Lecture Ludhiana — Page 41
41 collective example of one hundred and twenty four thousand prophets. And I know that this belief is not part of the Muslim faith only, but also of the Jews and Christians, as well as the Hindus. To my mind, no one in this whole wide world denies it. This shows beyond doubt that Allah is sometimes pleased to avert the impending doom. The difference between a prophecy and Divine Will is that a prophecy is communicated to a prophet, whereas no one is apprised of the Will of God. That remains a secret. The self-same Will of God when communicated through a prophet, becomes a prophecy. If a prophecy cannot be averted, the Will of God, too, cannot be averted through charity and alms-giving. But such an inference would be totally false, since prophecies pertaining to warning can be averted as is clear from the verse: 29 God Himself testifies that some of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet sa were also averted. How then can you justify your objections against any of my prophecies. Any attempt on your part to reject me on this ground, will amount to rejecting God. I reiterate with full confidence that all the Ahl-i-Sunnah , as indeed the entire world, are one on this universally accepted principle that humble and remorseful supplication to God can ward off the impend- ing doom. Have you forgotten what happened in the case 29 ‘But if he is truthful, then some of that which he threatens you with will, surely , befall you. ’ (40:29) [Translator]