Malfuzat - Volume VIII — Page 14
Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 8 14 (Before ‘A s r) Recognition of a True Religion Mr Daniel, Headmaster of the Gujarat Mission School, visited the Promised Messiah, peace be on him. Some written questions were pre- sented that will be given written replies; various religions were men- tioned. The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, said: Religions are in a strange state these days. Every house is inventing a new religion, and the situation of a seeker is strange indeed. So now, the question naturally arises as to which reli- gion truly offers salvation to man. Each person will answer this in their own way. However, the correct response is to see how each religion deals with God. To what extent do His grandeur, power, and fear prevail over the heart? Man naturally hates evil and naturally loves that which is impressed upon the mind to be of benefit and a means of progress for him. For example, if a person wants to spend the night somewhere, and there is a snake there, he will refuse to stay there. Or, he will naturally hate to enter a village afflicted by the plague. He is attracted to that which is beneficial, and he hates that which is harmful. Thus, how can someone who truly holds the grandeur of God in his heart, believes Him to be the Benefactor, and wholly believes that violating His command- ments leads to his certain destruction, act contrary to the will of God despite such a viewpoint? If one chances upon a treasure trove of gold, he will inev- itably make an effort to take it. Hence, the crux of the matter is certainty and faith through which man can shun all vice and advance towards virtue. Now, how can one attain such certainty and faith? A true religion does not rely on mere anecdotes and stories for this certainty, because these stories are found in all religions. Why should we believe in the stories of Christ’s