoman Empire.................................................................................449 18 October 1906........................................................................450 Jam a ‘at Publications should be Published after being Approved by the Centre....................................................................................450 Maulaw i Syed Muhammad A h san...................................................451 Blowing [one’s Breath on someone]after Reciting Words of God...................................................................................451

Page 20

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xx 20 October 1906........................................................................452 Sahib Noor of Kabul, may Allah be Pleased with Him...............452 Undated......................................................................................453 The Remedy for being Absent-Minded in Prayer........................453 28 October 1906........................................................................454 Acting upon the Holy Quran’s Exemptions is also Righteousness.......................................................................454 Reconciliation is Best.........................................................................456 The Severity of the Prophets.............................................................458 Evidence of the Veracity of the Claim of the Promised Messiah as.................................................459 Affidavit for a Mub a halah..................................................................466 Undated......................................................................................468 The Objective of a True Muslim.......................................................468 Names of Prophets in the Book..........................................473 Glossary.............................................................................475 Index..................................................................................481

Page 21

Page 22

Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian The Promised Messiah & Mahdi as

Page 23

About the Promised Messiah as Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as was born in 1835 in Qadian, India.From his early life, he dedicated himself to prayer and the study of the Holy Quran and other scriptures.He was deeply pained to observe the plight of Islam, which was being attacked from all directions.In order to defend Islam and present its teachings in their pristine purity, he wrote more than ninety books, thousands of letters, and participated in many religious debates.He argued that Islam is a living faith which can lead man to establish communion with God to achieve moral and spiritual perfection.Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as started experiencing Divine dreams, visions, and revelations at a young age.In 1889, under Divine command, he started accepting initiation into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.Divine revelations continued to increase and God com- manded him to announce that He had appointed him to be that very Reformer of the Latter Days as prophesied by various religions under different titles.He claimed to be that very Prophet who the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as said would be raised as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is now established in more than 200 countries.After his demise in 1908, the second manifestation of Divine power was demonstrated, and the institution of Khilafat (Successorship) was established to succeed him in fulfilment of the prophecies made in the Holy Quran, presented by the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as , and in the book of the Promised Messiah as , al-Wa s iyyat.Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba is the Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiah as and the present Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Page 24

Page 25

Publisher’s Note Please note that, in the translation that follows, words given in paren- theses ( ) are the words of the Promised Messiah as.If any explanatory words, translations of Arabic or Perisan text, or phrases are added by the translators for the purpose of clarification, they are put in square brackets [ ].Footnotes given by the publisher are marked [Publisher].References to the Holy Quran contain the name of the S u rah followed by a chapter and verse number(s), e.g.S u rah al-Jumu‘ah, 62:4, and count Bismill a hir-Ra h m a nir-Ra hi m (‘In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful’) as the first verse in every chapter that begins with it.All references taken from the Bible are from the King James Version (KJV).The content of the book comes primarily from the newspapers al- H akam and al-Badr.A footnote reference is inserted at the end of each dated section of Malf uza t, noting where it was taken from.The following abbreviations have been used: s as s allall a hu ‘alaihi wa sallam, meaning ‘may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’, is written after the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.as ‘ alaihis-sal a m, meaning ‘peace be on him’, is written after the names of Prophets other than the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.ra ra d iyall a hu ‘anhu/‘anh a /‘anhum, meaning ‘may Allah be pleased with him/her/them’, is written after the names of the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as and the Promised Messiah as.

Page 26

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxvi rta ra h matull a h ‘alaihi/‘alaih a /‘alaihim, meaning ‘may Allah shower His mercy upon him/her/them’, is written after the names of those deceased pious Muslims who are not Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as or the Promised Messiah as.aba ayyadahull a hu Ta‘ a l a bina s rihil-‘Az i z, meaning ‘may Allah the Almighty help him with His powerful support’, is written after the name of the present head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad aba , Khal i fatul- Mas ih V.Readers are urged to recite the full salutations when reading the book.When citing the names of Quranic chapters and the titles of foreign books, generally we have adopted the following system established by the Royal Asiatic Society for our transliteration: ا ا at the beginning of a word, pronounced as a, i, u preceded by a very slight aspiration, like h in the English word honour.ث ث th – pronounced like th in the English word thing.ح ح h – a guttural aspirate, stronger than h.خ خ kh – pronounced like the Scottish ch in loch.ذ ذ dh – pronounced like the English th in that.ص ص s – strongly articulated s.ض ض d – similar to the English th in this.ط ط t – strongly articulated palatal t.ظ ظ z – strongly articulated z.ع ع ‘ – a strong guttural, the pronunciation of which must be learnt by the ear.غ غ gh – a sound similar to the French r in grasseye, and to the German r.It requires the muscles of the throat to be in the ‘gar- gling’ position to pronounce it.

Page 27

Publisher’s Note xxvii ق ق q – a deep guttural k sound.ء ء ’ – a sort of catch in the voice.Short vowels are represented by: a for __ َ ___ (like u in bud ).i for __ ِ ___ (like i in bid ).u for __ ُ ___ (like oo in wood ).Long vowels by: a for __ ٰ ٰ ___ or آ آ (like a in father ).i for ی ی __ ِ ___ or __ ٖ ___ (like ee in deep ).u for و و __ ُ ___ (like oo in root ).Other vowels by: ai for ی ی __ َ ___ (like i in site ).au for و و __ َ ___ (resembling ou in sound ).The consonants not included in the above list have the same phonetic value as in the principal languages of Europe.While the Arabic ن ن is represented by n, we have indicated the Urdu ں ں as ń.As noted above, the single quotation mark ‘ is used for transliterating ع ع which is distinct from the apostrophe ’ used for ء ء.We have not transliterated some Arabic words which have become part of the English language, e.g.Islam, Quran, Hadith, Mahdi, jihad, Ramadan, and ummah.The Royal Asiatic Society’s rules of transliter- ation for names of persons, places, and other terms, are not followed throughout the book as many of the names contain non-Arabic charac- ters and carry a local transliteration and pronunciation style.

Page 28

Page 29

1 ِ ِ ا هّٰللِّٰ الرَّحۡمٰن ِ الرَّحِیۡم بِسۡم ِ ِ ا هّٰللِّٰ الرَّحۡمٰن ِ الرَّحِیۡم بِسۡم 2 ِ نَحۡمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ۡ عَلٰی رَسُوۡلِه ِ الۡكَرِیۡم ِ نَحۡمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ۡ عَلٰی رَسُوۡلِه ِ الۡكَرِیۡم [Written in Volume 8 of the Urdu Malf uza t (First Edition) ] Preface The delightful sayings and discourses of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him Volume 8 This is the eighth volume of the delightful sayings and discourses of the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, which covers the period from 1 September 1905 to 30 May 1906.3 The compilation and editing of this volume is also a tribute to the efforts of Respected Maulaw i Muhammad Ism a ‘ i l of Diy a lgarh.ِ ُّٰ تَعَالٰی فِی الدُّنْیَا و َااْلْٰخِرَۃ هّٰلل ُ ا جَزَاہ ِ ُّٰ تَعَالٰی فِی الدُّنْیَا و َااْلْٰخِرَۃ هّٰلل ُ ا جَزَاہ May Allah the Exalted reward him in this world and the Hereafter.The volumes of these pure sayings and discourses are like spiritual suste- nance containing various kinds of spiritual food.Or they are like a clinic that has medicine for every disease.The holy Messiah of God Almighty 1.In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.[Publisher] 2.We praise Him and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger.[Publisher] 3.Please note that in earlier editions of Malf uza t, Volume 8 covered the period between 1 September 1905 to 30 May 1906.However, in the fourth edition published by Islam International Publications Ltd., Malf uza t, Volume 8 cov- ers the period between 1 October 1905 to 28 October 1906.[Publisher]

Page 30

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxx would carefully examine the conditions of his pure devotees and sincere disciples and diagnose their ailments.He would suggest the appropri- ate treatment when he saw any spiritual weakness or illness in someone.Sometimes he draws their attention to God Almighty and His attributes and corrects their beliefs.At other times, he directs them to pay attention to their responsibilities by clarifying their lofty station.And sometimes, he mentions the truths and insights of the Holy Quran and the Signs of God to freshen and strengthen their faith.And sometimes, he describes the means and causes of the progress and decline of nations to save them from deterioration and take them to the heights of success.Thus, con- cerning Allah the Exalted and His attributes, he says: 1.Allah the Exalted is hidden, but He is recognised through His powers.His existence can be ascertained through prayer.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.249, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 372 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 2.Some people believe that since God Almighty is 1 ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق , He is also capable of telling lies.Holding such a belief is disrespectful.It is a great sin to attribute anything to God Almighty that is contrary to His promise, glori- ous being, and attributes.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.226, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 340 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 3.There is a beauty in everything from Allah the Exalted.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.332, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 497 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 1.He has power over all things ( S u rah al-A h q a f, 46:34).[Publisher]

Page 31

Preface xxxi 4.Just as Allah the Exalted appreciates the smallest things, so is He sternly watchful of the minutest details.Such is the point.Sometimes a person thinks a thing to be minor, but that thing spurs the displeasure of Almighty Allah.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.243, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 360 of this English translation]) His Claim He mentions his claim in these magnificent words to the congregation of his holy followers: I tell you most assuredly that I am not a fabricator.I am not a liar.Rather, I am that very one promised by the Prophets, to whom the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has sent his sal a m [salutation of peace].I am that very Promised Messiah who was to come in the 14th century and who is also the Mahdi.Only he accepts me whom Allah the Exalted grants the seeing eye through His grace.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.349–350, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 524 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) He says also: I swear in the name of God Almighty that I am indeed the Promised One who was to come.And this, too, is an undenia- ble fact that the life of Islam is in the death of Jesus.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.95, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 144 of this English translation])

Page 32

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxxii Jesus as will Not Descend from Heaven Addressing his opponents, the Promised Messiah as says: I say that you and all your helpers should pray together for Christ to come down from heaven and then see if he comes down or not? I declare with certainty that even if you keep banging your heads in prostrations all your life and even if you erase your noses by rubbing them on the ground while making such supplications, he will not come down from heaven because the one who was to come has already come.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.2, p.315, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022]) The Lofty Station of Ahmadiyya Jam a ‘at Addressing the [members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim] Jam a ‘at, he says: Islam has become an orphan at this time, and it has no ben- efactor.God Almighty chose this Jam a ‘at and willed it to be its benefactor, proving in every way and demonstrating that it is truly empathetic and sympathetic to Islam.He desires that these will be the people who will serve as a model for those who come later.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.159, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 241 of this English translation])

Page 33

Preface xxxiii The Essence of Islam He says: The meaning of Islam was that man should become lost in the love and obedience of God.And just as the neck of a goat is placed in front of the butcher, so the neck of a Muslim should be placed in obedience before God Almighty.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.86, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 131 of this English translation]) Safeguarding Islam Islam is beset with storms, and its adversaries are engaged in efforts to destroy it.However, I am sure Allah the Exalted will safeguard Islam against all these attacks, and He will bring its ship safely to shore even in this storm.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.239–240, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 358 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) The Way to Safeguard Islam To protect Islam and manifest its truth, the foremost aspect is that you become exemplary true Muslims; the second aspect is that you spread its beauties and excellences worldwide.There is a need for financial support and assistance in this aspect… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.157, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 237 of this English translation])

Page 34

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxxiv Secret of Making Progress He said: Progress always comes through virtuous conduct.....As long as the Muslims do not follow and adhere to the Holy Quran fully, they cannot make any progress.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.244, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 364 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation pub- lished in 2024]) Causes of Destruction of Nations The Promised Messiah as said: Remember that when a nation moves toward destruction, igno- rance develops in it first, and they forget the religion taught to them.After ignorance develops, there comes the affliction and calamity that no piety remains among the people, and sin, iniquity, and every kind of wickedness begin to take hold.Finally, the wrath of Allah the Exalted destroys this nation, because fear of Allah and compassion originate from knowl- edge… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.139, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 212 of this English translation]) The Heartfelt Desire to Spread Islam to the Japanese The Promised Messiah as says: The Japanese people are showing interest in Islam, so there should be such a comprehensive book in which the truth of

Page 35

Preface xxxv Islam is fully recorded, as if it were a complete picture of Islam, in the way that when a person describes someone thoroughly, he provides a picture of the person from head to toe.In the same way, the excellences of Islam should be set forth in this book.All aspects of its teachings should be discussed, and its fruits and results should also be shown.The moral part should be separate, and it should be compared with other religions.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.235, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 353 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) A book should be written for the Japanese.An eloquent Japanese individual should be paid 1,000 rupees to translate it, and then 10,000 copies should be printed and published in Japan.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.236–237, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 354 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) Pearls of Wisdom Advising his Jam a ‘at, the Promised Messiah as says: 1.You should not consider anyone as your personal enemy...Remember it well that an individual finds dignity and prosperity only when he is not a personal enemy of any- one.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.315, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 470 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 2.Love of the world is the root of all wrongdoings.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.185, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 277 of this English translation])

Page 36

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxxvi 3.Ostentation burns virtues like fire burns dry leaves and straw.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.216, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 319 of this English translation]) 4.Necessity is the mother of all sciences.All knowledge has come into being due to necessity.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.222, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 327 of this English translation]) 5.Religious Wisdom is sharpened by righteousness.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.247, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 366 of this English translation]) 6.Knowledge is strength, and from strength comes cour- age.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.224, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 337 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 7.It is imperative to be acquainted with the sciences that serve the Holy Quran.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.163, [pub- lished by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 246 of this English translation]) 8.Deeds—…a person’s actions inevitably affect the hearts of others… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.127, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 195 of this English translation]) 9.The poor—Much good fortune is within reach of the poor…They have been given the wealth that they [the wealthy] do not possess.A poor man will be safeguarded

Page 37

Preface xxxvii for free against many vices like cruelty, arrogance, selfish- ness, harming others, not fulfilling the rights of others, etc,… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.314, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also pages 468– 469 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) 10.Human nature—There was, in fact, no evil in the nature of man, nor is anything evil; however, its misuse makes it evil.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.188, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 281 of this English translation]) 11.The real adornment of mosques does not lie in their buildings.It lies in the worshippers who offer Prayers with sincerity… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.15, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 26 of this English translation]) 12.The true believer—In the sight of God Almighty, he alone is a believer and enters the Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] who gives precedence to the faith over the world… ( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.132, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 203 of this English translation]) 13.Virtue—He cannot survive in this spiritual life until he abandons vice and adopts virtues.Virtues are like food.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.8, p.200, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 297 of this English translation])

Page 38

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xxxviii 14.The real ointment.Remember that there is no oint- ment for the wound of affliction as soothing and comfort- ing as trust in Almighty Allah.( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.258, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; see also page 384 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English trans- lation published in 2024]) 15.Auliy a’ ull a h also have a similar condition that they do not have any pretentions, rather they are very plain and pure- hearted people.Their clothes and other matters do not have any kind of pretensions and artificiality….( Malf uza t, Urdu vol.7, p.287, [published by Islam International Publications Ltd., 2022; ; see also page 428 of the Malf uza t, vol.7 English translation published in 2024]) The volumes of Malf uza t are filled with such invaluable, precious pearls.Blessed and most fortunate are those friends who place these spiritual treasures in their homes and not only benefit from them but also encourage their children and close relatives to benefit from them.O our Merciful and Benevolent God! Give those friends a place of honour in this world and the Hereafter who give a place of honour to the words of your Appointed One and Messenger.A m i n.Humbly, Jalal-ud-D i n Shams Rabwah, 7 June 1965

Page 39

Foreword The Malf uza t are a compilation of discourses, letters, and narrations of the Promised Messiah as , Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian.They offer a unique insight into the interactions between the Promised Messiah as and his eager audiences—great and small—and how his Divinely inspired wisdom and intellect quenched the souls of a world thirsting for guidance.These enchanting experiences compelled eye- witnesses to record them in an attempt to seize those special moments for future generations, in the hopes that they might somewhat behold the magnetic aura radiating from the long-awaited Imam of the Age.This present edition of Malf uza t is the complete English transla- tion of the Urdu Volume 8, covering the interval from 1 October 1905 through 28 October 1906.This is a period when some of the most dear and devoted followers of the Promised Messiah as had passed away.The deaths of Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra , Maulaw i Burh a n-ud-D i n ra , Munsh i Jal a l-ud-D i n ra , Maulaw i Jam a l-ud-D i n Syed Walah ra , Maulaw i Sher Muhammad ra of Hojin, Jal a l-ud-D i n ra of Pir Kot, and several others weighed heavy on the heart of the Promised Messiah as.Nevertheless, he took solace in the comforting words of God that others would be raised in their stead.Speaking of his own impending death, the Promised Messiah as describes the mighty revelations in which the Noble Lord assures him that he will leave this world with great honour, although rampant death and destruction would follow across the globe.These ‘earthquakes’ will give the disbelievers a taste of the Day of Judgment, but the believers shall have nothing to fear.He also details a grand scheme for those who wish to make exemplary personal and financial sacrifices for the cause of Islam, and the establishment of a cemetery called Bahisht i Maqbarah [the Heavenly Graveyard].The Promised Messiah as expressed delight

Page 40

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 xl in this initiative, stating that those who were a Jam a ‘at in life would also be seen as a Jam a ‘at even after death ( Malf uza t entry dated 8 Dec 1905).I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who contrib- uted to bring this work to fruition.This English translation was per- formed by Waseem Ahmad Sayed and revised by Naser-ud-Din Shams.Valuable assistance in the Urdu and English review was provided by Sardar Anees Ahmad, and editing and other services were provided throughout by Bushra Shahid, Abdul Quddus Arif, Bilal Rana, Daud Ahmad, Sabahat Ahmad Cheema, Nauman Hadi, Komal Hadi, and Shahzeb Athar.I would also like to acknowledge the valuable assis- tance provided by Nasira Naseem, Tariq Amjed, Hassan Fiyaz Khan, Mirza Mahmood Ahmad, Maliha Khan, Mirza Abdul-Wahab, and others.The Research Cell performed meticulous research to include all Hadith references where cited.Various meetings were arranged with this humble one to review important issues that were frequently pre- sented to Hadrat Khalifatul Masih V aba for his guidance and direction.May the God of all Grace and Glory reward each and every individ- ual for their various contributions and their selfless sacrifices in mak- ing the message, example, and cause of the Imam of the Age, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as , accessible to an English-speaking audience.All a humma A m i n.al- Ha j Mun i r-ud-D i n Shams Additional Wak i lut-Ta s n i f, London June 2024

Page 41

Malf uza t English Translation of Urdu Volume 8

Page 42

Page 43

نَحۡمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ۡ عَلٰی رَسُوۡلِه ِ الۡكَرِیۡمِ ِ نَحۡمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ۡ عَلٰی رَسُوۡلِه ِ الۡكَرِیۡم ، 1 ِ ِ ا هّٰللِّٰ الرَّحۡمٰن ِ الرَّحِیۡم بِسۡم ِ ِ ا هّٰللِّٰ الرَّحۡمٰن ِ الرَّحِیۡم بِسۡم 2 ِ وَعَلٰی عَبْدِہ ِ الْمَسِیْح ِ الْمَوْعُوْد ِ وَعَلٰی عَبْدِہ ِ الْمَسِیْح ِ الْمَوْعُوْد Malf uza t of the Promised Messiah, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him 1 October 1905 Permissibility and Prohibition of Taking a Photograph It was mentioned that someone 3 had printed the photograph of the Promised Messiah as on postcards so people could purchase these cards and use them as letters.The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace and blessings, said: In my view, this is not correct.This is the first step in spread- ing innovation.I permitted the taking of a photograph so that the people of Europe and America, who are very far from us 1.In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.[Publisher] 2.We praise Him and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger, and upon his servant the Promised Messiah.[Publisher] 3.Note: A merchant from Bombay printed cards with the image of the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him.Al- H akam also published his advertisement and continued doing so, thinking it to be an ordinary an- nouncement.Allah the Exalted knows best what my intention was in posting this advertisement.My personal opinion was that this would also be a means of preaching.But this disease of printing photos began to spread to such an extent that Hadrat H ujjatull a h, the Promised Messiah, may peace and bless- ings be upon him, had to pay special attention to it and issued a very strongly worded fatwa regarding its sanctity and prohibition.Thus, this innovative practice ended as soon as it had begun.ِ جَزَاہ ُ هللا ُ اَحْسَن َ الْجَزَاء ِ جَزَاہ ُ هللا ُ اَحْسَن َ الْجَزَاء [May Allah grant him the best reward].This announcement had been given briefly in the previous publication of al- H akam.The speech of the Promised Messiah as is set out in detail today.The use of the card with the picture of Hadrat H ujjatull a h, the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, will, we now trust, most certainly come to an end after today.(From the Editor of al- H akam )

Page 44

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 4 and possess knowledge of physiognomy and benefit there- from, may be able to derive a spiritual benefit from it.Because the type of prohibition that applies to images is not univer- sally applicable; on the contrary, sometimes, if the mujtahid 1 sees that a benefit exists without any loss, then he can use it as needed.Permission was granted because of this particular need of Europe.Accordingly, some letters came from Europe and America in which it was written that by looking at the photograph, it appears as if this is precisely that very Messiah.Similarly, an image can sometimes prove very helpful in diag- nosing a disease.In the Shariah, every matter that comes under 2 اَم ُعَفْنَي َساَّنلا اَم ُعَفْنَي َساَّنلا [that which benefits men] is permitted to remain for much longer.However, these cards upon which the photo- graph is made should not be purchased.Pictures are the root of idolatry.When a person believes in someone, he tends to pay some reverence to the picture as well.Avoid such things and stay away from them, lest disaster befall our Community at its very inception.I have recorded this prohibition in a book that is under print.I am extremely angry with those people in the Jam a ‘at who do such things; God is angry with them.Nevertheless, should anyone’s soul be profited through any means, then that method is exempt.(A card with a photograph was shown) Upon seeing it, the Promised Messiah as said: ‘This is absolutely forbidden.’ A person brought a bundle of such cards and showed them, saying that as he bought these commercially for sale, what should he do now? The Promised Messiah as said: 1.Mujtahid is a term used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to a scholar who is qualified to interpret and derive legal rulings from the Islamic sources, in- cluding the Holy Quran, Sunnah, and consensus of scholars.[Publisher] 2.S u rah ar-Ra‘d, 13:18 [Publisher]

Page 45

1 October 1905 5 Burn them and destroy them.There is disdain for religion and disdain for the Shariah in this.Moreover, do not keep them at home.There is nothing to be gained from this; instead, it ultimately gives rise to idolatry.It would have been better had there been a propagational message in lieu of the photograph.1 (Before noon) Description of Sin A Turkish gentleman asked the following two questions and received their answers: Question— If someone sets out with the intent to steal or commit fornication but does not do so, will it be a sin? Answer— There is no accountability for thoughts that pass through the heart by way of whims and regarding which one does not resolve or determine to carry out.However, when an evil thought passes through the heart, and a person definitively resolves to carry it out, then there is accountability for it, and it is a sin.For example, if a thief intends to kill a particular child to steal his jewellery, even though it is not legally a crime, he is a criminal in the sight of Allah the Exalted, and will be punished.Remember, there is a function of the heart, but it has no effect until there is a definitive resolve to act upon it.Question— [Regarding] people who engage in battles and kill, is such killing a sin of theirs or not? 1.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.35, p.3, dated 10 October 1905

Page 46

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 6 Answer— 1 اَهُمْلِع َدْنِع ْيِّبَراَهُمْلِع َدْنِع ْيِّبَر [The knowledge thereof is only with my Lord].I cannot say anything about it.Allah the Exalted alone knows best whether such a one acted in virtue or vice.2 2 October 1905 The Essence of Islamic Wars The discussion concerned the issue of jihad.Here is a summary of what the Promised Messiah as said about it: This criticism against Islamic jihad, that those battles were for the sake of religion and spreading Islam is simply absurd for the reason that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, continued suffering extreme hardship in Makkah for 13 years at the hands of the disbelievers, and his devoted Companions suffered and sacrificed their lives.The disbeliev- ers inflicted shameless suffering upon some poor and helplessly weak women.It reached the point that he was ultimately forced to migrate, but those disbelievers pursued him there as well.In such a pre- dicament, when their mischief and oppression exceeded all bounds, then God Almighty commanded them to fight as a means of defence and resistance.1.S u rah al-A‘r a f, 7:188 [Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.40, p.10, dated 17 November 1905

Page 47

2 October 1905 7 Accordingly, the first verse commanding the carrying out of jihad was: 1 َنِذُا َنْيِذَّلِل َنْوُلَتٰقُي ْمُهَّنَاِب اْوُمِلُظ َنِذُا َنْيِذَّلِل َنْوُلَتٰقُي ْمُهَّنَاِب اْوُمِلُظ Meaning that, those who have been wronged are permitted to fight.The Muslims were the oppressed; they were not the insti- gators.On the contrary, the disbelievers of Makkah were the aggressors.Even in this situation, it was only when their trans- gressions reached the point of extremity that Allah the Exalted gave him s as the command to fight back in self-defence.Therefore, the criticism that those battles were for reli- gious reasons is simply frivolous and futile.Had they been undertaken only for the sake of [spreading the] religion, why would they have been abandoned in cases where jizyah [tax on non-Muslim citizens] was given? Furthermore, I say that Christians cannot raise this type of criticism at all.They should assess their own situation whether the Islamic battles are any worse than the Mosaic battles.And since they also believe Jesus to be (God forbid) the God of Moses, peace be on him, the blame for these battles falls upon the Christians according to the prevailing standard, particularly given the situation that those battles were far more fierce and bloody than the Islamic wars.In the Islamic battles, children, women, and the elderly were protected and not killed, but these standards were not adhered to in the Mosaic battles.Similarly, in Islamic wars, religious places of worship and fruit-bearing trees were not destroyed.However, in the Mosaic battles, fruit-bearing trees 1.Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged ( S u rah al- H ajj, 22:40).[Publisher]

Page 48

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 8 were destroyed.In short, Islamic war is nothing in comparison to the Mosaic battles.The Jam a ‘at of Allah’s Appointee and a Revelation The Promised Messiah as said: It has always been the practice of Allah the Exalted that when any Appointee or Messenger comes from Him, only the weak and poor initially enter his Jam a ‘at; kings or nobles do not pay attention.But ultimately, Allah the Exalted bestows every kind of progress upon the Jam a ‘at of the poor.A revelation of mine states: ےگ.ںی رے ڑپکوں ےس ربتک ڈوھڈن� ںی ریت ابداشہ � Kings shall seek blessings from thy garments.Those kings were also shown to me.From this it is known that a time will come when Allah Almighty will confer the realization of this Movement’s truth upon some of them.The People of Punjab are Tender-Hearted The Promised Messiah as said: The people of Punjab are tender-hearted.These people are devoid of that noise and nuisance found in [the rest of ] Indians.The Indians rebelled, 1 but the Punjabis remained loyal 1.This is in reference to the Mutiny of 1857.[Publisher]

Page 49

3 October 1905 9 to the Government.Our Mirza Sahib 1 also gave fifty horses to the Government by way of assistance at that time.[The rest of ] India is nowhere close to the extent to which the Punjabis have accepted me.2 3 October 1905 Denial of a Prophet Inevitably Leads to Kufr The Promised Messiah as said: The denial of a Prophet leads to kufr [disbelief ].In fact, even the denial of a wal i [friend (of Allah)] can cause a loss of faith and ultimately lead to kufr.It is written in S a hih al-Bukh a r i , 3 ِ لِی ْ وَلِیًّا فَاٰذَنْتُہ ٗ لِلْحَرْب ِ لِی ْ وَلِیًّا فَاٰذَنْتُہ ٗ لِلْحَرْب ى َى َمَن ْ عَاد مَن ْ عَاد —meaning, whoever shows enmity towards My wal i , I call out to him to come and fight Me.God Almighty recounts the story of Bal’am—that because of his opposition to Moses, peace be on him, he became dis- graced to the extent that he was likened to a dog.Denial of a Prophet inevitably leads to outright disbelief.However, when one becomes the enemy of a wal i , he is stripped of Divine grace without even realising it.1.Reference is to Mirza Ghulam Murtaza, the father of the Promised Messiah as.[Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.40, p.10, dated 17 November 1905 3.In S a hih al-B u k hari , Kit a b al-Raq a ’iq, b a b at-Taw ad u‘, Hadith 6502; it is written as: ِ ا فَقَد ْ آذَنْتُه ُ بِالحَرْب یًّ قَالَ: مَن ْ عَادَى لِي وَلِ ِ ا فَقَد ْ آذَنْتُه ُ بِالحَرْب یًّ هّٰللَّٰ قَالَ: مَن ْ عَادَى لِي وَلِ هّٰللَّٰا َّ ا َّ إِن إِن.[Publisher]

Page 50

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 10 The Grace of God Almighty Bestows Pleasure & Delight in Worship Someone asked how pleasure and delight are developed in worship.The Promised Messiah as said: Pleasure and delight in worship and the doing of righteous deeds cannot develop from oneself; it is bestowed through God’s grace and favour.For [attaining] this, it is imperative for man not to be dismayed and to continue praying to God Almighty for this grace and favour.And tire not in these prayers.When man continues persevering this way, then God Almighty—out of His grace—ultimately manifests that object for which there is a yearning and restlessness in his heart.That is, a taste, pleasure, and delight for worship begin to develop.However, if a person does not strive and make an effort but thinks that someone can grant it [to him] by blowing some charm over him, this is not the practice of Allah the Exalted.A person who tests Allah in this way mocks God and is destroyed.Remember it well that the heart is solely in the hands of Allah the Exalted.If His grace does not accompany a person, the very next day, he may become a C hristian or indulge in other faithless behaviour.Therefore, constantly pray for His grace and seek His help so that He may keep you established on the Straight Path.A person who is indifferent to God becomes a satan.For this, it is essential that man continues to engage in istighf a r [seeking Allah’s forgiveness] so that that poison and incitement do not arise which destroy a man.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.40, p.10, dated 17 November 1905

Page 51

Some Revelations 11 Some Revelations 11 October 1905 Before the death of Maulaw i Sahib 1 : ْ ذِي ْ خَلَقَكُم َّ كُم ُ ال َّ اس ُ اعْبُدُوْا رَب َّ هَا الن ُّ ی ٰۤاَ ی ْ ذِي ْ خَلَقَكُم َّ كُم ُ ال َّ اس ُ اعْبُدُوْا رَب َّ هَا الن ُّ ی ٰۤاَ ی [O people, worship your Lord who created you.] 12 October 1905 َ ن ْ اَرَاد َ اِھَانَتَك َّ ی ْ مُھِیْـن ٌ م ِّ اِن َ ن ْ اَرَاد َ اِھَانَتَك َّ ی ْ مُھِیْـن ٌ م ِّ اِن [I shall humiliate him who designs to humiliate you.] The Promised Messiah as said: I have come to understand the first revelation to mean that excessively mourning Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m’s passing is a sort of idolatry since someone who is excessively loved or whose loss is excessively mourned falls within those deemed worthy of worship.God calls one, and another is put in his place.He is All-Powerful and Self-Sufficient.1.This likely refers to Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra , who passed away in 1905.[Publisher]

Page 52

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 12 Earlier, while the late Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m was still alive, there was another revelation that: � ر وٹٹ ےئگ.ںی � ریت �ہ� �ش دو [Two rafters have broken down.] َ ِِّٰ وَإِنَّآ إِلَیْہ ِ رٰجِعُوْن هّٰلل إِنَّا َ ِِّٰ وَإِنَّآ إِلَیْہ ِ رٰجِعُوْن هّٰلل إِنَّا [Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] This revelation is also very frightening.God Almighty best knows its meaning.1 13 October 1905 Life is Fickle The Promised Messiah as said: I am amazed at those people who trust they will go on living.Sometimes death suddenly overtakes an individual.A person came to the elder Mirza Sahib 2 who checked his pulse and told him to go home immediately and told the bystanders that if anyone wanted to see a dead man walking, they should take a look at him.He died immediately after reaching home.Similarly, Khalifah Muhammad Husain of Patiala went 1.Badr, vol.1, no.28, p.2, dated 13 October 1905 2.The reference is to Mirza Ghulam Murtaza, the father of the Promised Messiah as.[Publisher]

Page 53

13 October 1905 13 home from the courthouse and fell on one step of the stairs.He got up but fell on another and died.Keep Giving S adaqah, Though it be Little A small amount of monetary sacrifice was needed.The Promised Messiah as said: Some people say something but cannot uphold it afterwards, thereby becoming sinners.The best s adaqah [charity] is that which, although it be little, is offered regularly.The Sincerity of Maulaw i Y a r Muhammad The service of some members during the days of the late Maulaw i Sahib’s [ Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m of Sialkot, may Allah be pleased with him] illness was under discussion.The services of Maulaw i Y a r Mu h ammad, Barrister of Law, also came to be mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: He is a most sincere person who displays perfect fidelity.He endured many painful journeys.He undertakes a great deal of physically strenuous service.He does not complain even if he must walk 40 kos [a kos is approximately 2 miles] daily, whether he must walk at night or during the day.During the days of the trial, he ran on foot alongside my conveyance from Gurdaspur and Qadian.He is a hard-working and honest man.Whoever has him will be satisfied with him because he is not a deliber- ately negligent person.He possesses an element of the sunnah [conduct] of the Companions.

Page 54

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 14 (Before ‘A s r) Recognition of a True Religion Mr Daniel, Headmaster of the Gujarat Mission School, visited the Promised Messiah, peace be on him.Some written questions were pre- sented that will be given written replies; various religions were men- tioned.The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, said: Religions are in a strange state these days.Every house is inventing a new religion, and the situation of a seeker is strange indeed.So now, the question naturally arises as to which reli- gion truly offers salvation to man.Each person will answer this in their own way.However, the correct response is to see how each religion deals with God.To what extent do His grandeur, power, and fear prevail over the heart? Man naturally hates evil and naturally loves that which is impressed upon the mind to be of benefit and a means of progress for him.For example, if a person wants to spend the night somewhere, and there is a snake there, he will refuse to stay there.Or, he will naturally hate to enter a village afflicted by the plague.He is attracted to that which is beneficial, and he hates that which is harmful.Thus, how can someone who truly holds the grandeur of God in his heart, believes Him to be the Benefactor, and wholly believes that violating His command- ments leads to his certain destruction, act contrary to the will of God despite such a viewpoint? If one chances upon a treasure trove of gold, he will inev- itably make an effort to take it.Hence, the crux of the matter is certainty and faith through which man can shun all vice and advance towards virtue.Now, how can one attain such certainty and faith? A true religion does not rely on mere anecdotes and stories for this certainty, because these stories are found in all religions.Why should we believe in the stories of Christ’s

Page 55

13 October 1905 15 miracles but not in the miracles of a Hindu’s gods found in his ancient books? In historical affairs, all nations present conti- nuity.It is not right to accept one and deny the other.It is not appropriate for a person to believe that his own religion’s sto- ries are correct and all others are false.The quest to find truth through false stories is long and cannot be traversed.Instead, the easier path is to recognize that God is just as Omnipotent now as He was before.He can manifest miracles now just as He could manifest them before.He hears now just as He used to hear before, and He speaks now just as He used to speak before.What is the reason that earlier He had both attributes of hearing and speaking, but now, He has the attribute of hearing but not speaking? Hence, the true seeker is the one who aban- dons all things and bows down to this Immutable, Eternal, and Everlasting God—the God of eternal powers.He should turn his attention to that God who still has those same attributes and qualities that He had in the time of Moses and in the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.He still desires the lost to come to Him.He still loves to have someone come into His presence.He alone is true who seeks such a God.The religion that is based only on stories is a dead religion.The true religion is the one in which that God still speaks.He who does not have any prejudice finds Him by simply becom- ing the seeker of the Ever-Living, Self-Subsisting, and All- Sustaining God.God befriends the soul that seeks Him.1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.29, p.2, dated 20 October 1905

Page 56

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 16 22 October 1905 ( Journey to Delhi) At first, it was thought that Hadrat Ummul-Mo’min i n [Mother of the Believers; i.e., the wife of the Promised Messiah as ] would go to Delhi with her noble father, M i r N as ir Naww a b.However, when the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, performed istikh a rah 1 concerning her departure before Allah the Exalted in the prescribed manner, he received the following revelation: ی ْ مَعَك َ و َ مَع َ اَھْلِكَ.ِّ مَعِيَ.اِن اْلَّ ِ وْا مَوْرِدًا ا ُّ َ تَرُد اْل ٗ مَعَہ اْلَّ ِ َ تَقْعُدُوْا ا اْل َ َ تَقُوْمُوْا و اْل ی ْ مَعَك َ و َ مَع َ اَھْلِكَ.ِّ مَعِيَ.اِن اْلَّ ِ وْا مَوْرِدًا ا ُّ َ تَرُد اْل ٗ مَعَہ اْلَّ ِ َ تَقْعُدُوْا ا اْل َ َ تَقُوْمُوْا و اْل [Do not stand or sit except with Him.Do not stop at any place except with Me.I am with you and with the members of your family.] These revelations made it necessary for the Promised Messiah to go to Delhi with his family members.When the Promised Messiah as dis- closed his intention to travel, a few Companions accompanied him with his permission.This humble one, the writer, was sick and suffering from a fever for a few days.However, H u du r [the Promised Messiah as ] said: ‘Come along.There is also a benefit from the change in climate.’ They left Qadian on Sunday morning, 22 October.Before leaving, he said: Last night, I received a vision and a revelation.I saw in my 1.A special Prayer made to seek guidance from Allah before making a decision.[Publisher]

Page 57

22 October 1905 17 dream that I had gone to Delhi and all doors were closed.Then I saw that someone put something in my ear which hurt and I said: This is no torment.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was tormented much more.From this, it appears that the hearts of the people of Delhi are locked in such a way that no good influence affects them, and we will hear all kinds of foul language from those people there.1 (At the Amritsar Railway Station) Revelations Regarding the Death of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra During the conversation, mention was made of Hadrat Maul a n a Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, may Allah be pleased with him.The Promised Messiah as said: He was an extremely sincere and valuable person, but this was the will of Allah Almighty.Although a sudden loss is felt from the perspective of human nature, I am content with the will of Allah the Exalted.To console me, He had already told me that now Maulaw i Sahib would be separated from me.Accordingly: َ تَطِیْش ُ سِھَامُھَا اْل الْمَنَای َا َّ اِن َ تَطِیْش ُ سِھَامُھَا اْل الْمَنَای َا َّ اِن [The arrows of death do not miss.] had already been revealed concerning him, and then: 1.Badr, vol.1, no.30, p.2, dated 27 October 1905

Page 58

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 18 ا.ںی ا ایگ ٹ ںی پ اٹیپل ںی نفک ںیم [Wrapped up in a shroud] and then, clearly: ِِّٰ وَإِنَّآ إِلَیْہ ِ رٰجِعُوْنَ.هّٰلل َّا إِن ِِّٰ وَإِنَّآ إِلَیْہ ِ رٰجِعُوْنَ.هّٰلل َّا إِن ۴۷ ربس یک رمع.Forty-seven years of age.Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.All these revelations were foreboding his death, but I desired his well-being.For this reason I was desirous to see these rev- elations fulfilled in some other sense.However, these revela- tions clearly set forth Allah’s decree, and they were ultimately fulfilled.After considering these revelations, I have come to under- stand one point.When the time of death comes, it is not the time for prayer because Allah the Exalted makes His will man- ifest.Similarly, the result can also be observed in cases of fatal diseases.However, it is the power of God Almighty that a strange thing was seen in the case of Maulaw i Sahib.His original illness of cancer, called carbuncle in English, was completely cured.He saw this himself by passing his hand over it and said, I will begin walking in a few days.Finally, due to pleurisy, he developed a severe fever that reached 106 degrees, and he passed away in this condition.Nevertheless, he survived this disease for 51 days.This increase in days also indicates the acceptance of prayers, and Almighty Allah freed him at last from this disease.But so far as death is concerned, no one is spared nor can be spared.His wife inti- mated that he used to say that God had come to call him many times, but it kept getting delayed.

Page 59

22 October 1905 19 The Hesitance of God Almighty The fact of the matter is, this is the same reluctance mentioned in the s a hih h ad i th [authentic hadith] where Allah the Exalted says that I am hesitant to take the life of a believer.1 I prayed a lot even though there were many revelations regarding his death.So, I received a revelation: َا ی نْ ُّ ٰوة َ الد ی تُؤْثِرُوْن َ الْحَ َا ی نْ ُّ ٰوة َ الد ی تُؤْثِرُوْن َ الْحَ [Do you adopt the worldly life?] Then I also received this revelation: ْ ذِي ْ خَلَقَكُم َّ كُم ُ ال َّ اس ُ اعْبُدُوْا رَب َّ هَا الن ُّ ی ٰۤاَ ی ْ ذِي ْ خَلَقَكُم َّ كُم ُ ال َّ اس ُ اعْبُدُوْا رَب َّ هَا الن ُّ ی ٰۤاَ ی [O people, worship your Lord who created you.] The meaning of this was that when someone’s existence is considered necessary to an extreme degree, he becomes ٌ مَعْبُوْد ٌ مَعْبُوْد [ ma‘b u d —worthy of worship], but this is only true for the being of God Almighty, who has no substitute.This cannot be said for any human or any other creature.Some Revelations Then the Promised Messiah as said: The day before yesterday, I received the revelation: ُ مَا یَرُوْم ُ وَاُعْطِیْك َ مَا یَدُوْم ُ سُوْل ِ اَقُوْم ُ وَاَرُوْم ُ مَا یَرُوْم ُ وَاُعْطِیْك َ مَا یَدُوْم َّ ی ْ مَع َ الر ِّ ُ اِن سُوْل ِ اَقُوْم َّ ی ْ مَع َ الر ِّ اِن 1.S a hih al-B u k hari , Kit a b al-Raq a ’iq, b a b at-Taw ad u‘, Hadith 6502 [Publisher]

Page 60

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 20 [I shall stand with My Messenger and shall desire what he desires and I shall bestow upon you that which will last forever.] Moreover, here is today’s revelation: َ تَاْتِیْك َ وَاَنَا مَعَك َ تَاْتِیْك َ وَاَنَا مَعَك [She will come with you while I shall be with you.] This revelation indicates a safe return from the journey.1 24 October 1905 (In Delhi) A Vision In the morning, the Promised Messiah as said: Last night I saw in my dream, a few grains of roasted white gram, and there were some large raisins among them.The Promised Messiah as added: My experience is that gram, radish, eggplant, and onion, 1.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.43, p.4–5, dated 10 December 1905

Page 61

24 October 1905 21 in a dream, indicate something disagreeable.Large raisins strengthen the heart and seeing them in a dream presages some- thing good.This dream, therefore, indicates that something disagreeable—large or small—will be encountered, but the dis- agreeable aspect will be reduced or overcome by the combina- tion of the raisins.Prosperity Comes after Hardship The Promised Messiah as said: Human life is subject to a series of disagreeable experiences.If someone’s desire is to spend his entire life in happiness, that will not be possible.1 َّنِاَف َعَم ِرْسُعْلا اًرْسُي۰۰ َّنِا َعَم ِرْسُعْلا اًرْسُي۰۰ َّنِاَف َعَم ِرْسُعْلا اًرْسُي۰۰ َّنِا َعَم ِرْسُعْلا اًرْسُي۰۰ Such is the cycle that life normally takes.So at a time of hardship, one should remind oneself that ease will certainly follow.2 1.S u rah al-Inshir ah , 94:6–7 [Publisher] 2.From Al- H akam: ‘The primary point is that it is verily the time of hardships and sufferings that makes a man a man and a servant [of God].Otherwise, if there is no grief or anxiety, a person would go entirely away from God.The glorious nature of a believer is singularly distinct from this, the more he sees the grace and blessings of Allah the Exalted and receives His rewards, the closer he gets to Him, and the more he advances in his loyalty, morals, and sincerity.’ ( Al- H akam, vol.10, no.8, p.2, dated 10 March 1906)

Page 62

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 22 Visiting Graves In the morning, the Promised Messiah as visited the men’s section of the house, during which someone suggested taking a recreational tour of Delhi.The Promised Messiah as replied: It is inappropriate to go around by way of sport and pastime.However, there are graves of some great saintly people here.So, I will also go and visit them.He instructed this humble one [ Hadrat Muft i Muhammad Sa diq ra ] to make a list of such saintly people so a visit may be arranged [to their graves].The attendees gave the following names: 1.Sh a h Waliull a h sah ib 2.Khw a jah Ni za m-ud-D i n sah ib 3.Respected Qu t b-ud-D i n sah ib 4.Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h sah ib 5.Khw a jah M i r Dard sah ib 6.Respected Na si r-ud-D i n sah ib Char a gh Delhi Hence, arrangements were made for carriages, and the Promised Messiah as , accompanied by the Companions, boarded the carriages and first visited the shrine of Hadrat Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h.On the way, the Promised Messiah as spoke about visiting graves: There is a spirituality in the graveyard, and visiting the graves in the morning is the Sunnah [Practice of the Holy Prophet s as ].It is meritorious in the sight of Allah and reminds a person of his station.Man is a traveller in this world.Today he is above the ground, but tomorrow he is below it.It has been mentioned in the sacred hadith that when a person visits a grave, he should

Page 63

24 October 1905 23 say: َ ُم ْ ل َاَلَحِقُوْن ك ِ ُ ب هللا َ ا اِن ْ شَآء َّ ُم ْ یَا اَھْل َ الْقُبُوْر ِ مِن َ الْمُؤْمِنِیْن َ وَالْمُسْلِمِیْن َ وَاِن ك اَلَم ُ عَلَیْ َّ اَلس َ ُم ْ ل َاَلَحِقُوْن ك ِ ُ ب هللا َ ا اِن ْ شَآء َّ ُم ْ یَا اَھْل َ الْقُبُوْر ِ مِن َ الْمُؤْمِنِیْن َ وَالْمُسْلِمِیْن َ وَاِن ك اَلَم ُ عَلَیْ َّ اَلس [‘Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves from among the believers and the Muslims! And, God willing, we are bound to join you.’] Etiquette of Visiting Graves When we arrived at the shrine of Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h, many graves were close to each other and often at the same level as the ground.I observed very closely that the Promised Messiah as walked carefully between the graves so as not to step on any grave.Upon reaching Khw a jah Sahib’s grave, he raised his hands in prayer and offered a lengthy prayer.After the prayer, I asked what one should pray at the grave, and he replied: One should pray for the forgiveness of the person in the grave and pray to God for oneself also.Man stands in need of praying before God all the time.A poem about the late Khw a jah Sahib is written on the gravestone.After praying, the Promised Messiah as read that poem and ordered this humble writer to copy it.1 Hadrat Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h The Promised Messiah as said: Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h was one of the great saints.He was the 1.So, Hadrat Muft i Muhammad Sa diq, may Allah be pleased with him, copied that poem and published it in Badr.(Compiler)

Page 64

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 24 spiritual guide of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi.I believe that we have also seen a miracle of these saintly people.Specifically, they were able to convince a city like Delhi—and this is the very city that calls me an apostate, contemptible, and a disbeliever.The Land of Delhi Addressing Seth [‘Abdur-Ra h m a n], the Promised Messiah as said: This land is much harder than Bombay [i.e.the people of Delhi are more rigid], and some measure of heavenly punishment has always been apportioned for it.Not only did they rebel against the British, but they also behaved mischievously towards the Islamic emperors.The high morals of this place’s great and saintly people can also be gauged by observing how they man- aged to live in such a city.These revered people were devoid of anger; they had made themselves [humbled] like dust.These people killed Mirza J a n-e-J a n an ; moreover, it was done with great deception.That is, a man came seemingly to present a gift and shot him with a pistol.The people of Delhi also had similar plans to murder Sh a h Waliull a h, but God saved him.When the debate with me took place, there was a crowd of eight to nine thousand people, and I heard that some of them had knives while others had stones in their hands.Even the Superintendent of Police feared there would be a rebellion, so for this reason he put me in his carriage, removed me from the crowd, and took me home.These people display their short-sightedness, vulgarity, and vileness at such a time.

Page 65

24 October 1905 25 Punjab is Most Fortunate On the other hand, Punjab is most fortunate.Thousands of people continue to join the Divine Community.The people of Punjab are very tender-hearted and there is Divine devo- tion in them; they tolerate insults and taunts.However, these people are very rigid, so there is fear of the Divine punishment which had been striking in times of yore.When the Appointed One from Allah, or the Waliull a h [Friend of Allah], comes, and people harass and insult him, then the practice of Allah is that destruction most certainly befalls the city and land that is rebellious and rude.The grace of Almighty Allah upon the Punjab is great.The people of Punjab are God-fearing and are heedful of God, and the people of Punjab are coming to me in such abundance that sometimes they do not find a place to stand in our gatherings.The Promised Messiah as said: Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h lived a very short life.He lived an even shorter life than the late Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m; Maulaw i Sahib was 47 years old.Standing at the grave of Khw a jah B a q i Bill a h, after praying, the Promised Messiah as said: The excellence of all the saints buried in Delhi is evident from the fact that such a harsh land accepted them.I have not yet manifested this excellence.

Page 66

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 26 Disgraceful Means of Livelihood There were many beggars gathered at the grave.The Promised Messiah as said: These beggars pursue one relentlessly.I did not know this before; otherwise, I would have brought some money for them.There are so many beggars at the grave of Sheikh Ni za m-ud- D i n that they start fighting each other.This has become their livelihood, and it is a disgraceful means of livelihood.The scarcity of provisions makes some people do very evil things.A beggar came to me in Ludhiana and expressed that a man had died, and he was making arrangements for his shroud; he said that only four more annas [coins used at that time] were needed.A man said let us first see where the deceased is, only after which he should be given complete assistance.So that man went with him, but after a short distance, the person seek- ing help ran away because the entire tale was fabricated.The scarcity of provisions makes people do such evil machinations.The Real Adornment of Mosques Seeing the J a mi‘ Mosque of Delhi, the Promised Messiah as said: The real adornment of mosques does not lie in their buildings.It lies in the worshippers who offer Prayers with sincerity; otherwise, all these mosques are deserted.The mosque of the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was very small.Its roof was made of palm branches, and water dripped from its roof when it rained.The splendour of the mosque is with the worshippers.During the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, worldly people built a mosque, but it

Page 67

24 October 1905 27 was demolished by the order of God.The name of this mosque was Masjid ad-Dar a r, which means harmful; this mosque was razed to the ground.The command is that mosques be built for taqw a [righteousness].Archaeology Addressing Dr [Mirza] Yaqub Baig, the Promised Messiah as said: If you have not seen the [Red] Fort, go and see it.آاثر دپ�ی� د اتس انصد�ی� د مجع را [Traces of the elders of ‘Ajam are still there.] No Delay in the Time of Death The late Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m was being mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: God accepted the prayer and healed him from cancer.However, when someone’s appointed time [of death] comes, it cannot be averted.Now when it is mentioned in the hadith that one’s life can be increased by prayer, it means that prayer can be helpful when done before the appointed time arrives; otherwise, who can pray during the agony of death? The late Maulaw i Sahib’s survival for fifty-one days during such a severe illness was also the result of prayer; this delay is also astounding.I used to pray a lot that the man is exemplary and should stay alive.Then this revelation came from God: َا.ی نْ ُّ ٰوة َ الد ی تُؤْثِرُوْن َ الْحَ َا.ی نْ ُّ ٰوة َ الد ی تُؤْثِرُوْن َ الْحَ Meaning that, are you so unconvinced of the next world that you place so much emphasis on the life of this world?

Page 68

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 28 (After Z uhr) I am the One who Was to Come A man named ‘Abdul- H aqq, who claimed to be a follower of Sufi Abul-Khair, appeared together with some students.Many other peo- ple from Delhi also came.The Promised Messiah as asked, ‘Are you all from Delhi?’ They replied in the affirmative.Then Miy an ‘Abdul- H aqq sought permission, ‘I wish to ask a ques- tion for peace of mind.’ The Promised Messiah as granted permission.‘abdul- h aqq— Are you the one who was supposed to remind people about the coming Messiah and Mahdi, or are you the Messiah and the Mahdi yourself ? the promised messiah as — I do not say anything of my own accord.Rather, I only say that which is in accord with the Quran and Hadith and is in accord with the revelation God conveyed to me.I am indeed the one who was to come.He who has ears, hearken! And he who has eyes, behold! Allah the Exalted has said in the Holy Quran that Jesus has died, and the Messenger of God, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, gave the testimony of his vision.Both aspects are present: word and deed.Here we have the Word of Allah the Exalted and the action of the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.On the Night of Ascension, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw Jesus among other previous Prophets.What else do you want beyond these two testimonies? Apart from this, God Almighty provided support with hundreds of Signs.Enough

Page 69

24 October 1905 29 information has been gathered to satisfy someone who seeks the truth and fears God.A person has made a claim at the exact time of need, according to the earlier prophecy, the Word of Allah, and the sayings of the Messenger s as.This is the time when Christianity is devouring Islam.Nothing can be greater than what God Almighty has presented for the support of Islam.For nine- teen hundred years, Christians have believed that Jesus is God and worthy of worship, and there are 400 million Christians present at this time.In addition, the Muslims support them, that undoubtedly Jesus is still alive, needing neither food nor drink.All the Prophets have died, but he is alive, sitting in heaven.Now, you tell me what impression this will have upon the Christians? The Real Weapon to Combat Christianity ‘abdul- h aqq— Nothing can prove effective against the Christians without a sword.the promised messiah as — This is wrong.There is no need for the sword anymore, nor is this the age of the sword.Even in the beginning, the sword was raised only to thwart the attack of the oppressors; otherwise, there is no compul- sion in the religion of Islam.The wound of a sword heals, but the wound of an argument never heals.The opponents should be convinced through arguments and proofs at this time.I will say something for the welfare of you all; listen to it carefully.Pay attention to both aspects.If it is admitted before the Christians that the person whom you believe to be God and worthy of worship is undoubtedly still present in

Page 70

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 30 the heavens—our Prophet has died, but he [ Jesus] is still alive and will remain so until the Day of Judgment, needing neither food nor drink—if we say so, what would be its result? However, if we prove to the Christians that the person they believe to be their God and worthy of worship is dead—just like the other Prophets, he died and lay buried in the ground and his grave exists—what will be the result of this? Forget about debates and leave aside the thought of opposing me.I do not care if someone calls me a disbeliever, a deceiver, or any- thing else.Tell me, which of these two scenarios can uproot the Christian religion from its base and foundation? This conversation had a profound impact upon Miy an ‘Abdul- H aqq.Accordingly, he immediately stood up and kissed the hands of the Promised Messiah as and said, ‘I have understood.Continue doing your work.I pray that Allah Almighty gives you progress.God Almighty willing, you will surely progress.This is certain!’ 1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.31, p.1–3, dated 31 October 1905

Page 71

25 October 1905 31 25 October 1905 (In Delhi) A Dream I saw [in my dream] that a severe earthquake had struck.Interpretation of a Dream The Promised Messiah as said: It seems that the grams that I saw in my dream the other day pointed 1 to the illness of M i r N as ir Naww a b.2 Why is it Necessary to Accept the Promised Messiah? Some maulaw i s and students came.They submitted before the Promised Messiah as that: ‘We observe S al a t, keep Fasts, and believe in the Quran and the Messenger; so what is the need to believe in you?’ Upon hearing this, the Promised Messiah as said: Whatever man does in opposition to the command of Allah Almighty becomes the cause of rebellion.If a low-ranking 1.M i r Sahib has been suffering from stomach ache for two days.But now he is feeling more comfortable than before.(Editor) Badr, vol.1, no.31, p.4, dated 31 October 1905 2.Badr, vol.1, no.31, p.4, dated 31 October 1905

Page 72

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 32 police officer comes with an order from the government, the one who disobeys him is declared a criminal and punished.If this is the case with illusory mundane rulers, then how great a violation would it be of the commands of Almighty Allah to dishonour and disrespect the one who comes from A h kamul- Ha kim i n [i.e.God—the Greatest of all rulers]? God Almighty is very jealous [in point of love or honour].In accordance with the urgency of the occasion, He sent a man at the head of the corrupt century at the exact time of need that he might call the people to guidance.It is a great sin to trample all His prudent measures underfoot.Did the Jewish people not observe prayer? A Jew from Bombay wrote to me that their God is the same God of the Muslims, and the attributes mentioned in the Holy Quran are the very attributes in which they believe.This belief of the Jews has been in place for thirteen hundred years through today, but in spite of this belief, they were called swine and apes only for the reason that they did not accept the Noble Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.The intellect of man cannot match the prudence of God.What is a man that he should claim to have a greater under- standing than Divine prudence? God’s prudence is evident and manifest at this time.In the early days of Islam, a hue and cry would be raised even if a single person became an apostate.Now Islam has been trampled upon so much that there are 100,000 apostates present.Islam, the pure and holy religion, has been attacked to such a degree that hundreds of thousands of books are published chock-full of abuses against the Holy Prophet; some magazines are printed in the tens of millions.If everything published against Islam were amassed in one place, it would make a huge mountain.The plight of the Muslims is as if no life pulses within them and they have all died without exception.If even God remained silent during

Page 73

25 October 1905 33 such distress, then what would happen? One attack of God is far greater than a thousand attacks of man, and it is such that it will bring about the triumph of the Faith.The Consequence of Believing Jesus is Alive The Christians have been clamouring that Jesus is God for nineteen hundred years, and their religion has continued grow- ing to this day, and the Muslims are giving them even greater support.The greatest weapon in the hands of Christians is that Christ is alive and our Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is dead.The Lord Bishop [George Alfred Lefroy] presented this very topic before a large gathering in Lahore.No Muslim was able to give him a reply, but Muft i Muhammad Sa diq from my Jam a ‘at, who is present here, stood up and proved from the Holy Quran, Hadith, history, the Gospel, etc., that Jesus had died, whereas our Noble Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is alive since there were always people read- ily available who, receiving grace from him, demonstrated mir- acles and marvels.Thereupon, he [the Bishop] was unable to say anything in its rebuttal.Now, consider the consequence of believing that Jesus is alive and what the conclusion is of believing that he has met death in the likeness of the other Prophets.Assume that he is dead for just four days and see the result of it.I once told the Christians of Ludhiana through a public announcement that there is no significant difference between us.It is a trivial issue for you to believe that Jesus died and did not ascend to the heavens.What harm is there in this for you? They became highly agitated at this and said that if we believe Jesus had died

Page 74

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 34 and did not ascend into the heavens, not a single Christian would remain in the world today.Look! God is All-Knowing and Wise.He has adopted the approach through which the enemy will be annihilated.Why do Muslims show obstinacy in this matter? Was Jesus superior to the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? If you have enmity with me, do not exceed the limit in it, and do not do anything that harms the religion of Islam.God does not adopt a defective approach, and you cannot break the Cross without adopting this approach.The Jihad of this Age If you were meant to achieve victory through wars and fight- ing battles was destined for you, God would have granted you weapons.You would have been conferred greater cunning and intelligence in using cannons and guns over everyone else.However, the act of God is revealing that you have not been given these capabilities.In fact, whenever the Sultan of Turkey needs weapons, he acquires them from Germany or England, and he purchases the instruments of war from Christians.However, since it was not decreed for this age that Muslims engage in war, God selected another path.Yes, these things were needed at the time of S al ah -ud- D i n [Ayy u b i ] and other kings.At that time, God helped the Muslims and gave them victory over the disbelievers.However, now no one wages war for religion.Now hundreds of thou- sands of pamphlets are circulated against Islam.We should pre- pare the same kind of weapon as the opponents.This is indeed the Divine commandment.If some blood-shedding Mahdi comes now and starts decap- itating people, it will be without benefit.Killing will not satisfy

Page 75

25 October 1905 35 anyone.Cutting off people’s heads cannot remove the doubts of the heart.God’s religion is not a religion of compulsion.Even in the beginning, Islam never exceeded the lim- its.When extreme oppression was unleashed upon the Companions, then jihad was undertaken to repel the enemies.No one’s wisdom can match the sagacity of God.Everyone should pray regarding this matter and consider whether Islam needs support at this time or not.Physically prevailing over someone is meaningless.The primary point is to conquer hearts.The Victory of Islam is in the Belief that Jesus has Died I have not said anything contrary to the Word of Allah nor the word of the Messenger.If the [ascension of Jesus with his] phys- ical body had been mentioned in the Quran and the Hadith, the denier of it would have been a disbeliever and an accursed one.However, God disclosed the true essence to me through revelation, and the Quran, Hadith, and the consensus of the Companions are in support of it.The death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was a great shock for the Companions ra ; 62 or 63 years is not a long life.If it were said to the Companions that Jesus is alive, but our Noble Prophet is dead, it would have been an overwhelming shock for them.It was for this very reason that Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra gathered everyone together, and counselled and explained to them that all the Prophets had died and none of them is alive.Likewise, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had also passed away.The Companions ra had a special love and affection [for the Holy Prophet s as ].Without the death of Jesus, they could have never come to terms with the other aspect [of the Holy Prophet’s demise].

Page 76

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 36 Islam can never present any belief that defames the Holy Prophet s as , the Best of Messengers.Call me good or bad, I will continue doing my work because I see the victory of Islam in it.How can we subdue the Christians if we join them in saying what they say? Our opponents will surely come to understand after their death that they are not the friends of Islam but are its enemies.A habit is also an idol, and these people are worship- ping this idol.Jesus, Peace be on Him, being Alive and his Descent Here, a Maulaw i Sahib from the group of opponents began to speak loudly.He did not allow the Promised Messiah as to continue his speech but went on rapidly asking question upon question without completely listening to any reply given by the Promised Messiah.Therefore, the speech mentioned above came to an end.I am recording the question and answer from the Maulaw i Sahib so that the audience can see the behaviour of the maulaw i s of Delhi.maulaw i sah ib— So what should we do with the traditions that prove Jesus is alive? The Promised Messiah as — Any narration contrary to the Quran and the s a hih [authentic] hadith is rejected; it is not reliable.Anything that is against the Word of God should not be accepted.maulaw i sah ib— And if that narration is s a hih ?

Page 77

25 October 1905 37 The Promised Messiah as — Since it will be against the Word of God and the word of the Messenger, how can it be authentic? In [ S a hih ] al-Bukh a r i itself, the meaning of َ ْك ی مُتَوَفِّ َ ْك ی مُتَوَفِّ — [ mutawaff i ka ] is written as َ ْتُك ی ِ مُم َ ْتُك ی ِ مُم —[ mum i tuka —‘I shall give you death’].maulaw i sah ib— I do not accept [ S a hih ] al-Bukh a r i , and it is written in the traditions that Jesus is alive.It is written in the commentaries of the Quran that Jesus is alive.The Promised Messiah as — You can choose to believe or disbelieve whatever you wish.Moreover, the Holy Quran itself provides a commentary on what it says.God informed me that Jesus died, which is in accord with the Book of Allah and the authentic a ha d i th.He who has ears for listening should listen.I cannot accept any tradition that goes against the Quran and Hadith.maulaw i sah ib— And if that is also s a hih [authentic], then? The Promised Messiah as — It absolutely cannot be s a hih.maulaw i sah ib— Even though it is s a hih ? The Promised Messiah as — I have explained this several times.Why should I say it again and again? How can a tradi- tion that is contrary to the Book of Allah be s a hih ? maulaw i sah ib— Who wrote this? In which book is it writ- ten that if there is a contrary tradition, do not believe it? Imam Bukhari also made a mistake and wrote that the meaning of َ ْك ی مُتَوَفِّ َ ْك ی مُتَوَفِّ —[ mutawaff i ka ] is َ ْتُك ی ِ مُم َ ْتُك ی ِ مُم —[ mum i tuka —‘I shall give you death’].

Page 78

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 38 The Promised Messiah as — If Bukhari made a mistake, you should present some other hadith or lexicon where the mean- ing of waf a t has been defined different than death.maulaw i sah ib— Okay.Jesus as was supposed to descend with angels.Where are the angels accompanying you? The Promised Messiah as — Do you see the two angels on your shoulders, that you should be able to see these angels? maulaw i sah ib— So where is the ladder regarding which it was mentioned that Jesus would use to descend? The Promised Messiah as — The meaning of descent is not what you are thinking.This is an idiom.Just like we ask a per- son on a journey, ‘Where did you descend?’ After this, those people got up and left.(Evening time) Miracles of the Saints 1 of Delhi Addressing Dr [Mirza Yaqub Baig] Sahib, the Promised Messiah as said: Where did you go today on your excursion? 1.This humble one had gone out this evening for an errand.So when the Promised Messiah as came to the sitting area at Maghrib time and delivered a speech, it was penned by respected brother Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig.(Editor)

Page 79

25 October 1905 39 He submitted that he visited Feroz Sh a h’s pillar, Pur a n a Kot, Mah a bat Kh a n’s Mosque, the Red Fort, etc.The Promised Messiah as said: I wish to visit the graves of Hadrat Bakhtiar K a ki, Ni za m-ud- D i n Auliy a ’ , Hadrat Sh a h Waliull a h, etc.The people of Delhi who are above the ground neither meet with us nor are they worthy of being granted an audience.Therefore, let us meet those saintly people from among them who have passed away and are buried under the ground so that we do not return with- out meeting anyone.I consider it a miracle of these saints that they lived among such hard-hearted people.I have not yet attained such acceptance in this city as was bestowed on these people.یں ذاک � مشچ ابز و وگش ابز و ا دخا دنبی مشچ از ام �ی�رہ خ � Open-eyed and open-eared—yet this intellect! I am amazed at how God has sealed their eyes.The Need for a Mu s le h What a perilous time this is for Islam.There are endless internal and external calamities.Yet, these people think there is no need for a Mu s le h [Reformer] at this time.They say that we offer our Prayers and observe the Fasts, so what need do we have for a Reformer? However, they do not understand that without the mercy of God, the tenderness and anguish needed to purify man’s heart cannot develop.Therefore, a lot of prayers are needed.The one who only engages in debates cannot derive any benefit.They do not see what kind of calamities have descended upon Islam.They think as if God has neglected Islam.The people of Delhi appear as if they

Page 80

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 40 have come to pick a fight.They are not concerned with seeking the truth.Words only penetrate the heart [i.e.be understood], when the heart is clean.The same is the case with medicine: unless the throat and stomach are clean, the medicine cannot have an effect; the medicine is vomited or remains undigested.Why the Name ‘Ahmadi’ has been Adopted A maulaw i came and asked, ‘God has named us Muslims, so why have you named your sect Ahmadi? This is contrary to: 1 َوُه ُمُكىّٰمَس َنْيِمِلْسُمْلا َوُه ُمُكىّٰمَس َنْيِمِلْسُمْلا [He named you Muslims]’.In response to this, the Promised Messiah as said: Islam is a very holy name, which is exactly the name mentioned in the Holy Quran.However, as mentioned in the noble a ha- d i th, 73 sects have developed in Islam, and each sect calls itself Muslim.Among these, there is a sect of R a fi di s 2 who abuse all the Companions except two or three men, they abuse the pure wives of the Noble Messenger s as and call the Auliy a ’ull a h [Friends of Allah] evil, yet they are still called Muslims.The Kharijites call Hadrat ‘Ali and Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with both of them, evil, yet they still ask to be called Muslims.There is a sect in Syria called the Yaz i diyya who hurl abuse upon Imam Husain and parade themselves as Muslims.Because of this dilemma, our righteous ancestors called themselves Sh a fi‘ i , H anbal i , etc., to distinguish them- selves from such people.Nowadays, a sect of naturalists has emerged that altogether denies Heaven, Hell, angels, revelation, etc., so much so that Syed Ahmad Khan believed that the Holy Quran is also the 1.S u rah al- H ajj, 22:79 [Publisher] 2.This refers to a group of Shia Muslims.[Publisher]

Page 81

25 October 1905 41 product of the thoughts of the Noble Messenger, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and wrote these sto- ries down having heard them from the Christians.Therefore, to distinguish itself from all these sects, this sect was named ‘Ahmadiyya’.The Promised Messiah as was still speaking when this maulaw i again asked, ‘The Holy Quran commands: 1 اَل اْوُقَّرَفَت اَل اْوُقَّرَفَت [Be not divided]; however, you have created division.’ The Promised Messiah as said: I do not create division; I have come to remove division.If there is disrespect in having the name Ahmadi, then there is disrespect in also being called Sh a fi‘ i or H anbal i.However, these names are given by those great people whom you also consider to be righteous.The person who objects to such peo- ple and calls them evil would be unfortunate.They gave them- selves these names only to distinguish themselves.My work is from God and whoever raises an objection against me raises an objection against God.We are Muslims, and Ahmadi is a differentiating name.How can the identification badge appear if only Muslim is used as a name? God Almighty desires to bring into being a Jam a ‘at, and distinguishing it from others is essential.Without distinguishing it, its benefits cannot be logged, and only being called a Muslim does not permit creating a distinction.The era of Imam Sh a fi‘ i and [Imam] Hanbal etc., was also such that innovations began to take hold.If these names had not existed at that time, it would not have been possible to dis- tinguish between the righteous and the wicked.Thousands of evil men would have remained intermixed [with the righteous].These four names were like four walls for Islam.If these people 1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:104 [Publisher]

Page 82

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 42 had not been born, Islam would have become such an ambigu- ous religion that it would have been impossible to distinguish between heretics and non-heretics.Now, again, a time has come that every home has its own religion.We do not deny being Muslims, but this name has been given to remove division.The Prophet of God, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, disagreed with the people of the Torah and became the cause of division in the eyes of the general public.But the truth, however, is that God Himself creates this division.When there is too much adulteration and contamination, God Himself desires to make a distinction.Maulaw i Sahib again asked the same question that God has said: 1 َوُه ُمُكىّٰمَس َنْيِمِلْسُمْلا َوُه ُمُكىّٰمَس َنْيِمِلْسُمْلا [He named you Muslims].The Promised Messiah as said: Does this include the R a fi di , the heretics, and today’s Muslims? Does this include those who are becoming Ib ah at i 2 and con- sider alcohol and adultery also permissible in Islam? Certainly not.The addressees of this verse are the Companions.It has been mentioned in the noble a ha d i th that after the first three centuries, there would be a period of faij-e-a‘waj [a crooked group] 3 in which falsehood and deception would spread.The 1.S u rah al- H ajj, 22:79 [Publisher] 2.Ib a hiyah Sect: The sect which does not acknowledge the lawful and the un- lawful and who think that man does not possess either the power to safeguard against sins or the strength to carry out the commandments, that no one is the master of anything in the world and that all people are partners in wealth and spouses.[Publisher] 3.The Holy Prophet Muhammad s as prophesied that between the advents of his blessed person and the Mahdi and Messiah, a force of Gog and Magog would appear, which he described as faij-e-a‘waj, or ‘a crooked group’ (See Kanz- ul-‘Umm a l and Mishk a t-ul-Ma sa b ih ); see also To h fa-e-Golarhviyyah, Ru ha n i Khaz a ’in, vol.17, p.226.[Publisher]

Page 83

25 October 1905 43 Holy Prophet s as had said about the people of this age ْ ْسُوْا مِنِّي ی َ ل ْ ْسُوْا مِنِّي ی َ ْل ْوَلَسْت ُ مِنْهُم وَلَسْت ُ مِنْهُم 1 — i.e.they will have nothing to do with me and I will have nothing to do with them—those people would be called Muslims, but they would have nothing to do with me.I call those people accursed who deny Islam’s name or con- sider it a cause of shame.I have introduced no innovation.Just as the names H anbal i , Sh a fi‘ i , etc., existed, so is Ahmadi also a name.However, in the name Ahmad, there is a connection with Islam and the founder of Islam, Ahmad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Furthermore, this connection is not present in other names.Ahmad is the name of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Islam is Ahmadi, and Ahmadi is Islam.The name given in the noble a ha d i th is Muhammadi.Sometimes there are many words, albeit the meaning is the same.The name Ahmadi is a distinguishing mark.There is so much turmoil in this age that it is unprecedented.So a name was necessary.In the sight of God, those who are Muslims are Ahmadis.2 1.Masnad Ahmad ibn H anbal, Masnad al-Mukthir i n min a s - S a ha bah, Masnad J a bir ibn ‘Abdullah, Hadith 14378, vol.9, p.86, published by D a rul- H ad i th al-Q a hirah.[Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.1, no.32, p.2–4, dated 3 November 1905

Page 84

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 44 26 October 1905 (In Delhi) The Promised Messiah as called for the carriages to be brought in the morning and visited the blessed tombs of Khw a jah M i r Dard and Sh a h Waliull a h.Pointing to the cemetery on the way, he said: This is the permanent abode of man where he rests, freed from all kinds of ailments.He prayed on the grave of Khw a jah M i r Dard and, looking at the inscription, he said: Writing an inscription is not prohibited in the Shariah.There are many benefits to it.1 From here, the Promised Messiah as went to the grave of Hadrat Sh a h Waliull a h and prayed for him.The Promised Messiah as said: Sh a h Waliull a h was a revered man who saw visions and per- formed miracles.All these saintly people lie under the earth, and those above the earth are so occupied with innovations that they transform truth into falsehood and falsehood into truth.During the journey, the request of the people of Ludhiana was 1.Badr, vol.1, no.32, p.4, dated 3 November 1905

Page 85

26 October 1905 45 mentioned [to the Promised Messiah as ] to make a stop and visit them.Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig submitted that the Jam a ‘at of Ludhiana had come to Ludhiana station to meet H u du r, but as H u du r was sleeping, he [Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig] did not permit him to be awakened.The Promised Messiah as said: You did the right thing.In exchange, I will now disembark in Ludhiana [on the way back from Delhi] and meet the people of Ludhiana.On the way, they passed by a slaughterhouse.A large number of sheep and goats were being slaughtered, and a herd of hundreds more was standing outside.Seeing them, the Promised Messiah as said: What a large stock of h al a l things to eat has been provided by Allah the Exalted, while on the contrary, h ar a m items such as dogs, etc., are not as common.The Promised Messiah as continued: So many more revolutions have transpired in this city than the crises that have perhaps befallen any other city.This city flour- ished several times, and several times it was reduced to dust.Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig was the addressee, and it was said that his leave [from work] was nearing its end.The Promised Messiah as said: Two more days remain.This opportunity should be considered a blessing.Such an opportunity can only come by the grace of God.Do not think such an opportunity can be availed by simply taking leave [from one’s work].Many people are not

Page 86

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 46 employed but do not get the opportunity to stay with me.They are free, but they are not blessed with my company.1 The Purpose of Establishing the Ahmadiyya Jam a ‘at The Promised Messiah as said: It is not the intention of Allah the Exalted that a group of peo- ple should come into being to establish the death of Jesus.This topic has come into the midst on account of the opposition of these clerics.Otherwise, there was no need for it at all.The real purpose of Allah the Exalted is to bring into being a commu- nity of pure-hearted people like the Companions ra.The issue of the death of Christ had just interrupted like a parenthetical clause.The maulaw i s have needlessly thrown a red herring into the mix.It was inappropriate for these people to be so bold in this situation.The Word of God, the vision of the Prophet, and the consensus of the Companions ra —these three things should have sufficed for them.I feel sad that I have to mention this without any reason whatsoever.However, my real issue is some- thing else.This was just the removal of the rubbish from the midst.Ponder the case of a person who is immersed in worldli- ness and does not care about religion; if you remain as you are after pledging allegiance, then what is the difference between you and him? Some people are so naive and weak that their purpose in taking allegiance is also the world.If there is some slight impact on their worldly affairs after they take the Bai‘at [Pledge of Allegiance], they take a step back.Remember that this Jam a ‘at is not [focused on] advancing 1.Badr, vol.1, no.33, p.1–2, dated 6 November 1905

Page 87

26 October 1905 47 in wealth and worldliness so that life may be lived in comfort.God is disgusted with such a person.You should look at the life of the Companions ra ; they were not enamoured with life.They were always ready to die.Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] means to sell one’s life.When a person has dedicated his life, why does he bring worldly matters into it? Such a man only takes a superficial bai‘at.He will fall by the wayside today or tomorrow.Only a person who wants to per- fect his faith can remain.A person should study the life of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Companions daily.They were of a calibre that some had already died, and some were sitting ready to die.I genuinely say that nothing can be done in any other way.Allah the Exalted says that those who worship, standing as it were, on the edge, so that they may run away upon seeing any trial, will not be able to derive any benefit.The people of the world have the habit that if they experience the slightest pain, they start offering long and laborious prayers but forget God during times of ease.Do people wish that God should be pleased with them without having to pass through trials? God is Merciful and Beneficent.However, the true believer slaughters the world with his own hands.God does not waste such people.In the beginning, the world becomes a paradigm of Hell for the believer.Various types of trials occur, and horrors unfold.Then they persevere, and God protects them.Nonetheless: وبد وخین و رسشک اول قشع وبد �ب�ی�روین ہک رہ د ر خ رگ�ی� ات At first, love is loud and fierce; So that the person who is just a spectator should run away.There are two Paradises for the one who fears God.He who becomes one with the will of God is protected by Him, and he

Page 88

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 48 is bestowed a pure life, and all his wishes are fulfilled.However, this is attained after faith.A person has a thousand impurities in his heart.Thereupon, he casts doubt upon God yet desires to be apportioned the lot of the believers as well.A person is not a believer until he slaughters his previous life and until he senses that the desire of the self has died and the grandeur of God is firmly seated within his heart.If the believer is not bestowed a unique dis- tinction, how would the promises made to them be fulfilled? Nevertheless, so long as there is duplicity and hypocrisy, man cannot derive any benefit.1 َّنِا َنْيِقِفٰنُمْلا يِف ِكْرَّدلا ِلَفْسَاْلا َّنِا َنْيِقِفٰنُمْلا يِف ِكْرَّدلا ِلَفْسَاْلا Allah the Exalted has promised He would create a Jam a ‘at that would possess superiority over everyone in every respect.Allah the Exalted will bestow every kind of grace.However, what is needed is that every person should purify their soul.Yes, Allah forgives weakness.The weak one who raises his hand for someone to grab hold of him and lift him will be lifted.Nevertheless, the believer should not sit idly satisfied with his condition.God is not pleased with this.One should try in every way that everything needed to please God Almighty may be made available.Hypocrisy A hypocrite works in vain.The Mighty Lord naturally con- fers fame upon a believer.People mention a person who used 1.The hypocrites shall surely be in the lowest depth ( S u rah an-Nis a’ , 4:146).[Publisher]

Page 89

26 October 1905 49 to offer lengthy Prayers in the mosques so that others would call him righteous.However, when he would pass through the streets, even the boys would point at him and say that he is a hypocritical man who ostentatiously offers Prayers.One day he thought, why do I care what people think and make so much effort for no gain? I should instead turn my attention to my God and worship purely for the sake of God.Thinking this, he truly repented and dedicated his actions sin- cerely to God, giving up worldly Prayers, and began to pray sitting in seclusion desiring that his worship remain hidden.Then, whichever street he traversed, the people would point to him that he is a fortunate man.True Believer A true believer is one who should not be worried by anyone.God Almighty will personally settle all his affairs Himself.One should not worry about the difficulties people will cause.If someone establishes a strong friendship with someone in the world, the people of the world render due regard merited by such a friendship.What kind of a friend is he who, when treated kindly, would show a lack of attachment? If one has a genuine relation- ship with a thief, he will not break into one’s home; then is not God’s faithfulness equal even to that of a thief ? The friendship of God is such that it has no equal among the worldly.In the friendship of worldly people, there are also excuses and pretexts.The worldly person becomes ready to break a friendship due to minor grievances, but God’s relationships are solid.For the per- son who befriends God, God causes blessings to descend upon him.He places blessings in his home.He places blessings in his garments.He places blessings in his leftovers.

Page 90

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 50 It is found in [ S a hih ] al-Bukh a r i that man creates a rela- tionship with God through naw a fil [supererogatory S al a t ].There are naw a fil [works of supererogation] in everything.Every right deed beyond the obligatory is included in naw a fil.When a person progresses in naw a fil , God Almighty says that I become his eye through which he sees.I become his tongue with which he speaks.1 God Almighty says that the person who fights with My wal i [friend] should prepare to fight with Me.Those who genuinely love God also become self-sufficient and free of every need.They do not worry about being rejected by people.Those who worry about people make people idols.The servants of God possess great compassion, but at the same time, there is also an attribute of utter disregard for any worldly things attached to them.They do not worry about the world.Before them lies the grace of God such that the world comes to them as if being pulled towards them.Advice to the Jam a ‘at Our Jam a ‘at should be such that it does not remain content with mere rhetoric but should strive to fulfil the true purpose of taking Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance].An internal change should be realized.You cannot please God simply by grasping some doctrinal issues.If there is no internal change, then there is no difference between you and others.You will be destroyed before the others if machination, deceit, indolence, and laziness are found within you.Everyone must bear their burden and ful- fil their promise.Do not trust life.Look! Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m passed away.Every Friday, 1.S a hih al-B u k hari , Kit a b ar-Raq a ’iq, B a b at-Taw ad u‘, H ad i th 6502 [Publisher]

Page 91

26 October 1905 51 we offer someone’s funeral [Prayer].Do whatever you can do now.When the time of death comes, it cannot be postponed.A person who does good deeds in advance can hope to become purified.Strive to effect a change in your soul.Supplicate in your S al a t.Join 1 َو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُدَهاَج اَنْيِف َو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُدَهاَج اَنْيِف [those who strive in Our path], by offering charity and by every other means.Just as a sick person visits a doctor, takes medicine, takes a laxative, gets blood drawn, gets hot or cold compress treat- ment, and takes every kind of measure to get well; similarly, make every effort to remove your spiritual ailments.Not just with the tongue, but with all the methods of striving that God Almighty has mentioned—employ them all.Give charity.Go to the jungles and pray.If you need to travel, do that too.Some people take money and go around giving it to chil- dren so that they may perhaps attain inner enlightenment in this way.When the inner self is locked shut, no benefit can be gained.Allah the Exalted loves the one who tries all sorts of strategies; so when a person employs all strategies, one or the other hits the target.2 1.S u rah al-‘Ankab u t, 29:70 [Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.1, no.34, p.3–4, dated 8 November 1905

Page 92

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 52 27 October 1905 (After the Friday Prayer, in Delhi) Benefit from Every System of Medicine Some maulaw i s and some medical students and doctors from a med- ical school came.The topic of medicine came up during the conversa- tion.The Promised Messiah as said: A Muslim should not be averse to Western medicine.1 ِ اَلْحِكْمَة ُ ضَآلَّة ُ الْمُؤْمِن A word of wisdom is the property of a believer; it was lost and came into the possession of someone else, so seize it immediately wherever it is found.By this, my intent is not that I endorse the medical profes- sion, but I only mean that in accord with the hadith, a person should take that which is beneficial from wherever it is found.Hindi, Japanese, Greek, and English—benefit should be drawn from every system of medicine, and one should fulfil the mean- ing of this couplet: م ریت ف� ا ںی � وگہش زرہ عتمت �ی�امتف وخہش رخےنم زرہ I also derived benefit from countries far away, And took a cluster from every heaped-up harvest.Only then does one become a proficient physician.Physicians have obtained prescriptions from women as well.1.The complete text of the hadith is: َا فَهُو َ اَحَق ُّ بِهَا ھ ْث ُ مَا وَجَدَ ی كَلِمَة ُ الْحِكْمَة ِ ضَالَّة ُ الْمُؤْمِن ِ فَحَ which means, ‘A word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer; he takes it wherever he finds it.’ [Publisher]

Page 93

27 October 1905 53 1 ذُو ْ عُسْـرَۃٍ.اْلَّ ِ ذُو ْ تَـجْرِبَۃٍ.لَیْس َ الْـحَلِیْم ُ ا اْلَّ ِ ِیْم ُ ا ك َ لَیْس َ الْـح [There is no wise person except the one who has experience.There is no patient person but that they have experienced hardship.] A person becomes wise through experience, and he becomes forbearing through demonstrating patience while suffering hardships.And generally a man is left exhausted by experiences, because Divine decree and destiny is operating on everyone.The Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him, was the Embodiment of all Excellences Allah the Exalted said to the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that: 2 ُمُهىٰدُهِبَف ْهِدَتْقا ُمُهىٰدُهِبَف ْهِدَتْقا ‘Follow their guidance’; meaning, combine in yourself the various excel- lences of all previous Prophets.This verse expresses the great excellence of the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.All virtues, merits, and excellences of all previous Prophets and saints were altogether conferred upon the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.By following the guidance of all of them, he combined all excellences within himself.However, in order to become the one who combines all excellences in himself, it is essential for man not to be arrogant.The one who thinks he has understood everything stumbles.One should live in humility.Where a person sees something beneficial, he should derive benefit from it.It is also inappropriate for doctors to look upon ancient 1.In Sunan Tirmidh i, ( Abw a b al-Birr wa a s - S ilah, b a bu m a j a ’a f i at-Tajarrub) , the hadith appears as: ٍ َّ ذُو عَثْرَة اْل ِ م َ ا ی َ حَلِ اْل ٍ َّ ذُو عَثْرَة اْل ِ م َ ا ی َ حَلِ اْل.[Publisher] 2.S u rah al-An‘ a m, 6:91 [Publisher]

Page 94

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 54 medicine with contempt.Some things found in them are highly beneficial.I memorized hundreds of pages of text from the books of medicine.More than a thousand books on medi- cine were in our library, some of which were purchased by pay- ing huge sums.However, this knowledge is conjectural.No one has the right to boast and make claims.Importance of Taqw a The Promised Messiah as said: It is a pity that people are so occupied with their worldly affairs that they do not pay any attention to the other aspect [of life].Each person leans too much towards one side.Allah the Exalted has not mentioned any other topic as extensively and repeatedly in the Holy Quran as He has mentioned taqw a [righteousness].Through taqw a , man is safeguarded against all dangers.The Jews did not act with taqw a in the matter of Jesus and said that until Elijah comes from heaven, we cannot believe in you.They should have studied the miracles and excellences of Jesus, peace be on him, without becoming fixated on just one issue in the face of many.Similarly, during the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Jews said that the Prophet of the last age should have appeared from among the Israelites; we cannot believe in you.They paid no attention to the Signs of Divine support, establishment of the truth, or miracles.

Page 95

27 October 1905 55 Trials are Necessary during the Time of Every Prophet It is understood from this that there must be trials during the time of every Prophet.If God desired, He could have explicitly written such words in the Torah that the name of the father of the Prophet of the last age would be ‘Abdullah and the name of the mother would be A minah, and that he would be a resident of Makkah.However, God did not do this.The same thing hap- pened in the time of the Messiah of that age.If people had seen the angels descending with the Noble Prophet, no one would have rejected him.However, the practice of God Almighty is that trials come and the people with taqw a are saved at that time.The True Nature of Descending from the Heavens The custom of descent from the heavens [of someone] had never been established in the past.Present any precedent from Adam to this day that some Prophet ascended to heaven or descended from heaven.It is not God’s practice to make some matter unique for any one person.No Prophet came with any- thing unique.In this way, that person would become a God, and to attribute uniqueness to Yas u‘ [Christ] is tantamount to endorsing the Christians ourselves.Allah the Exalted has openly disclosed the death of Jesus.Study the hadith of the Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension].Those who reject the Mi‘r a j reject Islam.The single hadith of the Mi‘r a j is equivalent to 100,000 a ha d i th.On the night of the Mi‘r a j, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw ‘ I s a [ Jesus] among the dead.

Page 96

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 56 If the soul [of Jesus] was not taken and he ascended to the heavens alive with his physical body, then how did he reach the other world? A single fact suffices for a righteous person.To abandon the actual and correct concept and adopt imaginary and conjectural ideas runs contrary to righteousness.I have been made to understand this from God repeatedly.Along with it are Signs, assistance, Divine help, and texts of the Quran and Hadith.Whatever I say, I say based on insight.Consider what statement affords ِ ب ِااْلَْمْن ِ ب ِااْلَْمْن ُّ اَحَق ُّ اَحَق [greater peace (of mind)].I have come as Elijah came.Ask the Jews why they remained deprived of believing in the Messiah.Their excuse was similarly that Elijah did not come from heaven as it is writ- ten in the Torah.However, our Muslims cannot even make this excuse because they have several precedents before them, demonstrat- ing how descent takes place.These people can quarrel with me as much as they wish, but after death, they will come to know which side was correct.These people help the Christians so much that these maulaw i s themselves have made many people Christians.The stance God has adopted is indeed superior to all, and through it, Islam will triumph.The words نزول نزول [ nuz u l — descent] and ل ی نز ل ی نز [ naz i l —the one who descends] are used for a guest to honour and respect.Every language has this idiom.So in Urdu as well, it is said, ‘Where have you descended?’ Meanwhile, a cleric interjected and said that the Messiah would descend in Damascus.Where did you descend? The Promised Messiah said: It is proven from the Hadith that he will descend to the east of Damascus; Qadian is exactly east of Damascus.

