Malfuzat - Volume VIII — Page 149
Lecture Ludhiana 149 they offer their Prayers and perform sundry other religious rites, but all this is mere lip service; what is needed is an inner transformation which is the kernel and essence of Islam. What I know is that no one can be a true believer and a Muslim unless the colour and complexion of Ab u Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali—may Allah be pleased with them all—develops within him. They did not love this world. They had devoted their lives entirely to the way of God Almighty. Today whatever is done is for this world alone. Man is so engrossed in worldly pursuits that no room is left for God Almighty. If someone is engaged in commerce, it is for the sake of the world. The same is the case for one involved in construc- tion, so much so that even Prayers and Fasts are observed for the sake of the world. Everything is done to attain the nearness of those engrossed in the world, but no heed is paid to religion. Now, everyone should reflect on whether the purpose of acknowledging and accepting Islam was limited to what has come to be understood or was it something loftier? What I know is that a true believer is made pure and assumes the complexion of angels. As he gets closer and closer to Allah the Exalted, he hears His voice and is reassured by it. Let each one of you ask himself whether he has attained this station. I say truly that you have become content with only the husk and the crust, whereas this is of no value. What God Almighty wants is the kernel. Thus, just as the purpose of my mission is to counter the external attacks against Islam, so it is to develop within the Muslims a true understanding of Islam and to infuse them with its true spirit. Today, worldly icons occupy a place of honour in the hearts of Muslims instead of God Almighty; their hopes and desires are all geared toward them, and their quarrels and agreements are all for this world. I want these idols to be demolished, the glory and majesty of Allah the Exalted to be established in their