Malfuzat - Volume VII — Page 27
28 October 1904 27 errors. So, do not concern yourselves with me, but look at the beginning of the century, the external attacks and your inter- nal deeds—ponder for yourself and consider whether the need calls for a dajj a l or the Mahdi and Messiah. Bigotry is an evil affliction. The bigots did not accept any Messenger and called them shopkeepers even though they kept calling to God. It appears that these people have always been there and will always be there. The Holy Quran begins with: 1 ِمْسِب ِهّٰللا ِنٰمْحَّرلا ِمْيِحَّرلا ِمْسِب ِهّٰللا ِنٰمْحَّرلا ِمْيِحَّرلا Ra h m a n [the Gracious] is the One who gives without being asked and Ra hi m [the Merciful] is the One who does not let effort go unrewarded. So, where did Ra h m a niyyat [the qual- ity of being Ra h m a n ] and Ra hi miyyat [the quality of being Ra hi m ] go at this time? Reflect upon whether this is appropri- ate for Him or not. Actually, when someone falls victim to bigotry, the eye becomes clouded, and when he advances in it, that light is taken away. So, the way to attain guidance is not by engaging in battles through announcements. Ask these people whether they have come to me even once and asked for an answer to their objec- tions or if they have at least seen my writings. They will answer that they do not have time for these things. Then why did you suddenly issue the fatwa of dajj a l [against me]? Then what distortion have I made in the Faith? You speak of Prayer and Fasting with your mouths, and I say take their spirit- uality. It is not only I who say it, but God who has appointed me says it, and this is so that a vibrant experience may penetrate into your shell. 1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful ( S u rah al-F a ti h ah, 1:1). [Publisher]