Page 97

27 October 1905 57 The Meaning of Tawaff i There was a great debate in the city of Baghdad regarding the meaning of the word ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی —[ tawaff i — ‘death’].In this debate, it was ultimately decided that where Allah the Exalted is the subject [ فَاعِل فَاعِل — f a ‘il ] and a human being is the object [ ٖ مَفْعُوْل ٌ بِہ ٖ مَفْعُوْل ٌ بِہ — maf ‘ u l bih i ], the meaning is always death and nothing else.If you show me any other meaning from the Quran, Hadith, or lexicon, I am ready to accept it even today.The lexicon is also the key to the Arabic language.Show me any example from the lexicon, and I will accept.It is strange that you have confidence in the visions of others, but you have no faith in the vision of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Where did you extract the words ‘physical body’ from [concerning the ascen- sion of Jesus]? If you can show these words somewhere, then bring them.I am ready to accept it even now.Show me the word ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی [ tawaff i ] being used in the Holy Quran, in the Hadith, in the Arabic lexicon, concerning any Prophet, Companion, etc., in the sense of going to heaven with the physical body, and I will immediately agree.But why do you ascribe that meaning to a word for Jesus that was never ascribed for any Prophet, saint, Companion, or human being? This is what God Almighty has been telling me for twenty-five years.Then heavenly succour and Signs are with me.Even now, I still believe in the words of God in the same way I believe in the earlier Books.At this point, the same Maulaw i Sahib again interrupted, saying, ‘I can show that ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی [ tawaff i ] means to die and go to heaven.’ Maulaw i Sahib was immediately given a Holy Quran.He started to turn over

Page 98

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 58 its pages and look at his colleagues.Sometimes he would ask one per- son to find something, and sometimes he would point to someone else, asking him, ‘Do tell me something, please, brother?’ There were many present [accompanying him].Sometimes one person snatched the Quran from his hand, and sometimes he snatched the Quran back.Of course, there was nothing to be found.Panicked, he said, ‘Well, َكُعِفاَر َكُعِفاَر [ r a fi‘uka —‘will exalt thee’] 1 is written.’ The Meaning of Rafa‘a The Promised Messiah as said: The meaning of َكُعِفاَر َكُعِفاَر —[ r a fi‘uka— ‘exalt thee’] here is the same as the meaning in: 2 ُهٰنْعَفَر اًناَكَم اًّيِلَع ُهٰنْعَفَر اًناَكَم اًّيِلَع Muslims make this same prayer every day concerning the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he may be bestowed َ رَفَع َ رَفَع [ rafa‘a—‘ exaltation’]; so does it mean that he ascends to the heavens with his physical body? It is absolutely correct what God said, and He confirmed it with revelations.1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:56 [Publisher] 2.And We exalted him to a lofty station ( S u rah Maryam, 19:58).[Publisher]

Page 99

27 October 1905 59 The Criterion for a True Revelation maulaw i [ sah ib]— What is revelation? Even I receive revelation.(Later, it came to be known that the name of this maulaw i is Ni za m- ud-D i n, and he teaches boys in a mosque.) The Promised Messiah as — Any revelation not supported by the Sign of heavenly support is unacceptable to me.Claimants of such revelation have existed in the time of every Prophet.If you possess any Sign, show it.In the meantime, Hadrat Maulaw i Muhammad A h san took out a lex- icon, Mukht a r a s - S i hah , and showed Maulaw i Sahib that the meaning of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی [ tawaff i ] is to cause to die.maulaw i sah ib— I do not believe in lexicons.However, all right, I accept.If Jesus has died, show his corpse.The Promised Messiah as — When death has been proven it is sufficient.Where are the corpses of Abraham and Moses? maulaw i [ sah ib]— Where is the one-eyed Dajj a l [Antichrist]? The Promised Messiah as — If you take things like this liter- ally, great difficulties will arise.The Holy Quran says whoever is blind in this world will also be blind in the Hereafter, so does this mean that all those who are blind will collectively go to Hell in any case, even though they commit the entire Quran to memory and are Muslims?

Page 100

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 60 The True Nature of an Ummat i The Promised Messiah as said: It is written that the one who is to come will be an ummat i — and an ummat i is one who attains light only through the means of sincerely following the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him.But he who has already reached the level of prophethood by obtaining light and insight, how will he become an ummat i now? Will he first be deprived of all previously obtained excellences? Yes, I am an ummat i as I have received everything through the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and all cognizance has been obtained from him.Maulaw i Sahib stood up, confounded, and his colleagues went on curs- ing while another student came forward.Definition of Nab i Student— What is your status? Will it be explained as nubu- wwat [prophethood], or would some other word be used? The Promised Messiah as — The one with whom God talks and whom he addresses is a Nab i [Prophet].The meaning of Nab i is one who conveys to people what he learns from God.However, law-bearing prophethood has ended.True cognition cannot be attained without Divine con- verse.If this Ummah does not possess this, how did it become the best Ummah? Allah the Exalted did not close the door of communication.Otherwise, no means of salvation would have remained.

Page 101

27 October 1905 61 Revelation will Continue in Ummat-e-Mu h ammadiyyah Student— So you receive revelation? But revelation comes only to Prophets.The Promised Messiah as — God Almighty says in the Holy Quran that even the mother of Moses received revelation.Has this Ummah become worse than women? This would be a back-breaking thing for the enlightened.Have all the doors been closed for us? Does a worldly person not need to advance? God does not desire to keep this Ummah imperfect.I cannot accept that the earlier peoples attained so many blessings, and this Ummah was kept wholly deprived.The Status of the Promised Messiah as Student— Then this is the status of a wal i.The Promised Messiah as — When did I say that my status is that of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? However, you are unaware that the status of a wal i is no less.On the contrary, some are of the opinion that the status of wil a yat is greater because wil a yat is the means of [attaining] love, nearness, and Divine cognizance, while prophethood is an official duty.The Jews believe that Hadrat Ibr a h i m was a wal i and superior to all the Prophets.However, I believe that tak- ing even one step away from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is kufr [disbelief ].I have received the revelation that: ٍ د َّ ـحَم ُّ ن ْ م ِّ َۃ ٍ م ك َ بَر ُّ ُل ك ٍ د َّ ـحَم ُّ ن ْ م ِّ َۃ ٍ م ك َ بَر ُّ ُل ك [Every blessing is from Mu h ammad.]

Page 102

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 62 I do not go outside of this circle.To go away from following the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is absolutely kufr.On account of being veiled [from the truth], people feel uneasy with the word wa hi [revelation].Otherwise, it is written there [in the Holy Quran] that even the bee received revelation.In fact, Sheikh ‘Abdul-Q a dir [al-Jil a n i ] has written that the fear of an evil end exists for anyone who has never received revelation.Perfect cognition cannot be attained without converse and dialogue [with God].The Essence of Wa hi Student— How does wa hi [revelation] occur? The Promised Messiah as — There are many ways.Sometimes there develops a reverberation in the heart.There is no sound.Then with it, there develops a pleasing flourish- ing of the heart, and sometimes a pleasant word emanates from the tongue with speed and splendour which is not the result of any reflection, thinking, or whim.Thousands of Signs of God Almighty come together with this.If anyone wishes, he may stay with me right now for at least forty days and witness a Sign.God makes a distinction between the truthful and the false.Twenty-five years ago, the Lord Almighty promised me that people would come to me from everywhere, bringing gifts and presents.This ilh a m [revelation] is from a time when not a single man was with me.Now you show me the like of this, can a man attain such great success by fabricating lies for such a long time? And this is not an isolated incident; if you come and stay with me for some time, you will come to know.

Page 103

27 October 1905 63 In reality, all difficulties are due to lack of cognition; other- wise, for what miracle did Hadrat Ab u Bakr ask? What is Meant by Scholars of the Ummah Student— The ulema [scholars] of the Ummah who oppose you are also in the likeness of the Prophets.The Promised Messiah as — I do not consider amongst the scholars those people upon whose tongues is one thing while their deeds are another.They say one thing mounting them- selves upon the pulpit and go home and say something else.The scholars of the Ummah are those who enjoin strict adherence to the Faith.The Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him, Is Not an Independent Prophet Student— Are you an independent Prophet? The Promised Messiah as — To say that about me is slander.I consider it to be kufr [disbelief ] for anyone to claim to be an independent Prophet.Miracles of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him Student— A miracle is what a Prophet shows.How can you say that you show miracles?

Page 104

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 64 The Promised Messiah as — My miracles are all the miracles of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Nothing is mine.All this is entirely the labour of the Holy Prophet.Religion was on the decline—I made an effort.If I am from God, God will help me.Otherwise, this Movement will be destroyed on its own.Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah I have two tasks.First, to remove the mistakes that have crept into the beliefs contrary to the Holy Scriptures.Secondly, to set right the practical condition of the people so they attain right- eousness and purity like the Companions.Student— Has anyone before ever claimed ‘I am a Prophet in Islam’? The Promised Messiah as — How could anyone have made a claim before? They were not appointed to make such a claim, while I am appointed.Student— Why should your opponent be called a k a fir [disbeliever]? The Promised Messiah as — Kufr means to reject.When these people do not accept one appointed by Allah and abuse and deny, then the matter does not stop there.Rather, a door opens, and the tongue is set loose, and gradually, one is deprived of the ability to do good deeds.1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.33, p.2–4, dated 6 November 1905

Page 105

27 October 1905 65 Bai‘at is Incomplete without Steadfastness A person performed the Bai‘at [Pledge of Allegiance].The Promised Messiah as said: May God bestow steadfastness.Steadfastness can be attained through the ability bestowed upon one by God Almighty.The Bai‘at is incomplete unless it is also accompanied by steadfast- ness.When man advances toward God, he has to face many trials and storms along the way.He cannot reach the desired destination unless he passes through them.It is not possible to ascertain the state of a person’s steadfastness when peace abounds because everyone is happy and ready to be friends in times of peace and comfort.Steadfast is the one who bears all trials.All Evils Arise from Unending Desires Look at the death of Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, may Allah have mercy on him, and ponder over it.The suddenness with which death befell him should serve as admonishment.Everyone must understand that this day will come at some time.Everyone should remain prepared for it.Reflecting and pondering over these things makes a person a true believer.When a person inclines towards the world and takes on many worldly pur- suits, an unending desire is born.All evils arise from unending desires.Attaining purity of heart is difficult for anyone who thinks that life is long and entertains great hopes and says that he will do this and he will do that.A believer should sleep at night and not expect to wake up in the morning; if he wakes up in the

Page 106

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 66 morning, he should not expect to live until the night.The loft- iest and ultimate goal is to attain purity of heart.When God favours someone, He bestows purity of heart upon him.Purity of the heart cannot be attained without Divine grace.The first thing is that unending desires should continue to decline.It is then that man acquires contentment.When a person uses illicit means all day and remains occupied in chasing after worldly earnings, the heart becomes impure.However, there is no greater admonisher than death; this is indeed the greatest admonisher.Allah the Exalted has Placed the Power of Attraction in a Believer Syed S a diq H usain of Atawa and other friends of this area were the addressees.The Promised Messiah as said: If there is even one pious and righteous man [residing] at some place, who has full enthusiasm for spreading the truth, then God creates a power of attraction in him, and he brings into being a Jam a ‘at because a believer can never remain alone.Therefore, it is not only through miracles that the argument is completed against the people.On the contrary, Allah the Exalted has placed a power of attraction in the believer.The fortunate are drawn towards him, and even the unfor- tunate are made to serve the movement upholding the truth.The duty entrusted to them is to publicize the movement upholding the truth and spread its message to far-off places by making noise and raising a clamour in opposition to it.A believer most certainly has the power of attraction.When I was

Page 107

27 October 1905 67 writing Bar a h i n [ -e-Ahmadiyya ], I received the revelation stat- ing that people will come to you upon every distant track.At that time, not even a single person was with me.Moreover, this is that book that every sect of Christians, Hindus, Brahmu, and Aryas possesses, and all opponents have it.Maulaw i Muhammad H usain wrote a great review on it.No one can say that I fabricated these prophecies or that they were written at a time when people used to come and go.These revelations were published at such a time, and they were published in many languages: Arabic, Persian, Urdu, English, and Hebrew.This happened so that every language may bear witness and for the aggrandizement of this book.Moreover, therein also appears to lie this hidden verity that people of every tongue shall be witnesses and enter into this Community.If a mortal can fabricate these accounts in the world through his own ability, where is its precedent? If this could happen and man could do it, then all the prophecies and excellences of the Prophets would be put in doubt.However, the point is that tri- als must necessarily come.At the time of every Prophet, there were trials, and even now, the same practice of Allah contin- ues.Mujaddid Sahib [Mujaddid Alf Thani] has also written in a letter that when the Messiah comes, the scholars will oppose and deny him.Counselling the Jam a ‘at to Exhibit Patience The Promised Messiah as said: Patience is a great treasure.A person who is patient and does not speak while consumed by anger, his speech is not his own, but rather it is God that makes him speak.

Page 108

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 68 The Jam a ‘at should work with patience and not adopt harshness due to the harshness of the opponents and not reply to abuse with abuse.It is not incumbent upon one who opposes me that he speaks politely.Such examples are also found in the life of the Holy Prophet s as.There is nothing like patience, but exercising patience is very difficult.Allah the Exalted supports the one who employs patience.The people of Delhi are rigid, yet not everyone is the same.There may be many who are not visible, but when the time comes, they will understand.Arabia was a rather barbaric land, and even that was set aright; Delhi is not as cruel.I do not like that members of my Community should attack anyone or do anything contrary to good morals.God Almighty commands forbearance, and one should act in accord with this.The understanding of God’s revelations is also that forbearance be exercised.I do not possess any such elixir that can imme- diately be put on someone’s hands.Presently, there are even such followers who do not fully believe; nay rather, they spew evil doubts.However, the weak should be shown mercy, and everyone should remember that he was also in a similar state of weakness when he began [his journey].Satan is attached to everyone.The blessing of tranquillity is attained gradually because the poison of past sins continues to make mischief.It is not an easy matter to get rid of all this poison at once.God’s mercy comes to one’s assistance gradually.When the patient recovers, weakness remains, and one of the inescapa- ble consequences of weakness is that a person may fall at some point; sometimes, the disease may return.A believer is a wal i [friend (of Allah)], but it is difficult to attain this blessing.That is why it is said, ‘Do not say مَنَّا مَنَّا ٰ ا ٰ ا [ a mann a — “we believe”], but rather say, اَسْلَمْنَا اَسْلَمْنَا [ aslamn a —“ we have accepted Islam”].’

Page 109

27 October 1905 69 The Need to Accept the Promised Messiah A question was again presented today before the Promised Messiah as : When we offer Prayer, observe the Fast, and follow the other injunctions of the Shariah, what harm can there be if we simply do not accept you? The Promised Messiah as said: I have answered this question many times.I believe in the Word of Allah and the word of the Messenger s as.In addition, I believe in the revelation of God.My coming is according to the promise of Allah and the Messenger.How can someone who believes in one command of Allah and the Messenger but not in another, claim that he believes in God? This is what is mentioned in the Holy Quran: Those people believe in a part and do not believe in another part; if so, then they do not believe.One promised by God and His Messenger came at his appointed time.He came at the head of the century, brought Signs, and came at the exact time of need.He possesses correct and powerful arguments in support of his claim.Is it the work of a believer to reject such a person? The Jews were called monotheists.Up to today, they claim they are established upon monotheism.They would pray and fast, but they would not accept the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.So, due to this, they became disbelievers.A person who rejects even a single item set forth by a Messenger sent by the command of Allah the Exalted, and opposes him stubbornly, is a disbeliever.Moreover, those people are in error who say that we pray and fast and perform all good deeds, what need do we have? They do not realize that the ability to do good deeds is also

Page 110

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 70 granted by Allah the Exalted.To dispel every type of shirk [associating partners with God], personal and universal, and to perform worship with genuine delight and gratefulness is not in one’s power.In order to achieve this, it is essential to follow the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It is writ- ten in the Holy Quran that if you want to become the beloved of God, then follow the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.These people do not realize that having the ability to do good deeds depends on Divine grace.Unless there is a special grace of Allah the Exalted, internal impurities cannot be removed.When a person adopts veracity and sincerity of the highest degree, a heavenly power descends for his sake.If man could do everything himself, there would be no need for supplications.God Almighty says I will show the way to the per- son who strives in My way.This is a subtle indication.A hadith states that you are all blind except the one given eyes by God.Moreover, you are all dead except the one given life by God.Look! God Almighty has said concerning the Jews that they are like donkeys loaded with books.What benefit can such knowledge bestow upon a person? Unless the heart is appropri- ately prepared, guidance and tranquillity do not descend [upon it].Developing appositeness with Satan is easy, but it is difficult to develop with angels because this [endeavour] involves climb- ing up, while the other case involves falling down.Falling down is easy but climbing up is very difficult.This state can only be attained, when a person, having become truly purified, has love for the divine enter into him.However, if this matter were easy, why would the Auliy a ’, Abd a l, Ghauth, and Aqt a b 1 be so rare? They all appear to pray and fast like ordi- 1.Wal i (Friend), Ghauth (Saint), Qu t b (pl.Aq ta b —Guiding Star), and Abd a l (Substitutes, i.e.vicegerents appointed for carrying out the will of God Almighty) are various designations used for Auliy a ’ull a h.[Publisher]

Page 111

27 October 1905 71 nary people, but the difference is only of the ability [to do so sincerely].These people did not indulge in any kind of boast- ing and perversity; on the contrary, they adopted the path of humility and occupied themselves with striving.The person who behaves audaciously before worldly authorities is also humiliated.Then what will happen to the one who behaves audaciously and insolently with the one sent by God Almighty as the Arbiter? The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to pray: 1 ٍ ِلْنِی ْ اِلٰی نَفْسِی ْ طُرْفَۃ َ عَیْن ك َ َ ت اْل َّ اَللّٰھُم ٍ ِلْنِی ْ اِلٰی نَفْسِی ْ طُرْفَۃ َ عَیْن ك َ َ ت اْل َّ اَللّٰھُم [‘O Allah, do not entrust me to my own self even for the blink of an eye’].Now, the state of piety of these people should be observed.I came before them.My claim is to be the Promised Messiah.Did they reflect carefully on my case? Did they study my books? Did they come to me that they may understand from me? Simply upon the basis of hearsay and instigation of oth- ers, they started calling me faithless, dajj a l [deceiver], and k a fir [disbeliever] and said that I merited being killed.They took all these actions without investigating and opened their mouths audaciously.It would have been appropriate for these people to have presented some hadith against me.I believe that deviating even slightly from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, equates to falling into faithlessness.However, is there any precedent to this in the world that a person fabricates lies against God for twenty-five years, yet God continues supporting and helping him daily? He was alone, and God joined 300,000 people to him.Does right- eousness justify raising a clamour against him in vain and not investigating his case? 1.Ab u D a w u d, Kit a b al- A d a b, b a bu m a Yaq u lu Iz a A s ba h a, Hadith 5090 [Publisher]

Page 112

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 72 Importance of the Belief in the Death of Jesus, Peace be on Him The Quran is with us on the death of Jesus.The hadith of Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension] is with us.1 The consensus of the Companions ra is with us.Why do you attribute to Jesus that uniqueness not given to others? I love the words of a revered elder very much.He has written that if he were convinced that some- one [from the past] is still alive in the world, then he would be convinced that it was the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.What benefit is there for us in someone else being alive? Act with piety; stubbornness is not good.Look! Christian priests are going around in the alleys, streets, and markets saying that our Christ is alive and your Messenger is dead.To this, what answer can you give them? This age is the age of the progress of Islam.The moon and the sun have been eclipsed in the manner foretold.Allah the Exalted has chosen that perspective to bring about Islam’s pro- gress before which no one can say anything.Reflect, what has been the result of believing Christ to be alive for nineteen hun- dred years? Only that there are now 400,000,000 Christians.Now, try the other perspective for a few years and see what results from it.Ask any Christian if the death of Jesus Christ is accepted, can a single Christian be left in the world? Why do you harbour this anger and wrath for me? Is it because I want Islam to be victorious? Remember that your opposition cannot harm me in the least.I was alone, but according to God’s prom- ise, many hundreds of thousands of people joined me, and pro- gress is being made daily.This same question was presented to the Muslims by Bishop 1.S a hih al-B u k hari , Kit a b A ha d i th al-Anbiy a ’, b a bu Dhikri Ra h mati Rabbik, Hadith 3430 [Publisher]

Page 113

27 October 1905 73 [Lefroy] Sahib in Lahore.Thousands of people had gathered, and it was an immense gathering.He presented the excellence of Jesus by saying that he is alive and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has died.So, no Muslim could reply to him.However, Muft i Muhammad Sa diq from our Jam a ‘at, who was present there at that time, said, I will prove that according to the Quran, Hadith, and the Bible, Jesus has died.So, he proved it, and the bishop could not give any response and refused to engage in discussions with our Jam a ‘at.Islam was Never Spread by the Sword I pity these clerics who, in an attempt to humiliate me, attack Islam, disrespect Islam, and say that when the Mahdi comes, he will spread the religion with the sword.O ignorant ones! Are you supporting the objection of the Christians that Islam was spread by the sword? Remember that Islam was never spread by the sword.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, never took up the sword to spread the religion by force.On the contrary, he undertook fighting to stop the enemies’ attacks, and that too, after great forbearance and patience, to save the poor Muslims from the injustices of the disbelievers.Moreover, in this [regard], the Muslims were never the aggressors.This indeed, is the essence of Jihad.The attacks of Christians today are not with the sword but with the pen.So, they should be answered with the pen.A true belief cannot be spread by the sword.Some foolish savages get a hold of Hindus and force them to recite the Kalimah, 1 but 1.The declaration of faith in Islam: L a il a ha illall a h Mu h ammadur-Ras u lull a h, ِ سُوْل ُ هللا َّ َّ هللا ُ مُحَمَّد ٌ ر اْل ِ إِلٰه َ إ َآ اْل ِ سُوْل ُ هللا َّ َّ هللا ُ مُحَمَّد ٌ ر اْل ِ إِلٰه َ إ َآ اْل —‘There is no one worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’ [Publisher]

Page 114

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 74 when they go home, they remain Hindu as they were before.Islam certainly did not spread with the sword but spread due to its pure teachings.Only those who raised the sword were given a taste of the sword.Now the opponents are being answered with the pen, arguments, proofs, and Signs.If God had intended for the Muslims to wage jihad, the Muslims would have been granted the greatest power to fight, and they would have been given command and control over the fabrication and use of tools of war.However, the situation is that Muslim kings get their weapons by buying them from the people of Europe.You have no sword.From this, it becomes clear that it is not Allah’s wish at all that you use the sword.Islam will now become prevalent through its teachings and miracles.I am ready to show Signs even now.Let any Christian priest come and stay with me for at least forty days.Swords are vulnerable to rust, but who can stain these fresh Signs with rust? The Means of Islam’s Victory It is a time of decline for Islam.If my method is not to the liking of these people, then they should tell me another way to bring about the victory of Islam; I will accept it.Now, every wise man has testified that if the victory of Islam can be achieved in any manner, it is only through this way, so much so that even Christians are convinced that the death of Jesus is the one approach by which their materialistic religion can be uprooted.If these people leave Christianity, there is no other door for them except to accept Islam and enter it.This is the only way.If another way is known to someone, then it is incumbent upon him to present it.Indeed, he is forbidden to eat and drink until he presents this way.

Page 115

27 October 1905 75 O Muslims! Reflect on what harm there is in this for you if Jesus died.Has not your beloved Prophet s as passed away? You do not get angry at the mention of the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Why do you get angry upon hearing the mention of the death of Jesus? I do not have any selfish purpose.I do not desire any fame.I only long for the progress of Islam.Allah the Exalted knows my heart well.He it is who has placed this zeal in my heart.I do not speak at my own behest.For twenty-five years, the rev- elation of God has been making me say this.This revelation is from that time: َ اَلرَّحْمٰن ُ عَلَّم َ الْقُرْاٰن َ اَلرَّحْمٰن ُ عَلَّم َ الْقُرْاٰن [It is God who taught you the Quran.] God desires the guilty to become distinct and the righteous to become distinct.There is no benefit in attacking me.An insight- ful person cannot abandon his insight.I promise that if there is a righteous seeker after truth, he should come to me, and I will show the newest of Sign.Should I give up such a degree of certainty and fall in line behind your conjectures? The person whom God gave insight, whose authenticity He set a seal upon with Signs, converse, and dialogue; what should such a person do with your concocted thoughts? If you cannot believe even after seeing so many things, then: 1 اْوُلَمْعِا ىٰلَع ْمُكِتَناَكَم ْيِّنِا ٌلِماَع َفْوَسَف َنْوُمَلْعَت اْوُلَمْعِا ىٰلَع ْمُكِتَناَكَم ْيِّنِا ٌلِماَع َفْوَسَف َنْوُمَلْعَت You continue working at your station; I will continue doing my work.However, soon you will come to know who is true.2 1.S u rah al-An‘ a m, 6:136 [Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.1, no.36, p.3–5, dated 17 November 1905

Page 116

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 76 28 October 1905 (In Delhi) Abandoned Mosques There was mention of many abandoned mosques around Delhi.The Promised Messiah as said: Getting them repaired was no difficult matter.If people wanted, they would have done it, but what can anyone do when God Almighty diverts attention from some matter? Apart from this, some mosques are not built with correct intentions but are only built to say, and have it be said, that this is our mosque.The Promised Messiah as said: All affairs depend on the right intention and piety of the heart.An elderly gentleman had much wealth.Someone objected, and he replied: دل در ادنامتخ ےک لگ در ادنامتخ رگم When did I place it in my heart; Perhaps I threw it into the mud.Therefore, when a person engages in worldly business with his heart attached to God, nothing can come between him and God, no matter how immense the matters he is engaged in may be.

Page 117

28 October 1905 77 Islam did Not Spread in India by Force of the Sword The Promised Messiah as said: It is totally wrong to say that Islam spread in India by the sword.Certainly not.In India, Islam was not spread forcibly by the kings; they actually paid very little attention to religion.Islam in India is the result of the attention, supplications, and influ- ence of those saints and elders of the Faith who lived in this country.When do kings have the ability to instil the love of Islam in the hearts of the people? Unless a person manifests a model of Islam in his own being, he cannot have any impact on others.These saintly peo- ple annihilate themselves before Allah the Exalted and person- ally become the embodiment of the Quran and Islam, and a manifestation of the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It is then that they are bestowed a power of attraction by Allah the Exalted, and they go on casting their influence upon fortunate souls.Nine hundred million Muslims came into being due to such people’s attention and power of attraction.No religion has ever spread with such abundance in such a short period of time.These people demonstrated an example of virtue and piety, and their manifest powers overflowed and drew the people to them.However, even these saintly people were not free from reproach and scorn.Although I am being targeted with insults more than these people, they all suffered.These ‘scholars’ of ours have always been up to something.

Page 118

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 78 Listening to Music It was mentioned that some elders listen to music; is this permissible? The Promised Messiah as said: It is not good to think ill of the elders of religion like this.We should practice thinking well of others.It is proved from the Hadith that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also used to listen to couplets.It is written that during the time of Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, a Companion used to read couplets inside the mosque.Hadrat ‘Umar prohibited him.He replied, I used to recite poetry in the mosque in front of the Noble Prophet s as , so who are you to stop me? Hearing this, Hadrat Am i rul-Mo’min i n [Leader of the Believers] became utterly silent.The Holy Quran should also be recited in a beautiful melo- dious tone.Indeed, this is emphasized to such a degree that the person who does not recite the Holy Quran melodiously is not one of us.Moreover, that in itself has an effect.A good speech deliv- ered in a good tone also has an effect.If the same speech is given in a slurred tone, it has no effect.The thing in which God has placed a power to influence, what is wrong if it is employed as a tool to draw people towards Islam? The Psalms of David were songs, regarding which it is said that when David used to pray to God, the mountains would weep with him, and the birds also sang the praises of God.

Page 119

28 October 1905 79 Flutes Here a man interjected, ‘What is your directive concerning flutes?’ The Promised Messiah as said: Some have interpreted the words 1 لَهْو َ احْلَْدِْيث [idle tales] of the Holy Quran as meaning flutes.However, I believe everyone should always keep the place and the setting in mind.A learned person who possesses the signs of piety—and there are a thousand proofs of his being a God-fearing person—do not call him evil just because of one thing that you fail to comprehend.A man can become a wretch in this way.It is mentioned concerning Bayazid Bastami rta that once many people gathered around him, causing him much dis- turbance.It was the month of Ramadan.He started eating in front of everyone.Seeing this, all the people ran away, saying that he was a dis- believer.The people were unaware that he was on a journey and was not required to fast.The people ran away in disgust, and he came to obtain seclusion to be able to worship in peace.Khi d r i Mysteries These are mysteries, and an excellent example of them is present in the Holy Quran, where Hadrat Khi d r wrecked a boat and killed a boy.No known existing shariah could allow him to do such a thing.One should derive benefit from this story.Khi d r i mysteries have always been found in this Ummah.Our Noble Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was a composite of all excellences, and these are also 1.S u rah Luqm a n, 31:7 [Publisher]

Page 120

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 80 present by way of reflection in his Ummah.What Khi d r did, the future masters of excellence will also do as necessary.Where Hadrat Khi d r killed a pure soul, what is a flute compared to this? So one should not be hasty.Haste destroys a man.One should look at the other signs that the friends of the Gracious God possess.The case of these people is very delicate—exercise great cau- tion in this.He who objects will face destruction.But, surpris- ingly, those who open their tongues are filthy people, and their hearts are unholy, yet they raise objections against the elders.I also see that the presence of such a thing in the saintly peo- ple is Allah’s practice.When a mother sends her beautiful child outside in a fine dress, she also smears a blemish on the child’s face to serve as protection against the evil eye.In the same way, God also places such a thing in the appearance of His pious servants so that evil people stay away from him, and only vir- tuous people gather around him.The fortunate man sees the face’s natural beauty, and the attention of the wretched man remains fixed upon the blemish.There is an incident that took place in Amritsar.A few cler- ics were participating in a feast, and the house owner had also invited me.When the host brought the tea, I took the cup with my left hand.Then everyone objected that I acted against the Sunnah [the practice of the Holy Prophet s as ].I said it is indeed the Sunnah to take the cup with the right hand, but is it not the Sunnah that: 1 اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع You should not speak about what you do not know.Was it not appropriate for you to think well of me and remain silent? 1.S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:37 [Publisher]

Page 121

29 October 1905 81 Alternatively, if you could not do this, then before objecting, you could have asked me why I had acted in this way.Then I explained that I had a broken bone in my right arm that had been so since my childhood, and I could not lift my hand while holding a cup.They were all ashamed to hear this when I told them.1 29 October 1905 (In Delhi) A Comprehensive Treatise on the Death of Christ The text that the Promised Messiah as wrote and gave to the maulaw i s is reproduced below.2 ِ حِیْم َّ حْمٰن ِ الر َّ ِّٰ الر هّٰلل ِ ا بِسْم ِ حِیْم َّ حْمٰن ِ الر َّ ِّٰ الر هّٰلل ِ ا بِسْم 3 ِ َرِیْم ك ی ْ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہ ِ الْ ِّ نَحْمَدُہ ٗ و َ نُصَل ِ َرِیْم ك ی ْ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہ ِ الْ ِّ نَحْمَدُہ ٗ و َ نُصَل The following are the reasons why I declare Jesus, peace be on him, to be dead.1.Badr, vol.1, no.36, p.6, 7, dated 17 November 1905 2.In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.[Publisher] 3.We praise Him and call down blessings on His Noble Messenger.[Publisher]

Page 122

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 82 1.These verses are in the Holy Quran concerning Jesus, peace be on him: 2 اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت.اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت.1 ىٰۤسْيِعٰي ْيِّنِا َكْيِّفَوَتُم َو َكُعِفاَر َّيَلِا.ىٰۤسْيِعٰي ْيِّنِا َكْيِّفَوَتُم َو َكُعِفاَر َّيَلِا.Death is the meaning of these verses as written in Kit a but- Tafs i r of S a hih al-Bukh a r i.It is written there on the authority of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that َ ْك َ مُـمِیْتُك ِّی مُتَوَف َ ْك َ مُـمِیْتُك ِّی مُتَوَف [ mutawaff i ka means mum i tuka— ‘I shall give you death’].Then in support of these verses, the verse 3 اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت is mentioned here.Furthermore, the saying of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is also mentioned that I will say on the Day of Judgment that these people have become corrupt after my death, as is written: 4 اخل الِـحُ...َّ َمَا قَال َ الْعَبْد ُ الص ك الِـحُ...َّ َمَا قَال َ الْعَبْد ُ الص ك 2.The second argument in support of the meanings of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی — [ tawaff i — ‘death’] given above are the books of the Arabic lex- icons.I have consulted, as far as it was possible, all the pub- lished lexicons such as al-Q a m o os, T a jul-Ur u s, S ir ah , S i hah Johri, Lis a nul-‘Arab, and those books compiled and recently published by Christians in Beirut.From all these books, I have come to know that the Arab idiom is such that when God Almighty is the subject [ فَاعِل فَاعِل — f a ‘il ] in a sentence, and some known human being is the object [ ٖ مَفْعُوْل ٌ بِہ ٖ مَفْعُوْل ٌ بِہ — maf ‘ u l bih i ], being acted upon, such as ُ زَیْدًا هللا ی َّ تَوَف ُ زَیْدًا هللا ی َّ تَوَف [ tawaffa All a hu Zaidan —Allah caused Zaid to die], then in such a case, there is no meaning 1.O Jesus, I will cause you to die a natural death and will exalt you to Myself ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:56).[Publisher] 2.Since You did cause me to die ( S u rah al -Ma’ idah, 5:118).[Publisher] 3.Since You did cause me to die ( S u rah al -Ma’ idah, 5:118).[Publisher] 4.S a hih al-B u k hari , Kit a but-Tafs i r, b a bu Wakuntu ‘Alaihim Shah i dan m a Dumtu f i him, Hadith 4625 [Publisher]

Page 123

29 October 1905 83 except death and taking of the soul.Whoever denies it, it is incumbent upon him to present some example counter to this from the lexicons.3.With great effort and striving, as far as it was possible for me, I have carefully looked at the S i hah -e-Sitta [Six Authentic Books of Hadith] and other books of a ha d i th.I did not come across a single place in which the meaning of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی —[ tawaff i ] was any- thing other than death in the Hadith.1 However, I discovered approximately 300 such instances where it meant death in every case.4.As far as it was possible for me, I have also seen different divans of Arabia.However, I have not found any phrase in the writ- ings of the poets of J a hiliyyah [the pre-Islamic period known as ‘Ignorance’], or the authentic poets of the age of Islam, in the circumstances described above where any other meaning than death was found.5.The same is also written in Sh a h Waliull a h’s Fauzul-Kab i r that َ ْك َ مُـمِیْتُك ِّی مُتَوَف َ ْك َ مُـمِیْتُك ِّی مُتَوَف [ mutawaff i ka means mum i tuka— ‘I shall give you death’].Furthermore, I know that Sh a h Waliull a h Sahib was a mu h addith [jurist] and learned scholar of excellent standing.6.It is found in the hadith of the Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension], which is in S a hih al-Bukh a r i , that on the night of the Mi‘r a j, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw Jesus, peace be on him, among the deceased Prophets.2 1.S a hih al-Bukh a rī, Kit a b Tafs i r al-Qur’ a n, B a bu M ā Ja‘ala All a hu min Ba-h i ratin wa l a S a ’ibatin wa l a Wa si latin wa l a Ha min [ al-M a ‘idah : 103].[Publisher] 2.S a hih a l- Bukh a r i , Kit a bu A ha d i th al-Anbiy a ’, b a b Dhikr Ra h mat Rabik, Hadith 3430 [Publisher]

Page 124

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 84 So, there are two testimonies here.One is the testimony of God Almighty in the Holy Quran, and the second is the testimony of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, on the night of the Mi‘r a j.7.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said—as is written in Kanzul-‘Umm a l, T abar a n i , and in the book ِ مَا ثَبَت َ بِالسُّنَّة ِ مَا ثَبَت َ بِالسُّنَّة [ M a Thabata (min) bis-Sunnah ] by Sheikh ‘Abdul- H aqq, etc.—that the age of Jesus 1 was 125 years.In one hadith, it is written that it was 120 years.Nowhere is it written that his age was thousands of years.8.The ijm a‘ of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, after the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is also conclusive proof of the death of Jesus, peace be on him.This consensus was based on this verse: 2 اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا 9.Apart from this, God Almighty has made clear to me through His authentic, decisive revelation, again and again, that Jesus has died.Moreover, He has manifested my truth with His clear Signs.Similarly, there are many other proofs, but this 1.Kanzul-‘Ummāl, Kit a bul-Fa da ’il, b a b Fa da ’il S a ’ir al-Anbiy a ’, Hadith 32259, vol.2, p.217, published by D a rul-Kit a b al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon; See also, Al-Ma‘jam al-Kab i r li t - T abar a n i , Masnad an-Nisa’, Banat Ras u lull a h, Dhikru Sinna Fatimah ra d i All a hu ‘ anha wa Wafatih a wa min Akhbarih a wa Man a qbih a wa Kunyatih a , m a Rawat ‘ A’ishah Ummul-Mu’min i n, ‘ an Fatimah ra d i All a hu ‘ anhum a , vol.22, p.417–418, published by D a rul-I h y a ’ at-Tur a th al-Arab i [Publisher] 2.Muhammad is only a Messenger.Verily, all Messengers have passed away be- fore him ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:145).[Publisher]

Page 125

29 October 1905 85 much is enough that the death of Jesus, peace be on him, is proven by the Holy Quran and Hadith and the consensus of the Companions.Furthermore, it is proven from S u rah an-N u r that all the Khalifahs of this Ummah will come from this Ummah itself, and it is proven from S a hih al-Bukh a r i that the Jesus who is to come will be from this Ummah as it is written: ْ ُم ك ْ ُم ْ مِن ك اِمَامُ ْ ُم ك ْ ُم ْ مِن ك اِمَامُ [ Im a mukum minkum —Your Imam (will be) from among you].In fact, in S a hih al-Bukh a r i , the fea- tures of the first Messiah are written as being different from the features of the Messiah who is to come.Apart from this, my coming is not untimely.Twenty-three years have passed of the century at the head of which he was supposed to come.The eclipses of the moon and the sun have also taken place in Ramadan, the plague has also come, a new conveyance—that is, the train—also came into being, and God Almighty has manifested more than 10,000 Signs at my hand.Moreover, every intelligent person can understand that the life of Islam is in the death of Jesus as.If it is proven to the Christians today that Jesus as died, they will all abandon the Christian religion.وَالس َّاَلَم ُ عَلٰی مَن ِ اتَّبَع َ الْهُدٰى.وَالس َّاَلَم ُ عَلٰی مَن ِ اتَّبَع َ الْهُدٰى.[And peace be upon those who follow the guidance.] Mirza Ghulam Ahmad may Allah forgive him 29 October 1905 1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.33, p.4, dated 6 November 1905

Page 126

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 86 1 November 1905 (In Delhi) The Places where Blessings Descend The Promised Messiah as was somewhat indisposed yesterday and there- fore could not visit Qu t b’s grave.He went today instead, and prayed at the blessed grave of Hadrat Bakhti a r K a k i and prolonged his prayer.While on his way back, the Promised Messiah as said: There are some places where blessings descend, and since these saintly men were from among the Auliy a ’ull a h [the Friends of Allah], I went to visit their graves.I prayed to Allah for them, and I prayed to Allah the Exalted for myself and made many other supplications.The visit to the places of these few saintly men ended quickly, however, and the people of Delhi are indeed hard-hearted.I was thinking this when the following revelation came while sitting in the vehicle on the way back: 1 دتس وت داعےئ وت رتمح ز دخا [Your hand and your supplication and mercy from God.] 1.Badr, vol.1, no.34, p.3, dated 8 November 1905

Page 127

4 November 1905 87 4 November 1905 (In Delhi) Before writing today’s news regarding the arrival in Ludhiana, it seems appropriate to briefly describe the events in Delhi yesterday.The most noteworthy occurrence from yesterday is that a young man, it is not known whether he was a student or with the group of clerics, along with a few other students from a mosque and some clerics, came to see the Promised Messiah as.He began to talk in a very insolent, argumentative manner.The issue under discussion related to the Promised Messiah and Ily a s [Elijah] being mau‘ u d [promised].The Promised Messiah as explained to him repeatedly, and very gently, that the one regarding whose coming God made a promise that he will come, is mau‘ u d.However, he kept insist- ing on seeing the word mau‘ u d and seeing it used in the Torah about Ily a s [Elijah].Despite much explanation, he made accusations of false- hood repeatedly and continued to reject with great audacity.He spoke with a very sharp tongue and possessed no semblance of piety.Finally, the Promised Messiah as said: I have explained a great deal, presented the Quran and Hadith, the circumstances of previous Prophets, and presented the ways of Prophethood, its manners, and principles before you.I have shown you the Signs of God Almighty.I have presented evi- dence of support and help from Allah the Exalted.Thus, if you still do not believe and do not refrain from stubbornness, Allah the Exalted will soon call you to account.Not only after death, but in this very world, you will come to know whether I am true or false.

Page 128

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 88 God has also promised me more Signs.The plague is one of them, and the earthquake is another.So, exercise patience a little longer.You will come to see what happens in a few years.If these punishments descend upon you, the matter will be proven; otherwise, it will be evident that I am false.Man fabricates tall tales in times of peace and comfort.I have seen clearly that this is not the time when people will believe.However, the time of fulfilment of God’s promises is near, and it will become apparent to the people who is true and who is false.If I am not from God, I will be destroyed on my own, and you will comfortably live your lives.I present the Sign of God.Bite your tongue for just a short while longer, for the punish- ment of God is nigh.Even a worldly government punishes a person who needlessly argues with it.I have set forth all that I had to present—presented repeatedly in succession.I cited the words of God and the Messenger.I presented the Signs of [Divine] support and assistance.Now, God promises that He will punish those who deny.Exercise patience for a few days.If God is true and I am from Him, you will shortly come to know.1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.36, p.5, dated 17 November 1905

Page 129

Lecture Ludhiana 89 Lecture Ludhiana (Delivered by the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, on 4 November 1905 in the presence of thousands of people) Arguments of Truthfulness First, I express my gratitude to Almighty Allah, who has afforded me the occasion to return to this city to convey the Message.I have come to this city after fourteen years, and I had left this city at a time when I had a few men with me amidst a fury of allegations condemning me as a liar, disbeliever, and dajj a l [deceiver].In the eyes of the people, I was seen as a man forsaken and forgotten.And these people thought that by being rejected, this Jam a ‘at would disintegrate in just a few days, and the very name and any trace of this Movement would be erased.Hence, exten- sive efforts and schemes were carried out for this purpose, and a massive conspiracy perpetrated against me was the pronounce- ment of a fatwa of kufr [disbelief ].This fatwa was widely cir- culated throughout India.I make it known with sadness that some maulaw i s from this very city were the first in issuing the fatwa of kufr against me.But, I stand witness, and you stand witness that those who called me k a fir [disbeliever] are no longer present, whereas God Almighty has kept me alive up to the present and has expanded my Jam a ‘at.It is my understanding that the fatwa of kufr against me was reissued and circulated throughout all the major cities of India.The attestations and seals of nearly 200 maulaw i s and sheikhs

Page 130

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 90 were affixed upon it.It portrayed me as a faithless person, k a fir [disbeliever], a dajj a l [deceiver], an impostor—and not only a disbeliever, but the most vehement disbeliever.In short, any- thing anyone could say about me was said, and these people were convinced in their own imagination that this weapon would now put an end to this Movement.And in reality, had this Movement been a human scheme and a fabrication, this fatwa would have been a very powerful weapon indeed to bring about its destruction.But it was established by God, so how could it possibly have been destroyed by the hostility and enmity of the opponents? The extent to which the intensity of opposition continued to escalate was the very same extent to which this Movement’s respect and reverence continued taking root in the hearts [of people].Today I thank God Almighty as I look back to the time when I came to this city and left from here—I had but a few men by my side and the membership of my Jam a ‘at was extremely small.In contrast, now, the time has come that you are witnessing a large Jam a ‘at beside me.The membership of the Jam a ‘at has already reached 300,ooo, and day-by-day pro- gress is being made, and it will certainly reach tens of millions.Wherefore behold this great revolution and ponder whether this could be the product of human hand.The people of the world sought to wipe out every sign and trace of this Movement, and had it been in their power, they would have erased it long ago, but this is the work of Almighty Allah.Those directives He wills to ordain cannot be stopped by the world, and those directives the world wills but God Almighty does not can never come to fruition.Reflect! All ulema, spiritual leaders, and the custodians of shrines stood opposed in my case and even had people of other faiths join them to oppose me.Then they expended every kind of effort against me.

Page 131

Lecture Ludhiana 91 They issued a fatwa of kufr [disbelief ] against me to malign me amongst the Muslims, but when this ploy was unsuccess- ful, they initiated legal proceedings against me.They tried to implicate me in a murder case and exerted every type of effort to get me punished.I was accused of plotting the murder of a Christian priest.In that lawsuit, Maulaw i Muhammad H usain made a great effort against me and personally appeared as a prosecution wit- ness.He desired that I should be implicated and receive pun- ishment.This effort of Maulaw i Muhammad H usain exposed his inability to produce any arguments or proofs.It is a rule that when an enemy is powerless to produce an argument and cannot convict on evidence, he resorts to persecution and mur- der; he plans to banish his opponent from his native land and hatches a variety of plots and conspiracies against him.This is what happened when the disbelievers of Makkah became help- less against the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and all their efforts were stymied; so ultimately, they conspired to kill him, imprison him, or expel him from his homeland.The Companions ra of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were subjected to torture, but in the end, they [the disbelievers of Makkah] all faced frustra- tion and failure in their intentions and plans.That very same course and conduct is now transpiring with me, but this world does not perpetuate without the presence of the Creator and the Lord of all the worlds.It is verily He who marks the distinc- tion between a liar and a truthful one and ultimately upholds the cause of the truthful one, manifesting his superiority.Now, in this age, when God Almighty has again manifested an illustration of His omnipotence, I am a living Sign of His support, and at this moment, each and every one of you bear

Page 132

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 92 witness that I am the very one whom the people rejected, yet I stand before you as the elect of God.Imagine when I came here fourteen years ago—who wanted so much as a single man to be with me at that time? The ulema, the ascetics, and all kinds of revered and respected ones desired that I be destroyed with every sign and trace of this [Ahmadiyya] Movement being obliterated.They would never tolerate that it be destined for progress, but the God who always helps His servants and manifests the prevalence of the righteous, supported me and—totally contrary to the hopes and plans of my opponents—He bestowed such acceptance upon me that He directed the attention of an entire people toward me who came to me tearing the veils and barriers of these oppositions and difficulties, and they continue to come.It is now an occasion for reflection: can this success be achieved through human schemes and plans—that the influen- tial people of the world plot the death of an individual and all kinds of conspiracies are hatched against him, setting ablaze a vicious flame for him, yet he emerges unscathed from all these calamities? Certainly not! These are the works of God that He has always manifested.Furthermore, there is this powerful evidence of the truth of my claim that twenty-five years ago, when no one was familiar with my name, nor did anyone come to visit me in Qadian or corre- spond with me, yet in that state of anonymity and helplessness, Allah the Exalted addressed me and said: َ اْل َ و ِّٰ هّٰلل َ تُصَعِّر ْ لِـخَلْق ِ ا اْل ُل ِّ فَـج ٍّ عَـمِیْق ٍ.ك ْ ُل ِّ فَـج ٍّ عَـمِیْقٍ.یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ك ْ یَاْتُوْن َ مِن َ اْل َ و ِّٰ هّٰلل َ تُصَعِّر ْ لِـخَلْق ِ ا اْل ُل ِّ فَـج ٍّ عَـمِیْق ٍ.ك ْ ُل ِّ فَـج ٍّ عَـمِیْقٍ.یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ك ْ یَاْتُوْن َ مِن َ تَذَرْنِی ْ فَرْدًا وَّاَنْت َ خَیْـرُالْوَارِثِیْنَ.اْل ِّ تَسْئَم ْ مِّن َ النَّاسِ.رَب َ تَذَرْنِی ْ فَرْدًا وَّاَنْت َ خَیْـرُالْوَارِثِیْنَ.اْل ِّ تَسْئَم ْ مِّن َ النَّاسِ.رَب [Help will come to you by every distant track.People will come to you by every distant track so that the track will become deep due to excessive travel.Be not arrogant towards Allah’s creatures and be not tired of

Page 133

Lecture Ludhiana 93 receiving visitors.‘O my Lord, do not leave me alone, and You are the Best of inheritors.’] This is the powerful prophecy that was made in those days and was printed and published, and was read by people of every faith and persuasion.In such a state, during such a time when I was lying in a hermit’s cell of anonymity, and no one knew me, God Almighty said that people would come to me from faraway lands.They would come in abundance, and all types of means and necessities for their hospitality would also come.Since one person cannot provide all the essentials of hospi- tality for thousands and hundreds of thousands of people, nor can he bear such expenses, He Himself said: عَـمِیْقٍ.ٍّ فَـج ِّ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل عَـمِیْقٍ.ٍّ فَـج ِّ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل [People will come to you by every distant track so that the track will become deep due to excessive travel.] Their provisions shall also come with them.And then, since man tends to grow weary of large numbers of people and is likely to behave discourteously, He forewarned me not to be discourteous to them and also told me not to get tired upon seeing the overwhelming flow of people.You should now reflect whether it is within the scope of human capability to foresee an event twenty-five or thirty years in advance, and that too about one’s own self, which then comes to pass exactly as predicted.There is no guarantee for so much as a single minute of human life or longevity, nor can we affirm whether we will even live to breathe our next breath—so how can conveying such information enter inside one’s facul- ties and foresight? I say it truthfully that this was a time when I was absolutely alone and hated even meeting people, but since

Page 134

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 94 a time was to come when hundreds of thousands of people would turn to me, this advice became necessary: ِ َ تَسْئَم ْ مِّن َ النَّاس اْل َ و ِّٰ هّٰلل ِ ا َ تُصَعِّر ْ لِـخَلْق اْل ِ َ تَسْئَم ْ مِّن َ النَّاس اْل َ و ِّٰ هّٰلل ِ ا َ تُصَعِّر ْ لِـخَلْق اْل [Be not arrogant towards Allah’s creatures and be not tired of receiving visitors.] Then again, during those days, God also told me: ِ اَنْت َ مِنِّی ْ بِـمَنْـزِلَۃ ِ تَوْحِیْدِیْ.فَـحَان َ اَن ْ تُعَان َ وَتُعْرَف َ بَیْن َ النَّاس ِ اَنْت َ مِنِّی ْ بِـمَنْـزِلَۃ ِ تَوْحِیْدِیْ.فَـحَان َ اَن ْ تُعَان َ وَتُعْرَف َ بَیْن َ النَّاس This means that, [You are to Me as My Tau hi d (Oneness)].The time has arrived when you will be helped and made well-known among the people.Similarly, there are numerous such revelations in Persian, Arabic, and English that manifest the same message.It is now an occasion to reflect for those who fear God that a prophecy was announced well in advance.It was incorporated and published in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya , a book which was widely circulated and read by all, friend and foe alike.A copy of this book was even sent to the Government.Christians and Hindus read it.This book must be in the possession of many people in this city, and they can see for themselves whether it includes the prophecy or not.So those maulaw i s (who, out of sheer hostility, call me a dajj a l [deceiver] and the great liar and state that no prophecy [of mine] has been fulfilled) should show some shame and explain to us that if this is not a prophecy, then what else do they call a prophecy? Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya is the book whose review was completed by Maulaw i Ab u Sa‘eed Muhammad Husain of Batala.Since he was my fellow student, he would fre- quently come to Qadian.He knows all too well—just as the residents of Qadian,

Page 135

Lecture Ludhiana 95 Batala, Amritsar, and the surrounding vicinity are well aware— that I was absolutely alone at the time, and no one knew me.In light of the circumstances at that time, it was far from rea- sonable to conceive that a time would come upon an unknown individual like me when hundreds of thousands of individuals would join me.I state truthfully that I was nothing at the time.I was alone and helpless.It was during this period that God Himself taught me the following prayer: ْنَ.ی ِ ْر ُ الْوٰرِث ی َ َ تَذَرْنِي ْ فَرْدًا و َّ اَنْت َ خ اْل ِّ رَب ْنَ.ی ِ ْر ُ الْوٰرِث ی َ َ تَذَرْنِي ْ فَرْدًا و َّ اَنْت َ خ اْل ِّ رَب [‘O my Lord, do not leave me alone as I am now, for who is a better inheritor than You.’] He taught me this prayer because He loves those who pray, for prayer is worship, and He has said: 1 ْۤيِنْوُعْدا ْبِجَتْسَا ْمُكَل ْۤيِنْوُعْدا ْبِجَتْسَا ْمُكَل Pray, and I will accept your prayer.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also emphasized that the core and essence of worship is indeed prayer.2 The other indication in this [revelation] is that Allah Almighty desires to instruct me through this prayer that though I am alone, a time will come when I will no longer be alone.I proclaim at the top of my voice that this prophecy shines as bright as this day 3 , and it is a fact that I was alone at the time.Who can stand up and say that I had a Jam a ‘at with me [at that time]? But now look how Almighty Allah has granted me a large Jam a ‘at in accordance with these promises and the 1.S u rah al-Mu’min, 40:61 [Publisher] 2.Tirmidh i , Ab u D a w u d, B a bu m a j a ’a f i fadhlid-du‘ a, Hadith 3371 [Publisher] 3.At that time, the sun had risen.[Editor]

Page 136

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 96 prophecy He informed me of so long ago.1 Who can deny this magnificent prophecy in the context of such a situation and condition, particularly when the same book also contains the prophecy that there would be dangerous opposition by people who will expend every effort to obstruct this Jam a ‘at, but God would frustrate them in all their designs? Again, it was also prophesied in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya that God would not relent until the pure were made distinct from the impure.By narrating these facts, I do not mean to address those whose hearts are devoid of the fear of God and who imagine, as it were, that they are never going to die—they distort the words of God Almighty.On the contrary, I am addressing those who fear Allah the Exalted, believing that death is inevitable and that the doors of death are well-nigh approaching because the one who fears God cannot be so arrogant.Let them reflect if making such a prophecy twenty-five years ago could be the product of human capability and conjec- ture on top of the situation of being completely unknown and accompanied by another prophecy that people would oppose, but they would be frustrated.Prophesying the failure of oppo- nents and one’s own success is an extraordinary achievement.Should you entertain any doubt in accepting this, then cite a precedent.I challenge you to cite an instance of an impostor from the time of Adam to the present day who made such proph- ecies 25 years in advance while he was still in a state of ano- nymity, and they came to be fulfilled in such a brilliant man- ner.If any person can produce such a precedent, this entire [Ahmadiyya] Movement and all this work shall stand refuted.But who can refute the work of Allah the Exalted? To reject, ridicule, and deny without any justification is the practice of 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.31, p.8, 9, dated 10 September 1906

Page 137

Lecture Ludhiana 97 the misbegotten—no one of noble birth would dare do such a thing.This should suffice to establish the truth of my claim to those among you who have a sound mind.Remember well that this prophecy can never be refuted until you produce the like of it as a precedent.I say again that this prophecy is present in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, the review of which was written by Maulaw i Ab u Sa‘eed.It must be in the possession of Maulaw i Muhammad Hassan and Munsh i Muhammad ‘Umar etc., of this very city.Copies of it have reached Makkah, Madinah, and Bukhara.A copy was sent to the Government.It was read by Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Brahmu Sam a jists alike.It is not some obscure unknown book.On the contrary, it is a well-known book.No literate person of religious inclination could be una- ware of its existence.Moreover, this book also contains the prophecy, ‘A multi- tude will join you, and I shall grant you renown throughout the world and shall keep your enemies fruitless.’ Now tell me, can this be the work of an impostor? If you give the verdict that yes, this could very well be the work of an impostor, then produce the like of it as a precedent.I will acknowledge that I am a liar if you can, but no one can produce such a precedent.Nevertheless, if you fail to produce the like of it—and you most certainly will fail—then I admonish you right here to fear Allah and desist from denouncing me.Remember! It is not wise to reject the Signs of God Almighty without any sound argument, and never has the end of one doing so been a source of blessings.For my part, I do not care if someone rejects me or denounces me as an apostate, nor am I afraid of the attacks that are carried out against me because God Almighty had Himself informed me of the impending time that these people would accuse me of lies and kufr and

Page 138

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 98 would oppose me to a dangerous extent.However, they would not be able to harm me in any way at all.Were not the truthful and the elect of God who came before me denounced? What attacks did the Pharaoh and his hordes not make upon Moses, peace be on him; or the Pharisees on the Messiah, peace be on him; or the idolaters of Makkah on the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? But what was the ultimate result of these attacks? Did these opponents ever show the like of the Signs [shown to them] in reply? Never! They were always found wanting in producing precedents; only their tongues wagged, and they continued to denounce them as impostors.In my case too, when their posi- tion became wholly untenable, they could do little else but call me a great liar and deceiver.But could they ever extinguish the light of God Almighty with the breath of their mouths? They can never extinguish it! 1 َو ُهّٰللا ُّمِتُم ٖهِرْوُن َو ْوَلَهِرَك َنْوُرِفٰكْلا َو ُهّٰللا ُّمِتُم ٖهِرْوُن َو ْوَلَهِرَك َنْوُرِفٰكْلا Those who harbour the substance of scepticism are wont to say that other miracles and signs may be sleight of hand, but there is no excuse left for them when faced with a prophecy.That is why prophecies have been declared to be a magnificent Sign and miracle from among the Signs of prophethood.This is proven from the Torah as well as the Holy Quran.There is no miracle the like of a prophecy.This is why the elect of God should be recognized by their prophecies because Allah the Exalted has set this Sign as the criterion.1.But Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers hate it ( S u rah a s - S aff, 61:9).[Publisher]

Page 139

Lecture Ludhiana 99 1 اَّلِا ِنَم ىٰضَتْرا ْنِم ٍلْوُسَّر اَل ُرِهْظُي ىٰلَع ٖۤهِبْيَغ اًدَحَا۰۰ اَّلِا ِنَم ىٰضَتْرا ْنِم ٍلْوُسَّر اَل ُرِهْظُي ىٰلَع ٖۤهِبْيَغ اًدَحَا۰۰ Meaning that, the secrets of Allah the Exalted are not revealed to anyone except the chosen Messengers of Allah the Exalted.It should also be borne in mind that some prophecies contain subtle mysteries within them, and on account of these subtle- ties, they cannot be comprehended by those who lack far-sight- edness and can only understand the most obvious things.It is indeed such prophecies that are usually rejected, and the hasty and impetuous cry out that they have not been fulfilled.It is in this context that Allah the Exalted says: 2 اْۤوُّنَظ ْمُهَّنَا ْدَقاْوُبِذُك اْۤوُّنَظ ْمُهَّنَا ْدَقاْوُبِذُك People create doubts about these prophecies, but in reality, these prophecies come to be fulfilled in accordance with the practice of God Almighty.Even if the manner of their ful- filment is not understood, the duty of a believer and God- fearing person is to keep his eye on those prophecies that do not entail any intricacies—that is to say, the prophecies which are plain and obvious—and note how many of them have been fulfilled.Gratuitously uttering words of rejection is contrary to righteousness.Those prophecies which have already been fulfilled should be considered with honesty and fear of God.Nevertheless, who can muzzle the mouth of the impulsive? I am not alone in facing such matters.Moses, Jesus, and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, all underwent similar ordeals.Little wonder, therefore, if I, too, 1.S u rah al-Jinn, 72:27–28 [Publisher] 2.…perceived themselves to have been taken as liars ( S u rah Y u suf, 12:111).[Publisher]

Page 140

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 100 experience such things.On the contrary, it was essential that this happen because this has indeed been the practice of Allah.I assert that a single testimony suffices for a believer—his heart trembles from it alone, even though here is not just one, but hundreds of Signs; nay, rather, I set forth the claim that there are so many Signs that I cannot number them.This is no small testimony that he would conquer hearts and transform deniers into proponents.Should one fear God and reflect in his heart with honesty and far-sightedness, he would have no choice but to admit that these [Signs] are from God.It is also manifestly evident that the Divine argument shall remain supreme until an opponent provides a refutation and counters by presenting the like of it as a precedent.Now, the gist of my words is that I render thanks to the same God who sent me, and despite the mischief and commo- tion that was raised against me—the root and origin of which arose from this very city and then spread to Delhi—He deliv- ered me safe, sound, and successful from all trials and tribula- tions.And He brought me back to this city in such a situation where over 300,000 women and men have entered into the Bai‘at [Pledge of Allegiance] with me, and not a month goes by in which another 2,000 or 4,000, or sometimes 5,000 people do not enter into this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.Then God took me by the hand at such a time when my own people had become my enemy.When a person’s own peo- ple become his enemy, he becomes helpless and without any power or authority because one’s people constitute one’s limbs and organs.They are his only support.Of course, people of other faiths would oppose, for they feel their faith under attack, but when one’s own people turn against him, it is no small mat- ter to survive and succeed.It is a great Sign indeed!

Page 141

Lecture Ludhiana 101 My Tenet is to Follow the Noble Quran & the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him With great sadness and pain in my heart, I declare that not only were people hasty in opposing me, but also callous.The only dispute between us was the death of the Messiah, which I proved—and continue to prove—on the authority of the Noble Quran, the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, the consensus of the Companions ra , logical arguments, and earlier books.Texts conforming with the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the Hadith, reason, and evidence based on the Shariah, were all in my favour, but before even asking me about my views fully or listening to my argu- ments, these people crossed all limits in opposing me to the extent that they deemed me a k a fir [disbeliever], and, together with this, they imputed whatever they wished to me.Honesty, righteousness, and the fear of God demanded that they should have asked me first.Had I transgressed the Word of God and the word of the Messenger, without a doubt they would have had the right to describe me in whatever terms they so desired and to call me a deceiver, an impostor, and whatnot.Nonetheless, I have been stating from the very start that to devi- ate, however slightly, from following the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is an act of rank disbelief.This is verily my creed that whoever digresses from this path in the least belongs in Hell.Moreover, I have explained this creed with the utmost clar- ity not only in public lectures but in almost sixty of my books, and day and night, this remains my constant preoccupation.So, if these opponents fear God, was it not incumbent upon them to ask me whether such and such thing was un-Islamic? What is the reason for this, or what answer do you have for

Page 142

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 102 that? But no! They did not have even the slightest care for it.They just declared me a k a fir on the basis of hearsay.I view this charade of theirs with absolute astonishment because the life or death of Jesus is, in the first place, not the kind of doctrine that is a condition for entering Islam.Hindus or Christians become Muslims here as well, but tell me whether you make them affirm this in addition to saying: َ ْرِه ِ و ی َ ُتُبِہ ٖ و َ رُسُلِہ ٖ و َ الْقَدْر ِ خ ك َ اٰمَنْت ُ بِاهلل ِ وَمَلٰئِكَتِہ ٖ و َ ْرِه ِ و ی َ ُتُبِہ ٖ و َ رُسُلِہ ٖ و َ الْقَدْر ِ خ ك َ ِاٰمَنْت ُ بِاهلل ِ وَمَلٰئِكَتِہ ٖ و و َ الْبَعْث ِ بَعْد َ الْمَوْت ی َ ِشَرِّه ِ مِن َ هللا ِ تَعَال و َ الْبَعْث ِ بَعْد َ الْمَوْت ی َ شَرِّه ِ مِن َ هللا ِ تَعَال [‘I believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, Divine providence regarding good and evil, and the Resurrection after death’].When this tenet [of the life or death of Jesus] does not form part of the Islamic dogma, then why was such harsh treatment meted out to me for proclaiming the death of the Messiah to the extent that I am a k a fir [disbeliever], I am a dajj a l [deceiver], we are forbidden burial in a Muslim cemetery, it is permissible to loot our property, and it is justifiable to take our womenfolk into your homes without marriage? Killing them is a meritori- ous deed, and so on and so forth.There was a time when these very maulaw i s would raise a clamour that if there were 99 rea- sons to call someone a k a fir and only one reason to call him a Muslim, even then, he should not be declared a k a fir ; he should still be called a Muslim.But what has happened now? Have I become more insig- nificant than even this? Do my Jam a ‘at members and I not solemnly pronounce ٗ ُ وَاَشْھَد ُ اَن َّ مُـحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہ ٗ وَرَسُوْلُہ هللا َّ اْل ِ اِلٰہ َ ا َّآ اْل ْ اَشْھَد ُ اَن ٗ ُ وَاَشْھَد ُ اَن َّ مُـحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہ ٗ وَرَسُوْلُہ هللا َّ اْل ِ اِلٰہ َ ا َّآ اْل ْ اَشْھَد ُ اَن [‘I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger’]? Do I not perform the obligatory Prayers, or do my followers not pray? Do we not observe the Fasts of Ramadan? Do we not abide by all the articles of faith taught by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as the image of Islam? I say truthfully and swear by God Almighty that I and my followers are Muslims.And we have firm faith in the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings

Page 143

Lecture Ludhiana 103 of Allah be upon him, and the Noble Quran, in precisely the manner that every true Muslim should.I solemnly believe that stepping even one iota outside of Islam is a cause of one’s destruction.I also believe that all boun- ties and blessings that a man can attain and the closest he can ever get to Allah are wholly and solely possible through genu- ine obedience to and consummate love for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Apart from him, there is now no path to piety.Belief that the Messiah is Still Alive is Insulting to the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him Yes, it is also true that I absolutely do not believe the Messiah, peace be on him, ascended to the heavens with his physical body and is still alive, because believing this is highly insulting and derogatory to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.I cannot bear such irreverence even for a moment.Everyone knows that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed away at the age of 63 years and lies buried in his tomb in the holy city of Madinah, which millions of pilgrims visit every year.Now, if it is disrespectful to believe in the death of the Messiah, peace be on him, or even to ascribe death to him, then I ask how can this insolence and disrespect be accepted con- cerning the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? Indeed, you announce his demise with great happiness.Your ceremonial singers recount the events of his passing melo- diously, and you cheerfully admit, even in front of disbelievers, that he did die.But I fail to understand what stone hits you so hard upon the mere mention of the death of Jesus, peace

Page 144

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 104 be on him, that you become filled with uncontrollable rage.I would not be so troubled had you but shed such tears upon the mention of the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Nevertheless, it is a pity that you gladly acknowledge the death of Kh a tamun-Nabiyy i n [Seal of the Prophets] and the Lord and Master of the whole world but consider that person 1 to be alive who pronounced himself unworthy even to untie the shoelaces of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.And you become enraged the moment one speaks of his death! There would have been no harm had the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, remained alive till now because he had brought that magnificent Guidance, the like of which is not to be found [anywhere] throughout the world.And he demonstrated such practical examples, the like and equal of which no one has been able to present since the time of Adam till now.I tell you most truly that the degree to which the Muslims—and indeed the entire world—needed the person of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the person of the Messiah was not needed to that degree.Moreover, such was his munificent being, and so blessed was his personage that, at his death, his Companions ra became so distraught with grief to the extent that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, unsheathed his sword and said that he would behead anyone who dared to say that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had died.In this highly emotionally charged atmosphere, Allah the Exalted bestowed a unique light and discernment upon Ab u Bakr S idd i q, may Allah be pleased with him.He gathered all the Companions and delivered this address: 1.The Gospel of Barnabas—Edited and translated by Lonsdale and Laura Ragg; see p.99, 105; Oxford, Clarendon Press; London, 1907 [Publisher]

Page 145

Lecture Ludhiana 105 1 اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا That is to say, Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a Messenger, and all the Messengers who came before him have all passed away.Now, think about this, and tell me after reflecting upon it, why Ab u Bakr S idd i q recited this verse upon the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? What was his purpose and intent behind doing this? And then, in such a situation when all the Companions ra were present.I say with full conviction—and you cannot deny it—that the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was a tremendous shock to the hearts of the Companions ra , and they considered it untimely and prema- ture.They did not wish to hear the news of the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, especially given the situation and condition in which such a prominent and respected Companion like ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was so upset.Their anger could only have been dispelled if this verse had been the cause of comfort to them.If they were to learn, or had they entertained the belief, that Jesus, peace be on him, was still alive, they would have died a living death.They were all the most ardent lovers of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.They could not bear the thought of anyone besides him being alive.How could they possibly reconcile his death before their own eyes when they believed the Messiah was still alive? Consequently, when Ab u Bakr addressed them, their distress was relieved, and the Companions ra went about the streets of Madinah reciting this verse, feeling as if it had been revealed 1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:145 [Publisher]

Page 146

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 106 that very day.On this occasion, H ass a n bin Th a bit wrote an elegy, a couplet of which reads: ٗ ُنْت َ السَّوَاد َ لِنَاظِرِی ْ فَعَمِي ْ عَلَیْك َ النَّاظِر ك ٗ ُنْت َ السَّوَاد َ لِنَاظِرِی ْ فَعَمِي ْ عَلَیْك َ النَّاظِر ك ٗ ذِر ْك َ كُنْت ُ اُحَا ی َمُت ْ فَعَلَ ی مَن ْ شَاء َ بَعْدَك َ فَلْ ْك َ كُنْت ُ اُحَا ی َمُت ْ فَعَلَ ی مَن ْ شَاء َ بَعْدَك َ فَلْ You were the pupil of my eye; Your death has left me blind.Now, after you, I do not care whosoever dies; I feared only your death.Since the verse mentioned above had stated that all earlier Prophets had died, H ass a n also proclaimed that now no one’s death was of any cause for concern.Know for certain that it was extremely hard for the Companions ra to accept that any other [Prophet] should be alive while the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had died, and they could not bear any such thought.In this way, this was the first consensus that took place in the world upon the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and within it was also fully settled the issue of the death of the Messiah.I emphasize this over and over again because this argu- ment is a very powerful argument that proves the death of the Messiah.The death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, was no ordinary and minor thing that would not have shocked the Companions ra.The death of a village headman, neighbour, or noble relative causes grief in the family, neighbourhood, and village.So then, if that Prophet were to die, who came for the entire world and had come as a mercy for all peoples as stated in the Holy Quran: 1 َو ۤاَم َكٰنْلَسْرَا اَّلِا ًةَمْحَر َنْيِمَلٰعْلِّل َو ۤاَم َكٰنْلَسْرَا اَّلِا ًةَمْحَر َنْيِمَلٰعْلِّل 1.S u rah al-Anbiy a ’, 21:108 [Publisher]

Page 147

Lecture Ludhiana 107 And then, at another place it says: 1 ْلُق اَهُّيَاٰۤي ُساَّنلا ْيِّنِا ُلْوُسَر ِهّٰللا ْمُكْيَلِا اَعْيِمَج ْلُق اَهُّيَاٰۤي ُساَّنلا ْيِّنِا ُلْوُسَر ِهّٰللا ْمُكْيَلِا اَعْيِمَج Moreover, he was a Prophet who exemplified truthfulness and loyalty and demonstrated such excellences as cannot be seen anywhere else; so if he were to die, would his death not come as a great shock to his devoted followers, who never hesitated to lay down their lives for his sake? They were those who aban- doned their homelands, left their kith and kin, and considered bearing every type of pain and difficulty for his sake a source of comfort for their lives.How could they remain unaffected by his death? A little thought and reflection will reveal that we cannot in any way conceive or establish an idea of the extent of the shock and distress experienced by the Companions at the mere possi- bility of the Holy Prophet’s demise.The source of their comfort and satisfaction was indeed this verse that Ab u Bakr ra recited.May Allah the Exalted reward him abundantly for guiding the Companions aright during such a precarious situation.I have to say with regret that due to their haste and rash- ness, some ignorant people say that Ab u Bakr ra may indeed have recited this verse, but Jesus, peace be on him, is left out- side of it.I do not know what to say to such ignorant people.Despite being called religious divines, they present such absurd notions.They fail to specify the word in the verse which singles out Jesus as an exception.Indeed, Allah the Exalted has left no debatable element in it.God, Himself defines the term ۡ قَد ۡ خَلَت ۡ قَد ۡ خَلَت [ qad-khalat ] as: 2 ْنِٕىۡاَفَا َتاَّم ْوَا َلِتُق ْنِٕىۡاَفَا َتاَّم ْوَا َلِتُق Had there been a third option 1.Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah…’ ( S u rah al- A‘r a f, 7:159).[Publisher] 2.If then he dies or be slain ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:145).[Publisher]

Page 148

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 108 in addition to these, why should God not have also added: ِ السَّمَآء ی َ اَو ْ رُفِع َ بِجَسَدِه ِ الْعُنْصُر ِ اِل ِ السَّمَآء ی َ اَو ْ رُفِع َ بِجَسَدِه ِ الْعُنْصُر ِ اِل [‘Or be raised to the heavens with his physical body’]? Did God Almighty forget to include this that they now need to remind Him? َ نَعُوذ ُ بِاهلل ِ مِن ذَالِك َ نَعُوذ ُ بِاهلل ِ مِن ذَالِك [We seek Allah’s refuge from this].If this had been the only verse, it would have sufficed, but I say that so intense is the love and fondness for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that even today, his followers cannot help but shed tears at the mere mention of his demise.For the Companions, the grief was naturally far more painful and poignant at that moment.In my view, he alone is a believer who follows the Holy Prophet s as faithfully, and only such a person attains an exalted spiritual station, as Allah the Exalted Himself says: 1 ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا That is, say that if you love Allah the Exalted, then follow me so that Allah will make you His beloved.Now, love demands that there should be a special attraction for whatever the beloved does.And dying is the Sunnah [Practice] of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.He showed this by himself passing away.Then who is it that should remain alive, or desire to remain alive, or propose—regarding someone else—that he stay alive? Love [for the Holy Prophet] demands that one so lose one- self in his obedience as to exercise complete control over one’s passions and think that he belongs to his Ummah.In such a case, how can a person who believes that Jesus, peace be on him, is still alive claim to love and follow the Holy Prophet s as ? For, he accepts that the Messiah be given a superior status over the 1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:32 [Publisher]

Page 149

Lecture Ludhiana 109 Holy Prophet s as and that the Holy Prophet s as should be declared dead, but for him [ Jesus], he desires that he should be consid- ered to be still alive.1 The Damaging Effects of the Belief that the Messiah is Still Alive I most earnestly say that had the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, remained alive, not a single soul would have remained a k a fir [disbeliever].What result has Jesus, peace be on him, [supposedly] remaining alive shown outside of there being four hundred million Christians? Just pause and ponder! Have you not tested this belief of [ Jesus] living, and has the result not been perilous? Name any one sect of Muslims in which some member has not been converted to Christianity.On the contrary, I can affirm with full conviction—it being an absolutely true state- ment—that Muslims from every echelon have converted to Christianity, and their number may be more than even a hun- dred thousand.Christians hold only one weapon in hand for converting Muslims to Christianity, and that is this very doc- trine of [the Messiah] being alive.They ask for proof of this unique characteristic in anyone other than Jesus; if he is not God, then why was he bestowed this distinction? They say he is ٌ ُّوْم ی حَي ٌّ و َ قَ ٌ ُّوْم ی حَي ٌّ و َ قَ —[ H ayyun wa Qayy u mun —the Living, the Self- Subsisting, and All-Sustaining].( َ ِّٰ مِن ْ ذَالِك هّٰلل نَعُوْذ ُ بِا َ ِّٰ مِن ْ ذَالِك هّٰلل نَعُوْذ ُ بِا ) [We seek ref- uge with Allah from that].This doctrine of [the Messiah] being alive has emboldened them to mount that attack upon Muslims, the results of which I have already pointed out to you.Now, in contrast to this, 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.32, p.2, 3, dated 17 September 1906

Page 150

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 110 if you prove to the Christian priests that Jesus has died, then what conclusion would come about? I have questioned many highly esteemed Christian priests, and they have said that if it is proven that the Messiah has died, our faith cannot remain alive.Another point worth considering is that you have experi- enced [the consequences of ] the belief that Jesus is still alive, so now just experiment with his death as well and watch the blow this belief strikes upon the Christian religion.Wherever any follower of mine stands up to discuss this topic with Christians, they instantly refuse because they know this path leads to their destruction.With the doctrine of death [of Jesus], they can prove neither his atonement nor his Divinity or Sonship.So, try this doctrine for a few days, and the truth will reveal itself.The Doctrine of the Messiah’s Death, the Victory of Islam, and the Weapon to Break the Cross Hearken! The promise was made within the Holy Quran and Hadith that Islam would spread, that it would prevail over all other faiths, and that the Cross would be broken.Now, the issue worthy of consideration is that the world is a place of resources and means.If a person becomes ill, there is no doubt that only Allah the Exalted grants the cure, but towards that end, it is He indeed who has placed certain [healing] proper- ties in medicines—when someone is given the medicine, then it proves beneficial.When we feel thirsty, God alone is the One to quench it, but He is also the One who had ordained water for that purpose.Similarly, when we feel hungry, He is verily the One to satisfy it, but He is also the One who has appointed food [for that purpose].In the same way, Islam will triumph, and the Cross will

Page 151

Lecture Ludhiana 111 be broken, which He has decreed, but for that end, He has appointed the means and established a law [to bring this about].Hence, it has been unanimously acknowledged on the author- ity of the Glorious Quran and the Hadith that in the Latter Days, when Christianity would hold sway, the victory of Islam would be established at the hand of the Promised Messiah.He would demonstrate the superiority of Islam over all reli- gions and creeds, and he would kill the Dajj a l [Antichrist] and destroy the [doctrine of the] Cross.And that period would be the final period.Naww a b S idd i que H asan Khan and other religious divines who have written books about these Latter Days have also acknowledged this view.Now, there must surely be some wherewithal and means for the fulfilment of this prophecy because it is the practice of Allah the Exalted to make use of means.He cures through medicines and satisfies hunger and thirst through food and water.Likewise, now that the Christian faith has become dominant and Muslims from every stratum of society have entered its fold, Allah the Exalted has willed to make Islam prevail in accordance with His promise.To this end, there must be some means or method, and that weapon is verily the death of Jesus.This weapon shall bring about the death of the religion of the Cross, and their backs shall be broken.Verily I say that there can now be no better means to eradicate Christian errors than to prove the death of Jesus.Ponder over this in your homes, and reflect upon it when you lie alone in bed, for in a state of enmity, one is overcome by emotion, but a man in the right frame of mind reflects upon it.When I had delivered an address in Delhi, the good-natured people acknowledged and spoke up themselves, saying that the pillar upon which the worship of Jesus rests is undoubtedly the belief that he is still alive.Until this is broken, the door will

Page 152

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 112 not open for Islam; on the contrary, this belief will continue to help Christianity.Those who love Jesus being alive should ponder [over the fact] that a person can be hanged based on the testimony of two witnesses, but here so many testimonies are present, and yet they go on denying it.Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran: 1 ىٰۤسْيِعٰي ْيِّنِا َكْيِّفَوَتُم َو َكُعِفاَر َّيَلِا ىٰۤسْيِعٰي ْيِّنِا َكْيِّفَوَتُم َو َكُعِفاَر َّيَلِا And then Jesus’ own admission is found in the same Glorious Quran: 2 اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت َتْنُك َتْنَا َبْيِقَّرلا ْمِهْيَلَع اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت َتْنُك َتْنَا َبْيِقَّرلا ْمِهْيَلَع And the meaning of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی —[ tawaff i ] being death is also proven from the Glorious Quran itself, because this very word has also been used for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as is said: 3 َو اَّمِا َكَّنَيِرُن َضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُهُدِعَن ْوَا َكَّنَيَّفَوَتَن َو اَّمِا َكَّنَيِرُن َضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُهُدِعَن ْوَا َكَّنَيَّفَوَتَن Also, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has used the same expression ْ ْتَنِي َّی ا تَوَف َّ فَلَم ْ ْتَنِي َّی ا تَوَف َّ فَلَم —[ fa lamm a tawaffaitan i ], whose meaning is death alone.This word has been similarly used for Joseph and other people.So, this being the case, how can it have any other meaning? This is an extremely 1.‘O Jesus, I will cause you to die a natural death and will exalt you to Myself ’ ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:56).[Publisher] 2.But since You did cause me to die, You have been the Watcher over them ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:118).[Publisher] 3.And if We make you witness a part of what We promised them or cause you to die ( S u rah Y u nus, 10:47).[Publisher]

Page 153

Lecture Ludhiana 113 powerful testimony to the death of Jesus.Furthermore, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw Jesus among the dead on the night of Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension].No one can deny the hadith about the Mi‘r a j.Open this hadith and see whether Jesus is mentioned as being among the dead or in some other manner.He saw Jesus in the same way as he saw the Prophets Abraham, Moses, and others, peace be upon them all.There was nothing special or distinctive between them.No one can deny the fact that Moses, Abraham, and the other Prophets, peace be upon them all, have passed away, and that the Seizer of Souls [i.e., the Angel of Death] has conveyed them on to the next world.How, then, did someone alive in his physical body proceed into their midst? These testimonies are not few in number and are sufficient for a true Muslim.Then, in other a ha d i th , the age of Jesus is stated to be 120 or 125 years.Considering all this evidence, it was contrary to the spirit of righteousness to summarily decide that Jesus had gone to heaven alive; moreover, its precedent does not even exist.Even reason endorses this very conclusion, but it is a pity that these people paid no heed and—discarding all fear of God— hastily branded me a dajj a l [deceiver].It is a case that demands reflection: was this a trivial matter? How sad! Then, when no excuse could be conjured up, they said that an ijm a‘ had been reached in the middle ages.I ask, ‘When?’ The original ijm a‘ was the consensus of the Companions ra.If there was a consensus reached after that, assemble all the sects together now to demonstrate it.Verily I say that this statement is completely false.No ijm a‘ was ever reached about Jesus being alive.These people have not read the relevant literature; other- wise, they would have come to know that the Sufis acknowledge death [of Jesus] and believe in his second coming figuratively.In short, just as I have praised Allah the Exalted, I also

Page 154

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 114 invoke His peace and blessings upon the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, for whose sake alone Allah the Exalted has established this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.These victories that are happening are indeed the result of the Holy Prophet’s grace and blessings.I declare most emphati- cally, and this indeed is my creed and belief, that no man can attain any spiritual grace and beneficence without implicit sub- mission to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and without following in his footsteps.Appreciation of the Government’s Love for Peace, Justice, and Religious Freedom There is another point along with this worth recalling, and it would be ingratitude if I failed to mention it.And that is that Allah the Exalted has brought us forth under such an Empire and Government which affords peace in every way and has granted us complete freedom to propagate and publicize our faith, and all kinds of facilities are available to us in this blessed reign.What greater freedom could there be than that we refute the Christian faith with great zeal and passion, and no one stops us from doing so? But there was a time before this, and those who witnessed that time are still alive today.The climate during that time was such that no Muslim could even call out the Adh a n [Prayer Call] from their own mosques.Not to speak of other sanctions, we could not even eat what was permissible in our religion.No proper investigations were done, but this is the grace and benevolence of Almighty Allah that we now live under a government that is free from all these defects; that is to say, the British Government, which loves peace and has no objection to religious differences, whose law

Page 155

Lecture Ludhiana 115 allows every religious person to discharge their religious duties with freedom.Since Allah the Exalted has willed that my message should spread everywhere, He caused me to be born in this Empire.In the same manner that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was proud of the reign of Noshirwan, 1 I, too, am proud of this Government.It is a mat- ter of principle that since an Appointee of God brings justice and righteousness, justice and righteousness begin to be imple- mented before he comes as an Appointed One from God.I maintain the belief that this Empire is far more dignified and superior than the Roman Empire during the days of Jesus, peace be on him.Although their laws are somewhat similar, in all fairness, it must be said that the laws of this Government are subservient to none.Comparing the laws of the two Governments would certainly reveal an element of brutality in the Roman Empire.Nevertheless, it was cowardice that Jesus, the innocent and elect servant of God, was taken into custody out of fear of the Jews.A similar case was filed against me also with the difference that while the case against Jesus, peace be on him, was brought up by the Jews, in my case it was a respected clergyman and doctor—namely, Dr [Henry] Martyn Clark—who accused me of attempted murder.The evidence he mustered seemed thor- ough, so much so that even Maulaw i Ab u Sa‘eed Muhammad Husain of Batala, an arch-enemy of this [Ahmadiyya] Movement, appeared in court to give testimony.And to the extent he was able, he testified against me and expended every 1.Noshirwan, a famous Sasanian king of Persia who ruled from 531 to 579 AD, is widely viewed as a wise and just ruler.He was known for his wisdom, jus- tice, and military conquests and is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Sasanian Empire.[Publisher]

Page 156

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 116 effort to solidify the case against me.The case was heard by Captain Douglas, the Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur, who is now perhaps posted at Simla.1 The case was fully arranged before him, and all the witness testimonies against me were produced with great pomp and fanfare.In such a situation and atmosphere, not even the most discerning jurist could have said that I would be acquitted.The demands of time and the circumstances were such that I would have been handed over to the Sessions Court to be hanged or sentenced to life imprisonment.However, just as God Almighty had informed me about the case beforehand, so too had He revealed to me in advance that I would be acquitted.Accordingly, a large group of my Jam a ‘at members knew about this prophecy.When the case reached this stage, and the prosecution and my opponents thought I would now be handed over to the Sessions Magistrate, he [Captain Douglas] told the Police Captain that he had a feeling that the case was fabricated.His mind could not accept that such an attempt had actually occurred and that the defendant sent someone to mur- der Dr Clark.He directed him [the Police Captain] to reopen the investigation.That was a time when my enemies were not only constantly engaged in plotting every kind of scheme against me, but those who boasted acceptance of their prayers were engrossed in prayers, weeping and wailing that I be found guilty and be punished, but who can oppose God Almighty? I am aware that some people had even approached Captain Douglas to influ- ence him, but he was a magistrate who loved justice.He told them he could not be a party to such corruption.In short, when the case was entrusted to Captain Le Marchand for re-investigation, he summoned ‘Abdul- H am i d 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.33, p.4, 5, dated 24 September 1906

Page 157

Lecture Ludhiana 117 and told him to state the truth and only the truth.Even then, ‘Abdul- H am i d repeated the same old story he had related before the Deputy Commissioner.He had been told at the very start that the slightest deviation from his original state- ment would render him liable to prosecution, so he kept saying the same thing.So, the Police Captain told him that he had already related the same story, but the Deputy Commissioner was not satisfied that he was telling the truth.When Captain Le Marchand told him again to tell the truth, he started crying and fell upon the feet of the Captain, imploring him for pro- tection.The Captain reassured him and told him to go ahead and speak.At this, he came out with the truth, plainly confessed that he had been coerced into making his earlier statement and that he was absolutely never sent by Mirza Sahib to murder any- one.The Captain was overjoyed upon hearing this statement and sent a telegram to the Deputy Commissioner that he had solved the case.Consequently, the case came up once again for hearing at Gurdaspur, and Captain Le Marchand was sworn in, and he recorded his affidavit.I could see that the Deputy Commissioner was visibly pleased that the truth had come out.And he was furious at those Christians who had given false evidence against me.Addressing me, he said that I had the right to file a suit against those Christians, but as I detest litigation, I said I do not wish to pursue litigation—my claim is filed in the heavens.Upon this, Captain Douglas wrote down the judge- ment at that very moment.A large crowd had gathered there that day, and at the time for announcing the verdict, he said to me, ‘Congratulations! You are acquitted.’ Now, tell me how virtuous this Empire is that when it came to justice and fairness, it did not favour a leader of their own religious group nor any other factor.At that time, I saw that the whole world was my enemy, and this is exactly what transpires

Page 158

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 118 when the world comes to inflict distress; it then strikes mischief from all four directions.God alone is the One who comes to the rescue of His faithful servants.Then a case was filed before Mr Dowie, and yet another was filed against me concerning tax, but God established my inno- cence in all these cases.Then eventually, the case of Karam D i n occurred.In this case, every effort was made in opposition to me, and it came to be understood that this would now finally be the end of the [Ahmadiyya] Movement.And in reality, had this Movement not been from God Almighty, and had He not been there Himself standing there to help and assist it, there would have remained absolutely no doubt nor delusion in its complete annihilation.People from one end of the country to the other lent their support to Karam D i n.He was aided in every way to the extent that some so-called maulaw i s gave such testimonies against me that were completely contrary to truth and to such an egre- gious degree that they alleged I was an adulterer, a transgres- sor, a sinner, and then feigning righteousness [on top of it].The case dragged on for a long time, and many [heavenly] Signs appeared during this period.Finally, the magistrate, who was a Hindu, imposed a fine of 500 rupees upon me, but God Almighty had already informed me: ا ےہ.ںی ےن اس وک ربی رکد� ںی دعاتل ِ اعہیل [‘The Chief Court has acquitted him.’] So, when the appeal came before the Divisional Judge, his God- given discernment enabled him to understand the truth of the case immediately, and he declared that whatever I had writ- ten about Karam D i n was absolutely correct; in other words, I had the right to write it.The judgment he passed has since

Page 159

Lecture Ludhiana 119 been published.In the end, he acquitted me of the charge and ordered a refund of the fine.He also appropriately censured the trial court for letting the case linger for such a long time.In short, whenever my opponents had an opportunity, they spared no time or effort to crush and kill me, but God Almighty saved me from every fire through His sheer grace in the very same way that He has been saving His Messengers.Against the backdrop of these events, I emphatically assert that this Government is far better than the Roman Government under which Jesus as suffered torment.Pilate, the Governor before whom the case was tried, was, in fact, a follower of Jesus, and so was his wife.That is why he washed his hands of Jesus’ blood.But despite being a follower of Jesus and the Governor, he did not show the courage that Captain Douglas showed.Jesus was innocent there, and I was innocent here.Verily I say and speak from experience that Allah the Exalted has bestowed this nation the courage to act with justice.In this context, I advise all Muslims that it is incumbent upon them to obey this Government sincerely.Remember this well that he who is ungrateful to benevo- lent men cannot be grateful to God Almighty.The facilities and comforts people enjoy these days are unprecedented.Just look at the facilities provided by the police, post and telegraph, railways, and other departments, and think of the advantages of these services.Did such facilities exist some sixty to seventy years ago? So, be fair, why should we not be thankful for enjoy- ing so many benefits? Explanation of the Tenet of Jihad Most Muslims attack me and allege that the one fault in my Movement is that I have abrogated Jihad.But, alas, these

Page 160

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 120 ignorant people are wholly unaware of the true significance of Jihad.They only defame Islam and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.He never raised the sword for the propagation of the Faith.When the atrocities perpetrated by the enemies against him and his Companions exceeded all limits, and his devoted followers—both men and women—were mercilessly martyred, and he himself was chased right up to Madinah, it was only then that God Almighty com- manded him to defend himself.He was not the one to draw the sword; his enemies were the ones who did it.Sometimes, the brutal disbelievers wounded him so severely that he became covered in blood from head to toe, but he did not retaliate.Remember well that if taking up the sword had been obligatory in Islam, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would have raised it in Makkah.But no, the sword that is mentioned was only raised when the bloodthirsty disbelievers pursued him up to Madinah.The enemy at that time brandished the sword, but today the sword is no more.My opponents now attack me with false reports and religious edicts.Today it is the pen alone that is employed against Islam.Can he who fights the pen with the sword be anything other than a fool or a tyrant? Do not ever forget that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, drew his sword only when the disbelievers had crossed all limits of cruelty and tyranny; it was a simple act of self-defence, which is not a crime under the law of every civilized government.Self-defence is allowed in the Penal Code of India as well.If a thief enters a house and attacks with the intent to kill, it is no crime even to kill him in self-defence.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.34, p.3, dated 30 September 1906

Page 161

Lecture Ludhiana 121 Hence, when things came to such a pass that the devoted followers of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were martyred, and even old women were most mercilessly and shamelessly martyred, was it not right to punish the culprits? Had Allah the Exalted wanted Islam to disappear, leaving no trace behind, perhaps the question of retaliating with the sword might not have arisen, but He willed Islam to spread throughout the world and become the means of salvation for humanity.That is why the sword was drawn sim- ply for self-defence at that time.I make the claim that Islam’s taking up the sword at that time is not objectionable from the point of view of any law, reli- gion, or morality.Even those who preach that if you are slapped on one cheek, offer the other cannot exercise patience in such situations, nor can those who consider it a sin to kill so much as a worm.So why is an objection raised against Islam? Islam did Not Spread through Force of Sword I also openly say that those ignorant Muslims who write that Islam was spread by the sword, slander Islam and defame the innocent Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him.Remember well that Islam has always spread through its pure teaching, guidance, fruits, heavenly lights, blessings, and mir- acles.The glorious Signs and holy effects of the lofty morals of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, brought about its spread.And those Signs and effects have not come to an end.They are perennial and present in every age, ever fresh and evergreen.That is why I say that our Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Living Prophet.This is because his teachings and guidelines constantly and continually bear fruit.

