How to be Free from Sin — Page 16
16 religion whose Maulaw i s issue such edicts! All this is the work of egotistic people who falsely attribute such teach- ings to God and His Messenger. They must bear the burden of all the sins that are being committed by igno- rant Muslims. They are like wolves in sheep’s clothing, deceiving the people, and they are a poison but feign to be a wonderful antidote. They harbour malice towards Islam and God’s creatures and their hearts are devoid of com- passion and sympathy, but they pretend otherwise. Their sermons are misleading and calculated to serve their own selfish ends. They come into mosques masquerading as holy men whilst concealing their sinful character. This is not specific to any country, city or sect. The Muslim world is rife with those who call themselves ulema, attire themselves as Maulaw i s, and try to assume a spiritual countenance in order to appear godly, but their deeds be- tray their true nature and character. They do not desire piety or compassion to spread in the world, for this would go against their own interests. Thus Islam is now entrenched in difficulties. Most hearts are dead and there is no perceptible movement towards righteousness. The path of moderation has been aban- doned, and there is even a sect which worships at shrines and performs circuits— T aw a f— around them as is done around the Ka‘bah. They believe that the souls of their de- parted saints are omnipotent and that this power has been transferred to them by God. The majority of shrines are built around graves which the custodians expect their fol- lowers to worship. If a miracle is asked for, thousands of