Approaching the West — Page 57
A pproaching the West—57 truthful guidance, persecuted them, and even attempted to kill them. Nevertheless, the arduous process of reforming such people continued throughout the lifetimes of the Messengers, and after their death, the task was assigned to others to carry on their mission. From Isl ā mic perspective, all Messengers of God had their successors elected or nominated for completion of their missions. It was through their “Khal ī fahs” that the goal was achieved for which the Messengers were sent. Elaborating this point, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) writes: “It has always been the way of God, ever since He created man in the earth, that He helps His Messengers and the Prophets, and grants them victory–as He has said, ‘All ā h has decreed that He and His Messengers shall certainly prevail’ (58:22). . . God manifests with powerful Signs the truthfulness of their claims, and sows at their hands the seed of righteousness which they want to spread in the world. However, He does not fully complete this mission at their hands, causing them to die at a time when it is feared that apparently they had not fully succeeded. He gives to their opponents a chance to heap ridicule on them. When these opponents have had their laugh, He then shows another manifestation of His powerful hand, creating a situation which works for the full attainment of the aims that were partially achieved. ” (The Will, pp. 4-5)