Chosen Saints of God and the Bigoted Mullas — Page 5
But the Chosen Ones of God always remain firm and do not shirk in their resolutions. As a matter of fact the more disasters they face, the more resolute they become in their behaviour and continue to plod on in their paths of virtue. The more hardships they face the more steadfast they become in their missions; the more they are threatened the more anxious they appear to meet the threats undaunted. In the end they surmount all difficulties, overcome all obstacles and emerge out successfully from the dark clouds of trials and on the strength of their fidelity and truthfulness they gain success and are crowned with glory and honour. All the odium, the denunciations and the casting of aspersions by the ignorant theologians fade away like the water-bubble as if their disparagements have carried no weight at all. . In short the prophets and the saints are no exception to trials and tribulations. As a matter of fact they have to face these much more than any other person. It is only the strength of their faith and the power of fidelity and endurance that can stand these tests. . The general public and the man in the street do not recognise and understand God. And they also fail to recognise the special favourites of God. They fail to appreciate the true worth of the saints when they are undergoing trials and rush to a hasty conclusion by looking only at one side of the picture. The simpletons are not aware of the fact that God does not prune the trees that He has planted to destroy them. He does the pruning so that the trees may grow more rapidly and flower profusely and bear plentiful fruits. . To state it more concisely, it is of the utmost importance that, in order to give them a training and to make them spiritually perfect, it is necessary that prophets and saints must face a period of trials. For this group trials serve like a uniform of godly soldiers so that they may be easily recognised". (Sabz. Ishtihaar-Green Handbill: p. 11-14). Discussing the philosophy of trials the Promised Messiah threw more light on the subject in a subtle and very scholarly. He said, "It has been the experience of millions of holy men that blessings of God descend upon those who follow manner. 5