Signs of the Living God — Page 3
3 various religions, to the extent that it is difficult to find even a single issue on which they are agreed, yet still they are united in the belief that a prophet is to appear in the latter days. The signs mentioned for his advent are all being fulfilled in this age. Unfortunately, despite the circumstances, need of the age and the combined testimony of all religions, people have made little effort to recognise the prophet of this time whom Allah the Exalted has sent from the heavens just when he was most required. Instead, it seems the world awaits a prophet who will descend from on high flanked by angels, and for whom God Almighty will testify with a thunderous voice that will be heard at once throughout the world; a prophet who has paradise to his right and hell to his left, and who has the power of fate and destiny in his hands. If this is the case, this desire will never be fulfilled. No such prophet has come before, nor will such a prophet appear in the future. It is always human beings who are sent as messengers for the guidance of their fellow people. One species cannot serve as a model for another, whereas the prophets come into the world as exemplars for others. They do not descend from heaven, rather they are born on earth from the wombs of their mothers just like any other human being. A prophet who does not follow in the abiding practice of his predecessors can