The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 145
Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama'at, and Instructions 145. God Almighty as should deliver one from one's selfish associations and bring one to the fountainhead of salvation. The ways of such perfect faith are not opened by means of human schemes and designs, nor can any man-made philosophy be of any avail. Rather it is God Almighty Who, through His special servants, always sends down this light from heaven at the time of darkness. He who comes from heaven leads to heaven. . So, O ye people who are sunk in the pit of darkness and are prisoners of doubts and misapprehensions and have become slaves of your passions, take no pride in your nominal and ceremonial Islam and do not depend upon your plans of forming associations and establishing schools to bring you true welfare and ultimate success. These devices are only of elementary benefit and can be regarded as the first stage of progress, but they are far removed from the true purpose. . It is possible that through these devices intellects may be stimulated, or dispositions might become artistic, or logic might be bandied about, or academic distinctions might be acquired, and, perhaps, after a long period of study, they might prove of some help in achieving the true purpose, [but that would be a case of]: 85 مگر تا تریاق از عراق آورده شود مارگزیده مرده شود * 85. By the time the antidote is brought from Iraq, the snake-bitten one would die. [Translator]