The Advent of the Promised Messiah — Page 45
45 ( )* + , -. 1 Thus, an action performed on its appropriate occasion makes one a believer, but if performed inappropriately, makes one a disbeliever. As I have stated previously, no trait is evil in itself; rather, inappropriate use makes it so. It is reported with relation to Hazrat Umar, Allah be pleased with him, that someone asked him about his anger and remarked that he was a man of fiery disposi- tion prior to his acceptance of Islam. Hazrat Umar responded by saying that the anger is just as before, albeit, in the past it would manifest itself inappropri- ately, but now it is exercised at the appropriate occasion. Islam enjoins the use of every faculty at its proper place. Therefore, one should never allow one’s faculties to wither away, instead, learn their proper use. Those who abide by the teaching of turning the cheek after being slapped on the other, adhere to flawed and idealistic tenets. It is possible that this teaching was earlier a law specific to time and place. However, this law can neither be for all times, nor can it be applied successfully. For a human being is like a tree with branches that 1 If you do not observe appropriate etiquette, you are a disbeliever. [Publisher]