Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V — Page 82
NU S R AT U L- H AQ Q — HE L P OF G OD 82 is a devoted worshipper, then pretence could be his motive, and if one has succeeded in avoiding sin and transgression, it could be on account of his lack of means. It is even possible that one may become pious for fear of people’s reproach, while his heart remains unmoved by the gran- deur of Allah. Thus, it is obvious that even if noble behaviour should exist, it still cannot serve as a complete proof of true purity because the conduct may be different in privacy. Therefore, true piety requires the testimony of Almighty God who is the Knower of the unseen. And if it were not like this, then the condition of the pure and impure would become indistinguishable in the world and nothing would be safe and secure. This is why a distinguishing Sign of the highest order is neces- sary. And know for certain that the religion which does not ordain the honourable robe of Signs as a gift upon the righteous, is not upright and is totally bereft of light. Any Book that comes from God contains within itself the Signs of its own distinction, and also grants distinctive Signs to its follower. In short, without a distinguishing Sign, there cannot be any crystal clear differentiation between a true religion and a false one, nor can there be a clear and vivid difference between a truthful claimant and an impostor; for, it is quite possible that a person might in fact be corrupt, depraved, and sinful but his misdeeds may not have been exposed. Given this scenario, if this kind of individual also makes claims of piety—as such claims are constantly made throughout the world— then what shining Sign does Almighty God grant for the truly pious one that will set him apart from such charlatans and make him recog- nizable as clear as daylight? As a matter of fact, since ancient times and ever since the foundation of the world was laid, it has been divine prac- tice as well as the law of nature that in all things good and bad there have been placed distinguishing signs, just as you see that gold and brass are similar in appearance to the point that some ignorant peo- ple are even deceived by this; however, the Infinitely Wise has placed within gold a distinguishing sign which a goldsmith immediately rec- ognizes. Similarly, there are many clear and brilliant stones that greatly