Proceedings of the Prayer Meeting — Page 28
28 for Transvaal, what concern have we with it? Our duty is to wish well for one who has bestowed countless favours upon us. When a neighbour has so many rights that a heart bleeds upon hearing his suffering, does it not grieve our hearts upon reading the hard- ships endured by the loyal soldiers of the British Government? In my view, he indeed is dark-hearted who does not consider the Government’s worries as his own. Remember, there are different kinds of leprosy; one affects the body, the other affects the soul on account of which one falls into the bad habit of delighting in the misfortunes of others and resenting their well-being. There used to live a man in our marketplace. Every time some- one faced a trial in court, he would go about asking as to how the case was proceeding. If he was told that the accused was acquitted or that the trial went well for the defence, he would stand aghast and fall silent. And if someone told him that the accused had been indicted, he would be overjoyed and would seat the man by his side and listen to the whole story. In short, certain people are so filled with malice that they are eager to hear bad news and revel in the misfortune of others, since they themselves are satanic in nature. Thus, it is improper to bear ill-will towards anyone, let alone someone who is benevolent. I urge my Jama’at to avoid the example of such people and to pray with complete sympathy and genuine goodwill for the vic- tory of the British Government, and to demonstrate their loyalty in practice as well. I do not make these statements with a view to currying favour or receiving some reward. What have I to do with favours, rewards, or worldly titles? The All-Knowing God is well aware of my intentions and knows that my actions are for His