“We have borne witness to it all, Lord.”
“That was still not all. I gave them multiple religions, five in total, so that they might choose the path most suited to their souls. Yet what happened?”
“We know only so little, Lord.”
“They neglected the boundless, beautiful land and instead ravaged and defiled it. With such richness, they have descended to the depths of corruption—stealing from one another until they have become the most corrupt of all nations.”
“We are but Your humble servants, Lord.”
“Why did I create them as such a diverse people? So that in coming together, they might feel compassion and love for one another, live harmoniously, and find joy in their diversity. But what did they do? They turned this diversity into a reason to destroy one another.”
The angels remained silent.
“So, you say they are a religious people? I ask you now, how do they practice their religion? How do they worship their God?”
The angels could not respond.
“They wear it as a mask, or worse, sell it. They think they can profit from religion, even selling My name. This is abhorrent!”
The angels began to tremble.
“Do you realize how long it has been since this nation last used its reason? And without reason, how can they practice true faith? Remember My laws: what makes humanity distinct from other creatures, such as beasts?”
“We know only what You have told us, Lord.”
“Reason! Only reason allows them to be called human and to rise above even you, My angels, if they use it fully. But as they have abandoned reason, they are no longer worthy to be called human. And as their deeds have become more vile than the beasts, they are now less than devils. I am bound by My covenant not to destroy devils until the end of days. But for humans who have become devils, I must act now.”
“When will the curse be delivered, Lord?” one angel dared to ask.
“Tomorrow. Sunday morning.”
“But, Lord, there is one among them who is so pure and loves You dearly. Surely there can be an exception?”
“Who is it?”
“Cut Mala, my Lord.”
“Yes, My beloved. What does she wish?”
“She wishes to bear the burden of her people’s sins alone.”
“Why is that?”
“She has known of Your coming judgment, Lord. And every night, while others sleep, she keeps vigil, praying for her people. She weeps, pleading that they might be spared, willing to bear the curse alone.”
“Yes, bring her to Me.”
The angel was startled. “Bring her here, Lord? As You once did with Muhammad?”
“Yes. Shall not My saints also stand before Me as did My prophets?”
The angel bowed. “Your will is our command, Lord.”