Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 223
Malfuzat - Volume I 223 object that the Holy Quran has taken oaths on created things, while it has pro- hibited the rest of us from doing so. In places it swears by the fig, at other places the night and day, and still at other places, by the earth and even by the human soul. These allegations have a very negative effect. It ought to be remembered that it is common practice in the Holy Quran and in the way of God that in order to prove and establish various matters of ideological nature, He makes reference to such things whose inner properties are evidenced by clear, manifest and visible proof. Hence, to swear by such creation is to present them as an argument and precedent. Is India Dar-ul-Harb? Prior to answering this allegation in further detail, I should first like to speak of another important matter. Every Muslim must remember that in the context of government, we do not consider India to be Dar-ul-Harb (i. e. the Abode of War). This is my belief. Although other scholars who oppose me have fiercely disagreed with me on this issue, and have spared no opportunity to cause me grief, I cannot hide the truth out of fear of these temporary pains and present grief. It is my faith that in the context of rule, India is certainly not Dar-ul-Harb-not in the least. Just think about the court case filed against me. If the very same lawsuit had been filed against me under the Sikh reign and if one of their Gurus or a Brahman stood against me in court, executing me without any investigation or inquiry would be no significant matter. However, it is truly an excellence of the British empire's rule that a doctor, who is also a renowned reverend, stands against me in court, but I am not treated harshly at all in the investigations and proceedings of the court. Captain Douglas was not concerned in the least of the reverend's own eminence, or of his position or rank; and so he expressed to Mr. Le Marchand, who is a high ranking officer of police in Gurdaspur, that he felt uneasy at heart about the case and that Abdul-Hameed should be questioned again. Ultimately, in view of justice, the Captain acquitted me. Then, the British do not prevent us from practising the tenets of our faith; in fact, they have brought with them many blessings on account of which I have received ample opportunity to propagate my religion. I have been granted such peace and comfort that is unheard of in previous reigns. In this case, it is gravely unjust and far from Islamic teachings and morals that we should be ungrateful to them. Remember! A human being who is not grateful for the goodness shown