Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 36
36 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. Distinction Amongst Castes The various castes are no cause of honour. God Almighty has only made these castes a means of recognition. In these days, even after four generations, it be- comes difficult to confirm a person's lineage. It does not behove a righteous per- son to fall into disputes over caste. Allah the Exalted has decreed that castes are no means of preference in His estimation. True honour and greatness comes from righteousness alone. Who Are the Righteous? The Word of God states that the righteous are those who walk with humility and modesty, and do not speak arrogantly. They speak as though they were a lowly person addressing their senior. In any case, we should act in a manner that brings about our prosperity. None can claim a monopoly over Allah Almighty, for He desires righteousness alone. One who adopts righteousness shall attain a lofty sta- tus. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or Abraham, on whom be peace, did not receive honour by any inheritance. Although we be- lieve that Abdullah, the revered father of the Holy Prophet, peace: and blessings of Allah be upon him, was not an idolater, but it was not on this account that the Prophet of Islam was conferred his prophethood. Prophethood was endowed to him by divine grace due to the virtues present in his nature. This is what drew in God's grace. It was sincerity and righteousness which led Abraham, on whom be peace, the Father of the Prophets, to sacrifice his son without hesitation. Even he himself was cast into a fire. Just reflect upon the sincerity and devotion of our Chief and Master, Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The Holy Prophets stood firm against all forms of evil. He bore diverse trials and tribulations, but did not care in the least. It was this sincer- ity and devotion which moved Allah the Exalted to shower His grace. It is for this reason that He states: 1 al-Hujurat, 49:14