The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 221
THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND MAHDI their destructive power. The second point he made was that in the future mankind will turn to or adopt some form of the higher religions. He did not specify as to which of higher religions, he was referring to. As to the first point of Toynbee, his later writings show that he was not sure about it. He wrote about the danger and fearful possibility of cataclysmic end of western civilisation by nuclear war. . If such an event happens, it will be a great tragedy for mankind. It is the duty of all nations with nuclear weapons to do their utmost to avoid a nuclear war. This object cannot be achieved unless all nuclear weapons are destroyed. The achievement of the western world in science, technology, material advancement and well being of man in the last two centuries are simply fantastic and amazing and greater than any civilisation in the past. The new and rapid modes of travel and transport, revolutionary advances in telecommunication and computers have brought the world together like one city. . Advances in agriculture and health sciences are on the verge of eradicating hunger and famine and most diseases all over the world. . Man near the end of 20th century is looking towards new horizons in heavens by exploration of space. . Are we going to destroy what we have achieved? Western nations could not have achieved their great material progress on their own, if God, the Gracious had not blessed their appropriate efforts with guidance and success. As we learn from the history of past civilisations, the material progress, riches and affluence, unbalanced by corresponding spiritual health and progress often result in downfall and tragedy. To avoid tragedy we must all turn to Allah, the. Gracious and Merciful, Lord of the Universe and Bestower of peace and security and Master of all reward and punishment. 221