Way of The Seekers — Page 98
98 THE trust in God. The symbolic rejection safeguards against the evil effects of satanic dreams. Similarly the recitation of Lahaul shields us from the consequences of divine warning. By reciting " Lahaul ," we completely surrender ourselves to God and thus escape His wrath. This twofold treatment should dispel all fear. Behold, how beautifully the Holy Prophet (on him be peace) has secured the faithful against surrendering to fear. This brief exposition would mark the difference between Al-Ghazali's view and the view of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). Now I shall revert to the appropriate remedies for the treatment of those who are spiritually sick and are incapable of moral action, having failed despite effort. But let me first re- move one misconception. It may be asked: If such persons are incapable of right action, what benefit could such remedial advice bring them? First, unless and until, right action becomes a physical impossibility, salvation lies in trying and continuing to try to do right. In case such action does in fact become a physical impossibility, purity may be achieved without action. For example, the insane are incapable of performing moral actions. For such, the Holy Prophet (on him be peace) has said there will be provided opportunities. Actions are of two kinds: those that can be performed in all conditions, and those that cannot be performed in certain conditions of the heart. The latter category are related to thought and emotions. The former are never impossible, for they are external in nature. For instance, no one can say that he or she cannot perform the external act of prayer. But a person could no doubt say that it is not possible for him to ban- ish illicit love from his heart. Thus there are these two cate- gories of actions, those involving the emotions, and those not involving the emotions. We know how physical ailments are treated. When the doctor prescribes physical exercise for a weak patient who is