Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 221
26 May 1905 221 could be more comforting? This is the distinctive characteristic that is set between the Appointed Ones of God and others. There is a an Appointed Time for the Acceptance of Prayer The Promised Messiah as said: Sheikh Sahib, I pray for you at all five [Prayer] times, but there is a time appointed for the acceptance of prayer. A man sometimes wishes to go in one particular direction, but God Almighty wants to prepare the believer for this world and the Hereafter. That is why at times, there are trials that become a source of blessing in the end. These sufferings are the cure for some human weaknesses. There are undoubtedly cer- tain weaknesses in man which he cannot comprehend. But my prayers are such that they reach the level of acceptance. Time is the condition. Then, facing to one side, the Promised Messiah as said: I pray for you, but when I thought about yesterday’s matter, it occurred to me that perhaps what is obstructing my prayers being answered is this. However, I came to know the truth of the incident after you wrote to me. There are certain abomina- ble actions that delay the acceptance of prayer or deprive one of its fruits, which a person must avoid. Hardships of this world lead to achieving lofty stations in the Hereafter. As mentioned in a hadith, some people, upon seeing others being rewarded, will say, ‘Would that our bodies had been cut up with scissors so that we could receive the same rewards!’ The Prophets suffer the greatest hardships. Look at our Messenger, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon