The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 490
AT-TABLIGH―TO THE NOBLE AND PIOUS OF THE ARABS 489 they remained blind and deaf and many of them were transgressors, indeed. Allah is Watchful of what they do. As far as the gathering together of beasts is concerned, this signi- fies the abundance of the ignorant and the transgressors, as well as the disappearance of honesty and righteousness. You see with your own eyes that the water of the well of purity has dried up and its water has gradually become sunken. Most people are running towards evil, and in matters of faith they have become pliant. When they find evil, they quickly take it, and when they see good, they turn back on their heels. They look up to the inventions of the disbelievers with admiration but turn away from the creation of Allah. O people! Look at the favours of Allah-how He has reformed your age and transformed the state of your times, and filled it with such wonders as your ancestors have never seen before, while you enjoy them! The Europeans have taught you the industry of train engines as a gift for you and your families, so be grateful. See how it runs in inhab- ited and uninhabited lands under your command, and you travel by them day and night, reaching your desired destinations without any fatigue. Likewise, the Europeans have instructed you in other indus- tries such as the manufacture of agricultural machines, war weapons, construction devices, grinding devices, garment machines, and various kinds of vehicles for lifting and moving heavy objects. Moreover, they also invented some devices for the decoration of cities and houses, as well as tools to facilitate arduous tasks. You con- stantly desire these things and utilize them. Every passing month and year, you see new, wonderful, and rare inventions the like of which you have never seen before. Some of them improve your living standards, and deliver you from hard labour, such as the matchbox by which you ignite, or the kerosene oil by which you kindle your lamps. There are then such products that decorate your houses and you happily pur- chase them. Contemplate and reflect! Allah indeed is your Lord—the Glorious Lord who has granted you all the precious treasures of the world and