Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 202
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 10 202 just this issue that dreams are seen by sinners and disbelievers as well as by Prophets, both share the commonality by way of similarity of kind, so what, then, is the distinguishing feature between the dreams and revelations of Prophets and those of disbelievers? Has Allah created a criterion to judge between the two or not? This is a religious task. He may come to investigate this. It is also something meriting reward from Allah. Remember that in both these types [dreams and revela- tions] the distinguishing hallmark [between the Prophets and disbelievers] according to the Holy Quran, is the prophetic content that is beyond human capabilities and comprises news of the unseen in an extraordinary manner. Miracles are of two types. The first [type] are those that are shown right away, like the staff of Moses as. The second [type of miracles] are in the form of elucidation of subtleties of knowl- edge, and in the form of the prophecies that comprise informa- tion from the realm of the unseen. The first type of miracles are such that they silence the opponents but are not meant for last- ing and permanent effect—rather, they are commensurate with the immediate exigencies. They do not serve as a proof or argu- ment for the later generations because people do not get any intellectual benefit. The latter type of miracles are in the form of [elucidation of ] knowledge and are long lasting and meant for people of all times. The more man ponders and dives deeply into them, the greater their grandeur and majesty becomes. And with the passage of time their lustre and grandeur keeps increasing—their greatness does not diminish. Thus, the miracles of our Prophet s as fall into this second category. Thirteen hundred years have elapsed. The world has reached its pinnacle with regard to [material] progress. New fields of knowledge and science have emerged. Yet, no one has been able to show any flaw in the teachings of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor did the stature