The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said:
“In this age, the condition of most wealthy Muslims is the worst of all. It is as if they think that they were created only for eating, drinking, and indulging in vice and immorality. They are completely unaware of religion, devoid of righteousness, and filled with pride and arrogance.
“If a poor person says Assalamu Alaikum to them, they consider it beneath their dignity to reply Wa Alaikumus Salam. Rather, when such a word comes from the mouth of a poor man, they regard it as an impertinent expression and an act of boldness.
“However, in earlier times, the great kings of Islam never considered responding to Assalamu Alaikum to be beneath their honour. But these people are not even kings. Even so, their undue pride has caused them to belittle such a beautiful expression as Assalamu Alaikum, which is a prayer for well-being and safety.
“Thus, one should reflect on how greatly the times have changed, that every emblem of Islam is now looked upon with contempt.”
[Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 23, p. 327, translated from Urdu]
