Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 270
270 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of God Almighty whom He wishes to use for an important task. In such a case, God Almighty makes available to such a person all the means that are necessary for them to engage in written work. Consideration for Apparent Means The Honourable Maulvi Nur-ud-Din Sahib, may Allah be pleased with him, had been feeling unwell since 31 July 1898 due to stomach pain. The Promised Messiah (as) sent someone to inquire about him and when he received news of his recovery, he said: All praise belongs to Allah. The Promised Messiah as went on to say: Maulvi Sahib has now reached an age which only leads the physical body to a state of decline. Therefore, caution is required and he ought to watch his every step. Life and death is in the hands of God's decree, but it is not appropriate for man to disregard apparent means. Then the Promised Messiah as stated: In actuality, the time for a person's physical decline begins after the age of thirty. Any extreme, whether less or more, is harmful at this age. I have seen some people who eat precise quantities of food and even drink a measured amount, while others are so extreme that they eat and drink without any limits. Both of these practices are improper. As I have said, the time of one's youth only lasts until the age of thirty and that too if a person's faculties are strong and healthy. Otherwise, there are some who, even in their young age, resemble the elderly. ' The Evening of 23 August 1898 Why Does Modern Philosophy Give Rise to Irreligiousness? The Promised Messiah as posed the question: 'Why does present-day philoso- phy incline the dispositions of people towards irreligiousness?' Master Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Sialkot said: 'In actuality, those natures which are already disposed to irreligiousness are the ones that are influenced by this philosophy. Often, there are many renowned priests who are inclined to philosophy yet they adhere firmly to their faith. ' The Promised Messiah (as) said: 'After reflecting on these matters, sadly, one's mind is diverted to another issue. On the one hand, these reverends teach phi- losophy and logic in schools and colleges, yet on the other hand, they believe 1 Al-Hakam, vol. 2, nos. 22-23, dated 6-13 August 1898, p. 16