The Need for the Imam — Page 17
D ar u rat-ul-Imam 17 veritable philosopher’s stone, for in his person Islam is revealed as a living religion. He is the pride of Is- lam and God’s conclusive proof for all the people. No one has the right to forsake him, for by the Will and Pleasure of God, he is the defender of the honour of Islam, the well-wisher of all Muslims and encom- passes the excellences of the faith like a circle. In every battle between Islam and unbelief, he alone is of real help. It is his holy breath that kills unbelief. He is the whole and the rest are his parts: 17 The Fourth power is high resolve, which is essential for the Imam of the age. Resolve means not to get tired under any condition or to lose hope or to slacken in one’s determination. Many a time, Prophets, Di- vine Messengers and Mu h addath i n 18 , who are the Imams of the age, are confronted with such trials and calamities, as if God Almighty has forsaken them and intends to destroy them. And many a time revelation and inspiration is suspended and they receive no reve- lation for a time. Many a time their prophecies appear 17 Persian couplet: He is like the whole and you are just a part, not the whole; You will perish if you break away from him. [Publishers] 18 Those who enjoy converse with God. [Publishers]