Claims and Teachings - Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 319
-S19 end shall be near* We will cause a disease germ to corne forth to them out of the earth which will wound them,, because they would not believe in our signs*' (xxvii 82). Both these verses speak of plague, because it is now an established fact, although it was not known at the time of the revelation of the Holy Quran, that the- plague is caused by various bacteria. Almighty God, who isvthe knower of all secrets- knew the origin of the disease,' and hence described it in. these terms,, calling itL/*) ^J'&l^ 1 , In short, when this sign of wrath :appeajed and caused a heavy destruction in the country, then some hearts were turned towards me, "and about 200,000 people entered. into my Bai'at : in a very short time. And as the plague is growing more viru- lent, more people are coming to me and accepting the truth of rny mission. And as it appears as a sign, I do not think it will disappear until it brings about a transformation in the lives of many people. Thus does this land bear a resemblance to the land of Noah, for no one believed when heaven showed its sign of mercy, but when the sign of Divine wrath was manifested, thousands saw their errors and were led to accept me as the Pro- mised Messiah. The appearance of the plague was also foretold by the former prophets, and the Gospel also tells us that a des- tructive plague would rage in the time of the Promised Messiah, -and also speaks of great wars in the last ages, the fulfilment of both of which signs we are witnessing to-day with our eyes. Repent ye then, Muslims, for do you not see how the plague is snatching away from you your dearest friends and relatives one by one? Turn to God that he may turn to you, for great is the wrath of heaven and without your true repentance as de- sired by God it would not be turned ;a way from you, (/Vol. Ill E. B. 1904. ). '. -.