A REJOINDER
To Mr Khushwant Singh
By M. Hanif

73) It is We who have made it a means to remind you of Us, and a comfort for all who are lost and hungry in the wilderness of their lives.
(74) Extol, then, the limitless glory of thy Sustainer’s mighty name.
(75) NAY, I call to witness the coming down in parts of this Qur’an.
(76) and behold this is indeed a most solemn affirmation if you but knew it!
(77) Behold, it is a truly noble discourse
(78) conveyed unto man in a well guarded divine writ
(79) which none but the pure of heart can touch
(80) a revelation from the Sustainer of all the worlds.
(81) Would you now, look down with disdain on a tiding like this
(82) and make it your daily bread (as it were) to call the truth a lie?
(83) why, then, when the last breadth comes upto the throat [of a dying man].
(84) the while you are helplessly looking on –
(85) and while We are closer to him than you, although you see Us not -;
(86) why, then, if you think that you are not truly dependent upon Us
(87) can you not cause that ebbing life to return – if what you claim is true?
(88) All of you are destined to die. Now if one happens to be of those who are drawn close unto God,
(89) happiness awaits him in the life to come, an inner fulfillment and a garden of bliss.
(90) And if one happens to be of those who have attained to righteousness,
(91) he too will be welcomed into paradise with words, “Peace be unto thee [that art] of those who have attained to righteousness!”
(92) But if one happens to be of those who are wont to call the truth a lie, and thus go astray,
(93) a welcome of burning despair awaits him in the life to come
(94) and the heat of a blazing fire!
(95) Verily, this is indeed the truth of truths!
(96) Extol, then, the Limitless Glory of thy Sustainer’s Mighty Name and Qualities!
[Al-Qur’an 56:57-96.]

Mighty words, indeed. If only men would pay heed, the test this life is, would pass with a little ease.

M. Hanif
Mumbai , January 19, 2004