Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 364
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 7 364 Secrets of Making Progress The Promised Messiah as said: People want to make progress but do not know how progress is made. The worldly people have come to understand that pro- gress will be achieved by imitating Europe, whereas I affirm that progress always comes through virtuous conduct. Allah the Exalted has set an example for this. Look at the example of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Jam a ‘at. Progress will occur in the same way it occurred before. And it is true that the progress that occurred earlier happened through rectitude, taqw a [righteousness], and virtu- ous conduct. They sought the pleasure of Allah the Exalted and obeyed His commandments. Even now, when there is progress, it will happen in the same way. Syed Ahmed Khan repeatedly spoke about the nation, but it is a pity that he could not even reform a son. This proves that making a claim is one thing, while establishing its truth is another. All that Allah the Exalted has taught in the Holy Quran is what is essential. As long as the Muslims do not fol- low and adhere to the Holy Quran fully, they cannot make any progress. The more they move away from the Holy Quran, the more they move away from the streets and stages of progress. Acting upon the Holy Quran is the source of progress and guidance. Allah the Exalted has not prohibited trade, agricul- ture, and the means of livelihood which are h al a l. However, of course, they should not be deemed the essential objective but should be maintained as a means to serve the Faith. This is also the very intention through Zak a t—that wealth being for the service of the Faith.