Life of the Promised Messiah — Page 39
39 Hazrat Maulvi Abdul-Karim manly spirit, yet they would don a new garb on fall- ing ill. I had observed how even after their illness had subsided they would remain so irascible that may God have mercy. Failing none, not a single person would have anything good to say about the individual in ques- tion. Whether family, wife or children, even friends, everyone will make a gesture from afar to unassuming strangers as if saying: “Beware, there lies a black snake, stay away. ” The fact of the matter is that in times of ill- ness only such people are able to preserve their mind and sense, and faith, who possess balanced morals when they are in a state of health. It has been observed that many who are taken to anger when they are healthy, transform into complete madmen and are overcome with rage completely when they fall ill. In actuality, ill- ness is a very effective criterion to judge any person’s faith, divine understanding and steadfastness. When a person speaks uncontrollably in a state of intoxication, or when one mutters in their sleep, or even the sorts of dreams one sees—all reveal one’s true picture. So, in the same manner, illness also is a touchstone by which to judge between the believer and unbeliever; between the brave and coward. Most blessed indeed is the one who does not let the reins of their own passion and desires of the baser-self slip out of their hands. My brothers! Since death is inevitable and illnesses too are unavoidable, strive to develop peace and tran-