29 November – 3 December 1940 — On the Dark Age, Torah, and Silence
نومبر–دسمبر ۱۹۴۰
This Dark Age and Its Blessings
Hazrat Qibla observed that the present age is a dark age — religious knowledge is declining, sincere scholars are few, spiritual reality is rare. Yet even in this darkness there are blessings: wherever a true scholar or saint exists, light shines. The believer's task is to seek out that light and hold to it.
The Torah and Its Corruption
The original Torah (Tawrah) was a divine revelation given to Prophet Musa (Moses, upon him be peace). However, the Torah now in existence has been altered and corrupted over time by human hands. What remains of authentic divine teaching in it is accepted; what contradicts the Quran and Sunna is rejected.
If a Prophet Were Sinless — Would People Follow?
Hazrat made the point that the prophets were protected from major sins (isma) but did experience minor human lapses that were immediately corrected. This is part of the divine wisdom — if the prophets were absolutely beyond any human experience, they could not serve as models for human beings. Their perfection is of the highest human type, not of an angel or a deity.
Adultery and Satan
Hazrat discussed the role of Satan in tempting human beings toward the major sin of adultery/fornication (zina). He noted that Satan does not force anyone — he only invites and suggests. The Quran itself records Satan's admission:
وَمَا كَانَ لِيَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَاسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِي
"I had no authority over you except that I called you and you responded to me." (Ibrāhīm 14:22) The responsibility lies with the human being who listens to Satan's call.
The Words of the Adhan
Hazrat Qibla discussed the specific wording of the adhan (call to prayer). The text of the adhan is mutawatir — narrated with complete continuity and certainty from the Prophet (peace be upon him). No words may be added or removed. The issue of adding 'Ali wali Allah' in the Shia adhan was discussed — Hazrat pointed out that this is an innovation with no basis in the authentic Sunna.
The Wahhabi Sect
Hazrat Qibla discussed the Wahhabi movement — the reformist tendency founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in Arabia. He noted that while some of their critiques of certain popular practices have merit, their method of sweeping condemnation of the mainstream Sunni tradition — calling practices like tawassul (intercession) and visiting shrines as shirk — is extreme and mistaken.
The Body and Divine Attributes
The question of whether physical descriptions in the Quran and hadith — Allah's hand, face, being above the throne — are to be taken literally was discussed. Hazrat Qibla followed the mainstream Sunni position (Maturidi/Ash'ari): these expressions are affirmed without asking 'how' (bila kayf) and without literal anthropomorphism. Allah is beyond all comparison.
Dhikr and Worldly Occupation
Hazrat taught that dhikr does not require abandoning one's worldly occupation. The great saints of Islam were farmers, craftsmen, and merchants while maintaining constant inward remembrance of Allah. The goal is to integrate dhikr into every aspect of life rather than separating the spiritual from the practical.
The Meaning of 'Muslim'
Hazrat was asked about the meaning of 'Muslim' and replied: it is one who submits to Allah. Submission means accepting Allah's commands and prohibitions in every domain of life — in worship, in dealings with others, in governance, in personal conduct. A Muslim who observes only some of these while ignoring others is in a deficient state.
The Two Fighting Parties Are Muslim
Returning to the question of the companions who fought each other, Hazrat emphasized: Do not think that the people of Jamal and Siffin were not Muslims. They were. Both Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Muawiya were guided by what they believed to be the truth. Muawiya demanded blood recompense for Uthman before pledging allegiance; Ali prioritized consolidating governance first. Both are valid priorities in their own framework.
Hazrat Ali's Opinion — Further
Hazrat Qibla held Abu Bakr Siddiq in the highest esteem — as the truest of the truthful and the first adult male to believe. He noted that Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) himself gave his allegiance to Abu Bakr, affirmed it, and served him loyally. This is the best evidence of Abu Bakr's rightful position.
The Torah (continued)
The comparison between what the Torah says about figures like Prophets Dawud and Sulayman and what the Quran says reveals the extent of distortion in the Torah. The Quran preserves the truth about the prophets; the current Torah attributes to them sins and failings that the divine revelation would never have ascribed to them.
Gentle Humor (Latif Mazah)
Hazrat Qibla used gentle and appropriate humor in his gatherings. He said that Rahim Sahib was giving a speech — no, he was not giving a speech; he was speaking. (He noted that the simple term is more accurate than the formal one.) Such gentle humor eased the atmosphere and made the gatherings warm and friendly.
The Rightly Guided Caliphs' Governance (continued)
Hazrat gave an account of why the governance of the Caliphate was so effective: The caliphs came from among the people, were known to them, were accessible to them, were accountable to them. Abu Bakr's model was to govern while serving — he was never elevated above accountability. Umar's model was austerity and justice — people saw his personal lifestyle matched his governance.