The Light of Truth — Page 53
REFUTING OBJECTIONS knowledge of religion. This divine and heavenly kingdom has enriched me, alleviated my poverty, enlightened me, illumi- nated my night, and placed me among those who have been favoured with spiritual bounties. Consequently, I desired to help the British government with this [spiritual] wealth, even if I do not possess dirhams, horses, and mules, nor am I a man of great wealth. So I rose in support of the government with my pen and my hand-and Allah was my Helper-and I pledged to Allah the Exalted not to write another lengthy book except that in it I should mention the beneficence of the Queen of India and her favours, which necessitate the gratitude of Muslims. It was also my desire to invite the noble Queen to Islam and guide her to the Lord-who is the Creator of mankind-for she has granted favours to our fathers and to us. There is no better reward than for us to pray for her to receive good and accept- ance in this world and for her to achieve her noble objectives. Furthermore, we beseech Allah for her hereafter, that she may be granted the Islamic belief of Tauhid [Oneness of God] and that she may tread along the pathways of truth and believe in the greatness of that King who is Omniscient, and recognize that Lord who is One, Independent and Besought of all, who begets not, nor was begotten, and that she be bestowed eternal blessings. Consequently, I published many books, and in every such book I stated that the British government is benevolent towards the Muslims of India and the progeny of Muslims resort to it for sustenance. So it is impermissible for any of them to rebel against it and attack it like transgressing traitors. Rather, it is incumbent upon them to express gratitude to this government and to be obedient to it in all that is good. For, it safeguards the lives and wealth of the Muslims, and protects 53