The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 339
Repeated Challenges 339 possible that a less perfect believer may also, on occa- sion, be bestowed a small portion of these bounties, but it is the perfect believer alone who is their true heir. Unless seen in comparison, the perfect station of the be- liever cannot be clearly understood by every unclean, dull and short-sighted person. Hence, the most clear and easy method for recognizing a perfect believer is by comparison alone. Though all these signs proceed natu- rally from a perfect believer, yet there are occasional dif- ficulties in the way of their unilateral manifestation. For instance, it often happens that some persons approach a perfect believer and beseech his supplication in respect of matters that have been absolutely decreed against them. . . . On account of their frustration, they are not able to witness this sign; rather, they increase in their doubts and are not able to appreciate truly the perfect qualities of the true believer. A perfect believer occupies a high rank and status in the estimation of God Almighty. Many complicated matters are set right for his sake and in consequence of his ear- nest prayers. Even some matters which have been de- creed, and which appear to be absolute, are changed; nevertheless, a truly absolute decree cannot be modified through the supplications of a perfect believer, even if he should be a Prophet or a Messenger. A perfect believer is clearly distinguishable from others in respect of these four signs, though he cannot be permanently and uni- formly successful. Therefore, as it is clear that a true and perfect believer is bestowed a proportionately much lar- ger share of glad tidings, acceptance of prayers, disclo- sure of the unseen and disclosure of Qur'anic verities, the best way to distinguish between him and others would be to institute a comparison between the claimants on the