Lecture Sialkot — Page 57
L ECTURE S IALKOT 57 because the Plague too is caused by a germ, though earlier physicians did not know it. But God—Who is the Knower of the unknown—knew that the real cause of the Plague is a germ which comes out of the earth. That is why it was named D a bbatul Ar d , i. e. , the worm of the earth. It was only when this sign of Divine chastisement appeared and thousands of lives were lost in the Punjab and a dreadful earthquake devastated this land, that some people came to their senses and, in a short time, about two hundred thou- sand people pledged allegiance at my hand and this process is ongoing. Since the Plague has not yet re- lented, and also because it has come as a sign, there is no hope that this pestilence will leave this country any time soon, unless a majority of the people bring about in themselves a change for the better. This land, there- fore, closely resembles the land of Noah as , for no one believed after witnessing heavenly signs while thou- sands pledged allegiance after seeing the sign of Divine chastisement. Past Prophets as have also spoken about the sign of the Plague. It is also recorded in the Gospels that a pestilence will break out when the Promised Messiah appears. Wars which are currently being fought have likewise been mentioned. Repent, therefore, O’ Muslims, for you see that every year the Plague is separating you from your dear ones. Turn to God so that He too may incline towards