Page 162

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 122 Even in the future, as Islam progresses, it shall do so by follow- ing this same path and no other.Thus, since the sword was never drawn to propagate Islam, it is sinful even to entertain such an idea now, especially when everyone is living in peace and plenty of means and wherewithal are available to propagate one’s faith.I am immensely saddened at having to say that the Christians and other detractors have never tried to consider the facts before launching attacks on Islam.If they had, they would have understood that all the enemies were out to anni- hilate Islam and the Muslims at that time.They had all joined forces to conspire against Islam and persecute the Muslims.Confronted with such pain and anguish, what other recourse was left to the Muslims but to save their lives? Referring to this, the Holy Quran says: 1 َنِذُا َنْيِذَّلِل َنْوُلَتٰقُي ْمُهَّنَاِب اْوُمِلُظ َنِذُا َنْيِذَّلِل َنْوُلَتٰقُي ْمُهَّنَاِب اْوُمِلُظ This shows that when the cruelties perpetrated against the Muslims crossed all limits, then and only then were they permit- ted to fight back in self-defence.This permission was granted specifically to confront the situation which prevailed at that time and was not for every other situation.Accordingly, the hallmark given for the arrival of the Promised Messiah was: ُ یَضَع ُ یَضَع َ َالْـحَرْب الْـحَرْب [ ya d a‘ul- h arb —that he would abolish religious war].The proof of the authenticity of the Promised Messiah is that he would not wage religious wars.The reason is indeed that the opponents have also stopped waging religious wars in this age.The confrontation has, of course, assumed another shape and complexion.Now they use the pen to raise objections against Islam.Take the Christians, for example; the circulation 1.Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged ( S u rah al- H ajj, 22:40).[Publisher]

Page 163

Lecture Ludhiana 123 of each one of their leaflets exceeds fifty thousand, and they make every effort to alienate people from Islam.In these cir- cumstances, should we have recourse to the pen, or should we shoot arrows? Who would be a greater enemy of Islam and a bigger fool than the one who opts for the latter? What else would it mean except to defame Islam? When our opponents do not make such efforts even though they do not stand upon the truth, how sad and strange would it be if we—standing upon the truth—think about taking up the sword! Draw a sword at this time and tell someone to accept Islam or you will kill him; then see what the result is.He will have you apprehended by the police and leave you to relish a taste of the sword.Such thoughts are totally absurd.Rid your minds of them.The time has now come to show Islam’s bright and shining face.This is the age in which all objections should be refuted, and the stain placed upon Islam’s lustrous face must be removed.I also make it known with sadness that the opportunity granted by God Almighty to the Muslims, and the path that had been opened to bring Christians into the fold of Islam, was itself viewed with suspicion and ingratitude.I Swear by God Almighty that I am Truthful Through my writings, I have exhaustively demonstrated the way which would help Islam succeed and establish its supremacy over other religions.My publications are sent to America and Europe.They have employed the discernment God Almighty endowed them with to understand this issue.However, when the same is presented to a Muslim, it makes him froth at the mouth, as if he were mad or a homicidal maniac, whereas the teaching of the Holy Quran is none other than:

Page 164

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 124 1 ْعَفْدِا ْيِتَّلاِب َيِه ُنَسْحَا ْعَفْدِا ْيِتَّلاِب َيِه ُنَسْحَا The purpose of this teaching was to transform even the enemy into a friend through such kind and beneficent treatment so that he could hear these things in a state of comfort and calm.I swear by Allah, the Lord of Glory, that I am from Him; He knows well that I am not a liar nor an impostor.If in spite of this solemn oath in the name of God Almighty, and despite witnessing the Signs which He has shown in my favour, you persist in calling me a liar and an impostor, then I implore you in the name of God Almighty to cite the example of some such impostor who continues to be blessed with the support and succour of Allah the Exalted, despite his constant lying in the name of God Almighty.What should have happened is that God should have destroyed such a one, but just the reverse is happening in my case.I swear in the name of God that I am truthful and that He has sent me.Though I am called a liar and an impostor, God Almighty comes to my aid in every case and trial that the people of my nation raise against me, and He safeguards me against it.He helped me in such a manner that He infused my love into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people.I stake my credibil- ity on this.If you can show me an impostor, a liar, and someone who dared attribute to Allah what was not from Him and was still the recipient of the help and support of God Almighty and continued to enjoy life as long as I and whose aspirations were similarly fulfilled, then show me.Understand well that the Messengers of God are recognised by the Signs and favours which God Almighty shows for them in their support.Whatever I say is rooted in truth.And God 1.Repel evil with that which is best ( S u rah Ha M i m as-Sajdah, 41:35).[Publisher]

Page 165

Lecture Ludhiana 125 Almighty, who looks at the hearts, is aware of what goes on in mine.Can you not even say what one from among the People of Pharaoh said: 1 َوْنِا ُكَّي اًبِذاَك ِهْيَلَعَف ٗهُبِذَك َو ْنِا ُكَّي اًقِداَص ْمُكْبِصُّي ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي َوْنِا ُكَّي اًبِذاَك ِهْيَلَعَف ٗهُبِذَك َو ْنِا ُكَّي اًقِداَص ْمُكْبِصُّي ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي Do you not believe that Allah is the greatest enemy of liars? The wrath of God far exceeds the intensity of your coordinated attack against me.Then who can save you from His wrath? A Forewarning Prophecy can be Averted In the verse that I have read, one point worth remembering is that God says He shall fulfil some of the forewarning prophe- cies.However, He did not say all of them.So what is the wis- dom behind this? The truth is that forewarning prophecies are conditional, and they can be averted through repentance, seek- ing forgiveness, and turning towards God.Prophecies are of two kinds: First, those bearing promises [of glad tidings], as God says in the Holy Quran: 2 َدَعَو ُهّٰللا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُنَمٰا ْمُكْنِم َدَعَو ُهّٰللا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُنَمٰا ْمُكْنِم The Ahl-e-Sunnah believe that prophecies of this kind imply certain fulfilment because God is Benevolent, but in the case of forewarning prophecies, God sometimes forgives after He 1.If he be a liar, on him will be the sin of his lie; but if he is truthful, then some of that which he threatens you with will surely befall you ( S u rah al-Mu’min, 40:29).[Publisher] 2.Allah has promised to those among you who believe ( S u rah an-N u r, 24:56).[Publisher]

Page 166

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 126 has sent the warning because He is Merciful.Anyone who says that prophecies containing warnings are invariably fulfilled is ignorant and far removed from Islam.He abandons the Holy Quran because it, in fact, says: 1 ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي ْ يُصِبْكُم ْ يُصِبْكُم It is a pity that many who style themselves as clerics do not know the Holy Quran nor the Hadith nor—for that matter— the sunnah of the Prophets.They only froth at the mouth out of malice.That is why they deceive.Remember: اَلْكَرِیْم ُ اِذَا وَعَد َ وَفٰی اَلْكَرِیْم ُ اِذَا وَعَد َ وَفٰی [When a gracious one promises, he fulfils].The requirement of [being] Ra hi m [the Merciful] is that He pardons even after finding someone meriting punishment.Forgiveness is embedded in human nature too.Once a man, who falsely deposed in a case in my presence, was found guilty of perjury.He was being tried by a British judge who received sudden orders to transfer to a far-off station.He became sad.Now, the criminal was an elderly man.He told his court clerk that he feared the poor fellow would die in jail.The clerk agreed and submitted that the man had a family to support.The Englishman said nothing could be done now that the proceedings had been completed.Soon, thinking better of it, he said: ‘All right, destroy the file.’ Just reflect, if an Englishman can show mercy, why can’t God? Also, think about s adaqah [charity] and almsgiving and why is it customary among all peoples.When facing difficulties and calamities, the natural human response is to give s adaqah and engage in almsgiving and it is said to offer sacrificial lambs and give in charity clothes or whatever one can lay one’s hands 1.Some of that which he threatens you with will surely befall you ( S u rah al- Mu’min, 40:29).[Publisher]

Page 167

Lecture Ludhiana 127 on.If calamities cannot be averted through such means, then why this spontaneous human reaction? No.A calamity is averted [in this way], and this fact is borne out by the collective example of 124,000 Prophets.And I know with certainty that this is not only the belief of Muslims, but the Jews, Christians, and Hindus also hold the same belief.According to my understanding, no one on the face of this earth denies this.This being the case, it becomes clearly apparent that [under such circumstances] the Divine Will is averted.The only difference between a prophecy and the Divine Will is that news of a prophecy is communicated to a Prophet, whereas no one is apprised of the Will of God.That remains a secret.If that same Will of God were to be made manifest through a Prophet, it would become a prophecy.If a proph- ecy cannot be averted, the Will of God, too, cannot be averted through charity and almsgiving.But this is totally wrong since forewarning prophecies can be averted.That is why He says: 1 َوْنِا ُكَّي اًقِداَص ْمُكْبِصُّي ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي َوْنِا ُكَّي اًقِداَص ْمُكْبِصُّي ُضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُكُدِعَي Now, Allah the Exalted Himself testifies that some of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were also averted.If such an objection is raised against some prophecy of mine, then give a reply to this.If you reject me on this ground, you will be deemed to be rejecting Allah the Exalted, not me.I state with com- plete confidence that this is the recognized view of the entire 1.If he is truthful, then some of that which he threatens you with will surely befall you ( S u rah al-Mu’min, 40:29).[Publisher]

Page 168

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 128 Ahl-e-Sunnah community, as indeed of the entire world, that humble and remorseful supplications can ward off an impend- ing punishment.Have you even forgotten what happened in the case of Jonah, peace be on him? Why was the punishment of the peo- ple of Jonah as averted? Look in Durr-e-Manth u r as well as in other books.It is also present in the Book of Jonah the Prophet, in the Bible, that Divine punishment was categorically destined to overtake them, but having seen signs of the approaching punishment, the People of Jonah as repented and turned to their Creator who forgave them, and their punishment was averted.Jonah as , for his part, awaited the chastisement to visit on the appointed day and went about asking people for the news.He enquired from a landlord about the situation of Nineveh.The man replied that all was well.At this, Jonah as was rather deeply dismayed and said لَن ْ اَرْجِع َ اِلٰی قَوْمِی ْ كَذَّابًا لَن ْ اَرْجِع َ اِلٰی قَوْمِی ْ كَذَّابًا meaning I shall never return to my people as a liar.Now, in the presence of this precedent and the powerful Quranic testimony, it is against the spirit of righteousness to raise objections against any of my prophecies which were con- ditional.It is not the characteristic of a righteous person to blurt out opinions without forethought and become ready to reject.The story of Prophet Jonah as is indeed painful and instruc- tive.It is recorded in the books; read it carefully.We are told he was thrown into the sea and ended up in the belly of a fish.Only then was repentance accepted.Now, why did such Divine chastisement and displeasure visit him? For the reason that he did not consider God capable of averting the forewarned pun- ishment.So why do you show such haste concerning me and deny all the Prophets just to reject me?

Page 169

Lecture Ludhiana 129 The Doctrine of the Bloodthirsty Mahdi Remember, Ghaf u r [Most Forgiving] is an attribute of God.Why, then, should He not forgive those who turn to Him? One example of this kind of erroneous thinking, which is rampant in Muslims as a whole, is Jihad.It is amazing how they start breathing fire when I say that Jihad is forbidden, and yet they admit that the a ha d i th about the bloodthirsty Mahdi are doubtful.Maulaw i Muhammad H usain of Batala has written several booklets on this subject.Miy an Na zi r Husain of Delhi was also of the same opinion.Both do not consider such traditions deci- sive and authentic.Why, then, am I called a liar? The truth of the matter is that the main task of the Messiah and Mahdi was to abolish [religious] wars and to establish the superiority of Islam with pen, prayer, and persuasion.What a pity that people do not understand this because they pay more attention to the world than they do to the Faith.Steeped as they are in worldly foulness and impurities, how can they ever hope that the deeper verities of the Holy Quran will be revealed to them, for the Book clearly says: 1 اَل ۤٗهُّسَمَي اَّلِا َنْوُرَّهَطُمْلا اَل ۤٗهُّسَمَي اَّلِا َنْوُرَّهَطُمْلا Ultimate Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah Listen carefully to this as well, regarding the ultimate purpose of my advent.The objective and intent behind my coming are only to rejuvenate and reaffirm Islam.This should not be 1.Which none shall touch except those who are purified ( S u rah al-W a qi‘ah, 56:80).[Publisher]

Page 170

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 130 construed to mean that I have come to teach any new shariah or give new commandments or that a new book will be sent down.Not at all.If somebody thinks this, he is—in my view—highly misled and devoid of faith.Prophethood and the Shariah have been perfected upon the person of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.No shariah can now come.The Holy Quran is Kh a tamul-Kutub [the Best of Books]; it does not admit of any change—not even of a dot or a mark.Nevertheless, it is true that the blessings and bounties of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the fruits of the Holy Quran’s teaching and guidance have not come to an end.They shall be present in every age, ever fresh, and it is for the demonstration of these bounties and blessings that God Almighty has appointed me.The dire state that Islam is in today is not a secret.Everyone agrees that Muslims suffer from all sorts of shortcomings and decadence.They are degenerating in every aspect.They pay only lip service to Islam; their heart is not in it.Islam has become like an orphan.Such are the circumstances in which God Almighty has sent me so that I may support Islam and act as its guardian.What is more, God has sent me in fulfilment of His promise, for He had declared: 1 اَّنِا ُنْحَن اَنْلَّزَن َرْكِّذلا َو اَّنِا ٗهَل َنْوُظِفٰحَل اَّنِا ُنْحَن اَنْلَّزَن َرْكِّذلا َو اَّنِا ٗهَل َنْوُظِفٰحَل When will this help, succour, and protection come if not now? Now, the situation in this fourteenth century of the Hijrah is similar to the one that was met on the occasion of Badr, and about which Allah the Exalted says: 1.Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian ( S u rah al- H ijr, 15:10).[Publisher]

Page 171

Lecture Ludhiana 131 1 َو ْدَقَل ُمُكَرَصَن ُهّٰللا ٍرْدَبِب َّو ْمُتْنَا ٌةَّلِذَا َو ْدَقَل ُمُكَرَصَن ُهّٰللا ٍرْدَبِب َّو ْمُتْنَا ٌةَّلِذَا This verse actually implied a prophecy: When Islam would become frail and weak in the fourteenth century Hijri, Allah the Exalted would come to its aid according to His promise.So why do you find it strange that Allah helped Islam? I am not saddened that I was called a liar and a dajj a l [deceiver] or that I was slandered, for it was absolutely necessary that I should have been treated in the same way as God’s Messengers who came before me were treated so that I too receive a share of this age-old tradition.In fact, my share of these sufferings and hardships is not even a fraction of what our lord and master, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had to face.His suffering has no parallel in the whole history of the Prophets, peace be upon them all.He suffered such hardship for the sake of Islam as is beyond the pen to write and the tongue to express.This shows how magnificent and resolute a Prophet he was.Had he not been assisted and helped by God Almighty, it would have been impossible for him to bear the immense bur- den of these difficulties.Any other Prophet would have failed.But how can I describe the present-day condition of the Islam that he spread in the face of such suffering and hardship! The Essence of Islam and its Teaching The meaning of Islam was that man should become lost in the love and obedience of God.And just as the neck of a goat is placed in front of the butcher, so the neck of a Muslim should 1.And Allah had already helped you at Badr when you were weak ( S u rah A l-e- ‘Imr a n, 3:124).[Publisher]

Page 172

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 132 be placed in obedience before God Almighty.Its objective was to consider God Almighty alone to be One without any partner.This belief in Tau hi d [the Oneness of Allah] had been lost when the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was commissioned.The Indian subcontinent was also full of idols at that time, as has been acknowledged by Pandit Dayanand Saraswati.Under such circumstances and at such a time, it was indeed necessary that he should have been commissioned.This age is also similar to that period, and— together with idol worship—atheism and the deification of man have also spread in it, and the original purpose and spirit of Islam are no longer present.The essence of Islam was to lose oneself in the love of God alone and holding none worthy of worship except Him, and its purpose is that man become devoted to God and not to the world.Towards this end, Islam divides its teachings into two parts: our obligation to Allah and our obligation to His crea- tures.Our obligation to Allah demands obedience to Him, and our obligation to His creatures requires sympathising with them and helping them.Tormenting others simply because of religious differences is wrong.Sympathy and kindness are one thing, and opposi- tion because of religion is quite another.The group of Muslims, which has wrong notions about Jihad, and is grossly mistaken about it, has gone to the extent of justifying the unlawful sei- zure of property belonging to non-Muslims.Even against my followers and me, these people issued a fatwa to loot our wealth and even take away our wives, whereas Islam never contained such types of foul teachings.Islam is a clean and pure religion.The situation of Islam can be set forth as follows.Just as a father expects his children to perform the duties they owe to him, similarly, he desires that

Page 173

Lecture Ludhiana 133 the children be mutually helpful to each other and not be at loggerheads with each other.In the same way, where Islam emphasises the Oneness of God, it also desires that there be love and unity among humanity.1 Congregational Prayer is promised to be more rewarding because its purpose is to develop unity.To translate this unity into practice, Islam goes so far as to enjoin with great emphasis that when we line up for Prayer, our feet should be in line, the lines should be straight, and all worshippers should stand close to one another.The purpose of this is to unite the many into one so that the light of one may infuse into the other—so that the divide that causes egoism and selfishness may be removed.Remember well that man is gifted with the power to absorb the light of others.Then, for the realisation of unity, we are enjoined to offer daily Prayers in the local mosque of the neigh- bourhood, and after a week to pray in the central mosque of the town, and then after a year, offer the Eid Prayers in a large open space in the city.And, once a year, all the Muslims from all over the world should gather in the House of Allah [the Ka‘bah].The purpose of all these injunctions is none other than forging unity.As Allah the Exalted prescribes, our obligations are only of two kinds: our obligation to Allah and our obligation to His creatures.The Holy Quran deals with this subject at great length.In one place, Allah the Exalted says: 2 اوُرُكْذاَف َهّٰللا ْمُكِرْكِذَك ْمُكَءٓاَبٰا ْوَا َّدَشَا اًرْكِذ اوُرُكْذاَف َهّٰللا ْمُكِرْكِذَك ْمُكَءٓاَبٰا ْوَا َّدَشَا اًرْكِذ Meaning that, remember Allah the Exalted as you remember your fathers or even more than that.1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.36, p.4, 5, dated 17 October 1906 2.Celebrate the praises of Allah as you celebrated the praises of your fathers, or even more than that ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:201).[Publisher]

Page 174

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 134 Here two fine points need to be noted.Remembering Allah has been compared to remembering one’s forefathers.The secret laid bare here is that the love for one’s forefathers is personal and natural.Look! When a mother punishes a child, he still cries for his mother.In other words, Allah the Exalted instructs human beings in this verse to cultivate a relationship of natu- ral love with Him.Once this love is attained, obedience to the commands of Allah develops on its own.This is the stage of cognisance that man should try to achieve; that is, a natural and personal love for Allah the Exalted should develop in him.This is stated [in the Holy Quran] elsewhere in the following way: 1 َّنِا َهّٰللا ُرُمْاَي ِلْدَعْلاِب َو ِناَسْحِاْلا َو ِئٓاَتْيِا يِذ ىٰبْرُقْلا َّنِا َهّٰللا ُرُمْاَي ِلْدَعْلاِب َو ِناَسْحِاْلا َو ِئٓاَتْيِا يِذ ىٰبْرُقْلا This verse mentions three stages that man should strive to attain.The first is justice, which means doing good to others for recompense.Obviously, this kind of virtue is not of a very high rank; in fact, being just is the lowest rank of virtue.The next higher virtue is i h s a n , or doing good without hoping for a reward.Of course, it would be wrong to be kind to one who is given to doing evil; offering the right cheek to one who smites you on the left is neither right nor commonly practicable.Sa‘d i says: اتس انچن ركدن دباں اب وكنیئ �یک رمداں خ دن رباےئ � رك ہک دب Doing good to the wicked is like harbouring enmity toward the noble.Hence, the teachings of Islam on the limits imposed on taking 1.Verily, Allah requires you to abide by justice, and to treat with grace, and give like the giving of kin to kin; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and transgression ( S u rah an-Na h l, 16:91).[Publisher]

Page 175

Lecture Ludhiana 135 revenge are so wonderful that no other religion can present their like.And it is that: 1 یۃ آ اْل ا یۃ آ اْل ا اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّمْنَمَف اَفَع َو َحَلْصَا...اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّمْنَمَف اَفَع َو َحَلْصَا...This means the punishment for an injury is an injury the like thereof, but the one who forgives is better, provided forgiveness is done at a time and in a situation where it leads to correction and reform.Thus, Islam teaches forgiveness without encourag- ing mischief.In short, after justice, the second stage is that of i h s a n — doing good without any recompense.But even in this behav- iour, there is a kind of selfishness for one may sooner or later hint at the good he had done.Therefore, Islam goes one step further and teaches us الْقُرْبٰى وَ اِيْتَآئِ ذِي الْقُرْبٰى وَ اِيْتَآئِ ذِي [give like the giving of kin to kin], quite like the mother who is kind to her baby and never expects any compensation or reward in return.The good she does for her child is done out of natural and spontaneous love.Even if the king orders her not to suckle the child and assures her that she will not be punished even if the child were to die as a result and promises to reward her in that consequence, even then, she would refuse to obey the king and would curse him for being the enemy of her child.This is because she is moti- vated by personal love.No self-interest is involved.Such is the excellent and lofty teaching of Islam that it presents.This verse covers our duties and obligations to Allah as well as to people.In the context of our obligations to Allah, the meaning of this verse is that in keeping with the requirements of justice, man should obey and worship Allah the Exalted, who has created him and nurtures him.But, anyone who rises higher than this state of obedience to God should obey Him 1.S u rah ash-Sh u r a , 42:41 [Publisher]

Page 176

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 136 consistent with the requirements of i h s a n [benevolence], for He is the Benefactor, and the bounties He confers are countless.And since the favours He confers on us remain fresh in our minds when we think of His sublime characteristics and attrib- utes, therefore, the meanings of the word i h s a n , as explained by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, are to worship Allah the Exalted as if you are seeing Him or, at the very least, as if He sees you.At this stage, man is still held back by a veil.But, next to it is the third stage, that of الْقُرْبٰى اِيْتَآئِ ذِي الْقُرْبٰى اِيْتَآئِ ذِي [give like the giving of kin to kin].At this stage, one develops personal love for Allah the Exalted.And I have already explained the meanings from the perspective of the rights of fellow humans, and I have also stated that no scripture has set forth this teaching that the Holy Quran has presented.This teaching is so perfect that no one can present its like; namely: 1 یۃ آ اْل ا یۃ آ اْل ا اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّم...اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّم...There is a condition for forgiveness that it should lead to ref- ormation.The Jewish religion prescribed an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.As a result, they became so vengeful, and this habit became so deeply ingrained in them that if the father failed to take his revenge, it became incumbent upon the son and even the grandson to avenge him.This made them vindic- tive, hard-hearted, and merciless.The Christians, in comparison, taught that if someone slaps you on one cheek, you should offer the other; and accom- pany for two miles anyone who forces you to walk one mile, and so on.The obvious defect in this teaching is that it is not 1.The recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof ( S u rah ash-Sh u r a , 42:41).[Publisher]

Page 177

Lecture Ludhiana 137 practicable.The Christian governments have demonstrated in practice that this teaching is defective.Is there a Christian so bold to offer his other cheek to a scoundrel who has knocked out his tooth with a blow and say, ‘All right, go ahead, knock out the other tooth as well!’? This will further embolden the scoundrel.It would undoubt- edly result in the breakdown of law and order.So how can we acknowledge that such teaching is excellent or consistent with the Will of God Almighty? If this teaching were acted upon, no country could be appro- priately governed.If an enemy snatches one part of the land, another would have to be handed over to him.If one officer is arrested, ten more would have to be handed over.These are the defects in these teachings.And they are not correct.Their only vindication could be that they were meant for a particular period and became inapplicable when the situation changed.The Jews were enslaved for as long as four hundred years.The life of bondage made them callous and vindictive.It is but natural for the morals of a people to assume the complexion of the ethos of the reigning monarch.For instance, during the Sikh rule, most people took to banditry, while under British rule, education and civic sense are gaining ground with every- one striving towards this same direction.In short, the Israelites lived under the Pharaoh, so tyr- anny increased among them.So in the days of the Torah, jus- tice became the priority because they were unaware of justice and cruel by habit.They had come to believe that knocking out a tooth for a tooth was not only essential but obligatory.Hence, Allah the Exalted taught them that justice alone was not enough; compassion was also necessary.That is why when slapped on one cheek, they were instructed through Jesus to offer the other.But when too much

Page 178

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 138 stress was laid on this, Allah the Exalted at long last caused this teaching to attain true consummation through the person of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.And this teaching was none other than that recompense of an injury is an injury in equal measure; however, he who for- gives, provided forgiveness leads to reform, has his reward with Allah the Exalted.Forgiveness is taught but on the condition that it results in reform; forgiveness doled out of place causes harm.This is a moment to reflect.One must forgive if forgiveness is likely to bring about reform.An example of two servants can illustrate this point.One is basically decent, obedient, and well-meaning but quite unin- tentionally makes a mistake; it would only be proper to forgive him, and punishing him would be inappropriate.The other, a mischievous rogue who does not desist from mischief and causes damage daily, if he is let off, he would become even more reckless; hence, he must be punished.So act wisely in keeping with the demands of the situation.This is the teaching that Islam sets forth, and no teaching or law can ever come after a perfect teaching.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is Kh a tamun- Nabiyy i n [the Seal of the Prophets], and the Holy Quran is Kh a tamul-Kutub [the Best of Books].There can now be no other Kalimah [the declaration of faith in Islam] or Prayer.No salvation is possible without following all that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said or demonstrated, and all that is in the Holy Quran.He who abandons it will land in Hell.This is our faith and credo.

Page 179

Lecture Ludhiana 139 The Door of Dialogue and Converse [with God] is Open for the Ummah But together with this, it should also be borne in mind that the door of [Divine] converse and revelation remains open for this Ummah.This door is an ever-present and lasting testimony to the truth of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It was to this end that God Almighty taught us this prayer in S u rah al-F a ti h ah : 1 َطاَرِص َنْيِذَّلا َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا۰۰ َطاَرِص َنْيِذَّلا َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا۰۰ The prayer taught to be shown the path of َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع [ an‘amta ‘alaihim— on whom You have bestowed Your blessings] suggests seeking the excellences of the Prophets, peace be upon them all.It is obvious that the excellence vouchsafed to the Prophets, on whom be peace, was indeed the cognisance of God, and they received this blessing through direct communion and converse with Him.This is what you should also remain desirous of.However, if you think that though the Holy Quran directs us to offer this prayer, we are unlikely to achieve anything from it, or that none of the Muslims would be privileged to attain this spiritual station and the door to the acceptance of this prayer has been shut to us till the Day of Judgment, then would this not amount to insulting Islam and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or would it be its beauty? I honestly affirm that the person who holds this belief defames Islam and has failed to understand the very essence of the Shariah.Islam’s objectives set forth that mere verbal pro- nouncement of the belief in the Oneness of God is not enough; 1.Guide us in the right path—The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings ( S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:6–7).[Publisher]

Page 180

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 140 one should really and truly understand its full import.Belief in Heaven and Hell should not be based on mere conjecture.One should taste the blessings of Paradise in this very life and be saved from sins in which savage human beings wallow.This was and remains the splendid objective of Islam.This is such a holy and pure objective, the like of which no other people can point out in their religion, nor can they show an example of it.Everyone can say it, but who can show it? I have asked the Aryas and the Christians to present some proof of the existence of the God in which they believe.They could not go beyond long-winded verbosity.They are not aware of the true God the Holy Quran presents.The only way to know Him was through direct communion with Him, which distinguished Islam from other religions.What a pity that these Muslims also rejected this out of opposition to me.Remember with certainty that the ability to be safe from sins can only be attained when a man has absolute faith in Allah the Exalted.This is indeed the chief objective of human life to obtain deliverance from the clutches of sin.Look! A child may wish to get a hold of a snake that appears attractive, and he may even try to touch it, but a sensible person who knows the snake will bite and kill would never dare go near it.He would not even enter a house in which he knows there is a snake.Likewise, when one knows that poison kills, he would never be foolhardy enough to taste it.Similarly, one cannot be safe from sin unless he comes to believe with certainty that it is a deadly poison.This kind of conviction cannot develop with- out cognisance.Why, then, does man sin with audacity, despite having faith in God Almighty and considering sin a sin? The reason for this is none other than that he does not pos- sess that cognisance and discernment which develops the dis- position that destroys sin.Inability to attain this state would be

Page 181

Lecture Ludhiana 141 tantamount to admitting that—God forbid—Islam is devoid of its true objective.But I affirm that this is not the case.It is through Islam alone that this objective can be fulfilled perfectly, and converse and communion with God is the only means, for this alone creates perfect faith in the existence of Allah the Exalted, and only then do we come to know that God detests sin and punishes those who commit it.Sin is poison: it is minor at first, then becomes major, and ultimately leads to disbelief.The Correct Remedy for Safeguarding against Sin I must say, parenthetically, that every people in their own right try seriously to figure out how to be cleansed of sin.The Aryas, for instance, believe that there is no way to be purified of sin except through punishment, and the penalty for just one sin requires hundreds of thousands of rebirths.He can never be absolved of sin unless a person passes through these rebirths.However, this process poses many problems—the most for- midable being that if all living beings are indeed sinful, then when will salvation from this ever become possible? Even more bizarre is their commonly held belief that those who ultimately attain salvation shall also, after some time, be thrown out of the abode of salvation.What, then, is the benefit of such salvation? When asked why you expel someone after he has been granted salvation, some say that one sin is withheld for the eventual expulsion.Now, reflect—can this possibly be the work of the Omnipotent God? What is more, if each self is its own creator and God Almighty is not the Creator (God forbid), there is no compelling need for the self to subordinate itself to Him.The Christians have yet another view.They have devised

Page 182

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 142 a method of getting cleansed of sin, which is to accept Jesus as as God and the Son of God and then believe with certainty that he has taken our sins upon himself and became accursed through the crucifixion.َ نَعُوذ ُ بِاهلل ِ مِن ذَالِك َ نَعُوذ ُ بِاهلل ِ مِن ذَالِك [We seek Allah’s refuge from this].Just think, what has salvation to do with all this? To escape from sin, they proposed an even bigger sin by making a man into God.Can there be a greater sin than this? Moreover, they hastened to declare him accursed after pronouncing him to be God.Could there be any greater insolence and disrespect for Allah the Exalted? They converted into God, one who ate and drank and depended on his physical necessities, although the Torah clearly states: Let there be no other God—neither on earth nor in the heavens.This doctrine was inscribed on doors and portals, yet it was ignored, and a new ‘God’ was fabricated whose mention is not found anywhere in the Torah.I once asked a Jewish scholar, ‘Do you find any trace of a God who should come out of Mary’s womb and go about being beaten by the Jews?’ The reply of the Jewish scholar was that this was nothing but slander and that no trace of such a god was to be found in the Torah, adding that, ‘Ours is the God who is the God of the Holy Quran.Just as the Holy Quran pro- claims the Oneness of God Almighty, so do we—in accordance with the teachings of the Torah—believe God Almighty to be the One who is without partners, and we cannot believe any human being to be God.’ It is obvious that if the Jews had been informed of a God who was to be born from a woman’s womb, why would they have opposed Jesus so fiercely? They even had him crucified and used to accuse him of blasphemy.This clearly shows that they were not at all inclined to accept this.Thus, the remedy the Christians propose to get rid of sin is itself a source of sin.

Page 183

Lecture Ludhiana 143 It has nothing to do with deliverance from sin 1 because they prescribe sin itself to cure sin, which can in no way be consid- ered appropriate.They are their own foolish friends, and their likeness is that of a monkey which killed its master.To save themselves and attain salvation from sins, they pre- scribed an absolutely unpardonable sin; that is, they became guilty of associating partners with God and made a humble human into God.What a joyous situation it is for Muslims that their God is not a God who can be objected to or attacked in any way.They have faith in His powers, decrees, and attributes, but those who made a man into God or denied His decrees, for them, His existence or non-existence are alike.For instance, the Aryas believe that each particle is the God of its existence and that God Himself did not create anything.Now, tell me, if God did not bring into being the particles, where is the need for a God for their subsistence while all forces are self-existent and they [the particles] maintain the inherent capacity to combine or separate? So be fair, and tell me what need they have for God to exist at all? I think there is hardly any difference between atheists and Aryas who hold this view.Islam is now the only religion which is perfect and living.The time has now come for Islam’s glory and splendour to be manifested again.And my advent is for this very purpose.It is incumbent upon Muslims to value the light and bless- ings presently descending from heaven and to render thanks to Almighty Allah for this timely support and that God Almighty—in keeping with His promise—assisted them in this hour of distress.But if the Muslims fail to appreciate this Divine bounty, God Almighty will not be bothered about them at all.He will accomplish His purpose nevertheless, albeit theirs will be a sad situation.1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.37, p.3–4, dated 24 October 1906

Page 184

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 144 I am Indeed the Promised One who was to Come I declare with all the emphasis at my command and with full conviction and understanding that Allah the Exalted has decreed to uproot all other religions and bestow power and dominion upon Islam.No power or person can now compete with the Will of Almighty God.He is: 1 ٌلاَّعَف اَمِّل ُدْيِرُي ٌلاَّعَف اَمِّل ُدْيِرُي O Muslims! Remember that Allah the Exalted has communi- cated this tiding to you through me, and I have duly conveyed my message.Now it is for you to heed or not to heed.It is indeed true that Jesus, peace be on him, has died, and I swear in the name of God Almighty that I am indeed the Promised One who was to come.The Life of Islam is in the Death of Jesus And this, too, is an undeniable fact that the life of Islam is in the death of Jesus.If you reflect on this issue, you will realise that this is indeed the issue that will bring about the end of Christianity.This is the great structural beam upon which the edifice of Christianity is indeed built upon—so let it fall.This issue could have been easily settled if righteousness and fear of God had governed the actions of my opponents.Name even one [of them] who came to me seeking satisfac- tion, having shed his beastly attitude.Their condition is that they start frothing at their mouths and hurling abuses at the 1.Surely, your Lord does bring about what He pleases ( S u rah H u d, 11:108).[Publisher]

Page 185

Lecture Ludhiana 145 mere mention of my name.Can any person find the truth in this way? I cite in my support the explicit and unequivocal verses of the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and the consensus of the Companions.However, my opponents refuse to listen and start shouting and calling me an apostate and a deceiver.I say to them clearly to prove from the Holy Quran that Jesus ascended to the heavens alive or to produce anything that contradicts what the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, witnessed, or to disprove the consensus in the presence of Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, on the occasion of the demise of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; but no reply comes forth.Then, some people raise the clamour that if that same Jesus of Israel, Son of Mary, was not meant to come again, why was this name given to the one who was to come? I say, what kind of foolish objection is this? Surprisingly, those who raise this objection name their children Moses, Jesus, David, Ahmad, Abraham, or Ishmael, but if Allah the Exalted gives the name Jesus to someone, they object!!! Heavenly Support and Signs The crucial point to consider in this context really was whether the one who came was accompanied by Signs or not.Had they sought to find those Signs in the Promised One, they would have never dared to deny, but they never bothered about the Signs and the supporting evidence; instead, the moment they heard the claim, they declared ٌ َافِر ك َ اَنْت [ Anta k a firun —‘You are a disbeliever!’] It is accepted that the means of recognising the Prophets, peace be upon them, and the Appointed Ones of God are

Page 186

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 146 the miracles and Signs accompanying them.Just as an officer appointed by the Government is assigned a distinguishing mark, the Appointees of God are also given Signs so they may be recognised.I maintain that God Almighty has manifested not one, two, or 200 Signs in my favour, but tens of thousands of them.And these Signs are not unknown and obscure—hundreds of thou- sands of people have witnessed them, and I can confidently say that hundreds of such witnesses must be present at this gath- ering.Signs appeared for me from heaven and from the earth as well.The Signs related explicitly to my advent—which the Prophets, including the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had foretold—appeared in my support.One of them was the eclipse of the sun and the moon, which all of you must have witnessed.The authentic hadith had made the prophecy that in the time of the Mahdi and the Messiah, both the sun and the moon would be eclipsed during the month of Ramadan.Now come and tell me whether this Sign has been fulfilled or not.Is there anyone who can say that he did not witness this Sign? Another prophecy was that the plague would rage as an epidemic at the time to such an extent that seven out of ten people would die.Now tell me whether this Sign appeared or not.It was also prophesied that, at that time, a new means of conveyance would appear, rendering the camels useless.Has not the introduction of the railways fulfilled this prophecy? How many of these Signs should I go on recounting, for it is a very long series of Signs? Now reflect: Whereas I, the claimant, have been called a liar and a deceiver, is it not very strange that all these Signs have duly appeared for me? What would be left for him if somebody else were yet to come? Show some fairness at least, and fear God! Does God

Page 187

Lecture Ludhiana 147 Almighty ever grant so much support to a liar? Is it not strange that whosoever rose to oppose me was defeated and frustrated, and I emerged successful and safe out of every calamity and hardship in which my adversaries tried to implicate me? Can anybody swear and say that this is what happens to liars? I regret to say, what has gone wrong with these clerics who oppose me? Why do they not study the Holy Quran and the a ha d i th carefully? Do they not know that all the great scholars and divines of the past foretold that the advent of the Promised Messiah would occur in the fourteenth century [of the Hijra calendar]? The visions of all the recipients of revelation also point to the same period.It is clearly recorded in the book H ujajul-Kir a mah that the time for the advent of the Promised Messiah would not exceed the fourteenth century.These people used to shout from the pulpits that even the beasts prayed for safety from the thir- teenth century and that the fourteenth century would be auspi- cious.How strange that in the fourteenth century, in which the Promised Imam was to appear, an impostor appeared in place of the truthful one.Hundreds of thousands of Signs appeared in his support, and God Almighty also helped him in every contest and competition! Just pause and reflect before trying to respond.It is easy to blurt out something thoughtlessly and so difficult to utter a word if one fears God.Another point also worthy of your attention is that God does not grant so long a reprieve to a liar and an impostor as exceeds even the period of blessed grace granted to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.I am now 67 years old, and it is more than 23 years since I was appointed to this office.Had I really been an impostor and a liar, Allah the Exalted would not have stretched this period so long.Some people also ask what the good of my coming is.

Page 188

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 148 The Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah Remember, the purpose of my coming is twofold.First, Islam is being dominated by other religions, which, in a manner of speaking, are eating it up, and Islam has become like a very weak and orphaned child.So God has sent me at this point in time to save Islam from the attacks of false religions and to furnish incontrovertible proofs of its rationale and verities.These proofs, in addition to the scientific and intellectual argu- ments, lie in the heavenly Signs and blessings which have always appeared in support of Islam.A look at the current reports by Christian missionar- ies would apprise you of the strategies they intend to employ against Islam and how vast the circulation of each of their pub- lications is! In these circumstances, establishing the superior- ity of Islam was of the utmost importance.It is to achieve this end that God Almighty has sent me, and I say with certainty that Islam is bound to prevail, and signs of this prevalence have already appeared.And yes, it is certainly true that no sword or gun is needed for this triumph, nor has God sent me armed with weapons.He, who at this time thinks of resorting to such things, would be a foolish friend of Islam, for the purpose of religion is to conquer the hearts, which the sword cannot achieve.I have explained many times that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was compelled to draw the sword only in the exercise of the acknowledged right of self-de- fence, and that too at a time when the atrocities inflicted on the Muslims had crossed all limits, and the earth had become red with their blood.Thus, the purpose of my advent is to bring about the tri- umph of Islam over other religions.The second purpose of my advent is this: People claim that

Page 189

Lecture Ludhiana 149 they offer their Prayers and perform sundry other religious rites, but all this is mere lip service; what is needed is an inner transformation which is the kernel and essence of Islam.What I know is that no one can be a true believer and a Muslim unless the colour and complexion of Ab u Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali—may Allah be pleased with them all—develops within him.They did not love this world.They had devoted their lives entirely to the way of God Almighty.Today whatever is done is for this world alone.Man is so engrossed in worldly pursuits that no room is left for God Almighty.If someone is engaged in commerce, it is for the sake of the world.The same is the case for one involved in construc- tion, so much so that even Prayers and Fasts are observed for the sake of the world.Everything is done to attain the nearness of those engrossed in the world, but no heed is paid to religion.Now, everyone should reflect on whether the purpose of acknowledging and accepting Islam was limited to what has come to be understood or was it something loftier? What I know is that a true believer is made pure and assumes the complexion of angels.As he gets closer and closer to Allah the Exalted, he hears His voice and is reassured by it.Let each one of you ask himself whether he has attained this station.I say truly that you have become content with only the husk and the crust, whereas this is of no value.What God Almighty wants is the kernel.Thus, just as the purpose of my mission is to counter the external attacks against Islam, so it is to develop within the Muslims a true understanding of Islam and to infuse them with its true spirit.Today, worldly icons occupy a place of honour in the hearts of Muslims instead of God Almighty; their hopes and desires are all geared toward them, and their quarrels and agreements are all for this world.I want these idols to be demolished, the glory and majesty of Allah the Exalted to be established in their

Page 190

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 150 hearts, and the tree of faith to blossom and bear ever fresh fruit.Today it looks like a tree, but it is not really a tree, for a real tree has been described thus: ْۤيِتْؤُت ْمَلَا َرَتَفْيَك َبَرَض ُهّٰللا اًلَثَم ًةَمِلَك ًةَبِّيَط ٍةَرَجَشَك ٍةَبِّيَط اَهُلْصَا ٌتِباَث َّو اَهُعْرَف يِف ِءٓاَمَّسلا ۰۰ ْۤيِتْؤُت ْمَلَا َرَتَفْيَك َبَرَض ُهّٰللا اًلَثَم ًةَمِلَك ًةَبِّيَط ٍةَرَجَشَك ٍةَبِّيَط اَهُلْصَا ٌتِباَث َّو اَهُعْرَف يِف ِءٓاَمَّسلا ۰۰ 1 اَهَلُكُا َّلُك ٍۭنْيِح ِنْذِاِب اَهِّبَر اَهَلُكُا َّلُك ٍۭنْيِح ِنْذِاِب اَهِّبَر This means: ‘Did you not see how Allah described the exam- ple of the perfect religion? The pure word is like the holy tree which is firmly rooted and whose branches reach out to the heavens and which bears its fruit at all times by the commands of its Lord.’ اَهُلْصَا ٌتِباَث اَهُلْصَا ٌتِباَث [The firmness of its root] means that the princi- ples on which this religion is based have been fully established and have attained the stage of certainty.This tree should be able to bear fruit at all times and never be like dead wood.Does this condition apply today? Many people are in the habit of saying, ‘What is the need?’ How foolish is the patient who questions the need for a phy- sician? If he thinks he is free from needing one, he is inviting death.The Muslims today fall under اَسْلَمْنَا [ aslamn a —‘ we have accepted Islam’], but they do not belong to the category of ا َّ اٰمَن ا َّ اٰمَن [ a mann a — ‘we believe’] for this happens only when one is accompanied by the light of Divine guidance.Summing up, this is the mission for which I have been sent.So do not be hasty in rejecting my claim.Instead, fear God and offer taubah [repentance], for the intellect of one who offers taubah is sharpened.This rampant plague is indeed a danger- ous Sign, regarding which I have received the following revela- tion from God Almighty: 1.S u rah Ibr a h i m, 14:25–26 [Publisher]

Page 191

Lecture Ludhiana 151 ْ ِّرُوْا مَا بِاَنْفُسِهِم ی َ ُغ ی ی ّٰ ِّر ُ مَا بِقَوْم ٍ حَت ی ُغَ ی َ اْل هّٰللَّٰ َّ ا اِن ْ ِّرُوْا مَا بِاَنْفُسِهِم ی َ ُغ ی ی ّٰ ِّر ُ مَا بِقَوْم ٍ حَت ی ُغَ ی َ اْل هّٰللَّٰ َّ ا اِن [God shall not remove this plague from this people and shall not change His will as long as people do not change the condi- tion of their hearts and God will eventually extend His protec- tion to this village (i.e.Qadian).] This is the Word of God Almighty, and accursed is the per- son who attributes what is not from Him to God Almighty.God Almighty says that a change will occur in My Will only when a change occurs in the hearts.Therefore, fear God and dread His wrath.No one shoulders another’s responsibility.Most people part company when one is implicated in a minor court case; how then can you rely on others on the Day of Judgment about which God says: 1 َمْوَي ُّرِفَي ُءْرَمْلا ْنِم ِهْيِخَا َمْوَي ُّرِفَي ُءْرَمْلا ْنِم ِهْيِخَا It was the duty of the opponents to act in good faith, acting on the injunction: 2 اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع But they were too hasty.Remember, people in the past perished acting like this.He who gives up opposition when he realises that he is in the wrong is indeed wise, but this is the lot of those who fear God.Only the brave own their mistakes; they are the champions of moral courage.They are the ones whom God loves.1.On the day when a man flees from his brother ( S u rah ‘Abasa, 80:35).[Publisher] 2.Follow not that of which you have no knowledge ( S u rah Ban i Isr a’i l, 17:37).[Publisher]

Page 192

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 152 Evidence of Reasoning Having said all this, let me now add a word about qiy a s [ana- logical reasoning].Although the Holy Quran and the Hadith support me, the unanimous verdict of the Companions is in my favour, the heavenly Signs and the accompanying evidence are on my side, and the need of the hour also establishes the veracity of my claim—yet, qiy a s [analogical reasoning] may also clinch the argument.Let us, therefore, find out what qiy a s says about this.Man is never prepared to believe that which has no prec- edent.For example, if someone comes and reports that your son was carried to the skies by air or the child turned into a dog and ran away, will you accept what he says without a reasonable explanation and further enquiry? No, never.That is why the Holy Quran instructs us: 1 اْۤوُلَٔـْسَف َلْهَا ِرْكِّذلا ْنِا ْمُتْنُك اَل َنْوُمَلْعَت اْۤوُلَٔـْسَف َلْهَا ِرْكِّذلا ْنِا ْمُتْنُك اَل َنْوُمَلْعَت Now consider the question of the death of Jesus, peace be on him, and his flying off to heaven.Leaving aside for a moment the arguments that can be advanced about his death, it is an indisputable fact that the disbelievers demanded of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the miracle of ascending to heaven.Now, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—who was perfect in every way and superior to all Prophets—should have ascended to the heavens, but what was the reply that he gave based on revelation from Allah the Exalted: 2 ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر 1.So ask those who are well versed in scriptures, if you know not ( S u rah al-Anbiy a’ , 21:8).[Publisher] 2.S u rah Ban i Isr a’i l, 17:94 [Publisher]

Page 193

Lecture Ludhiana 153 Meaning that: ‘Tell them that Allah the Exalted is innocent of acting in violation of His promise, particularly when He has precluded man from ascending bodily to the heavens.If I do this, I will be considered a liar.’ Now, if your belief that Jesus ascended to the heavens is correct, what explanation would you have for an antagonist Christian clergyman who criticises the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, based on this verse? So what is the benefit of believing in things that have no origin in the Holy Quran, because in doing so, you will only defame Islam and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? Furthermore, the earlier scriptures do not contain any precedent of this kind either, and it is not pro- hibited to engage in ijtih a d [interpretive judgement] on the basis of these scriptures.Allah the Exalted says about the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: 1 َدِهَش ٌدِهاَش ْۢنِّم ْۤيِنَب َلْيِءٓاَرْسِا َدِهَش ٌدِهاَش ْۢنِّم ْۤيِنَب َلْيِءٓاَرْسِا And then He says: 2 ىٰفَك ِهّٰللاِب اًۢدْيِهَش ْيِنْيَب َو ْمُكَنْيَب َو ْنَم ٗهَدْنِع ُمْلِع ِبٰتِكْلا ىٰفَك ِهّٰللاِب اًۢدْيِهَش ْيِنْيَب َو ْمُكَنْيَب َو ْنَم ٗهَدْنِع ُمْلِع ِبٰتِكْلا And similarly He says: 3 ٗهَنْوُفِرْعَي اَمَك َنْوُفِرْعَي ْمُهَءٓاَنْبَا ٗهَنْوُفِرْعَي اَمَك َنْوُفِرْعَي ْمُهَءٓاَنْبَا 1.A witness from among the children of Israel bears witness to the advent of one like him ( S u rah al-A h q a f, 46:11).[Publisher] 2.‘Sufficient is Allah as a Witness between me and you, and so is he who possess- es knowledge of the Book’ ( S u rah ar-Ra‘d, 13:44).[Publisher] 3.(Those to whom We have given the Book) recognise it as the truth even as they recognise their sons ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:147).[Publisher]

Page 194

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 154 When God Himself presents these verses as proof of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, then why is it forbidden for us to base our ijtih a d [reasoning] upon them? Now, among these scriptures is that of the Prophet Malachi, which forms a part of the Bible.It promises that the Prophet Elijah shall come again before the coming of the Messiah.Thus, when the Messiah, son of Mary, finally came, he was confronted with the question about the second coming of Elijah as per the prophecy of the Prophet Malachi.Jesus’ verdict on the issue was that that Promised One had already come in the form of John [the Baptist].Thus, a verdict has already been delivered by the court of Jesus himself on the interpretation of the Second Coming, in which John the Baptist was not described as the like of Elijah but was called Elijah himself.So this reasoning also supports me.I keep citing precedents, whereas my opponents do not.Some people, who are found wanting at this stage of the argu- ment, are wont to say that these scriptures have been tampered with and interpolated.It is a pity that the objectors forget that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the Companions used to rely on these very books.Most distin- guished scholars, including Imam Bukhari, believe that biblical distortion is distortion only in sense and meaning.Moreover, the Jews and Christians are mortal enemies and have their own separate scriptures.They [the Jews] still believe that Elijah will come again.Had this question not been there, would they not have accepted Jesus? I have a book by a Jewish scholar who asserts with great conviction and makes an appeal that if he were confronted with this question, he would produce the book of the Prophet Malachi where it was promised that Elijah would come again.

Page 195

Lecture Ludhiana 155 Just ponder that despite such excuses, millions of Jews were consigned to Hell and labelled apes and swine.Would this argument be valid against me that it was Jesus, the son of Mary himself, who was supposed to come? The Jews might have been excused for want of a precedent to go by, but there is no room for any excuse now.The Holy Quran proves the death of Jesus, and the vision of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, supports it.Moreover, the Holy Quran and the Hadith specifically use the expression ْ ُم ك ْ مِن ْ ُم ك ْ مِن [ minkum —(the Promised One would be) from among you].Furthermore, God Almighty did not send me empty-handed.Hundreds of thousands of Signs have appeared in my support.Even now, if somebody were to stay with me for forty days, he would surely witness a Sign for himself.The Sign concern- ing Lekh Ram is glorious indeed.Some fools allege that I had him murdered.If this allegation were true, the reliability of all such Signs would become suspect.Tomorrow, somebody might stand up and say that—God forbid—the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had arranged for Khosrow Parviz to be murdered.To raise such objections is not the way of the truthful and the seekers after truth! In the end, I would like to reiterate that Signs which sup- port me are not few in number.More than a hundred thousand people are still alive and have witnessed these Signs.Do not be hasty in rejecting me; otherwise, what answer will you give after death? Remember, God is Ever Watchful—He establishes the truth of the truthful and the falsehood of the false.1 1.Al-Hakam, vol.10, no.41, p.4–6, dated 30 November 1906; see also, Badr, vol.2, no.51, p.4–18, dated 20 December 1906.

Page 196

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 156 9 November 1905 (In Amritsar) A speech was proposed in Amritsar on the morning of the 9th, for which the lecture hall of Mr Rai Kanhaiya L a l, the lawyer, was obtained.The lecture hall was full of men.The Promised Messiah as began his speech after 8 o’clock.He ini- tially stated: Only a few men were with me approximately fourteen years ago when I came here.The maulaw i s pronounced a fatwa of kufr [disbelief ] against me, and ‘Abdul- H aqq Ghaznavi entered into a mub a halah [prayer duel] with me; meaning that, he and I took oaths in which I affirmed that if I am a liar and a fabrica- tor in my claim, may God humiliate and destroy me.After this mub a halah, God Almighty supported me immensely.Today, my followers number more than 300,000, and many sincere friends surround me.Furthermore, despite the opponents’ strenuous efforts and machinations, God Almighty safeguarded me against lawsuits and granted me a great deal of wealth.In short, the Promised Messiah as spoke for about 45 minutes, and after that, he wanted to start mentioning the beauties of Islam.However, it is a pity that the opponents had come with plans hatched in advance to raise a clamour so no one could hear.Among them were the men of the Ghaznavi group and Maulaw i Sanaullah’s party.So there was a

Page 197

9 November 1905 157 great disturbance and an uproar, some clapped and whistled, and some started shouting obscenities.The leaders of Amritsar stood up and explained to them again and again, and the police tried to silence them and make them sit down, but no one obeyed.So much uproar was created that the lecture had to be stopped, but efforts to disperse the people failed.Furthermore, when the Promised Messiah as was about to board the vehicle to leave, stones and bricks began to rain down.It was the sheer protection of God that we were all saved; otherwise, stones were falling on us like the people of Taif had pelted stones upon the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.At this very moment, the Promised Messiah as said: It was necessary that this sunnah also see fulfilment because this has been happening with all the Prophets.In the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the opponents hatched similar plots when he would speak, making noise during the recitation of the Holy Quran so no one could hear the Holy Quran.1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.35, p.4, dated 15 November 1905

Page 198

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 158 20 November 1905 (Before Z uhr) Two Recent Revelations Nowadays, it is the customary practice of His Holiness, H ujjatull a h, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, that in the morning, around 10 o’clock, he comes to the new guest house where Seth ‘Abdur-Ra h m a n is staying.Other friends also come and sit there until it is almost 12 o’clock.Yesterday before Z uhr, he notified us of his recent revelation, which was received on the night of the 19th.The Promised Messiah as said: Last night’s revelation was of a wonderful nature.Although I have previously received a revelation with a similar meaning, the style is amazing..ِ هللا ِ اِنِّی ْ مَعَك َ یَا ابْن َ رَسُوْل.ِ هللا ِ اِنِّی ْ مَعَك َ یَا ابْن َ رَسُوْل [I am with you, O son of the Messenger of Allah!] Another revelation accompanying this is: عَلٰی دِیْن ٍ وَّاحِدٍ.عَلٰی دِیْن ٍ وَّاحِدٍ.عمج رکو.ںی ہ رپ � ن ںی ںیم بس املسمونں وک وج روےئ ز [Unite all the Muslims upon the earth under one faith.]

Page 199

20 November 1905 159 Upon this, the Promised Messiah as said: There was a revelation quite some time ago: 1 سَلْمَان ُ مِنَّا اَھْل َ الْبَیْت ِ عَلٰی مَشْـرَب ِ الْـحَسَن ِ یُصَالِـح ُ بَیْن َ النَّاسِ.سَلْمَان ُ مِنَّا اَھْل َ الْبَیْت ِ عَلٰی مَشْـرَب ِ الْـحَسَن ِ یُصَالِـح ُ بَیْن َ النَّاسِ.[Salman is one of us, a member of the household, following the method of Hasan; he will bring about peace between people.] And now this revelation has been revealed in which I have been addressed as: ِ هللا ِ یَا ابْن َ رَسُوْل ِ هللا ِ یَا ابْن َ رَسُوْل [O son of the Messenger of Allah!] Regarding the second revelation [below], the Promised Messiah as said that this commandment is a special kind of command.عَلٰی دِیْن ٍ وَّاحِدٍ.عَلٰی دِیْن ٍ وَّاحِدٍ.عمج رکو.ںی ہ رپ � ن ںی ںیم بس املسمونں وک وج روےئ ز [Unite all the Muslims upon the earth under one faith.] Two Types of Orders and Commandments There are two types of orders and commandments.One appears in the context of the Shariah, like offer Prayer, give Zak a t, do not commit murder, etc.In these kinds of commandments, there is also a prophecy that there will be some people who will disobey it as well.For example, the Jews were told not to pervert and alter the Torah.This indicated that some of them would do it.Accordingly, this is what came to pass.Hence, this 1.This revelation is from 1901 and is published in al- H akam.(Editor)

Page 200

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 160 command is related to religious law, and the technical term for it is Shariah.The second type of commandment is ْ ُوْنِی ك ْ ُوْنِی ك [ k u n i — to be], and these orders and commandments fall within the expression of a Divine decree, for example: 1 اَنْلُق ُراَنٰي ْيِنْوُك اًدْرَب َّو اًمٰلَس اَنْلُق ُراَنٰي ْيِنْوُك اًدْرَب َّو اًمٰلَس And it wholly came to pass.And the command in this reve- lation of mine also seems to be of this type.Allah the Exalted desires the Muslims upon the earth to unite under one religion, and they will definitely do so.However, this does not mean that no differences will remain among them.Disagreements will also remain, but they will be of a calibre that is not worthy of mention or regard.2 1.We said, ‘Turn cold, O Fire, and be a source of peace for Abraham’ ( S u rah al-Anbiy a ’, 21:70).[Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.42, p.2, dated 30 November 1905

Page 201

Undated 161 Undated (In Ludhiana) On the Swadeshi Movement 1 The Viewpoint of the Promised Messiah— the Promised Mahdi, Peace be on Him Nowadays, a zeal is developing, particularly among Bengalis, and in imitation, among Aryas and Hindus of other regions of India as well, that only Indian-made products should be used by totally boycotting European products.In Ludhiana, a Hindu gentleman appeared before the Promised Messiah as and touched upon this very topic, stating: ‘Our country [India] has become very poor.Try to remove their poverty and appeal to them to support Swadeshi.’ In response to this, the Promised Messiah as said: Poverty and destitution are not unique to this country; there are poor people everywhere.I hear that in some very prosper- ous cities of England, many people die of starvation, but in our country, it has never been heard that a person has died of hunger.As regards Swadeshi, without a doubt, it is good to use the things of one’s homeland.The Government itself approves of Indians learning the skills to manufacture all needed things and making progress in craftsmanship and trade.However, the 1.Swadeshi—The Swadeshi Movement was an initiative that promoted Indian self-sufficiency through buying domestic product and boycotting foreign goods.It was a key element of the Indian freedom movement.[Publisher]

Page 202

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 162 present Swadeshi movement contains a covert tinge of rebel- lion within it, and actually, the origin of this movement has nothing to do with sympathy for domestic goods.On the con- trary, the root of it is the resentment of the Bengalis over the partition of Bengal.This matter appears, therefore, to be ill-fated.Besides, all enterprises in the country have been in a state of suspension for some time.Unless and until these are restored, such move- ments will cause harm instead of benefit.Therefore, the current Swadeshi movement is not worthy of sympathy and involve- ment because it is not based on good intentions.’ 1 26 November 1905 (Before noon) In Blessed Memory of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, may Allah be Pleased with Him The Promised Messiah as was having a conversation with Syed Am i r ‘Ali Shah about Makhd u mul-Millat [the Leader of the Faith].Upon men- tion of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m ra , the Promised Messiah as said: I remember Maulaw i Sahib at every function and every gath- ering.People used to benefit from him.He was a great orator.1.Badr, vol.1, no.37, p.7, dated 24 November 1905

Page 203

26 November 1905 163 I have clearly seen through comparison that he was brimming with love and sincerity, and I think there was nothing else except that in him, and he had it to the degree that I do not find in others.I had known him for a long time.I knew him even when he was a Naturalist.He had already taken Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] by that time, but there were still some issues in his heart.Consequently, he would talk to me about the Messiah being fatherless and would repeatedly ask me to issue a verdict on this issue.However, I would tell him that I believe he [ Jesus] was born without a father.A powerful proof of this is that the story of Ya h y a [ John the Baptist] and Jesus is narrated in the same place [in the Holy Quran].Ya h y a , who was born of a barren woman, is mentioned first.After this, the second account is of Jesus, which should have been something more significant, and that was, he was born without a father, and this matter is indeed extraordinary.If after Ya h y a —who was born of a barren woman—mention was made of a child born with a father, then what would have been so extraordinary about that? The Christians who make him God on account of his fatherless birth, are refuted elsewhere: 1 َّنِا َلَثَم ىٰسْيِع َدْنِع ِهّٰللا ِلَثَمَك َمَدٰا َّنِا َلَثَم ىٰسْيِع َدْنِع ِهّٰللا ِلَثَمَك َمَدٰا Now, if one born without a father can be God, then the one who has neither mother nor father would take precedence in being God, yet they do not consider him a God.Moreover, in the same way, Ya h y a should also be accepted as Divinity insofar as he was born of a barren woman.In short, this kind of dialogue would take place in the early days.Then, when Allah the Exalted increased his cognition, he 1.Surely, the case of Jesus with Allah is like the case of Adam ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:60).[Publisher]

Page 204

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 164 said one day, ‘Bear witness, from this day on, I have given up all discussions.From now on, there will be nothing except obei- sance until death.’ And then I saw that after that day until death, this remained his state of being, and there was absolutely nothing except resig- nation and obeisance.I have noticed that those who have heard his sermons know that there was nothing in them except my particulars and remembrance.However, at times I heard that some people did not appreciate this practice to some extent.Nevertheless, he did not wish to speak about anything other than that.At this point, I [the Editor of al- H akam ] submitted that the late Maulaw i Sahib used to say that, in his view, those speeches and dis- courses which do not mention the truth of the Promised Messiah as are h ar a m [forbidden].After hearing these words, I noticed tears had welled up in the eyes of the Promised Messiah as.However, the self-control and self-restraint of such [godly] people is unparalleled, so he exemplified a paragon of composure, but his face had become red, and one could see a special kind of radiance in it.Then, in relation to this memory, the Promised Messiah as said: His elder wife had seen a vision that Maulaw i Sahib said, ‘I have become an Ahmadi.’ This also shows that he had annihilated himself in my love.Very well—may Allah the Exalted forgive him.A m i n , again A m i n !

Page 205

26 November 1905 165 Truly Righteous is only He about whom God Bears Witness After this remembrance of Maulaw i Sahib, Syed Am i r ‘Ali Shah men- tioned Jam a ‘at ‘Ali, that he presents this death [of Maulaw i ‘Abdul- Kar i m] occurring due to his prophecy.Concerning this, the Promised Messiah as said: No one can remain safe from death and dying.The Prophets, peace be upon them, also died.Deriding them and such a man- ner of bragging is not good.Shias also say the same thing.If this is what prophecies and excellences amount to, then they should also acknowledge the excellence of Yaz i d.Alas, these people do not realize that only the one about whom God bears witness is truly righteous.Moreover, God should deal with him distinctively at the time of any Divine wrath.Pharaoh and his people faced destruction in the time of Moses, peace be on him, but Allah the Exalted saved Moses and those who were with him.This type of discussion continued.Then the plague was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as narrated the earlier vision about the elephant and finally said that indeed his revelation is: ِّرُوْا مَا بِاَنْفُسِهِمْ.ی َ ُغ ی ی ّٰ ِّر ُ مَا بِقَوْم ٍ حَت ی ُغَ ی َ اْل هّٰللَّٰ َّ ا اِن ِّرُوْا مَا بِاَنْفُسِهِمْ.ی َ ُغ ی ی ّٰ ِّر ُ مَا بِقَوْم ٍ حَت ی ُغَ ی َ اْل هّٰللَّٰ َّ ا اِن Unless there is complete change and reformation, this punishment of God Almighty will not be averted.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.42, p.2, dated 30 November 1905

Page 206

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 166 29 November 1905 (Before Z uhr) The Purpose of Starting the Madrasah The Promised Messiah as said: My aim in starting the Madrasah is only to prioritize faith over worldly concerns.Including traditional education will permit these sciences to serve the Faith.I do not desire that after passing F.A or B.A, the students should run around somehow looking to find worldly employment and gain.The objective I have in my mind is that such people live their lives to serve the Faith.I consider the Madrasah essential for this very rea- son so that it may perhaps be of service to the Faith.The diffi- culty is that anyone who develops the slightest ability becomes inclined toward the world.I want such people to come into being who work like Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Ali.Life is tran- sient.He is currently on his own.I see no one to help him or who can act in his stead.I see the state of the Aryas being such that, on the one hand, they make each and every particle into God and thus render themselves deprived of the cognizance of Allah the Exalted and fail to understand the duties [man owes to Him].Moreover, they are so blind to the rights of human beings that they believe in such a thing as Niyog.1 Despite having such a religion, they are so zealous to support it that many educated people devote their lives for the sake of their faith.1.This Arya doctrine permits a man to allow his wife to cohabit with another man to conceive a child.[Publisher]

Page 207

29 November 1905 167 However, the situation here is that whoever emerges from the Madrasah only focuses on worldly affairs.As far as possible, my only desire is to be able to serve the Faith.Recent Revelations Last night, again, I received the same revelation I had received before..ںی ہ (۱) تہب وھتڑے دن رہ ےئگ � [(1) Only a few days are left.] قَل َّ مِیْعَاد ُ رَبِّكَ.قَل َّ مِیْعَاد ُ رَبِّكَ.)۲( [(2) Only a little is left out of the term appointed by your Lord.] (۳) اس دن بس رپ ادایس اھچ اجےئ یگ.[(3) All would be saddened on that day.] ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ (٤) قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ (٤) قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و [(4) The end of your appointed term is approaching and we shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.] Reflecting upon these revelations, my understanding is that the time is very close.I received this revelation earlier too, it was accompanied by a dream at that time that someone gave me cold water in a new earthen vessel of a water well.That water was very clear and pure, but there was only a little, and together with it came the revelation:

Page 208

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 168 ٓاب ِ زدنیگ [Water of life] In short, no matter how long the lifespan is, it is still short.(Before ‘A s r) Fulfilment of the Aims and Objectives of those Commissioned by God by their Followers On the morning of 30 November 1905, Seth ‘Abdur-Ra h m a n of Madras was about to return to his homeland.In order to meet him, the Promised Messiah as came to the new guest house, where Seth Sahib and other friends were staying.Addressing Seth Sahib, the Promised Messiah as said: At night, I received these revelations.(He recited the same rev- elations as mentioned above.) After reciting the revelations, he said: It appears from: َات ِ ذِكْرًا.ی ِ َ نُبْقِي ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْز اْل َ و َات ِ ذِكْرًا.ی ِ َ نُبْقِي ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْز اْل َ و That no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation will be left.This revelation conveys great good news; namely, God will fulfil the purpose for which I was sent.A humiliating mention for one appointed and sent by God can only be that he fails in his goals and objectives.So, Allah the Exalted has given the glad tidings that He will fulfil the purpose and objective of

Page 209

29 November 1905 169 my coming.However, it is the practice of Allah that as many Appointed Ones of God came into the world, it was not con- sidered necessary for their mission to be accomplished entirely in their own time.Instead, many issues are such that they are fulfilled at their followers’ hands, but their accomplishment is still considered to have taken place at their own hands.During the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Islam had reached Makkah, Madinah, and some neighbouring places.However, during the time of Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, and Hadrat ‘Umar ra , the scope of Islam became rather vast.Moreover, many matters were completed at the hands of the Companions ra , which was, in reality, the success of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, him- self, and was tantamount to achieving through his own blessed hands.These advances were subsequently further added to by the Ban u ‘Umayyads and other sovereigns, and Mahmud Ghaznavi also took part in them.Moreover, these sovereigns of India who ruled for 700 years also received a share [in these accomplishments].They built mosques in such places that were the centres of Hindus.In short, this is the practice of Allah that he who comes as an Appointed One of God—it is not necessary that all objec- tives should be fulfilled during his lifetime.Who can be greater than the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? He said that, ‘I have been given the keys of the treasures of Caesar and Chosroes.’ However, those keys were given to Hadrat ‘Umar ra after him.Therefore, it is wrong to say that they were not given to him [the Holy Prophet s as ] because it is acknowledged that the victories and achievements of the followers are, in reality, the victories of the one who is followed.

Page 210

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 170 It is Natural for the Community to be Saddened by the Death of the Appointed One of God اس دن بس رپ ادایس اھچ اجےئ یگ.[All would be saddened on that day.] The Promised Messiah as said concerning this [revelation] that: This is absolutely true.When an Appointed One of Allah the Exalted passes away from the world, a sadness descends on everything, especially on those attached to him.There is a tendency in man to consider everything premature.Therefore, when something dear to him departs, he inevitably is saddened.This is a natural urge.Who can imagine the condition of the Companions of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, at the time of his death? A kind of madness almost overcame them due to the grief that overwhelmed them at being sepa- rated from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, became so zealous that he took out his sword, saying that he would kill anyone who said he [i.e.the Holy Prophet s as ] had died.It was as if he did not even want to hear these words.Then Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, addressed them and recited the verse: 1 َو اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا َو اَم ٌدَّمَحُم اَّلِا ٌلْوُسَر١ۚ ْدَق ْتَلَخ ْنِم ِهِلْبَق ُلُسُّرلا and his [i.e.Hadrat ‘Umar’s] zeal dissipated.This verse was actually revealed during a battle when the 1.And Muhammad is only a Messenger.Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:145).[Publisher]

Page 211

29 November 1905 171 [alleged] martyrdom of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was being shouted out at the behest of Satan.However, when Hadrat Ab u Bakr recited this verse on this occasion, the Companions felt as if the verse had just been revealed.Certainty of the Existence of the Hereafter The Promised Messiah as said: In such matters, bewilderment and confusion are inevitable.It is not in one’s power to prevent it.I know that the secret behind Allah the Exalted revealing these matters beforehand, again and again, is so it can serve to comfort and console the Community.I hold the belief that there are two worlds whose existence is certain.One is the world in which we are now and living our lives.The second is the world we enter after death.Since man does not have extensive knowledge of it, he con- siders it fictitious and detests it.The reason for this is nothing more than being unacquainted with it.Moreover, since he lives in this world, is familiar and acquainted with it, he loves it and wants to remain living in it.If one were to acquire full faith in the Hereafter, he would have no sorrow upon leaving this world.In such a case, this world would serve its purpose, like a traveller preparing to depart from someplace, making the necessary arrangements for the journey.This is the extent and purpose of this world—to make the necessary arrangements for the journey to that world.And the Shariah does not command anything beyond this.Had this world been meant to be eternal, there would have been a dire need for all Prophets and Messengers who have

Page 212

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 172 come into this world—from Adam to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—to have remained here forever; and who could have understood this better than Allah the Exalted? But see for yourself.They remained here so long as Allah the Exalted willed them to be in this realm, but they eventually left this world upon fulfilling their mission, albeit their departure was deemed premature in the estimation of others.Leave aside the mention of others, for among the Messengers sent to the children of Israel, Moses, peace be on him, was a Messenger of great resolve, and Allah the Exalted had prom- ised him great things.Among them was the promise of enter- ing the Holy Land, but he died on the way to the Holy Land and could not enter this Promised Land.Then God Almighty chose Joshua the son of Nun after him, and he entered this land.So, these [matters] are a type of mystery that everyone cannot understand.The Prayers of Jesus, Peace be on Him The fact that Jesus, peace be on him, used to cry and weep while praying does not mean he was afraid of death or that he loved this life.Rather, he was afraid of failure, lest he depart from the world as a failure.Finally, Allah the Exalted heard his prayers.However, it is not that the cup of death passed from him; he drank that cup in due time and departed.

Page 213

29 November 1905 173 The Death of God’s Appointee has No Impact on the Movement Established by God Almighty The Promised Messiah as said: I give preference to the Will of Allah the Exalted, and I believe that whatever He does, is for the best.Do not think anything goes amiss in the works of Allah the Exalted that He has intended to carry out.Even suspecting such a thing is an egre- gious sin.No.On the contrary, those works continue to oper- ate as He wills, just as [they did] before, and Allah the Exalted conducts them in whatever manner He wishes.I have just men- tioned regarding Moses, peace be on him, that he died while still on his way [to the Promised Land].The people continued to mourn for forty days, but God Almighty had that same task accomplished through Joshua the son of Nun.Then Prophets of subordinate ranks continued to come until Jesus, son of Mary, came, and nothing went amiss in that Movement that God Almighty initiated through Moses.So it should never be thought that anything would go amiss in the Movement established by God Almighty.It would be a mistake and can lead even to idolatry if the thinking is that without the existence of a particular person, the work cannot be done.Therefore, I never like to lift my eyes to look at anyone other than Allah the Exalted.

Page 214

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 174 Maul a Bas The Promised Messiah as said: An uncle of mine had died a long time ago.I saw him in my dream once and inquired about the conditions in the Hereafter—how a person dies and what happens.He said: When a man’s moment arrives, there is a strange scene.Two angels clad in white appear and say: ومال سب.ومال سب.[ Maul a bas! Maul a bas! —Lord, enough! Lord, enough!] (The Promised Messiah as added: Truly when a beneficent personage departs, the appropriate expression is: ومال سب [ Maul a bas —Lord, enough!]) Then coming close, the angels place two fingers outside the nose [and exclaim]: ُوح! سج راہ ےس ٓایئ یھت ایس راہ ےس واسپ لکن ٓا.اے ر O soul, come out the way by which you entered.The Promised Messiah as said: The laws of nature indicate that the soul enters the body through the nose and also departs the same way.The Torah also confirms that the soul is breathed into the body through the nostrils.The Hereafter is a world of mysteries that one cannot even fully fathom in this life.

Page 215

29 November 1905 175 The Immense Good Fortune of the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him The Promised Messiah as said: Even if the days [left] are few and are spent in the pleasure of Allah the Exalted, they are a blessing.Jesus, peace be on him, spent only three and a half years as a Messenger in the country where he lived.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spent twenty-three years as a Messenger.However, I know that the way in which the good fortune of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is established is not shared by anyone else.No one else was conferred this success and good fortune in the particulars of Messengership.The time of advent was such that Allah the Exalted Himself said: 1 َرَهَظ ُداَسَفْلا يِف ِّرَبْلا َو ِرْحَبْلا َرَهَظ ُداَسَفْلا يِف ِّرَبْلا َو ِرْحَبْلا That is, there was no peace on land or sea.What is meant by this is that the People of the Book as well as those without any Book had all become corrupted, and all kinds of mischief and evils had spread among them.It was as if the condition of the age innately demanded a powerful Guide and Reformer to arise at that time.Allah the Exalted raised him under such condi- tions, and then he left the world at such time when he received this call: 2 َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل ْمُكَنْيِد َو ُتْمَمْتَا ْمُكْيَلَع ْيِتَمْعِن َو ُتْيِضَر ُمُكَل َماَلْسِاْلا اًنْيِد َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل ْمُكَنْيِد َو ُتْمَمْتَا ْمُكْيَلَع ْيِتَمْعِن َو ُتْيِضَر ُمُكَل َماَلْسِاْلا اًنْيِد 1.Corruption has appeared on land and sea ( S u rah ar-R u m , 30:42).[Publisher] 2.This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:4).[Publisher]

Page 216

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 176 This call did not come to any other Prophet or Messenger.It is said that when this verse was revealed and recited, Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, started to cry upon hear- ing it.A companion said, ‘O old man, what happened to you today? This is a happy day.Why did you start crying?’ Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra replied, ‘You do not know.I perceive the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from this verse.’ The discernment of Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra was very sharp.He understood that the work was done, so what need was there to be here? As a rule, when a settlement officer is sent to settle a district, he stays there until the work is done.Then, he is sent to another location when the work is finished.Similarly, this is the practice [of Allah] regarding the Messengers.When the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was asked about this matter, he said, ‘Ab u Bakr speaks the truth,’ and then he said, ‘If I were to befriend anyone in this world, it would be Ab u Bakr.’ The Essence of Khullat This sentence is also open to interpretation.The Holy Prophet s as did befriend Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra , so what does this sentence mean? The point is that khullat and friendship are that which sinks into one’s veins and fibres, which is unique to Allah the Exalted alone and reserved for Him.There is only brother- hood and fraternity with others.The meaning of khullat is that it should sink inside one like the infatuation of Joseph came to abide in Zulaikha.So, this is the only meaning of this holy phrase of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that there is no partner in the love of Allah.If I were to befriend anyone in the world, it would be Ab u Bakr.

Page 217

29 November 1905 177 This is like Allah the Exalted says that if He were to make anyone a son, He would choose a muqarrab [close friend].A commentator says that muqarrab refers to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who has been accorded the station of ladunn i [one bestowed knowledge by God directly through revelation].In short, these matters are necessary for [attaining] perfection, which cannot be under- stood by everyone.The Great Favour of Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be Pleased with Him, upon the Ummah Thousands of people became apostates after the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, even though the Shariah had been perfected during his time.The apostasy reached such a point that only two mosques remained in which Prayers were offered.No Prayer was offered in any other mosque.These were those very people to whom Allah the Exalted says: 1 ْمَل اْوُنِمْؤُت َو ْنِكٰل اْۤوُلْوُق اَنْمَلْسَا ْمَل اْوُنِمْؤُت َو ْنِكٰل اْۤوُلْوُق اَنْمَلْسَا However, Allah the Exalted re-established Islam through Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, and he became the second Adam [of Islam].In my opinion, Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, is the greatest ben- efactor of this Ummah after the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because there were four false prophets during his time.One hundred thousand men had 1.You have not believed yet; but rather say, ‘We have accepted Islam’ ( S u rah al- H ujur a t, 49:15).[Publisher]

Page 218

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 178 joined ranks with Musailimah.Moreover, their Prophet had been taken from their midst, but even in such difficulties, Islam became firmly established at its centre.Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, took posses- sion of a pre-established structure.Then he went on spreading it to the extent that Islam emerged forth from the borders of Arabia, reaching Syria and Turkey, and these dominions came under the control of the Muslims.No one had seen the likes of the calamity endured by Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him—not Hadrat ‘Umar ra , Hadrat ‘Uthman ra , nor Hadrat ‘Ali ra.Hadrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, says that when the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed away and her father became the Khalifah, and the people became apostates, her father suffered so much grief that had the same grief befallen a mountain, it would have been levelled to the ground.In such a predicament, who do we compare with Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra ? That was verily the time of true trials and tribulations in which Allah the Exalted made him successful.At the time of Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, no mischief was left, and I liken Hadrat ‘Uthman ra to the Prophet Solomon as —he, too, had a great passion for buildings.There was indeed internal strife during the time of Hadrat ‘Ali ra.On one side was Mu‘ a wiyah, and on the other was ‘Ali ra.On account of these dissensions, a great deal of Muslim blood was shed.For six years, nothing happened to advance Islam; all such efforts ended by the time of ‘Uthman ra , after which civil war erupted.

Page 219

29 November 1905 179 Hadrat Hasan and Hadrat Husain, may Allah be pleased with Both of Them In my estimation, Hadrat Hasan ra carried out an immensely vir- tuous act by withdrawing [his claim] from Khilafat.Thousands had died already.He did not want any further killing, so he took an allowance from Mu‘ a wiyah.Since this deed of Hadrat Hasan ra strikes a blow upon the Shia, they are not entirely pleased with Imam Hasan ra.I praise both.The truth is that each had different strengths.Hadrat Imam Hasan ra did not want greater civil war and bloodshed among Muslims.He highlighted the significance of maintaining peace.And Hadrat Imam Husain ra did not like to take Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] at the hand of a wicked sinner because it corrupts the Faith.Both had good intentions 1 اتِ.َّ ی ِّ ـم َا ااْلَْعْـمَال ُ بِالن َّ اِن اتِ.َّ ی ِّ ـم َا ااْلَْعْـمَال ُ بِالن َّ اِن [‘Actions are judged by their intentions’].It is another matter that Islam progressed under Yaz i d as well.It is the grace of God Almighty; should He desire, progress may be made even through the hand of a wicked person.Yaz i d’s son was a righteous man.Everyone Works according to their Ability The truth is that everyone works according to their ability.2 ْلُق ٌّلُك ُلَمْعَّي ىٰلَع ٖهِتَلِكاَش ْلُق ٌّلُك ُلَمْعَّي ىٰلَع ٖهِتَلِكاَش 1.S a hih al-Bukh a r i , Kit a b Bad’ul-Wa hi , B a b Kaifa K a na Bad’ul-Wa hi il a Ras u l- ill a hi, Hadith 1 [Publisher] 2.Say, ‘Everyone acts according to his own way’ ( S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:85).[Publisher]

Page 220

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 180 Some people are very good at worldly affairs.Some are simple.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, once saw that people were grafting dates; this was a male- to-female graft.He forbade them, and so they did not do it.That year dates did not grow, so he said: 1 ُمْ.ك اَنْتُم ْ اَعْلَم ُ بِاُمُوْر ِ دُنْیَا ُمْ.ك اَنْتُم ْ اَعْلَم ُ بِاُمُوْر ِ دُنْیَا Meaning that, you understand your worldly affairs very well.Even though Prophets, peace be upon them, possess great resolve and courage, how could they succeed if asked to under- take ploughing and cultivation? It is because this is not the pur- pose for which they were created.The objective and purpose for which they come and the hardships and sufferings they must endure in this cause, cannot be borne by anyone else in the world, no matter how brave and strong.However, Allah the Exalted gives the Prophets, peace be upon them, such valour and determination that they bear them with great courage and boldness.Look at man—despite being very intelligent and making astonishing and wonderful inventions, he cannot build a nest like a weaver bird.This is so because he has not been endowed with this type of ability.A honey bee makes honey.What abil- ity does man possess to make this kind of honey? The same plants exist, but man is helpless.Allah the Exalted has granted diverse capabilities to everything.Similarly, there is a class of people who are given spiritual abilities.1.S a hih Muslim, Kit a b al-Fa da’ il, b a bu wuj u bi imtith a li m a q a lahu shar‘an, d u na m a d akarahu s allallahu alaihi wa sallam min ma‘ a yishi al-duni a , ‘al a sab i li al-ra’i, Hadith 6128 [Publisher]

Page 221

29 November 1905 181 Benefiting from the Dead A person asked, ‘Can a person benefit in his life from a connec- tion with someone who is dead or from the connection with his spiritual guide, [He further asks] and does the other person also receive a benefit?’ The Promised Messiah as replied: Sufis say that a person can gain benefit even after death.In fact, they say that the circle [of beneficence] is limited while a per- son is alive and that after death, that circle widens.Everyone acknowledges this.Accordingly, this is acknowledged to such an extent that when Jesus descends from the heavens, since he will not know Arabic, what will he do? Some say that he will study to acquire knowledge of Arabic and that he will also study Hadith and Fiqh [Islamic Jurisprudence].Some say that it will be a matter of shame for him to be the disciple of a maulaw i.For this reason, it is believed that he will sit in the grave of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and gain benefit while sitting there.However, both these things are actually wrong.This much is proven from this, however, that they believe that benefit can be derived from graves.Nonetheless, it should be remembered that this matter should not be by way of shirk [associating part- ners with Allah], as it is generally seen.

