Muhammad The Great Exemplar — Page 32
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad 32 wrong had disappeared and acts of impiety drew pride instead of shame. Though born during this terrible epoch, the Holy Prophet sa set upon the task of bringing reform to a nation that exceeded all others in sin and evil. His people knew no form of governance and took the greatest pride in the absence of law and order. Yet the Holy Prophet sa suffused them with the breath of his pure spirit. But as is always the way, that which is considered unpalatable is met with resistance, and so the Prophet sa also encountered vehement opposition. However, he continued his mission with patience and fortitude and paid no heed to these hostilities. He was beaten and hurled with invectives yet still remained steadfast, unable only to tolerate a world lost to transgression. And so, one by one, he won over the hearts [of his enemies] in a contest that would last for many years. Numerous resolute souls would relent, but the Holy Prophet sa remained firm throughout. Much like water which flows from a mountain peak and forges a path through supple patches of ground, creating a steep incline from which to surge in a steady stream, the Holy Prophet sa , through his good example and eloquent speech, strived to reform the world until a day came when people were convinced of his piety. A new soul was awakened within the spiritually dead; those who slept were touched by the