The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 24
Seal of the Prophets - Volume III 24 lives of past prophets and the righteous, but do not possess the ability to comprehend the appropriateness of a situation either. They understand “goodness” to purport that man should not take part in worldly affairs at all, and if one is compelled to do so, no worldly plan be adopted; and if a worldly plan is required, then it should be administered in an exceedingly simple and silly manner and everything should be transparent in every instance, and no method of disguise or secrecy be employed. We concur, that if this is the name for “goodness”, then no doubt, various actions of the Holy Prophet sa become the targets of objection. The question, however, is whether this is truly the definition of “goodness”, and in light of this definition whether any prophet or reformer can be safe from such allegations? We do not need to look far, just take the example of the Messiah of Nazareth, who in this era has been set upon the throne of divinity by the advanced nations of Europe and America. They judge all good deeds by the measure of his actions and sayings. Is it not true, however, that when it was alleged that he was giving a teaching that was in opposition to the government of the time, stating that tax should not be paid to the government, in an attempt to make him worthy of reproach in the eyes of the government, instead of giving a transparent and straightforward answer he sent for a current coin? Upon viewing the image of the Caesar of Rome upon it, he said, “This is the image of Caesar. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be Gods. ” In this manner he gave an ambiguous answer and passed the question. 1 Similarly, it is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures that the Honorable Krishana (the holiest person from among the Hindus) and some of his holy companions, entered a king’s palace in disguise to murder him. In order to acquire retribution, they hid their actual identities and misled the thoughts of the people. 2 Similarly, it is mentioned in the books of the Sikhs that when Governor Gobind Ji, who was an extremely famous and distinct governor who has passed among the Sikhs, was besieged, he clothed another man similar in appearance to his own in his personal clothes, and seated him in his place. He left in the outfit of a Muslim pilgrim with some of his companions, leaving the invaders in their ignorance. 3 If these religious leaders can be deemed pure and holy despite such actions, then how can an allegation be raised against the Holy Prophet sa for adopting a perfectly 1 Luke 20:19-26, Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17 2 Yugishwar Krishan, written by Pandit Jamu Pati, pp. 86-87 3 Pinth Parkash, written by Giyani Giyan Singh, pp. 207