A Gift for the Queen — Page 13
13 of the Quran. Moreover, all Muslims do not hold such thoughts; it is the dishonesty of the Christian priests that they have unjust- ly attributed the idea of perpetual jihad to the Holy Quran. By doing so, they deceive some ignorant people and arouse their base passions. It is under divine commandment—not due to my own thoughts or volition—that I occupy myself in praying for this government under whose shadow of security I am passing my days in peace. I am grateful for its favours, and take its pleasure as my pleasure. I convey to it honestly what has been conveyed to me. Therefore, on the occasion of this jubilee—remembering the continuous favours of Your Majesty, which concern our lives, wealth and honour—I present a gift of gratefulness, and that gift is the prayers which arise from the heart and every grain of the body for the safety and honour of Your Majesty. O Empress and the Honoured Queen! Our hearts bow before the Almighty praying for Your Majesty, and our souls prostrate before the One God for your honour and safety. O Honoured Empress of India! We congratulate you from our heart and soul on the occasion of the jubilee celebration, and pray to God that He may reward you abundantly for your beneficence that has reached us through your benign government and through your peace-loving administrators. We consider your being a great blessing from God for this land, and we regret that we cannot find words to adequately express our gratitude. May every prayer that a truly grateful one can offer for you, be accepted from us for you. May God grant you comfort with the fulfilment of your objec- tives. May He greatly bless your days, health and well-being. May He continue to augment your honour and glory. May He show your progeny the days of honour like yours and continue to bless