A Muslim’s Journey to Salvation

The effects of sin have so corrupted men’s hearts that, in spite of awareness of sin, men enjoy it freely and indulge in it. It was this fundamental problem and the search for freedom from sin’s bondage that confronted this Muslim many years ago in his by Sultan Muhammad Paul epic journey toward salvation.

y native land is Afghanistan. My Later I went to Delhi and entered the had to meet a Christian in argument. On M late father was a resident of -i-Fatehpuri to perfect myself that very day there was born in me an the capital of Logar, which is situated in the study of . At that time the indescribable eagerness to argue with about fifty miles south of the city of head mawlavi of the school was Christians, an eagerness derived from Kabul. My father, Payssna Khan, held the Mawlana Abdul Jalil, a pure Pathan of the a deeply rooted fervor and concern for rank of colonel in the Afghan army District of Naushera; and the second things sacred. Consequently, as far as with the tide of “Bahadur Khan”. He was mawlavi was Pateh Muhammad Khan of lay within my power, I began to collect known throughout the country as Qandahar. By the special kindness of the notable books in refutation of “Colonel Bahadur Khan”. My father had these two gentlemen I soon completed my Christianity. I made a careful study of two wives. The first was from among study of logic and turned to that of many books, and on appointed days I his near relatives. She bore him three the traditions and commentaries. During began to go to the Fountain and carry on daughters but no sons. Therefore, lest the day I studied with my classmates. discussions with Christians. the family should die out, he married the In the evenings I received a special One day the English clergyman, who daughter of Mahmud Aqa, instruction from Abdul Jalil. Thus, by used to come with the preachers, gave who was a member of one of the noblest the grace of God, I mastered these sub- me his visiting card and invited me to his and most famous families of Afghani- jects also. house. He was kind enough to say stan. My younger brother, Taj Muham- that I might bring my friends with me. mad Khan, and I were the fruit of this First Encounter with Christians Accordingly, in company with two or marriage. One day, when I was returning three friends, I went to his residence. The with some of my friends from a walk to Shortly after the late Amir, clergyman was very friendly and the Chandni Chowk, we saw a large Abdur Rahams Khan, came from Russia courteous. While we drank our tea, we crowd gathered at a short distance from to the throne of Kabal,he captured six began an interesting discussion on our school. Arriving at the scene, we of the notable pillars of the country and matters of religion. He turned to me and noticed that an argument concerning the sent them away to some unknown asked: “Do you read the Bible?” doctrine of the Trinity was going on destination. Later these people were put to “Why should I read the Bible?”I said, between a Christian preacher and one of death. Among these six was my “Who would read such an altered the students of our school. The former father. Then a second calamity befell us. book which you people change every For political reasons my two maternal was finding support for the doctrine in the year?” At my reply a pitying look uncles were captured, sent to the state following verse from the Qur’an: appeared on the face of the clergyman, prison in Kabul, and later banished to “And we are nearer to him than his jugu- and he said with a faint smile: “Do India. Shortly afterwards, my third uncle lar vein.” (Qur’an 50:16)1 you consider that all we Christians are together with his mother and servants He was saying that here nahnu, the dishonest? Do you think we fear God came to India by the permission of the first person plural, is used, and that if so little that we should keep deceiving the Amir, while the rest of my nearest rel- the unity of God were absolute, the first world by making changes in the Holy atives remained in Kabul. person singular, ana, would have Scriptures? When say that Chris- On coming to India they settled been used. Since the student was giving tians keep altering the text of the in Hasan Abdal. Because of further politi- an answer that was not to the point, Tawrat and the Injil (the Torah and the cal difficulties our whole family left my friends urged me to answer the argu- Gospel), they suggest that all Chris- Kabul and came to Hasan Abdal. After a ment of the preacher. Accordingly, I tians are dishonest and that they are few months my mother passed away. stepped forward and said that the first per- deceivers of the people. Now this is a Eventually, after a reconciliation between son plural of the pronoun is used serious and unwarranted indictment. my family and the late Amir, Abdur- according to Arabic idiomatic usage as an Christians believe in the Bible as the Rahman Khan, all my family except my honorific and not as an indication of Word of God as Muslims do in the three uncles and myself returned to plurality. Qur’an. Thus, if no Muslim can our native land. This was the first opportunity I change the text of the Qur’an, how is it

