Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 375
2 May 1908 375 of regard for the Kingdom of God nor do they have full trust in the power of God. Regard for self-interest is good only to an extent, but where it endangers one’s faith, no considerations should be given to it. However, my experience shows that the government does not interfere in religion. Look, how many books I have written against the Christians and how forcefully have I refuted their false beliefs! Nevertheless, it is a great tribute to this government that it has not expressed any displeasure. One’s own weakness is the real culprit. Otherwise, the government does not interfere in reli- gious matters at all. Look, just consider this case against me and how justly and honestly it was decided. An arrest warrant was issued from Amritsar requiring a bail of 40,000 rupees. It was the providence of God that it was left on the books and the judge learned afterwards that he was not even authorized to issue it in the first place! But Allah’s control, which always manifests itself in a variety of ways for those He sends into the world, helped me even at that perilous time. The petition was then suddenly transferred to the court of the Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur. He did not issue any warrant. He asked for me [to appear before him] and treated me with great respect and honour. My purpose in pointing out this incident is only that, firstly, the government is not influenced—favourably or adversely— on account of religious considerations; it only does whatever is the demand of justice and honesty. And, secondly, that the bond with God is such a thing that, due to its blessings, one is comforted in every adversity and delivered from every calamity. When a man becomes devoted to God, God shows him defer- ence in every matter. Those people who are engrossed wholly in the cares and concerns of this world, and remain oblivious to God, do not merit being called believers. A believer is one