Page 222

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 182 The Mortal World The Promised Messiah as said: My admonition is verily that everyone is seated upon the edge of the grave.It is a different matter whether Allah the Exalted informs someone [beforehand] or whether someone dies sud- denly.Nevertheless, this is a transient world.Many have buried all the people of their homes with their own hands and buried their children, but some are so hard-hearted that death does not affect them, and no change is seen in them.This is unfortunate.This spectacle is seen a lot among the sovereigns.Hundreds of thousands die, but it does not affect them.They take wealth from the poor and indulge in luxuries themselves.A pattern of gross negligence is seen in them.1 Undated The Late Maulaw i Burh a n-ud-D i n When Maulaw i [Burh a n-ud-D i n ra ] Sahib was mentioned, the Promised Messiah as said: Maulaw i Sahib was a man with a sufi bent of mind.He often stayed in the presence of the ascetic and the saintly.He also stayed with Maulaw i ‘Abdullah Sahib’s teacher for quite some 1.Al- H akam, vol.9, no.43, p.2–4, dated 10 December 1905

Page 223

2 December 1905 183 time.He relished asceticism.He visited me for almost 22 years.The first time he came, I was in Hoshiarpur.So he came to visit me right there.There was a warmth and an attraction within him and an affinity towards me.Once, he started learning the Holy Quran from me, but only a few lines were studied.He possessed a sufi temperament.His son should complete and perfect his religious studies and become a servant of the Faith like his father, and it is better if he comes here and acquires religious knowledge.1 2 December 1905 A Vision and a Revelation I saw in my dream that a hen was sitting on a wall and was say- ing something.I can recall only its last words, which were: َ ُنْتُم ْ مُّسْلِمِیْن ك ْ اِن َ ُنْتُم ْ مُّسْلِمِیْن ك ْ اِن (Translation) If you are Muslims Then I woke up.I was wondering what it had said and received the revelation: ُنْتُم ْ مُّسْلِمِیْنَ.ك ْ ِ اِن هللا ِ اَنْفِقُوْا فِی ْ سَبِیْل ُنْتُم ْ مُّسْلِمِیْنَ.ك ْ ِ اِن هللا ِ اَنْفِقُوْا فِی ْ سَبِیْل (Translation): Spend in the cause of Allah, if you are Muslims.1.Badr, vol.1, no.38, p.7, dated 8 December 1905

Page 224

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 184 The Promised Messiah as said: The words of the hen and the words of the revelation were both directed toward the Jam a ‘at.Both sentences are addressed to my Jam a ‘at.Since there is a need for money nowadays.There is much expenditure on the langar [community kitchen], and a lot is being spent on buildings.So the Jam a ‘at should pay atten- tion to this commandment.A Lesson in Spending in the Way of Allah among Birds The Promised Messiah as said: The hen shows by its actions how to spend in the way of Allah because it sacrifices its whole life for man’s sake and is slaugh- tered for his sake.In the same way, the hen lays an egg every day with great effort and labour for the benefit of man.Likewise, a story is narrated about the hospitality of a bird, that a traveller spent a night under a tree in the forest wilder- ness during winter.There was a bird’s nest on top of the tree.The male and female started talking to each other that this trav- eller is our guest today and is suffering from the cold.What should we do for him? After thinking it over, they settled on breaking their nest and throwing it down so the traveller might light it and start a fire to keep warm.So they did that.Then they said that he was hungry.What should be prepared for him to eat? There was nothing else available, so they both threw themselves into the fire so their roasted meat would become dinner for their guest.Thus, they set the paragon of hospitality.So, if the believers of my Jam a ‘at do not heed my voice, they

Page 225

6 December 1905 185 should listen to the voice of this hen.However, all are not alike.Many sincere ones are engaged in service beyond their strength.May God reward them well.1 6 December 1905 A Revelation The Promised Messiah as said: I received a revelation again yesterday: قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْمُقَدَّرُ.قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْمُقَدَّرُ.[The end of your appointed term is approaching.] The Need for Life Devotees Upon this, the Promised Messiah as said: After seeing the condition of the Madrasah, my heart was broken and hurt.The community of scholars is passing away.Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m’s pen had constantly been in motion.Maulaw i Burh a n-ud-D i n passed away.There is no one to take their place.Those who are advanced in years should be considered as having 1.Badr, vol.1, no.38, p.2, dated 8 December 1905

Page 226

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 186 passed away as well.Second, the seeds are not yet sown so that taqw a [righteousness] may prevail the way that God desires.This lies in the hand of Allah alone; otherwise, good men are wanting.Aryas are devoting their lives.Here such words do not even issue forth from a student’s mouth.Thousands of rupees collected from the people are spent on those who become the worms of the world.This situation should change to an atmosphere where scholars are cultivated.There is a blessing in religious knowledge.Taqw a is attained from it.Impudence grows without it.There are blessings in Prophetic knowledge.The people who send money, it is for the langar kh a nah, or for the Madrasah, so unnecessary spending will be a sin.Allah the Exalted has sworn by those who plan: 1 ِتٰرِّبَدُمْلاَف۠ اًرْمَا ِتٰرِّبَدُمْلاَف۠ اًرْمَا I envision the need for such men who will serve the Faith.In my opinion, linguistics is essential.I do not hold anyone back from studying English.My desire is—and I have thought about this before as well—and whenever I had thought about it, my heart was saddened that, on the one hand, life is transitory and cannot be relied upon as revealed by God’s revelation: قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْمُقَدَّرُ.قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْمُقَدَّرُ.[The end of your appointed term is approaching.] Second, the purpose of founding this Madrasah was to prepare people to serve the Faith.It is the law of God Almighty that the earlier ones pass away that others be their successors.If there are 1.And by those who plan and execute their task well ( S u rah an-N a zi‘ a t, 79:6).[Publisher]

Page 227

7 December 1905 187 no successors, then the nation is doomed to perish.Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m and other maulaw i s died, and there is no substi- tute for those who have died.On the other hand, what is the benefit of thousands of rupees that are taken for the Madrasah? When someone is trained, he becomes preoccupied with the world.The true intent is lost.I know nothing will happen until a change is effected.Those who were to prepare the spiritual soldiers of the Jam a ‘at of Allah are no more and have gone far away.What need is there for us to follow step by step behind those who walk for the sake of the world? 1 7 December 1905 Revelations about Death The Promised Messiah as said: There is some wisdom of Allah the Exalted [behind this].He knows best.This revelation has been coming continuously for five or six days.A person likes to know about the things he desires but does not wish to know about those he dislikes.However, it is not the practice of Allah to follow human desires.For five or six days, I have received this revelation near the time of Fajr [the morning Prayer]: 1.Al- H akam, vol.13, no.1, p.12, 13, dated 7 January 1909

Page 228

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 188 رُ.َّ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَد رُ.َّ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَد [The end of your appointed term is approaching.] With this revelation today, there was also the revelation: الْعَالَمِیْنَ.ِّ ُ ہلِلِ رَب و َ اٰخِر ُ دَعْوٰنَا اَن ِ الْـحَمْد الْعَالَمِیْنَ.ِّ ُ ہلِلِ رَب و َ اٰخِر ُ دَعْوٰنَا اَن ِ الْـحَمْد [And Our last word is that all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.] The practice of Allah regarding the Prophets, peace be upon them, is that they come to sow the seeds.The [preliminary] consensus of the Companions about the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, turned out to be wrong.They believed that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would conquer everyone.They considered his death premature, but the discernment of Ab u Bakr ra was correct.ات ِ الْوَدَاعِ.َّ طَلَع َ الْبَدْر ُ عَلَیْنَا مِن ْ ثَنِی ات ِ الْوَدَاعِ.َّ طَلَع َ الْبَدْر ُ عَلَیْنَا مِن ْ ثَنِی [The full moon has risen upon us from the valley of Wada.] It appears from the revelation received in relation to Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m that the help of Allah will now manifest.I believe nothing should be done by way of prolonging expectations.All the Prophets, peace be upon them, came to sow the seeds.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spread Islam in Arabia.Among those [he conveyed the message to] were some who had belonged to the category of اَسْلَمْنَا اَسْلَمْنَا [ aslamn a —we have accepted Islam (but are not yet firm believers)].So this was just like the sowing of the seed.

Page 229

7 December 1905 189 In Loving Memory of a Few Deceased Companions Concerning the late Maulaw i Burh a n-ud-D i n, the Promised Messiah as said: He came to meet me in the very beginning, in Hoshiarpur.There was a warmth and a passion for the truth in his nature.He learnt the Holy Quran from me.He had been coming to me for twenty-two years.He possessed a sufi temperament.Wherever he saw ascetic people, he would go to them.He loved me very much.I want to send my written condolences.It would be better for his son to come here so he can take his father’s place.Write to him that he should complete his religious education because he should follow his father’s path.Munsh i Jal a l-ud-D i n was also very sincere, as was his name- sake from Pir Kot.I cannot give preference to either one of the two.Many of our friends have passed away over the past year, including Maulaw i Jam a l-ud-D i n Syed Walah.Maulaw i Sher Muhammad of Hojin as well.Allah the Exalted has prudence in all His ways.This year I had to suffer bouts of mourning.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.13, no.1, p.13, dated 7 January 1909

Page 230

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 190 8 December 1905 Proposal for an Exemplary Graveyard I want a piece of land to be sought for the Jam a ‘at to become a graveyard.It should be a memorial and a place of admonition.In the beginning, when idolatry was prevalent, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, opposed the visiting of graves, although he ultimately permitted it.However, what would be the impact of visiting the com- mon graves of those whom we do not even know? But seeing the graves of those who are dearly loved and pious softens the heart.For this reason, the grave of every one of our friends who expires should be in this cemetery.God Almighty has firmly planted this in my heart that it should be so.Whoever appears sincere and desires to be buried in this cemetery upon death should be placed in a coffin and brought here.It would be beneficial for the Jam a ‘at to look at this group as a whole.However, some land should be acquired for this first, and I wish for it to be near the garden.The Promised Messiah as said: It will be a wonderful and impactful sight.Those who were a Jam a ‘at in life will also be seen as a Jam a ‘at even after death.This is very good indeed, and those who desire this can arrange to be buried here in advance.The graves of those who are known to be righteous should not be far away.Railways have made things easy, and the real thing is that:

Page 231

8 December 1905 191 1 اَم ْيِرْدَت ٌۢسْفَن ِّيَاِب ٍضْرَا ُتْوُمَت اَم ْيِرْدَت ٌۢسْفَن ِّيَاِب ٍضْرَا ُتْوُمَت However, what a subtle point [is hidden] in this that it is not written: ُ اَرْض ٍ تُدْفَن ِّ بِاَی ُ اَرْض ٍ تُدْفَن ِّ بِاَی [in what land it will be buried].Being bur- ied next to the righteous is also a blessing.It is written about Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that when he was dying, he sent word to Hadrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, requesting that he be given the [burial] place on the side of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Hadrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, benevolently granted him that place.Upon this, he said: َ مَا بَقِی َ لِی ْ ھَم ٌّ بَعْد َ ذٰلِك َ مَا بَقِی َ لِی ْ ھَم ٌّ بَعْد َ ذٰلِك meaning that I have no worries left as I am buried in the tomb of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him.Proximity also leads to prosperity.I like this.Moreover, it is not an innovation to place inscriptions on graves.This serves as an admonition, and every inscription is a history of the Jam a ‘at.My advice is that everyone is on the edge of a grave in one way or another.Someone gets advance notification of his death, and someone dies suddenly.Life is transient.There are many people whose houses become entirely deserted.A person witnesses such events, and the heart remains tender so long as dirt is being heaped upon the grave, but there- after the heart becomes hardened.This is unfortunate.2 1.No soul knows in what land it will die ( S u rah Luqm a n, 31:35).[Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.13, no.1, p.13, dated 7 January 1909

Page 232

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 192 14 December 1905 Offering Prayer behind a Non-Ahmadi Two men took Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance].One asked whether it is permissible to offer Prayer behind a non-Ahmadi or not.The Promised Messiah as said: They call us k a firs [disbelievers].If we are not k a firs , that kufr [disbelief ] reverts upon them.The one calling a Muslim a k a fir, is himself a k a fir.For this reason, it is not permissible to offer Prayer behind such people.Moreover, those in their midst who remain silent [regard- ing us being Muslim or k a fir ] are also included among them.It is not permissible to offer Prayer behind them either because they harbour some opposing religious belief in their hearts which prevents them from openly joining us.1 1.Badr, vol.1, no.39, p.2, dated 15 December 1905

Page 233

26 December 1905 193 26 December 1905 A Revelation and its Subtle Interpretation َ ی ْ و َ اَنَا مِنْك ِّ یَاقَـمَر ُ یَا شَمْس ُ اَنْت َ مِن َ ی ْ و َ اَنَا مِنْك ِّ یَاقَـمَر ُ یَا شَمْس ُ اَنْت َ مِن Translation: O Moon! O Sun! You are from Me, and I am from you.The Promised Messiah as said: In this revelation, God Almighty has at one time declared Himself the sun and me the moon, and the second time He declared me the sun and Himself the moon.This is a subtle metaphor through which God Almighty revealed about me that there was a time when I was hidden, but I became manifest through the reflection of His light.He then said that there was a time when He Himself was hidden, but then the light that was given to me, that light made Him manifest.It is a well-known phenomenon that: ِ مْس َّ وْرِ الش ُّ نْ ن ِّ نُوْرُ الْقَمَرِ مُسْتَفَاضٌ م ِ مْس َّ وْرِ الش ُّ نْ ن ِّ نُوْرُ الْقَمَرِ مُسْتَفَاضٌ م that is, the light of the moon derives from the light of the sun.Therefore, in this revelation, God Almighty first declared Himself the sun and made it clear that the light arising within me was through His light and grace.It is for this reason that I was called the moon.Then, since His name was gloriously illuminated through my light, which had been conferred upon me, it was upon this basis that I was called the sun, and God Almighty called Himself the moon insofar as He became manifest through me.Moreover, He made His Living Being visible to the people through me.

Page 234

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 194 This address of the Promised Messiah as on the sun and the moon is the interpretation of the second part of the revelation: َ ی ْ وَاَنَا مِنْك ِّ اَنْت َ مِن َ ی ْ وَاَنَا مِنْك ِّ اَنْت َ مِن [You are from Me, and I am from you.] This is a similitude that is beyond the imagination and concep- tion of man.1 Speech of the Promised Messiah, Peace and Blessings be upon Him (Delivered in the new guest house before noon on 26 December 1905) I had presented the fact that our Jam a ‘at should have people who are truly knowledgeable about religion and capable of respond- ing fully and effectively to the attacks being made against Islam, both internally and externally.2 The internal heresies of Islam have reached a point where—due to them and due to igno- rance—we have been declared disbelievers.Furthermore, we are viewed with such contempt that, according to the religious verdicts of opposing scholars, my followers are not even worthy of being buried in a Muslim cemetery.1.Badr, vol.1, no.41, p.2, dated 29 December 1905 2.It is in Badr that the Promised Messiah as said this while mentioning the re- forms related to the Madrasah.( See Badr, vol.2, no.2, p.2, dated 12 January 1906)

Page 235

26 December 1905 195 Reasons for Opposition to the Jam a ‘at This is the condition internally [as I have just described], and the external enemies and opponents harbour such extreme hos- tility and enmity toward my sect and revile me and my Jam a ‘at to such a degree that it appears as if they have a personal grudge against us.This extreme of hostility does not exist against any other sect.The massive stone weighing down upon the chest of the Christian pastors is this very sect.In the eyes of the Aryas, we are perceived as their single greatest threat.What is the rea- son for this? There appear to be two reasons for this.First, these people are well aware that we are the only ones who can decisively counter the path of disbelief and the oppo- nents.There is no trace of hypocrisy in us, and the truth is that a person who preaches for the sake of Allah the Exalted—having come from Him—has no hypocrisy at all.Therefore, since we do not agree with everything they say, do not shy away from proclaiming the truth, and we are not intimidated by them, we naturally appear bad to them and are a cause of concern for them.The second reason is that a person’s actions inevitably affect the hearts of others, and this is not just true for humans but even for animals.For example, a sheep may have never seen a wolf in its whole life, and a wolf may have never seen a sheep, but when they meet, their hearts will certainly be impacted by the interaction that can develop between them.In the same way, our adversaries instinctively know that their false beliefs will be eradicated through this sect, so they are naturally our enemies.It is actually quite true that the one who descends from the heavens has an impact on everyone.The sinful and rebellious, as well as those good-natured peo- ple with virtuous dispositions, feel this impact.Since his aim is to reform every evil, the supporters of those evils naturally

Page 236

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 196 stand up to oppose him.So how could we have escaped facing opposition? When the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was born and he invited people [to Islam], the degree of opposition mounted against him and the suffering he endured has never been faced by a false prophet.False prophets rose up in his own lifetime.However, can anyone show us that Musailimah al-Kadhdh a b [the Great Liar] or Aswad al-Ansi faced similar suffering and opposition? I speak the truth when I say that we cannot even imagine the suffering inflicted upon the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, let alone give expression to them, nor can words be found to express their details.In contrast, the false prophets did not suffer at all.What was the reason for this? The reason was that people’s hearts had become naturally influenced concerning the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that it is he indeed who will eliminate the kufr [disbelief ] and heresy that is spreading at this time, and that is what ultimately happened.In the same way, we are opposed today.Our opponents instinctively know that the eradication of their false beliefs will be carried out by our hands.Therefore, they naturally oppose us and show no mercy in causing us pain, but their persecu- tion and torture cannot stop us from doing our work.It is true that today we are very poor and have no one except Allah the Exalted, and He is enough for us.An attempt is always made to destroy this small group whenever and however anyone can do so.It is only the grace of Allah that He protects us.Otherwise, the state of the opposition is such that if an external opponent brings a case against us, the internal opponents join forces with him and provide all kinds of assistance.Furthermore, if an internal opponent attacks, the external enemies join him, and all unite in opposition.

Page 237

26 December 1905 197 All these Oppositions are Meaningless I see and endure all these oppositions and enmities, and I see them all as meaningless when I behold the promises of God Almighty.So, this is one of His promises that was published twenty-five years ago.It is written in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya: َ بَعُوْك َ فَوْق َّ ْن َ ات ی ذِ َّ ْن َ كَفَرُوْا و َ جَاعِل ُ ال ی ذِ َّ رُك َ مِن َ ال ِّ و َ مُطَه َّ ْك َ و َ رَافِعُك َ اِلَي ِّی ي ْ مُتَوَف ِّ اِن ی ْسٰۤ ی ِ ٰع ی َ بَعُوْك َ فَوْق َّ ْن َ ات ی ذِ َّ ْن َ كَفَرُوْا و َ جَاعِل ُ ال ی ذِ َّ رُك َ مِن َ ال ِّ و َ مُطَه َّ ْك َ و َ رَافِعُك َ اِلَي ِّی ي ْ مُتَوَف ِّ اِن ی ْسٰۤ ی ِ ٰع ی 1 ٰمَةِ.ی ِ َوْم ِ الْق ی ی ٰ ْن َ كَفَرُوْۤا اِل ی ذِ َّ ال ٰمَةِ.ی ِ َوْم ِ الْق ی ی ٰ ْن َ كَفَرُوْۤا اِل ی ذِ َّ ال This promise states that Allah the Exalted will not allow those who reject me to prevail over my followers; instead, they will remain defeated and overpowered.It is clear from this that all those people who oppose this sect that upholds the truth— whether they are insiders or outsiders—will all be defeated.So, seeing this Divine promise, all the oppositions and enmities seem completely insignificant.Although I am con- fident that these promises will be fulfilled because Allah the Exalted and His promises are true and are always fulfilled.No human being can stop them.The Need for Striving and Effort However, the world is a place where means are employed.Therefore, the means should be used.People in the world strive to achieve goals.Furthermore, each person tries in his own way.Look! No matter how good the land is, and even if the farmer has a well for irrigation, he still labours and endeavours.1.‘O ‘ I s a , I shall give you full reward or cause you to die and shall raise you to- wards Me’—meaning that I shall raise your status or will raise you from the life on earth towards Me—‘and I shall grant predominance to your followers over those who disbelieve until the Day of Judgment.’ [Publisher]

Page 238

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 198 He ploughs the land, harrows it and sows seeds in it, irrigates it, protects and guards it, and after much toil and trouble, he attains what he desires.In the same way, in all matters—be they worldly or religious—there is a need for hard work, striving, and effort.The Impact of the Power of Holiness of the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him Right at the beginning of Islam, when the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was raised purely by the grace and beneficence of Allah the Exalted, he was given such power of holiness that its potent influence produced thousands of sincere and devoted Muslims who were ready to sacrifice their lives.His Jam a ‘at of Muslims was such an invaluable and envia- ble Jam a ‘at that no Prophet was blessed with such a Jam a ‘at— neither Moses, peace be on him, nor Jesus, peace be on him.I have not exaggerated at all in setting forth this fact.On the contrary, I know that the rank and lofty station attained by that Jam a ‘at simply cannot be fully described in words.Scholars who oppose me and other sects—albeit our enemies—cannot say that I have exaggerated in making this statement.The congregation of Moses, peace be on him, was so mis- chievous and perverse that they wanted to stone Moses.They showed rebelliousness and obstinacy in every matter.If you read the Torah, you will come to know their condition.They were a hard-hearted people.Is it mentioned in the Torah that َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع [‘Allah was pleased with them’]? Certainly not.On the contrary, God describes them only as rebellious, crooked, wicked, etc., and the congregation of Jesus, peace be on him, was worse than that as is known from the Gospels.Jesus himself continued to call his followers greedy and faithless; indeed, he

Page 239

26 December 1905 199 went so far as to say that if you have even an iota of faith, you would have these blessings and those blessings.In short, he and Moses, peace be upon them both, left dis- pleased with their followers and regretted that they could not find a faithful congregation.It is an absolutely true affirmation that nowhere in the Torah nor the Gospel has it been said: َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع —‘Allah was pleased with them.’ However, in contrast to this, the Jam a ‘at that was available to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and who had received the impress of his power of holiness, has been described in the Holy Quran as: 1 َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َو اْوُضَر ُهْنَع َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َو اْوُضَر ُهْنَع What is the reason for this? This is the result of the power of holiness of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It is also one of the reasons for the excellence of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he brought such a high-ranking Jam a ‘at into being.I claim that no one has been bestowed such a Jam a ‘at from the time of Adam until the present.The Present Situation of the Jam a ‘at I am aware that I have not yet been granted such a Jam a ‘at.When I issue a verdict on a matter, only a few people accept it wholeheartedly.They were so devoted to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and ready to lay down their lives for him that they sacrificed their lives.Now, if 1.Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him ( S u rah al-Bayyinah, 98:9).[Publisher]

Page 240

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 200 I merely tell them to go a few hundred miles and stay there for 2 to 4 years, they are quick to start calculating and estimating.They say with their tongues that they would accept what- ever you decide, but when something is said, it causes them dis- pleasure.This is hypocrisy.I do not like hypocrites.Allah the Exalted says about the hypocrites: 1 َّنِا َنْيِقِفٰنُمْلا يِف ِكْرَّدلا ِلَفْسَاْلا َنِم ِراَّنلا َّنِا َنْيِقِفٰنُمْلا يِف ِكْرَّدلا ِلَفْسَاْلا َنِم ِراَّنلا Remember well that a hypocrite is worse than a disbeliever because a disbeliever possesses courage and decision-making authority; they boldly express their opposition, but a hypocrite lacks courage and decision-making authority, so they conceal it.I truly say that if the Jam a ‘at had the obedience it should have had, this Jam a ‘at would have progressed a lot by now.However, I see that many people are still weak.I do not say that they do not obey me.Instead, I mean that they cannot endure it.If an affliction comes, they will die.Seeing such a state of the Jam a ‘at stirs pain in the heart.Scheme of a Cemetery by the Command and Revelation of Allah the Exalted Now that Allah the Exalted has told me again and again that the days of my death are near as in this revelation: ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و [The end of your appointed term is approaching and We shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.] 1.The hypocrites shall surely be in the lowest depth of the Fire ( S u rah an-Nis a ’, 4:146).[Publisher]

Page 241

26 December 1905 201 Moreover, similarly, He has said in Urdu:.اس دن بس رپ ادایس اھچ اجےئ یگ.ںی ہ تہب وھتڑے دن رہ ےئگ � [Only a few days are left.All would be saddened on that day.] In short, when God Almighty revealed to me that only a few days were left now, I devised the proposal for the cemetery.Moreover, I have proposed this only by the command and rev- elation of Allah the Exalted, and its foundation has been laid purely by His command, for I had been informed about it for quite some time.I know that this scheme will also be a source of trial for many people.However, the purpose of laying this foundation is to establish a model for future generations of a people like the Companions so that the people may know they were wholly devoted to Islam and its propagation.The coming of trials is essential, and no one can escape them.God Almighty says: 1 َبِسَحَا ُساَّنلا ْنَا اْۤوُكَرْتُّي ْنَا اْۤوُلْوُقَّي اَّنَمٰا َو ْمُه اَل َنْوُنَتْفُي َبِسَحَا ُساَّنلا ْنَا اْۤوُكَرْتُّي ْنَا اْۤوُلْوُقَّي اَّنَمٰا َو ْمُه اَل َنْوُنَتْفُي Meaning that, do people think that Allah the Exalted will be satisfied only with this much that they say, ‘We believe’, whereas they have not yet been put through trials? And then He says at another place: 2 ْنَل اوُلاَنَت َّرِبْلا ىّٰتَح اْوُقِفْنُت اَّمِم َنْوُّبِحُت ْنَل اوُلاَنَت َّرِبْلا ىّٰتَح اْوُقِفْنُت اَّمِم َنْوُّبِحُت That is, you cannot achieve true virtue until you spend what is most dear and beloved to you.1.S u rah al-‘Ankab u t, 29:3 [Publisher] 2.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:93 [Publisher]

Page 242

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 202 Now, reflect that since attaining true virtue and Divine pleasure is absolutely impossible without these things, what can be achieved with mere vain boasting? The condition of the Companions ra was that, for example, Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, from among them was so courageous and sincere that he brought all his possessions to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.What was the reason for this? It was so because he had devoted his life to God Almighty and kept nothing for himself.When the good days come for a believer to benefit, he is happy on such occasions when he has to spend something.He knows that the essence of sincerity and purity, hidden until now, will become manifest.As opposed to this, the hypocrite is afraid because he knows his hypocrisy will be exposed now.This matter of the graveyard is also of the same type— believers will be content with it, and the hypocrisy of hypo- crites will be exposed.I did not present this matter until it was repeatedly and clearly revealed to me.There is no doubt that we are all going to die eventually.Now, reflect that for those who leave wealth behind, that wealth comes into the possession of their children.After death, what do they know about the state of their children? Sometimes children turn out to be so mischievous, wicked, and sinful that all that wealth is squandered in drinking and fornication and all kinds of wicked and sinful deeds, and in this way, instead of being beneficial, that wealth becomes harm- ful and a source of punishment for the one who leaves it.So this being the case, why do you not spend your wealth on an opportunity that will be a source of merit and benefit for you? Moreover, that will be the case only when a portion of your property is for the Faith.The benefit from this will be that if your wealth also has a share for the Faith, then the evil that may

Page 243

26 December 1905 203 arise due to this wealth will be remedied; that is, the evil perpe- trated by progeny.I say truly that you should remember this very well as it is stated in the Holy Quran, and the other Prophets have sim- ilarly stated that it is true that the entry of a rich man into Paradise is like a camel passing through the eye of a needle.This is because his wealth causes many obstacles to appear before him.Therefore, if you want your wealth not to be a cause of destruction and stumbling for you, then spend it in the way of Allah the Exalted and devote it to the propagation and service of the Faith.Who is a True Believer? Surely, remember that in the sight of God Almighty, he alone is a believer and enters the Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] who gives precedence to the faith over the world, as he declares when he takes the Bai‘at.If he puts worldly interests first, he breaks this declaration and is deemed guilty in the sight of God Almighty.So I have issued this announcement (The Will) with the permission of God for this very purpose.This is the truth.�یگ� ر را ہک ےم دادن اسحب اسل د [Who knows what will happen next year]? However, when the frequent revelations of God made it clear to me that the time was near and revelation of the decreed time came, then I made this announcement only upon the direction of Allah the Exalted so that there may be means available for the propagation of the Faith in the future.And so that people may know the practical condition of those who say we believe and testify to the truth.Know with certainty that unless the practical condition of a person is upright, what is said verbally means nothing.All that is simply vainglorious.The faith that remains confined to mere verbal claims and does

Page 244

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 204 not penetrate the heart and exert its influence on the practical condition of a person is the faith of a hypocrite.True faith enters the heart and influences a person’s actions.The true faith was that of Ab u Bakr and the other Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all; for, not only wealth but they even sacrificed their lives in the way of Allah the Exalted and thought nothing of it.Nothing is more valu- able than life, but the Companions ra sacrificed even that for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.They did not care the least whether a wife would be wid- owed or children were orphaned.On the contrary, they were endlessly captivated by the desire to sacrifice their lives in the way of God.The thought always comes to me and leaves the impression upon my heart of the great glory of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, of how blessed that nation was and how mighty the impact of his virtue of sanctity was that it elevated that nation to that lofty station! Carefully examine from where to where he lead them.A climate and time once prevailed upon them when all things forbidden were like mother’s milk to them.Theft, drunkenness, fornication, sin and immorality all ran rampant.In short, which sin existed that was not found amongst them? However, the beneficent companionship and training of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had such a profound effect upon them and their condi- tion experienced such a revolutionary transformation that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself gave testimony, saying: ْ ُّٰ فِی ْ اَصْحَابِی هّٰلل َ ا ُّٰ هّٰلل َ ا ْ ُّٰ فِی ْ اَصْحَابِی هّٰلل َ ا ُّٰ هّٰلل َ ا [‘Allah, Allah is in my Companions’].It was as if they had removed the garb of humanity and became the manifestation of Allah, and their nature became like that of angels who are the fulfilment of:

Page 245

26 December 1905 205 1 َنْوُلَعْفَي اَم َنْوُرَمْؤُي َنْوُلَعْفَي اَم َنْوُرَمْؤُي This had become the very condition of the Companions ra.Their intimate desires and carnal passions had completely dis- appeared.Nothing that was theirs remained.There was no wish nor longing except that Allah the Exalted be pleased.Thus, they were [content to be] slaughtered like lambs in the way of God.The Holy Quran says about this state of theirs: 2 ْمُهْنِمَف ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن َو ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ُرِظَتْنَّي١ۖٞ َو اَم اْوُلَّدَب اًلْيِدْبَت.ْمُهْنِمَف ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن َو ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ُرِظَتْنَّي١ۖٞ َو اَم اْوُلَّدَب اًلْيِدْبَت.Give Preference to Faith over the World It is not easy for this condition to develop in a person so that he becomes willing to lay down his life in the way of God.However, the state of the Companions ra shows that they ful- filled this duty.When they were ordered to lay down their lives in this way, they did not incline to the world.So it is essential that you give preference to religion over the world.Remember! Now, the one who caters to the world while he is in this Jam a ‘at, is not [truly] in this Jam a ‘at in the sight of God Almighty.In the estimation of Allah, only the one who renounces the world is counted as having entered into and included in this Jam a ‘at.Let no one think that such a thought would destroy me.This is a thought that leads away from the path of God-realization.God Almighty never wastes the 1.(They) do as they are commanded ( S u rah at-Ta h r i m, 66:7).[Publisher] 2.There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least ( S u rah al-A h z a b, 33:24).[Publisher]

Page 246

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 206 person who entirely becomes His; rather, He Himself becomes his Guarantor.Allah the Exalted is Most Beneficent.He who loses some- thing in His cause is verily the one who gains something.Verily I say that Allah the Exalted only loves those, and only their prog- enies are blessed, who obey the commandments of God; and it has never happened—nor will it ever happen—that one who truly obeys Allah the Exalted or his progeny will be destroyed.The worldly life is ruined only for those who abandon God Almighty and incline toward the world.Is it not true that the fate of every matter is in the hands of Allah the Exalted? No case can be won without Him—no success can be achieved nor can any ease and comfort be availed.There may be wealth, but who can say it will necessarily benefit the wife or children after death? Think about these things and create a new change in yourself.In short, I am saddened when I see the Jam a ‘at is still inca- pable of facing even the slightest tribulation; the reason being that the strength of faith that should be there has not yet devel- oped.All the praise done till now is the result of God being Satt a r [the One who conceals (shortcomings)].However, when a calamity or a trial befalls, it leaves the person exposed.At such time, the disease inflicting the heart takes full effect and destroys a person.1 ْيِف ْمِهِبْوُلُق ٌضَرَّم١ۙ ُمُهَداَزَف ُهّٰللا اًضَرَم ْيِف ْمِهِبْوُلُق ٌضَرَّم١ۙ ُمُهَداَزَف ُهّٰللا اًضَرَم This disease increases and shows its full strength only at the time of a trial.It is also the practice of God Almighty to reveal the hidden capabilities of the hearts.Allah the Exalted reveals 1.In their hearts was a disease, and Allah has increased their disease to them ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:11).[Publisher]

Page 247

26 December 1905 207 the veracity and sincerity of the individual who holds a light within his heart, and He openly exposes the one who harbours malice and wickedness in his heart, and nothing can remain hidden.A Promise to be Given a Truthful Jam a ‘at Know with certainty that in the sight of Allah, those who don fine garments, are very rich, and eat well are not the ones who are dear to Him.On the contrary, those who give precedence to the Faith over the world and become wholly and sincerely His alone are the ones who are dear to God.Hence, you should focus on this aspect, not the former.If I look at the current sit- uation of the Jam a ‘at, I am deeply saddened that it remains in a rather frail condition, and there are still many stages it has yet to traverse.However, when I look at the promises of Allah the Exalted that He has made to me, my sorrow turns to hope.From among those promises, one is this, in which He states: ِ ٰمَة ی ِ َوْم ِ الْق ی ی ٰ ْن َ كَفَرُوْۤا اِل ی ْن َ اتَّبَعُوْك َ فَوْق َ الَّذِ ی و َ جَاعِل ُ الَّذِ ِ ٰمَة ی ِ َوْم ِ الْق ی ی ٰ ْن َ كَفَرُوْۤا اِل ی ْن َ اتَّبَعُوْك َ فَوْق َ الَّذِ ی و َ جَاعِل ُ الَّذِ It is indeed true that He will grant predominance to my follow- ers over those who disbelieve until the Day of Judgment.However, it is worth pondering that not everyone can be counted among my followers simply by pledging allegiance to me at my hand.A person cannot be counted as being among my followers unless he creates a complete state of ْ اِتِّبَاع ْ اِتِّبَاع [follow- ing] within himself.The word ‘following’ does not truly apply until one follows fully and completely—such following as to become lost in obedience and walking in lockstep.This shows that God Almighty has destined for me such a Jam a ‘at that will be lost in obedience to me and will follow me

Page 248

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 208 completely.This comforts me, turning my sorrow into hope.I am not distressed that such a Jam a ‘at will not exist.Nay, there will definitely be such a Jam a ‘at because God Almighty has promised that such people will definitely exist.However, the sadness is that the Jam a ‘at is still imperfect, yet the message of death is coming.The situation of the Jam a ‘at is akin to a child who drinks his mother’s milk for a few days, but then his mother dies.1 However, I am looking at the promises of God Almighty, and He alone is the Source of my satisfaction and comfort.In such a situation where the Jam a ‘at is weak and in need of much train- ing, I must draw your attention toward creating a genuine rela- tionship with God Almighty.Moreover, make this a priority and consider the pure Jam a ‘at of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as a model, and follow in their footsteps.The Exemplary Standard of the Holy Jam a ‘at of the Noble Companions I have just stated that they [the Companions] were such a faith- ful Jam a ‘at, which, in regard to its strength of faith, did not hesitate to even sacrifice their lives.Indeed, I assert that they were people the likes of whom simply cannot be found.When we contrast them with other nations, their grandeur and glory strike an even greater impression upon the heart.2 And the 1.When these sentences issued forth from the mouth of His Holiness H ujjatull a h, may peace and blessings be upon him, there was such pain and tenderness in them that it left the audience restless and many men, who could not control themselves, burst into tears.(Editor) 2.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.1, p.3–5, dated 10 January 1906

Page 249

26 December 1905 209 more one ponders, the more one is amazed at the stature and high rank of the Holy Prophet s as.What virtue of sanctity Allah the Exalted had bestowed upon the Holy Prophet s as , and what force and impact He had endowed it with, that he prepared a nation like the Companions ra who were ready to sacrifice their lives for him! He left behind a nation whose steps advanced purely for the sake of God alone.They were so ardent and ready [to strive] in the path of God Almighty and experienced such joy upon sacrificing their life on this path that today’s worldly people cannot derive such joy even by winning a case in court.They were utterly devoted to God.No Prophet brought about such a tremendous and incom- parable change in his people.It is written that a Companion was fighting and tried to strike an enemy with his sword during the battle, but that sword did not hit the enemy and instead came back to hit him.Some said that he did not attain martyrdom.When he was brought before the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, he asked the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ‘Have I not attained martyrdom?’ He asked this because he was greatly saddened at the thought.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, told him that he would get the reward of two martyrs.One, because he attacked the enemy, and the second, because he laid down his life for this cause.What was the point? Only this, they did not want to be deprived of the rank of martyrdom.It is absolutely true that Allah the Exalted had filled their hearts with His love, and not only that, but they had reached a high level in the love and cog- nition of Allah the Exalted, and it was for this reason that their intellect, understanding, and discernment had significantly advanced.An Englishman compared the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and Jesus the Messiah, and

Page 250

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 210 wrote that the Companions possessed such strength of fidelity and faith that they would readily lay down their lives for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.They would stand where there was no other option but to give their lives.The condition of Christ’s disciples, however, was to the contrary.One of them had him arrested in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, and the others deserted him, unable to stand by his side even for a short period.One cursed him to his face.What comparison and likeness can there be between these disciples [of Christ] and the Companions [of the Holy Prophet s as ]? Then, carrying out a rational comparison, he wrote that the condition of the disciples was such that they were not even capa- ble of managing a village.As opposed to this, the Companions ra exemplified such excellence in the sciences of politics and gov- ernance and gave evidence of such proficient capability that the like of it cannot be found today.They administered the man- agement of a great empire.The examples of Hadrat ‘Umar and Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with them both, are readily available.During the Khilafat of Hadrat Ab u Bakr S idd i q, such peril- ous sedition had arisen that if it were not for the grace of Allah the Exalted, serious afflictions would have been faced.However, strengthened with God Almighty’s support, Hadrat Ab u Bakr rectified and reformed this mischief as well as those wild bed- ouins who had become apostates.Therefore, even though they were fully prepared and filled with truth and divine light, Allah the Exalted said to them: 1 ْوَل اَل َرَفَن ْنِم ِّلُك ٍةَقْرِف ْمُهْنِّم ٌةَفِٕىٓاَط ْوَل اَل َرَفَن ْنِم ِّلُك ٍةَقْرِف ْمُهْنِّم ٌةَفِٕىٓاَط 1.S u rah at-Taubah, 9:122 [Publisher]

Page 251

26 December 1905 211 In other words, there should be such people who are well versed in religion; that is, they should be able to deeply study the reli- gion taught by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It should not be that it is learned by rote, like a parrot, and the person altogether fails to employ the habit of reflecting and contemplating over it.The purpose that the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, desired cannot be fulfilled in this way, and that very purpose is what I have in mind; that is, the person should be able to respond according to the situation and occasion.He should be able to debate.However, since everyone cannot be like that, it is not said that everyone should become like this, but rather it is said that there should be one man from each community and group so that a group of such people comes into being who can carry out the work of preach- ing and disseminating [the message of Islam].Three Grades of Human Beings This is also because not everyone has such a nature and disposi- tion.Allah the Exalted has Himself divided human beings into three types.1 ْمُهْنِم ٌمِلاَظ ٖهِسْفَنِّل١ۚ َو ْمُهْنِم ٌدِصَتْقُّم١ۚ َو ْمُهْنِم ٌۢقِباَس ِتٰرْيَخْلاِب ْمُهْنِم ٌمِلاَظ ٖهِسْفَنِّل١ۚ َو ْمُهْنِم ٌدِصَتْقُّم١ۚ َو ْمُهْنِم ٌۢقِباَس ِتٰرْيَخْلاِب That is, there are three types of people.Those who are called ٖ نَفْسِه ِّ ظَالِم ٌ ل ٖ نَفْسِه ِّ ظَالِم ٌ ل [ z a limun linafsih i ].Their condition is such that the desires of the ego prevail over them, and it is as if they are caught 1.And of them are some who are breaking down their own selves by suppressing their desires , and of them are some who keep to the right course, and of them are some who excel others in acts of goodness ( S u rah F at ir, 35:33).[Publisher]

Page 252

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 212 in the clutches of the ego.Second are those people who are called ٌ مُقْتَصِد ٌ مُقْتَصِد [ muqta s idun ]; that is, people of the middle group, whom the self sometimes subdues and sometimes they subdue the self and who have come out of the first state.However, the third group is composed of those people who have attained complete freedom from the clutches of the ego, and they are called ٌۢقِباَس ِتٰرْيَخْلاِب ٌۢقِباَس ِتٰرْيَخْلاِب [ s a biqum bil-khair a t ]; meaning, those who excel in doing good.They become wholly devoted to God alone.They develop intellectual and practical faculties [to think and act].Such people are beneficial and of help for the service of religion.Keeping this rule in mind, Allah the Exalted issued the order for ‘some’ because everyone could not be readied for this pur- pose.Moreover, this is the law of nature of Allah the Exalted that there should be some people who engage in commerce, agriculture, or employment, and there should also be people who go to spread the religion so that the nation is safeguarded against pitfalls going forward.Remember that when a nation moves toward destruction, ignorance develops in it first, and they forget the religion taught to them.After ignorance develops, there comes the affliction and calamity that no piety remains among the peo- ple, and sin, iniquity, and every kind of wickedness begin to take hold.Finally, the wrath of Allah the Exalted destroys this nation, because fear of Allah and compassion originate from knowledge, as Allah the Exalted Himself says: 1 اَمَّنِا ىَشْخَي َهّٰللا ْنِم ِهِداَبِع اُؤٰٓمَلُعْلا اَمَّنِا ىَشْخَي َهّٰللا ْنِم ِهِداَبِع اُؤٰٓمَلُعْلا That is, only those people who possess knowledge fear Allah the Exalted.One comes to learn from this clearly, that genuine 1.S u rah F at ir, 35:29 [Publisher]

Page 253

26 December 1905 213 knowledge cultivates the fear of Allah, and God Almighty has made knowledge dependent upon taqw a , that a fully knowl- edgeable person will indeed develop the fear of Allah.As I understand it, knowledge means knowledge of the Quran.Philosophy, science, or other customary sciences are not meant by it because taqw a and virtue are not a condition for their acquisition.Just as a sinner can learn them, so can a religious person.However, knowledge of the Quran is not given to any- one except the muttaq i [righteous] and religious.So, in this place, knowledge refers to the knowledge of the Quran, which fosters taqw a and fear.Missionaries Require Worldly Knowledge Yes, it is true that it is proven from the Holy Quran that which- ever nation you come to confront, you should employ the same type of weapons in combating them that they employ against you.Moreover, since these days religious debaters present such issues that pertain to science and modern knowledge, famili- arity and comprehension of these sciences are required to this extent.For example, the objection that they raise regarding how the commandments for Prayer and Fasting are to be carried out in countries where the sun does not rise or set for six months.A person unfamiliar with these countries or unaware of these phenomena will be left confused and confounded upon hear- ing them.The object of those who raise such objections is to declare the teaching of the Noble Quran to be defective—that there should have been some other commandment for such countries.Therefore, since such objections arise nowadays, there must be some mastery of these sciences.

Page 254

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 214 Similarly, some people also object that the Holy Quran teaches that the sky rotates, as it says: 1 َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا Whereas even today’s children know that it is the earth that rotates.In short, there are scores of such types of objections, and unless there is some proficiency and experience in these sciences, difficulties arise in rebutting them.It must, however, be remembered that the rotation of the earth or sky is a conjec- tural matter that cannot be included among certainties.For a time, they acknowledged the sky’s rotation; then, they became convinced of the earth’s rotation.Their greatest expertise is in medicine, but you can see that changes and modifications take place here regularly.For example, earlier, they used to say that a diabetes patient should not eat sweet things, but recent research indicates that there is no harm if the patient consumes tangerines or tea.In short, all these sciences are conjectural.It seems appro- priate at this point that the meaning of: 2 َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا should be set forth because its mention has been made.So it should be remembered that ْ سَمَآء ْ سَمَآء [ sam a ’] does not only mean sky, but it also means rain.Thus, in this verse, the rain that returns to the earth has been sworn by, and then the earth from which the herbage emerges forth.The earth and sky alone can do nothing.1.S u rah a t - Ta riq, 86:12 [Publisher] 2.S u rah a t - Ta riq, 86:12 [Publisher]

Page 255

26 December 1905 215 A Rational Argument for the Necessity of Divine Revelation Allah the Exalted presents this verse by way of illustration for the necessity of revelation; namely, of all that lies beneath the earth that is capable, within whose inherent nature exists the capacity to grow and flourish, that capacity to grow and flour- ish cannot materialize and that nature cannot come to fruition until the rain falls from the sky.ت �یس� خ � الخف ش � ط�بع ابراں ہک در اطلتف در ابغ الہل رو�ی�دد در وشرہ وبم و سخ Rain, in whose pure nature there is no incompatibility, Causes flowers to bloom in the garden but only grass and straw on marshy soil.Good soil and rain are needed for it to grow the very best fruits and flowers.So long as this does not exist, nothing can occur.Allah the Exalted presents this natural phenomenon to illus- trate the need for revelation.Moreover, He draws attention to observe that when it does not rain, there is a danger of famine to the extent that even the groundwater in wells and springs starts to become scarce.Thus, when celestial water is needed for worldly and phys- ical needs, is spiritual rain not needed for spiritual and eternal needs? And that is Divine revelation.Just as there is famine without rain and wells and fountains dry up, in the same way, if Prophets and Messengers do not come into the world, philos- ophers would also not exist because it is only through Divine revelation that intellectual capabilities grow and develop, and earthly intellects are nourished by it.

Page 256

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 216 So, in this verse: 1 َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا۰۰َو ِضْرَاْلا ِتاَذ ِعْدَّصلا۰۰ َو ِءٓاَمَّسلا ِتاَذ ِعْجَّرلا۰۰َو ِضْرَاْلا ِتاَذ ِعْدَّصلا۰۰ rational and natural arguments for the necessity of Divine rev- elation have been presented.The person who understands this will undoubtedly say there is a need for Divine revelation.Moreover, this is the way that has been in operation since the time of Adam, and every person has benefited from it accord- ing to his capacity and nature.Yes, ignorant, deficient, arro- gant, and stubborn people suffered deprivation and received nothing.This is genuine and true, and you must remember that heavenly rain is absolutely needed because the power to act cannot develop at all without this ‘rain’.Taqw a Depends on Knowledge In short, Allah the Exalted said that the requirements of taqw a [righteousness] are fulfilled only when Divine cognizance accompanies it, and that is the knowledge that is contained in the Book of Allah.It is indeed true that no one can attain the ranks of advance- ment unless he attends minutely to the subtle requirements of taqw a , and taqw a depends on knowledge.It is worth remem- bering this point that Allah the Exalted stated at the very beginning of His Holy Book.Here, the Promised Messiah as gave a commentary on the first few verses of S u rah al-Baqarah, which I shall present below, but for the sake of 1.By the heaven oft-returning (with rain), and by the earth which opens out with herbage ( S u rah a t - Ta riq, 86:12–13).[Publisher]

Page 257

26 December 1905 217 convenience and optimal arrangement of the commentary, I first set forth that part together and then give its translation, followed by the commentary (Editor): ِمْسِب ِهّٰللا ِنٰمْحَّرلا ِمْيِحَّرلا۰۰ َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب َو َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َو اَّمِم ِمْسِب ِهّٰللا ِنٰمْحَّرلا ِمْيِحَّرلا۰۰ َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب َو َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َو اَّمِم ّٓمٓلا۰۰ َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۰۰ۙ۠ ّٓمٓلا۰۰ َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۰۰ۙ۠ َو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا َكْيَلِا َو ۤاَم َلِزْنُا ْنِم َكِلْبَق١ۚ َو ِةَرِخٰاْلاِب ْمُه َنْوُنِقْوُي۰۰ؕ ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي۰۰ۙ َو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا َكْيَلِا َو ۤاَم َلِزْنُا ْنِم َكِلْبَق١ۚ َو ِةَرِخٰاْلاِب ْمُه َنْوُنِقْوُي۰۰ؕ ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي۰۰ۙ 1 َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ىٰلَع ىًدُه ْنِّم ْمِهِّبَّر١ۗ َو َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ُمُه َنْوُحِلْفُمْلا۰۰ َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ىٰلَع ىًدُه ْنِّم ْمِهِّبَّر١ۗ َو َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ُمُه َنْوُحِلْفُمْلا۰۰ Translation: [In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.] I am Allah, the All-Knowing.This Book, in which there is no doubt or suspicion, is a guidance for the muttaq i (who are the muttaq i ? ) who believe in the unseen and establish Prayer and spend out of whatsoever they have been given.And the muttaq i are those who believe in the revelation that has been revealed upon you and in the revelation that was revealed before you and also believe in the Hereafter.These are indeed the people who are guided by their Lord, and it is they who will prosper.Commentary 2 َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۰۰۠ ّٓمٓلا۰۰ َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۰۰۠ ّٓمٓلا۰۰ I am Allah, the All-Knowing.This Book, which is free from doubt and suspicion and is free from every defect and deficiency, has been sent for the guidance of the muttaq i [righteous].1.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:1–6 [Publisher] 2.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:2–3 [Publisher]

Page 258

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 218 Four Causes for the Holy Quran Everything has four causes.God Almighty has mentioned these ‘ilal-e-arba‘a [four causes] here as well, and those four causes are the ‘illat-e-f a ‘il i [efficient or the moving cause], ‘illat-e- su r i [for- mal cause], ‘illat-e-m a d i [material cause], and ‘illat-e-gh a ‘ i [the ultimate cause].Here mention is made [by Almighty Allah] of the four causes for the Holy Quran.‘Illat-e-f a ‘il i [efficient or the moving] cause for this Book is ّٓمٓلا ّٓمٓلا [ Alif , L a m , M i m ], and the meaning of ّٓمٓلا ّٓمٓلا in my view is ُمَلْعَا ُهّٰللا اَنَا ُمَلْعَا ُهّٰللا اَنَا [ AnAll a hu a‘lamu ]; that is, ‘I am Allah, the One who possesses more knowledge than anyone.’ Moreover, the ‘illat-e- m a d i [material cause] is َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا [ dh a likal-kit a bu ]; that is, this Book has come from God, who has more knowledge than any- one.Furthermore, ‘illat-e- su r i [formal cause] is اَل َبْيَر ِهْيِف اَل َبْيَر ِهْيِف [ l a raiba f i hi ]; that is, the beauty and excellence of this Book is that there is no doubt or suspicion in it of any kind whatsoever.Whatever it says is firmly established, and whatever claim it makes is supported by reason and manifestly evident.And ‘illat-e-gh a ‘ i [the ultimate cause] for this Book is ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ [ hudal-lil mutta- q i n —a guidance for the righteous]; that is, the purpose and aim for the revelation of this Book is that it guides the righteous.Attributes of the Righteous After describing these four causes, Allah the Exalted has described the general characteristics of the righteous, as to who those righteous people are, who attain guidance: َو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا َكْيَلِا َو ۤاَم َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب َو َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َو اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي۰۰ َو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا َكْيَلِا َو ۤاَم َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب َو َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َو اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي۰۰ 1 َلِزْنُا ْنِم َكِلْبَق١ۚ َو ِةَرِخٰاْلاِب ْمُه َنْوُنِقْوُي۰۰ َلِزْنُا ْنِم َكِلْبَق١ۚ َو ِةَرِخٰاْلاِب ْمُه َنْوُنِقْوُي۰۰ 1.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:4–5 [Publisher]

Page 259

26 December 1905 219 Meaning that the righteous are those who believe in God—who is still behind the veil of the unseen—who establish Prayer and spend [in the way of Allah] out of whatsoever We have given them.And they believe in this Book that has been revealed to you and whatsoever was revealed before you, and they believe in the Hereafter.These are the attributes of the righteous that are mentioned.Now, a question naturally arises here that the purpose and aim of this Book has been stated as being ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠.However, the attributes of the righteous that are then mentioned are all those found in a godly man; that is, someone who believes in God, offers Prayer, gives charity, believes in the Book of Allah and the Day of Judgment.So, given that the person who already possesses these attributes and is called righteous and abides by these particulars, then what guidance did he attain from this Book? What additional matter is there in this for which this Book was revealed? From this it becomes patently clear that there is some other matter that has been placed in this guidance because these matters which have been mentioned as attributes of the righteous are conditions for attaining the guidance that this Book has as its fundamental aim and purpose of providing.Rather, that guidance is something altogether different, and it is a lofty matter which God Almighty has revealed to me and which I set forth.The Next Stage after Belief in the Unseen So remember that among the attributes of a righteous person, the one mentioned first is َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب َنْوُنِمْؤُي ِبْيَغْلاِب ; that is, they have faith in the unseen.So this is the description of the initial condition of a believer that he has believed in those things which he has not seen.Ghaib [Unseen] is the name of Allah the Exalted.

Page 260

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 220 Moreover, this ghaib [unseen] includes Heaven, Hell, the Resurrection of bodies, and all those phenomena still behind the veil of the unseen.Now, in the initial stage, the believer has faith in them.However, the guidance is that he will be given a reward for this initial state of faith, and that is that his knowledge will move from the stage of ghaib [unseen] to the stage of shah u d [being present].Then a time will come when he will become عارف عارف [ ‘ a rif —cognizant] of the things he used to have faith in though they were unseen.And those matters that had remained hidden until now come before him, and he sees them in the state of shah u d.Then he does not believe God to be unseen; instead, he sees Him, and His manifestation remains present before him.Therefore, after this ghaib , he is bestowed the stage of shah u d.As the stage of ‘irf a n [cognizance] is attained after i m a n [faith], he sees God Almighty in this very world.Moreover, if he had not been granted this rank, then the one fulfilling the condition of ِبْيَغْلاِب ِبْيَغْلاِب َنْوُنِمْؤُي َنْوُنِمْؤُي [ yu’ min u na bil-ghaibi —believing in the unseen] would not have been given any guidance and reward.It is as though the Holy Quran would not have served as a guide for him.However, this does not happen, and the guidance for him is that his faith is transported from the state of ghaib to the state of shah u d , and the evidence for this is: 1 ْنَم َناَك ْيِف ٖۤهِذٰه ىٰمْعَا َوُهَف يِف ِةَرِخٰاْلا ىٰمْعَا ْنَم َناَك ْيِف ٖۤهِذٰه ىٰمْعَا َوُهَف يِف ِةَرِخٰاْلا ىٰمْعَا Meaning that, he who is blind in this world shall also be raised blind in the realm of the Hereafter.By this blindness, it is meant that man fails to behold in this very world the manifestation of God Almighty and those things that come under the category of the unseen.And some portion of this blindness is found in the one who is at the stage of [believing 1.S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:73 [Publisher]

Page 261

26 December 1905 221 in] the unseen; however, in accordance with ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ [ hudal-lil muttaq i n —a guidance for the righteous], that blindness of his is removed should he attain guidance, and he advances from this stage.And that progress through this Word is that such a one will reach from the stage of believing in the unseen to the stage of shah u d , which is indeed the guidance for him.The Next Stage after Establishing Prayer The second attribute of a righteous person is َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا [ yuq i muna s - S al a t ] meaning they make their Prayer ‘stand’.A righteous person tries to keep his Prayer upright howsoever he can.That is to say, sometimes his Prayer ‘falls’, and then he makes it upright again.In other words, the righteous person fears God and tries to establish his Prayer.In this state, various types of doubts and apprehensions arise, obstructing his pres- ence before God and causing his Prayer to ‘fall’.Nevertheless, he tries to maintain his Prayer standing even in the time of this struggle with the self.Sometimes his Prayer ‘falls’, but he makes it stand up again.He continues in this state, labouring and taking great pain to keep his Prayer standing until Allah the Exalted guides him through His words.What is the guidance that He gives? 1 At that time, instead of َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا their condition becomes that they escape this life of struggle and apprehensions.And Allah the Exalted grants them that position through this Book, about which He has said that some people become so perfect that Prayer becomes like food for them.They find such pleas- ure and delight in Prayer as is experienced when drinking cold water at the time of great thirst because he consumes it avidly and becomes well satiated upon drinking his fill, or that is 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.2, p.4, 5, dated 17 January 1906

Page 262

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 222 experienced when in a state of extreme hunger he may come by a delicious meal of the highest quality, eating which he finds the greatest delight.This same condition then occurs in Prayer, and that Prayer becomes a kind of addiction for him, without which he feels severe anguish and restlessness.But by performing the Prayer, he feels a particular delight and comfort in his heart, which not everyone can experience, nor can this pleasure be described in words.By continuing to progress, a person attains such a state that he develops a personal love for Allah the Exalted.There remains no need for him to keep his Prayer ‘standing’ because that Prayer is already standing for him, and it remains standing firm at every moment.A natural condition develops in him, and such a person’s will comes in accord with God Almighty’s will.Such a condi- tion comes upon a person that his love for Allah the Exalted takes on the hue of personal love.There is no artificiality or contrivance to it.The way animals and other human beings take pleasure in their food, drinks, and other lusts, a believer derives far greater pleasure in Prayer.Therefore, offer Prayer with the utmost care.Prayer is the root and the ladder of all progress; that is why it has been said that Prayer is the mi‘r a j [the means of ascension] of a believer.There have been hundreds of thousands of Auliy a ’ull a h, right- eous, Abd a l, and Qu t b 1 in this Faith.How did they attain these lofty degrees and ranks? Through the means of this very Prayer.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself says: 2 ِ لٰوۃ َّ ۃ ُ عَیْنِی ْ فِی الص َّ و َ قُر ِ لٰوۃ َّ ۃ ُ عَیْنِی ْ فِی الص َّ و َ قُر that is,the delight of my 1.Wal i (Friend), Ghauth (Saint), Qu t b (pl.Aq ta b —Guiding Star), and Abd a l (Substitutes, i.e.vicegerents appointed for carrying out the will of God Almighty) are various designations used for Auliy a ’ull a h.[Publisher] 2.Sunan an-Nas ā ’ ī , Kit a bu ‘Ashrati al-Nis a ’, B a bu H ubbi al-Nis a ’ , Hadith 3391 [Publisher]

Page 263

26 December 1905 223 eyes [i.e.source of my pleasure] lies in Prayer.In truth, when a person reaches this position and status, the most complete and perfect pleasure for him lies in Prayer, and this is the mean- ing of this saying of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.So a person reaches a lofty station after being saved from the struggle with the nafs [self ].Therefore, remember that َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا َنْوُمْيِقُي َةوٰلَّصلا is the initial stage and level where Prayer is offered with reluctance and struggle.But the guidance of this Book for such a person is that after being saved from this stage, he reaches the point where the Prayer becomes a delight for his eyes.One should also remember that a righteous person here means a person in the state of nafs-e- laww a mah [the reproving self ].Three Stages of the Nafs There are three stages of the nafs [self ]: Nafs-e-amm a rah , law- w a mah , and mu t mainnah.Nafs-e-amm a rah [the self that incites to evil] is the one afflicted with sin and iniquity and is a slave to disobedience.In such a state, man fails to pay any regard to virtue, rather there is a sort of insolence and rebellion found within him.However, when he advances from this stage to some degree and emerges therefrom, then that is the state which is called nafs- e-laww a mah [the reproving self ] because now, if he does evil, he is ashamed of it and blames himself.Thus, in this way, he starts to pay attention to virtue as well, but in this state, he does not entirely overcome himself, albeit a battle continues to rage between him and the self in which sometimes he prevails, and sometimes the self overcomes him.This series of battles con- tinues until the grace of Allah the Exalted takes hold of him and finally makes him successful, his desires are fulfilled, and he becomes victorious over his ego.

Page 264

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 224 Then he reaches the third state, which is called nafs-e-mu t mainnah [the self at peace].At that time, all the impurities of his soul are removed, and all kinds of corruption are eradicated.The final state of nafs-e-mu t mainnah is like a war having taken place between two empires; one becomes vic- torious, establishes peace by removing all the corruption, and the previous map is changed altogether.There is an indication to this matter in the Holy Quran: 1 َّنِا َكْوُلُمْلا اَذِا اْوُلَخَد ًةَيْرَق اَهْوُدَسْفَا َو اْۤوُلَعَج َةَّزِعَا ۤاَهِلْهَا ًةَّلِذَا َّنِا َكْوُلُمْلا اَذِا اْوُلَخَد ًةَيْرَق اَهْوُدَسْفَا َو اْۤوُلَعَج َةَّزِعَا ۤاَهِلْهَا ًةَّلِذَا That is, when the kings enter a village, they destroy the previ- ous social structure entirely.The prominent leaders and nobles are caught first, and the renowned and famous are humiliated; thus, a great change takes place.This is the characteristic of kings, and this is how it has always transpired.Similarly, when the spiritual kingdom changes, the first kingdom is destroyed.Satan’s slaves are captured.The passions and lusts that corrupt the spiritual kingdom of man are trampled underfoot and humiliated.Spiritually, a new awe-inspiring presence comes to be established, and a state of complete peace and security is created.This is the state and stage which is called nafs-e-mu t mainnah for the reason that there is no kind of conflict nor struggle experienced at that time.Instead, the soul is in a state of perfect peace and con- tentment because the battle is over, a new empire is established, and no corruption or what could cause mischief is left.Rather, God’s victory over the heart is complete, and God Almighty Himself descends upon the throne of his heart.It is this that has been described as the state of ultimate per- fection, as He has said: 1.S u rah an-Naml, 27:35 [Publisher]

Page 265

26 December 1905 225 1 َّنِا َهّٰللا ُرُمْاَي ِلْدَعْلاِب َو ِناَسْحِاْلا َو ِئٓاَتْيِا يِذ ىٰبْرُقْلا َّنِا َهّٰللا ُرُمْاَي ِلْدَعْلاِب َو ِناَسْحِاْلا َو ِئٓاَتْيِا يِذ ىٰبْرُقْلا Surely, Allah the Exalted enjoins justice, and if you progress from this, He commands i h s a n [benevolence], and if you advance even beyond that, He commands it a -e-dhil-qurb a [give like the giving of kin to kin].The State of being Just The state of being just is like the case of someone righteous in the state of nafs-e-amm a rah [the self that incites to evil].The command to be just is given to reform this very condition.One has to oppose the ego in this condition.For example, one has to repay a debt owed to someone, but the ego desires—even in such a situation—to usurp it in some way.And by chance, if its term also passes, in that case the ego grows even more bold and audacious that now there can be no legal impeachment, but this is not right.Justice requires that his debt should be paid and not be usurped by any subterfuge or excuse.I am sad to say that some people do not care about these matters, and there are people in my Jam a ‘at as well who pay scant attention to paying their debts.This is against the require- ment of justice.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would not offer the [Funeral] Prayer of such people [upon their death].So let each of you remember well that one should not be lax in repaying debts and should shun all kinds of dishonesty and deceit because it is against the Divine command that He has given in this verse.1.S u rah an-Na h l, 16:91 [Publisher]

Page 266

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 226 The State of I h s a n Next is the stage of i h s a n [benevolence]—one who observes justice and does not transgress its limits; Allah the Exalted gives him the ability and strength, and he progresses further in virtue so much so that he does not merely execute justice, but rather does much greater good in return for a little good.Nevertheless, even in the state of i h s a n, there is still a weakness, and that is that at one point or another, the doing of this good- ness is made known.For example, a person feeds someone for ten years, and it so happens that on one occasion, that person disagrees with him, so he tells him that you have been surviving on our scraps for ten years, and thus nullifies this good deed.Actually, there is a kind of hidden hypocrisy even in a benevolent person, but the third stage is free from all kinds of impurity and pollution, and that is the rank of it a -e-dhil-qur ba [give like the giving of kin to kin].The State of It a -e-Dhil-Qurb a The rank of it a -e-dhil-qur ba corresponds to a natural condi- tion; that is, a stage at which good deeds are done by a person as if there is a natural urge to do them.An example of this is a mother nursing her baby and nurturing it.The thought does not even occur to her that the child will grow up and earn a living and serve her.She would not stop feeding the baby even if a king ordered her and told her that she would not be blamed for not nursing her child even if it dies thereafter; instead, she would likely hurl some abuse upon such a king.For the reason that nurturing her baby is an inherent obligation upon her, it is not based on hope or fear of any sort.In the same way, when

Page 267

26 December 1905 227 a person progresses in virtue and reaches the point that those virtues are carried out by him as if they were a natural obliga- tion, then this is verily that state which is called mu t mainnah [peace].Therefore, the meaning of َةوٰلَّصلا َةوٰلَّصلا َنْوُمْيِقُي َنْوُمْيِقُي [ yuq i muna s - S al a t ] is that he should continue the struggle until the state of nafs-e-mu t mainnah [the self at peace] is attained.Sometimes the ego prevails, while sometimes the person triumphs [over his ego].He wakes up in the morning and finds that the water is cold, yet he needs to take a bath.Therefore, if he obeys the promptings of the self, the Prayer is lost, but if he acts with courage, he triumphs over it.Thankfully, such a situation happened to me once.It was winter, and I needed to take a bath.There was no arrangement for heating the water there.A book written by a Christian priest, M i z a n ul H aqq, that I had with me, came in handy at that time.I burned it and heated the water, thanking God.At that moment, I realized that sometimes even Satan comes in handy.I turn again to the real purpose.This is the real meaning of َةوٰلَّصلا َةوٰلَّصلا َنْوُمْيِقُي َنْوُمْيِقُي [ yuq i muna s - S al a t ], and progress from it is indeed to attain salvation from such a condition and reach the state of mu t mainnah.Remember well that the consequence of simply believing in the unseen has always been most frightful.When Plato was about to die, he asked to sacrifice a rooster for him before the idol.Galen asked for a small hole in his grave to let in the air.Now consider whether such people can be guides who are in such a confused and anxious state.The truth is that so long as spiritual light does not develop, what gain can there be? Nonetheless, this light comes only through the grace of God Almighty.It is absolutely true that not all dispositions have the same nature, and God Almighty did not create every- one a Prophet.

Page 268

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 228 The Effect of the Company of the Righteous Nevertheless, there is a great blessing in companionship.Its effectiveness is beneficial to at least some extent.If someone has a fragrance, it will also reach the person nearby.In the same way, the company of the truthful infuses a sincere spirit.Verily I say that deep companionship makes the Prophet and the com- panion of the Prophet one.This is the reason why it is stated in the Holy Quran: 1 اْوُنْوُك َعَم َنْيِقِدّٰصلا اْوُنْوُك َعَم َنْيِقِدّٰصلا And among the beauties of Islam, is the incomparable excel- lence that such righteous individuals continue to exist in every age, but how can the A rya Sam a j or Christians benefit from this method when they acknowledge that now there cannot be any godly person on whom the fresh revelation of God Almighty descends, and such a one—being blessed by it—might cleanse those who live sinful lives? I regret to say there is a vindictive spirit within the A rya Sam a j; they criticize Muslims unneces- sarily by nitpicking and consider raising objections to be the beauty and excellence of their religion.However, they have nothing to show when asked to present spirituality in comparison to Islam.Criticism cannot be a vir- tue.That person is most unfortunate and ignorant, who, with- out himself attaining anything, starts criticizing others.How could a child, who is unfamiliar with Euclid’s principles and unaware of the consequences arising from his figures, ever be content upon seeing these crooked lines? He would undoubt- edly object, but what could be the value and substance of such an objection in the opinion of the wise? 1.Be with the truthful ( S u rah at-Taubah, 9:119).[Publisher]

Page 269

26 December 1905 229 Such is the case of these Aryas.They object, but they are unaware and deprived of truth and reality.They are not aware of the powers of Allah the Exalted, nor have they been bestowed those senses to be able to see the heavenly sights in this very world and experience samples of the might and powers of Allah the Exalted.The foundation of such a religion rests entirely upon sand.It is naught today and naught tomorrow.The Truth of Islam Remember well that Allah the Exalted does not support any blind religion, and no help is given to it.This is the most potent proof of the truth of Islam that Allah the Exalted supports it in every age.Moreover, in this age as well, God Almighty has sent me so I may give evidence of His fresh support.Thus, there will not be a single one among you who has not seen the Signs of God Almighty.As compared to this, someone should tell me what the Vedas brought? It is entirely crude.Other peo- ple see dreams, but according to the followers of the Vedas, even dreams are fictitious, and no one can see them.So, when the door—which is the sure means of going toward Allah the Exalted—is closed, what other means can there be of approach- ing God? Verily I say that as far as I have seen the conditions of this sect, I have seen nothing but audaciousness or some such peo- ple enter into its fold who do not even know what the real pur- pose of religion is.In short, Islam is a pure religion that is the fountain-head and source of all virtues as it is the root of virtues.Perfect faith in Allah the Exalted cannot develop without one constantly seeing the ever fresh wonders and Signs of God Almighty’s strength and

Page 270

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 230 powers.And this is not attainable to any religion except Islam.If it is, then someone should prove it.Apart from this, Islam also has the beauty that it adds to and perfects those good deeds which a person may do naturally.That is indeed why God said, ۠ ۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل [ hudal-lil muttaq i n —a guid - ance for the righteous]—and did not say َ ھُدًی لِّلظَّالِمِیْن َ ھُدًی لِّلظَّالِمِیْن [ hudal-liz- z a lim i n —a guidance for the unjust] or َنْيِرِفٰكْلِل [ lil-k a fir i n —for the disbelievers].A long time ago, a Brahmu named Agnihotri said that we also say هّٰللُّٰ ا هّٰللُّٰ ا اْلَّ ِ ا اْلَّ ِ ا َ اِلٰه َ اِلٰه َۤ اْل َۤ اْل [ L a il a ha illall a hu —There is no one worthy of worship except Allah].Why do you say ُ سُوْل َّ ر ُ سُوْل َّ ر ٌ د َّ مُحَم ٌ د َّ مُحَم هّٰللِّٰ ا هّٰللِّٰ ا [ Mu h ammad-ur-Ras u lull a h —Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah]? I had replied that its benefit is preventing man from becoming an atheist.Consequently, he is now an open athe- ist.Had he had complete faith in Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, why would he have become an atheist? Verily I say that the Holy Quran is such a perfect and com- prehensive Book that no book can compete with it.Is there any such sruti [sacred text] in the Vedas that can compete with ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّلَ۠نْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ىًدُه ? If a verbal confession is anything of value—that is, its fruits or results are unnecessary—then the entire world still acknowledges God Almighty in one form or another, and con- siders devotion, worship, charity, and alms to be good, and even acts upon them in one way or another.So what did the Vedas come to give the world? Either prove that the nations who do not believe in the Vedas are entirely devoid of virtues or state some distinguishing signs.From the very start in the Holy Quran, the advancements that the soul inherently demands are promised.Accordingly, in S u rah al-F a ti h ah :

Page 271

26 December 1905 231 1 اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا was taught, and God said that you should pray that, O Allah guide us to the straight path—that straight path which is the path of those people who received Your favours and bounties.And along with this prayer, God gave the good news in the very first verse of S u rah al-Baqarah: 2 َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ َكِلٰذ ُبٰتِكْلا اَل َبْيَر١ۛۖۚ ِهْيِف١ۛۚ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ It is as if the souls make a prayer, and at the same time, accept- ance of the prayer shows its effect, and that promise of the acceptance of prayer sees fulfilment in the form of the revela- tion of the Holy Quran.There is supplication on one side, and its result is present immediately on the other.This is the grace and beneficence of God Almighty that He showed.But alas, the world is unaware and oblivious to it and is perishing by stay- ing away from it.Again, I say that the attributes of the righteous that God Almighty described at the beginning of the Holy Quran are classed as ordinary attributes.But when a person believes in the Holy Quran and makes it a manual for his guidance, then he attains those high levels and stages of guidance that are the objective of ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ —[ hudal-lil-muttaq i n —a guidance for the righteous].One experiences such pleasure and exhilaration beholding this raison d’etre for the Holy Quran which I can- not describe in words because it shows the special grace of God Almighty and the perfection of the Holy Quran.1.S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:6 [Publisher] 2.This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:3).[Publisher]

Page 272

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 232 The Third Mark of a Muttaq i Then another sign of the muttaq i [a righteous one] is set forth َو اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي َو اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي [ wa mimm a razaqn a hum yunfiq u na ]; that is to say, they spend [in the way of Allah] from whatsoever We have provided for them.This is the initial state which every- one shares in common since it is universally an obligation upon human nature that if a beggar comes to someone, he inevitably gives him something or another.If there are ten slices of bread at home, and some beggar comes asking, then he will give one slice to him as well.This matter is not because of guidance but an innate feature of human nature.One should also remem- ber that here اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي [ mimm a razaqn a hum yunfiq u na— spend out of what We have provided for them] is generic.It does not refer to any particular item, money, or food and clothing; instead, they keep spending something or other from whatever Allah the Exalted has given them.Therefore, this spending is routine spending, and for this there is no requirement to be a Muslim or a non-Muslim.This spending is of two types.One is intrinsic, and the other is under the influence of prophethood.The intrinsic [spending] is the same as I have just explained.Who is there among you that if a prisoner, or a hungry man who has not eaten for days, or some- one unclothed, approaches you and asks [for your help], but you refuse to give him something or the other? It is because such action is inherent in nature.And I have also explained that اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر [ mimm a razaqn a- hum— what We have provided for them] is not specific to money, whether it is physical or intellectual; everything is included in it.He who gives from knowledge is also included.He who gives from wealth is also included.He, who is a doctor, is also included.

Page 273

26 December 1905 233 The Status of Lill a h i Waqf Nevertheless, according to the intent of ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ —[ hudal-lil- muttaq i n —a guidance for the righteous] an individual has not yet reached the place where the Holy Quran wants to take him, and that is the place where a person dedicates his entire life to God Almighty.And this is called lill a h i waqf [dedicating one’s life in the way of Allah].When a person reaches this state and stage, there is no اَّمِم اَّمِم [from what We] left in him, because as long as he is within the limit of اَّمِم اَّمِم [from what We], he is imperfect and has not reached the goal of the Holy Quran.He becomes perfect only when this limit no longer remains.His being, his every act, every movement, every pause, become devoted to the welfare of humanity solely under the com- mand and will of Allah the Exalted.In other words, one can say that the perfection of اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي اَّمِم ْمُهٰنْقَزَر َنْوُقِفْنُي [ mimm a razaqn a hum yunfiq u na— spend out of what We have provided for them] is indeed to come in accord with the intent of ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠.1 The Fourth Attribute of the Muttaq i After that, another attribute of the muttaq i [a righteous one] is mentioned; that is, they believe in accord with َو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا َكْيَلِاَكْيَلِاَو َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُنِمْؤُي ۤاَمِب َلِزْنُا [those who believe in what has been revealed to you], and similarly, they also believe in what Allah the Exalted revealed before the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.But now the question is, if this is all the faith they have, what is the guidance? The guidance is that such a per- son himself becomes so worthy that the door of revelation and inspiration is opened for him by Allah the Exalted.And that 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.3, p.4, 5, dated 24 January 1906

Page 274

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 234 Divine revelation also descends upon him by which his faith advances to reach the stage of perfect certainty and cognizance.He attains that advancement which was the true aim of the guidance.He then receives the favours and beneficence that one obtains from Divine discourse.The Door of Revelation and Inspiration is Open in Islam Remember that Allah the Exalted has not closed the door of wa hi [revelation] and ilh a m [inspiration].Those who con- sider this Ummah to be destitute of the favours of ilh a m and wa hi are seriously mistaken and have not understood the Holy Quran’s real purpose at all.According to them, this Ummah is like beastly savages, and the influence and blessings of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, have— God forbid—come to an end.And the God who has always been a God who speaks has now become silent in this age.They do not know that if there is no dialogue and discourse, then the meaning of ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ ىًدُه َنْيِقَّتُمْلِّل۠ —[ hudal-lil-muttaq i n —a guidance for the righteous] is lost? Without dialogue and discourse, no argument in support of His existence can be set forth.And then why was it said in the Holy Quran: 1 َو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُدَهاَج اَنْيِف ْمُهَّنَيِدْهَنَل اَنَلُبُس.َو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُدَهاَج اَنْيِف ْمُهَّنَيِدْهَنَل اَنَلُبُس.And He said at another place: 2 َّنِا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُلاَق اَنُّبَر ُهّٰللا َّمُث اْوُماَقَتْسا ُلَّزَنَتَت ُمِهْيَلَع ُةَكِٕىٰٓلَمْلا اَّلَا اْوُفاَخَت َو اَل اْوُنَزْحَت.َّنِا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُلاَق اَنُّبَر ُهّٰللا َّمُث اْوُماَقَتْسا ُلَّزَنَتَت ُمِهْيَلَع ُةَكِٕىٰٓلَمْلا اَّلَا اْوُفاَخَت َو اَل اْوُنَزْحَت.1.And as for those who strive in Our path—We will surely guide them in Our ways ( S u rah al-‘Ankab u t, 29:70).[Publisher] 2.S u rah Ha M i m as-Sajdah, 41:31 [Publisher]

Page 275

26 December 1905 235 That is, the people who confirmed through their words and deeds that our Lord is Allah and then showed steadfastness, the angels descend upon them.Now, it cannot happen that angels descend, but no discourse takes place.No, on the contrary, they give them glad tidings.This is Islam’s distinctive beauty and excellence that other religions do not possess.Perseverance is a very difficult matter—even if they face earthquakes and trials, they meet all kinds of trouble and sorrow, but they firmly per- severe.Their sincerity and loyalty are more than before.Such people merit that the angels of God descend upon them and give them the glad tidings that they should not grieve.Remember this with certainty that God Almighty has made promises regarding the continuity of wa hi and ilh a m [Divine revelation and inspiration] at many places in the Holy Quran.And this is unique to Islam alone.Otherwise, a seal has been placed upon the Christians as well.They can no longer iden- tify anyone who has had the honour of dialogue and discourse with Allah the Exalted.The Vedas have had a seal placed on them from the beginning.Indeed, they believe God stopped this process forever after the Vedas’ revelation.It is as if God had spoken before but is now mute.I say that if He does not speak at this time and no one has benefited from this grace, then what is the proof that He used to speak or that now He hears and sees as well? I feel pity when I hear such words coming out of the mouths of Muslims that no one can now get the blessing of Divine dialogue and discourse.Why do they put a seal on this like Christians or Aryas? If Islam does not possess this excel- lence and beauty, then what excellence and distinction will it have over other religions? It cannot be due only to Tau hi d [Oneness of God] because a Brahman also believes in one God.He also gives s adaqah [charity] and remembers God in his own way, and he has these same moral qualities in him—then what

Page 276

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 236 is the difference between a Muslim and this Brahman? These matters may even result from copying, so what is the answer to this? Nothing other than showing the shining face of Islam by the distinguishing Signs that come through dialogue with God Almighty.Understand well that no one can steal or copy the genuine grace that comes from heaven.If Islam did not have Divine dia- logue, discourse, and beneficence, it would be nothing.This is indeed Islam’s excellence that it makes a true Muslim the heir to these favours and beneficences.Islam is, in reality, a religion that guides toward God.It is in this very world that Islam shows Allah the Exalted, and this is the very purpose of Islam; for it is only through this exclusive means that death overtakes a per- son’s sinful life and makes him pure and clean.The door of true salvation opens for him because until one attains perfect cer- tainty of faith in God Almighty, one can never be free from sin.It is evident that when a person is certain that there is a snake in such and such a place, he will never enter that place.Similarly, it is the belief that consuming poison will certainly cause death that protects one against eating poison.Thus, if one has full faith in God Almighty that He is All-Hearing and All- Seeing and rewards our actions and He hates sin vehemently, then by keeping this belief, how can a man dare [to commit sin]? The truth is that the spirit of Islam and its genuine reality is indeed that it is Allah the Exalted who bestows the honour of dialogue and discourse upon man.God Almighty has prom- ised that favours and beneficence come from heaven.Therefore, when a person reaches this stage and position, it is said con- cerning him:

Page 277

26 December 1905 237 1 َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ىٰلَع ىًدُه ْنِّم ْمِهِّبَّر١ۗ َو َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ُمُه َنْوُحِلْفُمْلا.َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ىٰلَع ىًدُه ْنِّم ْمِهِّبَّر١ۗ َو َكِٕىٰٓلوُا ُمُه َنْوُحِلْفُمْلا.That is, these are the people who, having made excellent pro- gress, have attained guidance from their Lord, and it is these who have achieved salvation.Become an Exemplary Model of True Muslims Therefore, since this is the state [of things] and this is the pur- pose and aim of Islam coming into the world, and since one cannot realize the truth of salvation without it, how much should our Jam a ‘at ponder that unless and until they attain these things they should not become unconcerned and at ease? I know that our Jam a ‘at is like a tree—the real fruit that is sweet and delightful has not yet come.A tree first blossoms and its leaves sprout, then it gets its first fruit which falls away, then another fruit comes, some of which is eaten by animals and some of which falls due to strong winds.Finally, the fruits that survive and ripen to the end become worthy of being eaten, but they are few.In the same way, I see that this Jam a ‘at is still in a very early stage, and the leaves have not even sprouted, let alone that we consume the fruits today.Only the herbage has appeared thus far, which even a dog can trample.In such a situation, how great is the need for safeguarding? So protect this tree with perse- verance and your example because each of you is a branch of this tree, and that tree is the tree of Islam.That is why I wish to protect this tree.To protect Islam and manifest its truth, the foremost aspect is that you become exemplary true Muslims; the second aspect 1.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:6 [Publisher]

Page 278

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 238 is that you spread its beauties and excellences worldwide.There is a need for financial support and assistance in this aspect, and this has always been the case.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also had such needs.The con- dition of the Companions ra was such that at such times some of them would give all their wealth to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and some would give half of it.In this very fashion, so far as it was possible for any- one, they would act no differently.I am compelled to express with regret that those who hold nothing in their hands outside of hollow statements, and have failed to find deliverance from carnal desires and selfish- ness, and who have not seen the face of the true God; they give hundreds of thousands of rupees, and some devote their lives for the propagation of their religions.I have seen among Christians that some women have bequeathed millions.Then what an immense embarrassment for Muslims that they do not even want to do anything, nor do anything, for Islam! But God Almighty has desired to remove the veil that has been covering Islam’s bright face, and He has sent me for this very purpose.Upon Death One Must Go before God Keep it thoroughly in mind that there is a God and one must go before Him upon death.Who can say who among us will be here these days of the coming year and who will have gone ahead? While this is the situation, and this matter is inevitable, how unfortunate will it be if one does not strive for the real pur- pose during one’s life while possessing the power and strength for it? Islam will undoubtedly spread and prevail because God Almighty desires it to be so, but blessed will be the ones who

Page 279

26 December 1905 239 participate in its dissemination.It is the grace and favour of God Almighty that He has given you this opportunity.This life that people are so proud of is nothing, and the life of eternal happiness is indeed the one God will bestow after death.Yes, it is true that it begins in this very world and in this very life, and its preparation also takes place here.Exhortation to Join Wa s iyyat by giving Precedence to Faith over Worldly Matters It has been a long time since God revealed to me that there would be a heavenly graveyard.Those people will enter it who are ‘heavenly’, so to speak, in the knowledge and will of Almighty Allah.Then I received a revelation concerning this: رَحْـمَۃٍ.ُّ ُل ك اُنْزِل َ فِیْـھَا رَحْـمَۃٍ.ُّ ُل ك اُنْزِل َ فِیْـھَا No blessing or mercy remains out of it.Now, the person who desires that he should be buried in the place where such mercy descends—what an excellent opportunity for him to prioritize the needs of the Faith over his worldly needs and put Allah’s will before his own will! This century, of which twenty-three years are about to pass, will run its course, and by the end of it, none of the present generations will be left, and if someone remains in a useless state, to what benefit? Allah the Exalted says that you send your s adaqah [charity] ahead.This word s adaqah derives from s idq [veracity].Until a person shows a perfect example of one’s s idq and sincerity in the way of Allah the Exalted, mere boasts can achieve nothing.In the al-Wa s iyyat announcement, I have imposed the con- dition of bequeathing a part of one’s property for spreading

Page 280

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 240 Islam.I saw yesterday that some had bequeathed one-sixth.It is their s idq [veracity] that makes them do this, and until veracity becomes manifest, no one can be called a believer.Never forget that you cannot live without the grace and beneficence of God Almighty, let alone that death should already be upon you.The plague season is coming again.The fear of earthquakes is ever-present.Therefore, he who considers himself in peace is very foolish indeed.Only such a one can be secure who is truly obedient to Allah the Exalted and desirous of His pleasure.In such a situation, what is the use of attaching one’s heart to a baseless life? Purpose of Establishing the [Ahmadiyya] Movement and the System of Wa s iyyat On the other hand, Islam is suffering a predicament of severe and perilous weakness.It is not just facing the calamity and trouble of outsiders attacking.Although it is quite true that the adversaries are collectively shooting arrows from the same bow and are obsessed with striving and planning to destroy it to their utmost ability; yet—apart from this trouble—a most burdensome calamity is that internal errors have placed a very dark veil upon the bright face of Islam.And the biggest dis- aster is that there is no spirituality left in it.What I mean by this is that there is no spirituality among those who are called Muslims and who claim to be the followers of Islam.A second misfortune is that they have made a denial and say that now there can be no one who can have dialogue and discourse with God Almighty, thereby enabling one to develop a fresh living belief in God Almighty.In such a plight and pre- dicament, God has decided to remove that dark veil from the face of Islam, illumine the hearts with its light, and safeguard it

Page 281

26 December 1905 241 against the baseless accusations and attacks that its adversaries are making against it constantly.It is for this purpose that Allah the Exalted has established this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.He desires that the Muslims show their example.This is why I wish that such people who have a zeal for spreading Islam in their hearts and who pass away having demonstrated their veracity and sincerity and are buried in this graveyard should have a tombstone placed on their graves inscribed with a brief biography and some mention of the sin- cerity and loyalty that they showed in their life.In this way, those who come to this cemetery and read these inscriptions are moved by them, and even opposing nations would be pro- foundly impacted upon seeing the examples of such sincere and righteous people.If they only do as much as is being done by the opposing nations and those who lack truth and veracity, then what have they accomplished? If this is the standard, then they should be ashamed of themselves.Cursed is the one entering the covenant of Bai‘at who does not even have as much a sense of honour as a k a fir [disbeliever].Islam has become an orphan at this time, and it has no ben- efactor.God Almighty chose this Jam a ‘at and willed it to be its benefactor, proving in every way and demonstrating that it is truly empathetic and sympathetic to Islam.He desires that these will be the people who will serve as a model for those who come later.Its fruits and blessings will be for those who come and will encompass all time.I truly say that this Jam a ‘at will grow, but those who come later will not attain the ranks and degrees that those of this time will receive.This is what God Almighty desires that He should increase this Jam a ‘at and it should become the cause for the spread of Islam and Tau hi d [Oneness of God].

