So Said The Promised Messiah (as) — Page 66
ing the good of this world. Moreover the words hasanatu- ddunya draw our attention to all the best means of the acqui- sition of the good of this world that a believer is expected to use in his worldly affairs. You should acquire the worldly gains through such means as are good in themselves and not the means that put others to hardships; these means should also not bring any shame for you. The acquisition of the worldly gains in this way will definitely become the cause of pod in the next world. (Malfoozat Vol. II, p. 91) DO NOT SIT HANDSFOLDED You should remember that he who dedicates his life for the cause of God doe~ not become slack nor does he sit down handsfolded. No. Never. Rather such a person becomes more energetic and cleverer than ever before. Slackness does not touch him in the least. Amaar bin Khuzaina reports in the Hadees that Hazrat Umar (may God be pleased with him) asked his father what had stopped him from planting trees in his garden. The father replied th:at it was old age and he felt that he would die soon. Hazrat Umar (may God be pleased with him) told him that he must plant the trees. Then he (Amaar) saw that Hazrat Umar joined hands with his father and planted trees in the land. The Holy Prophet, sallallaho alaihi wa sallam, always sought refuge of Allah against slackness. I say it to you re- peatedly that you should never become slack. God does not say that you should not work for the achievement of the worldly things, rather, He has taught the prayer to ask for the Hasanatud-Dunya (the good of this world). God does not like that anyone should sit down handsfolded. He says: Laisa lil insani ilia ma sa-aa i. e. the man will not have except what he strives for. The 66