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS, VOL 13:4 OCT.-DEC. 1996 198 A Muslim’s Journey to Salvation that a Christian can change the text of the to use his splendid library. I therefore for lack of time. News of our encounter Book of the all wise God—the Holy began this study under his guidance. soon spread among the students of the Bible? If a mischievous Muslim were to As the Mawlavi had spent most of his life school. They, too,were fired with zeal for be so foolish as to change the text of in Constantinople, Egypt, and Arabia, engaging in controversy. We went any verse of the Qur’an, would not all he truly was an expert in the subject. The regularly twice a week to meet the Chris- Muslims consider him outside the fact that he gave me instruction in tians in debate. Eventually two pale of and publish the facts about Persian, which was the mother tongue of C.M.S. missionaries invited us to their him? In the same way, if some mis- us both, made all work much easier. home through Mr. Joseph Bihari Lal, chievous Christian were to change the text At this time another fine scholar, an their head catechist. While we were there, of any verse of Scripture, would not expert in logic and philosophy, came they suggested to us that the Dhobi all other true Christians consider him out- from Egypt and was appointed to a pro- Talab was too far for us to reach conven- side the pale of their religion and fessorship in the Madrasa-i- iently, and offered, if we really make public, the facts about him? Of Zakariyya. This was Mawlavi Abdul wanted to find out the truth about Chris- course they would! From this you Ahad, who also belonged to Jalalabad tianity, to open a reading room near will see that the contention of Muslims District of Afghanistan. When I heard of our school, where we might carry on our that the text of God’s Word has been his fame, I entered the Madrasa-i- investigation once a week to our altered is absolutely without foundation Zaknriyya and began a study of the final hearts’ content. I gratefully accepted this and futile. I believe that this conten- books on logic and philosophy. The offer. When they opened the reading tion is held by Muslims who are generally Mawlavi treated me as a son and gave me room, we met them there according to a quite ignorant of the Bible and of the a room next to his own so that I might fixed schedule. faith and doctrines of Christians.” be able to call on him for help at any time. When I perceived that the students in Then the clergyman gave me two the school and my other friends knew Controversies with Christians Bibles, one in Persian and the other in nothing of the Christian religion and were One day during the course of a walk Arabic and urged me to read them. inexperienced in debate, I rented some of us students from our school We thanked him and departed. To the another house on the advice of Mawlavi arrived at the Dhobi Talab. There we objection of the clergyman, who gave Abbas Khan Sahib. There we formed found some Christian preachers me the Bibles, I paid no attention. My a society called “Nadwatul Mutakalli- speaking to the people. Immediately my own object in reading the Bible was min”. The aim of this society was to old enmity was aroused as I recalled to pick flaws in it, to prove from it the prepare controversialists against all non- my previous experience in Delhi. I was on truth of Islam, and to silence Chris- Islamic religions, with special refer- the point of advancing towards the tians in argument. I did not even read ence to Christianity. preachers when a fellow student through the Bible from beginning to When my instructor saw that I restrained me, saying: “Mawlavi end, but only those passages which Mus- was always involved in controversy and Sahib, never mind these people. It is a lim controversialists quote in their that I had no other interest in life, he waste of time to argue with them. writings. In short, as long as I remained in came into my room one day after evening These poor fellows neither know how to Delhi, I made it my business to carry prayers. Just at that time I was read- carry on a discussion, nor are they on controversies with Christians. ing the Injil (Gospel).He asked me what I familiar with the rules of debate. They are was reading. I replied that it was the Further Studies paid to do this work and are fulfilling Injil. He responded angrily: “I fear lest At this time I made up my mind to go their duty, so there is absolutely no use in you become a Christian.” I was very to Bombay. There I had the good for- arguing with them.” “I know all about much provoked at his reply and, though I tune to meet Mawlavi Hidayat Ullah, who these people,” I replied. “They may not did not wish to seem disrespectful, I was highly respected in that region as know the art and rules of debate, but could not help saying: “Why should I a man of authority and great learning. His they certainly know how to lead people become a Christian? Does the mere home was in Kabul, and he was well astray. It is the duty of every true reading of the Injil make one a Christian? acquainted with my family. As soon as we Muslim to rescue his thoughtless Muslim I am reading it in order to destroy came to know each other in Bombay, brethren from their plotting and Christianity root and branch, not that I he gladly promised to give me instruction. deception.” I stepped forward and began myself may become a Christian. You He thought that my regular course of raising a host of objections to what should encourage me in this matter studies was nearly complete and advised they had said. They countered with a instead of finding fault with me.” He me to give more attention to the study flurry of objections to my objections. replied: “I said this because I have heard of literature. He also gave me permission The discussion was finally cut short that he who reads the Injil becomes a INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Sultan Muhammad Paul 199

