Proceedings of the Prayer Meeting — Page 34
34 pleasure of worldly rulers. For, in the Holy Book of the Muslims, the Lord of heaven and earth has strictly enjoined us to fulfil the rights of men after fulfilling the rights of Allah, and has declared that sympathy for mankind leads to His pleasure and favour. He has commanded us to be compassionate towards all, regardless of their religion, race, or whether they be of the East or the West. In light of this, sympathy with our benefactor who protects our rights becomes all the more necessary. Can be there be any bene- factor and well-wisher greater than this British Government that has helped the Muslims on a number of occasions and, having delivered them from gruelling hardships, provided them with a haven of peace and security? The donation made by this poor Jama’at was too insignifi- cant vis-a`-vis our great Government. Nevertheless, this gener- ous Government accepted it with great respect and, moreover, expressed its pleasure over it. Fortunate are those who pay due regard to the prerequisites of subject-ruler relationship by sharing the joy and grief of the rulers of the time. And how generous and magnificent is the Government that regards humble donations and greetings of its subjects with such respect and honour! What can be more encouraging than the fact that His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, with all his titles, sent a receipt in appre- ciation of a paltry sum of five hundred rupees. Moreover, His Excellency, the Governor General, Viceroy, with all his titles, and the Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab expressed their pleasure and gratitude to His Holiness—the Noble Imam, the Guide of the People—for sending a congratulatory telegraph on the British victory in South Africa. So, this Government deserves our grat- itude at all events. May God Almighty prolong the rule of this