The Light of Truth — Page 465
REFUTING OBJECTIONS put elephants to flight. Do not scorn the Days of Allah, or His anger may overwhelm you and His fire may turn towards you. Fear Allah's wrath and do not speak audaciously. I have heard that some ignorant people and a group of fools say: "The lunar and solar eclipses [did indeed take place] in Ramadan, and we find that the Quran supports this, and it is also found in the traditions and related in the Hadith. However, we are not fully satisfied, because we do not know if this already occurred in earlier times. Moreover, its uniqueness has not been established among adherents of various religions, so how can we be certain?' In answer to this, know, O ignorant and foolish people, that this is a hadith of Khātamun-Nabiyyīn [the Seal of the Prophets] and the Best of the Messengers and it is recorded in Dāraquțnī, and more than a thousand years have passed since its publication. Ask the deniers [and they will confirm this]. If you are suspicious [that the eclipses have occurred previously], present to me a book or newspaper that contains your assertion with clear proof. And bring to me a person who claims to have previously seen the likeness of these lunar and solar eclipses, if you are truthful. However, you will remain powerless and una- ble to do so, so do not follow the liars. Do you not know that the early ulama had awaited this Sign and were on the lookout for this proof century after cen- tury and generation after generation? Had they observed it in any [other] century, they would surely have been the first to mention it in their books as they were not those who feigned forgetfulness. On the contrary, they would give great impor- tance to this transmitted report and would count the days and months anticipating it, awaiting it like an ardent lover. They would yearn to see this Sign and considered seeing it as one of the greatest [sources of] happiness. Ultimately, despite many efforts and continued, deep 465