Christian. Have you not heard what a cer- used to come regularly to speak for the after I should not read the Bible as I had tain poet has said: “When he reads the Christians. Others came to speak on been reading it. I would read it so that Injil, the heart of the faithful turns away behalf of the Arya Samaj. I, a miserable sinner, might discover in it from Islam’?” “This information is One day Munshi Mansur Masih the way of salvation. inaccurate,” I replied. After giving me fur- addressed us very convincingly that there My Quest for Salvation ther counsel, the Mawlavi returned to is no salvation in Islam. The members Accordingly, from that day his own room. of our society asked me to answer him. onward I changed my attitude and, as a To the best of my ability I tried to Journey to Arabia genuine seeker after truth, began prove that there is perfect and certain sal- This interesting religious conflict reading and comparing the Bible with the vation in Islam. The audience appre- Qur’an. For my further peace of mind went on for some years, when sud- ciated my address. Yet I knew very well I borrowed a copy of the Avesta from a denly I became possessed of the desire to that my own argument left me uncon- make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Imme- vinced in my innermost being. In fact, as I Parsi friend and bought a copy of the diately I made the necessary arrange- spoke, I was compelled to admit the Satyarth Prakash. Then I began to com- ments, boarded the steamship, Shah-i- weakness of my position. Though I was pare all these books. After reading the Nur, for Jeddah, and thence went to making much more noise than my Avesta carefully and talking with Parsi Mecca. From Mecca I carried on a antagonist, his voice was thundering in scholars, I became still more dejected correspondence with the late Mawlavi my soul with an indescribable power! regarding the way of salvation, for there is Hassamud Din, editor of the Kashful no reasonable method of salvation set It was nearly 11 PM when this dis- forth in this religion. Haqaiq. On the day of pilgrimage I put on cussion ended. I returned home and the pilgrim dress and proceeded to sat down to think carefully of what Mun- I turned next to the study of the Arafat. On that day I saw a wonderful shi Mansur Masih had said. The more Satyarth Prakash written by Swami Daya- sight: the rich and the poor, the high I thought, the more evident it became to nand Sarasvati, which may be consid- and the low, all clad in the same white me that salvation is the vital breath of ered to be the most authoritative work in garment. It looked as if all the dead, religion and its necessary foundation. setting forth the doctrines of the Arya clad in their shrouds, had emerged from Without it a religion is not a religion Samaj. I read it with the hope that I might their graves to render their accounts. at all. find in it that for which I was search- The sight brought tears to my eyes. But at Furthermore, I considered that all ing. But instead, I found strange doctrines the same time the thought struck me: men agree that man, as his name indi- which made my hair stand on end. I “If Islam is not the true religion, what will cates, is a bundle of forgetfulness, learned from it that God cannot forgive my condition be on the Day of Resur- disobedience, and transgression. His life sins. I was amazed at this and con- rection?” Then and there I prayed to God: never remains so pure as to be abso- cluded that it was absolutely useless for “0 God, show me the true religion lutely free from the stain of sin. Sin has anyone to join the Arya Samaj in the and Thy true way. If Islam is the true become man’s second nature. It is a hope of gaining salvation. According to religion, keep me steadfast in it, and true saying that “to err is human”. The the Arya Samaj God could not for- grant me grace to silence the opponents of question is how can one escape give a man’s sins, whether committed Islam. If Christianity is the true relig- accountability and punishment? How is before or after his becoming an Arya ion, then reveal its truth to me. Amen.” one to be saved? What does Islam Samajist, and punishment is inescapable. After a brief visit to Medina I have to say about it? What is the message Furthermore I discovered that the returned to Bombay. During my absence of Christianity? It is my duty to inves- Arya Samaj does not consider salvation to our society the “Nadwatul Mutakalli- tigate this important matter honestly and be eternal. It became clear to me that min” had disbanded. Immediately upon without prejudice. Should I find that there is no salvation with the Arya Samaj my return I organized another in its salvation is certainly to be had through and that, even if salvation were place. I myself became president of this Islam, then I should thank God. How obtained, it would not be eternal. Conse- society, and Abdur Rauf was its sec- bright my eyes would be and how glad quently, since salvation is temporal, retary. At his house our organization held my heart! Otherwise I shall seek that would not one continually fear that further its meetings. One of our rules was religion which presents a satisfying plan happiness might be refused to him at that once a week a non-Muslim be invited of salvation. any time? When I reached this point and to address us and that one of our When I came to this decision. I fall saw that there was no salvation here members should answer the arguments of on my knees in prayer before God for a sinner like myself, I discontinued my our guest. Munshi Mansur Masih and wept bitterly, covenanting that there- study of the Satyarth Prakash.

