Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 202
202 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad These ignoble people transgress the limits set by Allah out of greed. The fact that they will readily kill a human being for a piece of bread amply establishes their vile, foolish and bloodthirsty nature. At present, our government is at war with the small republic known as Transvaal. The republic is no larger than the Punjab and it is utterly foolish of it to have engaged in war with such a vast empire. Nonetheless, now that hostilities have begun, it is the duty of every Muslim to pray for the victory of the British. What have we to do with Transvaal? It is our responsibility to show support for those who have done us thousands of favours. A neighbour is due such rights that upon hearing of their suffering, one’s heart bleeds. So now, do our hearts not ache when we read about the perils of the loyal soldiers of the British government? In my view, a person who does not deem the grief of the government to be their own is black-hearted. Bear in mind that leprosy is of various kinds. One form of leprosy affects the body, while another form of leprosy afflicts the soul. There used to be a man who stayed here in the bazaar. If anyone became the subject of a lawsuit, he would ask how the case was proceeding. If he was informed that the accused had been ex- onerated or that the case was favourably promising, he would be taken aback and say no more. If on the other hand, someone told him that the person implicated had been charged, he would be overjoyed and would invite the person to sit with him and listen to the entire account. In short, the dispositions of certain men are so filled with a sense of spite that they are eager to hear bad news and enjoy the misfortune of others, because they are satanic in nature. Hence, it is wrong to bear ill will towards any individual, especially a benefactor. Therefore, I say to my community that they must not follow in the footsteps of such people. On the contrary, they ought to pray, with utmost sympathy and true goodwill, for the victory of the British government, and ought to demonstrate examples of loyalty even in practice. Show Gratitude to a Benefactor I do not make these statements out of a desire for reward or recompense. What do I care for reward, recompense and worldly titles? My intentions are well known to the All-Knowing God, and He is aware that my work is solely for His sake and in accordance with His command. It is He Who has taught us to be thankful to a benefactor. Therefore, in our gratitude we obey our Gracious Lord and it is Him from Whom we hope for a reward. Hence, you who are my community ought to