Proceedings of the Prayer Meeting — Page 10
10 although it is God who actually nurtures and brings everything to perfection, there are also two other beings who temporarily and reflectively manifest [this] Nurturing Lordship [of God]; one physically and the other spiritually. The physical [manifes- tation] are parents and the spiritual [manifestation] is a religious head and spiritual guide. It is mentioned in another place along with its explanation : 1 َو ىٰضَق َكُّبَر اَّلَا اْۤوُدُبْعَت ۤاَّلِا ُهاَّيِا َو ِنْيَدِلاَوْلاِب اًناَسْحِا Meaning that, God has decreed that we should worship none other than Him and be benevolent to our parents. Indeed, how marvellous this ruboobiyyat [providence] is that when man is an infant and is completely helpless, what diverse services the mother performs in such a precarious condition, and how the father, in these circumstances, becomes the supporter of the mother’s efforts. God Almighty, in His sheer grace, has created these two agents to take care of the helpless creatures and has bestowed upon them a reflection of the light of His love. It should, however, be borne in mind that the love of parents is adventitious while the love of God Almighty is inherent reality, and unless it is inspired into the hearts by God, no human being—be they a friend, a peer, or a ruler—can ever love anyone. This is the mystery of the per- fect Ruboobiyyat of God that the parents bear such love for their children that, in raising them, they cheerfully endure all kinds of troubles so much so they do not even hesitate to die to protect their lives. 1. Surah Bani Israa’eel, 17:24 [Publisher]