Malfuzat - Volume IX — Page 41
26 December 1906 41 times, but in these prevailing circumstances the greed for a few rupees draws them into a church to renounce their faith. They usurp the rights of one another; they do not repay the loans they take. They are involved in various kinds of evil, sin, and iniquity. Was the condition of this era such that God Almighty ought to have remained silent, and not send some- one for its reformation? If He had remained silent, punishment would have descended resulting in annihilation. But, no, He has sent a person through His mercy who has come from among yourselves. The purpose of his advent is indeed to eliminate the disorders that have arisen in Islam and among the Muslims, which pushed them to this base condition. Nevertheless, keep in mind that his advent becomes useless if people do not hold fast to what he has brought. To be pleased merely at the fact that a Messenger has appeared among us is not enough. When punishment descended upon the people of the Prophet Lot, peace be on him, was he not alive at the time? Or, when some punishments descended upon the Israelites at the time of M u s a [Moses], peace be on him, was he not among them? Do not be content with so little as the mere presence of God’s Messenger among you. The destruction of anyone suffer- ing from this delusion is close at hand. God Almighty does not favour anyone. Keep in mind! Islam is a death. So long as one fails to attain a new life after bringing death upon his carnal passions, and does not speak, walk, wander around, hear and see with God alone, he does not become a Muslim. Look! This is no small matter nor an insignificant affair that God has sent someone and warned you of an impending chastisement. This is a Sign of His great ponderous grace and mercy. Do not deem it trivial; appreciate it. I am obliged to deliver the testimony that is incumbent upon me.