Mahzarnama (The Memorandum) — Page 60
60 Mahzarnama doctrine, and is weak and liable to error in every matter, he would appear as base and contemptible in the estimation of every sane person. A person who smacks of ignorance in the estimation of a wise one, and is disliked by those who hear him utter stupid things, cannot be respected by a wise one and appears contemptible, however pious and devoted he might be. This shows that spiritual wonders, that is to say, knowledge of the Divine and insights, are a necessary characteristic of the man of God and are special conditions for the recognition of the great wonders of the faith. These conditions are bestowed in a complete and perfect manner upon those who follow the Holy Quran to the full. Despite the fact by and large that many of them are unlettered and are not well versed in current subjects, they are so much in advance of their contemporaries in fine points and knowledge of the Divine that very often their opponents are surprised on hearing their speeches, or on reading their writings, and are forced to confess that their knowledge and insights belong to another world and bear the unique colour of Divine support. One proof of this is that if anyone who is opposed to them, seeks to compare their speeches on subjects relating to the Divine with anyone else's speech, he is forced to confess, provided he is just and honest, that truth resided in their speeches that they happen to deliver. As the discussion proceeds and becomes deeper many a fine argument emerges which would establish their being in the right, like a bright day. We are ready ourselves to furnish proof of this to every seeker after truth. Another of these bounties is sinlessness, which is also termed Divine protection. This is also bestowed on the perfect followers of the Holy Quran as an extraordinary gift. By sinlessness we mean that they are safeguarded against undesirable habits and thoughts and morals and actions in which other people are involved day and night. If they happen to make a slip Divine mercy soon sets them right. It is obvious that the station of sinlessness is very delicate and is altogether at a distance from the demands of the self that incites to evil, and that its acquisition