C.295.-Thus spake, inspired, our holy Prophet, Muhammad, on whom we invoke Allah's blessings for ever and ever; -- we who are heirs to his teaching, his exemplary life, and the golden thread which he inwove into the web of human history. In pious retreats he prayed; much thought he gave to Life's most obstinate tangles; against odds he strove with might and main; wisely he led; gently he counselled; and firmly he subdued Evil.
C.296.-Mantle clad, he solved the most baffling mysteries. His soul would scale the heights of Heaven, yet showered its love on the weak and lowly of this earth. Like a cloud that catches the glory of the Sun, he threw his protecting shade on all. The widow's cry, and the orphan's, found an answer in his heart, as did the cry of Penury and Need. He searched out those who felt no need, being by pride or ignorance blinded, and he fulfilled their real wants. His last great charge summed up the rule of spiritual life in linking Faith with one universal Brotherhood. Ah! Never shall we see such life again!
C.297.-But his clarion voice still speaks his message. His love and wisdom still pour forth without stint the inexhaustible Treasures of Allah, for whosoever will bring a purified heart to receive them. And never did the world, impoverished by its own wayward lusts and greed, need those Treasures more than now!
C.298.-There is still with us much sorrow and sin, injustice, oppression, wrong, and hate. Still does Arrogance deaden Conscience, rob struggling souls of even the crumbs of Pity, and make, of loathsome flesh and crumbling dust, fair seeming Idols for worship. Still does Ignorance blow a mighty Horn and try to shame True Wisdom. Still do men drive Slaves, -- protesting smoothly the end of Slavery! Still does Greed devour the substance of helpless ones within her power. Nay, more, -- the fine Individual Voice is smothered in the raucous din of Groups and Crowds that madly shout what they call Slogans New, -- Old Falsehoods long discredited.
C.299.-What can we do to make Allah's Light shine forth through the Darkness around us? We must first let it shine in our own true Selves with the Light in the niche of our inmost hearts. We can walk with steps both firm and sure: We can humbly visit the comfortless and guide their steps. Not we but the Light will guide! But oh! The joy of being found worthy to bear the Torch, and to say to our brethren: "I too was in Darkness, Comfortless, and behold, I have found Comfort and Joy in the Grace Divine!"
C.300.-Thus should we pay the dues of Brotherhood, -- by walking humbly, side by side, in the Ways of the Lord, with mutual aid and comfort, and heartfelt prayer, backed by action, that Allah's good Purpose may be accomplished in us all together!
