Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV — Page 82
BarĀhĪn-e-a H madiyya — Part Four 82 and advice. Rather, to remove such passions he is in need of a coun- sellor who commands the respect of the listener, is venerable, truthful in his speech, perfect in his knowledge, and trustworthy of fulfilling his promises; and furthermore, has the power to achieve that which inspires awe, hope, or comfort in the listener’s heart. For, it is mani- festly evident and obvious that man often finds himself in a situation where, although he really considers a sin to be a sin, or regards an action that is incompatible with steadfastness and patience to be contrary to steadfastness, yet the veil of negligence or the shock of sudden grief afflicts his heart. That veil is removed only when some other person, whose greatness, reverence, and truthfulness is established in his heart, admonishes him and urges him to do good or warns him, or comforts or satisfies him, in accordance with the situation. And his speech has such a marvellous impact that even though he presents the same argu- ments that are already known to the listener, he transforms a staggering one to be ready for action, an inactive one to be active, a weak one to be strong, and a disturbed one to be contented. All of these matters are such that a wise man would himself admit that he needs them when he finds himself in a situation of being overpowered by his ego and afflicted with anxiety. Rather, those whose souls are highly refined, seekers after truth, and those whose hearts are disgusted at the very onset of the turbidity and sordidness of sin, implore like a sick man for such treatment themselves when they are in situations where they are overpowered by their egos, so that they might be cured of their internal constriction by hearing some words of inspiration or warning, or by listening to some words of satisfaction and comfort flowing from the tongue of some man of God. In short, it is certainly inherent within human nature that how- ever knowledgeable and learned a man may be, his own words alone can never affect him as do those of others in times of calamity and arousal of carnal passion. For instance, if someone faces a disaster or is mourning the loss of a life, although he is aware that this world is not a place of permanent happiness and peace, nor is it everlasting, times