Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 191
191 interference in issues relating to what was lawful and unlawful for the Muslims. There was a case relating to a cow, where on one instance, 5,000 poor Muslims were executed. There is an incident that took place in Batala. There was a Syed who lived there. When he stepped out of his home, there was a herd of cows. He slightly moved one of the cows away with the tip of his sword and one of the cows sustained a minor scratch on its skin. The poor man was apprehended and pressure was exerted to kill him. Finally, after many requests, they settled on hav- ing his hand cut off. But now, observe the level of freedom that every people and religion enjoys. I shall speak of the Muslims alone. In fulfilling our religious ob- ligations and forms of worship, the government has afforded complete freedom, and there is no hostility towards anyone, either in terms of their wealth, life or honour. This is in contrast to that perilous time, when everyone—no matter how clear their record—feared for their own life and wealth. Now if a person ruins their own behaviour themselves, and becomes worthy of punishment due to their own deformity and offence, then this is another matter. Also, if due to one’s own misbelief or heedlessness a person is neglectful in worship, this is a separate issue. However, the government has granted complete freedom in every respect. At this time, a person can become as devoted a worshipper as they desire, for there is no hindrance whatsoever. Even the government itself guards the sanctity of religious places of worship and spends thousands of rupees to repair them etc. In the Sikh reign, the state of affairs, in contrast, was such that mosques were turned into places where bhang 1 was prepared and horses were stabled. Such examples are present even in Qadian and even in other major cities throughout the Punjab. To this day, there are many mosques that are still in the possession of the Sikhs. On the contrary, at present, the British government reveres these holy sites in every way by giving them the due honour they deserve, and deems it from among its obligations to show respect to these religious buildings, just as His Excellency, the Right Honourable Viceroy, Lord Curzon, recently demonstrated by his own practical example when on his recent visit, he voiced disapproval on entering the central mosque in Delhi with his shoes. He set a high moral example befitting of royalty that is worthy of being followed. It is also clearly evident from his speech- es, which he has delivered from time to time on various occasions, that he holds places of religious significance in high regard. Then, you can see how the govern- ment has made no announcement banning the call to Prayer in a loud voice nor 1 An intoxicating drink made in India with milk and ground cannabis leaves. [Publisher]