‘Not at all,’ said the Mufti; ’they would probably not have understood him; and if they had, those who did not believe in what he did actually reveal to them, would not have believed in him had he revealed all the laws that govern the universe.’

‘And why should they not have believed in him?’

’Because what he revealed was sufficient to convince all men whose hearts had not been hardened in unbelief.  God said, “As for the unbelievers, it is the same with them whether you admonish them or do not admonish them; they will not believe.  God hath sealed up their hearts, their ears, and their eyes; and a grievous punishment awaits them."’[58]

’And why were the hearts of any men thus hardened to unbelief, when by unbelief they were to incur such dreadful penalties?’

‘Because they were otherwise wicked men.’

’But you think, of course, that there was really much of good in the revelations of your prophet?’

‘Of course we do.’

’And that those who believed in it were likely to become better men for their faith?’

‘Assuredly.’

’Then why harden the hearts of even bad men against a faith that might make them good?’

’Has not God said, “If we had pleased, we had certainly given unto every soul its direction; but the word which hath proceeded from me must necessarily be fulfilled when I said, Verily, I will fill hell with men and genii altogether “.[59] And again, “Had it pleased the Lord, he would have made all men of one religion; but they shall not cease to differ among them, unless those on whom the Lord shall have mercy; and unto this hath he created them; for the word of thy Lord shall be fulfilled when he said, Verily, I will fill hell altogether with genii and men".’[60]

’You all believe that the devil, like all the angels, was made of fire?’

‘Yes.’

’And that he was doomed to hell because he would not fall down and worship Adam, who was made of clay?’

’Yes, God commanded him to bow down to Adam; and when he did not do as he was bid, God said, “Why, Iblis, what hindered thee from bowing down to Adam as the other angels did?” He replied, “It is not fit that I should worship man, whom thou hast formed of dried clay, or black mud”.  God said, “Get thee, therefore, hence, for thou shalt be pelted with stones; and a curse shall be upon thee till the day of judgement”.  The devil said, “O Lord, give me respite unto the day of resurrection”.  God said, “Verily, thou shalt be respited until the appointed time “.’[61]

’And does it not appear to you, Mufti Sahib, that in respiting the devil Iblis till the day of resurrection, some injustice was done to the children of Adam?’

‘How?’

’Because he replies, “O Lord, because thou hast seduced me, I will surely tempt men to disobedience in the earth".’

’No, sir, because he could only tempt those who were predestined to go astray, for he adds, “I will seduce all, except such of them as shall be thy chosen servants”.  God said, “This is the right way with me.  Verily, as to my servants, thou shalt have no power over them; but over those only who shall be seduced, and who shall follow thee; and hell is surely denounced to them all “.’[62]