There is no denying the fact that culture and civilization, progress and improvement, in short, everything that has contributed towards the welfare and material progress of mankind and helped man to raise himself to the level of vicegerent of God on earth, has been brought about by the combined effort of all Men.

> Astronomers have discovered the movements of heavenly bodies,
> Chemists have found out the properties of substances,
> Physicians have searched the medicines for curing diseases,
> Architects have developed the science and designs of structures and artisans have give birth to useful crafts and fine arts, and all of them have thus a share in the making of our world.

We ought to be thankful to all of them. Nevertheless, we are even more obliged to offer our thanks to those who have decorated the world within us. They are the Physicians who have cured us of our greed and envy, diagnosed the ailments of our souls and refurbished its lost energy and vigor.

They elaborated our behaviour patterns and aptitudes, ideas and intentions and showed us the way of attaining purity of heart and sublimity of spirit. It was through the efforts of these God moved souls that the cultural attainments were refined and embellished, the link between Man and God, the slave and the Lord, was established. How could the world have attained its Excellence if we had been denied the knowledge received through Prophetic Teachings?

We are, verily, indebted more to these Men of God than to any other class or group of person. This is the compliment due to the Prophets of God and it ought to be paid by all of us whenever their name comes on the lips of anyone. And, this is the benediction taught by Islam to be offered for them: "O God! Have mercy and peace on all of them."


JAK