The Victory of Islam — Page 5
H H A A D D R AT M IR Z A GHU L A M AH M AD R AT M IR Z A GHU L A M AH M AD 5 negative influence upon those acquainted with them, and seduces them towards [spiritual] darkness. They stir toxic elements and awaken the slumbering satan [within]. Those who indulge in these disciplines frequently develop such scepticism in religious matters that they begin to view the principles established by God Almighty, as well as the acts of worship related to fasting, prayer, etc. , with an attitude of contempt and derision. Their hearts do not so much as hold any regard or reverence even for the Being of God Almighty. On the contrary, most of them are coloured with apostasy and filled with atheism and despite being recognized as the progeny of Muslims, they are enemies of the Faith. Oftentimes it verily happens that those who are studying in colleges are not even relieved from learning their required disci - plines before they have relieved and resigned themselves from the Faith and from sympathy for the Faith. This is merely one branch that I have mentioned that is laden with the fruits of darkness in the present age, but there are yet hundreds of other branches besides it that are no less than it! It is generally observed that trust and honesty have departed from the world to such a degree as if they have disappeared com - pletely. Fraud and deceit in pursuit of worldly wealth have trans - gressed beyond the extreme; the individual most cunning of all being considered the most competent of all! Various forms of dis - honesty, fraud, adultery, deceit, and falsehood; schemes abound - ing in the most egregious degree of cunning and covetousness; and habits rife with evil are spreading about. Vindictiveness and wrangling, combined with the utmost cruelty, are on the rise. A storm of bestial and evil passions has surged forth. The more adept and proficient people become in these contemporary sciences and