Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 502
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 10 502 such a person become sharp and refined. Otherwise, these dis- ciplines have no connection with spirituality. On the contrary, sometimes these sciences can become an obstacle in the path of developing spiritual excellence. In most cases, I have seen that its ultimate outcome is arrogance and conceit, except for some fortunate one who possesses a righteous nature. They hardly ever have piety and humility in them. 1 Need Guides Man Another issue that should be kept in mind is that it is a rule inherent within the law of nature that all things are born out of need. We observe this every day in worldly affairs. Clothing, food, transportation, and all other instruments of trade and commerce have all come into being out of necessity. Similarly, in spiritual matters, many things are born out of necessity. And whenever there is a need, it is fulfilled by God. This need is a guide in all matters—material or spiritual—and through it, one can differentiate between truth and falsehood. Just as there is nothing without it being needed or it being of some benefit, similarly—nay, even more so —to think at a time of spiritual need that God has not provided for it, is an egregious error. Internal and External Attacks on Islam The present age in which we are living is so filled with mis- chief—internal and external—that whatever aspect one looks 1. From Badr: Arrogance is such an evil that man is withheld from making any progress as a consequence of it ( Badr, vol. 7, no. 25, p. 4, dated 25 June 1908).