Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 151
151 will deliberately pose a question to people who are not in the habit of visiting me again and again. Since these people have not had the opportunity to hear the answers to various questions, on being challenged, they are left speechless and not only suffer humiliation themselves, but also prove to be a stumbling block for others who are observing and listening to the exchange at hand. As a result, this disgrace and inability to respond injures a person’s faith, which then begins to fall weak. For it is a matter of principle that when someone is defeated, they are also influenced by the person at whose hands they have been vanquished. Often, this effect will blacken a person’s heart, and accordingly this darkness begins to spread to the extent that if that person dies in this state, they will enter hell. If one reflects upon all these points, a wise individual will definitely reach the con- clusion that there is a dire need for the antidote of godly company, to expunge the poisons which destroy the soul. By remaining in the company of one who is appointed by God, a person comes to know about threats that prove deadly, and also gains insight into things that lead a person to salvation. It is for this reason that I have had the thought in my mind for some time—and I think about this often—to test the members of my community by asking them various questions. In fact, I have spoken about this idea on many previous occasions as well; albeit, until now, I have not been able to find the opportunity to do so. However, this idea constantly remains in my mind, inasmuch that I should at least once test my community by asking them questions, so that I am able to ascertain the level of their knowledge in respect of my teachings; so that I can determine the degree to which they have understood my aims and objectives; and so that I may know the extent to which they are able to refute the internal and external allegations that are levelled against us. If there are even 40 people whose souls are illuminated, and they are able to fully receive the light of insight and divine cognisance, they shall be able to do great benefit. This Community Has Been Established on the Precepts of Prophethood Ever since I was sixteen or seventeen, I have been reading books by Christian authors and have reflected over the allegations that they tend to raise. On my own accord, I have collected the objections which they level against the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and thus far, they have reached a total of approximately 3,000 in number. However, when I read the allegations that people have levelled against my own person, I always say that these allegations p. 135