Way of The Seekers — Page 114
114 THE By the time he was able to lie down in bed, he had actually developed fever. He had already allowed the class to leave. The story goes that the students on reaching home, suggested to their parents to visit the teacher and enquire about his health. Some of them repaired to his house to express their sympathy and concern. The teacher became convinced that he was seriously ill, so much so, that he rapidly grew worse and eventually died. This may only be a story but it has some truth in it. Modern western research shows that since the multiplication of patent medicines, the number of diseases has shot up. Exaggerated claims are made about these medicines. Each medicine is advertised as a panacea for a host of ills. The reader is easily led to believe that he is suffering at least from one of the listed diseases for which the medicine claims to provide a ready cure and he procures the medicine. His lively imagination then makes him actually ill. Therefore, one must not submit to imagination. Another matter that needs to be attended to, and which is of national and communal concern, giving currency to the notion of widespread corruption. There are people who are addicted to slander and spreading scandals about others. For instance they would declare: Everyone here is vicious and a crook. In the beginning, some people protest against the calumny and try to stamp it out; but gradually their protests become milder and they adopt a passive attitude. In the end they too begin to give credence to the calumny. So pay no heed to such derogatory propaganda or else the evil will also infect you. The Holy Prophet (on him be peace) has said: He who ascribes an evil to others, himself comes to suffer from it. Nations perish because of this evil. It is your duty to restrain those who spread scandals. A scandal-monger should be challenged to name the guilty person and furnish particulars, instead of condemning the entire nation or community. The Holy Prophet (on him be peace) has said: A person who condemns the nation on account of an evil from which it is