Life of Ahmad — Page 343
as VICTORIA INVITED TO ISLAM 343 with which thou studiest the affairs of thy state. Thou canst see in the dark night and now the sun is shining. What is the matter with thee that thou canst not see in the broad daylight? Know thou, O great one (may God help thee), that the religion of Islam is the centre of all light and the source of all streams and the orchard of all spiritual fruit. My Lord has sent me that I may call His creatures. He has given me clear signs so that I may call them to His religion. So glad tidings to those who accept me. . . O gracious queen! God has been extremely bounteous unto thee in the matter of the gifts of this world, desire now the kingdom of the next world. Repent thou and obey the One Lord who hath taken no son and who hath no partner in His kingdom and glorify thou Him much. Do you take besides Him gods who create nothing and are themselves created? If thou art in doubt about Islam, here I stand to show thee the signs of its truth, and He is with me in every state of mine. When I pray to Him, He accepts my prayer; and when I call Him, He answers me; and when I seek His help, He helps me. And I know that He does help me everywhere and He will never allow me to be lost. Wouldst thou care to see my signs and the proof of my truth and rectitude, out of the fear of the Day of Resurrection. Repent thou, repent thou, O Empress! and listen thou to me, listen thou to