page 54
an excellent pattern for all mankind to follow, nevertheless
some have remained neglectful of and separated
from these qualities of extraordinary sympathy and
loving-kindness, and have been prevented from attaining
to the inner significances of the Holy Books. Not
only do they scrupulously shun the adherents of religions
other than their own, they do not even permit
themselves to show them common courtesy. If one is
not allowed to associate with another, how can one
guide him out of the dark and empty night of denial,
of "there-is-no-God," into the bright morning of belief,
and the affirmation, "but God." (33) And how can one
urge him on and encourage him to rise up out of the
abyss of perdition and ignorance and climb the heights
of salvation and knowledge? Consider justly: had not
Hanzalá treated Nu'mán with true friendship, showing
him kindness and hospitality, could he have brought the
King and a great number of other idolaters to acknowledge
the unity of God? To keep aloof from people, to
shun them, to be harsh with them, will make them
shrink away, while affection and consideration, mildness
and forbearance will attract their hearts toward
God. If a true believer when meeting an individual
from a foreign country should express revulsion, and
Muhammad
33. Cf. the Islamic confession of faith, sometimes called the two testimonies: "I testify that there is no God but God and is the Prophet of God."
Previous Next
unframe page
frame page