The Light of the Holy Qur'an — Page 35
T H e F I r S T Pr o o F T H e F I r S T Pr o o F 35 Then, another strong argument in support of the truth of a Prophet is that he should bring about perfect reform on a large scale. So when we examine the life of Jesus and try to determine what reform he initiated and how many hundreds of thousands— or even thousands of men—repented at his hand, we see very little of it [in his lifetime]. True, he had twelve disciples, but when we study their misdeeds, our hearts shudder. One feels sadness, what type of people were these who, after having laid claim to great sin- cerity, manifested such unholiness the like of which is not found in the world. Taking thirty pieces of silver and delivering a true prophet and beloved guide into the hands of murderers—was this the essence and meaning of being called a disciple? What was it that compelled his principal disciple, Peter, to abuse and curse him to his face for the sake of this transitory life? Was it appro- priate for all the disciples to desert him and go their own ways as soon as Jesus was arrested and not to show patience even for a whit? Should those whose beloved Prophet is apprehended on a capital charge show such signs of ‘truthfulness’ and ‘sincerity’ as exemplified by the disciples at the time? Afterwards, creature wor- shippers invented all sorts of stories and elevated Jesus to heaven, but the record of their own lack of faith is still preserved in the Gospels. Thus, the proof of the truth of a righteous Prophet is not to be found in the case of Jesus. Had the Holy Qur’an not confirmed his prophethood, we would have no way to count him among the true Prophets. Can one who taught that he was the son of God—even God Himself— and that he did not have to worship anyone and his reason and understanding was so defective as to make him imagine that peo- ple would be delivered from sin by his suicide, be considered for