Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 431
4 May 1908 431 Those who adopt the path of piety, righteousness, and purity are with Allah, and always fear disobedience. These days, living a hypocritical life has become the univer- sal rule of the world. It begins with people deceiving people and they become complicit in a hypocritical manner although their hearts are filled with malice, anguish, and rancour. Then, this habit, growing steadily, reaches such a height that he even desires a hypocritical bond with God Almighty and seeks to deceive God even though he knows that God is ٌۢمْيِلَع ِتاَذِب ِرْوُدُّصلا ٌۢمْيِلَع ِتاَذِب ِرْوُدُّصلا —the Knower of what is concealed within the hearts. He is not a true believer but tries to masquerade him- self as a believer before God. Can God be duped by anyone? Absolutely not! Behold! Righteousness is such a precious item that for the sake of just one pious person, Allah Almighty bestows mercy upon others as well, and it also has an impact upon his family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances. In the very same way, if the perpetration of sin, crime, and deception occurs, it also has an effect. In short, to fear God Almighty and to be righteous is a mag- nificent feat. As a result of it, God shields [one] from thousands of calamities, and except for it, one does not fall under the pro- tection of God Almighty. No one can claim immunity from affliction, nor should anyone feel secure. Calamities descend without warning. What knowledge does anyone possess of what is to come when night falls? The Instruction of Istighfar It is recorded that once the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless- ings of Allah be upon him, stood up. He wept profusely and then, addressing the people, said that O servants of Allah! Fear