The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 309
The Holy Prophetsa 309 Persia, had made up his mind to destroy him and had sent his emissaries to arrest him. His delivery on all these dangerous occasions and his ultimate triumph over all his enemies is conclusive proof that he was righteous and God was with him. [Chashma-e-Ma'rifat, Rūņānī Khazā'in, Vol. 23, pp. 263-264, footnote] Perfect Morals of the Holy Prophets in Adversity and Victory Prophets and saints are raised so that people should fol- low them in all their moral qualities and that all seekers after truth should tread the path along which God has made them steadfast. It is obvious that high moral quali- ties are proved by their exercise on the proper occasion and it is only then that they are most effective. For in- stance, forgiveness is praiseworthy when the wronged one has the power to take revenge, and piety is trustwor- thy when it is exercised at a time when means of self- indulgence are at hand. God's design with regard to Prophets and saints is that every type of high moral qual- ity should be manifested by them and should be clearly established. To fulfil this design God Almighty divides their lives into two parts. One part is passed in hardships and under calamities, in which they are tormented and persecuted so that those of their high moral qualities might be mani- fested which can only be manifested during great hardship. If they are not subjected to great hardship, it cannot be affirmed that they were faithful to their Lord in the face of all calamities and pressed further forward in the face of hardships. They are grateful to God Almighty that He chose them for His favours and considered them worthy that they should be persecuted in His cause. God