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Salvation in the Qur’an The moral philosophers of Arabia Apostle of God said: ‘When the life of Adam was completed except forty have claimed that there are four facul- The most weighty task that still years, the angel of death came to him. confronted me was that of the examina- ties in man which give rise to all his And Adam said: “Are there not yet tion of the Qur’an and the most relia- actions. Of these four, three powerful forty years of my life remaining?” He replied: “Didst thou not give them to ble of the Traditions. Before beginning faculties are working against the spiritual thy son David?” Then Adam denied, interest of man. There is only one, the my search for the doctrine of salva- and his descendants have denied, and tion in these works, I raised my hands to angelic faculty, which impales man Adam forgot and ate of the tree, and God in prayer: “0 God, Thou knowest towards God, or helps him to obey his descendants have forgotten, and God’s commands. But its effects are hid- Adam sinned and his descendants that I am and was born a Muslim, and that have sinned.’” (Tirmidhi) generation after generation of my den from man’s sight. On the other From this tradition it is clear that all ancestors were born into this religion and hand, there is the combined strength of the children of Adam are assuredly have died in it in it. I, too, have the other three faculties, together with sinners, because Adam’s sin has entered received my education, and in it I have the fact that their effects are such that man into all. Accordingly, famous saints been brought up. Therefore, now, is at once delighted and motivated by and religious leaders have confessed their remove every obstacle that would prevent them. Therefore, as the mind of man sees sins. Thus Adam, the first of the me from discovering Thy true way, only what is on the surface and cares prophets, and mother Eve say: and show me the way of Thy salvation only for the present, he pays more atten- that, when I leave this transitory tion to worldly things and becomes They said: “Our Lord! We have careless of the things of the Spirit and of wronged ourselves. If Thou forgive us world, I may not be displeasing to Thee. not and have not mercy on us, surely God. A distinguished Muslim has Amen.” we are of the lost!” (Qur’an 7:23). stated the matter thus: What I now found out through the The Prophet Abraham likewise study of the Qur’an was only what I I am entrapped in four things, the says: ascendency of which is the cause of had known before: that attaining salvation my misery and suffering. These four Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents is dependent upon doing good works. things are Satan, the world, lust, and and believers on the day when the I found many verses which declare this greed. How may I be free from these account is cast. (Qur’an 14:41) when all of them are my enemies? The prophet of Islam himself makes doctrine, but shall note only two of Evil desires allure me and throw me them here: into the dark abyss of sensuality and this prayer: pleasure. But as for those who believe and do 0 God, wash my iniquities with snow- good works, for them are the Gardens The three faculties gained mastery water. (Bukhari) of Retreat a welcome (in reward) for over the angelic faculty, and Adam Abu Bakr, the first Khalifah of the what they used to do. And as for did the thing which God had forbidden those, who do evil, their retreat is the Prophet of Islam, says in his famous Fire. Whenever they desire to issue him to do. The result has been mani- poem: forth from thence, they are brought festly inherited by his descendants down 0 God, how shall I be saved, for there back thither. Unto them it is said: to the present time. According to a is no goodness in me? I am over Taste the torments of the Fire which tradition: whelmed with iniquities, but am ye used to deny.” (Qur’an 32:19, 20) wanting in goodness. And whoso doeth good an atom’s It is related from Abu Huraira that the weight will see it then, And whoso Apostle of God said: “When God In addition to all these evidences doeth ill an atom’s weight will see it created Adam he stroked his back, the Qur’an itself holds that all men are then. (Qur’an 99:7, 8) and there fell from his back all the sinners: men whom He was creating from his At first glance these verses are descendants until the Day of Resur- Lo! man is an ingrate unto his Lord very beautiful and consoling, but in my rection. And He placed before the And lo! he is a witness unto that. mind they raised a question: “Is it eyes of each man of them a flash of (Qur’an 100:6,7) light. Afterwards He brought them to possible for us to do only good and no In this connection the following Adam. Adam said: “0 my Lord, who evil? Does man possess such power?” are these?” He replied: “They are thy thoughts confronted me: the Prophet Jesus When I considered this carefully, and at descendants.” And he saw a man also is a man. The Qur’an refers to amongst them whose flash of light the same time reckoned with the the sin of the other prophets. But why between his eyes astonished him. He faculties and passions of man, it became said: “0 my Lord, who is this? He does the Qur’an record no sin of clear to me that it is impossible for replied: “David.” Then he said: “0 my Jesus? As I found that the Qur’an man to remain sinless. Nor has he the Lord, how long hast Thou fixed his recorded only the sinlessness of life?” He replied: “Sixty years.” power continually to do good and Adam said: “My Lord increase it Jesus, I therefore turned to the Injil. Here only good. from my life by forty years.”’ The I found the following verses:

