Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 192
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 10 192 Truth about the Gopis of Krishna Maulawi Abu Rahmat submitted, ‘Huzoor! The meaning of “Krishan” according to their lexicons is the light that illuminates the world slowly and gradually. One who effaces the darkness of ignorance is called ‘Krishna’. ” The Promised Messiah as said: There is the very well-known reference regarding him [Krishna] of having numerous gopis [milk-maids]. I think the truth about it is that the ummah is likened also unto a woman. Thus, the example of this is also found in the Holy Quran, as it says: 1 اخل. . . َبَرَض ُهّٰللا اًلَثَم َنْيِذَّلِّل اوُنَمٰا َتَاَرْما َنْوَعْرِف َبَرَض ُهّٰللا اًلَثَم َنْيِذَّلِّل اوُنَمٰا َتَاَرْما َنْوَعْرِف This is an extremely fine metaphor of a very subtle nature. The ummah possesses the potential of rectitude and through the connection with a Prophet, great fountains of knowledge, insights, and blessings develop. The sincere interaction between a Prophet and his ummah brings about such results that enable divine blessings and mercy to be absorbed. I believe this is the reality that lies hidden behind the narration regarding Krishna and the milk-maids. Maulawi Abu Rahmat submitted, ‘The meanings of Gopi are also as follows: Go means ‘earth’ and pi means ‘the one who nurtures’; that is, the disciples of Krishna were pure-natured, kind-hearted people who nurtured and took care of the creatures of Allah. ’ 1. And Allah sets forth for those who believe the example of the wife of Pharaoh… ( S u rah at-Ta h r i m, 66:12). [Publisher]