Blessings of Khilafat — Page 171
Objects of Human Life 171 Meaning that these opponents are such that you invite them to guidance, but they hear not. You think they have the ability to see, but the fact is that they see nothing. The literal meaning is to hear, but the purpose of hearing is to obey. That is why implies that they will not believe, and that they simply do not have the ability to acquire faith. Indeed these are people who, though possessed of some spirituality, are unable to protect themselves. Having eyes, they are unable to benefit from them. Third Rank Then there is a stage higher than this, which is the animal stage. At this stage, man tends to behave like animals, in that he is a more conscious being than plants are. Should someone call him, he is able to hear, but will not be able to understand. Should you decide to injure him, he will run away, but still cannot fully provide for himself means that can permanently protect him against such harm. It is natural on the part of man to keep thinking of ways to get rid of those things which he considers harmful; but as for animals, they are simply unable to create anything or make any progress. Regarding such people, God says: 22 22 S u rah al-A‘r a f , 7:180