Malfuzat - Volume IV — Page 231
231 Malfuzat – Volume IV has created trees; the leaves, shade, bark, wood, fruit, in short, all the parts of a tree are beneficial to us in some form. A person derives many forms of benefit from the light of the sun. In the same way, all other parts of creation are use - ful and beneficial for us. However, it is disappointing to observe the state of the Christians who proclaim that a humble man is God and the son of God, but they have been unable to show what benefit he has given to the world. Moreover, they have no example to show of any manifestation of Christ that demonstrates divine power. Their son of God would have been best to demonstrate, as the saying goes: ‘if the father is unable, then the son ought to have done everything. ’ However, when one reflects on his life history, one must say with disappointment that he did nothing—all he did was commit suicide. Upon witnessing the misfortune of others, is it wise and beneficial to sacrifice one’s own life? What benefit does this give to the ones struck by misfortune? The Perfect Example of the Holy Prophet sas As for the demands of justice and integrity, in comparison to the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, one must accept that the Messiah failed completely. The fact of the matter is that the Messiah did not receive the same opportunity that was afforded to the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; and this is unfortunate for him. However, this is why we cannot say at all that the Messiah presented a complete example. There are two aspects that complete a person’s faith. Firstly, it must be observed that when a person is subject to afflictions, what sort of relationship do they maintain with God Almighty? Does the person show sincerity, devotion, perseverance and true loyalty in the face of these afflictions, accepting the will of Allah Almighty with an open heart, and praise and glorify Him, or does the individual complain and lament? Secondly, when one receives success, prosperity and glory, in this state of power and good fortune, does one forget God Almighty and change in a way that is objectionable? Or does one continue to hold the same relationship with God, and praise and glorify Him, and forgive one’s enemies, and demonstrate magna - nimity and nobility by showing benevolence towards them? Let us take the example of a person who is beaten severely. If the person was never powerful enough to punish the attacker and seek retribution, but still says that he has not retaliated against his aggressor, this cannot be deemed a moral quality. We cannot call this forbearance and restraint, because the victim was p. 497