The Light of Truth — Page 455
AN ADMONITION before conclusively establishing His argument and completing His exhortation. Thus, would He destroy His people while they were ignorant and unaware? Do you not observe the west- erners from English-speaking countries and Christian commu- nities? Nothing of the knowledge of the Quran or subtleties of the Furqan has reached them. By God, they are like children, ignorant of the secrets of the Religion of the Gracious God. In your view, is it permissible to kill children? Answer, if you know the laws of the Firm Religion. You will say that I am a deceiver who opposes your long- held beliefs and corrupts fundamental principles. Know that Allah does not send down His signs in support of a deceiver, nor does He support anyone who is misguided. Know that I am not a liar and nor do I tread on the paths of destruction; how- ever, you are a blind people. God knows what is in my heart and in your hearts and He knows the liars. He grants respite to those who are disobedient for a fixed time. However, when the argument is conclusively established and the path is revealed, the punishment of Allah turns towards the enemies. This is a practice that has been in operation in the past: Have you not pondered over the incidents of the Messengers? Furthermore, you know that you observe in those whom Allah has made rulers in your country nothing but good nature. They do not injure you with rude and vulgar speech. When you appoint them to govern, they do so fairly. They investigate and do not act unjustly. They protect and do not steal. If you ask of them, they give and do not deny you. There is no doubt that they act benevolently and do not act unjustly. They do not pro- hibit us from [performing] the rites of our religion even by the length that shoelaces are tightened or that reins are pulled taut, nor do they oppress like tyrants. 455