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Which of you convicts me of sin? ter. After a long search, I found the fol- Despite these difficulties I carried my (John 8:46) lowing tradition in the Mishkat: work to completion with God’s help. For our sake he made him to be sin Ibn Masud said that the Prophet of The Traditions who knew no sin, so that in him we Islam said: “All people shall enter might become the righteousness of hell. Then they,will come out of it According to the Traditions there God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) according to their works.Those who are three ways of salvation. First, there is For we have not a high priest who is will come out first will do so like a absolutely no connection between unable to sympathize with our weak- flash of lightning, the next like a gale ness, but one who in every respect has of wind, then like a horse at full works and salvation. The very worst sin- been tempted as we are, yet without speed, afterwards like a swift rider, ner, who has spent his whole life in sinning. (Hebrews 4:15) then like a man springing, and finally, breaking God’s laws, may enter paradise. He committed no sin: no guile was like the walk of a man.” (Tirmidhi found on his lips. (1 Peter 2:22) and Darimi) The best kind of man, having spent his life in good deeds, may enter hell. The You know that he appeared to take The meaning of the previous away sins, and in him there is no sin. following Traditions speak for them- verse was now clear. It is inevitable that (1 John 3:5) selves: every person should once enter hell Thus there was solid evidence to and then emerge according to his works. Hazrat Anas relates that the Prophet prove that, with the exception of the of Islam was riding followed by Though the meaning of the Qur’an Prophet Jesus, all mankind are sinful. Maadh. When the Prophet of Islam thrice repeated “Anyone who hon- Under these circumstances, who was was plain and was supported by the state- ment of the Prophet of Islam himself, estly believes and repeats ‘There is I that I should claim to be able to gain sal- but one God, and Muhammad is his and though, had I wished, I might have vation by good works, when many prophet,’ shall never be doomed to ended my search at this point, yet I religious leaders and philosophers and the fire of hell.” Maadh said “O thought it best to seek its interpretation in Prophet of God, shall I not proclaim saints had failed to run this impossi- these tidings?” The Prophet ble course? the Qur’an itself. Accordingly, after a answered: “In that case they will long search I came upon this verse: believe in nothing else but this.” Again I turned to the Qur’an to (Mishkat) examine its teachings about the doctrine And if thy Lord had willed, He verily would have made mankind one On this subject there is a tradition of salvation by works. I quote two nation, yet they cease not differing, handed down by Abu Dharr, the verses only which make it clear that no save him on whom thy Lord hash words of which force the conclusion that human being, no matter what his mercy; and for that He did create salvation by works is meaningless, status be, can escape perdition: them. And the Word of thy Lord hath been fulfilled: Verily I shall fill hell for even the adulterer and thief obtain sal- There is not one of you but shall with the jinn and mankind together. vation by the mere repetition of the approach it.2 That is a fixed ordi- (Qur’an 11:118, 119) words of the Muslim creed. The tradition nance of thy Lord. Then we shall res- I was so stricken at reading this verse cue those who kept from evil, and runs thus: leave the evil-doers crouching there. that I slowly closed the Qur’an and It is related from Abu Dharr that he (Qur’an 19:71,72) became absorbed in anxious thought. said: “I came to the Prophet, and he No one but myself knows with Even in sleep I found no rest, for my had a white cloth over him and was what terror, dismay, and disappointment I waking thoughts, taking form in the realm sleeping. Later on I came to him after he had awakened. Then he said: Any read these words. I, a spiritually sick of dreams, made me uneasy. It was servant of God who says ‘There is no man, was reading the Qur’an as I would unspeakably hard for me to forsake the God but Allah,’ and afterwards dies consult a physician, that it might offer faith of my fathers; I should have relying on that, will enter heaven.” I said: “Although he commit adultery me the remedy for my sinfulness. But, been more willing to forsake life itself. or steal?” He replied: “Although he instead of giving me the remedy, it For some time I kept trying to think has committed adultery and theft” I said to me: “Everyone of you will go to of some method of evading the problem said: “Although he commit adultery perdition, for this is the absolute duty or some way of escape, so that I and theft?” He replied: “Although he commit adultery and theft, and in of thy Lord,” might not have to leave Islam. With this spite of Abu Dharr. (Muslim, Buk- But my natural love and attach- intent I began to search for help in the hari) ment for the faith of Islam forbade me to Traditions, I found another tradition, as comfort- make haste in making my personal This was no easy matter, for the ing as a basket of sugar to a child, decision. I though it fitting to seek a com- Traditions are contained in six thick vol- which promises that, whether a man does mentary on this verse in the Tradi- umes. Moreover, it is a most difficult good or evil by means of the repeti- tions, that I might see what the Prophet of task to apply the principles of the science tion of a few words he can obtain para- Islam himself has to say on this mat- of the Traditions to each Tradition. dise. It is as follows:

