Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 383
24 September 1905 383 disbeliever. The life of an atheistic-minded person and one who does not believe in Almighty Allah is good and fearless so long as he is not attacked by adversities and difficulties. But when even minor difficulties appear, they stupefy him a nd he is unable to bear them. Of course he hopes for nothing from Allah Almighty, and worldly means disappoint him. In such a situation, sometimes these people commit suici de even wh en something ever so slightly goes against their mood. In Europe, where there is an abundance of atheists, there are so many sui- cides that its parallel cannot be found in any other country. What is the reason for this? Only this that they cannot bear grief and adversities. Their hearts become weak, but contrary to this, the believer has a strong heart for the reason that his trust is in God Almighty. If adversities befall him, they do not demoralise him, but rather he even takes a step forward during adversities. His faith becomes even stronger than before, and if you ask for the truth, the joy and delight of faith is experienced in those very days. Faith verily exists for such days. In the state of health and while there is no threat to life or wealth—rather one is enjoying all kinds of comfort and peace—the condition of a disbeliever and a non-disbeliever can be the same. But in adver- sity, illness, and other difficulties, these things get tested and it becomes evident as to who has a strong bond with Almighty Allah and believes in His powers, and who complains about Him and is displeased with Him. The Perfect Measure of Faith Adversity and suffering are a perfect measure of faith, and it is by this that one recognises who is patient. What is patience? This is also the result of faith alone. When a believer is patient in adversity, his patience also appears to be a new kind of patience,