The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 6
6. Essence of Islam-IV decreed but he left behind the pious memory that he preferred death to the use of liquor. People have recourse to every kind of device in order to escape death but he preferred death to disobedience of God. . Sad indeed is the plight of some Nawābs and some wealthy and affluent people who, during their brief span of life, set at naught God and His commandments, sever all relationships with Him and disobey. Him openly and use liquor like water. Thus they not only lead sinful lives but also cut down their days on earth and die quickly in consequence of various fearful disorders and leave behind an ill example for coming generations. . In short, when my great grandfather died he was succeeded by his talented son, my grandfather Mirzā 'Aṭā Muḥammad. During his time, in God's wisdom, the Sikhs overcame him after a struggle. My late grandfather had recourse to various devices for the safeguarding of his estate but as the Divine decree was not favourable he failed of his purpose and none of his projects were fulfilled and the Sikhs gradually deprived him of all his estate, leaving him in occupation of Qādiān alone. Qādiān at that time was like a citadel with four towers, which were manned by soldiers and a few cannons. It was surrounded by a wall twenty-two feet high and wide enough for three carts being driven along it side by side. It came to pass that a party of Sikhs known as Rām Gārhias obtained entrance into Qādiān by permission and then treacherously took possession of it. At that time our family