The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 439
438 ΑΙΝΑ-Ε-ΚΑMĀLĀT-E-ISLAM-DAFI UL-WASĀWIS into pieces and demolish their edifices, and he would demolish all of their sublime fabrications with arguments and proofs. O people! Remember the lofty status of Mustafā [the Chosen One], on whom be the peace from the Lord of the High Heavens. Read the books of the Christians and behold their attacks upon the honour of the Best of all Creation. Therefore-O progeny of Muslims!-do not exaggerate in praising the son of Mary and do not help the Christians. Is our Messenger dead and Jesus alive? That indeed is an unfair divi- sion. What has happened to you that you do not seek the honour of the Noblest of the Noble? Do you argue with me on the basis of ahādīth describing that the Messiah will descend, while you overlook the other ahādīth? You take one aspect but discard the other aspect. You aban- don the method of research scholars. Let not the name ‘son of Mary' mislead you in the sayings of the Best of Creation sas. That indeed is but a trial from Allah so that He may judge the right and the wrong among you and that He may reward the persevering who think good of them- selves and that He may cause the filth to recoil upon the transgressors. This manner of Divine means have been in operation before as well, so let the seekers seek. There is, in the episode of Elijah and the story of his descent, a clear precedent for those who seek. So read the Gospel and reflect upon its verses with an honest and penetrating eye. When the Jews said: 'Ὁ Jesus, how do you suppose that you are the Messiah whereas it is incum- bent that Elijah appear before him as it is written in the scriptures of the Prophets?' He replied: ‘Elijah has indeed come but you recognized him not. ' He pointed towards Yahyā [John the Baptist] and said: 'This is Elijah, if you were to believe. They said: 'You are a liar. Do you coin an odd meaning that we have not heard from our ancestors?' He said: O my people, I have not lied about Allah, but you do not understand the secrets of the Books of the Messengers. This is the verdict issued by 'Isā [Jesus], the Prophet of Allah, and in this is a lesson indeed for Muslims. The descent of a human being from the sky is not the way of Allah.