The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 291
290 Α'ΙΝΑ-Ε-ΚΑMĀLĀT-E-ISLAM-DAFI UL-WASĀWIS concept. But, the centre of philosophical wisdom and knowledge is atheism, and all the investigations of philosophy correspond to that view. There are, however, some among them who make a verbal con- fession of God Almighty being the Cause of all causes, but they do not believe Him to be the Master of His own will, or to exercise any choice or prerogative over His creation, or to possess any detailed knowledge of the universe. They do not believe that He has any control or power over the universe. Hence, they too, in reality, are the younger brothers of atheists. It is true that we should accept the truth wherever we find it, but, we should never eat from a dish which is among a number of poisoned dishes, hoping that in all probability it would be free from poison. Surely, everyone argues according to his principles; details of all discus- sions and investigations are governed by principles. When, therefore, the real creed of philosophers is atheistic or very close to it, how can one hope that there should be anything good in their discussions which necessarily must be governed by their creed? In fact, in the presence of the Word of Almighty God, what need and necessity remains for such discussions, that we should knowingly adopt a dangerous course which has always been leading to destruction? Five times a day, every Muslim recites the prayer in his daily Prayer that: اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ ! And, Almighty God has made it clear that the straight path is the path of the Prophets, the path of the Truthful, and the path of the Martyrs. Then we would be extremely foolish not to seek the ways which God has commanded us to seek, and to wander, instead, after the philosophers. To say, moreover, that we should give rational proof of all our beliefs, with the exactness of mathematics or the preciseness of some of 1. Guide us in the right path-the path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings (Sūrah al-Fatihah, 1:6-7). [Publisher]