Guidance for Perceiving Minds — Page 39
39 of al-Baq a ’ [eternal life]. How can someone shrouded in thick darkness dispel darkness itself ? How can they rouse someone who slumbers upon the couches of pleasure? The truth is that the kings of this time have no connection with spiritual matters. Allah has diverted their endeavours to physical policies, and under some divine wisdom has appointed them to support the superficial [matters] of religion and restricted their focus to political matters. So, what relation do they have with the essence and truth [of religion]? Their obligations are nothing more than that they should be well organised to protect the borders of Islam, guard the physical frontiers of the land and shield it from the clutches of vile enemies. As for the inner beings of the people, cleansing them from impurities, saving them from the evil of the deceitful whisperer, and protecting them from afflictions through determination and supplications, is a matter beyond the power and pursuits of the kings, as it is not hidden from those endowed with reason. The reins of sovereignty was not entrusted in the hands of the sultans except to protect the Islamic image from the oppression of the devils, and not to purify souls and enlighten the blind. The extent of their effort was to ensure taxes were paid to them, either by force or by consent, and such offices were estab- lished for calculating number of lands, and to establish a military force similar to the enemy, and to set up a regiment for internal political affairs, enforcing rules, judiciary matters, and execut- ing orders. If you ask them to undertake the service of reforming souls, refining morals, and rescuing people from the delusions of the priests, then that surpasses their ambitions and intellects. This [service] is a lofty beacon far superior than their constructions.