Three in One — Page 280
His word. The Holy Quran contains strong evidence of the practical demonstration of God allowing His mercy to excel His wrath by withdrawing His decree of punishment. An example of this may be found in His treatment of the people of Nineveh. . It is clearly stated in the Holy Quran that Hadhrat Jonahªs was sent as a Messenger unto the people of Nineveh who initially rejected the message of God on account of which He decreed a specific time and date for the destruction of these people. . Hadhrat Jonahas himself, was so convinced that this Divine prophecy in relation to the destruction of 'one hundred thousand or more people' would be fulfilled to the letter that he migrated 16 and waited at some distance for the news of. Nineveh's destruction. But, according to the Holy Quran, when the people of this city turned to God with genuine remorse, extreme repentance and supplication for mercy, God revoked. His decree and looked upon them with mercy. The Holy Quran states in relation to their eventual fate: 'When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in the present life. '17. Would Abdul Hafeez now care to argue against the prophethood of Hadhrat Jonahas since his Divinely inspired prophecy was not fulfilled as anticipated by man, because God decreed otherwise and spared the people of Nineveh the punishment of disgrace because they believed? Incidentally,. Hadhrat Jonahas was a man of great piety and intense faith. He realised his error and sought forgiveness from further distress. 118. However, had Abdul Hafeez been in Hadhrat Jonah's as shoes, he would have tarried in the belly of the fish until Doomsday since it is unlikely that he would have realised his mistake and sought forgiveness for his misunderstanding of God way. . In the light of these facts of religious history, one would proceed to study the prophecies of Hadhrat Ahmad as which. Abdul Hafeez, in his ignorance, argues were proved wrong. 16. ibid. , 21. 88 17. Ibid. , 10. 99 280 18. Ibid. , 21. 89