Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) — Page 135
POSTSCRIPT—RESPONSE TO SOME CRITICS' OBJECTIONS 135 by God Himself and demonstrated in reality perfectly in all its glorious colours is as much opposed to reason as it is contrary to the experi- ence of the seekers after God. The misconception that some ignorant people entertain that Tauḥīd is enough for salvation, and it is not necessary to believe in a Prophet—as if they seek to separate the soul from the body—is entirely due to the blindness of their hearts. It is obvious that whereas the true belief in the Oneness of God can only be established through a Prophet, and without him it is unimaginable and unattainable, it cannot possibly be attained without believing in a Prophet. If a Prophet, who is the root of Tauḥīd, is excluded from belief, how can Tauḥīd be sustained? A Prophet alone is the cause of Tauḥīd and is the creator of Tauhid and the father of Tauḥid and the fountainhead of Tauhid and the perfect manifestation of Tauhid. It is through him that the hidden countenance of God is manifested, and it is realized that God exists. The fact of the matter is that on the one hand, the Being of the One True God of Glory is absolutely Independent and Self-Sufficient; He is not in need of anyone becoming guided or going astray. On the other, by His nature He desires that He should be known and people should benefit from His eternal mercy. Therefore, of all the hearts of earth's dwellers, He manifests Himself to the heart which is charged to the highest degree with the natural ability of attaining love and near- ness to the Holy One, and is endowed by nature with utmost sympa- thy for mankind; and God displays the light of His Being and eternal attributes to it. In this manner, the person who possesses such a special and superior nature, who is called a Prophet in other words, is drawn towards Him. Then the Prophet, because he is highly charged with sympathy for mankind, desires—through his spiritual inclination, sup- plication, and humility—that others too should know the God who has appeared to him so that they may attain salvation. He sincerely offers the sacrifice of his own self before God and, out of the desire