The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 125
IV - Treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah & its Magnificent Outcomes 125 Another fundamental point which must be remembered with relevance to miracles, the disregarding of which and on account of the interpolation of latter generations in most religions, has given rise to many false and concocted miracles, is that since the purpose of miracles is to produce faith or strengthen an existing faith and in the early stages of faith some veil of concealment is necessary, this is why the Holy Qur’ān has presented the principle of belief in the unseen, in the very beginning. 1 This is because belief no longer remains worthy of reward or praise, after clearly witnessing something. For this reason, the Sunnat of Allāh is such, that true miracles are never manifested in a manner which is fully conspicuous. Instead, a veil of secrecy is maintained from in one aspect or another. This is why, religious divines have not likened miracles to the radiant light of day, rather they have likened it to a moonlit night, with some clouds as well. In this case, on the one hand where such people who concentrate and contemplate can find their way, on the other, as for those people who are stubborn and crooked, their remains some room for doubt. 2 Albeit, at times, somewhat of a conspicuous state is produced in miracles which are shown to such people as have already surpassed the elementary stages of faith. However, this is a lengthy and intricate question which requires an elaborate discussion, for which there is no room in this brief and relevant note. In summary, the existence of miracles and signs is true. Moreover, Islām accepts them and asserts their manifestation in the era of every prophet and messenger. However, firstly, no miracle can contradict an unchangeable Sunnat of God or a promise, because if this was to occur, the world would fall to darkness and the Holy Qur’ān has utterly rejected miracles of this kind. 3 Secondly, miracles that are meant to be shown to disbelievers cannot be as conspicuous as the light of day, because this is against the principle of belief in the unseen, which has been presented very emphatically, even in the beginning of the Holy Qur’ān. 4 However, a miracle can occur within the confines of these two limits and have taken place in the time of every prophet. Furthermore, the truth is that if the door to such miracles is closed, the world would not be able to spiritually survive. 1 Al-Baqarah (2:4) 2 Barāhīn-e-Aḥmadiyyah, Part 5, Ruḥānī Khazā’in, Volume 21, pp. 43-44 3 Al-Aḥzāb (33:63), Āl-e-‘Imrān (3:10) 4 Al-Baqarah (2:4)