Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 492
492 MALFUZAT - ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF URDU VOLUME 7 One to come will come as the Hakam [Arbiter], while on the other side their attitude is unwilling to accept so much as a single point. Then, for what issue will he be the Hakam? Even if the Messiah descends from the heavens according to their presumption and belief, it would still be an undenia- ble fact that they would never accept him since-by virtue of being the Hakam-his job is obviously to remove everyone's mistakes, leading them all to صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ the Straight Path], but these people are not the type to let go of their mistakes. Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali, Shia, Khawarij, etc. , etc. -every sect will desire to sway him to their point of view, and whoever he disagrees with, will declare him a kāfir [disbeliever] outside of the Faith. So given this situation, how can we accept that they themselves will accept their imaginary Messiah? Hakam refers to the one who is a judge and rectifies errors. I had merely put forth the ever so slightest correction that [Jesus] the Messiah is dead and he will not return. The one to come is an Ummatī just as the Quran says منكم ]minkum from among you] and مِنْكُم is verily mentioned in Şahih al-Bukhārī and Muslim as well. Now they cannot let go of this error [of theirs], which clearly runs contrary to the grandeur of Islam and the great glory of the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him. They refuse to accept my verdict; nay rather, they wish to appoint themselves as the hakam over me! It is a pity that [according to them] I am a kāfir on account of this difference which is the primary source of life for Islam, yet they-despite even thousands of their dangerous disagree- ments are the quintessential Muslims! The Shias slander the sincere and devoted Companionsra of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and call them kāfir and apostates, yet in spite of that they are still the truest of the true. Now, let anyone decide with justice: What will the coming Hakam do when he comes in