Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) — Page 6
6 HAQIQATUL-WAḤI-THE PHILOSOPHY OF DIVINE REVELATION wants to destroy man through diverse means. It is entirely possible that a dream be true and yet emanate from Satan, and it is possible that a revelation be true and yet originate from Satan, because although Satan is the greatest liar, he sometimes deceives by saying something true in order to snatch one's faith. Even so, those who attain the degree of perfection in their sincerity, fidelity, and love of God cannot be overpowered by Satan, as Allah the Exalted says: 1 ان عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطن : Thus, their distinctive mark is that the grace of God rains upon them and thousands of Signs and examples of God's acceptance are found in them, the likes of which I shall—God willing-elaborate upon in this book. However, it is a pity that there are many people who are still seized in the clutches of Satan, and yet, trusting their dreams and revelations, seek to give glory to their false doctrines and corrupted religions through those dreams and revelations. Indeed, they present these very dreams and revelations as evidence; or their intent is to present such dreams and revelations to scorn the true religion [of Islam]; or to allege that the holy Prophets of God were no better than ordinary people; or to suggest that if true dreams and revelations are the touchstone of a true religion, then the path and religion they follow ought to be accepted as correct. There are still others who do not present their dreams and revelations as proof of the truth of their faith, but instead suggest that such experiences are not a criterion to determine the truth of a religion or a man. There are yet others who relate their dreams only for boasting and self-glory. There are also some, who, on the basis of certain dreams or revelations which they consider to have come true, portray themselves as Imams, spiritual lead- ers, or Messengers. Such are the evils that have spread in this country, and, instead of leading such people to righteousness and piety, they have made 1. Surely, you [Satan] shall have no power over My servants (Surah al-Hijr, 15:43). [Publisher]