The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 161
160 Ā'ĪNA-E-KAMĀLĀT-E-ISLĀM―DĀFI‘UL-WASĀWIS should become his servant; he should obey him so perfectly as if he was his slave. Then, whatever sins he might have committed earlier will be forgiven. Bear in mind that the word [abd] in Arabic idiom also means ‘a slave”, as Allah, glorified be His eminence, says: وَ لَعَبْدُ مُؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُّشْرِكٍ ! 1 a The verse [39:54] indicates that whoever seeks salvation must forge bond of servitude with this Prophet-meaning, he must never step outside his commandments and must hold fast to his obedience, just as a devoted servant is bound to his master's will. Only then shall he attain salvation. In this regard, one pities the spiritually blind and so-called Muwahhids [upholders of the Oneness of Allah]: for, they harbour such deep enmity towards our Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that they consider names like Ghulām Nabi, Ghulām Rasūl, Ghulām Muṣṭafā, Ghulām Aḥmad and Ghulām Muḥammad being tantamount to shirk [associating partners with God]; whereas the verse indicates that these names are the very means of salvation. Since the essence of us ['abd—slave] includes renouncing every kind of freedom and self-will and becoming completely obedient to one's master, seekers after truth are urged that, if they desire salva- tion, they should cultivate this state in themselves. And, in reality, this verse and the following verse: ވ. ވ. قل إن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللهُ وَيَغْفِرُ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ both have the same connotation. Perfect devotion necessitates the kind of complete absorption and absolute obedience that is inherent in the 1. Even a believing slave is better than an idolater (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:222). [Publisher] 2. Say, 'If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults (Surah Al-e-Imrān, 3:32). [Publisher]