Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 115
115 them; may the share that we partake from a gathering in which an exhortation is made, not be limited to us merely saying that today a most wonderful speech was delivered. Righteousness and Godly Preachers This was a significant reason for the decadence and downfall of the Muslims. Countless conferences are held, and a plethora of bodies and councils exist, where renowned and prolific speakers and lecturers read out their papers and deliver addresses and poets mourn the state of our religion in their poetry. But why does none of this have any effect? Instead of moving forward, with every passing day, our people only fall further and further into decline. The fact of the matter is that those who participate in these gatherings do not come with sincerity. The aim of the lecturers who speak in these gatherings, as I have just mentioned, whether they are maulvis, leading modern-day intellectuals, or sufis, is nothing but to hear voices of praise and acclaim. When they deliver speeches, their audience is their god. It is their satisfaction and approval that they seek, not the pleasure of God. However, this will never be the intention and purpose of the righteous and the divine. Their aim and purpose is God, and true sympathy and sincere compassion for mankind, which is also a great means by which to acquire the pleasure of Allah Almighty. They desire to show the world what they have witnessed themselves. Their true longing is to manifest the glory of Allah Almighty and for this reason whatever they say, they say without fear of reproach. In their view, the listeners who sit before them are like dead insects, from whom they neither seek reward nor praise. It is for this reason that on certain occasions, the people become agi- tated on hearing their words and will even stand up and leave in the middle of their speech; often they will curse at them; they do not suffice at hurling verbal abuse alone, but rather, inflict various forms of pain and agony upon them as well. From this we clearly come to know of those who seek and yearn for carnal pleasure and what is actually implied by ‘carnal pleasure. ’ There are people who will stay up all night to watch a prostitute perform and dance, and they have no problem in falling true to the saying: زر دادن و درد ِ رس رخ�ی�دن To give gold and purchase a headache.