The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 367
The Holy Qur'an 367 Messiah felt no attraction towards worldly wealth. He has stated in the Gospel that the property of a believer are not gold and silver, but are the jewels of verities and un- derstanding. This is the property that is bestowed by God Almighty on the Prophets, which they distribute. It is concerning this property that the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] said: انما انا قاسم والله هو المعطى 218 It is stated clearly in the Ahādīth that the Promised Mes- siah would come into the world when knowledge of the Qur'an will be lost and ignorance will prevail. That is the time which is referred to in the Hadith: لو كان الايمان مـعـلـقـا عـنـد الثــريــا لـنـالـه رجل من فارس 219 It has been revealed to me in a vision that the climax of that age will begin in the Hijrī year which corresponds to the value of the letters of the verse: وَإِنَّا عَلَى ذَهَابِ بِهِ تَقْدِرُونَ 220 which amounts to 1274. Consider this well and do not pass over it in haste and supplicate God that He should open your minds to it. A little reflection will make you understand the prophecy contained in the Hadith that in the latter days the Qur'an will be taken away from the world, its knowledge will be lost, ignorance will prevail and the eagerness and sweet- ness of faith will depart from the hearts. Among them is 218 'I am a distributor and Allah is the Bestower. ' [Publisher] 219 If faith ascends to the Pleiades it will be brought down by a man of Persia. [Publisher] 220 'It is We who determine its taking away. ' al-Mu'minūn, 23:19 [Publisher]