Divine Manifestations — Page 17
Divine Manifestations 17 pass. Prophet Jonahas had been told, as a warning, that punishment would come down upon his people within forty days. Although this prophecy was absolute and unconditional, yet when the people of Jonahas were gripped with fear, and begged forgiveness from God, and repented of their sins, the categorical promise was withheld. This put Jonahas in a great predicament. He did not want to show his face to his people, after having been branded a liar. The fact that Divine warnings can be averted through repentance, seeking forgiveness and giving of alms is something which no religion or sect denies. All Prophets are unanimous in their belief that genuine remorse, prayers and charity can ward off calamities. It is, therefore, quite obvious that when God intends to chastise someone and informs a Prophet beforehand of the impending punishment, this is then called a prophecy of warning. When a Prophet is not informed beforehand of an impending punishment, then that chastisement will be considered a hidden decree of God. Look, how the ignorance of the foolish Maulawīs is exposed when they object that Deputy 'Abdullāh Ātham did not die within the period of fifteen months, but that he died a few months later. They are ignorant