But if shall encounter you on the Day of Gathering...
But if shall encounter you on
the Day of Gathering; (thus) what a wonderful judge is Allah, a claimant
is Muhammad, and a day is the Day of Rising. At the time of the Hour
shall the wrongdoers lose; and it shall not benefit you to regret (your
actions) then! For every Message, there is a time limit; and soon shall
ye know who will be inflicted with torture that will humiliate him, and
who will be confronted by an everlasting punishment. (Fatima then
turned towards the Ansars and said:) O you people of intellect! The
strong supporters of the nation! And those who embraced Islam; What
is this short-coming in defending my right? And what is this slumber
(while you see) injustice (being done toward me)? Did not the
Messenger of Allah, my father, used to say: A man is upheld
(remembered) by his children'? O how quick have you violated (his
orders)?! How soon have you plotted against us? But you still are
capable (of helping me in) my attempt, and powerful (to help me) in
that which I request and (in) my pursuit (of it). Or do you say:
"Muhammad has perished;" Surely this is a great calamity; Its damage
is excessive its injury is great, Its wound (is much too deep) to heal. The Earth became darkened with his departure; the stars eclipsed for
his calamity; hopes were seized; mountains submitted; sanctity was
violated, and holiness was encroached upon after his death. Therefore, this, by Allah, is the great affliction, and the grand calamity;
there is not an affliction-which is the like of it; nor will there be a
sudden misfortune (as surprising as this). The Book of Allah-excellent in praising him- announced in the
courtyards (of your houses) in the place where you spend your
evenings and mornings; A call, A cry, A recitation, and (verses) in
order. It had previously came upon His (Allah's) Prophets and
Messengers; (for it is) A decree final, and a predestination fulfilled:
"Muhammad is not but an Apostle: Many were the apostles that
passed away before him. If he died or was slain, will ye then turn back
on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will
he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those
who (serve Him) with gratitude." O you people of reflection; will I be
usurped the inheritance of my father while you hear and see me?! (And while) You are sitting and gathered around me? You hear my
call, and are included in the (news of the) affair? (But) You are
numerous and well equipped!
✦ ✦ ✦