Page 282

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 242 The Need for Servants of the Faith and Life Devotees If there is any purpose for the Madrasah to serve the Movement, this is it.That is why I said we should ponder how this Madrasah could become a means of spreading Islam.Such scholars and life devotee youth should emerge from it who, abandoning the idea of taking up worldly employment and goals, would instead adopt the service of the Faith.Similarly, I have also thought of a permanent arrangement to spread Islam through this cemetery.Regarding the Madrasah, my soul has not yet been able to decide what course to take.On the one hand, there is a need for people who are well versed in Arabic and theology, while on the other hand, there is also a need for people firmly trained in today’s style of debates.They should also be familiar with modern sciences and capable of answering any question raised in any gathering.If they need to debate on behalf of Islam with Christians or people of any other religion, they should not be a source of disgrace.On the contrary, they should be able to express the beauties and excellences of Islam in powerful and eloquent words.I have often received letters saying that Aryas or Christians raised objections during discussions, and we could not answer them.Such people are the cause of disgrace and dishonour for Islam.In this era, people raise objections of every manner and type against Islam.I once assessed these kinds of objections and saw that the opponents had raised 3,000 objections against Islam.So, how important a matter this is that a party of such people should exist who can answer all these objections satisfactorily.The condition of today’s debates and discussions has become even worse; they abandon principles and start quar- relling over derivative issues.However, one should never give up what is essential so that whenever any discussion occurs, it should always happen within the confines of principles.But

Page 283

26 December 1905 243 those who talk nonsense do not like this approach.They try— to the extent possible for them—to get out of it and become entangled in discussions of derivative issues.Such people do not even abide by the requirement of looking at their own house first to see if the objection they raise against other reli- gions applies to any teaching in their own home.Instead, their purpose is only to object, not to adopt the truth.If an objection is raised against Niyog before an Arya, he will, instead of explaining the truth and merits of it, imme- diately object—without thinking or understanding—that there is mut‘ah among you.Whereas there is no such thing as mut‘ah [in Islam], the truth of mut‘ah is that it is divorce after a predetermined time.What correlation or connection is there between divorce and Niyog ? If it is not strange that a person objects to divorce while allowing his wife to bed with another just to beget children, then what is it? Advice to Life Devotees to Learn Foreign Languages In short, this is the condition of those who raise objections, and this process continues with great audacity and insolence.When I observe the condition of Islam, my heart grieves, and my heart desires that such people may become prepared in my life who can serve Islam.My feet are in the grave, and if more [people] are not ready, we will face difficulties.Therefore, I desire that you make a plan, and no matter what you agree upon, the result should be that in a few years, such youth with practical capabili- ties should emerge who also maintain the knowledge of foreign languages, with the full ability to make others appreciate the beauties of Islam through their addresses.In my view, by foreign languages is not meant something so trivial as learning only English.Nay, other languages should

Page 284

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 244 be studied as well, including Sanskrit, so that by reading the Vedas, their true essence might be exposed.Up till now, it is as if the Vedas are lying hidden.There is no authentic translation of them.If a committee translates and publishes it, then the truth will become known.The primary point is that I want Islam to reach those peo- ple and nations who are unacquainted with it, and for this, it is necessary that you have full knowledge of the languages of the people to whom you wish to take the message of Islam.The opponent cannot be completely humbled if their languages are not known, and their books are not read.The late Maulaw i Ubaidullah wrote a book named Tu h fatul- Hind.Indarman responded to this, uttered much abuse, and raised objections against Islam.Although some of his books were burned, Pandit Dayanand took the same objections and presented them.If Maulaw i Ubaidullah had read the Vedas, he would have answered them from the Vedas.So, it is necessary to learn foreign languages.1 Education and Training of Life Devotees I also suspect that the intellectual capacities are not so good.There are but a few boys who have faculties of a high calibre.Otherwise, most get a hectic fever or tuberculosis.So boys of such weak faculties cannot bear much hard work.Accordingly, when I observe things with this in mind, I become even more concerned because, on the one hand, I want to prepare such youths who dedicate their lives to the Faith and serve religion upon graduation, but on the other hand, there are such types of difficulties.Therefore, it is necessary to give much thought to 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.4, p.2, 3, dated 31 January 1906

Page 285

26 December 1905 245 this question.But yes, I also see that the children who come to our seminary do not do so in vain.They have sincerity and love; therefore, changing this current situation and arrangement is inappropriate.In my opinion, the routine practice should have been that on the children’s day off, Maulaw i Syed Muhammad A h san or Maulaw i H ak i m Noor-ud-Deen teach them through spoken lectures the Holy Quran, the sciences of Hadith, and the tech- niques of debate, and at the very least, set aside two hours for this work.I affirm without a doubt that the practice of teaching by word of mouth has always been in use, and medical educa- tion has similarly been carried out verbally.Education by word of mouth, in and of itself, acquaints the students with the man- ner to express and articulate the knowledge as well, particularly if the teacher is eloquent and fluent.Such benefits sometimes accrue from verbal training that even a thousand books could not provide.Therefore, arranging for this is essential.They must be taught on their days off.Then the Holy Quran should be recited to them regu- larly.Its verities and insights should be set forth, and a ha d i th should be presented in support of them.Rebuttals to the objec- tions Christians raise about Islam should be given to them.As against this, the true nature of the religion of Christians should be exposed to them so that they become completely acquainted with it.Similarly, they should be made aware of the objections of atheists and Aryas, along with their refutations.And all this should be done successively; that is, something one week and something else another week.If this is done assiduously, I am sure much preparation will be accomplished.Familiarity with the Arabic language alone is of no help.When the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was not born, what effect did this language have on the morals, habits, and faith of the Arabs? And now, what

Page 286

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 246 benefit did it give Syria and Egypt? Of course it is true that if there is a commanding knowledge of the Arabic language, it would act as a servant of the Holy Quran, enabling an individ- ual to thoroughly fathom the verities and insights of the Quran.Since the Quran and Hadith are in Arabic, it is imperative to be fully conversant with this language.If you do not know the Arabic language, what will you understand about the Holy Quran and Hadith? In such a situation, one cannot even deter- mine whether a verse is in the Holy Quran or not.A person used to argue with a Christian priest and said to him that َ َك اْل ْ لَو َ َك اْل ْ لَو لَمَا لَمَا occurs in the Holy Quran, but when the priest asked him to show it from the Holy Quran, he suffered great embarrassment.Reading a simple translation does not help so much.It is imperative to be acquainted with the sciences that serve the Holy Quran.The Holy Quran should be taught this way, and then the Hadith.And in the same way, they should be informed about the truth of this Movement, and such books should be prepared which will be helpful for them keeping this division of topics in mind.If this whole process can be set in motion in this way, I think a big step towards our goals will have been accomplished.Also, remember that those assigned to explain these things do so in accordance with the division of time, and then they should test those children.In short, you have heard all that I desire, and have under- stood my primary aim and intention.To accomplish this, you have also made suggestions and objections to these suggestions, and I have heard them.I also like the present form of the sem- inary.Good-natured children definitely take some influence from this.Therefore, it should not be the case that: َ اْل ٗ ہ ُّ ُل ك ُ َ یُدْرَك اْل م َا َ اْل ٗ ہ ُّ ُل ك ُ َ یُدْرَك اْل ٗم َا ہ ُّ ُل ك ُ ٗیُتْرَك ہ ُّ ُل ك ُ یُتْرَك [What cannot be obtained entirely cannot be altogether omitted either].For now, as an experiment, make such arrangements for one year and see that they are informed of religious needs through

Page 287

26 December 1905 247 weekly gatherings.But yes, there should be some reasonable arrangement for the Arabic language.If nothing is done about this, then it will be a matter of: امہں اش در اکہس That is, the condi- tion remains as it was before; nothing has changed.Meaning that verbally everything happened, but practically and actually, nothing took place.Keep a keen eye on the fact that if additional burden is placed upon these children, they will not be able to exert them- selves in two directions as they worry about trying to pass.They will strive only in one direction.And if there is separate education, then the time for it is the same; it cannot increase.Therefore, one solution can be what I have mentioned about verbal training.Another is that those children who do not care about passing and failing—albeit their purpose should be to prepare for the service of the Faith—they should get an educa- tion only for religion.A special arrangement should be made for such children, but it is also essential for them to be familiar with modern sciences.It should not be the case that if some- one objects based on modern science, they should keep silent and say that we do not know anything.Therefore, they must be familiar to some extent with the current sciences so that they are not embarrassed in front of anyone and the effect of their speech is not lost merely on account of them being uninformed.Yes, there should be one Jam a ‘at who can acquire both sciences, and they themselves should not be worried about time.Then the difficulty will be that the teachers become numerous and determined.Therefore, it is a matter of manag- ing every aspect.For this reason, when I reflect looking upon all these factors, I am overwhelmed and I cannot understand how our objectives can be accomplished.If the current situation is maintained and no arrangements are made, then what is the use of all these speeches? If you increase the number of subjects,

Page 288

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 248 the teachers complain that the time is short, along with it being essential to take care of the health of the boys.The gist is to keep this point in view that such people will be trained for the reason that I desire them to be prepared before me.God Almighty commanded Noah, peace be on him, that: 1 َو ِعَنْصا َكْلُفْلا اَنِنُيْعَاِب َو ِعَنْصا َكْلُفْلا اَنِنُيْعَاِب Prepare the ark before Us; in the same way, I want to prepare this Jam a ‘at before myself.Only thus will it be of benefit.The Effect of the Companionship of the Promised Messiah I say with certainty that if a person stays in my company for a week and has the opportunity to listen to my discourses, he will surpass the clerics of the East and the West.So, whatever happens, should happen in my presence, and you should see to it that it does.I agree with you that the seminary should not be broken up.For them, the free day should be declared for debates and theology.It is not my intent that every single indi- vidual become a maulawi, nor can it be so.But, yes, if even one of them emerges as such, I consider my goal achieved, and the others will at least be well versed in their religion and will not fall victim to the mischief of other nations.1.S u rah H u d, 11:38 [Publisher]

Page 289

26 December 1905 249 We have No Enmity with Anyone It should also be remembered that we have no enmity with peo- ple of opposing religions.Indeed, we are their true benefactors and sympathizers.But what are we to do? Our process is like a surgeon who has to cut open an abscess and put ointment on it.A ignorant patient screams when an abscess is cut open.However, if he understands, he will realize that the real purpose of tearing the abscess is for his benefit because unless it is cut open and its impurities are removed, it will fester and become more dangerous and deadly.In the same way, we are obliged to reveal their mistakes to them and present the straight path to them.What can they become unless they adopt the right path? Some Irrational Beliefs of the Aryas On the one hand, such people are present who deny God Almighty’s very existence.On the other hand, there are such people who have apparently acknowledged God’s existence but believe that He did not create anything.It is as if each and every particle is God itself.I am surprised that on top of this, they also say that Parmeshwar is omnipotent.What kind of omnipotent being is he who cannot create anything? Each and every particle is eternal, and all souls are eternal.Their properties and powers are eternal.Can it possibly be considered a feat to merely piece them all together? In my view, the difference between such a belief and the belief of athe- ists is minute.In fact, these people do not believe in Allah the Exalted and His powers.We believe in the God who is:

Page 290

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 250 1 ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق Then they also say that a being—an entity—cannot be created from nothing.This is such an absurd and false principle that it does not require any great argument.Who has not experienced the images in a dream? It is to the extent that one can even talk to the dead in his dreams and benefit from food and drink.Now, someone tell me where that realm comes from.Does it not come from nothing? Had there been wisdom and had there been the effect of spirituality in their forefathers, they would not have made such statements.They have taken these words from the blind Greek philosophers.They are totally ignorant of religion.Knowledge of religion bestows some other senses that philosophers and naturalists cannot fathom.In a vision, all matters come into existence, but sometimes spiritual phenomena take on a physi- cal form as well.As an example, my vision is recorded in Surmah Chashm-e- A ryah , in which the ink [in my vision] splattered onto a garment, and that garment is still present.These are the most astonishing of astonishing mysteries—what is the faith of those who do not have faith in them? Religion is that which teaches spirituality and makes one advance forward.I do not regret why such a dire situation has developed as is now visible.All this happened for the sake of manifesting the excellences of Islam.Allah created such a nation to bring about the abandonment of idolatry.These people are standing upon the threshold of Islam.With one push from the Unseen, they will become your brethren.2 1.Allah has the power to do all that He wills ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:107).[Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.5, p.2, dated 10 February 1906

Page 291

27 December 1905 251 27 December 1905 The coffin of Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m was reinterred in Bahisht i Maqbarah [the Heavenly Graveyard] on the morning of 27 December.This is the first denizen of Paradise to be laid to rest in this cemetery.Before the burial, the Promised Messiah as led the Companions in the funeral prayer.This was done based on the fact that the elder wife of the deceased saw the deceased in a dream the previous night, in which he said that my funeral prayer should be offered.Hence, to fulfil this dream, the funeral prayer was offered once more.The Promised Messiah as stated, ‘The funeral is also a prayer.It is good to fulfil a dream.’ 1 (After Z uhr Prayer) The Advent of the Promised Messiah and the Purpose of Establishing the Movement A speech of His Holiness H ujjatull a h, the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, which he delivered on 27 December 1905 after Z uhr and ‘A s r Prayers in Aqsa Mosque.On the morning of 26 December 1905, a meeting of friends was held in the new guest house hall to consider reforming the Madrasah.In it, many brothers gave speeches on various aspects.In the course of these speeches, one brother said in the context of his address that as far as he knew, the only difference between the Movement of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, and other Muslims is that they accept that 1.Badr, vol.1, no.41, p.2, dated 29 December 1905

Page 292

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 252 Jesus, son of Mary, ascended to the heavens alive, whereas we believe that he has died.Apart from this, there is no new issue between them and us in principle that is worthy of dispute.Since the purpose of the establishment of the [Ahmadiyya] Movement could not be ascertained from this—rather, it seemed to weaken and render it doubtful—it was essential that the Promised Messiah as correct it.Since there was not enough time at that moment, the Promised Messiah as thought it appropriate to deliver a speech on the true purpose of his advent on 27 December, after the Z uhr and ‘A s r Prayers.He was not feeling well.However, it was only through the grace and beneficence of Allah the Exalted that he delivered the following speech.The Promised Messiah as said: Unfortunately, I am not feeling well at this time, and I cannot say much, but I think it necessary to say a few words concern- ing an essential matter.Yesterday I heard that a gentleman had stated that the difference between our Muslims adversaries and us is essentially the death and life of the Messiah; otherwise, we are the same.And in practical terms, our opponents also tread the path of truth; that is, Prayer, Fasting, and other obligations of Muslims, and they carry out all of these works.There was only one mistake that had crept in about the death of Jesus, peace be on him, the correction for which God Almighty had created this Movement.So it should be remembered that this is not correct.It is indeed true that this error is prevalent among Muslims, but if someone thinks that my coming to this world is merely to rectify so trivial an error and there was no other corrup- tion among the Muslims which should have been reformed, and they are—in fact—on the right path, then this notion is wrong.In my view, the death or life of the Messiah is not some- thing for which Allah the Exalted would establish such a great Movement, sending a particular person into the world, while

Page 293

27 December 1905 253 Allah the Exalted should make him known in such a way that makes clear his immense grandeur; in other words, that dark- ness has spread in the world, and the earth has become cursed.The mistake concerning the life of Jesus, peace be on him, did not arise recently.On the contrary, this mistake came into being shortly after the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the chosen, saintly, righteous, and godly people continued to appear, yet the people continued to be ensnared in this mistake.If Allah had wanted only to correct this mistake, He would have done it even then, but this did not happen.And this mistake perpetuated up to the coming of the age in which we live.Even at this time, if only this trivial topic were the issue, Allah the Exalted would not have brought into being an entire [Ahmadiyya] Movement, because the death of the Messiah was not something that had not been previously acknowledged by anyone.Even before, many chosen ones upon whom Allah the Exalted had manifested the truth continued to believe this, but it is something else for which Allah the Exalted had established this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.It is true that removing the error concerning the Messiah still being alive was also a great pur- pose for [the establishment of ] this Movement, but Allah the Exalted did not raise me for merely one minor issue.On the contrary, many such things had come into being that if Allah the Exalted had not established a Movement and appointed someone to correct them, the world would have been destroyed, and every sign and trace of Islam would have been wiped out.For this reason, this very aim can be expressed in another way by asking what the purpose of my advent is.

Page 294

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 254 The Mischief about Jesus being Alive The death of Jesus and the life of Islam are two interrelated objectives that have a very strong connection with each other, and the issue of the death of Christ has become essential for the life of Islam in this age because the mischief that has arisen from Jesus being [believed to be] alive has grown extensively.In regard to Jesus being alive, to say, ‘Did Almighty Allah not have the power to take him up to the heavens alive?’ shows a lack of understanding of what the power of Allah the Exalted and 1...means.I believe, more than anyone else, that: 2 َّنِا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق َّنِا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق Allah the Exalted has, without doubt, the power to do everything, and I believe that, without doubt, He can do what- soever He pleases, but He is holy and free of all such things that are against His perfect attributes, and He is an enemy of those things that go against His religion.In the beginning, the belief that Jesus was alive only carried the context of an error, but today this error has become a veri- table monstrosity that wants to swallow Islam.In the early days, there was no fear of any harm being caused by this mistake, and it had the appearance of just a mistake, but ever since the emer- gence of Christianity and their declaring Christ being alive as a powerful proof of his Divinity, it became a dangerous con- cept.They repeatedly and forcefully presented this issue that if Christ is not God, how is he sitting on the Divine throne? And 1.Some word has been left out here due to error in transcription.[Compiler] 2.Surely, Allah has the power to do all that He wills ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:21).[Publisher]

Page 295

27 December 1905 255 if being a human being, someone can go to the heavens alive, then what is the reason that no one has ascended to the heavens from the time of Adam till today? By presenting these kinds of arguments, they desire to make Jesus, peace be on him, into God, and they did, thereby leading a part of the world astray.Many Muslims—said to number more than three million—fell victim to this mischief by acknowledging this erroneous belief to be correct.Now, had it been true that Jesus, peace be on him, had really gone to the heavens alive—as the Christians claim and the Muslims support them out of their own error and ignorance— then it would be a day of mourning for Islam; for, Islam has come into the world so that the world may come to have faith and certainty in the existence of Allah the Exalted, and spread His Tau hi d [Oneness].Islam is a religion in which no weakness can be found, nor is there any to be found.It declares Allah the Exalted alone to be One without any partner.Acknowledging any unique characteristic in anyone else is derogatory to the honour of Allah the Exalted, and Islam does not permit it.Nevertheless, the Christians have misled the world by pre- senting this ‘unique’ characteristic of Christ, and the Muslims agreed with them without thinking or understanding and did not care about the harm it caused to Islam.One should never be deceived by the comment that people say, ‘Does Allah not have the power to raise Christ alive to the heavens?’ Indeed, He has the power, but He does not consider it appropriate to do such things that, being the source of shirk, make someone into a partner with Allah, the Maker.And it is clearly evident that giving a person some unique characteristics is a manifest source of shirk.So, to acknowledge this unique- ness in Jesus, peace be on him, that, unlike all human beings, he is still alive and is distinct from human characteristics is such a

Page 296

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 256 uniqueness that gave the Christians the opportunity to present it as an argument for his Divinity.If some Christian objects to Muslims, tell me whether such a characteristic has been given to any other person at this time.They have no answer because they believe that all the Prophets, peace be upon them, have died, but the death of Christ is not proven according to these opposing Muslims since they trans- late ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی — tawaff i to mean being raised alive to the heavens.Therefore, the same meaning should be given in 1 ْ ْتَنِي ی فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّ ْ ْتَنِي ی فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّ that when you took me alive to the heavens.And no verse proves that he will also die.Then tell me what the impact of this would be? May Allah the Exalted guide these people and make them understand their mistake.I honestly say that those who call themselves Muslims and do not abandon this belief even when its weakness and wicked- ness are exposed are the enemies of Islam and its hidden foes.Remember! Allah the Exalted repeatedly mentions the death of Jesus in the Holy Quran and proves that he has died like all other Prophets and human beings.There was nothing in him that was not in the other Prophets and human beings.It is abso- lutely true that the meaning of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی — tawaff i is death.It cannot be proven by any lexicon that ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی sometimes carries the additional meaning of being raised to heaven with the physical body.The beauty of a language lies in the broad applicability of its vocabulary.No such word exists in the world which applies only to one person but not to another.Yes, indeed, this unique- ness applies to God Almighty because He is God the One with- out any partner.Present any dictionary in which this meaning of ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی is uniquely applicable to Jesus of being raised alive to heaven with the physical body, but when this word is used for the rest of the world, it means ‘death’.Show this peculiarity in 1.S u rah al-M a’ idah, 5:118 [Publisher]

Page 297

27 December 1905 257 any dictionary.And if you cannot show it and it does not exist, then fear God Almighty because this is a source of shirk.It is the result of this mistake that Muslims are subdued by the Christians.If the Christians ask, ‘Given that you acknowl- edge Christ to be alive and that he is in heaven, and you also accept his coming and even that he will come as the H akam [Arbiter]—now, tell me what doubt is left about his being God, while it is also not established that he will die?’ It is a mat- ter of great trouble that a Christian should ask a question to which there should be no answer.So this mistake’s ill effect has increased to this extent.The issue of the Messiah’s death was indeed not so signifi- cant that it required a magnificent Appointee of God, but I see that the condition of Muslims has become rather precarious.They have stopped reflecting upon the Holy Quran, and their practical condition has deteriorated.If their practical condition had been sound and they paid attention to the Holy Quran and its words, they would have never arrived at such meanings.It is for this reason that they concocted these meanings of their own accord.The word ْ تَوَفِّی ْ تَوَفِّی — tawaff i was not a strange and new word; its meaning given in all the dictionaries of Arabic—regardless of who it is written by—is ‘death’.Then why would they them- selves fabricate the meaning of being raised to heaven with the physical body? I would not have been concerned had they applied this very meaning of the word to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, since this very word has also been used for him in the Holy Quran, as it states: 1 َو اَّمِا َكَّنَيِرُن َضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُهُدِعَن ْوَا َكَّنَيَّفَوَتَن۠ َو اَّمِا َكَّنَيِرُن َضْعَب ْيِذَّلا ْمُهُدِعَن ْوَا َكَّنَيَّفَوَتَن۠ 1.And if We make you witness a part of what We promised them or cause you to die before that, to Us shall be their return ( S u rah Y u nus, 10:47).[Publisher]

Page 298

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 258 Now, tell me if the meaning of this word is indeed to be raised bodily to heaven, then do we not have the right to apply the same meaning for him [the Holy Prophet s as ]? What is the rea- son that when this word is used for a Prophet who is thousands of ranks inferior to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, he should be understood to have been taken straight up to the heavens bodily and alive based on their fabricated meaning, yet when this word is used for the Leader of all who came past and present, it means nothing but ‘death’? On the contrary, his being alive is proven to the degree that it is not for any other Prophet.Proof of the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him, being Alive And therefore, I emphatically claim that if any Prophet is alive, it is our Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Most great saintly people have written books on the topic of the Holy Prophet being alive, and we have such over- whelming proofs of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, being alive that no one can compete with them.One of them is that the living Prophet can only be the one whose blessings and favours continue forever, and we see that Allah the Exalted has never allowed the Muslims to perish from his time till now.He sent someone at the head of every century who continued the work of reformation in accordance with the need of the time up to the point that He sent me in this century so that I give proof of the Prophet’s life.This fact is also proven from the Holy Quran that Allah the Exalted has been protect- ing the religion of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and will continue to do so as He said:

Page 299

27 December 1905 259 1 اَّنِا ُنْحَن اَنْلَّزَن َرْكِّذلا َو اَّنِا ٗهَل َنْوُظِفٰحَل اَّنِا ُنْحَن اَنْلَّزَن َرْكِّذلا َو اَّنِا ٗهَل َنْوُظِفٰحَل That is, without a doubt, We have revealed this exhortation, and We will surely protect it.The words َنْوُظِفٰحَل َنْوُظِفٰحَل ٗهَل ٗهَل اَّنِا اَّنِا [ inn a -lah u la ha fi zu n ] clearly demonstrate that such men will keep appear- ing at the head of every century, who will retrieve lost treasures and remind people.It is a matter of principle that when the first century passes, the first generation also passes away, and the scholars, mem- orisers of the Quran, friends of Allah, and the saintly of that generation also die.And in this manner, it becomes necessary that someone should be raised for the nation’s revival because if a new arrangement is not made in the second century to keep Islam fresh, then this religion will perish.Therefore, He appoints a person at the head of every century who saves Islam from death, gives it a new life, and saves the people of the world from the mistakes, innovations, negligence, and mischief that develop in them.This uniqueness is possessed only by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and it is such a powerful proof of his life that no one can compete with it.In this way, the chain of his blessings and favours is endless and unbroken, and in every age, it is as if the Ummah receives his favours and learns from him and becomes the beloved of Allah the Exalted, as He said: 2 ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا Hence, it is evident that this Ummah is not deprived of the love 1.S u rah al- H ijr, 15:10 [Publisher] 2.If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:32).[Publisher]

Page 300

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 260 of God Almighty in any century.And this is verily a phenom- enon which is manifest proof of the life of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.As opposed to this, Jesus being alive is not proven.In his very life, there was such a revolt that no other Prophet had ever experienced the like of it.And this is the reason why Allah the Exalted had to demand from Jesus that: 1 َتْنَاَء َتْلُق ِساَّنلِل ْيِنْوُذِخَّتا َو َيِّمُا ِنْيَهٰلِا َتْنَاَء َتْلُق ِساَّنلِل ْيِنْوُذِخَّتا َو َيِّمُا ِنْيَهٰلِا Meaning that, ‘Did you yourself say, “Take me and my mother as Gods?’” The community that Jesus prepared was so weak and unreliable that even Christians themselves admit it.Comparing the Holy Prophet’s Companions with the Disciples of Jesus It is proven from the Gospels that those twelve disciples who were the exemplary fruit of his special holy ability and influ- ence, one of whom was named Judas Iscariot—sold his master and mentor for thirty pieces of silver—and a second who, being the foremost among the disciples and being called the blessed disciple who held the keys of heaven in his hand—namely, Peter—stood in front of him and cursed him three times.When their impact and benefit was so negligible in the presence of the Messiah himself, imagine what would be salvaged now after the lapse of 1900 years.On the other hand, the Jam a ‘at that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, prepared was such a truthful and loyal group that they sacri- ficed their lives for him and abandoned their homelands, their 1.S u rah al-M a’ idah, 5:117 [Publisher]

Page 301

27 December 1905 261 loved ones, and their relatives.In short, they gave up everything for his sake.What an incredible impact that was! The opponents have also acknowledged this influence, and yet the legacy of his influence did not stop, but continues to flow up to this present day.That same influence and blessings still exist in the teaching of the Holy Quran.Comparison of the Noble Quran and the Gospel Then another example of influence worth noting is that the Gospel is nowhere to be found.There are perplexities in this regard faced by the Christians themselves, like which is the orig- inal Gospel, what language was it in, and where is it? However, the Holy Quran has been continually protected.Not one word or one dot can be moved around.It has been protected so much that there are hundreds of thousands of Ha fi z -e-Quran [Protectors (i.e.Memorisers) of the Quran] in every country and every nation who always memorise and recite it with unan- imous agreement.Now tell me, are these not the blessings and living blessings of the Holy Prophet? And do these not prove that he is living? Therefore, whether based on the protection of the Holy Quran or the hadith of the coming of Mujaddids [Reformers] in every century for the revival of the Faith, or based on the blessings and influences of the Holy Prophet that continue to this day, the Holy Prophet being alive is well established.Now, the matter that needs to be reflected upon is what ben- efit has the belief in the life of Jesus brought to the world? Has the world been morally and practically reformed, or has it given rise to mischief ? The more you think about this issue, the more its defects become apparent.Verily I say that Islam

Page 302

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 262 has suffered great harm from this belief, up to the extent that nearly 40 million people have become Christians who have forsaken the True God by transforming a helpless mortal into the Divine.And the ‘benefit’ that Christianity has brought to the world is evident.The Christians themselves have acknowl- edged that many immoralities have spread in the world through Christianity because when man is taught that his sins have become the responsibility of someone else, he becomes all the more emboldened to perpetrate sin.And sin is a dangerous poi- son for man, which Christianity has spread.In this case, the harm of this belief is even more egregious.The Issue of the Messiah’s Death was Kept Hidden by Divine Will I do not say that the people of this age are to be blamed for the belief concerning Jesus still being alive.No, some earlier people made mistakes.But even in this mistake, they still earned merit [in the sight of Allah] because it is written about the mujtahid 1 that, ُ قَد ْ یُـخْطِی ْ و َ یُصِیْب ُ قَد ْ یُـخْطِی ْ و َ یُصِیْب sometimes the mujtahid makes a mistake, and sometimes he is right, but he is rewarded in both.The essential point is that Divine will desired this matter to remain hidden from them.So they remained in ignorance, and like the People of the Cave, this truth remained concealed from them.I also received the revelation: ٰتِنَا عَجَبًا ی ْم ِ كَانُوْا مِن ْ اٰ ی ِ اَم ْ حَسِبْت َ اَن َّ اَصْحٰب َ الْكَهْف ِ و َ الرَّق ٰتِنَا عَجَبًا ی ْم ِ كَانُوْا مِن ْ اٰ ی ِ اَم ْ حَسِبْت َ اَن َّ اَصْحٰب َ الْكَهْف ِ و َ الرَّق [Dost thou think that the People of the Cave and the Inscription were a wonder among Our Signs?] 1.Mujtahid is a term used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to a scholar who is qualified to interpret and derive legal rulings from Islamic sources, including the Holy Quran, Sunnah, and consensus of scholars.[Publisher]

Page 303

27 December 1905 263 In the same way, the issue concerning the life of the Messiah is also a strange mystery despite the Holy Quran openly prov- ing the death of the Messiah and the same being established by the Hadith.The verse which was recited upon the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, by way of proof, also evidences the same thing.Nevertheless, in spite of this being so manifest, God Almighty concealed it and kept it so for the Promised One who was to come.And thus, when he came, he revealed this secret.Allah’s wisdom is that He conceals a secret when He wills and reveals it when He wills.In the same way, He kept this secret hidden until its time, but now that the one who was to come has arrived and had the key to this secret in his hand, he manifested it clearly.So now, if someone does not believe and is stubborn, it is as if he is fighting against Allah the Exalted.The Issue of the Messiah’s Death is an Established Fact In short, the issue of the Messiah’s death has now become such an issue that no mystery is left to it.Instead, it has been made clear from every aspect.The Holy Quran proves the death of the Messiah; the Hadith support his death; the incident of the Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension] of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, confirms his death, and it is as if the Holy Prophet s as gives an eyewitness testimony that he saw Jesus with Ya h y a [ John the Baptist] on the Night of Ascension.And then the verse: 1 ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر 1.Say, ‘Holy is my Lord! I am not but a man sent as a Messenger’ ( S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:94).[Publisher]

Page 304

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 264 prevents the Messiah from going to the heavens alive, because when the disbelievers challenged the Holy Prophet s as for the miracle of ascending to heaven, Allah gave him this very reply: 1 ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر Meaning that, my Lord is Holy beyond breaking the vow that He decreed in one place that man shall be born upon this earth and herein shall he verily die: 2 اَهْيِف َنْوَيْحَت َو اَهْيِف َنْوُتْوُمَت اَهْيِف َنْوَيْحَت َو اَهْيِف َنْوُتْوُمَت I am just a mortal Messenger; that is, that humanity is pres- ent within me that cannot ascend to heaven.In fact, this was the very aim of the disbelievers with this question, since they had previously heard that man lives and dies in this world.So, finding the opportunity to ask this question, they raised it, and it was answered in such a way that their design failed utterly.Thus, it is a settled issue that the Messiah has died.But, yes, it is a miraculous Sign that they were kept in ignorance and the watchful were made heedless.The Life of Islam is in the Death of Jesus Keep this in mind that those who passed away before the arrival of this age are excused.There is no argument against them.They will be recompensed and rewarded by Allah the Exalted for whatever they understood from their interpretation at that time, but now that time has passed.At this time, Allah the 1.S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:94 [Publisher] 2.S u rah al-A‘r a f, 7:26 [Publisher]

Page 305

27 December 1905 265 Exalted has lifted this veil and revealed this hidden secret.You see the evil and fearful effects of this issue.Islam is in a state of decline, and the weapon with which Christianity is attacking Islam is this very issue of Christ still being alive.They are attacking Islam with it, and the progeny of Muslims are falling prey to the Christians.Verily, verily I say that they are alienating people by constantly reciting these very doctrines.And by presenting the unique peculiarities that Muslims ignorantly assign to him [ Jesus] in schools and col- leges, they are turning Muslims away from Islam.For this rea- son God so willed that the Muslims should now be warned.1 Hence, it is willed at this time that Muslims be warned that this facet is absolutely essential for the progress of Islam, that the issue of Christ’s death should be emphasised, and that they should not accept that the Messiah has ascended into the heav- ens alive.But I must sadly confess that my opponents do not understand this secret due to their own misfortune, and need- lessly raise a clamour.Alas! If only these fools would realise that if we all come together to emphasise the death of Christ, then this religion (Christianity) cannot survive.I affirm with full conviction that the life of Islam lies in this death.Ask the Christians themselves and see that when it is proven that Christ is not alive but dead, what would remain of their religion? They themselves acknowledge that this is indeed the issue that eradicates their faith, but here we have Muslims who— by acknowledging that Christ is still alive—are strengthen- ing them and causing harm to Islam.Verily, their example is of a man who cuts the base of the very branch he sits upon: د ے رب رس اشخ و نُب ےم رب�ی� �یک —[A person sitting at the end of a branch cutting off its root].1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.6, p.2, 3, dated 17 February 1906

Page 306

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 266 The Weapon that Breaks the Cross The weapon the Christians were using against Islam was the very weapon taken up by these Muslims, 1 and in their igno- rance and lack of understanding, they began using it, inflicting serious damage to Islam.But it is a matter of happiness that Allah the Exalted made them aware of this at the exact time of need, gave them a unique weapon for breaking the cross, and established this [Ahmadiyya] Movement for its support and use.Therefore, by the grace and help of Allah the Exalted, the extent to which this weapon of Christ’s death has weakened and slowed down the Christian religion is no longer a hidden matter.The Christian religion and its supporters understand that if any religion or sect can destroy their religion, it is this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.Hence, this is precisely the reason that they are willing to compete with every religious body, but they refuse to come in confrontation with this Movement.When Bishop Sahib was invited to compete and even encour- aged by several English newspapers, he still refused to enter the field of battle.The reason for this is that we have those weapons for eradicating Christianity that have not been given to others, and the first of these weapons is the weapon of the death of Christ.Death is not the real purpose.This is because it was the weapon of the Christians which could harm Islam.So, Allah the Exalted desired that this mistake be rectified.Accordingly, it was corrected with great force.1.It is in Badr: It is strange that the Christians use this weapon to cut the necks of Muslims and the Muslims also stand ready to assist them to have their own necks cut off.( Badr, vol.2, no.4, p.3, dated 26 January 1906)

Page 307

27 December 1905 267 Another Purpose for the Establishment of the [Ahmadiyya] Movement Apart from this, removal of these errors and innovations that have crept into Islam is also a primary objective.It is the result of a lack of foresight if it is said that there is no difference between this [Ahmadiyya] Movement and other Muslims.If no differ- ence has developed in the beliefs of the current Muslims and both are the same, did God establish this Movement in vain? To think like this is a serious insult to this Movement and audacity and insolence in the presence of Allah the Exalted.Allah the Exalted has revealed repeatedly that much dark- ness has enveloped the world, both in terms of the practical con- dition of people and also due to the state of their beliefs.The Unity of God, for which countless Prophets and Messengers came to the world and worked tirelessly, today has a black veil over it, and people have become involved in many types of pol- ytheism.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had said: Do not love the world.But now, the world’s love dominates every heart, and whomsoever you see is immersed in it.If someone is asked to remove even a straw for the sake of religion, he gets lost in thoughts and starts making thousands of excuses and evasions.All kinds of misdeeds and wickedness have been accepted as legitimate, and all sorts of prohibited vices are openly encour- aged.Religion is becoming completely helpless and orphaned.In such a case, if Islam had not been supported and helped, what other time would come upon Islam when it would be helped? Islam remains only in name.Even now, if it had not been afforded protection, what doubt would have remained of it becoming extinct? I truly say that this is only the result of a lack of reflection when it is asked, ‘What is the difference in other Muslims?’

Page 308

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 268 The Mischief of Loving the World If there was only one issue, then what was the need to take on so much effort? What was the need to establish an entire [Ahmadiyya] Movement? I know that Allah the Exalted has manifested again and again that such darkness has enveloped [the world] that nothing can be seen.The Tau hi d [Oneness of God] of which we were proud and which Islam cherished now exists only upon tongues; otherwise, there will be very few who acknowledge Tau hi d in practice and belief.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had said not to love the world, but now every heart is drowned in it, and religion is left like a beggar and an orphan.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had clearly stated: 1 ٍ خَطِیْئَۃ ِّ ُل ك ُ نْیَا رَأْس ُّ الد ُّ حُب ٍ خَطِیْئَۃ ِّ ُل ك ُ نْیَا رَأْس ُّ الد ُّ حُب [‘Love of the world is the root of all sin’].What a flawless and truthful statement this is! But today—look—everyone is afflicted by this error.Our opponents, the Aryas and the Christians, have under- stood the true nature of their religions very well, but they now seek to endure it howsoever they can.The Christians know very well that the principles and ramifications of their faith are not sound.It is not right to describe a mere mortal as God.In this era, the knowledge of philosophy, physics, and science has made significant strides, and people have understood well that Christ possessed no sovereign powers beyond being a weak and infirm human being.And it is impossible that, having studied these sciences, possessing personal experience, and seeing Christ’s 1.Kanz al-‘Umm ā l, H arf al-Hamzah, al-Kit ā b al-Th ā lith f ī al-Akhl ā q, f ī Kit ā b al-Akhl ā q min Qism al-Aqw ā l, al-B ā b al-Awwal: f ī al-Akhl ā q wa al-Af ‘ ā l al- Mahm ū dah, al-Fa s l al-Th ā n ī : fī Ta‘d ī d al-Akhl ā q al-Mahm ū dah ‘al a Tart ī b al- H ur ū f al-Mu‘jamah, Hadith 6111, vol.3, p.79, Dārul-Kutub al-‘Ilmīyah, Beirut, Lebanon [Publisher]

Page 309

27 December 1905 269 weaknesses and infirmities, someone would believe that He was God.Certainly not.Shirk [associating partners with God] began from a woman, and its foundation was laid by a woman—that is, from Eve— who abandoned the command of God Almighty and obeyed the command of Satan.And the supporters of this great shirk — that is, Christianity—are also women.In fact, Christianity is a religion that human nature shuns from afar and can never accept.If there were no intervening worldly interests, a very large group of Christians would today become Muslims.Some of the Christians had remained covert Muslims and had con- cealed their Islam, but at the time of their death, they made a will and disclosed [their belief in] Islam.There were highly prominent office-holders among these people.They hid [their belief in] Islam in their life owing to the love of the world, but in the end, they had to reveal it.I see that Islam has made its way into these hearts and is now progressing.The love of the world has made people draw a veil over themselves.In short, this love of the world is also the cause of inter- nal division among Muslims because if only the pleasure of Allah the Exalted had come first, it would have been easy to understand that the principles of such and such a sect are more straightforward, and they would have accepted them and become one.Now, when this disorder is being created because of the love of the world, how can such people be called Muslims when they are not following in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? Allah, the Exalted, had said: 1 ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا 1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:32 [Publisher]

Page 310

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 270 Meaning: Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you.’ Now, instead of this love of Allah and instead of following the Messenger of Allah, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, love of the world has been given precedence.Is this what following the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, means? Was the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, a worldly man? Did he charge interest? Or was he negligent in fulfilling the obliga- tions and commands of God? Was there (God forbid) hypoc- risy in him, or was he obsequious? Did he give preference to the world over religion? Reflect.Obedience means to follow in his [the Holy Prophet’s] footsteps and see what kinds of grace God Almighty then bestows.The Companions ra had embraced that conduct.Observe then how far Allah the Exalted advanced them from where He found them.They had abandoned the world and wholly separated themselves from the love of the world.They had inflicted death upon their material desires.Now compare your situation with theirs.Are you following in their footsteps? Alas, people do not understand what God Almighty desires from them at this time.ٍ خَطِیْئَۃ ِّ ُل ك ُ رَأْس ٍ خَطِیْئَۃ ِّ ُل ك ُ رَأْس —[The root of all evil] has given birth to many children.A person goes to court and does not have the slightest sense of shame or self-respect in providing false testimony in exchange for a paltry sum.Can lawyers swear that all the witnesses they present are truthful? The state of the world today has become rather precarious.From whichever way one looks at things, false testimony is fabricated.Filing a false case is a trivial matter.Fraudulent documents are manufac- tured.If they state something, they will do so evading the truth.

Page 311

27 December 1905 271 Now, someone should ask those who do not understand the need for this [Ahmadiyya] Movement whether this was the religion that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had brought.Allah the Exalted had said that lying is an abomination, so avoid it: 1 اوُبِنَتْجاَف َسْجِّرلا َنِم ِناَثْوَاْلا َو اْوُبِنَتْجا َلْوَق ِرْوُّزلا اوُبِنَتْجاَف َسْجِّرلا َنِم ِناَثْوَاْلا َو اْوُبِنَتْجا َلْوَق ِرْوُّزلا God had equated lying with idol worship; just as a foolish man abandons Allah the Exalted in order to bow his head before an idol, in the same way, abandoning truth and honesty, a person makes an idol out of falsehood to achieve his purpose.This is why Allah the Exalted joined lying with idolatry and likened it to the case of an idolater seeking salvation from an idol.A liar also carves out an idol for himself and imagines that he will attain salvation through this idol.What wickedness has taken root? If it is said, why are you becoming idolaters, give up this abomination, they reply, ‘How can we give it up? We cannot live without it.’ What could be a greater misfortune than believing that their life depends on falsehood? Nevertheless, I assure you that truth alone triumphs in the end.Virtue and victory belong to it.The Blessing of Truthfulness I remember once I dispatched an article to Amritsar.There was also a letter enclosed with it.It was about Rallia R a m’s Vak i l- e-Hind newspaper.A case was filed against me stating that 1.Shun therefore the abomination of idols, and shun false speech ( S u rah al- H ajj , 22:31).[Publisher]

Page 312

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 272 enclosing a letter thus was against the post office laws.The law- yers said that there was no way of escape outside of denying this letter—as if there is no salvation except through lies—but I did not like this at all.On the contrary, I said that if telling the truth leads to punishment, so be it; I will not tell a lie.Finally, that case was presented in court.The officer of the post offices appeared as the plaintiff.When I was asked about the matter, I said plainly that it was my letter, but I had placed it with the article considering it to be a part of the article.The magistrate understood this, and Allah the Exalted gave him insight.The officer of the post offices insisted a lot, but he [the magistrate] did not accept a single point and let me go.1 How can I say that one cannot live without lying? Such 1.In Badr, this incident is recorded in greater detail as follows: Approximately 27 or 28 years ago or perhaps even earlier, I dispatched an article in support of Islam against the Aryas for printing in a press owned by a Christian named Rallia R a m, who was also a lawyer who lived in Amritsar.He was also the proprietor of a newspaper.The article was sent in a postal packet open on both sides, and I also placed a letter in the packet.This letter contained statements in support of Islam and the falsity of other faiths, as well as an emphatic request for the article to be printed.For this reason, the Christian [editor] became inflamed on account of his religious opposition.It so happened that on this occasion, he found an opportunity to make a hostile attack against me, as the postal law stipulated that it was an offence punisha- ble by a fine of up to 500 rupees or up to six months imprisonment, to place such a letter in a postal packet.However, I was utterly unaware of this.He acted as an informant to the postal authorities and had a case filed against me.Before I received intima- tion of this case, Allah the Exalted revealed to me in a dream that the lawyer Rallia R a m had sent a snake my way to bite me, but I fried the snake like a fish and sent it back to him.I am certain that this was an indication that the decision given in court on this case might become a precedent for lawyers.In short, I was summoned to Gurdaspur, the district’s headquarters, to defend against this charge.All the lawyers that were consulted regarding this case advised that the only way of escape was to lie and suggested for me to

Page 313

27 December 1905 273 things are pure nonsense.The truth is that one cannot live with- out the truth.Even till now, when I remember this incident of mine, I derive such pleasure that I took the side of God, and He showed such regard for me that it became a Sign.1 ْنَم ْلَّكَوَتَّي ىَلَع ِهّٰللا َوُهَف ٗهُبْسَح ْنَم ْلَّكَوَتَّي ىَلَع ِهّٰللا َوُهَف ٗهُبْسَح plead that I had not put the letter in the packet, and that Rallia R a m himself must have placed it therein.The lawyers assured me that in such a case, a ver- dict would be issued on the basis of testimony.Moreover, they said that acquittal could be secured with two or three false witnesses; otherwise, the case was a difficult one, with no hope of escape.I told them all categorically that I would not swerve an inch from the truth, come what may.On the very same day or maybe a day after, I appeared in the court of an English magistrate, and a superintendent of the post offices appeared as the plaintiff on behalf of the Government.The magistrate pro- ceeded to record my statement.The very first question he asked me was, ‘Did you put this letter in the packet and were the letter and packet dispatched by you?’ I answered without any hesitation whatsoever, ‘This is my letter, and this is my packet.I myself placed the letter in the packet when I sent it, but I did not do this with any ill-intent to cause a loss of revenue to the Government.I did not consider the letter distinct and separate from the arti- cle enclosed in the packet, nor did the letter contain any personal matter.’ On hearing this, God Almighty inclined the heart of the magistrate towards me.The superintendent of post offices created an uproar against me and made long speeches in English, which I could not follow, except that each time he made a point, the magistrate would reject it, saying, ‘No, no.’ When the super- intendent concluded his submission and finished venting his anger, the mag- istrate turned to write his verdict.After writing a line or two, he said, ‘Alright, you may leave.’ Hearing this, I came out of the courtroom thanking my true Benefactor, who had granted me victory in opposition to an English officer.I know full well that on this occasion, God Almighty delivered me from this misfortune due to the blessings of truthfulness.Before this case, I had seen in a dream that a man stretched forth his hand to take off my cap, whereupon I said, ‘What are you doing?’ At this, he left the cap on my head and said, ‘It is fine, it is fine.’ ( Badr, vol.2, no.5, p.3, dated 2 February 1906) 1.And he who puts his trust in Allah—He is sufficient for him ( S u rah a t-T al a q, 65:4).[Publisher]

Page 314

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 274 Remember that there is certainly nothing so abominable as falsehood.In general, worldly people say that those who speak the truth get imprisoned, but how can I believe this? Seven cases have been filed against me, and by the grace of God, I did not need to write a single word of falsehood in any one of them.Someone tell me if God defeated me in any one of them.Allah the Exalted is indeed the supporter and helper of the truth.How can it occur that He should punish the righteous? If this were to be the case, no one in the world would dare to speak the truth, and belief in God Almighty would vanish from the world.And the righteous would die a living death.The fact of the matter is that the punishment received for speaking the truth is not because of the truth but for some of their hidden and secret misdeeds and punishment for some other lie.God Almighty has a whole list of their evils and mis- chiefs.They have many wrongs, and they get punished for one or another of these.One of my teachers, Gul ‘Ali Shah, was a resident of Batala.He also taught Sher Singh’s son Pratap Singh.He stated that once, Sher Singh beat his cook badly just for excess salt and pepper.As he [Gul ‘Ali Shah] was very simple-minded, he said [to Sher Singh] that you have committed a grave injustice.Sher Singh replied, ‘Maulaw i Sahib, you do not know.He has eaten a hundred of my goats.’ Similarly, a man has a store of misdeeds and is caught and punished at one time or another.1 It can never happen that the person who adopts the truth would be humili- ated because he is under God Almighty’s protection.And there is no fort or refuge as safe as the protection of God Almighty.But a half-baked thing cannot be of benefit.Can anyone say 1.It is in Badr: Similarly, a person commits a sin on some other occasion and gets caught on another occasion.( Badr, vol.2, no.6, p.3, dated 9 February 1906)

Page 315

27 December 1905 275 that drinking a single drop will suffice when a person is thirsty, or will a person be satisfied with one grain or one morsel when suffering from extreme hunger? Certainly not.Rather, he will not be satisfied until he drinks water or eats food till he is sati- ated.In the same way, the expected fruits and results are not produced unless there is perfection in the actions.Imperfect deeds cannot please Allah the Exalted, nor can they draw His blessings.The promise of Allah the Exalted is indeed that you should do the deeds according to My will, and then I will bless you.In short, the people of the world make up these things them- selves, that one cannot live without lies and deceit.Someone says that such and such a person spoke the truth in the case, and that is why he was imprisoned for four years.Again, I will say that these are all vain speculations arising from a lack of insight.اہجں وشی ر خ بسک امکل نک ہک زع�ی� [Attain some excellence so people may admire you.] These are the results of defects.Perfection does not produce such fruits.If a person sews up a tear in his thick homespun cotton cloak, it will not make him a tailor.And it will not nec- essarily follow that he will also be able to sew high-quality silk clothes.On the contrary, if he is given such clothes, the result will be that he will ruin them.Therefore, a virtuous deed mixed with base things is of no use, it has no value in the sight of God Almighty, but these people take pride in it and seek salvation through it.

Page 316

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 276 Sincerity is a Prerequisite for Virtues If there is sincerity, Allah does not discard even an iota of any good deed.He Himself has said that: 1 ْنَمَف ْلَمْعَّي َلاَقْثِم ٍةَّرَذ اًرْيَخ ٗهَرَّي ْنَمَف ْلَمْعَّي َلاَقْثِم ٍةَّرَذ اًرْيَخ ٗهَرَّي Therefore, if there is even an iota of goodness, it will be rewarded by Allah the Exalted.So what is the reason that doing so much goodness does not yield any fruit? The reason for this is indeed that there is no sincerity in it.Sincerity is a prerequisite for vir- tues, as God has said: 2 َنْيِصِلْخُم ُهَل َنْيِّدلا َنْيِصِلْخُم ُهَل َنْيِّدلا This sincerity is found in those who are Abd a l [Saints].3 These people become Abd a l and no longer belong to this world.There is sincerity and worthiness in all their actions, but the case of worldly people is such that even if they do charity, they want praise and appreciation for it.If someone donates to a good cause, the purpose is to be praised in the newspapers— that people praise him.What does this virtue have to do with God Almighty? Many people distribute bread throughout the entire village at the time of weddings, but not for God—simply for display and ostentation.If there was no ostentation involved and this act was done simply out of compassion for Allah’s cre- ation and sincerely for the sake of God, they would become 1.Then whoso does an atom’s weight of good will see it ( S u rah az-Zilz a l, 99:8).[Publisher] 2.Serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience ( S u rah al-Bayyinah, 98:6).[Publisher] 3.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.17, p.4, 5, dated 17 May 1906

Page 317

27 December 1905 277 godly people.However, since these actions have nothing to do with God Almighty, no good and blessed effect is produced in those who carry out such acts.Remember it well that whoever becomes God Almighty’s, God Almighty becomes his, and God cannot be deceived by anyone.This is foolishness and ignorance if someone wants to win over God through ostentation and deception.He is simply deceiving himself.The adornment of the world and the love of the world is the root of all wrongdoings.Being blinded by it, a man leaves humanity and does not understand what he is doing and what he should have done.Given that no one can deceive an intelligent man, how can Allah the Exalted be fooled by anyone? Nonetheless, the root of such evil deeds is the love of the world, and the greatest sin destroying the Muslims at this time—in which they are sorely afflicted—is undoubtedly this love of the world.Sleeping, waking, getting up, sitting down, walking—every moment people are preoccupied with this very grief and anxiety, yet there is no care nor concern for the time when they will be lowered into the grave.Had such people feared Allah the Exalted and had even the slightest concern and worry for religion, they could have benefited greatly.Sa‘d i says: دے ںی ر از دخا رتدیس ںی رگ وز� [If only the Vizier had been fearful of God!] Give the Grandeur of God a Place in your Heart How diligent and active people are in the discharge of their work even if it is an ordinary sort of employment, but when the time for Prayer comes, it is abandoned merely upon seeing water that is slightly too cold [for performing the ablution].Why do such things occur? Because the heart is devoid of any

Page 318

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 278 perception of the greatness of Allah.If there is even a little real- ization of God Almighty’s grandeur and the thought and belief of dying exist, then all laziness and heedlessness would depart.Therefore, the greatness of God Almighty should be given a place in the heart, and one should always be fearful of Him.His grip is fearsome.He turns a blind eye and overlooks, but when He seizes someone, then His grasp is very severe indeed, so much so that: 1 اَل ُفاَخَي اَهٰبْقُع اَل ُفاَخَي اَهٰبْقُع And then He does not care what will happen to those left behind by the ones He seizes.As opposed to this, those who fear Allah the Exalted and have His greatness firmly planted in their hearts, Allah the Exalted bestows honour upon them, and Himself becomes a shield for them.It is mentioned in the hadith that: َ َان ك َ ہلِلِ َان ك ْ مَن َ َان ك َ ہلِلِ َان ك ْ مَن 2 ٗ لَہ ُّٰ هّٰلل ا ٗ لَہ ُّٰ هّٰلل ا meaning that whoever comes to belong to God Almighty, God Almighty becomes his.It is a pity, however, that even those who pay attention to this and want to come towards God Almighty, most from among them demand immediate miraculous results.They do not know how much patience and resolve is needed in matters of religion, but the wonder is that the world for which they strive unto death day and night, they wait years for its works [to come to fruition].How long does the farmer wait after sowing seeds? However, when it comes to religious matters, they say, make me a saint instantly, and they want to reach the Divine throne on the very first day, even though they made no effort, bore no hardship in this path, nor underwent any trial.1.S u rah ash-Shams, 91:16 [Publisher] 2.Tafs i r R uh al-Bay a n Tafs i r S u rah al-Baqarah, verse 31 [Publisher]

Page 319

27 December 1905 279 The Need for Patience and Perseverance in the Activities of the Faith Remember well that this is not the law and canon of Allah the Exalted.Every development here is gradual, and the pleasure of God Almighty cannot be attained just by us saying that we are Muslims or believers.Therefore, He has said: 1 َبِسَحَا ُساَّنلا ْنَا اْۤوُكَرْتُّي ْنَا اْۤوُلْوُقَّي اَّنَمٰا َو ْمُه اَل َنْوُنَتْفُي َبِسَحَا ُساَّنلا ْنَا اْۤوُكَرْتُّي ْنَا اْۤوُلْوُقَّي اَّنَمٰا َو ْمُه اَل َنْوُنَتْفُي That is, do these people think that Allah the Exalted should become pleased with them and they shall be left alone merely by their saying, ‘We believe’ and that they shall not be tested? It is against the practice of Allah that someone should be made a saint instantly by the blow of a breath.If this had been His practice, then the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would have done the same and made his devoted Companions saints by simply blowing his breath on them.He would not have had them sacrifice their lives by putting them to the test, and God Almighty would not have said about them: 2 ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن َو ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ُرِظَتْنَّي١ۖٞ َو اَم اْوُلَّدَب اًلْيِدْبَت ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن َو ْمُهْنِم ْنَّم ُرِظَتْنَّي١ۖٞ َو اَم اْوُلَّدَب اًلْيِدْبَت Thus, when the world cannot be attained without hardships and hard work, strangely ignorant is the one who deems religion akin to ripened fruit just waiting to be plucked.It is indeed true 1.S u rah al-‘Ankab u t, 29:3 [Publisher] 2.There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least ( S u rah al-A h z a b, 33:24).[Publisher]

Page 320

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 280 that faith is easy, but every blessing requires hard work.And in fact, Islam does not even demand undue effort.Look at the Hindus and what their yogis and sanyasis have to do—some destroy their backs, and others grow their nails.Similarly, there was monasticism among Christians.Islam did not prescribe these things; it gave this teaching instead: 1 ْدَق َحَلْفَا ْنَم اَهىّٰكَز ْدَق َحَلْفَا ْنَم اَهىّٰكَز That is, the person who purifies himself attains salvation— meaning the one who separates from every kind of innova- tion, sin and iniquity, and carnal passions for the sake of God Almighty and prefers suffering in the way of God by aban- doning all sorts of sensual pleasures.A person who prioritizes God Almighty and leaves the world and its troubles has truly attained salvation.2 And then He said: 3 ْدَق َباَخ ْنَم اَهىّٰسَد ْدَق َباَخ ْنَم اَهىّٰسَد Ruined is the person who has polluted the soul; that is, who bowed down to the earth.It is as if this single phrase summa- rises all the teachings of the Holy Quran, and it shows how man reaches God Almighty.It is an absolutely true and firm statement that until and unless man abandons the evil use of human faculties, he does not find God.Therefore, if you want to get out of the filth of the world and meet God Almighty, then give up these pleasures, otherwise: 1.S u rah ash-Shams, 91:10 [Publisher] 2.From Badr: He who gives preference to religion joins with God.One’s ego should be utterly humbled.God should be prioritised over everything.This is the sum and essence of religion.Every way of evil should be abandoned.It is then that God is attained.( Badr, vol.2, no.6, p.3, dated 9 February 1906) 3.S u rah ash-Shams, 91:11 [Publisher]

Page 321

27 December 1905 281 �ی�اےئ دوں خ مہ دخا وخایہ و مہ د� �ی�ال اتس و احمل اتس و ونجں خ یں � � ا You desire to win the world and God simultaneously; Such thinking is mere imagination, impossibility, and madness.Acting Ostentatiously There was, in fact, no evil in the nature of man, nor is anything evil; however, its misuse makes it evil.For example, take osten- tation—it is actually not bad because if a person does some- thing only for the sake of God Almighty and does it so that others are also motivated to do the good deed, then this osten- tation is a virtue as well.There are two types of ostentation.One for the world.For example, a person is leading the Prayer, and an influential man comes and joins the Prayer service behind him, so he starts to prolong the Prayer out of regard for this influential man.Some men feel so much awe on such an occasion that they begin to consider themselves very great.This is also a type of ostentation that is not apparent all the time but makes its appearance at its own time, like the desire to eat bread arises when hungry or the desire to drink water arises when thirsty.But contrary to this, the person who offers the Prayer with every care and attention to detail only for the sake of Allah the Exalted is not guilty of ostentation.Rather, it is a means of attaining God’s pleasure.Therefore, ostentation also has appro- priate occasions [for its display].And man is the kind of animal that disregards committing faults on inappropriate occasions.For example, an individual walking alone along a path con- siders himself very pure and righteous.On the way, he finds a bag of jewels lying there.He sees it and regards it as something not to interfere with.No one will notice if he swoops down upon it at that moment, but he realizes that it is someone else’s rightful

Page 322

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 282 property and the money which had fallen on the ground is ulti- mately someone else’s.Thinking about these things, if he refrains from grabbing it and being greedy, then, in fact, he acts with complete purity and righteousness.Otherwise, if these virtues are only a claim, the truth will be revealed, and he will take it.Similarly, a person whom the people believe not to be osten- tatious—when there is an occasion to be ostentatious, and he does not do it, it will prove that he does not do it.But as I just mentioned, sometimes these habits are exercised on such an occa- sion that they change and become virtues.Thus, the custom of offering Prayer in congregation, of course, has ostentation.So, if a person intends to show off, then it is undoubtedly ostentation, and if this is to obey Allah and His Messenger, then it is a won- derful blessing.So offer Prayers in mosques as well as at home.Likewise, if in some place, donations for the work of reli- gion are being sought and a person sees that people are silent and not rallying to the cause, so he donates first only with the idea of inspiring others.Apparently, this will be ostentation, but it will lead to reward from God.Similarly, God Almighty has said in the Holy Quran: 1 اَل ِشْمَت يِف ِضْرَاْلا اًحَرَم اَل ِشْمَت يِف ِضْرَاْلا اًحَرَم Do not walk in the earth haughtily.However, it is proven from a hadith that a man was strutting with his chest puffed up in a battle.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw this and said that God Almighty dislikes this action, but Almighty Allah approves of it at a time like this.2 1.S u rah Luqm a n, 31:19 [Publisher] 2.Al-Mu‘jam al-Kab i r li al- T abar a n i , B a b al-S i n, Sam a k ibn Kharshah Ab i Duj a nah al-An sa r i al-Badr i , Hadith 6508, vol.7, p.104, D a rul-A h y a’ al- Tur a th al-‘Arab i [Publisher]

Page 323

27 December 1905 283 Hence, ریت ںی رگ ظفح رمابت ہن ینک زدن� —[If you disregard people’s rank and station in life, then you are faithless].Explanation of Morals Therefore, morals on the right occasion make one a believer, but on the wrong occasion, make one a k a fir [disbeliever].I have already said that no moral is evil, but it becomes evil through improper use.It is narrated concerning the anger of Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that someone said to him that he used to be very angry before Islam.Hadrat ‘Umar ra replied that his anger is the same; before, it used to be exercised improperly, but now it is employed on the proper occasion.Islam teaches the use of every faculty at its proper place.So do not ever try to let your faculties deteriorate, but learn to use them properly.A Comparison of the Moral Teachings of the Holy Quran and the Gospel These are all false and fictitious doctrines that claim that our teaching is to turn the other cheek upon getting slapped.It is possible that at that time, this teaching was like a law specific to that place and that time, but this law could never be for all times, nor could it function because man is like a tree whose branches are spread all around.If only a single branch is attended to, the rest of the branches will be destroyed and ruined.The flaw in this teaching of the Christian religion is very obvious.How can this develop and foster all the faculties of man? If only forgiveness was a good thing, why is the ability for revenge placed among man’s faculties? Moreover, why is this

Page 324

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 284 teaching of forgiveness not acted upon? Notwithstanding— contrary to this—the perfect teaching is that which Islam pre- sented and which we received through the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, and that is: 1 اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّم١ۚ ْنَمَف اَفَع َو َحَلْصَا ٗهُرْجَاَف ىَلَع ِهّٰللا اُؤٰٓزَج ٍةَئِّيَس ٌةَئِّيَس اَهُلْثِّم١ۚ ْنَمَف اَفَع َو َحَلْصَا ٗهُرْجَاَف ىَلَع ِهّٰللا Meaning, the recompense of an injury is an injury like that which has been done, but the person who forgives a sin and forgives it on such an occasion that it leads to some reformation and does not cause any evil, then his reward is with Allah the Exalted.This clearly shows that the intention of the Holy Quran is not that evil should not be resisted at all places needlessly, and revenge should not be exacted.Rather, the Divine principle is that one should look at the place and occasion to see if the occasion calls for pardon and forgiveness or punishment.If it is expedient to punish at that time, the punishment should be as much as deserved, but if the occasion calls for forgiveness, the thought of punishment should be abandoned.This is the beauty of this teaching because it considers every aspect.If every wicked scoundrel is released by following the Gospel, darkness will come to prevail throughout the world.Hence, you should always take care not to think all faculties are dead.On the contrary, you should strive to employ them at their appropriate place.I say honestly that this teaching is such that it has drawn the map of human faculties.But pity be upon those who are seduced by listening to the sweet talk of Christians, allowing a blessing like Islam to slip from their hands.A truthful one does not appear sweet to others in every situation.Just as a mother cannot always give sweets to her child for 1.S u rah ash-Sh u r a , 42:41 [Publisher]

Page 325

27 December 1905 285 food—rather, in times of need, she administers bitter medi- cine—the very same is the case of a truthful Mu s le h [Reformer].This very teaching is a blessed teaching in every respect.God is of the calibre that He is an undeniable God.Christians also believe in our God.The attributes of God Almighty that we accept have to be accepted by everyone.Pastor Pfander writes in one place in his book that if there is an island where the preaching of Christianity has not reached, then what ques- tion would be asked of those people on the Day of Judgment? Then he himself gives the reply that they will not be questioned whether or not they believed in Yas u‘ [ Jesus Christ] and his atonement.On the contrary, they will be questioned whether they believe in the God Who is the One God with no partner possessing the attributes of Islam.The God of Islam is the God that every dweller in the wil- derness is naturally compelled to believe in.Every person’s conscience and inner light testify that he should believe in the Islamic God.Unfortunately, this essence of Islam and the orig- inal teaching which has been elaborated has been forgotten by the Muslims of today.And it is my job to re-establish this very ideal once again.And this is the great goal with which I have come.Jesus and Mary being Untainted by the Touch of Satan Apart from the issues mentioned above, there are other intel- lectual and theological errors that are spreading in the midst of the Muslims, the eradication of which is my responsibility.For example, these people believe that Jesus and his mother are untainted by the touch of Satan but all others—God forbid— are not untainted.This is a manifestly clear mistake; rather, it is kufr [disbelief ]

Page 326

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 286 and a grave insult to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.There isn’t so much as the least sense of dignity in those people who fabricate these kinds of issues and try to malign Islam.These people are far removed from Islam.Actually, this issue is as follows.The Holy Quran proves that there are two types of birth.One by the touch of the Holy Spirit and the other by the touch of Satan.All progeny of good and righteous people comes from the Holy Spirit, and the prog- eny that is the result of evil is from Satan.All the Prophets were born of the Holy Spirit, but the Jews objected that Jesus’ birth was—God forbid—illegitimate and due to an illicit relation- ship of Mary with a soldier named Pantera and was the product of the touch of Satan.Therefore, Allah the Exalted gave this testimony to remove this charge from him [ Jesus] and confirm that his birth was also from the touch of the Holy Spirit.Since no such allegation was made against our Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor the other Prophets, it was for this reason that there wasn’t any need to declare such an assertion about them.The parents of our Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ‘Abdullah and A minah, were always respected from the begin- ning, and no one ever had any such thought about them.A per- son who is arrested in a case requires someone’s testimony to be cleared, but a person who is not arrested in a case does not need any testimony to be cleared.The True Nature of Mi‘r a j In the very same way, there is another error that has spread among the Muslims, and that is in relation to the Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension].I believe that the Holy Prophet did experience the Mi‘r a j, but some people believe it was just an

Page 327

27 December 1905 287 ordinary dream.This belief is incorrect.And those who believe that the Holy Prophet went to the heavens with his physical body in the Mi‘r a j are also wrong.Instead, the true account and correct belief is that the Mi‘r a j took place in the manner of a vision with a state of being composed of light.It was a state of being, but one composed of light; and it happened during a state of wakefulness, but in the form of a vision and composed of light which cannot be fathomed by the denizens of this world except those who have experienced that state.Otherwise, the Jews had themselves demanded the miracle of ascending into the heavens with the physical body and the material sense of awareness, in response to which it was said in the Holy Quran: 1 ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر۰۰ ْلُق َناَحْبُس ْيِّبَر ْلَه ُتْنُك اَّلِا اًرَشَب اًلْوُسَّر۰۰ [Meaning:] Say, my Lord is Holy; I am simply a human Messenger.Humans never fly off into heaven like this.This practice of Allah has been in operation since time immemorial.The Holy Quran Takes Precedence over Hadith Another mistake among most Muslims is that they give prec- edence to the Hadith over the Holy Quran, though this is wrong.The Holy Quran has the status of certainty, while the status of Hadith is conjectural.Hadith is not the judge, rather the Quran is the judge over it.Yes, Hadith is a commentary of the Holy Quran; it should be accorded only such status as it merits.It is necessary to believe a hadith to the extent that it 1.S u rah Ban i Isr a’i l, 17:94 [Publisher]

Page 328

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 288 does not contradict the Holy Quran and is in accord with it.However, if it goes against the Holy Quran, it is not a hadith but a rejected saying.Nevertheless, the Hadith are essential for understanding the Holy Quran.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrated God’s commands revealed in the Holy Quran in practical terms, by carrying them out and by having them carried out, thus estab- lishing a model.Islam could not have been understood if the Holy Prophet had not provided this model.Nonetheless, the foundation is the Quran.Some people who experience [true] visions hear such a ha d i th that are not known to others directly from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or get confirmation of existing a ha d i th.In short, many such things that God Almighty is displeased with and that are entirely against the nature of Islam are found among these people.For this reason, Allah the Exalted does not now recognize these people as Muslims until they abandon erroneous beliefs and embrace the right path.For this reason, Allah the Exalted has appointed me, so that by removing all these mistakes, I should re-establish true Islam in the world.This is the difference between these people and us.Their condition is no longer what used to be the Islamic condition.They have become like a spoiled and useless garden.Their hearts are impure, and God Almighty desires to create a new nation that should be a model of true Islam by adopting truthfulness and righteousness.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.21, p.3, 4, dated 17 June 1906

Page 329

Days of Jalsa December 1905 289 Days of Jalsa December 1905 In Loving Memory of the Late Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m was mentioned while outside visiting Bahisht i Maqbarah [the Heavenly Graveyard].The Promised Messiah as said: He was absolutely absorbed in the love of this Movement.When he first came to me, he was a follower of [Sir] Syed Ahmad [Khan].At times I would talk with him about such issues that were amongst Syed Ahmad’s erroneous beliefs, and sometimes the discussion would reach a point where it would take on the manner of a debate.However, after a short period of time, one day he openly declared that I should be a witness that, as of today, he has abandoned all these things.After that, he became so absorbed in my love that if I said the stars came out during the day and the sun at night, he would never be one to disagree.He was in complete unity and har- mony with me.He considered it kufr [disbelief ] to hold an opinion contrary to mine regarding any topic.He held the utmost degree of love for me, and he had become one of the A sha b-u s-S uffah 1 who had, early on, been praised by God in His revelation.His life had been spent in simplicity, and he took no share 1.In one corner of the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, a covered platform was prepared which was known as S uffah.This served as the resting place of indi- gent Emigrants who dedicated themselves to the worship of Allah, the com- pany of the Holy Prophet s as , and recitation of the Holy Quran.They became known as A sha bu s-S uffah.[Publisher]

Page 330

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 290 of the luxuries of the world.He had abandoned his job because he felt it was a disgrace to the Faith.Recently, he was offered employment paying 200 rupees per month, but he refused it outright.He lived his life most humbly.He was fond of reading only Arabic books.He spent his life defending Islam against internal and exter- nal attacks.Yet, despite his grave illness and weakness, his pen was always moving.There was also a particular revelation about him: ر د ٹ ںی املسمونں اک ڈیل [Leader of the Muslims.] I know that his end was enviable because there was no impurity of the world associated with him.The one who has impurity of the world associated with him does not meet a good end.The end is good for those who make a resolve to utterly humble themselves to achieve the pleasure of God.Everyone’s Well-Being is our Doctrine The Promised Messiah as said: We have no malice or enmity toward anyone.Our doctrine is the well-being of everyone.Therefore, if I write something against the Aryas or the Christians, it is not the result of any enmity or malice in the heart.Instead, my condition at that time is like that of a surgeon who cuts open an abscess and applies ointment to it.A naive child perceives that this person is my enemy and abuses him, but the surgeon has neither anger nor sorrow in his heart, nor does he get angry at abuse.He con- tinues his benevolent work with a tranquil mind.

Page 331

29 December 1905 291 The Blessing of the Promised Messiah’s Companionship The Madrasah was discussed.The Promised Messiah as said: It is essential for the students to come here and study in this place.The person who comes and spends a week in my com- pany will become greater than any maulaw i of the East or the West.Many people of the Jam a ‘at should, therefore, be trained in front of me so that they become preachers and teachers for future generations and bring people to the right path.1 29 December 1905 A general meeting of the auspicious Ahmadiyya Movement was held on the morning of 29 December 1905, at 9 o’clock in the new guest house.All the guests, who had come from different cities and towns, were present.Respected Khw a ja Kam a l-ud-D i n delivered a long speech.The import and essence of this speech was that the purpose and goal of the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, is the uni- versal spread and propagation of Islam and to create a community of ours here that—being distinguished on account of its academic and practical abilities—serves toward that end.Therefore, for three days, the issue of the modern management of the Madrasah was considered.1.Badr, vol.2, no.2, p.3, dated 12 January 1906

Page 332

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 292 Ultimately, it was decided that the Madrasah should remain in its cur- rent form, and a separate class should be started for missionaries and preachers.Money is needed for this purpose.Khw a ja Sahib explained in great detail that worldly successes are also dependent upon religion, and no worldly success can be attained by separating from religion.Thus, the gist of Khw a ja Sahib’s speech was ‘the Movement’s needs and the peo- ple’s obligations to fulfil them’, and in it, he compared the era of the Noble Companions with this era and said that they sacrificed their lives.There is no need to sacrifice lives at this time because the Messiah sent by God has published a fatwa prohibiting jihad [of the sword].Now, if there is a need, it is to expend wealth, so there should be a per- manent fund.Khw a ja Sahib was still speaking when the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, arrived.Khw a ja Sahib drew the atten- tion of the gathering towards the needs of the Movement by mention- ing the ever-increasing expenses being incurred.When he sat down, the Companions asked the Promised Messiah as to address them, and upon this, he gave the following speech.Glad Tidings for Those who Spend their Wealth in the Way of God Almighty Look! Everything that Khw a ja Sahib has stated is true and cor- rect.However, it must be understood that it is strange that on one side, Allah the Exalted commands this Jam a ‘at that each and every one demonstrate that they have rectified their prac- tical condition and strength of faith, for until faith is proven through practical actions, a mere verbal profession of faith is unacceptable in the sight of Allah.It amounts to nothing.So far as verbal claims are concerned, a sincere person and a hypocrite appear alike.Every person who wants to prove his

Page 333

29 December 1905 293 sincerity and steadfastness should show it through practical actions.Until a person steps forward practically, he cannot be called a believer in heaven.The idea may arise in some people’s minds that taxes are being imposed on us every day.How long can we go on bear- ing them? I know that not everyone has such a heart because not everyone has the same disposition.Many are miserly and of shallow capacity and say such things, but they do not realize that Allah the Exalted is not dependent on them.Such mis- givings always arise out of worldliness, and such people are deprived of Divine favour.But those who decide to move for- ward solely for the sake of God Almighty and give preference to His will, and whatever service they perform on this basis, Allah the Exalted Himself bestows the ability to do so upon them.And He places blessings in the wealth they spend to spread the message of Islam.This is the promise of Allah the Exalted, and those who move forward with honesty and sincerity must have seen how they are conferred Divine favour from within.The person who thinks we are being burdened daily is exceedingly ignorant.Allah the Exalted says again and again: 1 َو ِهّٰلِل ُنِٕىٓاَزَخ ِتٰوٰمَّسلا َو ِضْرَاْلا َو ِهّٰلِل ُنِٕىٓاَزَخ ِتٰوٰمَّسلا َو ِضْرَاْلا Meaning that with God are the treasures of the heavens and the earth.The hypocrites cannot understand this, but the believer has faith in this and is certain about it.Verily I say that if all the people who are present at this time and are members of this Movement, thinking that they will be burdened every day, give up and say in a miserly manner that we cannot do anything, then God Almighty will raise another nation that will gladly bear the burden of all these expenses and 1.S u rah al-Mun a fiq u n, 63:8 [Publisher]

Page 334

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 294 still acknowledge the i h s a n [benevolence] of the Movement upon them.A Magnificent Sign Almighty Allah has willed that He make this Movement grow.So who is there to stop Him? Are you unaware that kings are capable of doing everything? Then, at what point can fatigue be suffered by He who is the King of the heavens and the earth? Twenty-five years ago—rather, even far earlier than that— God Almighty gave me the news at a time when not a single person used to come to me, and not a single letter would come during the entire year.The claims I made in this state of ano- nymity are published in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya , and this book is in the hands of friends and foes—even the Hindus and Christians possess it.It also reached Makkah, Madinah, and Constantinople.Open it and see that God said at that time: ٍ ْق ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ ْق ٍ و َ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ َاْتُوْن َ مِن ْ كُل ی ٍ ْق ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ ْق ٍ و َ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ َاْتُوْن َ مِن ْ كُل ی That is, people will come to you from distant places, and the paths by which they will come will become deepened.Then He said not to tire of these people who will come frequently and do not mistreat them in any way.It is a fundamental rule that when there is an abundance of people, a person becomes overwhelmed by meeting them, and sometimes becomes inattentive, which is a type of discourtesy, so He forbade it and said that I should not grow tired of them and that I should fulfil the obligations of hospitality.God gave this news to me at a time when no one was coming, and now you can see how many of you are here.How great a Sign this is! This proves that Allah is the Knower of the unseen.Who

Page 335

29 December 1905 295 can give such news other than God, the Knower of the unseen? Neither an astrologer nor anyone with discernment can say such things.An auspicious believer derives pleasure through reflecting upon these situations.He believes that there is a God Who reveals miraculous prophecies.In short, within this message He foretold the coming and going of guests in great abundance.And then, given the need of sufficient provisions for their food and drink and the hous- ing arrangements for their lodging, He, therefore, included this statement as well: ْقٍ.ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل ْقٍ.ی ِ عَم ٍّ فَج ِّ یَاْتِیْك َ مِن ْ كُل [Help will come to you by every distant track.] Now, reflect upon the work that Almighty Allah had Himself promised and willed to accomplish—who is there to stand in its way? He Himself becomes the guarantor and provider of all needs.This ability is beyond human capacity to foretell an event beforehand by the span of an interval that even a child can be born and come to have children.This is a magnificent miracle of God Almighty.This is verily the reason why it is written in the books of God Almighty that the Sign of a truth- ful one is prophecy, and this is a most magnificent Sign which should be reflected upon.It is learnt from the Holy Quran that faith is augmented through deliberation and reflection.Those who do not pon- der over the Signs of Allah the Exalted are standing on slippery ground.It is absolutely true that a person cannot progress in his faith until he sees the words, actions, and abilities of God Almighty.Hence, this Movement has been established for this very purpose that faith be strengthened in Allah the Almighty.This Sign that I have just presented is from God Almighty and is so

Page 336

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 296 powerful that no one can stop it.Is there anyone of another faith who has the courage and strength to present such a fresh sign in opposition to this? Members of the Jam a ‘at are thor- oughly capable of understanding how many Signs continue to appear.This is simply God’s work; no one else is involved.The Purpose of Signs Know with certainty that Allah the Exalted shows that the strength of faith will increase with these prophecies, and this strength cannot increase without such Signs because the mighty hand of God Almighty is prominently visible in them.Man is such a spirited being that until God Almighty bestows the bounties and blessings for fostering faith upon him, he cannot be purified and cleansed on his own.And in reality, being pure and clean and advancing on the path of righteousness is not easy.It is with the grace and support of God Almighty that one acquires this blessing.Taqw a and I h s a n And regarding the acquisition of true taqw a [righteousness] with which God Almighty is pleased, Allah the Exalted has repeatedly said: 1 اَهُّيَاٰۤي َنْيِذَّلا اوُنَمٰا اوُقَّتا َهّٰللا اَهُّيَاٰۤي َنْيِذَّلا اوُنَمٰا اوُقَّتا َهّٰللا And then He also said that: 1.O ye who believe! fear Allah ( S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:103).[Publisher]

Page 337

29 December 1905 297 1 َّنِا َهّٰللا َعَم َنْيِذَّلا اْوَقَّتا َّو َنْيِذَّلا ْمُه َنْوُنِسْحُّم َّنِا َهّٰللا َعَم َنْيِذَّلا اْوَقَّتا َّو َنْيِذَّلا ْمُه َنْوُنِسْحُّم Meaning that Allah the Exalted supports and helps those who adopt taqw a.Taqw a means abstaining from evil.And mu h- sin u n are those who not only avoid evil, but also do good.Then, He also said: 2 َنْيِذَّلِل اوُنَسْحَا ىٰنْسُحْلا َنْيِذَّلِل اوُنَسْحَا ىٰنْسُحْلا That is to say, they also carry out these virtuous deeds with meticulous care.This revelation descended upon me repeatedly: َ حْسِنُوْن ُّ ُم ْ م ھ َ ْن ی ذِ َّ ال َّ قَوْا و َّ ْن َ ات ی ذِ َّ ا هّٰللَّٰ مَع َ ال َّ اِن َ حْسِنُوْن ُّ ُم ْ م ھ َ ْن ی ذِ َّ ال َّ قَوْا و َّ ْن َ ات ی ذِ َّ ا هّٰللَّٰ مَع َ ال َّ اِن [Verily, Allah is with those who adopt righteousness and those who do good deeds.] And so many times that I cannot count.God knows it has hap- pened 2,000 times.The purpose of this is to let the Jam a ‘at know not to be fooled simply by this much that they have joined this Jam a ‘at or to be satisfied with just a dry empty faith.Allah’s sup- port and help will be attained only when there is true taqw a and then only if accompanied by virtues.It is not a matter of pride that someone should simply be content with so little as that; for example, he does not commit adultery or that he did not commit murder and did not steal.Is it a virtue that one becomes proud of avoiding evil deeds? In fact, he knows that if he steals, his hand will be cut off, or he will go to jail according to the current law.According to Allah the Exalted, Islam is not the name of something that teaches only the avoidance of evil deeds.On the contrary, he cannot survive 1.S u rah an-Na h l, 16:129 [Publisher] 2.S u rah Y u nus, 10:27 [Publisher]

Page 338

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 298 in this spiritual life until he abandons vice and adopts virtues.Virtues are like food.Just as a person cannot survive without food, similarly, he is nothing until he adopts the practice of vir- tuous deeds.It is mentioned in one place in the Holy Quran that there are two conditions.One condition is that: 1 َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك Meaning that, they drink a beverage that contains camphor.This means that the heart becomes cold to the love of the world.Camphor is a cold substance and suppresses toxins.It is beneficial for cholera and epidemic diseases.Thus, the first stage of taqw a is that which is described met- aphorically as: َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك The hearts of such people who drink the sherbet of camphor wax cold to every kind of treachery and cruelty—the heart growing cold to every kind of wickedness and evil faculty.And this effect is produced within them innately and naturally, not through artificial imposition.They become disgusted with all kinds of evils.It is true that this is not an ordinary phenomenon.It is not easy to let go of evils.The greater part of the Gospel is filled with this commandment not to do evil, whereas this is the first stage of the completion of faith.One should not be content with just this.Nevertheless, if a person acts upon it and abandons evils, Allah will help him with the second part.A person can verbally profess that I abstain from evil, but when confronted with various kinds of evil deeds, the body trembles.1.S u rah ad-Dahr, 76:6 [Publisher]

Page 339

29 December 1905 299 Some sins are obvious—such as lying, adultery, breach of trust, giving false testimony and usurping rights, shirk [associat- ing partners with Allah], etc.—but some sins are so subtle that a person is afflicted by them without even realizing it.He grows from young to old but does not realize that he is committing sins.For example, there is the habit of backbiting.Such peo- ple consider it an ordinary and trivial matter, albeit the Holy Quran deems it a most egregious vice.Accordingly, it states: 1 ُّبِحُيَا ْمُكُدَحَا ْنَا َلُكْاَّي َمْحَل ِهْيِخَا ُّبِحُيَا ْمُكُدَحَا ْنَا َلُكْاَّي َمْحَل ِهْيِخَا God is displeased when a person utters a word that belittles his brother and perpetrates an act that inconveniences him.To speak about a brother in such a way that proves him to be fool- ish or ignorant, or about his conduct in a secretive manner— engendering hostility and rudeness—are all evil deeds.Similarly, miserliness and anger are all evil deeds.Hence, the first step under this command of Allah the Exalted is that a person should avoid them and should safeguard himself against all kinds of sins—whether they be affiliated with eyes or ears, or hands or feet—because He said: 2 اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع١ؕ َّنِا َعْمَّسلا َو َرَصَبْلا َو َداَؤُفْلا ُّلُك َكِٕىٰٓلوُا َناَك ُهْنَع اًلْؤُـْسَم اَل ُفْقَت اَم َسْيَل َكَل ٖهِب ٌمْلِع١ؕ َّنِا َعْمَّسلا َو َرَصَبْلا َو َداَؤُفْلا ُّلُك َكِٕىٰٓلوُا َناَك ُهْنَع اًلْؤُـْسَم That is, do not needlessly follow what you do not know because the ear, eye, heart, and every organ will be questioned.Many evils arise only from ill thinking.One hears something about someone and immediately believes it.This is a very evil thing.Do not allow anything uncertain or questionable to enter your 1.Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his brother who is dead? ( S u rah al- H ujur a t, 49:13) [Publisher] 2.S u rah Ban i Isr a’i l, 17:37 [Publisher]

Page 340

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 300 heart.This rule is to remove ill thinking, 1 that until something is observed and appropriately judged, it should not be believed or spoken of.What a solid and strong statement this is! Many people will be called to account because of their tongue.It is observed here in the world as well that many people are caught simply because of their tongue, and they are compelled to suffer a great deal of shame and loss.There is no calling to account for the apprehen- sions and superficial thoughts that pass through the mind.For example, if the thought passes through someone’s mind that it would be good should I attain such and such wealth, it is a kind of greed, but there is no blame on such a mere thought that naturally comes to mind and passes.However, when a person gives such a thought a place in his heart and then resolves that he must take that wealth by some deception or other means, this sin must be accounted for.Therefore, when the heart makes a determination and to this end commits mischief and deception, then this sin is recorded as worthy of punishment.So, these kinds of sins are given very little attention yet lead to a person’s destruction.Most people refrain from major and open sins.There will be many men who have never shed blood or committed burglary or such major sins.But the question is, how many people have not slandered anyone or hurt their brother by defaming him or erred by lying? Or at least not resolved to carry out some dangerous plots in the heart? I can say with certainty that very few people take care of these things and fear God Almighty; otherwise, there will be many who tell lies for fun, complain and slander others in their gatherings, and hurt their weak and infirm brothers in various ways.1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.22, p.2, 3, dated 24 June 1906

Page 341

29 December 1905 301 Therefore, Allah the Exalted says that the first step is for a person to adopt taqw a.I cannot go into the details of evil deeds at this time.From beginning to end, there is a description of do s and don’t s and Divine commands in the Holy Quran, and there are several hundred branches describing different types of commands.In summary, I say that God Almighty certainly disapproves of creating disorder upon the earth.Allah the Exalted wants to spread oneness in the world, but the person who wishes to hurt his brother commits oppression and breaches trust; he is an enemy of oneness.Until these evil thoughts are removed from the heart, it can never be possible for genuine oneness to spread.Therefore, this step was kept foremost.The Essence of Taqw a What is taqw a ? Protecting oneself from all kinds of evil.Thus, God Almighty says that the first reward for the righteous is to drink a sherbet that contains camphor.Drinking this sherbet makes the heart cold to evil deeds.After that, no motivation and enthusiasm are left in their hearts for evil.The thought does arise in the mind of an individual that what he is doing is not right, even to the point that a thief ’s heart experiences this feeling, but he still goes on to steal with a tenacious heart.However, the condition of the people who are made to drink the sherbet with camphor becomes such that not only does the temptation to sin not arise in their hearts, but their hearts also become disgusted and hateful of evil deeds.All aspects of the temptations to sin are suppressed.This is not possible except through the grace of God Almighty.Therefore, when a person seeks the grace of God Almighty through prayer and resolute determination, striving

Page 342

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 302 to overcome the passions of his self, then all these things draw the grace of God, and he is given to drink from the goblet con- taining camphor.Those who undergo this type of transforma- tion are decreed admissible into the category of the Abd a l by Allah the Exalted, and this is verily the transformation which manifests the true essence of the Abd a l.It has also been generally observed that when most people seated in a gathering hear these kinds of accounts, their hearts are impressed and they deem them pleasing.However, when they part from the assembly and meet their family and friends, then that same attitude appears in them, and they immediately forget what they heard and embrace the same style of conduct as before.Therefore, one should safeguard against this.It is imperative to avoid those associations and gatherings in which such conversations arise.And at the same time, remem- ber to be cognizant of all the elements of these evils because to acquire something, knowledge of it is the first thing one needs.How can you acquire something unless you know of it first? The Holy Quran has given these details again and again, so read the Holy Quran again and again.And you should continue writing down the details of evil deeds.And then, with the grace and support of God Almighty, try to avoid these evils.This will be the first stage of righteous- ness.When you make such an effort, Allah the Exalted will give you the ability, and that sherbet with camphor will be given to you, through which all your passions for sin will turn abso- lutely cold.After that, you will only do virtuous deeds.So long as a person remains unrighteous, this goblet is not granted to him, nor do his supplications and worship engender the spirit of acceptance because Allah the Exalted says:

Page 343

29 December 1905 303 1 اَمَّنِا ُلَّبَقَتَي ُهّٰللا َنِم َنْيِقَّتُمْلا اَمَّنِا ُلَّبَقَتَي ُهّٰللا َنِم َنْيِقَّتُمْلا Meaning that, without a doubt, Allah the Exalted only accepts the worship of the righteous.It is absolutely true that only the Prayer and Fasting of the righteous are accepted.What consti- tutes the acceptance of these acts of worship, and what is meant by it? What is Meant by the Acceptance of Worship So, it should be remembered that when we say that the Prayer has been accepted, it is meant that the effects and blessings of Prayer have been created in the person who offers the Prayer.Until those blessings and effects arise, the Prayers amount to nothing more than banging one’s head on the ground in prostrations.What benefit accrues from that Prayer or Fasting when—in the very mosque where the Prayer is offered—someone back- bites and complains against another, or someone commits theft at night, or breaches the trust regarding another’s wealth or property, or—out of miserliness and envy—attacks anoth- er’s honour conferred upon him by God Almighty, or maligns someone’s reputation? In short, if a person remains involved in these kinds of ills and evils, then tell me, what benefit has his Prayer brought him? What should have happened is that with Prayer, the evils and defects he suffered from would have been reduced, and Prayer is an excellent means for achieving this.So the first stage, and difficulty, for a person who wants to become a believer is that he refrains from evil deeds.This is indeed what is called taqw a.1.S u rah al-M a’ idah, 5:28 [Publisher]

