Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) — Page 809
CHAPTER ONE IN AL-ISTIFTA' 809 in my attire except his light and rays. Were he not there, I would not be anything worthy of mention, nor [even] be named. Every Prophet is recognized on the basis of his beneficence. Imagine how lofty is the spiritual station of our Holy Prophets who is the great- est of all the Prophets. He is greater than them in beneficence and his spiritual station is loftier and higher than all of them. What worth is a religion whose light does not illumine any heart, whose elixir does not quench any thirst, whose appearance does not have a profound impact upon the hearts, and which does not possess any praiseworthy fea- ture that clinches the argument when quoted? What worth is a faith that does not distinguish a believer from the one who disbelieves and rejects, as though he who enters it is just like the one who leaves it, and no difference can be seen between them? Of what worth is a religion that does not bring death upon the base desires of the living one nor gives him a new life? God becomes his who devotes himself to God entirely; this has been His way among the peoples of the past. A Prophet who lacks the quality of bestowing grace upon others possesses no firm argument to establish his truthfulness, nor can he be recognised by anyone who comes to him. His case is like a shepherd who does not provide fresh leaves and water for his flock but instead restrains them from water and pasture. You are well aware that our Religion [of Islam] is a living faith and our Holy Prophetsa raises the dead to life. His advent brought great blessings like heavy rain from the clouds. No religion dares to com- pete with it [Islam] in regard to these magnificent features. Other than this resplendent Faith, there is no religion that removes the burden of a person's veil, or brings him to the edifice of Allah and its door. Only he who is blind can doubt these [excellences of Islam]. People conspired to draw their swords from their sheaths against this servant of God. In reply, the Lord of Creation advanced forth to fight against them. Consequently, some were cut off, some disgraced, and some-in accordance with His warning-were granted reprieve until the time destined for their punishment. For their part, they had