Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 323
14 August 1905 323 the Almighty does not like mischief. Similarly, if one opposes the one appointed by God, one suffers the loss of faith because opposing them inevitably pits such a one against God. Question— So, should the maulaw i s of this time be consid- ered U lul-Amr ? The reply [by the promised messiah as ]— مگ اتس رکا رربہی دنک خ ں ت � ش �ی� اووخ [They are lost themselves; how will they guide someone else!] The truth is that until Allah the Exalted opens someone’s eyes, the eyes do not open. These people have understood religion to be the name of a few rituals, although religion is not the name of rituals. There are times when things are understood to be mere rituals and habits, and these peo- ple are becoming like this. Those who were taught Prayer and Fasting during the time of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had a different mindset. They would embrace the essence and were, therefore, quick to ben- efit. Then, after a period, that same Prayer and Fasting, which was the means of attaining purity of the highest degree and nearness to God, was taken as a ritual and habit. So, what is needed at this time is that man should search for the essential purpose of religion, which is its kernel. Characteristics of a True Religion Remember that Allah the Exalted has created man for eternal worship, so he should remain devoted to it. Everything in this world, including wife, children, friends, relatives, wealth, riches, and all kinds of possessions, is connected only to this world. All these ties are severed instantly upon leaving this world, but God Almighty exists and is needed in this world and the Hereafter.