The Truth About Salvation — Page 14
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad 14 because a university’s purpose is not to have their students answer every single question, but to build on their skills. A student passes when their proficiency has reached a certain level. Divine laws are similar to this, in that God Almighty sets out rules so that people may develop the capacity to build a relationship with Him. For example, the purpose of salat is not to perform certain postures, but rather the purification of a person. The purpose of fasting is not to enter a state of hunger, but to increase in righteousness. Similarly, all such requirements of faith fulfil a deeper function. When a person performs them up to a point that the relevant strengths and capacities are inculcated within them, they are deemed to have passed the test. Again, turning to the example of universities, these institutions set certain pass marks, be it 40, 60, or 80 per cent, and those students who attain these scores are successful in their exams. In a similar vein, when it comes to matters of the divine law, the capabilities produced within a person are taken into account. Christians ask: Does not every commandment of the law which emanates from God Almighty, deserve its due adherence? In the context of a university exam, however, they do not demand similar requirements of answering each question perfectly. The fact is, just as