Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 158
158 imagine that wherever the word S a ‘at , i. e. , the hour, occurs in the Holy Quran it invariably means the day of resurrection. The context, however, would in every case furnish a true indication as to whether the word is used as meaning resurrection or as indicating the success of a Prophet in his mission, namely, the securing of a body of men on whom a new spiritual life has been bestowed. The Promised Messiah as has also fulfilled this test which has been laid down by Jesus as in these words: 'Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a cor- rupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ' 70 This test as laid down by Jesus as means that every tree produces fruit like itself and a true Prophet is he who produces in his followers, in proportion to their respective capacities, the characteristics of prophets and brings about their union with God in accordance with the measure of their natural faculties. This test does not, however, mean that from the spirit of sincerity and sacrifice of a community we must 70 Matthew (7:15-20).