Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV — Page 249
Footnote Number Eleven 249 So in this verse the inherent excellence of this path is mentioned to create eagerness for its attainment. The second element of persuasive- ness is that the benefits of the object of persuasion should be stated. This element has been stated in the verse 1 َطاَرِص َنْيِذَّلا َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع ; that is, guide us along the path which the devotees of earlier times followed to earn their reward and favours. Thus, by referring to those who have succeeded by travelling along this path, He generates enthusiasm for it. The third element of persuasion is to describe the depravity and misery of those who do not follow the object to which they are being invited. This element has been mentioned in the verse, 2 ِرْيَغ ِبْوُضْغَمْلا ْمِهْيَلَع َو اَل َنْيِّلٓاَّضلا. Meaning that, safeguard us against the paths of those who abandoned the right path and adopted other paths and incurred divine wrath and went astray. Thus, He warns us in this verse against the harm that would befall us in the event we deviate from the right path. In short, God has stated in S u rah al-F a ti h ah all three elements of persuasion in a beautiful manner. He refers to the inherent excellence [of the right path], its benefits, and the failure and misery of those who abandon it, so that the right-minded may incline towards it by learn- ing about its inherent beauty and those who are desirous of benefits may cultivate a desire in their hearts to attain them on learning about its benefits, and, upon finding the evil consequences of abandoning it, they may fear the afflictions that will befall them upon abandoning it. Thus, this too is the perfect beauty which is mentioned in this manner. The third beauty of this s u rah is that, in spite of its highest standards of fluency and eloquence, it demonstrates perfection by mentioning the clauses about prayers etc. in perfect correlation after mentioning the divine praises, which is very difficult to accomplish while adhering to all norms of eloquence and fluency. Those who appreciate the art of speech understand very well how delicate and profound the accom- plishment of such perfect correlation is. The explanation of this is that 1. S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:7 [Publisher] 2. S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:7 [Publisher]