Page 344

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 304 And remember this as well that taqw a is not the name of abstaining from great evils; rather, avoid the subtlest of evils, such as sitting in gatherings where people are mocked and humiliated or sitting in meetings where Allah the Exalted and His Messenger are insulted, or where the dignity of one’s brother is being attacked, even though one is not participating in such actions, because it is also wrong in the sight of Allah the Exalted why one listened to such things.This is the behaviour of people with a disease in their hearts.If they had a complete understanding of evil in their hearts, why would they do this, and why would they go to these meetings and listen to such things? Also, remember this, that the one who hears such things is also the perpetrator of such things.Those who speak such things with their tongue are clearly going to be called to account because they have committed a sin, but those who have contin- ued to sit quietly by will also suffer the consequences of this sin.Remember this part with great care and read the Holy Quran repeatedly and ponder over it.Beneficence This is the first part of virtue, but virtue does not end here.Some people are also found among Hindus, Christians, and other nations who do not commit certain sins.For example, some people do not tell lies, do not devour the wealth of others unjustly, do not usurp debts but rather they repay them, and are reliable in social and familial dealings, but God has said He is not satisfied with just this much.What is required is that one should avoid evils and become engaged in the doing of good.Without it, there is no escape.He who is proud that he does not do evil is ignorant.Islam does not take a person to this stage

Page 345

29 December 1905 305 and then abandon him; instead, it wants him to fulfil both requirements.That is, shun evil in its entirety and do good with complete sincerity.Salvation cannot be achieved unless both these things are present.Someone gave me an example, and it is correct.It is said that a person invited someone and discharged the dues of hos- pitality with great formality and care.When the guest finished eating, the host said to him, with great humility and meekness, that he had not been able to discharge the requirement of hos- pitality the guest’s lofty station merited.Please forgive me.The guest thought that by saying this, the host was reminding him of the great favour the host had done him.So he replied that he had also done him a great favour which he does not seem to acknowledge.The host asked him what that was, and he replied that he could have set his house on fire when he was busy with hospitality, but how benevolent was he for not doing it.This is an example of evil: he did not cause serious damage by setting a blaze.There are many people who boast of having conferred the favour of not committing evil.Such people are like animals.In the sight of Allah the Exalted only those people are worthy of esteem who do not boast of refraining from evil, and who, even after doing good, think nothing [by way of pride] of it.In short, the first stage is of the camphor drink, and the sec- ond stage is of the ginger drink.So, He said: 1 َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز And they are given such goblets to drink that are of ginger sherbet.1.S u rah ad-Dahr, 76:18 [Publisher]

Page 346

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 306 It is Not Impossible for Man to Attain Lofty Spiritual Status One should never think it is impossible to attain such a lofty station.All this can be acquired and is acquired.The people who achieved these stations and ranks were also human, after all.The fact is that when a man has a long list of his crimes in front of him, he becomes troubled upon seeing it and thinks it difficult to be safe against them.But this is the result of his human weakness.There are many people in Europe who simi- larly hold this very view.Therefore, they say that the teachings of the Prophets, peace be upon them, are only intended to make a man admit that he is unworthy of acting upon those teachings or does not have the power to do so.Such people are simply ignorant of the power and capability of Allah the Exalted, and they have not reflected on the powers of God Almighty.If they had deliberated over the condition of man himself and the changes he has passed through, they would not have uttered such a thing.But the weakness of their knowledge and cognizance allowed them to think like this.Behold! How many changes has man gone through! There was a period experienced by man when he was merely in the realm of the sperm, and that was a state when he was abso- lutely nothing.It would have dried up within a few minutes had it fallen on the ground or clothes.Then he became a clot in which he barely congealed into a shape, but even at this point, he did not have any life.Then he became a shapeless lump.Then another time came when life entered him in the shape of a fetus.After that, he was born, and then from infancy, he attained maturity, etc., etc.Now reflect that the All-Powerful God who has made man pass through such changes to make him into a human being so

Page 347

29 December 1905 307 that now our intellect is amazed at seeing what he has become from what he started.Consider the nose, mouth, and other organs, and ponder what God Almighty has made him.Then He gave him the five inner senses and bestowed other faculties and abilities upon him.So, for the All-Powerful God who made what was sperm at one time into a man by bringing about wonderful miraculous changes, is it difficult for Him to take man into a pure state and free him from his passions? The person who will ponder on these things will have no choice but to proclaim: 1 َّنِا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق َّنِا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق Allah the Exalted has said in the Holy Quran that when the sinners are cast into Hell, Allah the Exalted will say that even just one sin of yours is so very great that you thought ill of God.If they had not done this, they would have come before God being perfect and being believers.It is indeed a very great sin for a person to think ill of Allah the Exalted.All other sins that exist originate from this.If a person believes Allah the Exalted to be the true Provider, why would he usurp the property of others through theft, dishonesty, and deception? Alas! An ignorant person thinks this world is sweet—who has seen the next? This is also ill thinking concern- ing God Almighty.Had they truly believed in Him, they would not have said this.Instead, they would recite: �ی� ا روزے دنچ آرخ خ د� ابدخاودن [ This world is but a few days; the end belongs to the Lord ].Believing the world to be transitory and lasting just a few days, they would not have become attached to its buildings, comforts, and all kinds of riches.Instead, remaining fearful 1.Surely, Allah has the power to do all that He wills ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:21).[Publisher]

Page 348

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 308 at the thought of death at every moment, they would have thought about their end and would have made arrangements for it, because—in the end—one has to die and go before the presence of Allah the Exalted.However, the current state of affairs is one of general neglect, and people are so preoccupied and engrossed in the world as if they will never have to leave this world and there is no such thing as death, or at least it is not going to have any effect on them.Consequences of Mistrusting God Almighty Why has this mistrust, this negligence, and senselessness arisen? Its root is also the same mistrust of God.God was not believed in as being True.It is the habit of man that when he becomes aware of an activity and considers it to be of benefit to him, that is precisely what he does.If a businessman comes to know that if his goods go to such and such a country, he will benefit so much, then he will definitely take his goods there.Similarly, a farmer and other professionals do the same.In the same way, if an individual’s awareness grows and he becomes worried about his ultimate fate, and a certainty devel- ops within him that he must answer before God, then he can be reformed.Allah the Exalted has revealed in the Holy Quran that if man hoped for good from God, what difficulty would he face? Was it difficult to pray five times a day? Certainly not.When the fear of God Almighty prevails, no matter how busy a person may be, he will leave his work and offer his Prayer.Right now, we are all sitting here engaged in an activity, but if—God forbid—an earthquake occurs now, would anyone of us remain here? Everyone would run away to the point that even the sick and the weak would run.The fact is that with fear

Page 349

29 December 1905 309 comes strength.If one was not involved in thinking ill of God, strength would arise and a zeal and restlessness would develop to comply with His commandments.Therefore, mistrust is the root of all evil.Those who believe in the Book of God Almighty in good faith can do everything.If one believes in the abilities of Allah the Exalted, then what is impossible? Many people ask how can such and such a sin be avoided.These things arise for the same reason that there is not complete faith in the powers and capabilities of Allah the Exalted.Since they are strangers to this path, such doubts tend to arise in their minds, but I assure you that the God who created man from sperm can and does grant all kinds of pure changes to that man.Yes, indeed, but what is needed is a heart that seeks.The Zanjabil i State Returning again to the original intent, I affirm that man’s per- fection does not lie only in abandoning evils because others share in this even to the extent that animals can partake of this in certain aspects.Rather, a person can become perfectly virtuous only when he abandons not only evil deeds, but also takes the doing of good deeds to a level of perfection.So when he abandons evil, Allah the Exalted gives him to drink of the sherbet with camphor through which it is understood that the passions and impulses that arose for evil become cold, and the components of evil are suppressed.After that, he is given another sherbet to drink, which—in the terminology of the Holy Quran—is a sherbet of ginger, as is said:

Page 350

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 310 1 َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز The word zanjab i l [ginger] is composed of zana and jabal and the meaning of زنا الـجبل زنا الـجبل [ zan a al-jabal ]is that such heat develops that he can climb a mountain.Ginger has an innate heat and benefits the natural meta- bolic heat of the human body.Allah the Exalted says that the great and extraordinary feats that are accomplished in My path are akin to what the Companions ra did, so much so that they did not hesitate to lay down their own lives.It is not easy to offer one’s head to be severed in the cause of God.He who has small children and a young wife—until a special fervour is kindled within his soul, how can he sacrifice his head leav- ing behind orphans and a widow? I cannot present any better example than the Companions ra.The example of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is of the highest degree of the power of holiness and strength of self-purification, and the example of the Companions ra is of the highest degree of transformation and obedience.So, such strength and power are produced by the effect of the sherbet of ginger, and, in fact, this sherbet of ginger was also needed to develop strength after the sherbet of camphor.The saintly and godly people exhibit fervour and pas- sion in the path of God Almighty because they keep drinking this sherbet containing ginger.When the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, made the claim, imagine how heated the oppo- sition was.On one side were the polytheists, on the other side were the Christians showing unending zeal—who had trans- formed a mere mortal into God—and yet on another front 1.Therein will they be given to drink a cup tempered with ginger ( S u rah ad- Dahr, 76:18).[Publisher]

Page 351

29 December 1905 311 were the dark-hearted Jews who were covertly plotting and inciting the opponents.In short, wherever you looked, all you could see were enemies upon enemies.His people—enemies! Outsiders—enemies! Wherever you looked, there were enemies upon enemies! In such a plight and predicament, it was that drink of ginger that prompted him to go further and further ahead to preach his message.No fear of any kind of opposition was left in him.To die in this path seemed easy and effortless.Therefore, if the Companions ra did not consider death as something easy and comfortable on this path, why would they have given their lives? I genuinely say there is no abode for faith until one drinks this sherbet.In Kasur, there was a man called Qadir Bakhsh.He was said to be a great believer in the Oneness of God.At that time, the Government was keeping an eye on the sect to which he belonged.So the Deputy Commissioner threatened him some- what.The result was that he had prostitutes dance in his home and changed all his ways to show that he was separate from this sect.Now tell me, what can such faith do? Can that man be called a man who gives preference to men over God? I say with certainty that the faith of such a one is not worth even a penny.This is why the blessings and fruits of faith are not received.The Difference between the Acts of Worship of Ordinary People and Those of the People of Allah Some people say that blessings are not obtained by Prayer and Fasting.They are wrong in saying this.The blessings and fruits of Prayer and Fasting are received, and they are received in this very world, but a person should carry Prayer, Fasting, and other acts of worship to the point and place where they give bless- ings.Foster the spirit of the Companions ra.Follow the Holy

Page 352

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 312 Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, com- pletely and truly.Then you will come to know what blessings are received.I openly declare that the Companions ra had a calibre of faith that you do not possess.They made their decision for God.Such people die before death, and before they give the sacrifice, they resolve that they have given it.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, says: Is the sta- tus of Ab u Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) due to Prayer, Fasting, charity, and almsgiving? No.Rather, his rank has become elevated on account of that which is in his heart.In reality, it is that same thing that also becomes the cause and reason for these actions.All the godly people that have passed, their status was not because of these actions.Others also carried out these actions.The mosques are full.1 These peo- ple live base lives.They do not become separate by abandoning the world and its impurities.There is no spirit of life in their actions, but when a person emerges forth from this base life, there is sincerity in his actions.He becomes separated from all kinds of unholiness.Then he finds the strength and power to bear [the burden of ] that thing which is the trust of Allah, which is difficult to lift, the knowledge of which even the angels do not have.They offer the same Prayer and Fasting as the rest of the world does, but the difference between their Prayer and the Prayer of the worldly ones is the difference between the earth and the heavens.Hadrat Sayyid ‘Abdul-Q a dir Jil a n i , may Allah be pleased with him, was very sincere and worthy of glory.Did people not pray and fast during his era? Then why does he have excel- lence and superiority over all of them? Because others did not 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.24, p.2, 3, dated 10 July 1906

Page 353

29 December 1905 313 have within them that which he had within him.This is a spirit which, when it develops in someone, Allah the Exalted includes such a person among His chosen ones.However, that accursed life is not approved by God, which a man makes by hypocrisy and deception in the state and pretence of Prayer and Fasting.Such people play with words and logic.God Almighty does not like boasting; indeed, it makes Him angry.In the sight of Allah the Exalted, those Prayers, Fasting, Zak a t, and charity are not worthy of any value or merit in which there is no sincerity.On the contrary, they are a curse.They become blessed only when there is complete harmony between the heart and tongue.Remember well that no one can deceive Allah the Exalted.He knows the deepest secrets of the heart.Man, whose knowl- edge is limited and whose vision is restricted, can be deceived.Our friend Seth ‘Abdur-Ra h m a n, a very sincere and good man, was once deceived about a diamond.Seth Sahib was with me here in Qadian.A man from Kabul brought some pieces of stone here and presented them as diamonds.Those stones were gleaming and dazzling.Seth Sahib liked them and was prepared to give 500 rupees to buy them and even immediately gave the man 25 rupees, or something more or less.Then he coinciden- tally consulted me, telling me that he had made this deal and soliciting what I thought about it.Although I was unaware of the quality and nature of these diamonds, I had experience in the field of spiritual diamonds, which are rare in the world—that is, godly people of a pure state—in the name of whom many false stones—namely, fake people—destroy the lives of many people by showcasing their glitter and shine.So I made use of this skill here and told Seth Sahib that what he had given was difficult to take back, but I think he should show these stones to a good and competent jeweller before paying 500 rupees.Then, if indeed they are

Page 354

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 314 diamonds, he can pay the money.Accordingly, the stones were sent to a jeweller in Madras to identify them and assess their actual worth.The reply came from there that these are mere stones and not diamonds.And in this way, Seth Sahib was saved from this deception.In short, the point is that just as there are decep- tions in worldly affairs, in the same way there are the decep- tions of the ascetics and scholars who create different types of obstacles in opposition to this [Ahmadiyya] Movement.Many people who are simple at heart and do not have full knowl- edge of this Movement are deceived and become friends of iniquity.It is only by the grace of God Almighty that human beings can become capable of recognizing spiritual treasures.Unfortunately, there are very few people who can recognize these treasures.Make Use of Striving and Prayer In any case, my point with this is that just avoiding evil is not an excellence of any sort.Therefore, our Jam a ‘at should not be satisfied merely with this.No, on the contrary, they should strive to achieve both excellences for which they should make use of efforts and prayer.That is to say, avoid evil and do virtu- ous deeds.Our community should not take God for a simple- ton that He will be deceived.The person who, being of a base disposition, wants to cheat God Almighty and tries to deceive Him under the cloak of goodness and righteousness, should remember that God Almighty will humiliate him even more.1 ْيِف ْمِهِبْوُلُق ٌضَرَّم ُمُهَداَزَف ُهّٰللا اًضَرَم ْيِف ْمِهِبْوُلُق ٌضَرَّم ُمُهَداَزَف ُهّٰللا اًضَرَم has been said for these very people.1.In their hearts was a disease, and Allah has increased their disease to them ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:11).[Publisher]

Page 355

29 December 1905 315 The Mark of Genuine Sincerity A life of hypocrisy and ostentation is an accursed life.It can- not be concealed.It becomes apparent in the end and leads to severe humiliation.God Almighty does not hide anything, nei- ther good nor evil.Truly beneficent people hide their virtuous deeds, but Allah manifests them.When Moses, peace be on him, was ordered to go to the Pharaoh in his capacity as a Messenger, he expressed his ina- bility.The secret behind this was that those with complete sin- cerity for God are entirely free from pretension and ostenta- tion.It is the mark of genuine sincerity that no thought should ever arise about what the world calls us.Whoever has even the slightest doubt about this matter in his heart also commits shirk [associating partners with Allah].A truly sincere person does not care whether the world calls him good or bad.I have seen in Tadhkiratul-Auliy a’ that when a virtuous man supplicates before his Lord in secret, his condition is wonder- ful indeed.He never wants to reveal the relationship that he has with God Almighty.If anyone chances to appear during the time of these supplications, he feels so embarrassed akin to an adulterer getting caught in the very act of adultery.It is absolutely true that every virtuous person whose heart is full of sincerity naturally wants to keep himself concealed under a veil, such that even a chaste woman does not keep herself so shielded behind a veil.This behaviour is innate in their nature.

Page 356

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 316 Th e Love that Prophets and Messengers Have for Seclusion Do not think that the Prophets and Messengers request to be appointed as such.Certainly not.They want to live a life of complete anonymity such that no one should know them, but God Almighty forces them out of their chambers of seclusion.The life of every Prophet was like this.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, wanted to remain hidden from the world.This was the reason why he used to hide in the cave of Hira and continued worshipping there.The thought never even occurred to him that he would emerge therefrom to proclaim: 1 اَهُّيَاٰۤي ُساَّنلا ْيِّنِا ُلْوُسَر ِهّٰللا ْمُكْيَلِا اَعْيِمَج اَهُّيَاٰۤي ُساَّنلا ْيِّنِا ُلْوُسَر ِهّٰللا ْمُكْيَلِا اَعْيِمَج His desire was indeed to live his life hidden from the people.But Allah the Exalted did not want this and sent him out by appointing him as a Messenger.And it is Allah’s practice that those who aspire to become something remain deprived, and those who want to stay hidden, He sends them out and makes them everything.Hence, understand with certainty that I also prefer the solitary life.I still enjoy reminiscing about the time that I spent in that state.I was naturally a recluse, but God Almighty sent me out into the world.So how could I refuse this order? I have always been an enemy of this pomp and show, but what should I do? When Allah the Exalted desires this, I am pleased with it, but I can never be pleased with deviating from His command.The world can say whatever it so desires—I do not care for it.1.O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah ( S u rah al-A‘r a f, 7:159).[Publisher]

Page 357

29 December 1905 317 True Monotheists Understand it well that true monotheists are those who do not make the slightest display of their virtues and are not afraid of the world in accepting the truth.They do not care if the world becomes alarmed by any of their actions.Some say that the extent to which the Companions ra used to strive or fast is not proven in the case of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him.Some of the Companions ra had well-nigh reached a life of monasticism.It does not follow from this that they were (God forbid) superior to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Instead, the real issue is that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was brought before the world by Allah the Exalted through force and coer- cion.His habit of living behind a veil had not gone away.Who knows how much striving and worship he remained engaged in secretly.On one occasion Hadrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, states that it was the day that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would stay at her home.When she opened her eyes at night, she saw that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was not there.She was very surprised and looked for him.When he was nowhere to be found, she discovered that he was in a ceme- tery supplicating with intense fervour, ‘O my God! My soul, my life, my bones, my every hair prostrates before You.’ Now, had Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, remained unaware of this incident, who would have fathomed his inter- personal relationship with his Lord? The same was the case with his striving and worship.Since Allah makes it a habit of these people that they stay hidden, the world does not come to know about their entire state of affairs.They do not do anything for

Page 358

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 318 the sake of the world.The one with whom there is some dealing and connection knows every place and sees.The Commandment to do Virtuous Deeds Openly and Secretly So the believers are also ordered to live two types of lives: 1 اًّرِس َّو ًةَيِناَلَع اًّرِس َّو ًةَيِناَلَع Some virtuous deeds are such that they should be made pub- lic, and the purpose is to motivate others to do them as well.Congregational Prayer is performed in the open, and its pur- pose is to encourage others to pray as well, and [other Prayers] in secret because it is a sign of the sincere, like—for example— the Tahajjud Prayer.There are even such people who do good deeds in secret, giving charity with one hand while the other has no knowledge of it.It is difficult to find a more sincere per- son than this.Another disease found in man is that he wants people to know about whatever he spends, but I thank God Almighty that there are people in my Jam a ‘at who spend a great deal with- out even revealing their name.People have sent me parcels on several occasions, and when I open them, a piece of gold or a ring is found, and there is no clue of the sender.It is not a small matter for such a lofty state to develop in a person, nor is everyone afforded such stature.This state is created when a person fully believes in the existence of Allah the Exalted and His attributes, and a pure relationship with Him develops.The world and its amenities perish in his 1.Secretly and openly ( S u rah Ibr a h i m, 14:32).[Publisher]

Page 359

29 December 1905 319 sight, and no thought of praise or condemnation of the peo- ple of the world arises in his mind.When a person reaches this point, he loves annihilation more and holds solitude and isola- tion dear to him.1 In short, do not be so proud of having abandoned evil.Until you perform virtuous deeds in full, and such virtuous deeds that have nothing of ostentation mixed in with them, one does not reach the destination of God’s nearness.Remember that osten- tation burns virtues like fire burns dry leaves and straw.Verily I tell you that you will not find a better man of God than the man who does good and desires it not to be revealed to anyone.An account is written of a virtuous elder who needed some- thing.He gave a sermon, and during the address, he also said that I have a religious need but do not have money for it.Upon hearing this, a servant of God placed 10,000 rupees before him.The saintly man got up and praised him highly and said that this person would get a great reward.When this person heard these words, he got up, left, returned after a while, and said: ‘Your Holiness! I made a big mistake in giving this money.It is not my money, but my mother’s money, so please return it.’ The elder returned the money to him, but the people cursed him profusely, claiming it was all [due to] his own ill intent.It appears he got excited after listening to the sermon and gave the money; now, the love of this money has forced him to make this excuse.So he took the money and went away, and people kept saying bad things about him, and that gathering dispersed.After midnight, that same person came to the elder’s house with that money and called out to him.He was asleep, but the person woke him up and put the same 10,000 rupees before him and said that he had not given this money at that time so that he would praise him.1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.25, p.3, dated 17 July 1906

Page 360

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 320 His intention was different.Now he asked him to swear that he would not mention it until he died.Hearing this, the elder began crying.The man asked why he was crying.The elder replied that he was crying because the manner with which this was done in secrecy meant that the people would curse him as long as they lived.In short, the man left, but God Almighty ultimately revealed this matter.Fortunate is the One who Avoids Ostentation A person who reconciles with God Almighty secretly, God Almighty bestows honour upon him.Do not think that what you do secretly for God will remain hidden.There is no greater enemy of virtues than ostentation.An ostentatious person’s heart never finds contentment until it takes everything.On the contrary, ostentation burns all wealth and leaves nothing behind.Fortunate is the person who avoids ostentation and does whatever he does for the sake of God alone.The character of an ostentatious individual is strange.When he has to spend for God, he is frugal, but when there is an occasion for ostentation, he gives a hundred in place of one where otherwise he would have considered the giving of two sufficient for that purpose.For this reason continue praying for protection from this disease.Those who believe Allah the Exalted is All-Hearing and All-Seeing do not care about such things.They do not care at all whether anyone mentions the wealth they have given.The world is رخت ٓا زمرہع [ Mazra‘ah-e- A khirat ], meaning that the Hereafter is cultivated in this very world.Create whatever you want to create in this world.The one who accumulates spiritual wealth and property here will be prosperous.Otherwise, one will have to leave here empty-handed and suffer great punishment.At

Page 361

29 December 1905 321 that time, neither wealth nor children nor other loved ones will come in handy for whom the side of religion was abandoned.These are the Days to Please God Now, remember that the very God who gave the news of this age thirteen hundred years ago is now informing us that the time is near that great events will manifest.If one waits for these Signs and zeal develops only after them, the reward will not be the same as today.On the contrary, Almighty Allah has further stated that if someone believes at that time, it would not be so much as slightly comparable to its value since even the worst k a fir [disbeliever] would realize the world is mortal at that moment.I have heard that a very wealthy Hindu died in one place at the height of the plague.When he died, he gave the keys of his wealth to his brother, who also died.And in this way, his entire family was destroyed, and the last one, when he died, presented the keys to a local landlord who refused, asking what he would do with it.Ultimately, that wealth was deposited into the treas- ury of the Government.It is true that when the days of fear come, even the most contemptible and wicked people become inclined towards s adaqah [charity] and almsgiving.However, these deeds are to no avail at that time because God’s wrath is already kindled.Nevertheless, the one who fears God Almighty and makes peace with Him before the punishment comes, will be saved.So these are precisely the days to please God Almighty.I say without exaggeration that the extent to which God Almighty has given me the proof of His existence, I do not have the words with which to express it.It is that very God who informed me during the time of Bar a h i n [ -e-Ahmadiyya ] of all the

Page 362

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 322 phenomena you are witnessing today.Ask those Hindus who are our ancestral enemies where the Sign of this glorious power was during that time.So, when all those prophecies have been fulfilled, how can it be that the prophecies He informs of today will not come to be fulfilled? That same God has informed me that a most perilous time is about to come.Earthquakes will occur, and the gates of death will be opened wide.So, before that dangerous hour descends and death opens its mouth and starts attacking, you should do good and please God Almighty.Authenticity of the Hadith about the Eclipse of the Sun and the Moon I also assure you that all the Prophets have given the news of this age.The time of the last millennium has come and behold that this is the time for which it was written in the books of 1,100 years ago that there would be an eclipse of the sun and the moon in Ramadan at the time of the Mahdi.1 This Sign has never appeared since Adam to this day.You have witnessed that Sign, and what an event worthy of reflection it is! Some igno- rant people object and make excuses that this hadith is weak.These fools do not realize something so basic as how a hadith can be false when it has proven itself true.According to the principles of the mu h addith i n , the true and correct hadith is the one that reveals its own truth.If this hadith had been weak, then why was it fulfilled? The eclipse of the sun and moon happened twice in this country and in America as well.If this hadith is weak, give a precedent of it also 1.D ā r Qu t n ī , Kit ā b al-‘ Ī dayn, B ā bu S if ā ti S al ā ti al-Khus ū fi wal-Kus ū fi wa Hay’ ā tihim ā , Hadith 1771, vol.2, p.209, Dārul-Ma‘rifa, Beirut, Lebanon [Publisher]

Page 363

29 December 1905 323 occurring in someone else’s time.This hadith 1 is present in the books of both Sunnis and Shias.Then how can it be denied? It was a Sign from heaven.The Plague—an Earthly Sign And the Sign of the earth is that which appeared in the form of the plague.It is stated in the Holy Quran: َو ْنِا ْنِّم ٍةَيْرَق اَّلِا ُنْحَن اَهْوُكِلْهُم َلْبَق ِمْوَي ِةَمٰيِقْلا ْوَا اَهْوُبِّذَعُم اًباَذَع اًدْيِدَش١ؕ َناَك َكِلٰذ يِف ِبٰتِكْلا َو ْنِا ْنِّم ٍةَيْرَق اَّلِا ُنْحَن اَهْوُكِلْهُم َلْبَق ِمْوَي ِةَمٰيِقْلا ْوَا اَهْوُبِّذَعُم اًباَذَع اًدْيِدَش١ؕ َناَك َكِلٰذ يِف ِبٰتِكْلا 2 اًرْوُطْسَم۰۰ اًرْوُطْسَم۰۰ It is clear from this that when the Day of Judgment approaches, the door of death will be opened in general, and this hadith of the eclipse of the sun and moon has also been proven correct from the Holy Quran.In the Shia books about the plague, it is even written that there will be such a plague that where there are 10 people, seven of them will die.And in fact, it is such a calamity that families upon families have been wiped out by it and no sign or trace of them was left.Who knows what will happen tomorrow? The plague is thriving in this extreme cold.There is an uproar in Amritsar.What hope can one entertain in such a situation? While death abounds, will you take your possessions and properties with you on your head? Certainly not.Thus, if you 1.D ā r Qu t n ī, Kit ā b al-‘ Ī dīn, B ā b S ifat S al ā t al-Khus ū f wal-Kus ū f wa Hay’atihim ā, Hadith 1771, vol.2, p.209, D ā r al-Ma‘rifah, Beirut, Lebanon; See also Akm ā l al-D ī n wa Tam ā m al-Ni‘mah, B ā b 57 M ā Ruw ī F ī ‘Al ā m ā t Khur ū j al-Q ā ’im, vol.2, p.594, Riwayat No.25, Mu’assasat al-A‘lami lil-Matb ū‘ā t, Beirut, Lebanon; [Publisher] 2.There is not a township but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe punishment.That is written down in the Book ( S u rah Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:59).[Publisher]

Page 364

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 324 do not change even after seeing these Signs, how can you say that you have faith in God? Spend your Wealth for the Progress of Islam I do not want anything for my own self.I have repeatedly thought that five to seven rupees per month are enough for my survival, and my property exceeds that.Thus, when I repeatedly insist on spending in the way of God, it is by God’s command because Islam is currently in a state of decline.I become restless when I look at the external and internal weaknesses [of Islam].And Islam is falling prey to other opposing religions.At first, it was the prey of the Christians alone, but now, the Aryas have sharpened their teeth against it and seek to wipe out every sign and trace of Islam.Given this predicament, should we not take steps for the progress of Islam? God Almighty has established this Movement for this very purpose.Therefore, to strive for its progress is to comply with the command and will of Allah the Exalted.Therefore, whatever you spend in this way, He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.These promises are also from Allah that whoever gives for God, He will bless him many times over.He will attain a great deal in this very world, and after death he will also behold the reward of the Hereafter—how much comfort is bestowed upon him! Therefore, at this time, I would like to draw your atten- tion to this matter to spend your wealth on the progress of Islam.That is the purpose of this address.At this time, as I have published, Allah the Exalted has informed me that the time of your death is near, as He said: ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْـمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل َ قَرُب َ اَجَلُك َ الْـمُقَدَّرُ.و [The end of your appointed term is approaching and we

Page 365

29 December 1905 325 shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.] From this revelation, it is learnt that Allah the Exalted will not allow any such mention to remain which is a cause of any kind of criticism and disgrace.Objections against Prophets and Messengers There are many things for the enemy, the evil-minded and the sick of heart, and the fate of the Prophets and Messengers is to face objections.Look! How many objections were raised against the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and are still being raised today? Is this ever done for a human being living an ordinary life? Never.There will be hundreds of people who will praise a person living an ordinary life, but when the Prophets and Messengers are mentioned, they will unleash their tongues to raise objec- tions.What is the reason for so many objections against Prophets and Messengers? The truth is that just as there is a snake guarding wealth so that a stranger does not go near it, in the same way, Prophets and Messengers are also a peerless treasure.God Almighty desires that only auspicious and rightly guided people reach them.This is why all manner of objec- tions are raised against them so that those who are not wor- thy stay away.Otherwise, if Allah the Exalted had willed, they would not have waged jihad, nor would they have had wives, nor would they have faced objections; however, God did not want that Prophet whose teaching was complete and perfect to be accepted by those who were unworthy.Therefore, some such things that work to avert the evil eye were added, and so

Page 366

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 326 criticism was heaped upon them and the unworthy stayed away, but those who were worthy discovered the truth.There are two types of people.One type consists of those who nitpick and raise objections, and they always remain deprived.The second type consists of those who see the support and assis- tance of God Almighty and the truthfulness and faithfulness of the Prophet.They are with him and then witness the wonders of God Almighty’s power.They come to know about his condi- tion and do not need to see anything else.The unfortunate and unworthy focus on things that increase wretchedness.I noted a subtlety mentioned in Tadhkiratul-Auliy a ’ that a person had doubts about a saintly elder.He thought that he was a charlatan and immoral.One day he approached him and said, ‘ Hadrat, show me a miracle!’ He replied: ‘My miracle is obvious.Although you say that all the sins of the world are found in me, you still see that God Almighty does not destroy me.The people of Lot were destroyed, A d and Tham u d, etc., were destroyed, but the wrath of God does not descend upon me.Is this not a miracle for you?’ This is a very subtle insight.In other words, the people who find faults should also see that the person who claims to be from Allah, and against whom so many objections and criticisms are raised, is not destroyed—so was God also deceived by him? Proof of the Truth of the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him The Christians understood the truth of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be that—God for- bid—he used to fabricate lies, but God Almighty gave him such support and supremacy that no one that no one has ever been blessed with such success from the time of Adam till the end.

Page 367

29 December 1905 327 Moreover, there is a subtle point to note concerning him that increases his magnificence all the more, and that is that he came at such a time when: 1 َرَهَظ ُداَسَفْلا يِف ِّرَبْلا َو ِرْحَبْلا َرَهَظ ُداَسَفْلا يِف ِّرَبْلا َو ِرْحَبْلا That is, the People of the Book had become corrupt, as well as those without a Book.And this is also proven by the confir- mation of the opponents.Pandit Dayanand says that idol wor- ship was prevalent in the country of the Aryas, and darkness had also spread in Arabia.The distinctive feature remaining of the Christian faith was that a humble man had been made God.Therefore, wherever you looked, there was darkness, and a complete disregard and heedlessness of God Almighty.Furthermore, that age was crying out, exclaiming the need for a magnificent Mu s le h [Reformer], and it is an acknowledged fact that necessity is the mother of sciences.All knowledge has come into being due to necessity.Medicine, physics, astronomy, geography, etc.—necessity is the mother of all sciences.So, if you are wise, understand that the mother of this subtle secret 2 is also some magnificent need.Many Companions ra believed in him, seeing that he had come at a time of great need.If he had not come, maybe a flood like that of Noah would have come and destroyed the world.I cer- tainly know, and I affirm that there is such a bright and clear set of needs for him to come that its parallel does not exist for anyone else, and nothing [by way of need] is visible for Jesus.There were jurists and Pharisees present who sat on the seat of Moses, peace be on him.Therefore, he [ Jesus] did not 1.S u rah ar-R u m, 30:42 [Publisher] 2.That is, the advent of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.(Editor al- H akam )

Page 368

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 328 lay claim to any new shariah [religious law] and since there were so many groups of Jews, it cannot be said that all of them were deviant.Some were practising [compliant with the law of Moses] and claimed to be recipients of revelation and inspira- tion.Was there anyone among them who made a man into a God? They were even better than the current Christian reli- gion.They were monotheists.I inquired from a Jewish scholar in Bombay through Zain- ud-D i n Ibr a h i m whether it was written anywhere [in their scriptures] that a man will be God.He swore that not at all.We believe in the same God that is described in the Quran.We believe it is kufr [disbelief ] to call a man God, who comes accompanied by weakness, disability, and disease.It is an accursed religion that makes a man God.Therefore, the need for the appointment of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is so clear and bright that no other Prophet’s time has such a prece- dent.Now, look at the second part, that he did not die until he heard that: 1 َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل ْمُكَنْيِد َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل ْمُكَنْيِد and until he saw the sight of: 2 اَذِا َءٓاَج ُرْصَن ِهّٰللا َو ُحْتَفْلا۰۰ َو َتْيَاَر َساَّنلا َنْوُلُخْدَي ْيِف ِنْيِد ِهّٰللا اًجاَوْفَا۰۰ اَذِا َءٓاَج ُرْصَن ِهّٰللا َو ُحْتَفْلا۰۰ َو َتْيَاَر َساَّنلا َنْوُلُخْدَي ْيِف ِنْيِد ِهّٰللا اًجاَوْفَا۰۰ This verse is not in the Torah nor in the Gospel.According to the Torah, Moses, peace be on him, died on the way and could 1.This day have I perfected your religion for you ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:4).[Publisher] 2.When the help of Allah comes, and the victory, And you see men entering the religion of Allah in troops ( S u rah an-Na s r, 110:2–3).[Publisher]

Page 369

29 December 1905 329 not lead the nation into the Promised Land.Jesus, peace be on him, himself says that there are many things yet to be told.Is such a statement also written in the Holy Quran? What is written there is— ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل [‘I have perfected (your religion) for you’].What remains [to be discussed] is their perfection.The perfection of the Companions ra that was achieved by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is evi- dent from the fact that Almighty Allah Himself says concern- ing them: 1 یۃ آ اْل ا یۃ آ اْل ا ْمُهْنِمَف ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن...ْمُهْنِمَف ْنَّم ىٰضَق ٗهَبْحَن...And then He says regarding them: 2 َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َو اْوُضَر ُهْنَع َيِضَر ُهّٰللا ْمُهْنَع َو اْوُضَر ُهْنَع However, the ‘praise’ of Christ’s disciples found in the Gospels is known to all.Again and again, they are called greedy and of little faith, and their practical example is that one of them took thirty pieces of silver and had Jesus arrested, while another cursed him to his face.Be just and say what kind of perfection is this? On the other hand, the Holy Quran is full of praise for the Companions ra.And they were perfected in such a way that no other nation could match them.Then Allah also gave an excellent reward to them, so much so that even if there was any grudge between them, He said regarding it: 1.There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least ( S u rah al-A h z a b, 33:24).[Publisher] 2.Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him ( S u rah al-Bayyinah, 98:9).[Publisher]

Page 370

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 330 1 یۃ آ اْل ا یۃ آ اْل ا َو اَنْعَزَن اَم ْيِف ْمِهِرْوُدُص ْنِّم ٍّلِغ...َو اَنْعَزَن اَم ْيِف ْمِهِرْوُدُص ْنِّم ٍّلِغ...Jesus had also promised the disciples thrones, but the prom- ise was broken.For, there was a promise of twelve thrones, but that of Judas Iscariot was broken when he did not remain steadfast.So how can we rely on the others? But the throne of the Companions ra remained standing in this world and the Hereafter.Therefore, what a matter of pride this verse 2 َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل is for the Muslims! Lailatul-Qadr— the Time of the Coming of the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him Now put these things together and consider that he came at a time when it was completely dark [i.e.a time of ignorance].As He says: 3 ۤاَّنِا ُهٰنْلَزْنَا ْيِف ِةَلْيَل ِرْدَقْلا ۤاَّنِا ُهٰنْلَزْنَا ْيِف ِةَلْيَل ِرْدَقْلا One Lailatul-Qadr is that which takes place in the last part of the night when Allah the Exalted manifests Himself and extends His hand for anyone who prays and does istighf a r [asks for forgiveness] so He may accept it.But it has another mean- ing, which the ulema are opposed to and do not believe in, 1.And We shall remove whatever of rancour may be in their breasts so that they will become as brothers reclining on couches, facing one another ( S u rah al- H ijr, 15:48).[Publisher] 2.S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:4 [Publisher] 3.Surely, We sent it down on the Night of Destiny ( S u rah al-Qadr, 97:2).[Publisher]

Page 371

29 December 1905 331 unfortunately.And that meaning is that We have sent down the Quran on such a night that it was pitch dark, and it called for a capable Mu s le h [Reformer].God Almighty has created man for worship as He says: 1 َو اَم ُتْقَلَخ َّنِجْلا َو َسْنِاْلا اَّلِا ِنْوُدُبْعَيِل َو اَم ُتْقَلَخ َّنِجْلا َو َسْنِاْلا اَّلِا ِنْوُدُبْعَيِل Thus, when man has been created for worship, it cannot be that he remains in the dark.In such a time, a zeal develops naturally in his being, calling for a Mu s le h to be raised.Therefore: 2 ۤاَّنِا ُهٰنْلَزْنَا ْيِف ِةَلْيَل ِرْدَقْلا ۤاَّنِا ُهٰنْلَزْنَا ْيِف ِةَلْيَل ِرْدَقْلا is another argument in support of the sending of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in that age and the result of it was set forth in— َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل [this day have I perfected for you].It is as if this chapter is the second harvest of prophethood.By ikm a l [perfecting] is not just meant the sending down of the s u rahs , but it means the perfecting of the soul and purification of the heart.First, make a savage into a man and then make him into a wise and moral man, and then a godly man, and then ena- ble him to achieve the standards of self-purification, perfection, and civilization.And in the same way, the Book of Allah was completed and perfected to the point that there is no truth and attestation which is not in the Holy Quran.I repeatedly asked Agnihotri to tell me any truth that was 1.And I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me ( S u rah adh-Dh a riy a t, 51:57).[Publisher] 2.Surely, We sent it down on the Night of Destiny ( S u rah al-Qadr, 97:2).[Publisher]

Page 372

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 332 not in the Holy Quran, but he could not.Similarly, there was a time when I placed the Bible in front of me and verified that all the truths that Christians cherish are contained permanently and most fully in the Holy Quran.But it is a pity that Muslims do not pay attention to this.They do not ponder over the Holy Quran at all, nor do they have any idea of its grandeur in their hearts.Otherwise, this is such a tremendous source of pride that its parallel does not exist among others.The Blessed Day of the Perfection of Religion In short, the verse: 1 َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل َمْوَيْلَا ُتْلَمْكَا ْمُكَل has two aspects.One is that you have been purified.Secondly, that the Book has been com- pleted.It is said that it was Friday when this verse was revealed.A Jew said to Hadrat ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that he should have celebrated Eid on the day of the revelation of this verse.Hadrat ‘Umar said that Friday is Eid.However, many people are unaware of this Eid.On other Eids, people change their clothes but do not care about this Eid and come with dirty clothes.In my view, this Eid is superior to other Eids.S u rah al-Jumu‘ah is for this Eid, and Prayer is shortened for this.And Jumu‘ah is that [day] in which Adam was born at the time of ‘ A s r.And this Eid also indicates the era when the first human was born on this Eid.The Holy Quran was also completed on this [day].1.This day have I perfected your religion for you ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:4).[Publisher]

Page 373

29 December 1905 333 The Discernment of Hadrat Ab u Bakr, may Allah be Pleased with Him It is said that when this verse was revealed, Ab u Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, started to weep.Someone said, ‘O old man, why do you cry?’ He replied that this verse has the scent of the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, because it is established that when the work is done, its completion signifies death.As in worldly affairs, the crew leaves when a project is completed and the work ends.When the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, heard the story of Hadrat Ab u Bakr, he said that Ab u Bakr is the most intelligent and said that if he would befriend anyone in the world, it would be Ab u Bakr and issued the order that only the window of Ab u Bakr should be left open to the mosque and all others should be closed.Someone may ask what appropriateness is there in this.So remember that the mosque is the house of God, who is the Source of all verities and cognizance.Therefore, he said that Ab u Bakr’s inner window is on this side, so this window should also be kept for him.It is not that other Companions were deprived.No, Ab u Bakr’s excellence was his personal discern- ment which showed its worth at the beginning and the end.It is as if Hadrat Ab u Bakr’s existence was a compendium of all discernment.Help Me in Fulfilling this Will Now I will end this by mentioning again that where God Almighty has given the news of my death, He has also said:

Page 374

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 334 ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل [We shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.] The significant objection of the [allegedly] wise against the one who comes as the appointed one from God is always that he has died; what did he do? These civilized people say that there was such a big claim made that he will break the cross, and this will happen, and that will happen.But now, he is gone in a state of deficiency.Therefore, in this revelation, Allah the Exalted prophesies: ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل ْرًا.ك ِ َ نُبْقِی ْ لَك َ مِن َ الْمُخْزِیَات ِ ذ اْل [We shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.] And this is indeed what grieves a person who is true.As was said to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that the burden that had well-nigh broken his back was lifted from him.That burden is the burden of the ultimate cause [of his coming].Therefore, Allah the Exalted has given good news in this revelation that He will now take care of this matter Himself.Now listen! Since this is God’s promise, it will certainly come to pass.You will be rewarded for free, so help me in fulfill- ing this will.The All-Powerful God who has created [all things] will fulfil the desires of this world and the Hereafter.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.27, p.3–5, dated 31 July 1906

Page 375

The last week of December 1905 335 The last week of December 1905 Conversation of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him, with an Arya Every year in the last week of December, Ahmadi friends from different cities present themselves before the Promised Messiah as , and a gather- ing takes place in Qadian.For this reason, the Aryas have also proposed to hold an annual meeting in Qadian for the last few years.At first, they used to spread false news that there would be a debate with Mirza Sahib, so Aryas from far and near used to come to watch, but even now, lecturers gather, especially Arya noblemen, who have particular facility and ability to abuse Islam.Consequently, the Aryas get something to be happy about.In addition, every year there is some group or other from among the Aryas who come from outside, who say to the Promised Messiah as that they came mainly to see him.Such people usually sit very respect- fully before the Promised Messiah as and listen attentively.Therefore, this time too, some groups from the Arya gathering continued to come to see the Promised Messiah as at different times.One day the Promised Messiah as had a conversation with one Arya, the record of which would not be without interest.While talking to this Arya gentleman, a Sikh spoke up and wanted to talk with the Promised Messiah as.However, the Promised Messiah as gently told him, ‘We respect you and have no dispute with you because we consider Baba Nanak to be an avatar and a saint among Hindus and consider him to be a holy man.So, while we already believe in your aim, we do not need to debate with you.’ After this, he addressed the Arya gentleman, whose name was P u ran Chand, and was a resident of Hoshiarpur.

Page 376

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 336 The Promised Messiah as — People who deliver extensive important lectures to Aryas and want to improve the low state of the nation; what is their ultimate objective? Every nation has an ultimate goal for itself.So what is the ultimate goal of your reformers? The objectives of the reformers are of two types.One is those who focus on worldly affairs.And another is those who focus on religious matters.My concern at this time is with those reforming religious affairs; what is their ultimate goal? Arya— According to us, religion is not separate from the world.Only religious people can understand worldly affairs well and excellently perform them.For this reason, we reform them both.We include worldly reformation within religion.The Promised Messiah as — I accept that the person who gains insight into religious matters adopts righteousness and honesty in worldly affairs, and worldly life cannot be improved without this, but what I mean here by asking only about reli- gion and keeping the world separate is that a particular intellect is also required for the world.For example, I do not know the work of a mason, I neither object nor correct his work.If the Government needs a doctor, it employs a man who has devel- oped competence in this profession through hard work and effort.No matter how virtuous a person is, he cannot become a judge if he is unaware of the governing law.Thus, there is a sepa- rate branch of worldly reforms.As people make new inventions and better vehicles, tools, and equipment than ever before, this is also an improvement.Yes, good-hearted people also come for reformation, but their interference in worldly affairs is limited to an ordinary coincidence that evil behaviour should be removed and peo- ple should complete all work with good intentions.The rest of

Page 377

The last week of December 1905 337 the sciences and arts are known only to the worldly.A religious Mu s le h [Reformer] makes a general reform related to the com- mon welfare.Arya— As with all the things nature has given us that fulfil our other needs, similarly, for spiritual knowledge, nature has given us one thing, and that is the Vedas.It is the task of the Arya Sam a j to spread the teachings of the Vedas.The Promised Messiah as — What is the ultimate point to which the teachings of the Vedas lead? Arya— Development of the body, society, and development of the soul.The Promised Messiah as — What is spiritual progress? Arya— To attain salvation.The Promised Messiah as — This is everyone’s claim.However, there is a sense of making a claim that is limited to being simply a thought or a conjecture that we have done this work.But there should be a distinctive character to it by which a distinction may be made whether there is salvation in it or not.Well, at this time, I do not attack the teachings of the Vedas.Assume that all that teaching is good, but it may be an imitation of something.For example, Japan has become a power at this time, but all their work is a copy of Europe.Similarly, Parsis say that Zend Avesta is older than the Vedas and some things in the Vedas are similar.So now the question is if a person follows the words of the Vedas, acquires it as knowledge in a philosophical sense, but does not consider the Vedas as a revealed book nor maintain

Page 378

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 338 any such connection with it, can he still attain salvation? Just as for worldly sciences and arts, the teacher does not need to belong to any particular religion.Be it a Hindu teacher or a Christian, or an atheist—all are present in schools.Arya— Yes, accepting the Vedas as divine for salvation is unnecessary.Your examples are correct, just as anyone can learn and teach Euclid’s forms.But A rya Sam a j keeps these forms in proper condition; the others have added errors.If Islam follows the Vedas, it is better than the Hindu who does not.The Promised Messiah as — My only question is if a person does not accept the Vedas as the word of God but follows its words, will he attain salvation or not? Arya— Indeed, he will find salvation.1 11 January 1906 Prayer and Charity for the Deceased On the morning of 11 January, when the Promised Messiah as went out for a walk accompanied with the Companions he went to the grave of the late Hadrat Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, where he raised his hands 1.Badr, vol.2, no.3, p.6, dated 19 January 1906

Page 379

11 January 1906 339 and prayed.After this, a man asked a few questions that merit being included in this column.Question— What should be recited while standing at the grave? Answer— One should pray for the deceased that God Almighty forgives his faults and sins that he committed in this world and pray for the surviving family members of the deceased as well.Question— Which verse should be recited in this prayer? Answer— These are formalities.Pray for the deceased in your own language, which you know well and in which your emo- tion is cultivated.Question— Can charity, almsgiving, and recitation of the Holy Quran benefit the deceased? Answer— The s adaqah [charity] given on behalf of the deceased reaches the deceased, but it is not proven from the Holy Prophet s as and the Companions ra that the recitation of the Holy Quran on behalf of the deceased reaches the deceased.Instead, prayer should be made on behalf of the deceased.Giving charity and supplication on behalf of the deceased is proven by the practice of 124,000 Prophets, but the charity a person gives in his own life with his own hands is better because through it, a person sets a seal upon his faith.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.3, p.6, dated 19 January 1906

Page 380

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 340 15 January 1906 The Death of a Prophet and the Manifestation of the Power of Allah the Exalted A devotee from out of town came and mentioned the revelation of the Promised Messiah as that the days of his death were near and started crying.The Promised Messiah as said: This time has to be witnessed by the followers of all the Prophets, and God Almighty manifests a Sign through it.By maintaining the Movement after the death of the Prophet, Allah the Exalted wants to show that this Movement is actually from God.Some ignorant people say in the Prophet’s time that he is a clever and cunning man and a businessman.By some coincidence, his business has flourished, but after his death, all this business will be destroyed.Then, Allah the Exalted shows His mighty hand at the time of the Prophet’s death and establishes his Movement anew.The same thing hap- pened at the time of the death of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Many bedouins became apostates.People thought it was an untimely death.Prayers con- tinued to be offered in only two mosques; in the rest, Prayers were no longer offered.Then God Almighty raised Ab u Bakr, and all the work continued as before.If it had been a human endeavour, it would have remained unfinished.The example of failure, destruction, and trouble seen by the followers of Jesus, peace be on him, after him is unlike any other.Allah the Exalted wants to show an example of the mani- festation of His power, so He does not complete all his work

Page 381

15 January 1906 341 during the time of the Prophet’s life.The practice of Allah has always been in operation in such a way that people’s thoughts are elsewhere, and God Almighty shows something else, which causes a sort of trial for many.All the earlier people mistakenly thought that the Holy Prophet s as would be a Prophet from among the children of Israel.The Jews continue till today to make the mistake of Elijah concerning Jesus.It is written that when a saintly elder died, he said that when you bury me, a green bird will come there.The one upon whose head that bird sits will be my khal i fah.So when they had buried him, they sat waiting to see when the bird would come and on whose head it would sit.All the elderly and senior devotees thought in their hearts that the bird would sit on our heads.In a short while, a bird appeared and perched on the head of a grain merchant who happened to attend the funeral by coin- cidence.They were all surprised, but according to the words of their mentor, they took him and made him their khal i fah.He whose Advent is Promised is only One A person asked the question that it is written that there will be many messiahs.The Promised Messiah as said: As there is a similarity in forms, so is there a similarity in akhl a q [natural dispositions—morals].It is written that the heart of every righteous person is like the heart of some Prophet, but he who was promised to come is only one.

Page 382

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 342 Those who Oppose the One Sent by God are in Error The Promised Messiah as said: Those who were in error previously suffered from an error of interpretation and earned merit in the sight of Allah even in that, but these people have opposed a Messenger, so they are in error.1 20 January 1906 The Enemy of Oneness The Promised Messiah as said: God Almighty desires oneness.The person who causes unnec- essary pain to his brother, lies, betrays, or takes part in backbit- ing is an enemy of this oneness.2 1.Badr, vol.2, no.3, p.2, dated 19 January 1906 2.Badr, vol.2, no.4, p.2, dated 26 January 1906

Page 383

22 January 1906 343 22 January 1906 Miracles During the walk, Hadrat Maulaw i Muhammad A h san read out to the Promised Messiah as a part of the commentary of the first part of the Holy Quran that he had written.Miracles were mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: Physical sciences do not always remain the same, but God’s Word is always true.Earlier physicists believed that the sky rotates and the earth is stationary.Now physicists believe that the earth moves.Day by day, the result of the research is dif- ferent.It is not right to become firm on one thing, thinking it to be the Word of God; man cannot reach the real cause of everything.It would not be permissible to deny miracles simply because we have never seen such a thing happen.Man does not know all the laws of nature.Merely Abandoning Evil is Not Something to be Proud of The Promised Messiah as said: Merely giving up evil does not bestow any lofty station.Goodness should also be taken up along with it.It is said that a person went to a friend’s house for a feast.This friend cooked a very elaborate meal and did everything for him.When he fin- ished eating, he said, ‘You have gone to great lengths for my sake and fed me excellent food, but I also did you a huge favour.’ So

Page 384

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 344 the host asked him to explain so he could be even more grateful and thankful for his favour.Then he said that when you were not at home, and I was here alone, if I had set fire to your house at that time, your house and belongings worth several thou- sands of rupees would have been burnt to ashes.This person prided himself on not doing evil, but from this example, every person can understand that there is no excel- lence and pride in abandoning evil.1 1–8 February 1906 Surviving in a Terrible Time Depends only on the Grace of Allah A friend submitted in the presence of the Promised Messiah as that now that he had received the revelation ‘The departure will be after February 25’, so should we now take up residence in a house outside the city? The Promised Messiah as said: I cannot yet explain what its meaning is, nor am I giving any advice to go out at this time.Moreover, survival in such a ter- rible time depends only on the grace and mercy of Allah the Exalted.Merely staying in or going out has nothing to do with it; these are external measures.The essential point is that one 1.Badr, vol.2, no.4, p.2, dated 26 January 1906

Page 385

11 February 1906 345 should bow to God Almighty with a sincere heart, and forgive- ness should be sought for one’s sins.One should recite istighf a r [seeking Allah’s forgiveness] a lot and make a change in one’s condition.Apart from this, there is no way to safety.There have been frequent revelations and dreams about earthquakes.Many other people have had similar dreams.1 11 February 1906 Acceptance of Prayers The Promised Messiah as said: We should be grateful that the supplications made in the pres- ence of Allah the Exalted are often accepted.Divine decrees and determinations cannot be averted, and Allah the Exalted does every work with His perfect wisdom.However, most of the prayers are successful as desired, and one definite and sure thing is that no matter what the result of the prayer is going to be, the prayer is definitely answered, whether that answer is as desired or against it.1.Badr, vol.2, no.6, p.2, dated 9 February 1906

Page 386

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 346 Allah the Exalted is Not Angered by Supplications The Promised Messiah as said: I did not apply much spiritual concentration on when and at what time the earthquake will occur because it appears that Allah the Exalted wishes to keep this hidden.There is also con- cealment of secrets in man’s affairs of state.In the same way, there are secrets in the works of Allah the Exalted, so I fear that trying to find out more about it may be considered vain.However, Allah the Exalted is Forgiving and Merciful; sup- plications do not anger him.It is written that when the Holy Prophet s as was told that even if he prayed for such a person 70 times, it would not be accepted, the Holy Prophet s as said that he would pray more than 70 times.This is also how Hadrat Ibr a h i m disputed concerning the people of Lot, although arguing is bad manners, because in a dispute, a request is made unsupported by an argument.However, since it was in the con- text of a supplication, God Almighty did not dislike it.The Promised Messiah as said: There is great danger about the earthquake, and there is no remedy for it except prayer.Therefore, get up at night and sup- plicate in the dead of night by offering Tahajjud [supereroga- tory Prayers offered in the latter part of the night] so that God may have mercy.

Page 387

11 February 1906 347 Distributing Food in the Cemetery in the Name of the Deceased A person asked that those who accompany the dead person take baked bread or other items to the cemetery and, after burying the deceased, distribute it among the poor.What is the ruling regarding this? The Promised Messiah as said: All things are dependent on intention.If it is the intention that since the poor gather at this place and charity can reach [i.e.benefit] the deceased, so as the person is buried on the one hand and charity is given to the poor on the other so that it will benefit him and he may be forgiven, this is a good thing.However, if this work is undertaken merely as a ritual, then it is not permissible because its reward is neither for the deceased nor for those who give it.There is no benefit in it at all.Isq at for the Dead A person asked for a ruling regarding isq at [giving money for feeding the poor or other virtues to remove the deceased’s burden of sin] of a person who dies.The Promised Messiah as said: This is wholly an innovation, and no evidence can be found in support of it from Sunnah and Hadith.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.7, p.2, dated 16 February 1906

Page 388

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 348 18 February 1906 God Almighty is Not Cruel The Promised Messiah as said: God Almighty is neither cruel nor grumpy and irritable like a man.When someone is punished, it is actually a result of that person’s own actions.God Almighty Should Not be Tested A person said that his father’s business has deteriorated; if it flourishes, he would accept Mirza Sahib.The Promised Messiah as said: God Almighty should not be tested with these things.I won- der at the plight of those who ask such questions.God is inde- pendent of everyone.Do these people think God is under an obligation for their believing in Him? A person who believes in the truth is searching for a way to cleanse himself from sins.Otherwise, what need does God have for him? God says that if you all become apostates, He will create a new nation that will love Him.Whoever commits a sin and becomes a k a fir [disbeliever] does not harm God, and whoever believes does not increase God in anything.Each person does so for their own gain or loss.The condition of those who want to believe in God by plac- ing conditions and putting God under obligation is like the person suffering from severe thirst going to a water fountain and demanding a thousand rupees from it before taking a sip of

Page 389

19 February 1906 349 water.Tell me, what reply will he get from the fountain? Only this: ‘Go die of thirst.I do not need you!’ God Almighty is Self-Sufficient and in need of no one.1 19 February 1906 Practical Weaknesses are Removed by the Grace of God Almighty A friend who had visited from abroad complained about some weak- ness perpetrated by an individual of the Ahmadiyya Jam a ‘at of that location.The Promised Messiah as said: As the Jam a ‘at continues to grow, these types of challenges will arise since people of every kind join.If God Almighty wills, their weaknesses will gradually disappear.2 1.Badr, vol.2, no.8, p.2, dated 23 February 1906 2.Badr, vol.2, no.8, p.2, dated 23 February 1906

Page 390

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 350 20 February 1906 There was mention of severe earthquakes in two places in America.The Promised Messiah as said: If we examine history as a whole, such a series of earthquakes that have encircled the globe has never been seen.Herein is a warning from which the wise can take benefit.The solar and lunar eclipse also appeared in this region first, then it occurred in America the following year.The Wisdom behind Baba Nanak Not Openly Becoming a Muslim Hadrat Baba Nanak was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: The Chola [Cloak] of Baba Nanak and his association with Muslims and all other matters clearly indicate that Baba Nanak was a Muslim.However, not revealing himself in this manner also carries in itself great wisdom; for, had he cut all ties and openly joined the Muslims in this manner, he would have been left alone.As opposed to this, now he is a Muslim together with a vast group of several hundred thousand people.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.8, p.2, dated 23 February 1906

Page 391

Undated 351 Undated The Advice of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him Which he Mentioned in his Home in relation to Women (Compiled by Sahibz a dah Miy an Bashir-ud-Din Ma h m u d Ahmad) A Pure Disposition One day, a sick child asked someone for a story, but that individual replied that we consider telling stories a sin.The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, said that it is not a sin because it is proven that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to tell jokes sometimes and considered it acceptable to do this to entertain children.It is narrated that once an old woman inquired from him s as whether she would also go to Heaven.He said no.She started crying after hearing this.He asked her why she was crying and said that the young will enter Paradise, the old will not; that is, everyone will be made young at that time.In the same way, the Promised Messiah as said there was pain in a molar of a Companion.He was eating a dried date.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Don’t eat dry dates because you have pain in your molars.’ He replied that I am chew- ing with the other molar.Then the Promised Messiah as said that an animal called a nughair escaped from the hand of a child.That child started crying.This child’s name was ‘Umair.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, عُـمَیْـرُ! مَا فَعَلَت ْ بِك َ نُـغَیْـرُ؟ عُـمَیْـرُ! مَا فَعَلَت ْ بِك َ نُـغَیْـرُ؟ —‘O ‘Umair! What was done by nughair ?’ The boy liked the rhyme so he stopped crying.

Page 392

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 352 Children must be Warned It was learned that a child had committed some mischief; that is, he set something on fire.The Promised Messiah as said: It is also essential to warn children; if they are not prohibited from mischief at this time, it will not end well when they grow up.If a boy is disciplined in childhood, he remembers it well because memory retention is more robust during that period.1 Expression of Gratitude One day the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, was ill.A person was sent to Amritsar to bring some fruit and nuts.When he returned, the Promised Messiah’s condition had grown worse.At that moment, he asked for the fruit that the person had been sent to bring.However, he had failed to bring it from Amritsar.A short time later, Q adi Na zi r H usain, Revenue Officer, came and brought that very fruit with him.He said: ‘At the time of eating these things, the members of my household should reflect that 26 or 27 years ago, the promise of God Almighty was published that: عَمِیْقٍ.ٍّ فَج ِّ ُل ك ْ عَمِیْق ٍ وَیَاْتِیْك َ مِن ٍّ فَج ِّ ُل ك ْ یَاْتُوْن َ مِن عَمِیْقٍ.ٍّ فَج ِّ ُل ك ْ عَمِیْق ٍ وَیَاْتِیْك َ مِن ٍّ فَج ِّ ُل ك ْ یَاْتُوْن َ مِن [His help will come to you by every distant track.Your helpers will come from every distant track.] 1.Note from the Editor: On this occasion, it should also be remembered that the Promised Messiah as strictly forbids hitting and shouting at children all the time.Therefore, each task should be carried out in due measure.By the above-mentioned the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, means that the child should not be left completely free to wander around aimlessly.

Page 393

Undated 353 Before these people came, God Almighty gave the news of their com- ing and informed me that He would bring me the food they would need from far away places.How much trust should we have in God upon seeing these things that He Himself provides all kinds of goods without our efforts?’ Complaining and Blaming are Not Good One day a woman complained about another woman.The Promised Messiah as said: Look, this is a very bad habit particularly found in women.Because men have many things to do, they rarely get a chance to sit down and talk to each other without any other concerns, and if they do find some such opportunity, they have many other things to discuss.But women do not know and do not do such work, so the whole day’s work is nothing but blaming and complaining.A person saw someone else as a sinner, criticized him, and said he would go to Hell.On the Day of Resurrection, God Almighty will ask him, ‘How is it that you had been given My powers? I am the One who sends people to Hell and Heaven; who are you? Well, I have put you in Hell, and this sinful servant of mine whom you used to scold and used to say all kinds of things about and that he would go to Hell, I have sent him to Heaven.’ So every human being should understand this.It should not happen that the person himself becomes the victim.

Page 394

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 354 Avoid Backbiting The Promised Messiah as said: The heart is the casket of Allah the Exalted, and He has the key to it.Who knows what is inside it? So what is to be gained by needlessly making yourself a sinner? It is mentioned in the noble a ha d i th that there would be a person who was a great sin- ner.God Almighty will tell him to come close to Him so much so that He will put a veil between him and the people with His hand.And He will ask him did you commit such and such a sin? But He will recount minor sins.The man will say yes, I committed these sins.God Almighty will say that today, I have forgiven all of your sins and rewarded you with 10 good deeds for each sin.Then that person will think that when these minor sins have received the reward of 10 good deeds, then the major sins will get a much greater reward.Thinking this, that person will start mentioning his more egregious sins himself, that O God! I have also committed these sins.Allah will smile after listening to him and say: Look! Because of My grace, this man has become so bold that he con- fesses his sins himself.Then, He will order him to enter Paradise through whichever of its eight gates he wishes.1 So who knows what is someone’s relationship with God Almighty or what is in a person’s heart? Therefore, backbiting should be strictly avoided.2 1.S a hih Muslim, Kit a b al- I m a n, B a bu Adna Ahli al-Jannah Manzilatan F i ha [Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.2, no.10, p.10, dated 9 March 1906

Page 395

9–14 March 1906 355 9–14 March 1906 This week along with other guests, is one Ha j i Il a h i Bakhsh, who was returning after performing the H ajj this year and stayed in Qadian on his way home.Because he had not yet gone home, he asked for permis- sion to go home, but the Promised Messiah as said he should stay here for a few more days.The Promised Messiah as said: When a Movement is established by Allah the Exalted, it also becomes a place of pilgrimage.It is written that Bayazid [Bastami] told one of his disciples who had been planning to perform H ajj: ‘Go around me seven times.This will verily become your H ajj.’ 1 18 March 1906 God’s Recent Revelation Today, on Sunday, I saw in a dream that I was sitting in my house, and there was a fruit in the shape of a melon in my hand.I wished to peel it and eat it.Meanwhile, I saw Mahmud Ahmad.There is an Englishman with him.He entered our house and first stood at the place where the water pitchers are 1.Badr, vol.3, no.11, p.2, dated 16 March 1906

Page 396

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 356 kept.Then he proceeded to the upper story room where I sit and work, as if he wanted to go inside and search.At that time, I saw a person who looked like M i r N as ir Naww a b standing in front of me and he indicated to me to go into that room.The Englishman was searching, and it occurred to me that he would see only those papers which were the draft of the newly compiled book.At that time, I woke up.The meaning of this is not known.Just a few days before I received the revelation that: َفَفْت ُ عَن ْ بَنِی ْ اِسْـرَآءِیْلَ.ك ْ.ایلی ایلی لما سبقتانی.بریّت.اِذ َفَفْت ُ عَن ْ بَنِی ْ اِسْـرَآءِیْلَ.ك ْ.ایلی ایلی لما سبقتانی.بریّت.اِذ وعرت یک اچل [In Urdu:] A woman’s move.[In Hebrew:] My Lord, my Lord, why have You forsaken me? [In Urdu:] Acquittal.[In Arabic:] And call to mind when I held back (the enemy) from Ban i Isr a ’ i l [the children of Israel].From my ijtih a d [interpretive judgement], I had understood this to mean that someone will plot secretly like women, which may lead to a case against me due to his deception, but in the end, I will be acquitted.But these are my interpreted meanings, and it is possible that what I saw before and what I saw now have another significance, but these are the apparent meanings.God knows.Seeing Ma h m u d and then M i r N as ir Naww a b in this dream indicates a good end because the word ma h m u d [praised] indi- cates a ma h m u d ending, meaning that the end of this afflic- tion will be good.And seeing N as ir Naww a b shows that God Almighty will be N as ir [Helper] and, with His support, will grant release from the affliction, and finally, this affliction will take the shape of a Sign.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.12, p.2, dated 22 March 1906

Page 397

19 March 1906 357 19 March 1906 A Sign The Promised Messiah as said: I am concerned and focusing my [spiritual] attention that if it were known in which month the next earthquake is going to occur, it would be a great Sign.Of course, the case of a preju- diced man is worthless, but this would be an excellent Sign for the one who reflects.A Point of Rebuke The Promised Messiah as said: Adam as is better than the God of Christians because the angels prostrated before Adam, and a satan, who did not, was humil- iated and cast out.In contrast, the God of Christians followed Satan here and there, and Satan can say that because he did not bow down to me, he was humiliated and hanged.It is Proven that Yas u‘ Mas ih was a Weak Man The Promised Messiah as said: Christians praise Yas u‘ [ Jesus] by saying that he was sinless.However, being sinless is not a virtue.Virtue lies in having a relationship of a lofty degree with Allah the Exalted and attain- ing closeness to God.Since God Almighty knew that Yas u‘

Page 398

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 358 Mas ih [ Jesus Christ] would be wrongfully honoured beyond all limits by the people, such things happened to him from the start, proving in every case that he was a humble and weak man.The Meaning of Tawaff i The Promised Messiah as said: Our opponents claim that the saying of Jesus that 1 اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت اَّمَلَف ْيِنَتْيَّفَوَت means that, ‘When You lifted me up to the heavens.’ If Jesus utters this phrase on the Day of Resurrection, it will be as if he had never even died, because even on the Day of Resurrection, there will be mention of going to Heaven but there is no men- tion of death.And if this verse is taken to mean ‘when I died’, meaning ‘became dead’, but death will come on the Day of Judgment, then it becomes necessary to believe that Christians have not become corrupt until today and their religion is based upon truth.Tasb ih [Rosary] is a Later Invention One person mentioned that the opponents say that these people offer Prayers but do not keep tasb ih s with them.The Promised Messiah as said: When did the Companions ra keep tasb ih s ? These people have made up such things later.1.S u rah al -Ma’ idah, 5:118 [Publisher]

Page 399

1 April 1906 359 The Promised Messiah as said: A person is mentioned who used to hold a long tasb ih in his hand and was passing through a street.On the way, an old woman saw that he was counting how many times he was recit- ing the name of God with the tasb ih.She said, ‘Does anyone count how often he makes mention of a friend?’ He threw away the tasb ih right there and then.The blessings of Allah are innu- merable; who can count them? 1 1 April 1906 Divine Revelation Mention was made of the Divine revelation: سَمًّی ُّ ُ اِلٰی وَقْت ٍ م هللا ُ رَہ َّ اَخ سَمًّی ُّ ُ اِلٰی وَقْت ٍ م هللا ُ رَہ َّ اَخ [Allah has postponed it, till a time appointed.] The Promised Messiah as said: On the day preceding it there was a revelation in the manner of a supplication: ر ْ وَقْت َ ھٰذَا ِّ اَخ ِّ رَب ر ْ وَقْت َ ھٰذَا ِّ اَخ ِّ رَب [O my Lord! Postpone the time of this earthquake which seems imminent.] 1 Badr, vol.2, no.12, p.2, dated 22 March 1906 and al- H akam, vol.10, no.10, p.1, dated 24 March 1906

Page 400

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 360 On the second day, this revelation came expressing the accept- ance of this prayer.Allah the Exalted Himself makes one make a supplication, and then Himself accepts it.The Requirement of Good Manners Dr Noor Muhammad mentioned that a person in Lahore who belongs to our Jam a ‘at said to him that some faq i r in Patiala had predicted that an earthquake would occur on such and such a date, and that date is near.I told him not to pay any attention to it at all.Allah the Exalted had sent His Messenger.Until something is heard from him, nothing else should be relied upon.The Promised Messiah as said: This is indeed the requirement of good manners.To believe in the words of such people who walk around as faq i rs is a form of atheism and a departure from the Faith.Allah the Exalted desires to bring all people into one circle and inform all oth- ers through it.So bringing another person in the middle and believing that he has been informed of the day of the earth- quake is the basis of shirk [associating partners with Allah].When I received the revelation about the earthquake, we went into the tents, and now, when the news of its delay was given, we returned to our houses.Just as Allah the Exalted appreciates the smallest things, so is He sternly watchful of the minutest details.Such is the point.Sometimes a person thinks a thing to be minor, but that thing spurs the displeasure of Almighty Allah.A New Composition The Promised Messiah as said: ‘I have started writing a new treatise called Haqiqatul-Wahi [ The Philosophy of Divine Revelation ].Some

Page 401

1 April 1906 361 people claim inspiration and revelation even though they do not know what the true essence of wa hi [divine inspiration] and revelation is.’ Bombay Bombay was mentioned, and it was said that it is an island and houses have been built in many places by blocking the water of the sea.The Promised Messiah as said: I have also thought many times about what will happen to Bombay when there is a severe earthquake.About the Earthquake The Promised Messiah as said: Since Allah the Exalted has delayed it, the opponents’ mock- ery will continue increasing, and they will display even greater readiness to resort to abuse and vilification.Coming again—O Friends!— are the Days of the Impending Earthquake The Promised Messiah as said: One hundred thousand copies of Paisa Akhb a r have been printed, and each paper will be read by many people so the earthquake prophecy will reach hundreds of thousands of

Page 402

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 362 people.I have given good advice to the people in this poem 1 , drawn the people’s attention towards repentance, and invited them to Islam.The editor has written that he disagrees with me, so does he not want people to be virtuous? A Rightly Guided One in Amritsar The Promised Messiah as said: Amritsar is a place where there are less people endowed with the capacity for virtue and who embrace truth.A letter came from there today in which a person writes that after reading the book Chashma-e-Masi hi , he has concluded that such support and sincerity for Islam cannot be from the pen of a liar.I, there- fore, join your disciples, and you should write my name among those who have taken Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance].The Promised Messiah as said: I am happy that a life was saved through this book.2 1.Note: The poem, ےن ےک دن ٓا ارو ززلہل ںی � ںی ہ ےت � ٓا رھپ ےلچ ( Coming again—O Friends!—are the Days of the Impending Earthquake is meant).(Compiler) 2.Badr, vol.2, no.14, p.3, dated 5 April 1906

Page 403

7 ApriL 1906 363 7 ApriL 1906 Develop Faith in the Boundless Powers of God Almighty Someone asked the meaning of: 1 اَنَا َكْيِتٰا ٖهِب َلْبَق ْنَا َّدَتْرَّي َكْيَلِا َكُفْرَط اَنَا َكْيِتٰا ٖهِب َلْبَق ْنَا َّدَتْرَّي َكْيَلِا َكُفْرَط The Promised Messiah as said: What is the impossibility of the throne of Bilq i s [Queen of Sheba] materializing in a moment? Such objections arise in the hearts of those people, and these are the people who rush to make all manner of interpretations of such things, who do not fully believe in the powers of God Almighty.What I know is this: 2 ْمَلَا ْمَلْعَت َّنَا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق ْمَلَا ْمَلْعَت َّنَا َهّٰللا ىٰلَع ِّلُك ٍءْيَش ٌرْيِدَق Denial of an event simply because of the deficient experience of one’s peers is an evil thing.Look! Until the telegraph came out, who would have believed if someone had said that news could travel so far in a second? But now, when it came to be seen, everyone agreed.So, like- wise, who can comprehend the infinite powers of God? When man cannot comprehend minor things, if some actions of God cannot be understood, they should not be denied but should be believed with a sincere heart; for, the more one believes in God, the more He helps, and whatever the state of faith is, God makes him dependent on means to that same degree.1.I will bring it to you quicker than the blinking of your eye ( S u rah an-Naml, 27:41).[Publisher] 2.Do you not know that Allah has the power to do all that He wills? ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:107) [Publisher]

Page 404

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 364 I myself have seen examples of such powers of God.Behold! ‘Abdullah Sannouri’s shirt on which red marks had appeared without any visible causes, yet I saw in a vision that those drops of ink fell from the Divine court while a signature was being obtained.Similarly, there was severe pain in a tooth once, and the doctor advised that tooth extraction was the way to deal with the tooth pain, but afterwards the revelation came: ِ ْن ی و َ اِذَا مَرِضْت ُ فَهُو َ يَشْفِ ِ ْن ی و َ اِذَا مَرِضْت ُ فَهُو َ يَشْفِ [And when I am ill, it is He who restores me to health.] And immediately, the pain went away.Similarly, I once fell seriously ill, so much so that even S u rah Y a S i n was read out to me three times.However, it was put in my heart that I should proclaim the glory of God repeatedly and obtain sand and water from the river and rub it on my body.So, upon doing this, the illness dissipated.Therefore, develop com- plete faith in God so you may be saved from such doubts.(This is a summary of the speech that the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, delivered) F a ti h Khw a n i and Isq at It was submitted that it is customary to do f a ti h ah kh a n i 1 for the dead when a Muslim dies.Is it found in the Shariah or not? The Promised Messiah as said: ‘There is no mention of it in the Hadith, the Holy Quran, nor in the Sunnah.’ 1.F a ti h ah kh a n i is a practice observed by some Muslims, involving the reci- tation of S u rah al-F a ti h ah and other Quranic verses as a means of seeking Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased.This practice is typically performed collectively, especially following the death or on the anniversary of someone’s passing.[Publisher]

Page 405

14 April 1906 365 It was submitted that if it is done with the understanding that it is just a prayer for maghfirat [forgiveness]? The Promised Messiah as said: Isq at [giving money for feeding the poor or other virtues to remove the deceased’s burden of sin] is neither correct nor is it a prayer in such a fashion, for the door of innovations is opened thereby.1 14 April 1906 Beholding Manifestations on the Mountain The Promised Messiah as said: God Almighty Himself wants to prove His existence once again, just as a sample of Divine manifestation was shown on the Mount [in the time of Moses].In this very fashion will it be shown again today.Just as a Messenger was sent to Pharaoh, those same words have been revealed to me that you are also a Messenger, just like a Messenger was sent to Pharaoh.People of the world will not stand corrected now except through witnessing Divine mani- festations as were shown on the Mount [in the time of Moses].2 1.Badr, vol.2, no.16, p.3, dated 19 April 1906 2.Badr, vol.2, no.17, p.2, dated 26 April 1906

Page 406

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 366 17 April 1906 The Practice of Allah with Respect to Miracles The Promised Messiah as said: Some people desire that the miracles they ask for be shown to them.This is not right.This is not the practice of Allah the Exalted.If satisfaction is provided to the extent that God Almighty’s law permits providing satisfaction, then a person becomes liable to be held to account.God’s Acceptance of Those who Enter this Jam a ‘at The Promised Messiah as said: God Almighty has told me that He will accept those who enter this Jam a ‘at.The rest who persist in their stubbornness and deny by way of wretchedness cannot be held to be righteous.Religious Wisdom is Sharpened by Righteousness The Promised Messiah as said: Religious intellect and worldly intellect are different.Those trained in worldly wisdom cannot claim that they have also acquired religious wisdom.Instead, religious wisdom is sharp- ened by taqw a [righteousness].God Almighty has said:

Page 407

24 April 1906 367 1 ۤٗهُّسَمَي اَّلِا َنْوُرَّهَطُمْلا۰۰۠ ۤٗهُّسَمَي اَّلِا َنْوُرَّهَطُمْلا۰۰۠ اَلَ اَلَ The more one is purified the more divine cognition increases.2 24 April 1906 (From the pen of Miy an Mer a j-ud-D i n ‘Umar) The Spiritual Condition of the Jam a ‘at will Continue to Strengthen Travelling on the morning coach, I arrived in Qadian around 1 PM today.The Adh a n [Call to Prayer] was made soon after that.After per- forming ablution, I reached the small mosque.I saw that the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, was sitting in the small room, and Maulaw i Syed Muhammad A h san and Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Al i were sitting next to him.Miya n Ghul a m Ras u l, the barber from Amritsar, was describing his own condition.On this, the Promised Messiah as said: Be patient.Our Jam a ‘at is in its initial phase.They are still like a weak tree.Look! The largest tree, Shisham [i.e.North Indian rosewood] or any other tree when small, can be uprooted with very little force, even with one’s nails.Similarly, some people 1.Which none shall touch except those who are purified ( S u rah al-W a qi‘ah, 56:80).[Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.2, no.17, p.2, dated 26 April 1906

Page 408

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 368 in our Jam a ‘at are still weak like this in their faith.Just as a tree grows and becomes so strong that when people climb on it, it does not break, their faith will gradually become stronger, and then, like a strong tree, it will become established in its place.1 26 April 1906 Extraordinary Days The Promised Messiah as said: These days are as if heaven is wrestling with the earth.These are extraordinary days; exceptional events are happening every- where, and their unusual nature is increasing daily.Somewhere earthquakes are striking; at other places calamities are visiting.In some places people are being killed in conflicts; at other places people are being decimated by calamities, yet in other places fires are raging.But alas! People have dismissed all these events as ordinary, remaining asleep as usual in their negligence and are not wor- ried about anything.The will of God Almighty is one thing, while the desires of people are quite another.The righteous person is recognized by his obedience and deeds.Given that I present Signs before these people and show them the texts of the Quran and the Hadith, and then they deny them, so they cannot be called righteous.What does God 1.Badr, vol.2, no.20, p.3, dated 17 May 1906

Page 409

26 April 1906 369 care that these people are greater in number? Allah the Exalted is not held in awe by abundance and quantity.1 ٌلْيِلَق ْنِّم َيِداَبِع ُرْوُكَّشلا ٌلْيِلَق ْنِّم َيِداَبِع ُرْوُكَّشلا Behold! How many people were drowned during the time of Noah as ? And how many people were saved in comparison? The Disease of P i rz a dgi The Promised Messiah as said: The disease of p i rz a dgi [being the progeny of hereditary spiritual guides] is worse than hectic fever and consumption because these people suffer from arrogance and pride, need- lessly display a self-conceived grandeur, and constantly boast of ascetic pretence.2 1.Few of My servants are grateful ( S u rah Sab a ’, 34:14).[Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.2, no.17, p.2, dated 26 April 1906

Page 410

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 370 5 May 1906 The Class of Laul a k [Those for whom the Heavens were Created] The Divine revelation [below] was mentioned: َ َف ْاَلَك ْأ اْل ُ ا َك َ لَمَا خَلَقْت اْل ْ لَو َ َف ْاَلَك ْأ اْل ُ ا َك َ لَمَا خَلَقْت اْل ْ لَو [Were it not for you, I would not have created the heavens.] The Promised Messiah as said: In the state of having attained the pleasure of Allah to a per- fect degree, this class of servants of Allah comes under the writ of Laul a k , and it is clear that if this group of Laul a k did not exist, then the creation of the heavens would be vain and futile.The creation of the heavens is only for the sake of this group of Laul a k.The Promised Messiah as said: In truth, this was said in regard to the Noble Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, but it applies to us by way of reflection.The revelation described above was men- tioned with regard to my book 1.The Promised Messiah as said: From this we learn that those friends in our Jam a ‘at who are 1.The diarist did not write the name of this book.(Compiler)

Page 411

8 May 1906 371 passionate about serving the Faith, Allah the Exalted desires to bestow status and greatness upon them.1 8 May 1906 (‘A s r time) Incline towards God Almighty with Full Fervour The Promised Messiah as said: So long as man is not completely devoted to God, he will be met by chastisement of one kind or another in this world.I see that some members of my Jam a ‘at are inclined toward worldly embellishments and comforts and are preoccupied with these things.They should correct their practical condition and become inclined toward God Almighty with full fervour and strength.Exhortation Not to Speak Ill of the Weak The Promised Messiah as said: When one of your brothers is weak, do not be hasty in speaking 2.Badr, vol.8, nos.7, 8, p.3, dated 24 and 31 December 1908

Page 412

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 372 ill of him.There are many people whose initial condition is bad, and then suddenly, a time of change comes over them.Just as their physical condition goes through many stages: first, a sperm, then a blood clot, and a most contemptible condition which goes on progressing step by step.In the same way, all peo- ple, except the Prophets, have to go through all the stages.The company of one appointed by Allah can correct the condition of man.If every person was to emerge an Abd a l [saint] from home, then what would be the need for the whole system of enter- ing into Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance]? A weak man gains strength gradually by entering the Movement.Consider the initial condition of the Companions.When a k a fir [disbe- liever] can become a believer, can a wicked man not become righteous? Many states come over a person, and many changes occur.1 10 May 1906 Mub a halah is a High Calibre Weapon There was mention of Ahmad Mas ih the Christian calling upon the Promised Messiah as for a mub a halah [prayer duel].(The acceptance reply to which has been published in the previous edition of the newspaper.) The Promised Messiah as said: 1.Badr, vol.2, no.20, p.3, dated 17 May 1906

Page 413

10 May 1906 373 Mub a halah is a final verdict.The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also called the Christians for mub a halah , but none of them dared to accept.There is still awe of the truth established upon the hearts of Christians, and there is no hope that any bishop will come into the field of mub a ha- lah.Nevertheless, if anyone comes forth, I am certain Allah the Exalted will grant me great success.Mub a halah is a weapon of high calibre to attack the enemy.Differences among Muslims about the Mahdi The Promised Messiah as said: Debating with Muslims in this era is futile because the a ha d i th , narrations, and beliefs based on which they wish to debate with me are such that they have significant differences with each other about them.Some say the Mahdi will be a Fatimite, some say he will be Abbasi, and some say he will be Hussaini.Some say he will be born, some say he will emerge from a cave, and some say he will be an individual from the Ummah.Some say that Jesus will be the Mahdi.In short, with such immense differences, it is surprising that they wish to confront us.They fail to understand that the one coming is the H akam [Arbiter].He will end all debates and present a true path from the midst of conflicting matters, and he alone is worthy of being accepted.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.20, p.3, dated 17 May 1906

Page 414

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 374 21 May 1906 The Promised Messiah’s Advice to Expelled Medical School Students Two students (‘Abdul- H ak i m and another) from among those med- ical school students who had agreed to stop going to school upon becoming angry with their teachers, presented themselves before the Promised Messiah as in Qadian on the 21st of May.They mentioned this incident and the Principal’s permission to re-enter till 31 May.The Promised Messiah as said: Such actions are attributed nowadays to rebelliousness against the Government and should be avoided.In my view, this matter should not be allowed to develop any further now.And taking advantage of the Principal’s permission, you should re-enter the school.The teachers with whom you expressed your displeasure must have been warned internally, and I do not expect they will misbehave toward you in the future.The Government does not let such people go without investigation, even if such a thing is not publicly expressed.Apart from this, you should learn good morals so that if they have misbehaved toward you and if you ever get an oppor- tunity to exercise such authority, you should behave well with your students and subordinates.And the oaths you have taken in the spirit of opposition are unlawful.It is a sin to remain firm on an illegal oath.God has ordered that illegal oaths and prom- ises be broken in Islamic Shariah.It is not good to waste time.Do not put yourself in trouble and [re-]enroll yourself in school.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.21, p.2, dated 24 May 1906

Page 415

27 May 1906 375 27 May 1906 Fulfilment of a Revelation and a Vision The late Chaudhary Ilah D a d was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: He was a very sincere man.Such a man is hard to find.The Promised Messiah as said: The Divine revelation that:..� ر وٹٹ ےئگ ںی � ریت �ہ� �ش دو Two rafters had broken down From these, one rafter was the late Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, and it seems the other was Chaudhary Sahib.The Promised Messiah as said: The vision that was seen that there are two other graves near the grave of Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m also came true.One grave was made for Ilahi Bakhsh, a resident of Malir Kotla, and the other for the late Chaudhary Sahib.

Page 416

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 376 Easy Way to Reach a Verdict for Opposing Recipients of Revelation The following revelation was under discussion: َ اُجِـیْحُك َ وَاُخْرِج ُ مِنْك َ قَوْمًا اْل َ اُرِیْـحُك َ و َ اُجِـیْحُك َ وَاُخْرِج ُ مِنْك َ قَوْمًا اْل َ اُرِیْـحُك َ و Its meaning is I shall comfort you, cause you to grow, not destroy you, and establish a great people as your issue.The Promised Messiah as said: With this Divine revelation in mind, those recipients of ‘Divine’ revelation who oppose me can easily come to a verdict because this is God Almighty’s answer to those striving to make us des- titute of Signs.God Almighty has rejected them.These are spe- cial words of God Almighty’s love, grace, and beneficence that are not spoken in favour of a liar.Now, the way is easy for those recipients of ‘Divine’ revelation who oppose me.They should publish some revelation from God that this person will perish.A recent example of such a recipient of revelation has been established in the person of Char a gh D i n, and whoever else wished to try it should do so.I, for my part, declare under a thousand oaths of God Almighty that this revelation which has descended upon me is the Word of God Almighty, just as the Noble Quran is the Word of God Almighty.It is a Sign of God and an easy way of reaching a verdict.Therefore, whosoever wishes may adopt it.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.23, p.4, dated 7 June 1906

Page 417

30 May 1906 377 30 May 1906 The Messiah will always be Victorious The Promised Messiah as said: Every Prophet who comes to this world is blessed with the shade of one or the other name of Allah the Exalted.The name ‘One who Prevails’ of Allah the Exalted provides shade upon the Promised Messiah.Sufis have also written that the coming Messiah will always be victorious and will never be overpow- ered.The enemies may oppose him a thousand ways, but he is a class of existence that he will always be triumphant.He will simply never face defeat.No Salvation without Following the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: The person who says that salvation can be achieved without fol- lowing the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a liar.What Allah the Exalted has explained to me is wholly opposed to this.God Almighty says that: 1 ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا ْلُق ْنِا ْمُتْنُك َنْوُّبِحُت َهّٰللا ْيِنْوُعِبَّتاَف۠ ُمُكْبِبْحُي ُهّٰللا O Messenger (Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny), tell these people that if you love 1.S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:32 [Publisher]

Page 418

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 378 God, then come and follow me; you will become the beloved of God.No one can be saved without following the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Those who have malice against the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, will never do well.It was not appropriate for him to sit down to write a commentary because he neither had any share in worldly knowledge nor had he attained inner purity and holiness.That is why I have never read his commen- tary because it is a waste of time.Reading such a man’s book is just a waste of one’s time.An ignorant man—yet arrogant—can never meet a noble end.A Revelation The Promised Messiah as said: A few years ago, I received the revelation: وبد منہج اجلہ ااجنم رس وبد مک اعتبق وكن اجلہ ہک [The end of the ignorant one is Hell; An ignorant one seldom comes to a good end.] A Vision Conveying Good News and its Interpretation about the Protection of the Jam a ‘at The Promised Messiah as said: When Allah the Exalted plants a garden and someone wants to cut it down, God can never be pleased with that person.I had a dream quite a long time ago that I was riding a horse

Page 419

30 May 1906 379 and going towards the garden and I was alone.An army came out before me, intending to cut down our garden.I was not overcome by any fear of them.And I am certain in my heart that I alone am sufficient for all of them.Those people went inside the garden, and I also went behind them.When I went in, I saw that they were all dead—their heads, hands, and feet had been cut off, and their skins had come off.Then, witnessing the sight of God Almighty’s powers, I was overcome with ecstasy, and I began to weep.Who has the power to do such a thing? The Promised Messiah as said: This army means such people who want to make the mem- bers of this Jam a ‘at apostates and want to distort their beliefs and want to cut down the trees of the garden of our Jam a ‘at.God Almighty will defeat them with the manifestation of His power, and He will destroy and wipe out all their efforts.The Promised Messiah as said: When it is seen that his head has been cut off, it means all their pride will be broken, and their arrogance and haughtiness will be crushed.And the hand is a weapon with which man fights the enemy.So the hand being cut off means they will have no means to resist or oppose.And the feet can be used to run away when defeated, but their feet are also cut off, which means that for them there will be no place of escape.And the fact that it is seen that even their skin has come off means that all their veils will be lifted, and their faults will be exposed.

