The Light of Truth — Page 357
REFUTING OBJECTIONS 357 deliberative powers have dried up completely. How, then, could it be committed by the Knight of that domain—or rather, the Chief of all knights? O insolent ones, what is the matter with you that you do not look to the honour of Allah and His Messenger? Is your avarice more precious to you and more cherished by you than Khātamun-Nabiyyīn [the Seal of the Prophets]? Are you not aware that in this place this word [al-hilāl] is unac- ceptable and unknown and its use is not found in the speech of the masters of the Arabic language? Moreover, in no case is it found in the statements of the articulate and inarticulate alike. Indeed, even an ignorant hāțibul-lail,¹ under duress, would not select this word, so how could the sultan and commander of eloquence do so? This word was a means to test your intelligence, your ability to convey meaning, your level of knowledge, wisdom, and the truth about your literary studies, as well as your considered views. You attribute to the Chief of the Prophets that which is not attributed to the big- gest imbecile. The heavens might well nigh tear asunder due to this insolence. So fear Allah, the Possessor of Majesty, and accept the invitation of Truth, as the rightly guided do. The [prophesied] event has indeed taken place, so do not incline towards suspicion or argument. Follow the word of the Prophet whose mere hint is a binding command, and obedience to whom is a vast fortune. Be not among the unfortunate ones and do not speak your delusional thoughts into words without evidence which 1. Lit. 'Collector of wood at night. Explaining the term hatibul-lail, Edward W. Lane (d. 1876) relates from al-Azhari's at-Tandhib that 'one who acts unjustly towards himself is likened to a collector of wood by night [hāțibul-lail], because the latter may chance to put his hand upon a vi- per, and be bitten by it. The term is also used to convey injudiciousness. [Publisher]