So Said The Promised Messiah (as) — Page 101
in the existence of God has to adopt a way and that way is his mazhab. But of course what one should ponder over is whether the way that he has adopted is the one that gives him sincere steadfastness, eternal joy and unending con- tentment. Behold! Mazhab is a very common word. It means a place on which we walk, a path. It does not necessarily connote religion. The experts in various branches of knowledge- sciences, arts, archeology, chemistry and astrology-have a mazhab of their own. None can be without it; it is a must for the man; nobody can go beyond it. Just as the soul of the man stands in need of a body so also the interpretations need words and a mode of talking. Also, in the same way, a man stands in need of mazhab. I do not go into the discussion as to what do the people say: they say Allah, God or Permeshawar. The real point at issue is as to what do they think of Him. Give Him any name you like, but let me know what do you think His attributes are. It is the attributes of God that we should ponder over. (Malfoozat Vol. II, p. 236) WHAT IS VIRTUE? There are two things very essential for the people: one should shun the evil and be ever prepared to do good (as if he is running towards it). So far as virtue is concerned it has two aspects: to avoid the evil and to do good. Just avoid- ing the evil cannot make a person perfect unless he also does good to the others. That is what really shows the extent of change that has taken place in him. Of course, this is made possible by having a strong faith in the attributes of God- and comprehensive knowledge about them. Unless that is the case, one cannot get rid of evil deeds, what to talk of doing good to others. 101