Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 242
242 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and grows conceited, and when he does not seek support from the elixir that is housed within, a person’s infectious elements begin to dominate. However, when a person considers themselves to be lowly and insignificant, and feels an inner de- pendance on the support of Allah Almighty, a flowing spring takes form through the hand of Allah Almighty, by which a person’s soul melts and begins to flow forth. This is the very meaning of istighfar (seeking forgiveness from God), or in other words, to gain this strength and overcome the poison that lies within. Therefore, what this means is that one should remain firm in worship by firstly, obeying the Messenger, and secondly, by seeking assistance from God constantly. Of course, initially, one must seek assistance from the Lord, but when one receives strength, one must then turn to God. Seeking Forgiveness from God Takes Precedence Over Repentance Seeking forgiveness from God (istighfar) and repentance (tawbah) are two dis- tinct things. However, in one respect, seeking forgiveness from God takes prec- edence over repentance. For seeking forgiveness from God means to seek help and strength from God, whereas repentance means to stand on one’s own feet. The eternal way of Allah is that when a person seeks help from Him, He will grant them strength; and with this strength, a person will then be able to stand on their own feet and will develop the strength to perform good deeds, which is called ‘turning to Allah’ or ‘repentance’, as alluded to in the words: 1 ِ اِلَيْه تُوْبُوْۤا ( Turn to Him, i. e. God ). Therefore, in natural sequence, seeking forgiveness from God comes before repentance. In short, the method that is prescribed for the seekers of God is that they must seek assistance from Him in every condition. Until a seeker is given strength from Allah the Exalted, what can they do? The strength to turn to God in repentance comes through seeking assistance from God, by begging for His forgiveness. If there were no seeking forgiveness from God, know for certain that the ability to turn to God in repentance would die as well. However, if you engage in seeking forgiveness from God, and then turn to him in repentance, the result will be as stated in the following verse: 1 Hud , 11:4