Fear the insight of a believer


As it is narrated: اتقوا فراسة المؤمن, i.e. be cautious of the insight of a believer, for yours is forced and theirs comes naturally; yours is superficial, while theirs is the reality. Take the example of a watch, which functions as a result of its mechanical parts. You can mistakenly say that it is seven o’clock when it is actually three o’clock; but a watch, which has been produced for this very purpose, will always tell the correct time and never make an error. If a person obstinately opposes the correct time of a watch, what will they gain except for disgrace? In the same vain, remember that it does not behove a righteous person to argue and contend with those who possess the rank of divine nearness and are known to the world by various names. Hence, be fearful and never oppose a believer; always remain cautious lest you should be proven false and then suffer the worst of consequences due to wrongdoing on your part. For a believer sees with the light of Allah the Exalted, whereas you are not blessed with this light. And so, it is conceivable that you should walk crooked, but a believer will always walk straight. I ask you, can a person who treads in darkness contend with a man who marches forward with the light of a lamp? Of course not. Allah the Exalted has stated himself:

ھَلْ یَسْتَوِیِ الْاَعْمٰی وَالْبَصِیْرُ

Meaning, can a blind man and one who sees be alike? Indeed not. Now when we observe this fact, how wrong is it to not derive benefit from this example? In short, one ought to fear the insight of a believer. It does not behove the wise to rise up in opposition to a believer. One may recognise a believer through the traces and signs that we have just expounded earlier. It was the awe of this very divine insight, conferred by Allah, which inspired the noble companions, may Allah be pleased with them. This awe accompanies the Prophets, peace be upon them, as a sign from God. When the Holy Prophetsa made a statement, the companions would ask if it was based on revelation from God, so that if it was, they would not dare suggest an alternate view. They would be inspired by awe. There is a grandeur and awe in the speech of a person that accords with their individual stature. One can observe that even when people stand before worldly judges, there is a difficulty and awe that they experience, because they know that the one before whom they stand possesses authority. In the same way, those who come to realise that a believer is supported by God, do not oppose such a person. If they do not understand something they have said or done, they sit in seclusion, reflect and analyse the matter deeply. It is incumbent for all others to follow those who are cognisant and enlightened. This is the purport and meaning of the Hadith اتقوا فراسة المؤمن (Fear the insight of a believer). In other words, when a believer says something, one ought to be fearful of God, because whatever they say is from God Almighty Himself. To further elaborate, the love of God, which possesses a believer, results in their being enveloped by divine light. Although this light covers the believer and consumes their human character to an extent, just as iron is transformed when thrown into a fire, yet their servitude to God and humanness do not cease to exist. This is the secret that is hidden at the depth of the following verse:

قُلْ اِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُکُمْ

“Say, ‘I am only a man like yourselves.’”

Their human nature exists but it is dyed with a divine hue. Absorbed by the will of God Almighty, all the faculties and limbs of such a person become an illustration of the desires of Allah Almighty and become devoted to His cause. It is this very distinction which makes such an individual a guardian over the spiritual development of tens of millions and a manifestation of perfect divine providence. If this were not the case, one Prophet could never be a guide and leader for such a multitude of people.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 115-117)

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