Malfuzat - Volume VIII — Page 65
27 October 1905 65 Bai‘at is Incomplete without Steadfastness A person performed the Bai‘at [Pledge of Allegiance]. The Promised Messiah as said: May God bestow steadfastness. Steadfastness can be attained through the ability bestowed upon one by God Almighty. The Bai‘at is incomplete unless it is also accompanied by steadfast- ness. When man advances toward God, he has to face many trials and storms along the way. He cannot reach the desired destination unless he passes through them. It is not possible to ascertain the state of a person’s steadfastness when peace abounds because everyone is happy and ready to be friends in times of peace and comfort. Steadfast is the one who bears all trials. All Evils Arise from Unending Desires Look at the death of Maulaw i ‘Abdul-Kar i m, may Allah have mercy on him, and ponder over it. The suddenness with which death befell him should serve as admonishment. Everyone must understand that this day will come at some time. Everyone should remain prepared for it. Reflecting and pondering over these things makes a person a true believer. When a person inclines towards the world and takes on many worldly pur- suits, an unending desire is born. All evils arise from unending desires. Attaining purity of heart is difficult for anyone who thinks that life is long and entertains great hopes and says that he will do this and he will do that. A believer should sleep at night and not expect to wake up in the morning; if he wakes up in the