The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 93
THE MESSAGE OR A CRY OF ANGUISH 93 hostilities, and became intensified, complicated and perplexed. It was alarming and terrifying in its enormity-namely, the trea- tise Ummahātul-Mu'minin that has raised an outcry among the Muslims. Everyone who saw this treatise cursed its author because he filled it with abuse, blasphemy and deception. He left his native land and place in order to avoid the officials. He took flight so that he might not be dragged [into lawsuits]. Nothing is now left of him but his foul and rotten words and expressions and [his] fallacious objections. Hence, we take no account of his slander- ing, foul-mouthing and of the filthiness of his words and leave it to Allah and the Day of Reckoning. Whereas, the accusations that he has levelled on the basis of such doubts as arose out of his ignorance and crooked thinking need to be refuted from every angle. Indeed, the truth is something that it is impossible for any- one to outstrip or lag behind it. Showing honour for Islam is a sol- emn duty on every modest and reflective Muslim, for this author has indeed shown audacity, insulted and attacked Islam and has come out to fight, so you too must come out of the den like a lion and confront him. To be sure, the time has come when your men should act like lions, your women like lionesses and your sons like cubs, and your enemies should look like sheep. So fear Allah and put your trust in Him alone if you are believers. I have mentioned earlier that our people had different opin- ions regarding this book. Some thought it appropriate to turn their attention to writing a rebuttal and disapproved of registering a complaint to the Government, for this was a sign of weakness and helplessness and it also contained an element of disrespect for the honourable Government. They contended that sending a