Testimony of the Holy Quran — Page 79
H A D R AT M IR Z A GHU L A M AH M AD A S 79 events, and miracles which testified to his Prophethood and the truth of his claim become fictions in the estimation of subse - quent generations. Therefore, the freshness of the faith and the eagerness of obedience that are the characteristics of those who are favoured with the company of the Prophet are not found in those who come after them. It is clear that in the centuries that followed, no example can be found of the kind of fortitude of faith shown by the Companions of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the utmost sincerity with which they sacrificed their wealth, lives, and honour in the cause of Islam. Indeed it is not found even in the second century itself, that is to say, among the T a bi‘ i n. 1 What was the reason for this? It was certainly because the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, had beheld the countenance of that true one, whose being the lover for Allah was so spontaneously testified to even by the disbelieving Quraish. These people, observing his daily supplications, his loving prostrations, his condition of complete obedience, the bright signs of perfect love and devotion on his countenance, and witnessing divine light raining down upon his face, were compelled to say that: ٖ عَشِق َ مَُمَّد ٌ عَل ٰ ر َبّہ Meaning that, Muhammad s as is passionately in love with his Lord. Moreover, the Companions observed not only that devotion, love, and sincerity, but matching this love—which surged up in the heart of our lord and master Muhammad, peace and blessings 1. The T a bi‘ i n are the generation of Muslims who met or saw the bless - ed Companions ra of the Holy Prophet s as but not the Prophet s as himself. [Publisher]