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It is related from Ubadah bin Samit an evasion of His justice would indicate a heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) that the Apostle of God said: defect in the being of God. Certainly ‘Whoever bears witness that there is such an act would be unworthy of the I cannot say how I happened to alight no God but Allah alone, and that He upon this passage in the Gospel. I did has no partner, and that Muhammad is glory of God.” not intentionally seek it. On the other His servant and His Apostle, and that The third thing that became clear to Jesus is the servant of God and His hand, it was not a chance occurrence; apostle and the son of His hand maid me from the Traditions was that even it was the God-given answer to my hard and His word which He cast into the Prophet of Islam cannot save anyone, Mary and a spirit from Him, and that not even his daughter Fatimah or his labor and sincere investigation of the heaven and hell are true, God will relations. Hence, the idea that the Prophet truth. For a sinner like me it was indeed take him into paradise, in spite of the supreme proclamation of good what his works may, have, been!’ would intercede for the faithful, (Muslim, Bukhari)3 which I thought would surely prove cor- news. This life-giving verse had a tremen- dous effect upon me. It brought me When I read these Traditions, the rect, was proved wrong. One tradition peace, comfort, and joy and immediately question came into my mind whether runs thus: banished all uneasiness and uncer- it is just, that one who spent his life in Abu Huraira related that when the doing evil and never thought of good, verse, “Cause thy near relatives to tainty from my heart. The Messiah fear,” was revealed to the Prophet of claims: “I will give you rest.” He should enter into paradise at death, while Islam: the Prophet arose and began to shows how salvation depends on Him. He another who has spent his life in the proclaim: “Oh people of the Quraysh, fear of God, continence, and good works and you sons of Abdul Manaf, and does not merely point to a path which should be cast into hell at death. you Abbas, son of Abdul Muttalib, is above or beyond Him, but He says: “I and you, Safiyyah my aunt, I cannot am the way, and the truth, and the Secondly, it is shown in the Tradi- save you from the punishment of the life; no one comes to the Father but by tions that salvation is dependent upon Day of Resurrection. Take care of yourself, 0 my daughter Fatimah; you me.” the mercy of God, so much so that the may use my property, but I cannot Yet the question came to my mind: Prophet of Islam himself is a needy save you from God. Take care of beggar of' this mercy. Unless God have yourself.” (Bukhari) “Can one have confidence in this mercy upon him, the Prophet himself So, after an extended and pene- extraordinary claim of Christ?” I con- cannot obtain salvation through works. trating study of the Traditions, there cluded that one could rest upon it, for One tradition is as follows: remained nothing more for further in the first place Christ is accepted by Muslims as sinless, glorious in this Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet research. In sheer fear and desperation I of Islam said: “No one of you will closed the books of the Traditions world and the next, the Word of God, and enter Paradise through his good also and thus prayed to God: “0 God, my the Spirit of God. These and other works.” They said: “Not even you, 0 such descriptives applied to Jesus indicate Apostle of God” “Not even I” he Creator and my Lord, who knowest replied, “unless God cover me with the secrets of my heart better than I know perfection. Secondly, according to His grace and mercy. Therefore be them, Thou knowest how long I have Christians He is perfect God and perfect strong and morning and evening, nay, been seeking Thy true religion, I have car- man, free from all base passion and every moment, try to do good.” worldly ambitions. Hence it is impossible (Mishkat) ried my investigation as far as I have been able. Now, therefore, open to me the that Christ, who, according to both Compare also the following Tradi- door of Thy knowledge and Thy sal- Muslims and Christians, possesses the tion: vation. Grant that I may enter into the highest qualities, would sin or do any- Jabir reported that the Prophet of company of Thy people who are well- thing unworthy of Himself. Islam said: “No good works of yours can ever secure heaven for you, nor pleasing unto Thee so that, when I enter Then I began to ponder how can they save you from hell not even Thy glorious presence, I may be Christ promises to give me salvation. To me, without the grace of God.” exulted and content. Amen.” set my mind at rest, I began to search From the above Traditions I gath- through the Holy Injil and came upon this The Holy Injil ered that no one can obtain salvation verse: unless God’s mercy rests on him. In this desperate and depressed state Even as the Son of Man came not to of mind I again began to read the This comforted me a little, but at the same be served but to serve, and to give his time I began to think: “If God is mer- Holy Injil with the idea of correcting any life as a ransom for many .(Matthew ciful, He is likewise just. If God should possible defects in my investigations. 20:28) for-give by the exercise of His mercy As I opened the Holy Injil this time, my On reading this verse, I discovered alone. He would be evading the demands eyes fell on these words: how God offers salvation. Christ gave of His justice and righteousness. Such Come to me, all who labor and are His life for us sinners. This is a marvelous

