Life of the Promised Messiah — Page 109
109 Hazrat Maulvi Abdul-Karim Contrary to this we observe that the normal state of ordinary people is that when faced with even a hint of grief or the most insignificant of disappointments, they lose their senses, their work is disturbed, they are una- ble to eat or drink, and their stomach becomes upset. They rave at home, and will stare angrily at people, and strike others. In short, everything falls apart. The late Sir Syed (who towards the end of his life could not conceal the true state of his heart when the covering from his lips was removed) suffered a fall so great due to a financial loss sustained by his college that this broke his back. As such, this demonstrated that he too was a shortsighted materialist who worshipped the idol of worldly designs and nothing more. When this idol of his was demolished, he himself was broken as well. He could not exhibit even for a moment the impeccable steadfastness which is the essential hall- mark of Prophets, the pious and those commissioned by God. Mr Beck states that after this financial loss, he never again saw Syed Sahib laugh, or strong and cheerful at heart. I remember that I was also present at the educational conference that was held at Aligarh College when Syed Sahib expressed his utter despair. It is possible that one who is unaware of belief in Allah and divine attributes may be unable to under- stand these matters and consider me guilty of unduly criticising Syed Sahib. However, one who possesses