Life of the Promised Messiah — Page 110
110 knowledge of divine truths and the verities of faith can understand that the living spirit which underpins all forms of prophethood, spiritual leadership and saint- hood, and the key to all success is steadfastness. And the root of this steadfastness is the faith and certainty that a pious man possesses in the words and promis- es of God. It is this very steadfastness or belief in the words of God which for the Holy Prophet sa , our Chief and Master—who came to guide a people that were struck by misfortune—served as a torch in the dark and dreadful nights of Mecca, and ultimately lead him to the bright and brilliant days of life in Medina, and made his holy person a perfect example of success for all times. Then came the dark hour when the Prophet of Islam, the Sun of Truth, hid his countenance, and panic ensued, be it among the most prominent of com- panions or others, and when many sagacious and far- sighted individuals were apprehensive and perplexed as regards the appropriate course of action. This was a time when Hazrat Ali ra , the Lion of Allah—dubbed a hero of distinct rank by the Prophet of Islam—could not leave the body of his deceased master, and was pow- erless to step out of the home. Indeed, at such a time it was this very steadfastness which stood by Hazrat Abu Bakr, the greatest among the Truthful, may Allah be pleased with him, the second Adam of Islam, and he