Way of The Seekers — Page 14
14 THE the purpose which underlines the coming of the Holy Prophet, the coming of the Promised Messiah, on both be peace. Perfect Man I now turn to the question, what do we mean by a perfect man? Every field of study has its central object. In medicine we seek a description and definition of the physically normal, healthy man. In the spiritual field we seek a description and definition of the spiritually perfect man. As I said just now, the first essential quality of a spiritually perfect man is that his relationship should be correct and right both with God, his Creator, and man, his fellow creatures. Both relationships should be right and correct. This is the definition of a perfect man laid down by the Promised Messiah (on him be peace). Relationship with fellow men bifurcates into two: (1) relationship with one’s own self. As the Holy Prophet (on whom be peace) clearly said: Thine own self has claims on thee. (2) Relationship with fellow creatures. Relationship with one’s own self further bifurcates into two aspects: (a) negative: safeguarding oneself against corrupt action and corrupt influences; and (b) positive: righteous conduct and seeking good influences. Relationship with fellow beings –both positive and negative –is of two types: (a) With other individuals; (b) With groups of individuals, classes, nations. Then there is also relationship with creatures other than human. All of these have positive and negative expressions. Relationship with God also has two sides, positive and negative. Negative means safeguarding oneself against the conduct which is likely to harm this relationship; and positive means pursuit of conduct which is likely to help promote this relationship. I now pass on to the important question: What is religious faith or a life of religious faith? This is a much misunderstood