Lecture Ludhiana — Page 20
20 16 who was an embodiment of truth and loyalty, and who demonstrated such spiritual excellences as had no equal, passes away and his death does not come as a great shock to his devoted followers, who, for their part, so unhesitat- ingly laid down their lives, left their hearths and homes, kith and kin and considered it an honour and a pleasure to bear the greatest of hardships for his sake. How could they remain unaffected by his death? A little thought and reflection would show the intensity of the shock and distress experienced by the Companions at the mere possibility of the Holy Prophet’s demise, an intensity which we can’t even conceive of. At such an impasse, it was the verse which Hadrat Abu Bakr rz recited that brought solace and comfort. May God reward him for guiding the Companions of the Holy Prophet sa aright at such a critical juncture. I am sorry to say that some ignorant people, who are too hasty and precipitate in pronouncing judgement, while agreeing that this verse was recited by Hadrat Abu Bakr rz , contend that Jesus as did not fall within its scope. I really do not know what to say to such ignorant people. They profess to be divines yet they say things so absurd. They fail to specify the word in the verse which singles out 15 ‘And We have sent thee not but as a mercy for all peoples. ’ (21:108) [Translator] 16 ‘O mankind, truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah. ’ (7:159) [Translator]