Lecture Ludhiana — Page 40
40 neither know the Holy Qur’an, nor the Traditions, nor, for that matter, the example of the prophets. They froth at the mouth out of malice only to deceive. Remember: 28 This concept of ‘the Merciful’ implies that God may pardon even after finding someone guilty. Forgiveness is embedded in human nature too. Once a man, who falsely deposed in a case in my presence, was found guilty of perjury. He was being tried by a British Judge who re- ceived sudden orders of transfer to a far-off station. He felt pity for the criminal who was an old man. He told his court clerk that he feared the poor fellow might die in jail. The clerk agreed and submitted that the man also had a family to support. The Englishman said that nothing could be done now that the proceedings had been completed. Soon, thinking better of it, he said: ‘All right, destroy the file. ’ Just reflect, if an Englishman can take pity, why can’t God? Also try to realise why the practice of alms-giving and charity has come to stay, and why is it customary with all peoples? When we are in trouble or face danger, the natural human response is to offer sacrificial lambs and give in charity clothes or whatever one can lay one’s hands on. If sacrifice cannot ward off the impending calamity, then why this spontaneous human reaction? Calamity can be averted and this fact is borne out by the 28 ‘When a gracious one promises, he fulfills. ’ [Translator]