The Advent of the Promised Messiah — Page 42
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad 42 !" # $ % & % ' In actuality, human nature is not inherently evil nor is a thing evil in itself; rather, improper use makes it so. Display, for instance, is not bad in itself. For if one performs an action for the sake of God Almighty alone and so that others are moved to perform that good deed as well, then such an exhibition is also virtuous. There are two forms of display. Firstly, for the sake of the world. For instance, when a person is leading the congregational prayer, and a high-ranking person joins the congregation, he begins to prolong the prayer in view and consideration of the latter’s presence. On such an instance, some from among the congregation become overwhelmed with awe, and in turn, the person leading the prayer swells with pride. This is also a kind of ostentation, which is not always manifested, except on particular occasions like one who eats bread at a time of hunger, or one who drinks water at a time of thirst. On the contrary, however, one who beautifies their prayer 1 You seek God as well as this wretched world; this is wishful thinking, rather impossible, nay insanity. [Publisher]