The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 160
160. Essence of Islam-IV me. He alone is with me who gives up his own pleasure for my pleasure, and makes me an Arbiter in whatever he does, and walks along my path, and is wholly devoted to me, and has discarded his own self. . I am compelled to affirm with a sigh that those who seek clear signs will not be honoured by my Lord. God with praiseworthy titles and honourable ranks which will be bestowed upon the righteous ones who recognized the hidden secrets and who smelled the fragrance of the servant [of God] who was hidden under His mantle. For example, what merit can be claimed by the one who offers his salutation to a prince whom he observes in his pomp and glory, surrounded by his men? Deserving of merit is the one who encounters him in the guise of a beggar and recognizes him. It is not within my power to bestow such insight upon anyone for it is only the One Who bestows it. Those whom He holds dear, He invests with the discernment of faith. These are the things through which those who are inclined towards guidance are guided and the same things become the cause of more crookedness for those whose hearts are crooked. [Ā'īna-e-Kamālāt-e-Islam, Rūḥānī Khaza'in, vol. 5, pp. 349-350]. Your opposition to me is far removed from righteousness. Your reliance is totally on such Aḥādīth as are inauthentic and fabricated, or you do not understand their true meaning. As against this, my claim is based on reasoned discernment. I have such faith in the revelation that has informed me of the death of Jesusas, and of my being the Promised Messiah that was