The Damascus Sermon | The Damascus Sermon | 125
(4-135)

Our worst calamity and sickness is that criticism which is based on pride and deception. If fairness utilizes criticism, it pares the truth. Whereas if it is pride that employs it, it mutilates and destroys it. The very worst sort is that which is levelled at the tenets of belief and questions of religion. For belief comprises both affirmation, and exercise of the mind, and commitment, and surrender, and compliance. Criticism of this sort destroys the compliance, commitment, and mental exercise. Rather than affirming, the person feels uncommitted. At this time of doubts and hesitation, it is necessary to look favourably on the positive ideas and encouraging statements that emerge from luminous, warm hearts, and to foster and strengthen the exercise of the mind and commitment. What they call “unbiased, objective reasoning” is temporary unbelief. Novices and those new to the truth do it.

The view of the one who taught the Miraculous Qur’an that Warner and Bringer of Good News and his critical insight, were too accurate, sublime, clear, and penetrating to confuse and obscure reality with his imagination; and his way of truth is too scupulous, selfsufficient, and elevated to deceive and cheat people.

For the perceptive eye is not deceived, and a truthseeking heart will not deceive.

The Qur’an describes the loathsomeness of backbiting with the verse:

No Voice