SERMON 161
Deputation of the Holy Prophet
Allah deputed the Prophet
with a sparkling light, a clear argument, an open path and a guiding book.
His tribe is the best tribe and his lineal tree the best lineal tree whose
branches are in good proportion and fruits hanging (in plenty).
His birth-place was Mecca,
and the place of his immigration Taybah (Medina), from where his name rose
high and his voice spread far and wide.
Allah sent him with a
sufficing plea, a convincing discourse and a rectifying announcement.
Through him Allah disclosed the ways that had been forsaken, and destroyed
the innovations that had been introduced. Through him He explained the
detailed commands.
Now, whoever adopts a
religion other than Islam, his misery is definite, his stick (of support)
will be cracked, his fate will be serious, his end will be long grief and
distressing punishment.
Drawing lessons from this world
I trust in Allah, the trust
of bending towards Him, and I seek His guidance for the way that leads to
His Paradise and takes to the place of His pleasure.
I advise you, O' creatures
of Allah, to exercise fear of Allah and to obey Him because it is
salvation tomorrow and deliverance for ever. He warned (you of
chastisement) and did so thoroughly.
He persuaded (you towards
virtues) and did so fully. He described this world, its cutting away from
you, its decay and its shifting. Therefore, keep aloof from its
attractions, because very little of it will accompany you. This house is
the closest to the displeasure of Allah and the remotest from the pleasure
of Allah.
So close your eyes, O'
creatures of Allah, from its worries and engagements, because you are sure
about its separation and its changing conditions.
Fear it like a sincere
fearer and one who struggles hard, and take a lesson from what you have
seen about the falling places of those before you, namely that their
joints were made to vanish, their eyes and ears were destroyed, their
honour and prestige disappeared and their pleasure and wealth came to an
end. The nearness of their children changed into remoteness.
The company of their spouses
changed into separation with them. They do not boast over each other, nor
do they beget children nor meet each other nor live as neighbours.
Therefore, fear O' creature of Allah, like the fear of one who has control
over himself, who can check his passions and perceive with his wisdom.
Surely, the matter is quite clear, the banner is standing, the course is
level and the way is straight.
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