Ata-ul-Haye Nasir, Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
During the late 19th century, Islam was being attacked from all sides. In British India, the Christian missionaries and the Arya Samajists were maligning the beautiful teachings of the Holy Quran and the blessed character of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. They were publishing book after book, and their periodicals were also contributing to their anti-Islam efforts.
At that juncture, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian came into the field as a defender of Islam. He had debates with the Christian missionaries in Sialkot while he was employed there in the 1860s. He wrote articles for various Indian newspapers, such as Manshur-e-Muhammadi of Bangalore, which have been compiled in the second volume of Ruhani Khazain.
The likes of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan were making efforts to find ways of proving that Islam was compatible with Western thought, especially with science and philosophy. Such was the atmosphere of Islam within British India when Hazrat Ahmadas wrote Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, the first two parts being published in 1880. He published an announcement in May 1879, wherein he told the world about the objectives of this book and gave a challenge with a reward of 10,000 rupees to be given to anyone who could refute the arguments presented in this book in favour of Islam, or even if they succeed in presenting one-fifth of his arguments to prove their respective scripture to be truthful.
Hazrat Ahmadas said that the reason behind this book was that Pandit Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj, had disrespected the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Mosesas and Jesusas, and declared the Holy Quran and Bible to be untruthful. (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 19-20)
Christian attacks on the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammadsa
On 27 May 1880, a series of articles commenced in Nur-i-Afshan of Ludhiana, by Rev. GL Thakur Das, titled “Adam Zuroorat-e-Quran” – The Redundancy of the Quran – which asserted that there was no need for the Quranic teachings as the other scriptures, particularly the Bible, were enough for mankind’s guidance at all times. He implied that the Quranic teachings were not compatible for every era.
Moreover, another series of articles was published by the same newspaper, titled “Wasiyyat-Nama Hazrat Muhammad Sahib” – The Will of Hazrat Muhammad Sahib (referring to the Hadith-e-Qirtas) in which the author asserted that the teaching brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was not perfect. He wrote on 9 February 1882 that, God forbid, the Holy Prophetsa was doubtful about the Holy Quran being the Word of God and said that he did not manifest any sign and miracle in reality. The author gave the example of the splitting of the moon.
Those who oppose Hazrat Ahmadas, ought to answer one simple question; while there were attacks on Islam, the Holy Quran and particularly the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and the Muslims seemed to be helpless in truly refuting those objections, was there not any need for a divinely guided personage who could help the cause of Islam?
The circumstances of that time and the interest of the followers of all religions in the coming of a Messiah or reformer testify to the need for a heavenly-guided personage.
Hazrat Ahmad’sas claim to be appointed by God
In 1882, Hazrat Ahmadas published the third part of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, in which he mentioned various revelations received in March 1882 — the time when he was writing the Sub-Footnote Number One — including:
يَا أَحْمَدُ بَارَكَ اللهُ فِيْكَ، مَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلكِنَّ اللهَ رَمَى، الرَّحْمنُ عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ، لِتُنْذِرَ قَوْمًا مَّا أُنْذِرَ آبَاؤُهُمْ، وَلِتَسْتَبِيْنَ سَبِيْلُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ. قُلْ إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ۔۔۔۔كُلُّ بَرَكَةٍ مِّنْ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم۔۔۔۔ھُوَ الَّذِیۡۤ اَرۡسَلَ رَسُوۡلَہٗ بِالۡہُدٰی وَدِیۡنِ الۡحَقِّ لِیُظۡہِرَہٗ عَلَی الدِّیۡنِ کُلِّہٖ
“Allah has placed blessing in you, O Ahmad. Whatever you did let loose, it was not you but it was Allah who let it loose. Allah has taught you the Quran so that you should warn the people whose ancestors have not been warned, and that the way of the guilty ones might become manifest. Say: ‘I have been commissioned and I am the first of the believers.’ […] Every blessing is from Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. […] Allah is the God who has sent His Messenger and His Appointed One with guidance and the True Faith so that he should make this faith prevail over all diverse faiths.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya [English], Part III, pp. 207-209)
Edicts from Muslim clerics of Ludhiana and Amritsar
Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalwi, in his review of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, mentioned the edicts of kufr which were issued by some Muslim clerics in relation to the revelations mentioned by Hazrat Ahmadas, and wrote:
“Some Muslims of Amritsar declare these revelations to be unauthentic, impossible and unacceptable, and the others from Ludhiana declare it categorical kufr [infidelity]. The reason presented by the first party (Amritsari Muslims) is that the divine revelation (which is equivalent to wahi) cannot be – and has not been till this day – received by anyone except Prophets. […] Whereas the reason presented by the second party (Muslims of Ludhiana) behind their edict of kufr is that the author has claimed to be a prophet in these revelations.” (Ishaat-us-Sunnah, Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 171-172)
Second Coming of the Messiah: Physical or Spiritual?
It is interesting to mention here that the Christian newspaper Nur-i-Afshan of Ludhiana published an article and mentioned that there are some who say that the second coming of the Messiah will be spiritual, not physical. The article then goes on to present the opposite perspective. (Nur-i-Afshan, 12 October 1882, Vol. 10, No. 41, pp. 323-324)
Conclusion of the 13th century after Hijrah
When the 13th century after Hijrah was concluding, the press particularly mentioned its significance for the Muslims.
