The Essence of Islam – Volume V — Page 94
94 Essence of Islam-V Now, readers! think for yourselves, which one of these conflicting statements and claims should the world accept as true? These are matters of faith and the world will probably come to an end sooner than people can reach a decision about them. Let us, therefore, ac- cept what is easily understood and is supported by evidence, and it is as follows: Four years ago I published a prophecy that a severe plague was about to break out in the Punjab. I saw that black trees of the plague were being planted in every town and village of this land, and that if the people repented the disease would not last more than two winters and God would remove it. But, in- stead of showing any sign of repentance, they continued to abuse me and published announce- ments full of foul language against me. The result is the plague you are witnessing now. This is the holy word of God that I received: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ إِنَّهُ أَوَى الْقَرْيَةَ i. e. , Allah has willed not to remove this pestilence un- til and unless people do away with the thoughts lurking in their hearts. In other words, until they ac- cept the Prophet and Messenger of God, the plague shall not go away. And the All-Powerful God shall protect Qadian against the ravages of the plague, in order to show you that it was spared only because a Messenger of God was present in it. Just look! the last three years testify that both these aspects have been fulfilled. First, the plague has spread throughout the Punjab, and, secondly, Qadian is safe from plague,