Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 90
90 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and not thirst (atash) because the definition of the latter is encompassed in the former word. Then, there is the loss of one’s wealth (naqsim-minal-amwal) when, for example, a thief robs everything that a person owns and does not even leave enough for the victim to eat in the morning. Just reflect! How painful and ago- nising are such misfortunes. Then, there is the loss of life. Some people are forced to bear the death of their children, one after another, until not even a single child remains. In this verse, a loss of life implies that the individual being tried remains alive, but their dear ones and relatives die. In times like these a person is faced with great tragedy. There are a large number of friends with whom I hold such a close relationship that they themselves and their families are, as if, my own. When any of these dear ones depart this world, I feel as much grief as one who loses their most beloved child. The term fruits (thamarat) includes a person’s children as well and also the final success that one expects after their efforts. When such efforts are wasted, this causes a sense of deep anguish as well. It has been observed countless times that when a person sitting an exam fails, they will be driven to take their own lives. The condition of Ayub Baig also worsened after he failed in his examination. Previously, he was very healthy and well. Therefore, Allah the Exalted gives glad tidings to those who are faced with such tribulations and states: َ ْن ی ِ وَ بَشِّرِ الصّٰبِر But give glad tidings to the patient. That is to say, in such circumstances, when a person bears these hardships with fortitude, they are given glad tidings. When such people are struck by misfor- tune, they say: َ ِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَيْهِ رٰجِعُوْن ِ هلل اِنَّا Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Bear in mind that a chosen servant of God only grows in nearness to the Divine when they give precedence to God over every affliction. In short, there is an aspect of this relationship where God desires that His servants submit to His will. The meaning of prayer is when a human being expresses his desire and requests for something to happen. On certain occasions the desire of the Noble Lord ought to be given precedence. At times, however, Allah, who is Compassionate, fulfills the desire of His servant. p. 79