Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 41
41 sufficient for the Sunnis and Shias to do away with their disputes is that the noble companions were free from mutual discord; indeed, all forms of discord and enmity. For their successes and their triumphs establish that they were one, and that they harboured no malice at all with anyone. Uninformed opponents allege that Islam was spread by the force of the sword, but I proclaim that this is not true. The actual fact is that the arteries of their hearts were saturated with the water of obedience, which surged forth intensely. It was due to this very obedience and unity that other hearts were conquered. My belief is that when the Muslims were compelled to take up the sword, this was only in self-defence. Even if they had not taken up the sword, they surely would have conquered the world with their tongues alone. � د الرجم رب دل ن �ی� ش س ن � د نخس زک دل ربوں ٓا�ی� A word which springs from the heart invariably finds place in the hearts of others. These people accepted truth and rectitude for what it was, and they did so with a sincere heart. There was nothing artificial about their acceptance, nor was this a mere display. It was their truth and sincerity which resulted in their triumphs. In actuality, a truthful person only wields the sword of truth. Even the countenance alone of the Messenger of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which radiated with the light of trust in God, and shone forth with complexions of glory and grace, possessed a magnetism and force that drew in hearts uncontrollably. Then, the exemplary manner in which his com- munity demonstrated obedience to him, and the way in which they exhibited a level of steadfastness that was no short of a miracle, would draw in helplessly, anyone who saw them. In short, the character and unity of the companions is what we require even today, because Allah the Exalted has counted this com- munity—which is being prepared at the hand of the Promised Messiah—to be among the community that was moulded by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Since communities advance and progress through the examples demonstrated by the sort of people that I have just described, you who are the community of the Promised Messiah, you who yearn to join the community of the companions, must develop within yourselves the hue of the companions; show obedience like them, show mutual love and brotherhood like them. In every aspect and in every quality, adopt a nature that is similar to the p. 36