Page 420

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 380 Proof of the Truth The Promised Messiah as said: If I fabricate lies, then God Himself is my enemy, and there can be no way to save me.But if this enterprise is from God and Allah the Exalted has Himself arranged means for [ending] calamities afflicting Islam, then how can God Almighty desire it to be opposed? Most unfortunate is the one who wants to break it.The Glory of God is Associated with the Glory of the Messenger of God The Promised Messiah as said: These people take the name of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, disrespectfully and say that they do this to express the glory of God Almighty, but the igno- rant do not realize that until God’s Prophet and His Messenger is not glorified, how can they manifest the glory of God? Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m The Promised Messiah as said: If Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m had true taqw a [righteousness], he would never have even thought about writing a commentary because he is not qualified to do so.There is not an iota of spirituality in his commentary, nor does it contain any worldly knowledge.

Page 421

30 May 1906 381 The Cross indeed Merits being Broken The Promised Messiah as said: The Cross is also guilty of wrongdoing in that it first overcame Christ and made him a sort of corpse.And then it prevailed over his ummah and made them all worship it.For this reason, the Cross is also worthy of being broken.Characteristics of True Revelation The Promised Messiah as said: The text of Divine revelation is usually rhythmically composed and has a grandeur about it, and a fragrance of the Divine word emanates from it.The Late Chaudhary Ilah D a d The late Chaudhary Ilah D a d was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: The Divine revelation regarding the cemetery which was received that: ٌ اُنْزِل َ فِیْـھَا رَحْمَۃ ٌ اُنْزِل َ فِیْـھَا رَحْمَۃ [No blessing or mercy remains out of it.] Mr Chaudhary also became deserving of it.

Page 422

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 382 True Belief in Tau hi d can only be Attained by Believing in the Holy Prophet, may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him The Promised Messiah as said: Tau hi d [Oneness of God] descends from heaven.The peo- ple who hold malice toward the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (like Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m Khan, etc., who say that there is no need to believe in the Holy Prophet s as , and the Jews and Christians will be saved automat- ically), can never attain Tau hi d.The entire Holy Quran is full of this.God Almighty removes the state of faith from within those who hold this belief.The Prophethood of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him A person asked the question that you claim to be a Prophet.The Promised Messiah as said: All great authorities have acknowledged that the system of Divine discourse has always been ongoing in this Ummat-e- Mar hu mah [the Ummah enjoying the shade of God’s mercy].I am a Prophet in this sense.Otherwise, why would I call myself an Ummat i ? What I say is that whatever grace anyone can receive can only be obtained by following the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.There are no other means other than this.It is not cor- rect to make up the meaning of a term on one’s own.It is also

Page 423

30 May 1906 383 mentioned in the noble a ha d i th that the coming Messiah would be a Prophet as well as an Ummat i.1 An Ummat i is the one who attains all excellence by receiving grace from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.But how would a person who has already achieved the status of a Prophet become an Ummat i ? He is already a Prophet.The questioner asked that if there can be such a Prophet in Islam, then who has been a Prophet before him? The Promised Messiah as said: This question was not for me, but for the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.He gave the title Prophet to only one man.No man before him was named Prophet.This is the reason that I am not the one responsible for giving the answer to this question.2 1.S a hīh al-Bukh ārī, Kit ā b A hā d ī th al-Anbiy ā’, B ā b Naz ūl ‘Ī s ā ibn Maryam, Hadith 3449; S a hīh al-Muslim, Kit ā b al-Fitan wa Ashr āt as-S ā ’ah, B ā bu Dhikri ad-Dajj ā l wa S ifatihi wa M ā Ma’ahu, Hadith 7373 [Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.2, no.23, p.3, 4, dated 7 June 1906

Page 424

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 384 31 May 1906 A Vision The Promised Messiah as said: Three or four days ago, I had a dream that there were many small hornets, and I was killing them.These are the opposing enemies who are foolish and raise a clamour.Opponents will be Destroyed through Arguments It is also Divine wisdom that, on the one hand, God Almighty inspired the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to guide the people and bring them to the right path, and on the other hand, inspired the likes of Ab u Jahl to raise a clamour in opposition.According to the previously mentioned vision, the destruction of the opponents is through arguments and Divine Signs.The enemies are being destroyed all on their own because this is not the age of the sword.God creates the means for this Himself.Trials Necessary for Higher Ranks Maulaw i Muhammad Sa‘ i d of Hyderabad mentioned his trials.The Promised Messiah as said: Until man undergoes the endurance of trials, he cannot attain any lofty station near God.

Page 425

31 May 1906 385 God Almighty’s Grace Needed for a Spiritual Revolution The Promised Messiah as said: I am poor and weak, I do not have a sword in my hands, nor am I commissioned to wield the sword, nor do I have the muni- tions for war, but my sword is in heaven.The great revolution I desire to bring about in the world, that people bow down to God and believe in His being, is not in my control.Even writ- ing books does nothing.Although I have collected a compen- dium of arguments like a garden filled with greenery, no one pays attention to it.God Almighty will do something through His grace.My heart feels that, at this time, the world is engulfed in such rash heedlessness that they will not believe without severe painful punishment.It is proven from the a ha d i th that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not say that the coming Messiah would go around reviving the dead; instead, he said that he would kill the living.1 (As can be seen in the deaths caused by the Sign of the plague, etc.) 2 1.S a hih Muslim, Kit a b al-Fitan wa Ashr at al-S a ’ ah, B a bu Dhikr al-Dajj a l wa S ifatihi wa ma M a ‘ahu, Hadith 7373 [Publisher] 2.Badr, vol.2, no.23, p.3, dated 7 June, 1906

Page 426

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 386 Undated Advice Given to Women by the Promised Messiah as at his Home (Written by Sahi bz a dah Miy an Bashir-ud-D i n Ma h m u d Ahmad) (Excerpted from the magazine, Tash hi dhul-Adh-h a n, June 1906) Backbiting (The Promised Messiah as said:) The Holy Quran states regarding the one who backbites that he eats the flesh of his dead brother.This disease is widespread among women.They sit and gossip till midnight and then wake up in the morning and start doing the same thing, but this should be avoided.There is a particular S u rah for women in the Holy Quran.It has been mentioned in the hadith that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that I saw mostly poor people in Paradise and saw many women in Hell.Pride and Boastfulness The Promised Messiah as said that some defects in women are egregious and abundant.One is to boast that we are such and such.Then, to be proud of one’s caste that so-and-so is a woman of contemptible caste or so-and-so is of a lower caste than us.Then, if a poor woman is sitting

Page 427

Undated 387 among them, they hate her and start pointing at her, saying that she is wearing dirty clothes and has no jewellery.Obedience to the Husband The Promised Messiah as said: A woman must obey her husband.The Holy Prophet s as said that if her husband tells a woman to pick up a pile of bricks and put it somewhere, and when that woman puts the big pile of bricks in that other place, he tells her to put it back in its orig- inal location, the woman should not squabble at all with him but should obey her husband.Women’s Rights The Promised Messiah as said: Women should not think that any oppression has been done to them because men also have been told to fulfil many of their rights.Instead, it is as if women have been told to sit on a chair and men have been told to take care of them.All her clothing, food, and needs are the man’s responsibility.The Promised Messiah as said: Look! A cobbler dishonestly fills a shoe with something or the other only so that he may save something with which to feed his wife and children.Soldiers go into battle and lay down their lives just so that somehow the wife and children can survive.

Page 428

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 388 The Promised Messiah as said: Very high-ranking officials are seen caught on bribery charges.What is that? It is for women.The woman says that I want jew- ellery and clothes.So, the poor man has to do it, but God has forbidden to earn sustenance in such ways.The rights of women go so far that the man has been told that if he divorces a woman, he should give her something over and above her dowry since this is the time that he has to sepa- rate from her forever.So it is necessary to treat her well.Meaning of Tawaff i When mention was made of the translation of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiah as said: Look! The maulaw i s who oppose us translate tawaff i to mean death.But when this word comes about Jesus, they say it means something else altogether—that he ascended to the heavens with his physical body.When this word appears in the case of Joseph as and the Holy Prophet s as , they say the meaning of tawaff i is death.Alas! It should have been the case that if the meaning had to be changed, it would have been changed for the sake of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.It is Impossible to Ascend to the Heavens The Promised Messiah as said: The Holy Quran says that it is impossible for you to ascend to

Page 429

Undated 389 the heavens.As Allah the Exalted said to the Holy Prophet s as that he should say, ‘I am not but a man sent as a Messenger.How can I go to the heavens?’ And then, it is said in the Holy Quran: 1 ٌّرَقَتْسُم َّو ٌعاَتَم ىٰلِا ٍنْيِح ٌّرَقَتْسُم َّو ٌعاَتَم ىٰلِا ٍنْيِح The True Nature of Mi‘r a j The Promised Messiah as then said: The opposing maulaw i s present the hadith of the Mi‘r a j [Spiritual Ascension] in opposition to us.However, the belief of Hadrat Ayesha ra was that anyone who says that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, went to the heavens with his physical body is slandering him.In the same way, the Imams and Noble Companions also believed that the Holy Prophet went to the heavens with a luminous body and not with a physical body.Similarly, Sh a h Waliull a h also had the same belief, and Sh a h ‘Abdul-‘Az i z also wrote the same thing, that one does not go to the heavens with this phys- ical body.Instead, another luminous body is bestowed through which a person goes to the heavens.1.There is an abode in the earth and a provision for a time ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:37).[Publisher]

Page 430

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 390 The Excellence of a Servant [of God] is Not in Receiving Revelation but in Righteous Deeds One person wrote that many others here receive revelation, but I do not even see a dream.Please pray that I receive revelation also because a large part of my life has been spent like this.So please tell me some- thing so that my desire may be fulfilled.What the Promised Messiah as has written on this matter is worth sharing with the audience of this magazine because these are the words of the True Imam, whose every word is worth more than jewels.(Editor Tash hi dh ) The Promised Messiah as replied: Assal a mu ‘Ala i kum [Peace be upon you].Revelation is the act of God Almighty.It is no excellence of a servant that he receives revelation.Instead, there is excellence in righteous deeds and in that God Almighty may be pleased with him.Therefore, strive to do good deeds so these may lead to salvation.With peace, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Prayers will be Combined for the Promised Messiah Since, for some time, the health of the Promised Messiah as often wors- ens in the second part of the day; therefore, he offers Maghrib and ‘Ish a Prayers in congregation at home.He cannot come outside [to the mosque].One day after Maghrib Prayer, he addressed some women and what he said is worth noting.(Editor Tash hi dh ) The Promised Messiah as said: No one should entertain the misgiving that I lead the Prayers combined in my home every day without going out.The Noble Prophet s as foretold that the one who would come would offer

Page 431

Undated 391 combined Prayers.1 Accordingly, I have had Prayers combined outside for six months; now I thought this prophecy should also be fulfilled among the women.Since it is unlawful to offer combined Prayers without necessity, God made me ill and thus fulfilled the prophecy of the Noble Prophet s as.It is every Muslim’s duty to fulfil the words of the Holy Prophet s as , because if it is not fulfilled, the Holy Prophet s as would be con- sidered—God forbid—a liar.Therefore, everyone should fulfil what is in his power accord- ing to the words of the Holy Prophet s as , and God Himself also provides the means—as He made me ill—to fulfil the words of the Holy Prophet s as.As the Noble Prophet s as once said to a Companion, ‘What will your condition be at the time when the gold bracelets of Chosroes will be placed on your hands?’ 2 After the death of the Holy Prophet, when the Kingdom of Chosroes was conquered, Hadrat ‘Umar ra put the gold bangles that had come as spoils of war on him.Although the prohibi- tion of wearing gold bracelets for men in Islam is just like other prohibitions; yet, since this was said by the Noble Prophet s as , it was fulfilled.In the same way, every other human being should also try to fulfil the words of the Holy Prophet s as.The Meaning of Two Yellow Sheets The Promised Messiah as said: Look! The Holy Prophet s as had also made a prophecy concerning 1.Musnad Ahmad ibn H anbal, Musnad al-Mukthir i n min al-Sah a bah, Musnad Abi Hurairah, Hadith 7890, vol.6, page 246, D a r al- H ad i th, Cairo [Publisher] 2.Asad al-Gh a ba f i Ma‘rifat al-Sah a ba, B a b al-S i n wa al-Ra’, 1955.Sar a qah bin M a lik, vol.2, page 414, D a rul-Kut u b al-‘Ilmiyya, Beirut, Lebanon [Publisher]

Page 432

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 392 my illness, which came to pass in that exact manner.He had said that when the Messiah descends from the heavens, he will be wearing two yellow sheets.1 Accordingly, I have two diseases— one of the upper torso and the other of the lower torso.That is dizziness and excess urination.My opposing maulaw i s believe that the Messiah will come down from the heavens wearing two sheets like the yogis, but this is wrong because the interpreters of dreams have always written that the meaning of a yellow sheet is an illness.For every person who sees a yellow sheet or any other yellow thing, it will mean disease, and every person who sees such a thing can verify that it means exactly this.Jealous Regard for the Honour of the Faith is Essential along with Peaceableness On the quarrel of two women, the Promised Messiah as said that it is in the Holy Quran: 2 َو ُحْلُّصلا ٌرْيَخ َو ُحْلُّصلا ٌرْيَخ Therefore, if a fight or a dispute occurs between each other, reconciliation should be done because there is much good and blessing in it.I do not mean that this should be done with non-religionists as well; instead, strict religious opposition should be maintained with them.A person’s faith is not in good shape unless there is a jealous regard for the honour of religion.Now, can we have peace with these Hindus and Christians who 1.S a hīh Muslim, Kit ā b al-Fitan wa Ashr ā t as-S ā ‘ah, B ā bu Dhikr ad-Dajj ā l wa S ifatihi wa m ā Ma‘ahu, Hadith 7373 [Publisher] 2.And reconciliation is best ( S u rah an-Nis a ’, 4:129).[Publisher]

Page 433

Undated 393 abuse our Holy Prophet s as ? Sitting in their gatherings, befriend- ing them, and going to their houses is a sin.Disputes Arise out of Thinking Ill of Others Yes, among those in the same sect, most fights and disputes arise out of thinking ill of others.It is said in the hadith that two-thirds of the people will enter Hell because of thinking ill of others.God Almighty says in the Holy Quran that on the Day of Judgment, I will ask the people that if you did not think ill of Me, why did this happen? In fact, if people did not think ill of God, why would they not follow His commandments? They thought ill of God and adopted disbelief; some even went to the extreme of denying His existence.This ill-thinking is indeed the reason for all mischief and fighting.Occurrence of Earthquakes according to Prophecies During the conversation concerning earthquakes, the Promised Messiah as said that: The Holy Quran has prophesied that very severe earthquakes will occur at the time of the Messiah.Until now, these maulaw i s have left all these things to occur on the Day of Judgment, but with regard to this prophecy that the pregnant women will cast their burden—will women also be pregnant on the Day of Resurrection? Naww a b S idd i q Hasan Khan of Bhopal has understood this somewhat, but unfortunately, no maulaw i has understood that women will not get pregnant on the Day of Resurrection.Many matters were described that were to appear in the time of the Messiah, so much so that the Holy Prophet s as

Page 434

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 394 said that a person will stand up and say, who is this person who says such things contrary to our religion that have not been heard of till today? As I have said before, one of these Signs is an earthquake that the scholars say will happen at the time of Resurrection.Now see these two earthquakes that have occurred.Was the like of them ever seen or heard of before? They actually occurred according to this very prophecy of the Holy Quran.1 7 June 1906 Through Divine revelation, it was learned that a boy would be born in the house of Miy an Manzoor Muhammad; that is, a son would be born to Muhammadi Begum, who would have two names.(1).Bashir-ud-Daulah (2).‘ A lam Kab a b Both these names were given by Divine revelation, and their interpretation and understanding are as follows: 1.Bashir-ud-Daula means that he will be the bearer of good news for our cause and good fortune.The prophecy of a great earth- quake and other prophecies will manifest after he is born or 1.Badr, vol.2, no.23, p.4, 5, dated 7 June, 1906

Page 435

7 June 1906 395 after he comes of age.And a large group of people will turn to me, and a great victory will become manifest.2.‘A lam Kab a b means that severe destruction will befall the world a few months after his birth or at the time he comes of age and begins to recognize good and evil.It will be as if the world will end; that is why this boy was named ‘ A lam Kab a b.In short, that boy will be called Bashir-ud-Daula because he will be a Sign of the progress of our cause and good fortune.And since he will be an example of the Day of Judgment for our opponents, he will be known by the name of ‘ A lam Kab a b.It is learned from the revelation of God Almighty that if some further respite is to be granted to the rebellious people of the world, then Miy an Manzoor Muhammad will not have a boy but a girl as of now, and the boy will be born later.Nonetheless, the boy will be born because he is the Sign of God.And if the time of punishment for the world has arrived quickly—that is, the time of the great punishment—then a boy will be born right now, whose name will be Bashir-ud-Daula and ‘ A lam Kab a b, and he will be the Sign of God for the world—for the righteous as well as for the wicked.This is the same kind of Sign the Prophet Azariah had given for King Hezekiah.And God Almighty has also said that two Signs will appear soon.So if the two Signs that are to appear soon are different, then even in this case, a girl will be born in their house this time.Otherwise, a boy will be born this time and will be a Sign of God.And another Sign will appear with it.And that boy will be like an auspicious star for the righteous and will be the opposite of this for the wicked.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.20, p.1, dated 10 June 1906

Page 436

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 396 Undated 1 The Difference between a True Mu s le h and Preachers A famous current leader of the nation was mentioned.He says that these days Muslims do not come to the gatherings of preachers, but if there is music and dancing by prostitutes, they gather there in large numbers.The Promised Messiah as said: This is true, but the real cause of this is the condition of the preachers.Today’s preachers are worldly, hypocritical, and wicked themselves.And there is no effect, pleasure, or attrac- tion in their sermons.On the contrary, the wicked derive pleas- ure from the melodies of the prostitutes, though it is superficial and leads to evil; people are drawn toward shallow pleasures.If the preachers’ sermons had charm and delight, they would have drawn everyone toward themselves.Every Mu s le h , Reformer, Wal i [Friend (of Allah)], and Prophet must have four things.First, he should have discernment with which he can pres- ent the epistemological issues in such a manner that gives pleas- ure to the listeners, because unreasonable things leave an irrita- tion, a misgiving in a person’s heart, and reasonable things are liked regardless, and there is a delight in it, just as pleasure is naturally felt in sherbet.Secondly, he should have the force of practically 1.There is no date recorded on these Malf uza t of the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, but it is estimated that these bless- ed statements are from sometime during the first three weeks of June 1906.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler)

Page 437

Undated 397 demonstrating with actions.He should be a scholar who prac- tices what he preaches.He should possess veracity, fidelity, and courage because a person who is not practising what he preaches cannot have any influence on others.Thirdly, he should possess an attraction.There was no Prophet who did not have the power to attract people.Every Appointed One of God is given a force of attraction such that he pulls others towards him while sitting in his place and peo- ple keep being drawn toward him.Fourthly, he should show miracles and marvels and strengthen the people’s faith through Signs.None of these things can be found among these preachers.Need of an Imam Foolish people say, what is the need for an Imam? All the peo- ple are discharging their duties in their respective places, they perform H ajj and offer their Prayers, etc.Nevertheless, these people utter a lie.At present, they possess neither internal nor external excellence.The blessings that Allah the Exalted men- tioned about such people: 1 َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع Where are those favours found among them? These people are themselves engulfed in darkness.Their morals are bad and their deeds are evil.They are deprived of faith; religion remains merely a ritual—an empty shell with no essence.Such is the state of external attacks that there is 1.On whom You have bestowed Your blessings ( S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:7).[Publisher]

Page 438

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 398 no family in which one member has not become an apostate.Those who were born in a Muslim home and in whose ears the Kalimah was proclaimed— 1 ِ سُوْل ُ هللا َّ َّ هللا ُمُحَمَّد ٌ ر اْل ِ َٓٓ إِلٰه َ إ اْل [ L a il a ha illall a hu Mu h ammadur Ras u lull a h ]—now sit in churches joining a second and third ‘God’ together with the One.And they worship the dead and (God forbid) abuse the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.The state of the Islamic empires is such that the greatest pres- tige is conferred upon the Sultan of Turkey, who lives night and day stricken by the fear of the European Empire and spends the days of his life in great difficulty.What element of good fortune is found among the Muslims at this time? Every aspect of their situation calls for mourning.One commentator has expressed complete hopelessness about their situation.Our Weapon is Prayer The evil-minded enemy objects to my every word and deed only out of enmity because his heart is corrupt, and when one’s heart is corrupt, he sees darkness all around.These fools say that I simply sit in my place and do nothing.However, they fail to reflect that it is not written anywhere that the Promised Messiah will wield a sword, nor is it written that he will wage war; but, it is written that the k a fir [disbeliever] will die by the breath of the Messiah—that is, he will accomplish everything through his prayer.If I had believed that there might be some benefit in my going out and walking about in the cities, I would not have sat here for a second, but I know walking about is useless except 1.There is no one worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.[Publisher]

Page 439

Undated 399 for causing harm to my feet.And all these goals that I want to achieve can only be achieved through prayer.Prayer has extraordinary powers.It is said that once a king went out to invade a country.On the way, an ascetic grabbed hold of his horse’s bridle and said, ‘Do not advance further; otherwise, I will fight with you.’ The king was surprised and asked, ‘How will you fight me when you do not possess any wherewithal to do so?’ The ascetic replied, ‘I will fight against you with the weapon of morning prayers.’ The king said that he could not compete with this, and saying this, he returned.In short, God Almighty has placed great powers in prayer.God has repeatedly told me through revelations that whatever will happen will happen only through prayer.My only weapon is prayer, and I have no other weapon besides that.Whatever I ask for in secret, God makes it manifest by bringing it about.In the time of the previous Prophets, God punished some oppo- nents through the Prophets, but God knows that I am frail and weak, so He has taken all my work into His own hands.This is the only way for Islam now that a dull mullah or philosopher cannot understand.If the way of fighting had been open to us, all the resources for it would have been provided as well.When my prayers reach that particular point, the liars will be destroyed on their own.The black-hearted foolish enemy says I have nothing to do but sleep and eat, but I perceive no weapon sharper than prayer.Fortunate, indeed, is the one who understands the path by which God wants to bring about the progress of the Faith.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.25, p.4, dated 21 June 1906

Page 440

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 400 Undated 1 Excellences of a Perfect Teaching A religious sect that only emphasizes abandoning a few things and nothing more was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: This teaching is deficient.Wa su l [closeness to God] cannot be attained by tark [abandoning of sin] alone because abandon- ing [of sin] does not necessarily lead to receiving closeness to God.For example, a person wants to go to Lahore but not to Gurdaspur.Just because he did not go to Gurdaspur does not mean he has reached Lahore.Abandoning sin is one thing, and pursuing virtuous deeds and closeness to God is another.The Christians have also been greatly deceived in this matter, and due to this, they have invented the erroneous Doctrine of Atonement that our sins have been removed by the hanging of Yas u‘ [on the cross].First, it is simply wrong to say that one person being hanged will remove everyone’s sins.Secondly, even if sin is removed, the mere absence of sin is not any excellence.There are many insects and sheep in the world who are not responsible for any sin, but they cannot be counted among the near and dear ones of God Almighty.And similarly, there are many such types of naive and simple-minded people who do not commit any sin; neither theft nor adultery, nor lying, wickedness, nor treach- ery, but because of not committing these sins, they cannot be counted among the close friends of God.1.Although there is no date recorded on these Malf uza t, it is estimated that they are from the last week of June 1906 or the first ten days of July 1906.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler)

Page 441

Undated 401 Man’s excellence lies in his adopting good deeds, doing things that please God, attaining the lofty levels of Divine cog- nizance and spiritual progress, and joining those who achieve great rewards.For this reason, both things have been taught in the Holy Quran.One is abandoning sin, and the second is receiving closeness to God.Allah the Exalted has said that there are two attributes of the Abr a r [Saints].One is that they drink camphor sherbet, which cools the passions of sins, and then they drink ginger sherbet, which enables them to traverse the difficult valleys in the path of Allah the Exalted.That noble verse is as follows: 1 اًنْيَع ُبَرْشَّي اَهِب ُداَبِع ِهّٰللا اَهَنْوُرِّجَفُي۠ اًرْيِجْفَت۰۰ َّنِا َراَرْبَاْلا َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك۰۰ اًنْيَع ُبَرْشَّي اَهِب ُداَبِع ِهّٰللا اَهَنْوُرِّجَفُي۠ اًرْيِجْفَت۰۰ َّنِا َراَرْبَاْلا َنْوُبَرْشَي ْنِم ٍسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًرْوُفاَك۰۰ 2 َو َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز۰۰ َو َنْوَقْسُي اَهْيِف اًسْاَك َناَك اَهُجاَزِم اًلْيِبَجْنَز۰۰ God has given those who are lost in Him the sherbet that puri- fies their hearts, thoughts, and intentions.Virtuous servants [of God] are drinking the sherbet admixed with camphor.They drink from the fountain that they themselves have rent asunder.I have already stated that the word افور ك افور ك [camphor] has been used in this verse because, in the Arabic lexicon, َ كَفَر َ كَفَر [ kafara ] means suppressing and covering.So there is an indication that they have drunk the cup of [worldly] detachment and turned to Allah with such sincerity that the love of the world has gone completely cold [in their hearts].It is a general rule that all emo- tions are generated from the thoughts of the heart.Therefore, when the heart goes far away from these unworthy thoughts and no ties remain with them, those emotions also diminish gradually and eventually disappear.So this is the purpose of God Almighty here, and this is 1.S u rah ad-Dahr, 76:6–7 [Publisher] 2.S u rah ad-Dahr, 76:18 [Publisher]

Page 442

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 402 what He explains in this verse that they have completely bowed down to Him.They have gone far away from carnal passions and bowed to God such that their hearts became cold to the arduous pursuits of the world and their emotions became sup- pressed in the way that camphor suppresses poisonous sub- stances.And then He said that after this cup of camphor, they drink those cups with ginger admixed [into the sherbet].Now it should be known that [the word] zanjab i l is a com- bination of two words—namely زَنَا زَنَا [ zan a ] and جَبَل جَبَل [ jabal ]—and zan a means ‘to climb up’ in Arabic, and jabal means ‘mountain’.Therefore, its syntactic meanings are that he climbed the moun- tain.Now, it should be known that a man undergoes two condi- tions to reach the highest level of health after a poisonous disease subsides.One state is that in which the surging of poisonous substances goes on fully dissipating.The agitation of dangerous substances takes a turn for the better, the attack of toxic feelings is safely averted, and a deadly storm that had arisen is subdued.However, there is still weakness in the limbs, and no work requir- ing strength can be undertaken.He is still walking like a corpse, falling and rising.And the second condition is when health is restored fully and the body is filled with strength.With the restoration of strength, the resolve develops to climb the mountain perfectly casu- ally, and run on the high valleys with a content heart.So, this condition is achieved in the third stage of the journey toward God.Pointing to this state, Allah the Exalted says in the above verse that the godly people of the highest rank drink from those bowls in which ginger is admixed.That is to say, having gained a state of complete spiritual strength, they climb the walls of great gorges, accomplish the most difficult tasks with their hands, and show amazing feats of courage in the way of God.Here, it should also be made clear that from the point of

Page 443

Undated 403 view of medicine, ginger is the medicine which is called sonth in Hindi.It provides much strength to the natural metabolic heat of the body and stops loose motions, and it is called zanjab i l [ginger] because it makes the weak so strong and provides such energy that they can climb mountains.By presenting these verses side by side, in which camphor is mentioned in one place and ginger in another, the purpose of God Almighty is to explain to His servants that when a person moves from his carnal passions toward goodness, the first con- dition that develops immediately upon undertaking this move is that his toxic substances begin to be suppressed and the car- nal cravings start to fade.And due to the camphor, the excite- ment of the poisonous matter will completely disappear, and a frail state of health accompanied by weakness is attained.Then the second stage is that the weak, ill person gets strength from the sherbet of ginger, and sherbet of ginger is the manifestation of the beauty and comeliness of God Almighty, which is the food of the soul.When a person gains strength from this [divine] manifesta- tion, he becomes capable of climbing the steep walls of elevated valleys, and he carries out such amazing hard work in the path of God that unless a person’s heart possesses a loving warmth, he can never carry out such work.So God Almighty has used two words of the Arabic language here to explain these two condi- tions.One is camphor, said of the one who suppresses, and the other is ginger, said of the one who climbs up, and these are the two conditions that the seekers [of God’s nearness] encounter on this path.1 1.Badr, vol.2, nos.26, 27, 28, p.3, dated 28 June, 5 and 12 July 1906

Page 444

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 404 14 July 1906 (Before Z uhr Prayer) Transient World A respected Hindu family member, Diwan Sahib, who had come to Qadian only to meet the Promised Messiah as , came to see him before the Z uhr Prayer and expressed his desire to receive some advice from him.The Promised Messiah as said: The manner of every person’s sympathy is different.If you go to a doctor, he can only sympathize with you by curing some illness of yours, and if you go to a ruler, his sympathy is to pro- tect you from the oppression of an oppressor.Thus, the context of everyone’s sympathy is different, and compassion on my part is that I advise you that the world is transitory.If this idea becomes firmly established in the heart, all false happiness is destroyed, and a man turns his heart toward God.Man makes extended plans and undertakes illicit actions sim- ply because he does not know how many days of life there are.When a person realizes that death is standing before him, then he steps back from sinful activities.Godly people know daily about themselves and their friends and what will happen to them.Therefore, they cannot be content with the objects of the world, nor can they take comfort in them.Look! At this time, the plague has spread in the country.God Almighty informed me about it at a time when there was no sign or trace of the plague here.At that time, I told peo- ple about it.Remember! When heedlessness and worldliness

Page 445

14 July 1906 405 become excessive, it is time for disasters.I have repeatedly said that this disease would not be removed from the country until these people abandon their wickedness, reform themselves, and rectify their morals.Similar is the case of the second calamity, namely the earth- quake.The people of our country were never aware of such terrible earthquakes.An earthquake would occur occasionally, but now frightening earthquakes occur, and God Almighty has informed me repeatedly that another severe destructive quake is coming.What is meant by this is that people should somehow turn to God Almighty.Turn to the Lord who created them and become heedful of Him.When a person bows before God, his sins are forgiven, his life is prolonged, and he is spared at the time of fearful traumas.Thinking Ill of Others Thinking ill of others is the root of all sins.It is written that when the disbelievers are thrown into Hell, they will be told that this is the result of their thinking ill of others.The Messenger of God came to you and taught you virtuous things.He instructed you to do taubah [repentance] and istighf a r [seeking Allah’s forgiveness], but you opposed him.And think- ing ill of him, you accused him of not getting any revelation from God and fabricating everything himself.Look! Having received knowledge from God, I inform the people that a severe earthquake is about to occur.Therefore, adopt righteousness, avoid evils, reform yourselves and fear God so that you may be saved at the time of calamity and be shown mercy.In response to this, these people hurl vile abuse upon me through newspapers and letters, try to persecute me

Page 446

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 406 in every way, cause pain, and say that you are a liar and a fabri- cator.However, it is my duty to convey to them the news that God Almighty has given to me.A person living in a village knows for certain that this vil- lage will be destroyed as soon as the day dawns—then what is he to do if not inform the villagers about this storm? The same situation happened in the time of Hadrat N uh as [Noah].When Hadrat N uh as was building the ark, people laughed and ridi- culed him, saying, ‘Look how crazy he is to build an ark on dry land in a city.’ However, they did not realize that they them- selves were in the wrong and that the actions of Hadrat N uh as were proper and correct.In the same way, even these days, despite there being a drought, the world will be punished by various storms and earthquakes.Just as all the evils and mischiefs of the earlier times have appeared altogether today, in the same way, the pun- ishments and calamities that used to come at different times in the earlier periods have now all appeared altogether in this age.As the law increases, deception and fraud also increase.The government makes a law so peace may prevail in the country, but the mischievous people extract such a thing from that same law that they get an even greater opportunity to commit their evil deed.If someone is in debt, he keeps thinking that the time to repay the debt has expired and does not think there is no such limit in the sight of God.Good Treatment of People of Other Faiths The aforementioned Hindu gentleman said that people used to scare me that Mirza Sahib does not talk to anyone and behaves very rudely with Hindus.However, I have found all these statements to be untrue

Page 447

14 July 1906 407 and I have seen you to be of the highest standard in manners and hos- pitality.The Promised Messiah as said: People spread false news.God Almighty has taught us broad morals.Instead, I am sorry that I cannot fully demonstrate my good manners to you because it is not permissible for you to eat our food according to your national custom.We arrange the food for such Hindu guests with a Hindu, but we cannot control the preparation of this food ourselves.It is not part of our principles to behave discourteously with someone because of religious differences, and misbehaviour is also inappropriate, because, at most, in our opinion, a person of a different faith is like a person who is ill and lacks spiritual health.Therefore, the sick person deserves even greater mercy and should be treated with great kindness and gentleness.If the ill person is treated with an ill temper, his illness will worsen.If someone is involved in any error or deviation, he should be made to understand with love.Our main principles are two: keeping a pure relationship with God and treating His servants with compassion and good morals.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.29, p.3, dated 19 July 1906

Page 448

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 408 Undated 1 How to Recognize a True Religion A Hindu asked the Promised Messiah as how a true religion could be recognized.There are so many religions spread worldwide; how can we identify which religion is the best and most superior among them? The Promised Messiah as said: The religion in which there is the greatest reverence for God and possesses the most excellent means to attain cognition of Allah the Exalted is the loftiest religion.A person most values the thing that he has more knowledge of.For example, if a per- son knows that a snake roams in such a house and bites people, then that person will never dare to go and sleep in such a house at night.If someone comes to know that the food that is placed in front of me contains poison, he will never take a single bite of that food.If there is a plague in a village and people are dying, no one will dare to go to that village.Whoever knows that a lion lives in a forest never enters that forest.The gist, in all cases, is cognition and knowledge.If a person comes to know some- thing well and develops full knowledge about it, he does not act contrary to it.Then what is the reason that people do not give up sin? This is because they do not have complete knowledge and cognition of God’s existence.When people say and acknowledge that they have faith in God, this is only a formal faith; otherwise, in reality they possess no sin-effacing cognizance.For if that is attained, it would be impossible for man to then commit a sin.The value of everything is based on cognition and knowledge.Look! If 1.It is assumed that this diary may be from some day in July 1906.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler)

Page 449

Undated 409 an ignorant peasant finds a precious stone or a pearl, he will, at best, sell it for a few pennies.This is precisely the example of those ignorant people who have not recognized God; they value a few pennies more than Divine commandments.Consequently, they sell their faith where they see a little worldly gain and provide false testimony in the courts for an eighth or a quarter rupee.In their estimation, the value of this holy commandment of God Almighty to not tell lies and to give true testimony is not more than abandoning and selling it for the sake of an eighth or a quarter rupee.The meaning of sell- ing God’s verses for a paltry price is that man is ready to aban- don God’s commandments for the sake of a small worldly gain.All the religions that are prevalent among people today are national religions; that is, a nationality is supported thereby.Otherwise, true religion is the one that starts with the fear of God, and the root of fear and love is cognition; so that reli- gion should be adopted that increases the cognition and under- standing of God, and the reverence of God Almighty is estab- lished in the hearts.A religion that only has old stories is a dead religion.You see, God is the same as He was before.The fruits that people could get from worshipping Him in the past, those same fruits can still be obtained even now.God has not changed His qualities.Then why are these peo- ple just like a dry piece of wood that bears no fruit? The reason is that these people have not recognized God at all.If they had recognized Him, blessings would indeed have descended on them, but there are many difficulties in this path, and it is the work of those with great strength, and it is in God’s power to give strength to whomever He pleases.If man keeps searching, it may happen that at some time, he will be given the strength.Perseverance is the condition.If you seek God with courage, you will find Him.1 1.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.26, p.9, dated 24 July 1906

Page 450

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 410 Undated 1 Sins and their Forgiveness A person submitted to the Promised Messiah as that there will be many sinners in the world, but there will be no sinner like me.I have commit- ted very grave sins.How will I be forgiven? The Promised Messiah as said: Look! No one is Ghaf u rur-Ra hi m [Most-Forgiving and Ever- Merciful] like God.Have complete faith in Allah the Exalted that He can and does forgive all sins.God Almighty says that if no sinner were left in the whole world, He would create another people who would commit sins, and He would forgive them.One of the names of Allah the Exalted is Ghaf u r [Most Forgiving], and one is Ra hi m [Ever Merciful].Remember that sin is a poison and death, but taubah [repentance] and istigh- f a r [seeking forgiveness] is an antidote.It is stated in the Holy Quran that: 2 َّنِا َهّٰللا ُّبِحُي َنْيِباَّوَّتلا َو ُّبِحُي َنْيِرِّهَطَتُمْلا َّنِا َهّٰللا ُّبِحُي َنْيِباَّوَّتلا َو ُّبِحُي َنْيِرِّهَطَتُمْلا Allah the Exalted loves those who offer taubah and want to be purified.God Almighty has placed wisdom in everything.If Adam had not repented after committing a sin and had not bowed down before God, from where would he have gotten the title هللا صفي هللا صفي [ S af i ull a h—the Elect of God]? If a person were to see himself as he was when he came out of his mother’s womb and did not see any sin in himself, then arrogance would arise 1.It is assumed that this is likely the diary of the second week of July 1906.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler) 2.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:223 [Publisher]

Page 451

Undated 411 in his heart, which is the greatest of all sins and is the sin of Satan.Satan boasted that he did not commit any sin, which is why he became Satan.The sin that proceeds from man is for break- ing the nafs [self ].When a person commits a sin, he acknowl- edges his evil and, realizing his helplessness, bows down before God Almighty.A fly has two wings, one has poison, and the other has the antidote.It has been mentioned in the noble a ha d i th that if a fly gets into your food or drink, it dips only one of its wings into it, which has poison in it, but before you take it out, dip its other wing as well, so that it will produce an antidote against it.1 This is the example of human sin and taubah.If a sin is com- mitted, offer taubah , for it is an antidote to it and removes the poison of sin.Bow before God Almighty in humility and earnest suppli- cation so He may have mercy on you.If there had been no sin, there would have been no progress either.When a person who knows that he has committed a sin and sees himself as guilty bows down to God, then he is shown mercy, and he progresses.It is written: ٗ ذَنْب َ لَہ اْلَّ ْ َمَن ك ِ نْب َّ ائِب ُ مِن َ الذ َّ اَلت ٗ ذَنْب َ لَہ اْلَّ ْ َمَن ك ِ نْب َّ ائِب ُ مِن َ الذ َّ اَلت.One who does taubah from sin is as if he had never sinned, but taubah should be done with a sincere heart and with genuine intentions so that a per- son will never commit that sin again.Even if it happens later due to weakness, at the time of taubah , he should have a firm resolve and true intention on his part that he will not commit that sin in the future.There should not be any corruption in the intention, but there should be a firm intention that one will not come close to this evil until 1.S a hih al-Bukh a r i , Kit a b Bada’ al-Khalq, B a bu Idha Waqa’a al-Dhub a bu f i Shar a bi Ahadikum Falyaghmishu, fa Inna f i Ihda Jan a hayhi D a ’an wa f i al- Ukhra Shif a ’an, Hadith 3320 [Publisher]

Page 452

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 412 entering the grave.Then that repentance is accepted.However, God Almighty puts His servants through trials so as to bestow rewards upon them.In order to attain rewards it is necessary to pass through trials.Supplications in the Prayer The Promised Messiah as said: Supplicate to God Almighty in your own language within the Prayer.In prostration, while sitting, bowing, standing, sup- plicate before Allah the Exalted in every position.Of course, pray in the Punjabi language.For those whose language is not Arabic and cannot understand Arabic, it is necessary for them that in the Prayer itself, after reciting the Holy Quran and the prescribed supplications in Arabic, they should supplicate God Almighty in their own language as well.They should also learn the translation of the Holy Quran and the Arabic supplica- tions.Do not offer the Prayer just like reciting some magic for- mula, but get to know its meaning, essence, and cognition.Pray to God Almighty that we are your sinful servants and the nafs [self ] has become overpowering, so forgive us and save us from the calamities of this world and the Hereafter.Nowadays, people finish the Prayer in a hurry and sit after- ward to make long supplications.This is an innovation.The Prayer in which there is no earnest supplication, no turning to God Almighty, no fervent pleading with God Almighty—that Prayer itself is a badly damaged Prayer.Prayer is that in which the delight of supplication is experienced.Stand in the pres- ence of God with such concentration that you should be over- come with an intense fear of God Almighty, like a person who

Page 453

Undated 413 is arrested in a frightening case and a verdict for imprisonment or execution is about to be issued for him.What is the condition of such a person in front of the ruler? One should stand before Allah the Exalted with such a fear- ful heart.The Prayer in which the heart is somewhere and the thoughts are somewhere else, and the mouth is uttering some- thing else altogether, is a curse thrown back upon a person’s face and is not accepted.God Almighty says: 1 ٌلْيَوَف َنْيِّلَصُمْلِّل۰۰۠ َنْيِذَّلا ْمُه ْنَع ْمِهِتاَلَص َنْوُهاَس۰۰ ٌلْيَوَف َنْيِّلَصُمْلِّل۰۰۠ َنْيِذَّلا ْمُه ْنَع ْمِهِتاَلَص َنْوُهاَس۰۰ Cursed are those who are ignorant of the reality of their Prayers.The real Prayer is that in which one experiences joy.It is only through such Prayer that hatred of sin is generated, and this is the Prayer that has been praised as the believer’s mi‘r a j [spiritual ascension].Prayer is a means of progress for the believer.2 َّنِا ِتٰنَسَحْلا َنْبِهْذُي ِتٰاِّيَّسلا َّنِا ِتٰنَسَحْلا َنْبِهْذُي ِتٰاِّيَّسلا Good deeds drive away bad deeds.Look! If a person keeps begging, even from a miser, he will also give something at one time or another and show mercy.God Almighty Himself com- mands: Ask Me, and I will give to you.Whenever there was a need for supplication for some matter, the method of the Messenger of Allah, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was that he would perform ablution and stand in Prayer and supplicate within the Prayer.In the matter of prayer, Jesus as has given a good example.He says there was a judge who did not discharge his duty of dispensing justice at all and was busy, day and night, living his 1.S u rah al-M a‘u n, 107:5–6 [Publisher} 2.S u rah H u d, 11:115 [Publisher]

Page 454

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 414 luxurious life.A woman with a case always came to his door and wanted justice from him.She kept doing this until the judge got fed up and finally decided her case and gave her justice.Look! Is your God not even like a judge that He should listen to your prayers and grant you what you want? One should remain engaged in prayer with steadfastness.The time of acceptance will surely come.Persistence is the condition.1 16 July 1906 Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: He has not only turned away from us but also turned away from Islam itself, and from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Truly, pitiful is the case of those maulaw i s and Muslims who claim to belong to Islam and yet speak in favour of and support such a man who does not even consider the Messengership of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be necessary and for whom the existence or non-existence of the Holy Prophet s as is equal.It is a pity that because of malice towards me, these people act in such a way that they themselves oppose Islam.1.Badr, vol.2, no.30, p.3, dated 26 July 1906

Page 455

Undated 415 Char a gh D i n The Promised Messiah as said: Char a gh D i n wanted to be the Messiah.The Christians helped him, but he failed against the Messiah of God.I also claim to be the Messiah, but the Christians have intense enmity with me.Likewise, Char a gh D i n claimed to be the Messiah, but they stood up to help and support him.The reason is that he was false, and they are also false who make a mortal man into God.A false person becomes the supporter and helper of another who is false.However, only the righteous can support one who is true and such people are always few.1 Undated Advisory Message of the Promised Messiah as for Women (Excerpt from an earlier writing) 1.In the state of mourning, grieving and crying loudly while beat- ing one’s chest and screaming over the dead body and shouting and uttering words expressive of a lack of patience are all things that endanger one’s faith, and all these rituals have been taken from the Hindus.Ignorant Muslims forgot their religion and 1.Badr, vol.2, no.30, p.4, dated 26 July 1906

Page 456

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 416 adopted Hindu practices.Upon the death of a loved one, there is this commandment for Muslims in the Holy Quran that they should only say: 1 اَّنِا ِهّٰلِل َو ۤاَّنِا ِهْيَلِا َنْوُعِجٰر اَّنِا ِهّٰلِل َو ۤاَّنِا ِهْيَلِا َنْوُعِجٰر That is, we are God’s possession and property.Therefore, He has the authority to take what belongs to Him whenever He wants, and if one has to cry, only tears are permissible and who- ever does more than that is from Satan.2.Second, to go on mourning for one year continuously, and to cry and weep and lament beating one’s chest and wailing every time new women arrive or on certain special days, and for women to knock each other’s heads and cry, and to utter nonsense from their mouths, and stop cooking specific foods for a year on the pretext that there is mourning in our home or our extended family; all these are unholy rituals and sinful things that should be avoided.3.A lot of unnecessary expenditures are also undertaken during the days of wailing and weeping.Deceitful women, sisters of Satan who come from far and wide to cry and weep, covering their faces deceptively, smashing their heads into each other like buffaloes while bewailing loudly, are fed lavish meals.And if possible, to make a show of their grandeur and arrogance, they spend hundreds of rupees to cook expensive food and distribute it among their extended family and others.The aim is to receive praise from people that so and so made a fine display of things 1.Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:157).[Publisher]

Page 457

Undated 417 upon dying and made a good name for himself.So, these are all evil ways that must be avoided.4.If a woman’s husband dies, even if that woman is young, marry- ing another husband is considered to be so bad as if it is a great burdensome sin.And she remains a widow and childless all her life, thinking that she has done something highly meritorious and becoming of a chaste wife.However, for her to remain a widow is a severe sin.It is a highly meritorious act for women who become widows, to marry and have another husband.Such a woman is indeed very blessed and righteous who, being a widow and of older age, fearful of evil thoughts, mar- ries someone and does not fear the curses of evil women.Women who hinder obedience to the commands of God and His Messenger are themselves accursed and disciples of the devil through whom he does his work.A woman who loves the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) should find an honest and righteous husband after becoming a widow and remember that being engaged in the service of her husband is a hundred times better than remaining engaged in waz i fahs [repetitive reciting of prayers] as a widow.5.Another bad habit found among women is that they disobey men in every little thing, spend their wealth without their leave, and when angry, they launch a tirade of abuses about them.Such women are cursed in the sight of Allah and the Messenger.Their Prayer, Fasting, and any other action are not accepted.Allah the Exalted clearly states that a woman cannot be virtu- ous unless she obeys her husband completely, respects him with heartfelt love, and does not wish him any ill behind his back.And the Messenger of God, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said that women must be submissive to their husbands; otherwise, their actions will not be accepted, and

Page 458

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 418 he has also said that if it were permissible to prostrate to any- one other than God, I would have ordered that women should prostrate to their husbands.1 If a woman says something bad about her husband or looks at him with contempt and does not stop even after hear- ing God’s command, she is cursed.God and the Messenger are angry with her.Women should not steal the property of their husbands and should protect themselves from n a ma h- rams [those outside the prohibited category].And it should be remembered that except for the husband and those men with whom nik a h [marriage] is not allowed, purdah [the veil] must be observed from all other men.Satan is with them.Satan accompanies those women who do not observe purdah from n a ma h rams.It is also necessary for women not to allow wicked and ill-mannered women to come into their homes and not to employ them in their service because it is a grave sin for an evil woman to be in the company of a virtuous woman.6.It is also a bad habit among women that when a woman’s hus- band wants to marry someone else due to some expediency, that woman and her relatives become furious and abusive and raise a clamour and unjustly persecute the poor man.Such women and their relatives are also wicked and corrupt, because Allah, the Lord of Glory, by His perfect wisdom, in which there are hundreds of reasons and experiences, has allowed men to have up to four wives at the time of their need or expediency.Thus, why should the person who marries according to the command of Allah and the Messenger be called evil? Such women and relatives with such habits who oppose God and His commandments are most wretched and siblings 1.Sunan Tirmidh i , kit a bur-Ri da‘ , b a bu m a j a ’a f i H aqqiz-Zawj ‘alal-Mar’ah, Hadith 1159 [Publisher]

Page 459

Undated 419 of Satan because they want to fight with their Noble Lord by turning their backs on God and His Messenger.And if there is such a wife in the home of any good-hearted Muslim, it would be proper for him to marry a second time to punish her.1 7.At the time of establishing kinship, some ignorant Muslims check whether the person with whom the marriage of their daughter is being considered has a first wife or not.Thus, if the first wife is present, they do not want to marry their daughter to such a person.So it should be remembered that such people are Muslims in name only, and in a way, they are the helpers of such women who are angry with their husbands’ second marriages.So they should also fear God Almighty.8.It is also a bad custom among our people that they do not like to give a girl [in marriage] to someone not from their own peo- ple; they do not even want to take a bride from others.This is a reflection of complete arrogance and vanity, which is entirely against the rules of the Shariah.All human beings are serv- ants of God Almighty.In establishing kinship, one should see whether the person to be married is righteous and dignified and not involved in any affliction that may be the cause of mischief.And it should be remembered that in Islam, no consideration is given to the national origin of anyone; only piety and righteous- ness are taken into account.Allah the Exalted says: 2 َّنِا ْمُكَمَرْكَا َدْنِع ِهّٰللا ْمُكىٰقْتَا َّنِا ْمُكَمَرْكَا َدْنِع ِهّٰللا ْمُكىٰقْتَا In other words, the most virtuous among you in the sight of God Almighty is the one who is most righteous.1.Badr, vol.2, no.30, p.12, dated 26 July 1906 2.S u rah al- H ujur a t, 49:14 [Publisher]

Page 460

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 420 9.It is also a bad custom in our people that hundreds of rupees are wasted on marriages.So, it should be remembered that dis- tributing food among relatives by way of boasting and aggran- disement, its giving and its eating—both are forbidden in the Shariah.And spending money on fireworks and giving to pan- derers and musicians is absolutely forbidden.Money is wasted unjustly, and sin is earned.So instead of this, all that is pre- scribed in the Noble Shariah is that the person who gets married should do wal i ma— that is, serve food to a few friends after the marriage is consummated.10.The observance of the Shariah is very lax in our homes.Some women come under the obligation of paying Zak a t and possess much jewellery, but they do not give Zak a t.Some women are very negligent in performing Prayers and Fasting.Some women participate in polytheistic rituals such as smallpox [goddess] worship.Some worship imaginary goddesses.Some give such donations stipulating that women should eat but men should not, or those who smoke hookah should not eat.Some women engage in the practice of making an offering at some saintly per- son’s grave on Thursdays.But it should be remembered that all these are satanic ways.I admonish the people solely and purely for the sake of Allah that come and fear God; otherwise, after death, you will suffer severe punishment with humiliation and disgrace, and you will suffer from the wrath of God, which has no end.وَالس َّاَلَم ُ عَلٰی مَن ِ اتَّبَع َ الْھُدٰی وَالس َّاَلَم ُ عَلٰی مَن ِ اتَّبَع َ الْھُدٰی [And peace be upon those who fol- low the guidance].Humbly, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian 1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.31, p.12, dated 2 August 1906

Page 461

29 July 1906 421 29 July 1906 Elders of Islam and Scholars of this Age A member of a noble family of Amritsar came in the presence of the Promised Messiah.During the conversation, the Promised Messiah as asked him if he was present in the lecture he had given in Amritsar.gentleman — I was present and sitting in front of your chair.The ignorant people engaged in mischief, but who could make them understand at that time? The Promised Messiah as — Yes, it was impossible to explain to those people at that time.At that time, the condition of these people was like that of the merchants [mentioned in this story].It is said that some merchants were going somewhere when pirates attacked them.A wise man was also travelling with the merchants, and someone asked him to counsel them [the robbers].The sage replied that it was useless to advise them at that time.They are so blinded by selfish desires that no advice can be effective for them at this time.I had intended to describe the beauties of Islam in that lecture, but it is a pity that these people created mischief.gentleman— What else could be expected from them? They are blind, and they have no discernment.the promised messiah as — More pitiable is the case of the scholars who deceive the people.Look! What a time of decline Islam is facing that the condition of the scholars is so bad.gentleman— Why would the scholars not do this when this

Page 462

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 422 is their only means of livelihood? You must have seen or heard how Maulaw i Sanaullah of Amritsar is using abusive words to describe Hadrat Imam Ab u H an i fa in public announcements.These scholars are the ones who are creating mischief in Islam.the promised messiah as — It is highly inappropriate to speak harshly about the Imams.Thousands of problems would have arisen if these elders had not served the religion during their time.These people were like four walls for Islam.They did whatever they did for the sake of God and saved the wicked people from going beyond the limits.They should be thanked.These people risked their lives and selflessly served Islam.They were not like these people who always put the world first.khwaja kamal-ud-din— This example of these scholars is enough, which Sanaullah showed in the court for the sake of testifying against the Promised Messiah as (that is, he stated that a Muslim might engage in lying, stealing, and adultery; it makes no difference in his taqw a [righteousness]).gentleman— These people are desirous of the world; no [attachment to] religion remains.Principles of Prayer After that, this gentleman requested the Promised Messiah as to pray for some of his personal affairs.Upon this, the Promised Messiah as said: I will pray for you, God willing, but I want to tell you that one of the principles of prayer is that unless a person has a complete connection with someone’s situation, there cannot develop the compassion, pain, and focus of attention necessary for prayer.And the development of this presence and focused attention is

Page 463

29 July 1906 423 actually not in one’s own power.Efforts in prayer must be from both sides.The one who is praying should try to concentrate on the presence of God Almighty, and the one who is asking for the supplications should keep reminding him to remain attentive.Remind him again and again and create a special relationship.He should continue to present his plight with patience and per- severance.Thus, at some point or another, a pain will arise [to pray] for him.Prayer is a great thing; when a person becomes disappointed from all sides, the last resort is prayer, which solves all problems.But the prayer of such attention definitely needs time, and it is not in the power of man to create pain in the heart for someone.It is mentioned regarding a Sufi that he was walking on the path when a boy fell in front of him and broke his leg.The Sufi felt pain in his heart and prayed right there and then before God and asked, ‘O God, fix this boy’s leg; otherwise, why did You cause pain in the heart of this cruel merciless one?’ My faith is that no matter what kind of financial or life-threat- ening difficulties befall a person, the last remedy for all of them is supplication.God Almighty is the Lord of everything; He does and can do whatever He wants and controls everything.When a man sets his affairs aright with a ruler or an officer and pleases him, he bestows many benefits upon him.Can God Almighty, who is the absolute Ruler and Lord, not be of benefit to him? Moreover, the matter of prayer is not such that a person should shoot from a distance and go away, but one should develop a relationship with the person who is requested for prayers.Look! You meet a person in the market by chance, and you grab him and demand that he become your friend, so how can he become your friend? A relationship is needed for a friendship to develop, and this can happen gradually.I want and desire that there should be a true pain in the heart for all humanity, but this matter is not in my hands, not

Page 464

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 424 for my own self, not for my near and dear ones, not for my wife and children.The occurrence of such pain depends only on the grace of God, but having a relationship is essential.It is said that a person went to Shaikh Ni za m-ud-D i n Waliull a h to ask him to pray for some personal matter, and he asked him to bring milk and rice for him.This man thought in his heart that this was a strange saintly man.I came to him with a need of mine, and he has presented his own need before me.However, he went and brought the cooked milk and rice.After he had eaten, he prayed for him, and his problem was resolved.Then Ni za m-ud-D i n told him, I asked you for milk and rice because when you came to ask me to pray for you, you were a complete stranger to me, and there was no source of sympathy for you in my heart.So, I thought of this as a way to create a loving relationship with you.In the Torah, there is a similar story of Isaac that he said to his son, ‘Go and bring me some game meat and cook it for me to eat so that I may bless you and pray for you.’ Many such stories are recorded in the circumstances of the saints, and the truth in them is that there should be a relationship between the one praying and the one for whom the prayer is being made.All the financial or personal difficulties that befall a human being are due to the displeasure of God Almighty.A man should try to change his condition and please God; then, all sufferings and pains are removed.All the objects of the world and all the hearts of human beings are in the control of God.Look! When you go to someone’s house, and the owner of the house is pleased with you, all his servants will take care of you and deal with you politely, but if you displease the master, none of the servants will care about you, but all will become ready to treat you with disrespect.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.31, p.3, dated 2 August 1906

Page 465

Undated 425 Undated 1 Prayer and its Acceptance The Promised Messiah as said: It is the practice of Allah with me that when I concentrate and pray for something and that concentration reaches its perfec- tion and the supplication reaches its extreme point, then most certainly something is told to me about it.There is no doubt that when a person prays to God Almighty, God Almighty often accepts the prayer of His servant, but sometimes God Almighty desires that His will should be obeyed.This is the sign of an ongoing established friendship between two friends that sometimes one accepts the other, and at other times it happens the other way around.It cannot be that one friend goes on always obeying the word of the other and never asks that his wish be accepted at some time.A person who thinks that his prayers should always be accepted and that only his wishes go on being fulfilled is making a big mistake.Allah the Exalted has revealed two verses in the Holy Quran with His perfect wisdom.In one of them, it is said: 2 ْ اُدْعُوْنِيْٓ اَسْتَجِبْ لَكُم ْ اُدْعُوْنِيْٓ اَسْتَجِبْ لَكُم You pray and I will answer you.In the other verse, it is said: اخل......3 َو ْمُكَّنَوُلْبَنَل ٍءْيَشِب َنِّم ِفْوَخْلا َو ِعْوُجْلا َو ْمُكَّنَوُلْبَنَل ٍءْيَشِب َنِّم ِفْوَخْلا َو ِعْوُجْلا 1.These are probably Malf uza t of July 1906.[And Allah knows best the truth] ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا.(Compiler) 2.S u rah al-Mu’min, 40:61 [Publisher] 3.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:156 [Publisher]

Page 466

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 426 That is, you will surely be afflicted with various kinds of trials and tests and tribulations so that you become deserving of receiving the reward.God Almighty tests His servants, but God does not let those who adopt perseverance perish.Success after prayer may be according to one’s desire, or God’s expediency may create some other form.In any case, the answer to prayer is certainly received from God Almighty.I have never seen a supplication offered in earnest to the needed extent, not getting an answer.The Only Way to Safeguard against Sins The only way to safeguard against sins is to develop the fear of God in one’s heart.Without this, man cannot save himself from sins.And fear cannot arise without cognizance [of God].When an unsheathed sword is hanging over someone’s head, and he is convinced that if he does such and such a thing, this sword will fall upon his head, how can he do that thing? He is sure that that sword will harm him.If one has this kind of faith in God Almighty and His maj- esty and His glory comes to dwell in his heart, then it is not at all possible for him to commit evil.It is not the practice of God Almighty to show His face to anyone like a human being, but He gives proof of His existence through mighty Signs.When the April 4th earthquake occurred, my dear Muhammad Ismail was studying in medical college.He mentions that a boy in his college was an atheist, but when the earthquake happened, he also started shouting ‘R a m! R a m!’ 1 But when the earthquake passed, and he regained his composure, he said he had made a mistake in saying, ‘R a m R a m!’ 1.‘R a m, R a m’ is a common greeting and mantra in Hinduism.It is used as a form of salutation and devotion to Lord Rama, a prominent Hindu deity.[Publisher]

Page 467

Undated 427 God Almighty’s authoritative Signs give proof of His exist- ence.God Almighty has informed me that a severe earthquake is coming.That day will be an extraordinary day for the world when people will realise that God exists.People are so engrossed in satanic thoughts that they do not want to take a single step back, but when God Almighty wills, He instils such fear that people abandon all evil.How can anyone be drawn [to God] unless God draws them [to Himself ]? I rely only on God; what can I hope for from the people who call me a k a fir [disbeliever]? God is indeed the True King and True Sovereign.Until some- thing is decreed in the heavens, nothing can happen on earth.Doctors should Pray for their Patients The Promised Messiah as said: It is also appropriate for a physician to pray for his sick patient because every particle is in the hands of Allah the Exalted.God Almighty has not forbidden you from making your efforts.For this reason, it is necessary to try and cure and make efforts in your essential works, but remember that the real influencer is God Almighty.Everything is possible only through His grace.At the time of illness, a person should also take medicine and pray.Sometimes, Allah the Exalted also informs about the proper treatment through revelation or a dream.In this way, the physician who supplicates does a great favour to the science of medicine.Allah the Exalted often told me the cures for cer- tain diseases through revelation.This is His grace.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.32, p.3, dated 9 August 1906 and al- H akam, vol.10, no.28, p.9, dated 10 August 1906

Page 468

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 428 1 August 1906 Patience upon Adversity The wife of Ha fi z Muhammad Ibr a h i m died yesterday evening.He came to see the Promised Messiah as.Addressing Ha fi z Sahib, the Promised Messiah as said: You have suffered a great shock from the death of your wife.You should now be patient so that Allah may reward you.You served your wife well.Despite the disability that you are blind, you have discharged this service as it merited.Its reward is with Allah the Exalted.Death is the destiny of everyone.This will happen to every- one, one day or the other, but for those who passed away in pov- erty being harmless, meek, and humble, it is as if Paradise comes forward to receive them, as described by Jesus about Lazarus.Supplication in Prayer You should supplicate in your own language within the formal Prayer, because supplicating in your own language develops full enthusiasm.S u rah al-F a ti h ah is the Word of God Almighty; therefore, it should be recited similarly in Arabic.The part of the Holy Quran that is recited after it should also be recited in Arabic.After that, the prescribed prayers and tasb ih [glorifi- cation of God] should also be recited in Arabic.Nevertheless, one should learn the translation of all of them, and in addition to them, one should supplicate in one’s own language so that the full attention and presence of the heart develops because the Prayer in which there is no presence of the heart is not a

Page 469

1 August 1906 429 Prayer at all.Nowadays, it is a habit of people to finish the for- mal Prayer so quickly as if they are just repeatedly banging their heads on the ground.Prayer is performed quickly and speedily as if it were forced labour, and then they start making long supplications after- wards.This is an innovation.There is no mention of this prac- tice anywhere in the Noble Hadith that supplications should be made after saying sal a m at the end of the formal Prayer.Foolish people consider Prayer as a tax and separate supplication from it.Prayer itself is supplication.A person should supplicate within the traditional Prayer for all worldly and faith-related difficulties and at the time of every difficulty.A supplication can be made at any time within the Prayer.In the ruk u ‘ [bowing posture] after reciting tasb ih [glorification of God], after reciting tasb ih in prostration, after a t-t ahiyy a t [salutations] in the sitting posture, after ruk u ‘ when you stand up—supplicate much that you be enriched abundantly.The soul should flow like water when you supplicate.Such a suppli- cation purifies and cleanses the heart.If such a supplication is attained, it matters not if a person stands in prayer all day.One should make supplications in the presence of Allah the Exalted so that one may be freed from the grip of sin.Prayer is a remedy that removes the poison of sin.Some foolish people think that supplicating in their own language breaks the Prayer.This is a wrong idea.The Prayer of such peo- ple is itself broken.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.32, p.4, dated 9 August 1906 and al- H akam, vol.10, no.28, p.9, dated 10 August 1906

Page 470

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 430 26 August 1906 A written question from Miy an Ismail, a resident of Targari, was sub- mitted to the Promised Messiah as.He had asked whether it was permis- sible to give meat from a sacrificed animal to a non-Muslim.The Promised Messiah as said: The distinction of a Muslim or a non-Muslim is not necessary for charity.Alms can also be given to a poor, needy disbeliever.In the same way, it is permissible to invite a non-Muslim for the sake of reconciliation of hearts.Another question was raised by the gentleman mentioned above: ‘Where a Prayer has once been offered, can the same Prayer be offered again in congregation?’ The Promised Messiah as said: There is nothing wrong with it; congregational Prayer can be offered again as needed.A person who came from Jehlum asked that there is a follower of the Promised Messiah as in Jhelum; he prays behind non-Ahmadis, and sometimes, he also has occasion to lead us in Prayer.Is it permissible to pray behind him or not? The Promised Messiah as said: When those people call us k a fir and say that if we are wrong in calling them k a fir, then we ourselves are k a fir, then how can it be permissible to pray behind them? Similarly, if an Ahmadi prays behind them, do not pray behind him until he offers taubah [repentance].

Page 471

26 August 1906 431 Smoking Tobacco A person asked whether the Promised Messiah as had forbidden hookah smoking.The Promised Messiah as replied: I have not given any such order that smoking tobacco is for- bidden like pork and alcohol.Yes, it is a vain act, and a believer should avoid it.However, there is no harm for those forced to use it as a medicine or treatment for some illness.Nabi Bakhsh— A person questioned, ‘My name is Nabi Bakhsh.Is it necessary for me to change my name?’ The Promised Messiah as replied: It is not necessary.Nabi Bakhsh means that he was forgiven by the intercession of, and due to, the Prophet.The intercession of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is true and from the Holy Quran.1 1.Badr, vol.6, nos.1 and 2, p.18, dated 10 January 1907

Page 472

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 432 1 September 1906 The Righteous Always Face Opposition A hostile, prejudiced, and false article that appeared in a newspaper was shown.The Promised Messiah as said: These people can write whatever they want, but for how long? In the end, the truth is the truth, and a lie is a lie, and soon it will be revealed to the world who stands upon the truth, and the liars will disappear on their own because falsehood can never flourish.The Promised Messiah as said: One is amazed by these people who shamelessly say there will be no earthquake—all these prophecies are false.They should have waited and not denied it so hastily.Even when a case is presented in the worldly courts, a person remains afraid and does not go around saying nonsense that a judgement would be decreed in his favour.However, there is a case in the court of God Almighty, and these people are walking around conceitedly.The Promised Messiah as said: It is always the righteous who face opposition.No one opposes liars.Instead, people join them, and this is the practice of Allah.In every Prophet’s time, some false claimant is also born.During the time of Jesus, peace be on him, two other people claimed to be the Messiah, but the Jews did not oppose them at all, nor did they persecute them, but they pursued Jesus, peace be on him,

Page 473

1 September 1906 433 made him suffer, fabricated a case [against him], opposed him bitterly, and eventually put him on the cross.In the same way, during the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, when Musailimah al-Kadhdh a b [the Great Liar] laid claim to prophethood, the disbelieving Arabs did not oppose him, nor did they persecute him, nor did he suffer; instead, hundreds of thousands of peo- ple joined him.As opposed to this, they severely persecuted the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and expelled him from the city.They made plans to murder him and remained intent on subjecting him to all kinds of harass- ment.This has always been the practice of Allah that one or two false claimants also arise along with the true claimant.A truthful person can succeed despite strong opposition, and a liar fails and dies in vain despite not having any opposition.Similarly, in my time also, along with my claim, many false claimants of ilh a m and wa hi from God have appeared.Some among them have died as utter failures, like the per- son in Lahore who claimed to be the Mahdi.No one opposes them.A person in Lahore, Mullah Muhammad Bakhsh, is also a claimant of revelation.He publishes his revelations.No one issues public announcements against him.He is neither troubled nor persecuted because he is a liar, but Satan sees his destruction in me.So, he encourages people to rise up in oppo- sition; this has been the practice of God Almighty since the earliest of times.A truthful one faces severe opposition, so his success should be a prominent advertisement.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.36, p.4, dated 6 September 1906

Page 474

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 434 9 September 1906 The Work of the Promised Messiah The Promised Messiah as said: The work before me is not easy; indeed, it is very difficult.I have two tasks.Correct the internal condition of the people and show them the path of righteousness and purity from which they have gone astray and make them tread upon it.And secondly, stop the external attacks and break the cross.Both of these tasks are so difficult that without the particular numi- nous actions of Allah the Exalted, this task can never be accom- plished by ordinary human efforts.Our foolish adversaries have ignorantly lifted the Messiah to the heavens.They do not think about what mischief this irrational doctrine has caused for such a long time that they would stand to gain something in the future by following this corrupt doctrine.God Almighty is All-Knowing and All-Wise and acquainted with the profound and subtlest of things.The triumph of Islam can only be achieved by treading upon the path of wisdom that God has chosen.Yas u‘ [Christ] is tainted himself since so much shirk [associating partners with Allah] takes place in his name.His arrival cannot be of any benefit to Islam now.Islam’s internal and external corruption has reached such a stage that, according to worldly reason, nothing is left but despair and hopelessness.The means and powers Christians possess for spreading their religion, such that they print hundreds of thou- sands of copies of each and every book and distribute them for free, where do Muslims have any such ability? The situation

Page 475

9 September 1906 435 with us is that the material is hardly available even if a small magazine needs to be printed.In short, we cannot achieve victory through material wealth, power, and effort.Instead, our weapon is only prayer and attention to Allah.This onerous campaign will only be accomplished by the magnificent means of prayer.Dr ‘Abdul- H ak i m objects foolishly that I am just sitting around in one place; why am I not making rounds city by city? This is his mistake.If I had believed that travelling among coun- tries could be beneficial, I would have done it.In the Noble Hadith, it is mentioned about the Dajj a l [Antichrist] that: 1 ْ قِتَالِھِم ِّ َِحَد ٍ ل اْل ِ َ یَدَان اْل ْ قِتَالِھِم ِّ َِحَد ٍ ل اْل ِ َ یَدَان اْل.No one will have hands to fight with him.We cannot fight this Dajj a l with earthly means because he has many worldly means.We must have some superior weapon he does not have; then, we can win.The love of the world dominates the people beyond all limits.This is what I want to remove, and this is indeed the most difficult task.It is written that the last thing that departs from the self is the love of the world.There is no way of success for us except by heavenly power.The Promised Messiah as said: Allah the Exalted taught us this supplication in S u rah al-F a ti h ah: O Allah, do not make us among the Magh du b Alaihim [those who have incurred Your displeasure] nor of those who are Da l i n [gone astray].Here, it is worth noting that both of these ultimately come back to Jesus.Magh du b Alaihim are the people who went to extremes in the enmity of Jesus and in causing him pain and suffering of every kind.1.In S a hih Muslim this hadith is as follows: ْ َحَد ٍ بِقِتَالِهِم ِأ اْل ِ َدَان ی َ اْل ْ َحَد ٍ بِقِتَالِهِم ِأ اْل ِ َدَان ی َ اْل ( S a hīh Muslim, Kit ā b al-Fitan wa Ashr ā t as-S ā ‘ah, B ā bu Dhikr ad-Dajj ā l wa S ifatihi wa m ā Ma‘ahu, Hadith 7373).[Publisher]

Page 476

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 436 And the Da l i n are those who went to excess in loving him and assigned Divine attributes to him.We are taught to pray only to avoid both of these conditions.If the Dajj a l were someone other than these groups, this prayer would have been like this: ِ ال َّ ج َّ َ الد اْل َ ْهِم ْ و ی ْر ِ الْمَغْضُوْب ِ عَلَ ی غَ ِ ال َّ ج َّ َ الد اْل َ ْهِم ْ و ی ْر ِ الْمَغْضُوْب ِ عَلَ ی غَ [those who have not incurred Your dis- pleasure, nor of the Dajj a l ].This is a prophecy that was given to forewarn the Muslims to make them aware of each of the two types of evils of this age.It is indeed these missions of the Christians that are trying their very utmost to eradicate Islam from the face of the world.They are proving very dangerous for Islam.Despite seeing such severe calamities, it is a mistake to fall prey to imaginary and conjectural things and look for the Dajj a l in other places.We have present before us such a dangerous Dajj a l that its like can- not be found in earlier peoples.No human power and hand can subdue it.But yes, this will be done by the hands of God.This work which is before me, and to which I have laid claim that I have come to break the cross, is no small concern of mine, because if my real work is not fulfilled, then even miracles and marvels are nothing.If a physician cannot cure the patient but is good at playing some sport, then this matter cannot be of much help to his claim of being a physician.So, the great concern I am facing is that the work of breaking the cross may be accomplished.The other aspect of my concern is internal, related to those who see everything straight as upside down and think a friend to be a foe.The real pity is that out of enmity for me, they also harbour hostility toward the Holy Prophet.And if any sup- porting evidence argues in favour of the Holy Prophet, and it is also found in me, they even reject such evidence.For example, this verse of the Holy Quran says that if a Messenger fabricates a statement himself and attributes it to God Almighty, he will be killed immediately.

Page 477

9 September 1906 437 This is an excellent argument supporting the truth of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he continued to be successful for twenty-three years in his claim of prophethood.Many great scholars have presented this argument to disbelievers, but now, since this argument also supports our Movement, for this reason, they are completely denying it and saying that it is not an argument and that a fab- ricator of lies can get a long respite.Some say this is an argument but specific to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and has nothing to do with other Prophets.The ignorant do not know—can an argument be particular and specific? The argument that is particular is rather a claim itself and not an argument.A similar mistake is made by Christians that when some- thing is presented about Yas u‘ [Christ] as to why he did such and such a thing.They say that he was God, and it was permis- sible for him to do whatever he wanted.The fools do not realize that the claim of Divinity is itself a claim and not an argument.How can a claim be presented as an argument? So the one who makes a false claim has never flourished.No liar ever got as much respite as the Holy Prophet.It is a pity that they show enmity toward the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because of enmity with me.The change I desire to see come about among the people at this time can only be brought about by some heavenly power.Otherwise, it is not in the power of earthly people to bring about those magnificent results.All that happened in the beginning of Islam was the result of the supplications of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, which he made to God Almighty while crying and weeping in the streets of Makkah.The grand victories that changed the habits, style, and manners of the

Page 478

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 438 whole world were the effect of the prayers of the Holy Prophet.Otherwise, the strength of the Companions ra was such that in the Battle of Badr, the Companions ra had only three swords, and even those were made of wood.People should adopt righteousness and purity as far as pos- sible and turn to God Almighty.Only then will something be possible.1 The month of September 1906 May God Grant you Endless Joy— O Editor of Tash hi dhul-Adh-h a n! In the September 1906 issue of Tash hi dhul-Adh-h a n magazine, its worthy editor published some old couplets and an old writing of the Promised Messiah, which had never been published before.Presenting the gift of these kinds of writings of His Holiness, the Mahdi [Guided One], to the public is such outstanding work that merits much grati- tude.Indeed many annual subscriptions to the magazine Tash hi dhul- Adh-h a n can be sacrificed for this one poem and article.Friends should generate many buyers for this magazine because it is a valuable asset.We quote those couplets and the article below and pray that God bless this honourable servant who has informed us of the sources of joy for the Promised Messiah.1.Badr, vol.2, no.37, p.4, dated 13 September 1906; see also al- H akam, vol.10, no.32, p.4, dated 17 September 1906

Page 479

The month of September 1906 439 Ghazal by the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be on him اتس اکرے و دختم ہن ابعدت و زدہ ہن رما اتس ددلارے یں �ہ� ر اجمن ہک اتس رما یں م� ہ � I have nothing to offer by way of devotion, worship, service, or any achievement; It is only that my soul is pledged to the Beloved.ابد ش � ی � ہک اجن دفا ش � ی � ہچ ذلےت اتس رب و اتس ابرے وخن ارگہچ ش � ی � وکب اتس راےتح ہچ There is such delight in His countenance that my life is sacrificed for Him; There is a wondrous joy in His way, even though great sacrifices are called for there.یں احل � ہکن د�ی� د ا آ د رك ح وتق رما ی مس� داللئ دوعے ارگہچ �ب�یک�ارے اتس خ ں ی �ب� ہب When God saw this condition of mine, He made me the Messiah of the Age; You should now look at the arguments in support of my claim, though (according to you) they are useless.اتس ام الہتک ں آ ہک وخامہ ہن قشع دواےئ زارے اتس آ یں رجن و درد و م� ہ � افشء ام ہب I do not wish my love to be remedied [as though it were a disease], For this would cause my death — my healing is in this pain and illness.نک ٰیل بلط وم رہ رمدی ارگ ہچ انیل روز و بش از رہب رمدار If you are a man, then seek the way of the Lord; Why do you keep crying day and night after this carcass (the mate- rial world)? د � خ ی�چ� � چ � ہب رس اونکں رگ رمجن ےمن ہک رتک رمس و رہ اکرے اتس دوشار If they turn away from me now, I am not angry; For, it is very difficult to break customs and traditions.

Page 480

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 440 ہک رہم و ہم س�یہ دش خ ں ی �ب� کلف را رد رہب اذنار آ اطوعن رب خ ں ی م� ز Look at the heavens — the sun and the moon are darkened (by an eclipse of the sun and the moon), And the earth is creating a plague to warn the people.Old Writing of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him Why I am Happy There are three joys in my heart that are for me alone, both in this world and the Hereafter.1.One is that I have found that True God who is, in fact, the God to whom every particle bows in obeisance as a man who has attained cognizance bows to Him.2.I have attained His pleasure and witnessed His love filled with mercy.3.Thirdly, I have seen and experienced that He is the Knower of the Unseen and so perfectly Merciful that one mercy is universal, but He shows special mercy to those who become lost in Him.And He is All-Powerful.He can change the pain of someone and replace it with comfort in an instant.These three attributes of His are a source of great joy for his devotees.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.38, p.8, dated 20 September 1906

Page 481

19 September 1906 441 19 September 1906 No Disease is Incurable A sick person came to see the Promised Messiah as and made a request for prayers, and expressed despair over his condition.The Promised Messiah as said: My belief is that no disease is incurable.Every disease can be cured.When the doctor calls any disease incurable, it means that the doctor is unaware of its cure.It has come to my experi- ence that doctors describe many diseases as incurable, but Allah the Exalted enables a patient to recover from it in one way or another.Some patients become entirely hopeless.This is a mis- take.One should never despair of the mercy of God Almighty; He has every cure in His hands.Seth ‘Abdur-Ra h m a n is from Madras.He is very weak, has diabetes, and a horrible carbuncle has appeared, and he is elderly as well.The doctors made a very deep incision, and his condition became so critical that letters concerning his precar- ious situation started arriving.Therefore, I prayed a great deal for him, and then one day I suddenly received a revelation at the time of Z uhr: اثر زدنیگ ٓا [Signs of life.] A short time after this revelation, a wire came from Madras saying that the aforementioned Seth Sahib’s health was now improving.The sick person should remain engaged in taubah [repent- ance] and istighf a r [seeking Allah’s forgiveness].Man makes

Page 482

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 442 many types of mistakes when he is healthy.Some sins are related to the rights of Allah, and some are related to the rights of peo- ple.One should ask for forgiveness for both types of mistakes and make amends to appease the person who has been caused unnecessary harm in this world, and one should sincerely offer taubah in the presence of God.Taubah does not mean repeating some words like a magical formula; instead, one should acknowledge with a sincere heart that he will not commit this sin in the future and should try to remain steadfastly established upon this.God is Ghaf u rur- Ra hi m [the Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful].He forgives the sins of His servants.And He is Satt a r.He puts a veil over the sins of the servants.You do not need to tell people of your sins, but yes, God Almighty knows everything.1 23 September 1906 Cause of Death of the Arya Religion Regarding the Aryas, it was mentioned that now the Arya gentlemen themselves have started admitting that the Arya religion is a dead reli- gion and will perish and be completely extinct within 100 years.When the Promised Messiah as had predicted that the Arya religion would disappear from the world within 100 years, the Aryas raised a clamour that this religion would remain forever, that Mirza Sahib has erred in saying this.It is surprising now to see those same Arya gentlemen them- selves state in their lectures and magazines that the Arya religion is 1.Badr, vol.2, no.40, p.4, dated 4 October 1906

Page 483

23 September 1906 443 dead.When the Promised Messiah’s prophecy about the Arya religion was published in February 1903 that a century would not pass that this religion would die, at that time, Pandit R a m Bhajdat strongly opposed it, and himself came to Qadian to give his lectures and mentioned this prophecy.Now that same Pandit R a m Bhajdat has said in the newspaper Prakash of September 11th that the present A rya Sam a j can never sur- vive for more than 100 years but will perish and become extinct.In addition, the new Arya, Dharam Pal, has published an article on the death of the A rya Sam a j in his magazine Andar.It seems likely that the latter became an Arya for the very reason of hastily proving the death of the Arya faith.So this was the discussion upon which the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, said that: Nothing can survive without spirituality, whether it be a faith, nation, or community.How can any religion survive in the world unless there is a solid relationship with God Almighty? Since there is no spirituality in the Arya religion, it is impos- sible for it to become established.All the Prophets knew only God.And opposed to this, are these people whose stomachs are full of thousands of deceptions and have nothing of spirituality.It is the power of God that all the Prophets who came into the world, their worldly affairs were such that they could not have succeeded in securing a job paying even as little as five rupees, but because they became God’s, they were endowed richly in religion and the world.Exhortation to Study Haqiqatul-Wahi The Promised Messiah as said: More than 300 pages of Haqiqatul-Wahi [ The Philosophy of Divine Revelation ] have been written.All kinds of arguments

Page 484

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 444 are written in this book.Members of the Jam a ‘at should study it carefully.Those who have time, interest, and understanding and study it carefully will develop a strength within themselves, and then they will no longer need to ask anyone for answers to such questions.All the members of the Jam a ‘at should develop this capa- bility within themselves because opponents have a habit of needlessly instigating, and some are so wicked that they raise an objection, and then when the other person starts to answer, they say that we did not mean to object, we just said this for no particular reason.We are not in the habit of arguing.Such peo- ple are evil; they must always be answered and should be given a short reply so that they are put to shame quickly.In addition, a short and reasonable answer should be remembered for every issue because nowadays, worldly people do not pay attention to religious matters and think that listen- ing to spiritual matters is a waste of their time.Therefore, such people should be told a short thing that may immediately enter their minds and make an impact.Ghul a m Dastg i r of Kasur Ghul a m Dastg i r of Kasur was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: He performed a mub a halah [prayer duel], a precedent of which already existed in the Islamic world, and he mentioned this example in his magazine.There was a great saint named Muhammad Tahir, and two people were born during his time.One claimed to be the Promised Messiah, while the other claimed to be the Mahdi.Maulaw i Muhammad Tahir prayed to God Almighty that if these claimants were liars, He should

Page 485

Undated 445 destroy them and if he was in error in not accepting them, then God should cause him to die.Because both of those people were liars, both of them died.Ghul a m Dastg i r also performed the mub a halah in the same manner and had written that I pray the same as Muhammad Tahir did.And because the person who was in front of him was true [i.e.Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as ], so Ghul a m Dastg i r himself perished.1 Undated 2 Tar a w ih Prayer Akmal Sahib of Goleki inquired from the Promised Messiah as in writ- ing that there is an emphasis on waking up at night and offering Prayers in the holy month of Ramadan.But in general, the labourers and farm- ers who do a lot of hard physical work are negligent in performing such acts.Therefore, would it be permissible if they were to offer 11 rak a t of Tar a w ih Prayers in the first part of the night instead of at the end of the night? The Promised Messiah as replied: There is no harm in this; they could offer these [ Tar a w ih Prayers].1.Badr, vol.2, no.39 dated 27 September 1906, p.4 2.This diary is probably from the first week of October 1906.(Compiler)

Page 486

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 446 Trust in Allah There was mention of an enemy that he would carry out some mischief and try to cause harm to the Promised Messiah as.The Promised Messiah as said: I am not afraid of this; he may go ahead and do it.In fact, I am happy if he does because it is precisely on such occasions that Allah the Exalted shows Signs for me.I have observed keenly that whenever an enemy planned to commit wickedness against me, God Almighty always showed a Sign from it in support of me.My trust is in God; man does not amount to anything.Baba Nanak was a Muslim A Sikh appeared in the presence of the Promised Messiah as.Baba [Nanak] Sahib was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: Baba [Nanak] Sahib was a Muslim and used to pray.The Sikhs make a great mistake by abandoning the religion of their Guru and following absurd things and have developed relations with the idolatrous Hindus.The Sikh replied: Baba [Nanak] Sahib has said that a person who does not pray is a dog and that one should get up early in the morning, perform ablution and pray.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.42, p.4, dated 18 October 1906

Page 487

15 October 1906 447 15 October 1906 Prophecy is a Great Miracle Prophecies and miracles were mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said: It is known from books of the earlier Prophets that prophecy is indeed the greatest miracle.Miracles other than prophecy have many types of doubts, and they are only temporary matters.Many conjurors also do such things that leave people in awe, but no conjurors can advance in the work of prophecy.Khw a ja Kam a l-ud-D i n submitted that prophecy is a signif- icant miracle in this age because philosophers and scientists have explained some secrets about other miracles, but since they could not understand anything about prophecy and could not discover any secret about it or how a prophecy can be made scientifically, they simply rejected it, saying that there is no such thing as prophecy.Therefore, making a prophecy and proving it is the greatest means of showing miracles in this age and the worldly are powerless in this [arena].The Promised Messiah as said: Earlier Prophets also emphasized prophecies, and the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also made many prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled because the time for their fulfilment had come.Accordingly, he had prophesied the appearance of a great fire and mentioned all the signs and characteristics related to it, and when that prophecy had become recorded in the books

Page 488

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 448 of S a hih al-Bukh a r i 1 and others, and once those books had reached the hands of Christians and Jews, it was then that it made its appearance.Even the Christians who oppose us are amazed at this up till today, that after so many centuries, the prophecy of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was fulfilled with such clarity.Maulaw i ‘Abdullah Ghaznavi Maulaw i ‘Abdullah Ghaznavi was mentioned.The Promised Messiah as said that: He was a good, righteous man.God caused him to pass away before the time of my claim so that he would not fall into any trial.I had also seen him in my dream.He affirmed my truth and said that when he was in the world, he was waiting for such a man to be raised.Elders of Earlier Generations will Not be Called to Account The Promised Messiah as said: If the elders who have passed away did not understand the issue of Christ’s death and made a mistake, they are not to be blamed for this, because this matter was not openly explained to them, and they did not face these issues.They tried as best they could to attain taqw a [righteousness] and purity.The example of these people is like that of the Jewish jurists among the children 1.S a hih al-Bukh a r i , Kit ā b al-Fitan, B ā b Khur ū j al-N ā r, Hadith 7118 [Publisher]

Page 489

15 October 1906 449 of Israel who had passed away before the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who firmly held on to the belief that the last Prophet who was to come would be from the descendants of the Prophet Isaac and would be an Israelite.They died and went to Paradise, but when the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, appeared, the issue became clear that the last Prophet to come was from the Ishmaelites and that was how it should have been, then those of the Israelites who did not believe were declared disbelievers and accursed, and they are still walking around humiliated and afflicted going door to door.Ottoman Empire There was some mention of the Sultan of Turkey.The Promised Messiah as said: These people seem to be deprived of spirituality; otherwise, they would not have been dependent on Europe.People say he protects the two Holy Cities [Makkah and Madinah].This is wrong; on the contrary, the two Holy Cities are protecting him, but in any case, what other option was there for him? He has not been able to control the bedouins up till today.Every year, poor pilgrims are killed and robbed in large numbers, and he can do nothing to prevent it.If he possessed Islamic spirituality, he alone would have suf- ficed to compete with 20 kingdoms, as opposed to the situation now where it is becoming difficult for him to manage even his own domain.All creation belongs to God Almighty, the hearts of all are in His control, and He is Supreme over everything.

