A Gift for Baghdad — Page 109
Reply to the Announcement & Letter 109 O my brother! You think me to be a disbeliever but I am a believer who professes the Oneness of Allah; I follow my Messenger and Master, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Allah has made me the heir to his knowledge, his noble capacity, and his excel- lences. I hope to die as one of his followers. However, I am so soft with you in my words and I request you to soften your words with me. So, do not be rough with me and do not make the disbelievers rejoice over me. You should neither show me the fire, nor unsheathe your sharp sword, for the believer is gentle and kind. The righteous bear the heavy burdens of their brethren, hasten to console their hearts and alleviate their distress, and they do not desire to kill them and cut them into pieces nor to pronounce them to be liars. Differences between the sects in Islam are numerous, but not- withstanding, one sect does not advocate the murder of another. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: تِي ْ رَحْمَة َّ ِاخْتِلَف أُم [Differences of opinion among my followers are a blessing. ] So, extinguish your fire, O my brother, sheathe your sword, and follow the practice of the righteous. Why do you vex the one who loves the Best of All Mankind? Is this the way to console the soul of Mu st af a [the Chosen One] or to please our Lord, the Most High? Know that Allah and His Messenger have disavowed those who oppose their Auliy a ’. If you hope for the intercession of our Messenger, you should not harass the beloveds who are at peace with their Lord. Fear Allah. Fear Allah. Fear Allah so that He might forgive your sins and allow you to take a seat among the blessed ones. O frail, destitute human being! Truly the abhorrence of Allah is greater than your repugnance, so fear His axe and be among those who tremble!