Testimony of the Holy Quran — Page 88
T E S T I MON Y OF T HE HOLY Q U R AN 88 waste, and that just as it was implanted firmly in the hearts from day one, even so will it continue uninterrupted until doomsday. Second— Just as reason demands that, for the teachings and understanding of Divine Books to endure, it is necessary and appropriate that recipients of revelation and persons equipped with spiritual knowledge, akin to the Prophets, should continue to appear from time to time—similarly, when we study the Quran and reflect upon it deeply, we see that it pronounces loudly and clearly that the perpetual availability of spiritual teachers is part of the divine design. Observe that Allah, the Lord of Glory, has said: 1 Part Number 13 — َو اَّمَا اَم ُعَفْنَي َساَّنلا ُثُكْمَيَف يِف ِضْرَاْلا Meaning, that which benefits people endures in the earth. Obviously the greatest benefactors of mankind are the Prophets, who strengthen people’s faith and benefit the seekers after truth through miracles, prophecies, verities, insights and examples of their own righteousness. It is also obvious that they do not remain upon the earth for a long time, and they leave this mortal realm after a short existence; yet, the purport of this verse cannot contradict this reality. Therefore, with reference to the Prophets, the meaning of the verse would be as follows: the Prophets continue their beneficence by way of reflection; and God Almighty, at the time of every need, raises some servant of His to be their likeness and example by way of zill [reflection], who—taking on his same colour—becomes the means for their 1. S u rah ar-Ra‘d, 13:18 [Publisher]