Page 490

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 450 Whoever comes to belong to God, God makes him prevail over everything, and He does not remain in need of anyone.1 18 October 1906 Jam a ‘at Publications should be Published after being Approved by the Centre A friend from Delhi submitted a suggestion that many members of the Jam a ‘at write books in support of the [Ahmadiyya] Movement, but there is no arrangement to print them.Therefore, a company should be formed with some capital, and a printing facility should be set up in Delhi.On this, the Promised Messiah as said: I am not at ease with [the idea of ] building such a company, and I do not know if it will end well.Many people are also of the type who are not fully acquainted with the religious sciences.Their writings are harmful rather than beneficial.Such writings should first come to Qadian, and people here should look at them and consider whether they are worth printing or not.But, first, such people who are thoroughly familiar with religious sciences should come into being.They should be scholarly and be practical examples of all they learn so that their writing and speaking can impact others.One man whose heart 1.Badr, vol.2, no.42, p.4, dated 18 October 1906

Page 491

18 October 1906 451 is filled with the desire to work for God is better than millions of men.Maulaw i Syed Muhammad A h san The Promised Messiah as said: Maulaw i Syed Muhammad A h san is unique in the work of dis- cussion and debate.He is fully educated and a great expert in the sciences of hadith and jurisprudence.He can do great work in publishing systematically.It is not everyone’s job to interfere in such matters.Blowing [one’s Breath on someone] after Reciting Words of God A friend asked to be told a verse of the Holy Quran that he could recite and blow upon an ill patient to cure him.The Promised Messiah as said: There is undoubtedly healing in the Holy Quran.It is the cure for spiritual and physical diseases, but reciting the Holy Quran this way involves a trial for the people.Do not put the Holy Quran to test.Pray to God Almighty for your sick person.This is enough for you.1 1.Badr, vol.2, no.43, p.4, dated 25 October 1906

Page 492

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 452 20 October 1906 Sahib Noor of Kabul, may Allah be Pleased with Him The late Noor Sahib was mentioned.Addressing Ahmad Noor, 1 the Promised Messiah as said: May God bless him with Paradise.Hearing the news of his sud- den demise, I fell ill myself due to the shock, so I could not come out to offer the funeral.Maulaw i Ahmed Noor mentioned that he [the deceased] had been reading the Holy Quran all night, and in the morning, he was sitting at the shop completely healthy, and suddenly death overtook him.Others mentioned that he was a righteous man.He had nothing to do with worldly quarrels and remained detached.The Promised Messiah as said that he had already left worldly rela- tions, migrated to Qadian, and made his abode here.2 1.This gentleman was the brother of the deceased Noor Sahib.Both these brothers were the followers of Sahibz a dah ‘Abdul-Lat i f Shah i d ra.After ac- cepting the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, they migrated and settled in Qadian.(Compiler) 2.Badr, vol.2, no.43, p.4, dated 25 October 1906

Page 493

Undated 453 Undated 1 The Remedy for being Absent-Minded in Prayer An individual asked, ‘When I stand in Prayer, I am not completely focused.Is my Prayer valid in such a situation?’ The Promised Messiah as said that: The utmost concentration that can be achieved by human effort is that a Muslim performs ablution, takes himself to the mosque howsoever he can, stands in Prayer, and offers the Prayer.Up to this point, it is man’s effort; after this, it is the work of God Almighty to bestow full concentration.Man does his work, and a time comes when God Almighty also sends His gifts.The remedy for being absent-minded in Prayer is Prayer itself.Go on praying.All the doors of mercy will be opened through this.2 1.These Malf uza t are probably from the early days of October 1906.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler) 2.Badr, vol.2, no.43, p.13, dated 25 October 1906

Page 494

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 454 28 October 1906 (During the morning walk) Acting upon the Holy Quran’s Exemptions is also Righteousness Upon learning that Sheikh Muhammad Chittu 1 had come from Lahore and other friends had also come, the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him, came out simply because of the lofty moral attributes he himself possesses.The purpose was to go for a walk, so an opportunity would arise to meet with friends.Since the people already knew that the Promised Messiah as would come outside, most friends were present in the small mosque.When the Promised Messiah as came out of his door, the compan- ions ran towards him as usual.He looked at Sheikh Sahib, and after offering the customary greeting of peace, the Promised Messiah as said, ‘Are you well? You are indeed from among my oldest acquaintances.’ baba chittu —I am grateful.the promised messiah as — (Addressing H ak i m Muhammad Hussain Qureshi) It is your duty that he should not suffer any kind of inconvenience.Make full arrangements for his food and accommodation.Tell me what is needed and urge Miy an Najam-ud-D i n to prepare what is suitable for his food and what he likes.1.Earlier, he was a member of the Ahl-e-Hadith sect.Later he adopted the Chakrhalavi doctrine.When he presented himself before the Promised Messiah as , he belonged to the Chakrhalavi sect.(Compiler)

Page 495

28 October 1906 455 hakeem muhammad hussain— Most assuredly, Your Holiness.God willing, there will be no difficulty.the promised messiah as — (Addressing Baba Chittu) You are a traveller, so you would not be fasting? baba chittu— No, I am fasting; I am observing the Fast.the promised messiah as — The essential thing is that act- ing upon the exemptions of the Holy Quran is also righteous- ness.God Almighty has given the one who is travelling or sick the permission and exemption to fast at another time, so this commandment should also be followed.I have read that most great scholars have given the verdict that it is a sin for someone to fast while travelling or during illness, because the purpose is [to win] the pleasure of Allah the Exalted, and not do as one should himself please, and the pleasure of Allah the Exalted is in obedience.Therefore, whatever command He gives should be obeyed, and one should not add things of his own to it.Here is what He has ordained: 1 ْنَمَف َناَك ْمُكْنِم اًضْيِرَّم ْوَا ىٰلَع ٍرَفَس ٌةَّدِعَف ْنِّم ٍماَّيَا َرَخُا ْنَمَف َناَك ْمُكْنِم اًضْيِرَّم ْوَا ىٰلَع ٍرَفَس ٌةَّدِعَف ْنِّم ٍماَّيَا َرَخُا There is no restriction in this that travel should be of such and such type or illness should be this or that variety.I do not observe the Fast when travelling and when I am sick.So, even today, my health is not good, and I did not fast.When I walk about, the sickness is reduced somewhat, so I am going out [for a walk].Will you go, too? 1.Whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:185).[Publisher]

Page 496

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 456 baba chittu— No, I cannot go.Please, you go.This com- mandment is there, no doubt, but there is no hardship involved in the journey, so why not observe the Fast? the promised messiah as — This is your own opinion.The Holy Quran has not mentioned anything about hardship or lack thereof.You are very old now.Life cannot be relied upon.A person should adopt the path that pleases Allah the Exalted and leads to the straight path.baba chittu— The only reason I have come is to get some benefit from you.If this is the right path, it should not be that I die in [a state of ] negligence.the promised messiah as — Yes, this is very good.Let me come back after a short walk.Please make yourself comfortable.(After saying this, the Promised Messiah as went for a walk.) 1 (Before noon) Reconciliation is Best Khw a ja Sahib mentioned a dispute between two brothers in the pres- ence of His Holiness, H ujjatull a h, the Promised Messiah, may peace and blessings be upon him.It is not against human nature to have con- flict.It happens even among real brothers, and the difference in human dispositions, which is a plain and clear proof of the existence of God Almighty, necessarily leads to an occasional conflict due to a difference 1.Al- H akam, vol.11, no.4, p.14, dated 31 January 1907

Page 497

28 October 1906 457 of opinion and thinking.However, that conflict does not become noteworthy or significant when giving preference to the pleasure of God Almighty; one walks away from one’s own contention.In any case, there was a mention of the dispute between the two brothers, and it was desired that if the Promised Messiah as said something, none of them would have any grievances.Upon this, the Promised Messiah as spoke in general terms: I like reconciliation, and when reconciliation is done, then there should be no mention of what he said or did.I swear by God Almighty that if a person who has called me a dajj a l and a kadhdh a b [great liar] thousands of times and has tried in every way to oppose me and he is a seeker of reconciliation, then it does not and cannot even occur to me what he said to me and how he treated me.It is true that a person who desires that others may derive benefit because of him should not be spiteful.If he is spiteful, how will others benefit from his existence? He becomes ready to take revenge whenever the slightest thing happens against his ego and thinking.He should be such that even if he is pierced by thousands of spears, he would not care.My advice is to remember two things.One, fear God Almighty, and two, treat your brothers with such sympathy as you do to your own nafs [self ].If someone commits a fault or mistake, he should be forgiven and not that it should be emphasized, and the harbouring of hatred be made into a habit.The ego compels man that nothing should go against him, and in this way, he wants to sit on the throne of Allah the Exalted.So try to remain safeguarded from this.I truly say that to treat people with the highest of morals is also a death.I do not like that if someone does the slightest thing to another, he starts to pursue him relentlessly.On the contrary, I desire that

Page 498

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 458 if someone abuses a person to his face, the person should be patient and keep quiet.The Severity of the Prophets In their ignorance, some people think that the Prophets are sometimes harsh.They cannot understand that their harshness is of a different nature.There is no malice in it, and they do not do it to satisfy their own ego.There is no personal interest at play in their minds, but they do it for the honour of Allah the Exalted and the person’s own reformation.Look! Sometimes a mother even strikes the child and strikes hard.A person seeing this might say how brutally she beats the child, but he is unfamiliar with her to judge her com- passion.If he had known about the mother’s love and compas- sion, he would not have had such a thought.Is it not true that if the child has even the slightest pain, the mother stays awake all night and takes care of the child.Who else can compete with this kindness and compassion? The harshness of a Prophet is of this nature.There is a pain and an anguish in his heart for the reformation of God’s creation.He desires that they may be saved from God’s punishment.If he is harsh to one of his servants, he also gets up at night and prays for him.In short, the harshness of parents and an affectionate teacher is not harshness; it is mercy and compassion.Similarly, the severity of a just king is not severity.People raise objections out of ignorance and raise a clamour.A just king always wants the good and well-being of his subjects.I will say again and again that God Almighty does not like

Page 499

28 October 1906 459 self-righteous bragging at all; therefore, such disputes should be abandoned at once 1.Remember! If there is even one righteous person, he will attract thousands to himself, and the righteous one is he who has thousands of miles in between himself and his ego.This is indeed the foundation of religion.This is indeed taqw a [right- eousness] and fear of God and faith.Worldly dealing cannot be called religion.2 Evidence of the Veracity of the Claim of the Promised Messiah, Peace be on Him During this speech, Sheikh [Muhammad Chittu] Sahib also came, and when he noticed the Promised Messiah as turned toward him, he started talking to him.That dialogue is as follows: Baba Chittu— Present your claim from the Quran.The Promised Messiah as — My claim is proven by the same arguments that prove the Holy Quran is the Word of God Almighty.So first, you should tell me why you believe in the Holy Quran.My claim will be established in the same way that you will present.Baba Chittu— I have believed in the Quran in the same way I have come to believe in God.1.When Hadrat H ujjatull a h, reached this point, one brother immediately shook hands with his other brother saying م ك م علی اَل اس م ك م علی اَل اس [ Assal a mo ‘Ala i kum — Peace be upon you] and reconciled with him.May Allah reward them with the best reward.(Editor) 2.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.42, p.3, dated 10 December 1906

Page 500

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 460 The Promised Messiah as — After all, tell me the form your acceptance took.God Almighty has been recognized by His capabilities, but what reasons do you have for believing in the Holy Quran? Simply saying by the tongue that one believes it to be the Word of God Almighty cannot be the source of much comfort for others.Every Prophet and Messenger who comes having been appointed by God Almighty has these same proofs and Signs to establish the truthfulness of his claim.If people were to believe in him because he says so, then why ask for arguments? That is why there are proofs, but it should also be noted that these people are not in need of simple narrated stories.Nevertheless, Allah the Exalted shows extraordinary Signs in support of their truth, but not everyone benefits from these Signs.Was there any dearth of evidence of the truth of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? Yet still, the Jews and Christians called the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, (God forbid) a liar.Prophecies about him were even present in their books.My truth can be proven in the same way, but the real and easy way for this is that you present the arguments by which you have accepted the Holy Quran.(His Holiness, H ujjatull a h, was speaking along these lines when Baba Chittu interrupted him without regard for his own age and the eti- quettes of the gathering and spoke up in the middle of the talk and said that the knowledge that had reached him is that the Quran was revealed to all the Prophets.) The Promised Messiah as — Now you have made another claim.Well, tell me, can there be a claim without any evidence? You must prove whether the Jews who exist at this time teach the Torah or the Holy Quran? And does the Holy Quran

Page 501

28 October 1906 461 complete the argument against them through the Torah or not? Similarly, Christians have the Gospels.Do they read the Gospels or the Holy Quran? What do you mean by this claim? And what is the evidence? Did the Jews and Christians have this Quran besides the Torah and the Gospel? Baba Chittu— No.They did not have the Quran, but they also used to pray, fast, perform pilgrimage and pay zak a t.The Promised Messiah as — So does this prove that the Holy Quran was revealed to them too? It is true that some com- mandments have been common, and some commandments are such that they are specific for an ummah and a nation, like eat- ing camel’s meat among the Jews or offering prayer while facing Baitul-Muqaddas.And there are still many commandments in both nations that are specific to them.The teachings of the Prophets, peace be upon them, are according to the time and occasion, but since all kinds of corruption had reached its peak at the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the teaching given for their reformation was perfect.This is why Kh a tamul-Kutub [the Best of Books]—the Holy Quran—was revealed, and Prophethood was ended with the Holy Prophet s as.The Promised Messiah as also wanted to make a lengthy speech on this occasion.However, Baba Chittu’s haste emboldened him to inter- rupt the Promised Messiah’s speech to say that he did not want to be deprived of taking Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance].The Promised Messiah as — This is dependent on the grace of God Almighty.He guides whomsoever He pleases; this is not my task.But, yes, I can give proof of my truth, which is

Page 502

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 462 beyond human power and the precedent of which is not found except in the earlier Prophets and Messengers.Baba Chittu— Yes, okay.The Promised Messiah as — Then the story is short.This sentence naturally requires that the Promised Messiah as , now set forth the proofs of his claim, but the thing troubling Syed Muhammad Y u suf could not remain contained.His purpose appeared to be that the excellence of his scholarliness would dissipate if he did not speak on this occasion.Uncontrollably, he said that Baba Sahib did not understand your question.I will answer him.Upon this, Baba Chittu said that yes, Maulaw i Sahib would explain.Therefore, the Promised Messiah as said that he might indeed speak.1 When Maulaw i Syed Muhammad Y u suf started to intervene in the ongoing conversation against the etiquettes of the gathering, the con- versation started upon Baba Chittu’s consent to begin as follows: Representative Baba Chittu— Your question is about how we have come to believe in the Quran.The answer is that we believed in the Quran because we were born in a Muslim home.The Promised Messiah as — This is a strange argument.In this way, every person can easily prove his book’s truth and that of his religion just by saying that he was born in a Hindu or Christian family.So what is the difference between this argu- ment of yours and those who said in opposing the Holy Quran that: 2 َاَنَ وَجَد ْاَنَ عَلَيْهِ ا ٰاَبَٓء مَا َاَنَ وَجَد ْاَنَ عَلَيْهِ ا ٰاَبَٓء مَا.Can you tell me? 1.Al- H akam, vol.11, no.4, p.14, 15, dated 31 January 1907 2.That wherein we found our fathers ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:105).[Publisher]

Page 503

28 October 1906 463 Representative Baba Chittu— When all Muslims accept the Quran unanimously, there is no need for any other argument.The Promised Messiah as — What a great answer.Will you give the same argument to a person who was not born in a Muslim home? From this, it also becomes clear that accord- ing to this belief of yours, the proof of the veracity of the Holy Quran came into being now when 1300 years have passed by, and there was, God forbid, no such evidence at the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Representative Baba Chittu— What was the need for proof at that time? The Promised Messiah as — So, according to this answer of yours, it is only now that the Holy Quran has been proven.Up until now, it was just an unproven book.This is a matter of great pity indeed that you cannot present any argument except that: 1 َاَنَ وَجَد ْاَنَ عَلَيْهِ ا ٰاَبَٓء مَا َاَنَ وَجَد ْاَنَ عَلَيْهِ ا ٰاَبَٓء مَا.This was also what the disbelievers used to say.If you pres- ent this principle for the veracity of the Holy Quran, that all sects believe in it, then it will be proved that other religions are true because they also believe in their respective religious book.Representative Baba Chittu— Why should we listen to them? We will say: 2 ۤاَنَل اَنُلاَمْعَا ۤاَنَل اَنُلاَمْعَا.The Promised Messiah as — I say with great sadness that you have not reflected on the state of Islam and have not 1.That wherein we found our fathers ( S u rah al-M a ’idah, 5:105).[Publisher] 2.For us are our works ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:140).[Publisher]

Page 504

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 464 understood the Holy Quran at all.At this time, Islam is sur- rounded by numerous enemies and opponents.It is being attacked, and objections are raised against it from all sides.If this answer is given, then what will be the benefit? I have said it before, and I say even now that if this method of reasoning were correct, no decisive verdict could be reached.The acceptance unanimously of something by all sects does not prove its truth.And this weapon cannot be of any use to us in this age.If a Christian priest objects and you reply to him by saying that since all the sects believe, therefore, we believe the Holy Quran to be the Book of God, then tell me what effect it will have? I tell you truly, and only for the sake of God, that you reflect upon this matter.Stubbornness and bigotry are one thing, and accepting the truth is another.I have to die, and you, too, have to die one day.Then why do you not ponder about this affair of mine by keeping death in mind? Can I fabricate a lie against God in this matter? I swear in the name of God that I am not a fabricator of lies.God Almighty has sent me as the Imam for this century and has sent me in accordance with His promises, and I do not coerce you regarding this matter that you must accept this because there is this commandment in the Holy Quran: 1 ۤاَل َهاَرْكِا يِف ِنْيِّدلا ۤاَل َهاَرْكِا يِف ِنْيِّدلا.But yes, it is true that I have the right to present arguments for the truth of my claim, and that is why I said that the arguments by which the Quran is proven to be the Divine Word are also the ones that prove my truth, but you offer no such reasoning and do not listen to me, so what should I do? I say again that God Almighty has given me brilliant argu- ments.If I place these on one side of the scale and, on the other side, place the arguments that establish the truth of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and 1.There should be no compulsion in religion ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:257).[Publisher]

Page 505

28 October 1906 465 the other Prophets, peace be upon them, then these two scales will be equal.Just as I believe in the Book of Allah, that it is the Book of God Almighty and that it, in fact, descended upon the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the same way, I believe in the revelation that descends upon me.I believe it to be the very word of God and His pure words.I am a servant of the Holy Quran, and this revelation that descends upon me is a brilliant proof of the truth of the Holy Quran.Prophethood only means that that person speaks to God Almighty and shows mighty miracles.It is your right to prove the opposite from the Holy Quran.I say again that I believe in the Word of God Almighty that descends upon me in the same way as I believe in the Holy Quran; that is, just as the Holy Quran is indeed the Word of God Almighty, that revelation [which descends upon me] is also from Him.Representative Baba— I deny you in this matter.I would have taken Bai‘at [the Pledge of Allegiance] if I had not rejected you.The Promised Messiah as — So, do you consider me a fabri- cator of lies against Allah? Representative Baba— No, I do not say that because I act upon 1 اَل اوُّبُسَت اَل اوُّبُسَت [revile not].The Promised Messiah as — I do not ask you anything other than to firmly attach yourself to the mantle of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.Good fortune lies in that alone.1.S u rah al-An‘ a m, 6:109 [Publisher]

Page 506

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 466 Representative Baba— If you were similar to a living Messenger, I would accept, but I cannot even accept you as a Mujaddid [Reformer].The Promised Messiah as — Then the easy way is to do a mub a halah [prayer duel].Representative Baba— I am present.The Promised Messiah as — You also know that the rejec- tion of a simple-minded person is nothing.Therefore, first, the argument must be completed against you.I have written a book Haqiqatul-Wahi [ The Philosophy of Divine Revelation ].You should read it very carefully and reflect upon my arguments.If you deny me even after that, you will have the right to enter into a mub a halah after the examination.Representative Baba— Very well, I will comply.And at that time, he repeatedly said that if I am a liar, it is indeed bet- ter for me to die.After that, the following affidavit was written for a mub a halah.Affidavit for a Mub a halah This took place with H ak i m Maulaw i Muhammad Y u suf Sayyah on 28 October 1906, before Z uhr.The Promised Messiah as said that: Before a mub a halah , you should read the book H aq i qatul- Wa hi and understand it well.If you deny me even after that, the mub a halah will take place, but first, I will ask ten questions

Page 507

28 October 1906 467 from this book.I will get answers to those questions to ascer- tain that you have understood.The ten questions I will ask will need to be answered in the words I have written, and one per- son will go on writing your answers down at that time and then compare them with the book.If the answers do not agree [with the book], then the book will need to be looked at again, and then again, there would be ten questions just like this.I repeat, it should be remembered that what I mean by ten questions is that I will ask Maulaw i H ak i m Muhammad Y u suf about ten kinds of things from various places in the book Haqiqatul-Wahi.It will be a must that each question should be answered fully and completely in accordance with the book.There should be no shortcomings in any part.And if the answer is not found to be complete, then it will be necessary to re-read the book from beginning to end, and then ten new questions will be selected.If there is a shortfall in answering again, the same rule will continue to apply until all ten questions are answered thoroughly.H ak i m Maulaw i Muhammad Y u suf also acknowledged that when he comes for this purpose after reading the book, that day will not be counted for this purpose, and he himself will come for this purpose.Inform us a day before completing the process of going through this book to allow time to select the questions.Al-Mu’tasim Bahabl Al-Fatah Syed Muhammad Y u suf Sayyah, written on 28 October.Signature Hindi: Baba Chittu Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, may Allah forgive him Witness: Khw a ja Kam a l-ud-D i n, Lawyer 1 1.Al- H akam, vol.11, no.5, p.2, 3, dated 10 February 1907

Page 508

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 468 Undated 1 The Objective of a True Muslim A true Muslim’s objective is not to keep having dreams, but his aim should always be that Allah the Exalted may be pleased with him, and as far as he has the strength and courage to do so, he should strive to please Him.Although it is true that this can- not be achieved by simple striving and effort, this also depends on God Almighty’s grace and His bestowing ability.However, there is no doubt that He is so Merciful and Beneficent that if someone comes toward Him a hands width, He will move toward him an arm’s length, and if someone steps toward Him at a moderate pace, Allah will come toward him running.In short, the believer never contemplates these things as the purpose of his life, that he should start having dreams, visions, or revelations.He always wants God Almighty to be pleased with him, and he should become in such harmony with Him that he is pleased with God.It is not easy to be satisfied with the decrees and judgments of Allah the Exalted; it is a dif- ficult and narrow path, and not everyone can go through it.So, when a person keeps these goals in mind that God Almighty may be pleased with him and that he may be pleased with God Almighty, and performs virtuous deeds as a right- eous and sincere believer, then the dealings of God Almighty with such people that have always happened and the ongoing 1.No date is recorded on this diary.In the end, the Editor of al- H akam has written the words ‘from earlier memories’, which shows that these are old malf uza t.ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا ِ وَاب َّ ُّٰ اَعْلَم ُ بِالص هّٰلل و َا [And Allah knows best the truth].(Compiler)

Page 509

Undated 469 practice of Allah will definitely manifest in his favour as well.What is the need for having this desire? Allah Himself has said: 1 َّنِا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُلاَق اَنُّبَر ُهّٰللا َّمُث اْوُماَقَتْسا ُلَّزَنَتَت ُمِهْيَلَع ُةَكِٕىٰٓلَمْلا َّنِا َنْيِذَّلا اْوُلاَق اَنُّبَر ُهّٰللا َّمُث اْوُماَقَتْسا ُلَّزَنَتَت ُمِهْيَلَع ُةَكِٕىٰٓلَمْلا Meaning, those who said that Allah is our Lord and then demonstrated true steadfastness; that is, they kept moving for- ward in all kinds of sufferings and difficulties, ease and hard- ship, and they successfully passed through all trials, then the result of this is that angels descend on them and give them the good news that they are their guardians.They will not have any sorrow or grief in this world.And at another place, He said: 2 ُهّٰللَا ُّيِلَو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُنَمٰا١ۙ ْمُهُجِرْخُي َنِّم ِتٰمُلُّظلا ىَلِا ِرْوُّنلا ُهّٰللَا ُّيِلَو َنْيِذَّلا اْوُنَمٰا١ۙ ْمُهُجِرْخُي َنِّم ِتٰمُلُّظلا ىَلِا ِرْوُّنلا That is, Allah the Exalted is the Guardian of the believers and brings them out of all kinds of darkness and takes them to the light.I have seen people who have a craving to see a vision, and some focus on absurd things like Kashf-e-Qub u r, 3 Taskh i r 4 etc.However, based on my experience, I say these things are nothing at all.The essential thing is that a man’s heart should be filled to the brim with the pure love of God Almighty in the way that a bottle of perfume is full and that God Almighty should become pleased with him.If this wish is fulfilled, then there is no greater desire.When there is such closeness and connection 1.S u rah Ha M i m as-Sajdah, 41:31 [Publisher] 2.S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:258 [Publisher] 3.Kashf-e-Qub u r: Learning about the condition of the dead inside the grave through a vision in a state of concentration or remembrance.[Publisher] 4.Taskh i r: Trying to subdue or control spirits and the like.[Publisher]

Page 510

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 470 with God Almighty that the man’s heart becomes the throne of Allah the Exalted, it is impossible that he would not receive His light and blessings and not hear His words.If you want to hear His words, attain His nearness, but remember that this should not be your real intention.Otherwise, my own faith is that this, too, would be a form of shirk [associating partners with Allah].1 Because the real pur- pose of seeking God’s pleasure and His love was to receive some revelation or vision, and then there is subtly mixed with it the desire of the self that one may attain fame in this way and one may become distinguished among the people, and people should turn to me.These things become a stumbling block in attaining a pure relationship, and Satan most often subdues one at such times.He discovers the subtlest desires of the ego.Then sensual desires also start coming, and in this way, at last, finding an opportu- nity, Satan destroys a person.Therefore, the path of greatest security is indeed that a person should purify his intention and become utterly devoted to God and purify and increase his connections with Him and run towards the countenance of Allah.He alone should be his purpose and his Beloved and, step- ping upon righteousness, he should perform virtuous deeds, then the practice of Allah will do its work itself.His eyes should not be on the results, but his eyes should be on this single point alone.If the condition for reaching this point is that there will be the severest punishment, even then, he should go towards it.That is, no reward nor punishment should be the real purpose 1.All a h-o-Akbar [Allah is the greatest].What love and devotion the Promised Messiah as has for Allah the Exalted and what lofty station of Tau hi d [Oneness of Allah] he occupies.(Editor)

Page 511

Undated 471 of going towards it.Only God Almighty should be the real objective.When he will go toward Him with loyalty and sincerity and attain His nearness, he will see such things that would never have crossed his imagination, and visions and dreams will be nothing [in comparison].So, this is the path that I desire for people to tread, and this is indeed the essential purpose, and it is this that the Holy Quran has called ح اَل ف ح اَل ف —[prosperity]: 2 1 ْدَق َحَلْفَا ْنَم اَهىّٰكَز ْدَق َحَلْفَا ْنَم اَهىّٰكَز 1.Surely, he prosper who augments it ( S u rah ash-Shams, 91:10).[Publisher] 2.Al- H akam, vol.10, no.42, p.3, 4, dated 10 December 1906

Page 512

Page 513

Names of Prophets in the Book The following lists the names of Prophets who are mentioned in the this book, along with their transliteration (with and without diacritical marks) and their English equivalents where applicable: Quranic - RAS with Diacritical Marks Biblical Equivalent Phonetic A dam Adam Aadam Ibr a h i m Abraham Ibraaheem D a w u d David Da’ood Ily a s Elijah Ilyaas Ism a ‘ i l Ishmael Ismaaeel ‘ I s a Jesus Eesaa Ya h y a John the Baptist Yahyaa Y u nus Jonah Yoonus Y u suf Joseph Yoosuf L ut Lot Loot Muhammad Muhammad

Page 514

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 474 Quranic - RAS with Diacritical Marks Biblical Equivalent Phonetic M u s a Moses Moosaa Mas ih Messiah Maseeh N uh Noah Nooh Ibn-e- Maryam Son of Mary Ibn-e- Maryam Sulaim a n Solomon Sulaimaan Malachi

Page 515

Glossary A m i n A term which literally means, ‘so let it be’ and is used at the end of a supplication to pray that God may accept it.It is similar in meaning to ‘amen’.A ha d i th Plural of hadith.Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.Ahmadiyya Muslim Community A Community of Muslims who have accepted the claims of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as of Qadian as the Promised Messiah.The Community was established by the Promised Mes- siah as in 1889, and is now under the leadership of his fifth Khalif a h, H a d- rat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah strengthen him).The Community is also known as Jam a ‘at Ahmadiyya.A member of the Community is called an Ahmadi Muslim or an Ahmadi.Allah Allah is the personal name of God in Islam.To show proper rever- ence for Him, the Muslims often add Ta‘ a l a , the Exalted, when saying His Holy name.Annual Convention (Jalsa S a l a na) A conference held annually and at- tended by Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi Muslims and other people through- out the world in large numbers.The annual conference was initiated by the Promised Messiah as in 1891.It is known by its original Urdu name, Jalsa S a l a na.Aq ta b Plural of qu t b, which means the polar star.Metaphorically applied to a saintly leader who guides people out of darkness.A rya Sam a j A Hindu sect founded by Pundit Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.Their first and foremost belief is that Parmeshwar [God] is not the Creator of matter and souls.Rather, all of these things are eternal and self-subsisting like Parmeshwar.‘A s r Late afternoon.One of the five times of the daily obligatory Prayers [i.e.S al a t ] in Islam.Auliy a’ Literally means ‘Friends’ and is the plural of wal i , which is gener- ally used to refer to a saintly person.Shorter version of auliy a ’ull a h.Adh a n The formal call for Islamic daily Prayers

Page 516

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 476 Bai‘at Oath of allegiance to a religious leader; initiation at the hands of a Prophet or his Khalifah.Dajj a l A term in Arabic that liter- ally means, ‘the great deceiver’.In Is- lamic terminology ‘Dajj a l’ refers to those satanic forces that would be un- leashed in the Latter Days to oppose the Promised Messiah as and al-Imam al-Mahdi.Eid Literally, ‘Happiness that is often renewed.’ Eidul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan.Eidul-A d h a is celebrated to commemorate the willingness of Hadrat Ibr a h i m as to sacrifice his son for God.Fajr Dawn.One of the five times of the daily obligatory Prayers [i.e.S al a t ] in Islam.Hadith A saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.The plural is A ha d i th.H akam Arbiter, Judge.A title given to the Imam Mahdi by the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.Hadrat A term of respect used to show honour and reverence for a person of established righteousness and piety.The literal meaning is: His/Her Ho- liness, Worship, Eminence, etc.It is also used for God in the superlative sense.Holy Prophet s as A title used exclusively for the Founder of Islam, Hadrat Muhammad s as.Holy Quran The final and perfect Scripture revealed by Allah for the guidance of mankind for all times to come.It was revealed word by word to the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as over a period of twenty-three years.H ujjatull a h Lit.Proof of Allah.Ijm a‘ Consensus.Refers to the agree- ment by all or the vast majority of Muslim scholars on a matter relating to Islamic belief etc.Ilh a m Divine revelation from God, used interchangeably with wa hi in Islamic terminology.The plural is ilh a m a t.Istighf a r Seeking Allah’s forgiveness.Jalsa S a l a na Annual Convention, Con- ference, or gathering.See Annual Convention.Jam a ‘at Community.Although the word Jam a ‘at may refer to any com- munity, in this book Jam a ‘at generally refers to the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jam a ‘at.Jizyah A tax paid in lieu of military service by non-Muslims living in a Muslim State.K a fir A person who is not a Muslim; disbeliever.Ka‘bah The first house built for the worship of God, located in Makkah.Muslims face Ka‘bah while perform- ing their daily Prayers [i.e.S al a t ] and make circuits of it as a part of the pil- grimage and also as an act of devotion.

Page 517

Glossary 477 Kalimah T ayyibah The declaration of the Islamic faith: L a il a ha illall a hu Mu h ammadur-Ras u lull a h, ‘There is no one worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’ Kadhdh a b A great liar.Kh a tamul-Anbiy a’ The Seal of the Prophets, a title accorded to the Holy Prophet s as.Kh a tamun-Nabiyy i n The Seal of the Prophets.A title accorded by God to the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as in the Holy Quran.A variant is Kh a tamul-Anbiy a’.Khalifah Caliph is derived from the Arabic word ‘khal i fah’, which herein means ‘successor’.Khulaf a’ is the plu- ral of Khalifah.Khilafat The institution of successor- ship in Islam.Khalifatul Masih see Khalifah.Kufr Disbelief.Describes any belief or act that is so contrary to Islamic teachings that it can cause its doer to fall outside the pale of Islam.Of- ten used by Muslims in the context of opining on the beliefs or actions of their co-religionists.Langar Kh a nah Community Kitchen.The Promised Messiah as established a dining and hospitality centre that provided free meals to anyone in need, as well as those people who travelled to Qadian to visit him.Mahd i Literally means ‘Guided’.see Imam Mahdi.Maulaw i A Muslim religious cleric.Mi‘r a j The spiritual ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as to Heaven, described in the Holy Quran and related in detail in hadith litera- ture.Mub a halah Prayer duel.As described in S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, a contest be- tween claimants to divine support wherein each party prays for God to curse the lying party.Muhammad s as Founder of Islam.see Holy Prophet s as.Mujaddid A Reformer.Holy person- ages within Islam who appeared at the head of every century.Nafs A term in Arabic that literally means ‘self ’.Nafs-e-amm a rah The self that incites to evil.The lowest of three spiritual states; also an-nafsul-amm a rah.Naww a b An honorific title ratified and bestowed by Mughal emperors to semi-autonomous Muslim rul- ers of princely states in South Asia.The female equivalent is ‘Begum’ or ‘Naww a b Begum’.Nik a h the announcement of marriage in Islam.

Page 518

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 478 Prayer and Prayers Three Islamic terms, all sometimes translated as ‘prayer’, should be distinguished.The first term is du’ a prayers or supplica- tions made to God Almighty.Du’ a can be made at any time and in any language.It does not require any for- mal prescribed posture.Du’ a is trans- lated in the text as ‘prayer’ or ‘suppli- cations’.Secondly, S al a t refers to the five daily Prayer services prescribed for all Muslims.Unlike du’ a , S al a t has fixed timings and modes of perfor- mance.Thirdly, We have retained the term S al a t in the translation or have used the term ‘prescribed Prayer’, or ‘Prayer’.Promised Messiah as A title given to the Reformer prophesied to appear during the Latter Days, by the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as ; see also About the Promised Messiah on p.xxiii ).Quran see Holy Quran.Qu t b The polar star.Metaphorically ap- plied to a saintly leader who guides people out of darkness.Sahib A title of respect similar to di- verse English terms like Mister, Hon- ourable, and Revered.S al a t Five daily Prayers that are obliga- tory for Muslims.Satt a r Concealor of weaknesses; one of the attributes of God.Shariah Religious law of Islam.The term is also used in the general sense of any revealed law.Shirk Associating partners with God.Sufi A Muslim focusing on mystical and ascetic aspects of religious worship.Sunnah In the context of the for- mal Prayer, refers to those rak‘ a t that the Holy Prophet s as offered but are not prescribed as obligatory and are dropped while travelling.Sunnah rak‘ a t are offered regularly by practic- ing Muslims.S u rah A chapter of the Holy Quran.Tahajjud Early morning supereroga- tory prayers.Taqw a Righteousness.Fear of God.Tau hi d The Oneness of God—the fun- damental Islamic belief that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah.Tirmidh i A collection of ah a d i th which is considered to be one of the six most reliable compilations in the corpus of Hadith literature.Ulema A body of Muslim scholars.Ummat i A follower of Holy Prophet s as.Ummat-e-Mu h ammadiyyah The community or followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad s as.Vedas The most ancient Hindu scrip- tures, written in Sanskrit and contain- ing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of the Vedic religion.

Page 519

Glossary 479 Wa hi Divine revelation from God, used interchangeably with ilh a m in Islamic terminology.Wal i Literally, ‘friend’.In the terminol- ogy of Islamic mysticism, it refers to a very pious person or a friend of Allah.The singular form is wal i [friend] or wal i yyull a h [friend of Allah], the plu- ral form is auliy a ’ull a h which is some- times abbreviated as auliy a’.Zak a t The fourth pillar in Islam known as obligatory almsgiving, which con- stitutes the social support system in Islam for the distribution of wealth.The poor and needy are provided for by the contributions of the rich and affluent.Literally means, ‘increase’ or ‘purification.’ Z uhr Lit.midday, noon.Refers to the early afternoon Prayer (one of the five daily Prayers in Islam).

Page 520

Page 521

Index

Page 522

Page 523

Index of the Verses of the Holy Quran Chapter 1, al-F « a »ti « h » ah verse 6.........................................231 verse 7.........................................397 verses 6-7....................................139 Chapter 2, al-Baqarah verse 3.........................................231 verse 11..............................206 , 314 verse 21..............................254 , 307 verse 37.......................................389 verse 107............................250 , 363 verse 140.....................................463 verse 147.....................................153 verse 156.....................................425 verse 157.....................................416 verse 185.....................................455 verse 201.....................................133 verse 223.....................................410 verse 257.....................................464 verse 258.....................................469 verses 1-6....................................217 verses 2-3....................................217 verses 4-5....................................218 Chapter 3, « A »l-e-‘Imr « a »n verse 32.....................108 , 259 , 269 verse 56..........................58 , 82 , 112 verse 60.......................................163 verse 93.......................................201 verse 103.....................................296 verse 104........................................41 verse 124.....................................131 verse 145............84 , 105 , 107 , 170 Chapter 4, an-Nis « a »’ verse 129.....................................392 verse 146..............................48 , 200 Chapter 5, al-M « a »’idah verse 4..............175 , 328 , 330 , 332 verse 28.......................................303 verse 105............................462 , 463 verse 117.....................................260 verse 118............82 , 112 , 256 , 358 Chapter 6, al-An‘ « a »m verse 91..........................................53 verse 109.....................................465 verse 136........................................75 Chapter 7, al-A‘r « a »f verse 26.......................................264 verse 159............................107 , 316 verse 188..........................................6 Chapter 9, at-Taubah verse 119.....................................228 verse 122.....................................210 Chapter 10, Y « u »nus verse 27.......................................297 verse 47..............................112 , 257 Chapter 11, H « u »d verse 38.......................................248 verse 115.....................................413 Chapter 12, Y « u »suf verse 111........................................99 Chapter 13, ar-Ra‘d verse 18............................................4 verse 44.......................................153

Page 524

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 484 Chapter 14, Ibr « a »h « i »m verse 32.......................................318 verses 25-26...............................150 Chapter 15, al- « H »ijr verse 10..............................130 , 259 verse 48.......................................330 Chapter 16, an-Na « h »l verse 91..............................134 , 225 verse 129.....................................297 Chapter 17, Ban « i » Isr « a »’ « i »l verse 37.......................80 , 151 , 299 verse 59.......................................323 verse 73.......................................220 verse 85.......................................179 verse 94............152 , 263 , 264 , 287 Chapter 19, Maryam verse 58..........................................58 Chapter 21, al-Anbiy « a »’ verse 8.........................................152 verse 70.......................................160 verse 108.....................................106 Chapter 22, al- « H »ajj verse 31.......................................271 verse 40...................................7 , 122 verse 79...................................40 , 42 Chapter 24, an-N « u »r verse 56.......................................125 Chapter 27, an-Naml verse 35.......................................224 verse 41.......................................363 Chapter 29, al-‘Ankab « u »t verse 3................................201 , 279 verse 70................................51 , 234 Chapter 30, ar-R « u »m verse 42..............................175 , 327 Chapter 31, Luqm « a »n verse 7............................................79 verse 19.......................................282 verse 35.......................................191 Chapter 33, al-A « h »z« a »b verse 24.....................205 , 279 , 329 Chapter 34, Saba’ verse 14.......................................369 Chapter 35, F « a »« t »ir verse 29.......................................212 verse 33.......................................211 Chapter 40, al-Mu’min verse 29.....................125 , 126 , 127 verse 61................................95 , 425 Chapter 41, « H »« a » M « i »m as-Sajdah verse 31..............................234 , 469 verse 35.......................................124 Chapter 42, ash-Sh « u »r« a » verse 41.....................135 , 136 , 284 Chapter 46, al-A « h »q « a » f verse 11.......................................153 verse 34........................................xxx Chapter 49, al- « H »ujur« a »t verse 13.......................................299 verse 14.......................................419 verse 15.......................................177 Chapter 51, adh-Dh « a »riy « a »t verse 57.......................................331 Chapter 56, al-Waqi‘ah verse 80..............................129 , 367 Chapter 61, a « s »- « S »aff verse 9............................................98 Chapter 63, al-Mun « a »fiq « u »n verse 8.........................................293 Chapter 65, a « t »- « T »al « a »q verse 4.........................................273 Chapter 66, at-Ta « h »r« i »m verse 7.........................................205 Chapter 72, al-Jinn verses 27-28..................................99 Chapter 76, ad-Dahr verse 6.........................................298 verse 18.....................305 , 310 , 401 verses 6-7....................................401 Chapter 79, an-N « a »zi‘ « a »t verse 6.........................................186 Chapter 80, ‘Abasa verse 35.......................................151 Chapter 86, a « t »-« T »« a »riq verse 12.......................................214 verses 12-13...............................216

Page 525

Index 485 Chapter 91, ash-Shams verse 10..............................280 , 471 verse 11.......................................280 verse 16.......................................278 Chapter 94, al-Inshir « a »« h » verses 6-7.......................................21 Chapter 97, al-Qadr verse 2.........................................330 Chapter 98, al-Bayyinah verse 6.........................................276 verse 9................................199 , 329 Chapter 99, az-Zilz « a » l verse 8.........................................276 Chapter 107, al-M « a »‘ « u »n verses 5-6....................................413 Chapter 110, an-Na « s »r verses 2-3....................................328

Page 526

Page 527

Index of A ha d i th Age of Jesus 84 Allah dislikes haughtiness 282 Allah is hesitant to take the life of a believer 19 Allah is the enemy of those who are enemies of His wal « i » 9 All are blind except one given eyes by God.All are dead except one given life by God 70 A word of wisdom is the property of a believer 52 Core and essence of worship is indeed prayer 95 Forgiveness of Allah 354 Holy Prophet saw Jesus among the dead Prophets during Mi‘raj 83 If prostration to anyone other than God was permissible, it would have been to husbands 418 I will say that people became corrupt after my death 82 Love of the world is the root of all sin 268 Mi‘raj (Spiritual Ascension) 72 No one will have hands to fight with Dajj « a »l 435 O Allah, do not entrust me to my own self even for the blink of an eye 71 Promised Messiah would com- bine Prayers 390 Prophecy of the gold bracelets of Chosroes 391 The coming Messiah will be a Prophet and also an Ummat « i » 383 The ‘crooked group’ will have no connection with the Holy Prophet 43 The delight of my eyes lies in Prayer 223 The Messiah will descend from the heavens covered in two yellow sheets 392 There is no wise person except the one who has experience.There is no patient person but that they have experienced hard- ship 53 There would be an eclipse of the sun and the moon in Ramadan at the time of the Mahdi 322 Two-thirds of the people will en- ter Hell because of suspicion 393 Verily, deeds are (judged) by intentions 179 When a person progresses in naw « a » fil, God Almighty says that I become his eye through which he sees.I become his tongue with which he speaks 50 Whoever comes to belong to God Almighty, God Almighty becomes his.278 Wings of a fly contain a poison and its antidote 411 You understand your worldly affairs very well 180

Page 528

Page 529

Index of Revelations of the Promised Messiah « ‘A »lam Kab « a »b 394 Allah has postponed it, till a time appointed.359 All would be saddened on that day.167 , 170 And when I am ill, it is He Who restores me to health.364 Are you so unconvinced of the next world that you place so much emphasis on the life of this world? 27 Bashir-ud-Daulah 394 Be not arrogant towards Allah’s creatures and be not tired of receiving visitors.92 , 94 Do not stand or sit except with Him.Do not stop at any place except with Me.I am with you and with the members of your family.16 Dost thou think that the People of the Cave and the Inscription were a wonder among Our Signs? 262 Do you adopt the worldly life? 19 Every blessing is from Muhammad.61 Forty-seven years of age.Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.18 God shall not remove this plague from this people and shall not change His will as long as people do not change the condition of their hearts and God will eventu- ally extend His protection to this village [i.e.Qadian].151 Help will come to you by every distant track.295 Help will come to you by every track.92 He will grant predominance to my followers over those who disbe- lieve until the Day of Judgment 207 His help will come to you by every distant track 352 I am with you.O son of the Mes- senger of Allah.158 If you are Muslims.183 I shall comfort you, cause you to grow, not destroy you, and establish a great people as your issue.376 I shall grant predominance to your followers over those who disbe- lieve, until the Day of Judgment.197 I shall humiliate him who designs to humiliate you.11

Page 530

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 490 I shall raise your status or will raise you from the life on earth towards Me.197 I shall stand with My Messenger and shall desire what he desires and I shall bestow upon you that which will last forever.20 It is God who taught you the Quran.75 Kings shall seek blessings from thy garments.8 Leader of the Muslims.290 Maul « a » bas! Maul « a » bas! i.e.Lord, enough; Lord, enough! 174 No blessing or mercy remains out of it.239 , 381 No trace of anything which might cause your humiliation will be left.168 O ‘ « I »s « a », I shall give you full reward or cause you to die and shall raise you towards Me.197 O Moon! O Sun! You are from Me, and I am from you.193 O my God! Postpone the time of this earthquake which seems imminent.359 O my Lord, do not leave me alone, and You are the Best of inheri- tors.93 Only a few days are left.167 Only a few days are left.All would be saddened on that day.201 Only a little is left out of the term appointed by your Lord.167 O people, worship your Lord, who created you.11 , 19 O son of the Messenger of Allah.159 Our last word is that all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.188 People will come to you by every route so that the track will be- come deep due to excessive travel.Allah will help you from Himself.It is incumbent upon you not to be arrogant towards them and you must not get tired of receiving them in large numbers.92 , 93 People will come to you from distant places, and the paths by which they will come will become deepened.294 Salman is one of us, a member of the household, following the method of Hasan...159 She will come with you while I shall be with you.20 Signs of life.441 Someone will plot secretly like women, which may lead to a case against me due to his deception, but in the end, I will be acquitted.356 Spend in the cause of Allah, if you are Muslims.183 The arrows of death do not miss.17 The Chief Court has acquitted him.118 The end of the ignorant one is hell; An ignorant one seldom comes to a good end.378 The end of your appointed term is approaching.185 , 186 , 188 The end of your appointed term is approaching and we shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humiliation.167 , 200 , 324 The full moon has risen upon us from valley of Wada.188 Two rafters have broken down.12

Page 531

Index 491 Unite all the Muslims upon the earth under one faith.158 , 159 Unless there is complete change and reformation, this punishment of God Almighty will not be averted.165 Verily, Allah is with those who adopt righteousness and those who do good deeds.297 Water of life.168 Were it not for you, I would not have created the heavens.370 We shall leave no trace of anything which might cause your humilia- tion.334 Wrapped up in a shroud 18 You are from Me, and I am from you.194 You are to me as my Tau « h »« i »d (One- ness).The time has arrived when you will be helped and made well- known among the people.94 Your hand and your supplication and mercy from God 86 Your helpers will come from every distant track.352

Page 532

Page 533

Index of Topics Abd« a »l excellent qualities of 276 meaning of 70 source of high rank of 222 ‘Abdul-Kar « i » m, Maulaw « i » demise of 18 , 27 , 65 high regard of Promised Messiah for 17 revelations regarding death of 17 Ab « u » Bakr, « H »a « d »rat God kept him safe in all trials 178 reassured Companions after Holy Prophet’s demise 105 , 107 sagacity of 35 A « h »« a »d « i »th.see Hadith Ahmadiyya Muslim Community advice to new converts 50 Ahmadis who passed away in 1905 189 beliefs of 102 , 103 , 119 , 138 future of 8 God desires that He should increase this Jam « a »‘at 241 God desires to bring into being a Jam « a »‘at distinguished from others 41 God has willed this Movement to grow and none can stop Him 294 God will accept those who enter this Jam « a » ‘at 366 God will not allow enemies to prevail over followers of 197 in estimation of God only one who renounces the world is counted as having entered into this Jam « a » ‘at 205 in name of, is a connection with Islam and founder of Islam 43 need of reformation of 199 , 207 , 208 opposition to 89 , 90 , 195 , 384 progress of 8 , 89 promise by God to create a truth- ful Jam « a » ‘at 207 publications should be printed after approval 450 purpose of 46 , 240 , 267 , 295 , 324 rationale behind name vii , 40 , 43 spiritual condition will continue to strengthen 367 truth of 89 uncontrollable weeping of audience at speech of Promised Messiah 208 Ahmad, Mirza Ghulam.see Prom- ised Messiah, Mahdi, Mujad- did (Reformer) Allah.see God Trust in, 446 Amritsar 80 Antidote Hadith that one wing of a fly has poison and other wing its 411

Page 534

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 494 Apostasy Muslims from every echelon have converted to Christianity 109 , 255 , 262 thousands became apostates after death of Holy Prophet 177 Arabic Language importance of learning 246 meaning of kafara 401 meaning of Rafa’a 58 meaning of tawaff « i » 57 , 256 , 257 meaning of zanjab « i »l, 310 Archaeology 27 Arrogance is greatest of all sins and was sin of Satan 410 must be avoided 53 those who show, can never meet noble end 378 « A » rya Religion cannot survive since it has no spirituality 443 prophesy of Promised Messiah regarding death of 442 « A » rya(s) belief in Niyog 166 , 243 belief of, regarding God 166 , 228 , 229 , 235 conversation of Promised Messi- ah with 335 devoid of spirituality 228 devote their lives for their faith 186 follow a dead religion 442 habit of nitpicking and criticism 228 held annual meeting in Qadian 335 irrational beliefs of 249 perceive Ahmadis as their single greatest threat 195 , 324 Atheism to believe in words of ascetics is 360 Baba Nanak a Muslim 350 , 446 Sikhs abandoned religion of, 446 wisdom of, not becoming Muslim openly 350 Backbiting exhortation to avoid 354 Holy Quran deems, most egre- gious vice 299 Holy Quran on 386 one who takes part in, is enemy of oneness 342 Bai’at (the Pledge of Allegiance) is incomplete without steadfast- ness 65 Jam « a »‘at should try to fulfil true purpose of 50 meaning of 47 , 65 only that believer enters into, who gives preference to religion over world xxxvii , 203 over 300,000 people have entered into 100 the weak gain strength gradually by 372 B « a » q « i » Bill « a »h, Khw « a »jah 23 had a short life 25 Bar « a »h« i » n-e-A « h »madiyya revelation received during its writing 67 Bayazid Bastami 79 Begging evils of 26 Believer duty entrusted to 66 God is hesitant to take life of 19 is wal « i » (friend of Allah) 68 is one who follows Holy Prophet faithfully 108 power of attraction in 66 , 77 qualities of 47 , 49 , 65

Page 535

Index 495 Benevolence ( I « h »s « a » n ) a higher virtue 134 meaning of 136 state of 226 Bible Holy Prophet and Companions relied on 154 Blessings places where, descend 86 British Government love for peace of 114 praise for 137 Camphor beneficial for cholera and epidem- ic diseases 298 is cold substance and suppresses toxins 298 suppresses evil impulses 309 Christianity a point of rebuke 357 a seal has been set on 235 breaking Cross one of the works of Promised Messiah 436 Dajj « a »l and, are same thing 436 devouring Islam in present times 29 , 436 many immoralities have spread in world through 262 publish leaflets in thousands to alienate people from Islam 123 real weapon to combat 29 some women bequeathed mil- lions to 238 women are supporters of 269 Christianity, Beliefs of a great shirk (associating partners with God) 269 erroneous Doctrine of Atone- ment 400 law of turning other cheek could never be for all times 283 Lord Bishop unable to rebut Islam 33 made Yas « u »‘ into god 29 , 437 method of getting cleansed of sin 142 prescribe sin to cure sin through Doctrine of Atonement 143 prescribes monasticism 280 unnatural religion 268 , 269 Christians employ great means for spreading their religion 434 helped and supported Charagh Din the false Messiah 415 rejected Holy Prophet despite prophecies in their books 460 Clerics (Muslim) religious edict against Promised Messiah by 89 Commandments two types of 159 , 461 Companions (of Holy Prophet) consensus on death of Jesus 35 , 46 , 72 , 84 , 101 , 106 consoled by Ab « u » Bakr upon de- mise of Holy Prophet 105 , 107 could not accept that any Prophet other than Holy Prophet should still be alive 35 , 105 , 106 sacrifices of 35 , 91 , 107 , 120 shock at demise of Holy Prophet 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 170 Companions (of Holy Prophet), Excellent Qualities of a community of pure-hearted people 46 desire to spend in way of Allah 202 , 238 exemplified excellence in sciences of politics and governance etc 210 purpose of coming of Promised Messiah to set right practical condition of people so they

Page 536

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 496 attain righteousness and purity like 64 ready to die for Islam 6 , 47 Companions (of Holy Prophet), High Status of comparison with disciples of Mo- ses and Jesus 198 , 209 , 260 Holy Prophet testified to 204 invaluable and enviable Jam« a » ‘at 198 removed garb of humanity and became the manifestation of Allah 204 Couplets 39 , 47 , 52 , 76 , 78 , 106 , 134 , 215 , 281 , 307 Cross Promised Messiah will break 111 weapon to break 110 , 111 , 266 Customs bad, of wasting money on mar- riages 420 of grieving and crying loudly during mourning 415 Dajj « a »l (Anti-Christ) Christianity and, are same thing 436 hadith about, no one will have hands to fight with him 435 Death Allah reveals His will at time of, 18 charity given on behalf of deceased reaches the deceased 339 excessive mourning forbidden 415 F a ti h Khw a n i for the dead, 364 inevitability of 27 , 51 isq « a »« t » is forbidden 347 most excellent counsellor 66 no delay in time of 27 regarding distributing food in cemetery in name of deceased 347 when time of, comes not time for prayer 18 Debate condition of today’s, abandon- ment of principles 242 need for people firmly trained in today’s style of 242 Debt paying, is requirement of justice 225 Deeds ability to do good, is also granted by Allah 69 expected fruits and results are not produced unless there is perfection in 275 no excellence of man in receiving revelation instead there is excel- lence in righteous 390 sincerity is prerequisite for virtu- ous 276 three stages of good 134 virtuous, should be done openly and secretly 318 Delhi miracles of saints of 38 opposition to Promised Messiah in 100 people of 24 , 39 , 68 Descending (from the Heavens) true nature of 55 Disbelief denial of Prophets implies 9 Disciples comparison of Jesus’, with Com- panions of Holy Prophet 210 , 260 condition of Christ’s, 210 , 329

Page 537

Index 497 Dispute in, a request is made unsupported by argument 346 Divine Cognition all difficulties are due to lack of 63 cannot be attained without Di- vine converse 60 fear of God cannot arise without 426 lack of, results in sins 408 the more one is purified the more it increases 367 Doctors Promised Messiah’s advice to 53 Dream(s).see also Promised Mes- siah, visions of and Interpre- tation (of Dreams) believer never desires to have Divinely inspired, or revela- tions 468 of elder wife of Maulaw « i » ‘Ab- dul-Kar « i »m 164 Earthquake ever-present fear of 240 frequent revelations and dreams about 345 no remedy for, except prayer 346 one of Signs of God 88 , 357 , 394 poem about prophecy of 361 , 362 Promised Messiah’s prophecy about 322 , 361 , 405 Promised Messiah’s vision about 31 prophecy of Holy Quran about very severe, at time of Messiah 393 revelation of Promised Messiah about 359 series of, covering whole world has never been seen and is a warning 350 , 368 , 405 , 406 Eclipses (Sign of ) authenticity of Hadith about 322 happened as foretold 72 happened twice in this country and in America as well 322 , 350 have taken place in Ramadan 85 proven correct from Holy Quran 323 Evil source of 65 Faij-e-a‘waj meaning of 42 Faith articles of 102 augmented through deliberation and reflection 295 cannot develop without fresh Signs 229 cannot survive until one adopts virtuous deeds 298 importance of giving preference to, over world 205 joining Wa « s » iyyat a sign of, over worldly matters 239 Falsehood God has equated, with idol wor- ship 271 Fasting acting upon exemptions of Holy Quran is also righteousness 455 sin to fast while travelling or during illness 455 Financial Sacrifice glad tidings for those who spend wealth in way of God 292 Flutes commandment concerning 79 Fourteenth Century scholars and divines of past foretold advent of Promised Messiah in 147

Page 538

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 498 Friday blessings of 332 Furq « a »n.see Quran, Holy Ghaib (Unseen) meaning of 219 Ginger has innate heat and benefits nat- ural metabolic heat of human body 310 God, Appointee of aims and objectives of, can be fulfilled by their followers 168 company of, can correct condi- tion of man 372 death of, has no impact on Move- ment established by God 173 every, is given force of attraction 397 means of recognising, are mira- cles and signs accompanying them 145 natural for community to be saddened by death of 170 since, brings justice and right- eousness justice and righteous- ness begin to be implemented before he comes 115 God, Attributes Of benevolence of 125 desires oneness 342 Ghaf « u » rur-Ra « h »« i » m (the Most Forgiving, Ever Merci- ful) 410 , 442 hesitant to take life of a believer 19 holy and free of all such things that are against His perfect 254 infinite powers of, cannot be comprehended 363 Knower of the Unseen 294 Merciful and Beneficent 468 never permits anything that could be source of shirk (idolatry) 255 God, Description Of creates distinction 42 friendship of 49 holds heart of man 10 Islamic God 285 necessary elements to please, 50 reveals His secrets only to His chosen prophets 99 God, Existence Of gives proof of, through mighty Signs 426 has given Promised Messiah many proofs of His existence 321 necessary to extreme degree 19 perseverance and courage needed to find 409 unless man abandons evil use of human faculties he does not find God 280 without dialogue and discourse no argument in support of, can be set forth 234 God, Love For hadith about 278 man should not test God 348 should be man’s sole purpose 470 God, Relationship of Promised Messiah with Promised Messiah’s expression of gratitude to 100 Promised Messiah’s trust in, 446 rescued Promised Messiah from fierce opposition 100 Gospel.see also Christianity comparison of Quran with 261 description of Christ’s disciples in 329 greater part of, is filled with commandment not to do evil whereas this is first stage of faith 298

Page 539

Index 499 Gratitude he who is ungrateful to men can- not be grateful to God 119 to British Government 114 to God 89 , 352 Graves being buried next to, of the right- eous is blessing 191 benefits of inscription on head- stones 191 etiquette of visiting 22 , 23 « H »a « d »rat ‘Umar asked to be buried on side of Holy Prophet 191 prayer on visiting 23 Promised Messiah visited, of saintly people 22 visiting, in morning is sunnah 22 when idolatry was prevalent Holy Prophet opposed visiting, after- wards he permitted it 190 writing an inscription on head- stones is not prohibited in Shariah 44 Graveyard (Bahisht « i » Maqbarah) Divine revelation regarding 381 is permanent arrangement to spread Islam 242 proposal for 190 scheme of this, was by command and revelation of Allah 200 those people will enter, who are destined to enter Paradise 239 Hadith about the blood-thirsty Mahdi are doubtful 129 any narration contrary to Quran and authentic, is rejected 36 basis of truth of 36 Holy Quran takes precedence over Hadith 287 meaning of tawaff « i » in, is death 83 people can experience true visions of, that are not known to others 288 true and correct, is one that reveals its own truth 322 Hanafi School of Jurisprudence in support of Promised Messiah 101 Hass « a »n bin Th « a »bit wrote an elegy at demise of Holy Prophet 106 Hereafter a world of mysteries 174 belief in, one attribute of right- eous 219 certainty of existence of 171 is cultivated in this world 320 one who is blind in this world shall be raised blind in 59 , 220 Hypocrisy 48 Idolatry.see Shirk (Associating Partners with God) Ijm « a »‘ (Consensus) concerning death of Jesus 101 , 106 no, was ever reached about Jesus being alive 113 of Companions after death of Holy Prophet is conclusive proof of death of Jesus 84 ijtih « a »d (Interpretive Judgement) in light of earlier scriptures, is not prohibited 153 mistakes are made sometimes in 262 Imam highly inappropriate to speak harshly about 422 like four walls for Islam 422 Interpretation (of Dreams) a dream of Promised Messiah and its 355 , 378 chickpeas 31

Page 540

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 500 seeing gram, radish, eggplant, onion, and large raisins 20 seeing yellow 392 Islam continuity of revelation and wa « h »« i » in 235 damage to, caused by belief in life of Jesus 33 does not demand undue effort 280 door of dialogue and converse with God open in 139 God supports, in every age 229 holy name of, is name mentioned in Holy Quran 40 in state of severe and perilous weakness 240 Reformers at head of every centu- ry of 259 righteous people exist in every age of 228 sects in 40 thousands of books published against 32 , 34 Islam, Essence of God bestows honour of dialogue to man 236 man should become lost in love and obedience of God xxxiii , 131 Islam, Future of arrival of Yas « u » ‘ cannot benefit 434 bound to prevail 148 God has decided to erase all other religions and bestow power and dominion upon Islam 144 God has desired to remove veil covering Islam’s bright face 238 only prayers will bring about victory of 435 Islam, History of decline of Ottoman Empire due to lack of spirituality 449 internal strife during time of « H »a « d »rat ‘Al « i » 178 thousands became apostates after death of Holy Prophet 177 Islam, Spread of has made its way into Christian hearts and is progressing 269 if there were no intervening worldly interests large group of Christians would become Muslims today 269 Islam in India is result of atten- tion, supplications, and influ- ence of saints and elders 77 need of spending wealth for 324 Islam, Teachings of no compulsion in 29 Oneness of Allah 132 superiority of, 134 , 261 Islam, Victory of is only through prayer 435 lies in belief of death of Jesus 35 , 111 , 144 only through Promised Messiah 74 Islam, Wars of Islam never spread by sword 73 , 77 means of defence 6 not Allah’s wish that Muslims use sword 74 nothing in comparison to Mosaic battles 8 Isq « a »« t » not permitted 347 Istighf « a »r (Seeking Forgiveness) an antidote to poison of sin 411 essential for man to engage in, 10 importance of 10 sick person should remain en- gaged in 441

Page 541

Index 501 It « a »-e-dhil-qurb « a » (Give like the giving of kin to kin) highest state of virtue 226 Jam « a » ‘at.see Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Jesus did not physically ascend to heaven 103 Importance of belief in death of 33 , 35 , 56 , 72 , 74 Muslim belief in life or death of 102 nine arguments of Promised Mes- siah proving death of 81 opposition faced by 99 prayers of 172 erroneous to believe untainted by the touch of Satan but all others—God forbid—are not untainted 285 Jesus, Belief in Being Alive disproving of, eradicates Christi- anity 30 , 33 , 110 , 111 those who hold, are agreeing with Christians 29 Jesus, Death of 35 , 37 , 55 an argument for 106 consensus of Holy Prophet’s Companions about 101 , 106 denial of Jesus’ death is derogato- ry to Holy Prophet 103 doctrine of, victory of Islam and weapon to break the cross 110 does not form part of Islamic dogma 102 issue of, kept hidden by Divine Will 262 meaning of tawaff « i » 82 , 83 , 112 Jews among children of Israel who passed away before Holy Prophet will not be called to account 448 are like donkeys loaded with books 70 belief regarding « H »a « d »rat Ibr « a »h « i »m 61 commandments of 461 continue till today to make mistake of Elijah concerning Jesus 341 covertly plotted and incited op- ponents against Holy Prophet 311 , 460 description of 70 did not persecute two other false messiahs in time of Jesus 432 disbelief of 69 excuse for not believing in Jesus 56 had demanded miracle of ascend- ing into heavens with physical body 287 lack of taqw « a » (righteousness) of 54 necessity to accept Holy Prophet despite being monotheists 32 not all were deviant in time of Moses 328 objected that Jesus’ birth was illegitimate 286 prescribed an eye for an eye 136 prophecies about Holy Prophet were present in their books 460 reason for not accepting Jesus 56 Jihad essence of 73 if God had intended for Muslims to wage, Muslims would have been granted greatest power to fight 74 of Islam was means of defence and resistance 6 , 35 of pen 73 of this age 34 Promised Messiah’s explanation of 119 , 129

Page 542

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 502 Khil « a »fat all Khal « i »fahs of this Ummah will come from this Ummah itself 85 « H »a « d »rat Hasan carried out an immensely virtuous act by with- drawing his claim from 179 Knowledge comes into being due to necessity 327 fear of Allah and compassion originate from 213 hadith about 52 only those people who possess, fear Allah 212 taqw « a » (righteousness) depends on 216 Kufr (Disbelief ) meaning of 64 Lailatul-Qadr time of coming of Holy Prophet 330 Latter Days Muslims of 43 Life cycle of 21 hadith regarding 27 unreliability of 12 Lill « a »h « i » Waqf (Dedication of Life in Service of Islam) essential for preachers to be famil- iar with modern sciences 247 need for future generations to become preachers and bring people to right path 291 need for life devotees 185 need for life devotees familiar with modern sciences and capa- ble of answering any question raised in any gathering 242 need for people well versed in religion 211 preachers must have worldly knowledge 213 preachers should have knowledge of foreign languages 243 purpose of Madrasah 166 , 186 , 247 s « a »biqum bil khair « a »t are benefi- cial and of help for service of religion 212 status of Lill « a »h « i » Waqf dedicating one’s life in way of Allah) 233 Ludhiana 89 Madinah 105 Holy Prophet’s tomb at 103 Mahdi differences among Muslims about 373 doctrine of bloodthirsty 129 false claimants 433 , 444 Holy Prophet prophesied about 42 , 146 , 322 main task of 129 misconceptions about 73 , 373 no benefit in blood-shedding 34 Promised Messiah is true 28 , 161 Man excellence of 401 lesson in spending in way of Allah among birds for 184 no evil in nature of xxxvii , 281 not impossible for, to attain lofty spiritual status 306 three grades of 211 Manners essential to warn children to learn good 352 of reciting Holy Quran 78 of visiting graves 23 requirement of good 360

Page 543

Index 503 Marriage severe sin for young woman not to marry 417 Maulaw « i »s are worldly hypocritical and wicked 396 condition of, is very bad 421 Medicine, Science of also a benefit to health from change in climate 16 are conjectural 214 benefit should be drawn from every system of medicine 52 no disease is incurable 441 physician should pray for his sick patient 427 physician who supplicates does a great favour to 427 Promised Messiah’s advice to take benefit from 52 sick person should remain en- gaged in taubah (repentance) 441 sometimes Allah informs about proper treatment through revelation or dream 427 Messiah.see also Promised Mes- siah Charagh Din wanted to be 415 Miracles manifested in all times 15 not permissible to deny, because one has never seen such a thing happen 343 of saints of Delhi 38 practice of Allah regarding 366 prophecies are greatest of 447 Mi‘raj (Spiritual Ascension) Holy Prophet saw Jesus among deceased prophets on night of 83 , 113 proves death of Jesus 55 those who reject, reject Islam 55 true nature of 286 , 389 Mistrust consequences of, of God 308 many evils arise only from 299 two-thirds of people will enter Hell because of 393 Morals comparison of, teachings of Holy Quran and Gospel 283 definition of 283 exhortation not to be spiteful 457 not part of our principles to mis- behave with someone because of religious differences 407 to become inattentive is a type of discourtesy 294 Mosques be built for taqw « a » (righteousness) 27 real adornment of 26 should be built with right inten- tion 76 Mother love for her child 226 , 285 , 458 Mourning excessive, kind of idolatry 11 Mub « a »halah (Prayer-Duel) affidavit for 466 argument must be completed first in order to perform 466 Ghul « a » m Dastg « i »r of Kasur per- formed 444 important to read book « H »aq « i »qa- tul-Wa « h »« i » and understand it well before performing 466 is final verdict 373 is high calibre weapon 372 meaning of 156

Page 544

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 504 Muhammad, Holy Prophet 101 all excellences combined in 53 blessings through love for 103 Companions’ shock at demise of 105 death of Jesus proved by hadith of 101 immense good fortune of 175 importance of following 70 it is rank disbelief to deviate from 101 kindness and mercy personified in 106 prophet for whole world 106 Seal of Prophets 104 telling jokes is not forbidden as proven from 351 universal prophethood of 106 Mujaddid (Reformer) call for, to be born 331 come in every century 261 does not appear sweet to others in every situation 284 must have four things 396 need for, 39 this age was crying out for a mag- nificent 327 Musa, « H »a « d »rat opposition faced by 99 Music hadith about 78 incident of « H »a « d »rat ‘Umar regard- ing 78 permissibility of 78 Mu « s »le « h ».see Mujaddid (Reformer), Promised Messiah, difference between true, and preachers 396 need for 39 Muslim(s) attend gathering where there is music and dancing by prosti- tutes 396 Baba Nanak was 446 broken in sects 40 claim to belong to Islam yet speak in favour and support of Dr ‘Abdul- « H » ak « i » m 414 differences among, about Mahdi 373 do not ponder over Holy Quran nor have any idea of its gran- deur 332 every aspect of, situation calls for mourning 398 fallen prey to loving world 268 forgot their religion and adopted Hindu practices 415 from every echelon have convert- ed to Christianity 109 give precedence to Hadith over Holy Quran 287 in error about Mi‘raj (Spiritual Ascension) 286 love of world cause of division among 269 many errors regarding Islamic be- liefs are spreading among 285 many things that God is dis- pleased with and are against nature of Islam are found among 288 must adopt colour and com- plexion of Ab « u » Bakr ‘Umar ‘Uthman and ‘Ali 149 of today fall under the category of ‘we have accepted Islam’ and not ‘we believe’ 150 plight of 32 strange beliefs of some 40 why it is necessary for, to accept Promised Messiah 31 Mut‘ah does not exist in Islam 243 meaning of 243

Page 545

Index 505 Muttaq « i » (Righteous).see also Taqw « a » (Righteousness) definition of, according to Holy Quran 217 knowledge of Quran is not given to anyone except 213 sign of 232 , 233 Nab « i ».see Prophet(s) Nafs (Self ) three stages of 223 Naturalists deny Heaven Hell angels revela- tion etc 40 Naw « a »f « i »l (Supererogatory « S »al « a »t ) man creates relationship with God through 50 New Testament.see Bible Nik « a »h (Marriage) veil must be observed by women from men with whom, is allowed 418 women forbidden to be angry at second, of husband 418 Niyog meaning of 243 Nuzul (Descent) meaning of 56 true nature of 55 Oaths taken in spirit of opposition are unlawful 374 Ostentation burns virtues like fire burns dry leaves and straw 319 condemnation of 276 fortunate is one who avoids 320 life of hypocrisy and, is accursed life 315 one cannot win over God through 277 one is frugal when he has to spend for God 320 two types of 281 when, becomes a virtue 281 Paradise.see Hereafter Patience Allah supports one who employs 68 an excellent quality 67 Holy Prophet showed great, to enemies 73 Jam « a »‘at is counselled to show 67 lack of, endangers one’s faith 415 necessary for prayer 423 needed in matters of religion 278 one becomes forbearing through demonstrating 53 to be shown in adversity 428 to be shown in regards to Signs 88 Photograph permissibility and prohibition of 3 Plague a Sign 85 , 88 , 323 , 440 God informed Promised Messiah about 404 God shall not remove, until peo- ple change their condition 151 hadith about Messiah killing the living refers to 385 important to change after seeing this Sign 324 mentioned in Holy Quran 323 mentioned in Shia books 323 prophecy about 146 revelation about 165 Prayers Allah is not angered by 346 an excellent means for reducing sins 303 Baba Nanak on emphasis of Prayers 446 congregational, is more rewarding and develops unity 133 core and essence of worship is 95 cure for lack of full concentration in Prayer 453

Page 546

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 506 definition of 478 doctors should offer, for their patients 427 fear of God makes one offer 308 God has placed great power in 399 hadith about, delight of my eyes lies in 223 imperative for man not to be dismayed and to continue, to God 10 mi‘raj (means of ascension) of believer 222 , 413 next stage after establishing 221 offering of, behind non-Ahmadi 192 on visiting graves 22 our weapon is 398 prayer and resolute determination is way to attract grace of God 301 principles of 422 significance of 39 striving and, needed to achieve excellences 314 tar « a » w« i »« h » 445 Prayers, Acceptance of a fine point regarding 425 meaning of 303 only Prayer and Fasting of right- eous are accepted 303 persistence is condition of 414 Prayers, Blessings of are received in this very world 311 Islam’s victory will only be accom- plished by 435 when time of death comes is not time for 18 , 27 Prayers of Holy Prophet incident of Holy Prophet praying more that 70 times for a person 346 O Allah, do not entrust me to my own self even for the blink of an eye 71 Prayers of Promised Messiah Seth ‘Abdur-Ra « h » m« a » n being cured as a result of 441 Prayers, Supplications during « S »al « a »t no mention in Hadith that sup- plications should be made after formal 429 one should supplicate in one’s own language within formal 412 , 428 supplicating in one’s own lan- guage does not break formal 429 Preaching Jam « a »‘at should study « H »aq « i »qa- tul-Wa « h »« i » (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) carefully 444 short and reasonable answer should be remembered for every issue 444 those passionate about serving the Faith are granted status and greatness by God 370 Promised Messiah.see also Mahdi, Mujaddid (Reformer) advice to expelled medical school students 374 Allah’s support for, 446 death of Promised Messiah men- tioned in revelations to comfort Community 171 descent of 56

Page 547

Index 507 followers of have firm faith in Holy Prophet and Quran 102 God has Himself arranged where- withal for Islamic suffering through, 380 great spiritual revolution, will bring about will happen with God’s grace 385 Hanafite school of jurisprudence in support of 101 he whose advent is promised is only one 341 if a person stays for a week in company of, he will surpass clerics of East and West 248 is « H »akam (Arbiter) 373 is ummat « i » 60 miracles of, are of Holy Prophet 63 Mujaddid Alf Thani has written when, comes scholars will oppose and deny him 67 named impostor and Antichrist 90 necessity to accept 31 , 69 need for Mu « s »le « h » (Reformer) 39 not an independent prophet 63 objective and intent behind com- ing of, is only to rejuvenate and reaffirm Islam 129 opposed by his own people 100 promise of Allah in support of 19 prophecies of.see also Prophecies prophethood of 382 purpose of advent of 41 , 64 rescued from opposition by God 100 Shariah law supports claim of 101 sixty books written by 101 status of 61 support of, in Quran 101 sustained by God when opposed by his own people 100 the need to accept 69 traditions of Holy Prophet in support of 101 trust in God 446 truth of 28 , 62 work of 434 Promised Messiah, Advice of advice to women 351 Ahmadis should adopt taqw « a » (righteousness) 297 be exemplary model of true Mus- lims 237 exhortation not to speak ill of weak 371 exhortation to look at lives of Companions 47 expelled medical school students 374 make use of striving and prayer 314 not correct to print photograph of Promised Messiah 3 offering Prayer behind a non-Ah- madi 192 protect Jam « a »‘at with perseverance and personal example 237 spend money for Jam « a »‘at in light of a dream and revelation 184 those inclined toward worldly embellishments should correct their practical condition 371 to exhibit patience 67 to pay attention to their debts 225 to show patience in response to opponents’ abuse 68 to spend wealth for progress of Islam 324

Page 548

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 508 Promised Messiah, Signs of.see also Earthquake according to hadith, would kill the living 385 Allah’s support for Promised Messiah when enemies try to harm him is a 446 are innumerable 100 disbelievers will die by breath of Messiah that is he will accom- plish everything through his prayer 398 features of first Messiah are written as being different from features of Messiah who is to come 85 heavenly support and, manifested for 145 innumerable, shown in favour of 100 magnificent Sign for 294 Prayers will be combined for 390 proven from Hadith that, will descend to east of Damascus; Qadian is exactly east of Da- mascus 56 staying forty days with, will result in one seeing 62 , 155 will be wearing two yellow sheets 392 would abolish religious war 122 Promised Messiah, Visions of about chickpeas and raisins 20 about Delhi 17 about earthquake 31 about grams 31 Prophecies a great miracle 447 containing abstruse meanings are usually rejected 99 difference between, and Divine Will 127 forewarning, can be averted 125 have been declared to be a mag- nificent Sign and miracle from among Signs of Prophethood 98 kinds of 99 , 125 purpose of, to increase strength of faith 296 sign of a truthful one 295 Prophecies, of Holy Prophet appearance of a great fire and mentioned all signs and charac- teristics related to it 447 gold bracelets of Chosroes placed in hands of a Companion 391 meaning of two yellow sheets 391 Prayers will be combined for Promised Messiah 390 Prophecies, of Promised Messiah acquittal in murder case 116 « A »rya religion would disappear from world within 100 years 442 fulfilment of, in Barahin-e-Ah- madiyya 67 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 294 of disasters 404 poem regarding impending earth- quakes 361 Prophecies, of the Holy Quran of severe earthquakes in time of Messiah 393 when in fourteenth century Hi- jrah Islam would become frail and weak Allah shall come to its help 131 Prophet(s) all, were born of Holy Spirit 286 definition of 60 denial of, implies disbelief 9 every, has proofs and Signs to establish truthfulness of his claim 460

Page 549

Index 509 every, who comes to this world is blessed with shade of one or other name of Allah 377 glory of God is associated with glory of, of God 380 God manifests a Sign through death of 340 have power to attract people 397 Holy Prophet gave title, to only one man 383 in time of, some false claimant is also born 432 law-bearing Prophethood has ended 60 living, can only be one whose blessings and favours continue forever 258 love seclusion 316 must have four things 396 no malice in harshness of 458 possess great resolve and courage 180 reason for so many objections against 325 teachings of, are according to time and occasion 461 trials of, necessary during time of every 55 true nature of Ummat « i » 60 way of recognising, are miracles and signs accompanying them 145 Prosperity meaning of, according to Holy Quran 471 Punishment humble and remorseful supplica- tions can ward off an impend- ing 128 Punjab most fortunate among other areas 25 Purity of Heart cannot be attained without Di- vine grace 66 elders of earlier generations tried their best to attain 448 the more one is purified the more divine cognition increases 367 Quran, Holy all truths of Bible are contained in 332 blowing one’s breath on someone after reciting 451 comparison of moral teachings of, and Gospel 283 custom of reciting S « u » rah al- F « a »ti « h »ah for dead not men- tioned in 364 death of Jesus proved by 101 four causes for 218 fruits of believing in 231 has excellences of perfect teaching 400 healing in 451 importance of melodious recita- tion of 78 in favour of Promised Messiah 101 is Kh « a »tam-ul-Kutub (Best of Books) 130 , 138 , 461 it is rank disbelief to deviate from 101 no truth and attestation which is not in 331 perfect and comprehensive Book 230 proclaims demise of all prophets 106 Promised Messiah’s creed is to follow 101 purpose of, is guidance for right- eous 219

Page 550

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 510 reading a simple translation does not help so much 246 should be recited in beautiful melodious tone 78 summary of teachings of 280 takes man to excellence 401 takes precedence over Hadith 287 universality of Holy Prophet’s prophethood 106 Rafa‘a (‘He Exalted’) meaning of 58 Ra « h »m « a » n.see God, Attributes of Raisins large, strengthen heart 21 Ramadan fasting in month of 102 Reconciliation dispute between two brothers 457 is best 456 Religion.see also Islam blessed day of perfection of 332 cannot survive without spiritual- ity 443 essence of 279 foundation of 459 jealous regard for honour of, is essential along with peaceable- ness 392 meaning of perfect 331 not to misbehave with someone because of differences of 407 perfect, like holy tree 150 praise for British Government that has no objection to differ- ences of 114 purpose of, is to conquer hearts 148 recognition of true 14 , 408 true, is the one in which God still speaks 15 Repentance.see Taubah (Repent- ance) Revelation(s) criterion for true 59 easy way to arrive at a verdict for opposing recipients of 376 essence of 62 excellence of man does not lie in receiving, but in righteous deeds 390 from twenty-five years ago being fulfilled 62 informing Promised Messiah of help of God for twenty-five years 57 method of 62 mother of Moses received 61 no argument in support of God’s existence can be set forth with- out 234 of Promised Messiah.see Prom- ised Messiah rational argument on necessity of Divine 215 reason for Promised Messiah having, in many languages 67 regarding death of « H »a « d »rat Maulaw « i » ‘Abdul-Kar « i » m 17 sometimes Allah also informs about proper treatment through 427 true muttaq « i » receives favours and beneficence from 234 will continue in Um- mat-e-Mu « h »amadiyyah 61 Righteousness.see also Taqw « a » (Righteousness) company of one appointed by Allah can correct condition of man 372 effect of companionship of those with 228 faces severe opposition 433

Page 551

Index 511 one who has true, has thousands of miles in between himself and his ego 459 only one with, can support one who is true 415 recognized by obedience and deeds 368 Rosary use of 358 « S »adaqa (Charity) calamities can be averted through 127 does not work at that time when God’s wrath is already kindled 321 importance of 13 meaning of 239 Saints miracles of, of Delhi 38 « S »al « a » t.see Prayers Salvation surviving in terrible time depends only on Grace of Allah 344 when one attains perfect certain- ty of faith in God then door of true, opens for him 236 Satan arrogance is sin of 411 attached to everyone 68 did not prostrate before Adam 357 incident of, becoming useful 227 Jesus and Mary being untainted by touch of 285 Scholars (of Ummah) definition of 63 Secrets (Divine) revealed to chosen prophets 99 Shariah (Islamic Law).see also Is- lam in favour of Promised Messiah 101 Shia books mention plague in time of Promised Messiah 323 deed of « H »a « d »rat Hasan that strikes blow upon 179 hadith of eclipse of sun and moon occurs in books of 322 Shirk (Associating Partners with God) belief that benefit can be derived from graves 181 Christianity based on great 268 initiated from woman and its foundation has been laid from woman 269 mischief of believing Jesus is alive is 254 Signs.see Eclipses (Sign of ) ; see also Promised Messiah, Signs of: Sikhs abandoned religion of their Guru 446 Sin taubah (repentance) and istighf « a »r (seeking forgiveness) is antidote for 410 abandoning of, alone is not enough 400 ability to be safe from, can only be attained when man has abso- lute faith in Allah 140 can be obvious or subtle 299 correct remedy for safeguarding against 141 explanation of 5 forgiveness of 354 , 410 greatest, destroying Muslims at this time 277 if one were to see no, in himself then arrogance would arise which is greatest of all 410 man commits, for breaking nafs (self ) 411

Page 552

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 512 no, for evil thoughts passing through mind 5 one does not need to tell people of 442 only through real Prayer can hatred of, be generated 413 prayer is remedy that removes 429 reason people do not give up, is because they do not have com- plete knowledge and cognition of God’s existence 408 until one attains perfect certainty of faith in God one can never be free from 236 Sincerity a prerequisite for deeds 276 mark of genuine 315 status of worship without 311 Steadfastness Bai‘at (the Pledge of Allegiance) is incomplete without 65 angels descend upon people who show 235 God does not let those who adopt, perish 426 is condition to find God 409 reward of true 468 Striving to remove spiritual ailments em- ploy all methods of, that God has mentioned 51 Sufis acknowledge death of Jesus 113 incident regarding 423 written that Messiah will always be victorious 377 Taqw « a » (Righteousness) acting upon Holy Quran’s exemp- tions is also 454 Allah’s support and help will be attained only when there is true 297 depends on knowledge 186 , 216 essence of 301 first stage for a person who wants to become a believer is to attain 303 importance of 54 means abstaining from evil 297 people with, are saved during trials 55 religious wisdom is sharpened by 366 seeds are not yet sown so that, may prevail the way God desires 186 Tar « a »w « i »« h » time of 445 Taubah (Repentance) Allah loves those who offer, and want to be purified 410 antidote to sins 410 , 411 hadith about 411 how to offer 442 intellect of one who offers, is sharpened 150 should be done with a sincere heart 411 Tau « h »« i »d (Oneness of God) true belief in, can only be attained by believing in Holy Prophet 382 who are true monotheists 317 Tawaff « i » (Death) meaning of 57 stands for nothing but death in Hadith 83 Trials certainty of, according to Holy Quran 47 , 201 , 426 God kept Promised Messiah safe during all 100 necessary during time of every Prophet 55 , 67 necessity of 55 , 65 , 67 , 384 people with taqw « a » (righteous- ness) are saved during 55

Page 553

Index 513 reward of 469 scheme of heavenly graveyard will be source of, for many 201 Truth acquittal of Promised Messiah because of, in case brought against him 271 can succeed despite strong oppo- sition 433 faces severe opposition 433 Ulema do not believe in certain mean- ings of Lailatul-Qadr 331 p « i »rz « a » dg « i » a disease among 369 pitiable case of, who deceive people 421 their tongue is one thing and their deeds another 63 ‘Umar, « H » a « d »rat refused to believe that Holy Prophet had passed away 104 , 105 Ummat-e-Mu « h »ammadiyyah blessings and favours of Holy Prophet continue forever in 258 door of dialogue and converse with God is open for 139 great favour of « H » a « d »rat Ab « u » Bakr upon 177 Khi « d »r « i » mysteries have always been found in 79 proven from Surah an-Nur that all Khal « i »fahs of this Ummah will come from itself 85 system of Divine discourse has always been ongoing in 382 true nature of 60 , 383 Vedas according to, even dreams are unreal 229 have placed seal on revelation 235 Vice merely abandoning, is not some- thing to be proud of 343 of haste destroys man 80 Visions Kashf-e-Qub « u »r, Taskh « i »r etc are nothing at all 469 some people who experience true, hear such A « h »« a »d « i » th that are not known to others directly from Holy Prophet 288 wa « h »« i ».see Revelation(s) Wal « i » (friend of Allah) Allah’s practice regarding 80 must have four things 396 significance of 9 status of 61 Waliull « a »h, « H »a « d »rat Sh « a »h 44 Waqf.see Lill « a » h « i » Waqf (Dedi- cation of Life in Service of Islam): Wars essence of Islamic 6 Wa « s »iyyat, System of exhortation of Promised Messiah to Jam « a »‘at members to help him in fulfilling this Will 333 exhortation to Jam « a » ‘at members to join Wasiyyat 239 graveyard made by command and revelation of God 200 only those people will enter it who are destined to enter Paradise in knowledge and will of God 239 Promised Messiah issued announcement The Will with permission of God 203 proposal for ideal graveyard for Jam « a »‘at 190 purpose of 240 purpose of establishing ideal graveyard 202

Page 554

Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 514 Wealth entry of rich man into Paradise is like camel passing through eye of needle 203 Women hadith about 386 rights of 387 Women, Advice for 415 purdah (the veil) must be ob- served 418 being engaged in service of husband is better than chanting prayers as widow 417 not to backbite 386 not to be negligent in religious duties 420 not to boast 386 not to disobey husbands 387 not to participate in polytheistic rituals 420 not to remain widowed and childless 417 shirk (idolatry) had initiated from, and its foundation has been laid from 269 should not complain in case of husband’s remarriage 418 should not mourn excessively 415 should not steal property of their husbands 418 Word of God.see Quran, Holy World Hereafter is cultivated in this 320 love of, dominates people beyond all limits 435 mischief of loving this 268 Worship core and essence of, is prayer 95 difference between acts of, of ordinary people and those of people of Allah 311 grace of God bestows pleasure in 10 man has been created for 331 meaning of i « h »s« a » n in, is as if one is seeing Allah or at very least as if He sees them 136 what is meant by acceptance of 303 Y « a »r Mu « h » ammad, Maulaw « i » sincerity of 13 Zak « a » t women should pay, on jewellery 4

Page 554