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS Sultan Muhammad Paul 203 way to which the world can show no God through saith in Jesus Christ for bling, I compared with one another the all who believe. For there is no dis- counterpart. Scores of men have Avesta, Satyarth Prakash, the Bible, tinction; since all have sinned and fall founded religions in this world, but not short of the glory of God, they are jus- and the Qur’an. I came to the conclusion one of them claimed that his death tified by his grace as a gift, through that salvation is to be found in Christ will serve for the forgiveness of sins. the redemption which is in Christ alone. That is all I have to say. If there is Jesus, whom God put forward as an Christ alone not only made this claim expiation by his blood, to be received any defect in my investigation, I shall but fulfilled it. by faith. This was to show God’s be grateful if any of you gentlemen will righteousness, because in his divine point it out. On the other hand, if you The Atonement forbearance he had passed over for- yourselves wish me to make the rebuttal mer sins. (Romans 3 : 19-25) At this thought I fell into a state of to these arguments, I tell you frankly ecstasy. The picture of Christ and His The Night of Decision that I cannot answer them. Nor is there love for men made an indelible impres- Accordingly, after completing hope of an answer from anyone else.” sion on my heart. But while I was the investigations which I have here I left the meeting, as it was not pru- absorbed in this ecstasy, another question described, I came to the conclusion dent for me to remain there longer, came to my mind: “What was the that I would become a Christian. Under Munshi Mansur Masih immediately fol- need of Christ’s sacrifice, and atonement? these circumstances it appeared to me lowed me. When he overtook me, he Could He not have given salvation to be honorable to present the whole mat- threw his arms around my neck and began without giving His life?” After a little fur- ter before the society, that they might to shed tears of joy, saying in a trem- ther thought I found the answer to this consider it and that I might be free from bling voice: “You must come home with also: God is both merciful and just. If any charge of pursuing my investiga- me tonight. It is not safe for you to Christ had promised salvation without tion in secret. spend the night alone in your room.” I giving His life, the demands of mercy I went to the meeting as usual. It replied that the officers of my organi- would certainly have bean fulfilled. was again the turn of Munshi Mansur zation were educated gentlemen, and that In order to satisfy the demands of justice Masih to speak. Before he began to I need fear nothing from them. “Of also, Christ paid the ransom, which speak, I interrupted by stating that on this course,” I added, “there are others which was His precious blood. In this way God occasion I myself would speak one must fear. I shall come to your has manifested His love for us. against Islam. Then I proceeded to house before daybreak. If I am not there In this is love, not that we loved God describe the results of my many years by that time, you may kindly come to but that he loved us and sent his Son my lodging.” to be the expiation for our sins. of research, The officers of the society (I John 4:10) were amazed at my words but took After making this arrangement, we separated. I went to my room, bolted In short, I continued my investigation comfort in the hope that I would make the the door from the inside, and extin- in the New Testament, and read it rebuttal to my own address. When I guished the light. I sat down, immersed in several times from beginning to end. In finished and took my seat, the vice- president said: “We hope that the thought. I shall never forget the fear- the course of this reading I found hun- president himself will make his own ful fancies and the spiritual struggle, of dreds of verses and scores of parables that night. It was a night of decision, which proved to me beyond a shadow rebuttal to his unfavorable address.” a night, of most desperate testing. At of a doubt that salvation (which is the Again I arose and said: “Listen to me, my times the thought confronted me that, very heart and purpose of religion) is friends. What I have explained to you if I should become a Christian, I should available only through faith in the Lord is not something which is superficial and lose my country, my inheritance, my Jesus Christ. I quote here only one fabricated. It is a matter which is cer- rights, my family, my friends, in short passage: tain and decisive, based on years of inves- tigation. To be more specific, it began everything. I was also bothered by the Now we know that what ever the law idea that becoming a Christian would says it speaks to those who are under on that day when Munshi Mansur Masih the law, so that every mouth may be addressed us on the subject of salva- mean entering a world where manners stopped, and the whole world may be tion. At that time I promised God that and all else would be different from that held accountable to God. For no hence forth I would read the Holy to which I had been accustomed. human being will be justified in his sight by works of the law, since Bible, not as I had read it previously but Sleep was impossible that night. through the law comes knowledge of as a seeker after truth, so that, the Finally I said to myself: “Sultan, sin. But now the righteousness of God way of truth and righteousness might be consider that you are the child of an hour has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets revealed to me. Accordingly, setting and the world is fleeting. When you bear witness to it, the righteousness of aside prejudice and philosophical quib- die, your country and your inheritance

