The Light of Truth — Page 467
REFUTING OBJECTIONS observation, they did not see it. Had they seen it, they would certainly have mentioned it when relating and compiling these traditions. You know that their books constitute an unbroken chain that does not neglect a single century of the centuries [of Islam], continuing until our present age; notwithstanding, you do not find even a trace of any mention of this Sign having taken place. Do you think that they failed to mention it out of forget- fulness? If you suppose this to be the case, then this is clearly a false accusation. How can you even think this when you know that they were meticulous in recording the events of the time and always ready to document whatever occurred with regard to the sun and the moon. Thus, whoever claims that this Sign appeared at some point in time has surely followed lies and given precedence to the false rumours of fabricators over the word of the Messenger of Allah, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. I now say to the witnesses of all nations that whoever denies this Sign out of animosity has no proof and speaks only out of prejudice and enmity, as I have the testimony of every age. The books are extant and the excuses are inadmissible, and I have written this to awaken those who are asleep. O ye people! Accept it or do not accept it—the Sign has undoubtedly appeared and the argument has been conclusively established. You will never be able to unearth another instance of these lunar and solar eclipses [having occurred in this man- ner], so do not turn away from the Sign of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. This is my final declaration in this chapter: I am grateful to Allah for the writing of this book and I call down blessings on His Messenger, the Seal of the Prophets. And our final supplication is] وآخر دعوانا أن الحمد لله رب العالمين that all praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. ] 467