Life of Ahmad — Page 437
as AHMAD as NEVER WISHED ILL 437 and teachings. He wanted his followers never to go near any kind of mischief. He inculcated purity and piety of character, patience, tolerance and meekness even under provocation. He declared that he did not seek or like controversies. He was forced to enter into them. Even with regard to prophecies relating to death or disgrace, he declared that he did not like to publish them save at the insistant request of the people. It may be truly said of Ahmad as that if ever an opportunity offered itself when he found it in his power to do both good and evil to his enemies, he would most surely do them such good as would surprise the world. He firmly believed that the power to call people to the path of righteousness and a zealous desire for their transformation grew out of true love. He says: "Enmity obscures wisdom and extinguishes sympathy. The Holy Quran says (Al-Taubah 9:128) and in another place (Al-Shu‘ar a 26:4) In other words, We have sent unto you a Prophet sa whose heart is full of sympathy for you so much so that all your cares and anxieties grieve him in the same manner as if they had actually happened to him and he is always anxious for your comfort and happiness; and again, "Shalt thou, O Prophet sa , put an end to thy life on account of grief that these people do not accept the truth". The last verse contains a reference to the true sacrifice