The people do not do things with the sincerity of their hearts; they just want to make a show of everything that they do. Those who really do things sincerely are very distinct form others. They always fear God. Of course, it is possible to please their worldly authorities by doing things anyhow, for, they do not know the inner secrets of the hearts; God looks to the heart and is fully aware of what is therein. That is why unless a man turns to God with all the sincerity at his command, he cannot avail anything; hypocrisy and mere show (of good deeds) does not please God. It is a real and true change that God wishes to see.

I could see that change has not taken place as it should have. I am sure that even if a fraction of the people bring about the desired change, God will surely show Mercy to them. But, of course, what is observed is that people play tricks; they are not as pious and muttaqi as they claim to be. There are lot of latent evils in them. The religious controversies have produced thousands of dispensations. But God knows who is who and where the truth lies. He deals with them as He knows them (not as they think that they are). The mischievous ways of the people bring down the Wrath of God. What is required is that one should be very sincere to God and turn to Him as a loyal and obedient servant; he should not cause harm to any of his fellow beings.

A man can dye his clothes and become a religious mendicant and the people also take him to be so. But his reality is fully known to God and He is quite aware of his ways and actions. That being the case the real prescriptions for the bubonic plague (that is surging now) is that the people should repent and make a pledge not to violate the commandments of God, show mercy to His creatures and make their dealings straight-forward. All this, they should do very sincerely and not with the ulterior motive of showing themselves off.

I am quite sure that with this kind of change in their life God will turn to them with Mercy.