Invitation to Ahmadiyyat — Page 170
170 observe the effects of this in that we are honoured in his presence, his subordinates respect us, our petitions are heard, our problems solved, and everyone can see that we are close and dear to that ruler. How then is it possible that we should have a relationship with God but it should have no effect on us or on our relation - ships and we should remain the same as before? The Promised Messiah as demonstrated that a living religion is to be recognized by the fact that its followers can reach God and attain His nearness, and that those who have attained such near - ness should possess some distinguishing signs. Therefore, instead of attacking one another, followers of the various religions should focus on providing proof of their own spiritual life and vitality and provide examples of individuals among them who, by observing the precepts of their religion, have attained nearness to God. Any religion which lives up to this criterion should then be accepted, and one that does not should be thrown away like a dead body that cannot support anyone and itself requires support. Such a religion will do more harm than good because it disgraces its fol - lowers in this world and leads them to damnation in the next. This was a proposition that no reasonable person could ques - tion. It fell like lightning on the followers of other religions and they started looking for ways to save face. The Promised Messiah as proclaimed that only Islam possesses the signs of spiritual life and vitality and no other religion comes anywhere near it. He invited anyone who thought otherwise to come forward and take up the challenge but, despite repeated reminders, no one came forward. How could they do so when they had nothing to present. If it were a matter of shouting at the top of their voices and vocif - erously claiming that their religion is the true one, a thousand