The Essence of Islam – Volume V — Page 85
THE PLAGUE. The havoc this pestilence has caused and is still causing in Bombay and other towns and villages hardly needs to be mentioned. In just two years thousands of children have been orphaned and thousands of homes have been left desolate. Friends have forever been separated from friends, and relatives from relatives. . And there is still no end in sight. There can be no doubt that, out of great sympathy and concern for its people, our kind government has taken all necessary measures, and has taken upon itself expenditure of hundreds of thousands of rupees, and has publicized medical instructions as widely as possible. But this killer disease has not yet been fully eradicated. It is in fact on the rise in Bombay, and the land of the Punjab is undoubtedly in danger. At such a time everyone should come out to help mankind, according to his knowledge and understanding, for one who is lacking in sympathy is not a man. . . . There is yet another important thing which my overwhelming sympathy for mankind has moved me to mention. I know it well that those who are devoid of spirituality will look upon it with jest and ridicule, but it is my duty to reveal it for the benefit of mankind. It is as follows: This is Sunday, 6th February, 1898. Last night I saw in a dream that God's angels were planting black trees in different parts of the Punjab. The trees 85