The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 479
478 Ā'ĪNA-E-KAMĀLĀT-E-ISLĀM―DĀFI‘UL-WASĀWIS a sufficient statement regarding that in which they used to differ. The event of the Messiah's descent bears a resemblance to what has been mentioned above. Allah has concealed it as He has concealed these events in metaphors. Grasp it if ye be wise. It is against Divine practice to completely manifest His tidings in every time and age; rather, He― at times—tries His servants by concealing His prophecies and subtly mentioning their secrets while they perceive it not. As far as the incident that was rare and unique is concerned, one which Allah desired its true meaning to be known, its example in the Quran is what Allah Almighty has revealed about the bounties of the Paradise: its rivers, milk, trees, fruits, and the meat of the known and admired birds. He conceals and reveals whatsoever He pleases. All His acts carry much wisdom, expedience, and bear trials, but most of the people do not know. They know only the obvious and literal commands of the Shariah and its shell, being completely unaware of its essence. When a secret is revealed unto them, their eyes look down upon it, and they think an evil thought and repudiate it. They contend, 'How did the whole Ummah develop a consensus on error and how should we assume that all of them erred and only you are right?' Woe be upon them! Do they not know that Allah has the absolute power over His decree? When He desires to conceal a matter then even the wise can- not perceive it. They recite the ways of Allah in the Quran but remain heedless of it. Do they not see that at times, Allah keeps a matter con- cealed even from His chosen Prophets, and they are consequently put to trial by its concealment? It is not for a people to surpass the Prophet in its understanding, nor is it the way of Allah to leave them alone without any trial: احيبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا أَمَنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ) 1. Do men think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and that they will not be put to trial? (Surah al-'Ankabut, 29:3) [Publisher]