Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 132
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 7 132 The Issue of Prophethood I am surprised by the objections of these people who com- pletely disregard the teaching of the Holy Quran, the greatness of Islam, and its purifying effects when they raise objections. Spirituality is the one thing that is unique to Islam and is not to be found in any other religion. Hence, if the Shariah is bereft of spirituality, then what is left besides fables? Those who are innately pure understand this, but those who are dim-witted are completely unaware of these secrets. The one endowed with a sincere heart by God Almighty, and is familiar with the needs of religion knows that the [Divine] system of ilh a m [inspiration] and wa hi [revelation] never ceases. However, the wa hi that presents a new Shariah besides that of the Quran has ceased completely, and any claimant of such a revelation is without doubt a k a fir [disbeliever]. I believe that prophethood [ law-bearing] has ended, but dialogue and discourse with the Divine that increases faith are continuing, and will continue, for if this system of [heavenly] converse were to cease altogether then there would remain no way to attain perfect certainty of faith. If one keeps on calling from outside a locked house but receives no reply, then you eventually con- clude that no one is inside. Assuredly, in the same way, if no sound is heard from God, then what is the proof of the fact that He even exists? I further ask, if this [Divine] system of ilh a m and wa hi had ceased, then what benefit would there be to repeat the follow- ing in the Prayer: 1 َطاَرِص َنْيِذَّلا َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا۰۰ َطاَرِص َنْيِذَّلا َتْمَعْنَا ْمِهْيَلَع اَنِدْهِا َطاَرِّصلا َمْيِقَتْسُمْلا۰۰ 1. Guide us in the right path—The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings ( S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:6–7). [Publisher]