Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 206
206 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the child knows nothing of prayer. Yet, what causes the wailing of a child to draw in milk? This is a phenomenon of which most people are generally aware. At times, it has been observed that mothers feel no milk in their breasts, and often there actually is none, but as soon as the painful cries of a child reaches the ears, milk begins to flow from within, as if the cries of a child have a connection with the drawing in and flowing forth of milk. I honestly proclaim that if our cries are as equally passionate, this arouses the fervour of God's grace and mercy and draws them in. I can say from my own experience that I have experienced the grace and mercy of God which descends in the form of the acceptance of prayer, being pulled towards me; in fact, I should say that I have seen it. If, however, the unen- lightened philosophers of this day and age cannot feel or see this phenomenon, then this truth cannot be dispelled from the earth; especially when I am ready at all times to exhibit a demonstration of the acceptance of prayer. " In short, the acceptance of prayer has parallels in the law of nature, and in every era He manifests living examples. It is for this very reason that God has taught us the prayer: اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ Guide us in the right path - The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings. This is the will and law of God Almighty, which none can change. In the sup- plication (Guide us in the right path), we ask God to perfect and complete our deeds. When one reflects upon these words, it apparently seems that this verse instructs us to employ the use of these words to supplicate so that we may be guided to the right path. However, prior to this verse the words Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ 3 help) tell us to benefit from this instruction first. In other words, in order to trav- erse the stations of 'the right path, one must employ their untarnished faculties to seek help from Allah. Regard for apparent means are also necessary and one who forsakes them is ungrateful for God's blessings. Now observe, God Almighty has created our tongues which are composed of nerves and muscles and if it had not been created in this manner, we would not be able to speak. He granted us a tongue for prayer, which can articulate the sentiments and desires of our heart. 1 Al-Hakam, vol. 5, no. 32, date 31 August 1901, pp. 1-3 2 al-Fatihah, 1:6-7 al-Fatihah, 1:5