The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 481
480 Ā'ĪNA-E-KAMĀLĀT-E-ISLĀM―DĀFI‘UL-WASĀWIS 'the name of a chief from the progeny of Canaan', 'she-camel and camel', 'a skilled person who works deftly with his hands', and many others. By what right do they insist on applying only a particular meaning to this word while rejecting the others? Likewise, the word 'minaret' used in the hadith also connotes a place of light' and, at times, it is also used to signify a guiding light. This indicates that the Promised Messiah will be known by the lights that appear before his advent. These lights serve as signposts that lead the travellers to the right path. Its similitude is found in the Word of the Almighty in the Holy Quran: وَدَاعِيًا إِلَى اللهِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَسِرَاجًا مُنِيرًا As a lamp is known by its light, so will the Messiah be known by his light. During the time of Holy Prophetas, the existence of any minaret to the east of Damascus was never proven nor did he ever allude to it. Had it been so, the liars would have created doubt in relation to it. These are well-known metaphors and the men of understanding know them too well; no one disputes them but the unjust. Do they not reflect on the ways of Allah, or is their denial a result of the advent of something which has never come before? If you follow the Divine secrets and do not deny them, then tell us what the secret was behind specifically mentioning the town of Damascus and its minaret? Do you wonder at this metaphor and do you not know that the discourse of Prophets and their speech is wrapped in the mantle of metaphors? Remember the words of Abraham, peace be on him; that is, 23 [Change the threshold of your door'] then look how Ishmael, 1. And as a Summoner to Allah by His command, and as a radiant Lamp (Sūrah al-Aḥzāb, 33:47). [Publisher] 2. Şahih al-Bukhārī, Kitāb Aḥādīthul-Anbiya', Bāb Yaziffün. . . , Hadith 3364 [Publisher]