VOL 13:4 OCT.-DEC. 1996 204 A Muslim’s Journey to Salvation will be of no benefit to you; nor will your not to stay among Muslims. Upon his May God, the Creator of heaven and family and friends be of help to you. invitation to stay either with himself earth, the Searcher of hearts, turn the All these belong to this world alone. or with Munshi Mansur Masih, I decided hearts of my Muslim brethren, as He Nothing but your faith can go beyond to accept the second alternative. turned mine, and give them vision, so the grave. Therefore, it is not wise to for- When Sunday came, the whole that they too, remembering the Day of sake eternal life and spiritual happi- church was filled with Muslims. See- Judgement, may realize their deep ness for the sake of this transitory life.” ing the danger, Mr. Ledgeard postponed spiritual need and come into the fold of Then I bowed my knees before God my baptism. Finally, by the grace and the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. and offered this prayer: “0 omnipotent, mercy of God, I was baptized later in St. I am, my dear Muslim brothers, your eternal God, Searcher of hearts, I Paul’s Church, Bombay. My baptism spiritual well-wisher: Sultan Muham- yield myself to Thee. Accept this offering took place in the presence of the follow- mad Paul. and protect me from all the snares of ing persons: Rev. Canon Ledgeard, End Notes the devil and from spiritual dangers. who baptized me, Munshi Mansur Masih, Remove from my heart the world and and two other gentlemen, whose 1 All English references from the Qur’an its desires. Grant me courage and strength names I cannot recall. Immediately after are taken from Mohammad Marma- that I may be able to confess Thine the ceremony I was sent to Kanpur, duke Pickthall, The meaning of the glo- only Son Jesus Christ publicly before all since it was too dangerous for me to rious Koran, New York, 1954. men. Hear and accept my prayer for remain in Bombay. 2 Another translation reads: “There is not the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.” When I became a Christian, a won- one of you who shall not pass After I had finished this prayer, I derful change took place in my life. though the confines of Hell...” (N.J. felt some what drowsy and slept for a My speech, actions, and whole manner of Dawood, The Koran, Penguin short time. When I awoke, I felt alto- life were so transformed that a year Books Ltd., Middlesex, 1959). Still gether happy and cheerful. No shadow of later, when I visited Bombay for a short another translation reads: “No one the former worry and uneasiness time, my Muslim friends wondered at is there of you who shall not so down bothered me. The day was breaking. I it. They marvelled at my mild manners, unto it...”(J. M. Rodwell, The quickly washed and left for the home for they knew how easily I used to Koran, Dent and Sons London, 1950). of Munshi Mansur Masih. When I arrived lose my temper. 3 The reader may kindly bear in mind there, I found he had been very much Before I came a Christian, I rec- that Christians do not deny the neces- worried because I had not come. He knew ognized sin to be sin. But I did not realize, sity for doing good works. Chris- that I was accustomed to tea at that as I do now, how dangerous and tians realize that they are to be always hour and already prepared some for me. destructive it is. Although I am still engaged in good works: However After I finished tea, we talked things merely a weak man and a handful of their salvation does not depend upon over for a short time and then engaged in dust, yet, when I have sinned, I cannot their works, for no person can do prayer. After prayer we went to the describe the shame and sorrow with more than is required of him. Thus no home of Padre Ledgeard. which I am filled. Immediately I fall on one can do excess works which The padre was surprised at our my face and with tears I repent and might serve as an atonement for his evil early arrival, Munshi Mansur Masih pro- beg for forgiveness. This attitude can be works. (See Luke 17:7-10.) ceeded to tell him that I had come to acquired only by the recognition of be baptized. At first he thought we were the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus [Sultan Muhammad Paul wrote this not in earnest. But when he heard Christ. Sin cannot be removed by testimony more than half a century ago, what had taken place on the proceeding repentance alone. It must be cleansed by prepared originally as his brief night, he immediately rose and the sacred blood of our Savior. For autobiography called“Why I became a embracing me, said: “I knew that if you this very reason the world, which makes Christian”. This booklet appeared would read the Bible seriously you light of sin, is daily approaching first in Urdu. The first English edition would surely become a Christian. Thank nearer to destruction. was produced in 1927. It has also God that you have been convinced.” Though Satan war against me appeared in Tamil and Malayalam. He then promised to baptize me three with all the power at his disposal, I am not May this testimony prove to be a days later and advised me during the in the least disturbed, because I source of guidance and blessing from interval to memorize the Ten. Command- believe that Christ has crushed his head. the Living God for all who ponder ments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Satan cannot harm Christ’s faithful its contents and follow the quest toward Lord’s Prayer. He further counselled me servants, nor can he prevail against them. salvation in Christ from sin.] INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIER MISSIONS