Claims and Teachings - Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 258
258 than the keenest sword, not that which depends upon steel for its existence, Such are the evils that call for a Eeformer. Casting a glance at the internal state of Islam, we meet with sad disappointment. It is a ghastly picture. The sun has undergone an eclipse, the greater part being already darkened. The social relations of the Muslims are deplorable. Traditions have been fabricated that act like poison upon their moral conditions and break the Divine laws. The most sacred rights which Divine law has given to man are those relating to life, property and honour. We are commanded not to kill man, no to commit an outrage upon his honour, and not to seize his property dishonestly. But some Muhammadans have broken all these commandments. They take away the life of an innocent person and never shudder at the inhumane deed. Empty-headed Maulvis have circulated fatwas to the effect that it is lawful to seduce or seize the women of unbelievers or heretics, and to steal or misappropriate their properties. How dangerous is the condition of the religion that is full of so many evils, and whose pretended religious leaders^ instead of acting- in obedience to the dictates of their conscience, follow their sensual desires and palm off their own erroneous views as holy doctrines taught by G-od and His Prophet. These are wolves in lamb's clothing and deceive the people. They act like poison and say they are an antidote. They are an enemy to society and an enemy to Islam. Their hearts are void of grace and sym- pathy but they conceal themselves. They put on the mask of preachers but have in view the indulgence of their own carnal desires. They come into mosques like saints, but their character is black with diabolic deeds. These infamous characters are not limited to aDy particular country or town or sect, but may be