In 1882, The Evening Standard of London wrote:
“We are on the eve of a critical period for the Islamic world. Next November will close the thirteenth century of the Hegira, when, according to the promise of the Prophet, a time of revival and regeneration is to dawn. ‘At the end of every hundred years,’ so runs the Hadith, or sacred word dictated by Mahomet himself, ‘God will send a man to restore to the Mussulman world the splendour of its religion.’” (The Evening Standard, 29 August 1882, p. 5)
Another newspaper stated:
“Of no small interest at the present crisis is the succeeding article on ‘The Coming of the Mahdy’—the Mahometan Messiah, to whose advent pious Moslems look forward to inaugurate the ultimate triumph of their creed.” (Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 6 September 1882, p. 3)
The Madras Weekly Mail also expressed its views on this subject and wrote:
“As the Jews long for the advent of the Messiah, so have the Mahomedans looked forward to the coming of El Mehdi, the last of their series of prophets.” (The Madras Weekly Mail, 18 October 1882, p. 29)
An Irish newspaper wrote:
“Mussulman prophets generally agree that the 1,300 of the Hegira will be marked by events of the utmost importance to Islam. This year begins on the 12th November, and orthodox Mahommedans will be on the lookout for portents of all kinds.” (The People’s Advocate and Monaghan, Fermanagh, and Tyrone News, 18 November 1882, p. 2)
Furthermore, the Nur-i-Afshan published an article, titled “Terahwin Sadi ka Ikhtitaam aur Maujooda Islam” – Conclusion of the 13th century and contemporary Islam.
The article stated that it was a very important day in Islam; the 13th century had concluded according to the Muslim lunar calendar. The next day would be the first of Muharram and the 14th century would commence.
The article stated that the Muslims were awaiting the conclusion of this era and had many hopes for the upcoming one. It mentioned that the Muslims also believed that after the conclusion of this era, a messenger and Mahdi would appear, purify Islam and defeat Christianity.
The article said that the Muslims, however, turned their attention towards certain temporal hopes and aspirations and it was as if they had forgotten the hopes regarding the 14th century. (Nur-i-Afshan, 20 December 1883, Vol. 11, No. 51, pp. 403-404)
Hazrat Ahmad’sas claim to be the Mathil-e-Masih
In Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Ahmadas mentioned the second coming of the Messiah and said:
“But it has been revealed to my humble self that on account of my meekness, humility, trust in God, sincerity and the Signs and [heavenly] light, I resemble the Masih in his previous life; and that the nature of this humble one and the nature of the Masih greatly resemble each other, as if they are two pieces of the same jewel or two fruits of the same tree. The harmony between us is of such a great extent that there is very little that the spiritual eye can distinguish between us. […]
“Since my humble self has a complete resemblance with Hadrat Masih, the Benevolent God has from the beginning included this humble one in His prophecy about the Messiah. That is, Hadrat Masih is the overt and physical manifestation of the above-mentioned prophecy, and this humble one is the spiritual and rational application; meaning that, the spiritual supremacy of the religion of Islam which depends upon irrefutable proofs and manifestly valid arguments would be, as is destined by God, brought about by this humble one either in my lifetime or after my death.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya [English], Part IV, pp. 374-375)
In 1891, after being revealed by God Almighty, Huzooras announced that he is the Promised Messiah who was prophesied to come in the Latter Days. Its details will be narrated later in the article.
Hazrat Ahmad’sas challenge in 1885 and response from religious clergy
In March 1885, Hazrat Ahmadas published an ishtihar and sent 8000 copies of registered letters in Urdu and English to the religious leaders, scholars and leaders of Asia, Europe and America, informing them of his claims and inviting them to come and witness the truthfulness of Islam at Qadian. (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 30-32; Maktubat-e-Ahmad [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 51-53)
Response from Rev. Imad-ud-Din
On 19 March 1885, a Christian newspaper, Nur-i-Afshan of Ludhiana, published an article by a Christian missionary Imad-ud-Din, under the heading “Jawaab Ishtihar Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Sahib Raees-e-Qadian Zila Gurdaspur” – Response to the announcement of Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, Chief of Qadian, District Gurdaspur – in which he stated:
“The said Maulvi Sahib has sent that registered ishtihar to me as well. I am publishing its short response in Nur-i-Afshan so that all people may be aware of my response. The gist of that ishtihar is that the religion of Islam and Quran is from God. If anyone has any doubt about this, they ought to come to the Maulvi Sahib and stay for a year, during which he would manifest some miracles testifying to the truthfulness of Islam. In case of witnessing it, the visitor would become a Muslim, otherwise, leave after receiving a settled amount of money. And that God has informed him that the people who would not pay heed to the Truth after receiving the letter would be guilty, dumbfounded and defeated. He published this ishtihar in Urdu and English and sent it to the missionaries in both India and England. My response is that we are not only undoubtful about the truthfulness or untruthfulness of Islam, but also have a firm belief that Islam and the Quran are not from God at all. We are claimants of its untruthfulness, instead of having any doubt about it, as to come to you to alleviate it.” (Nur-i-Afshan, 19 March 1885, Vol. 13, No. 12, p. 95)
He further mentioned Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya and said that it had nothing which needed to be pondered over. He then mocked Hazrat Ahmadas and his claims, as is the practice of opponents of all Appointees of Allah the Almighty, and used foul language as well. (Ibid.)
Response from Rev. GL Thakur Das
Then, on 2 April 1885, the same newspaper published an article by another missionary, GL Thakur Das, under the heading “Jawaab Ishtihar Janaab Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib Raees-e-Qadian Gurdaspur” – Response to the announcement of Respected Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, Chief of Qadian, Gurdaspur. The author wrote:
“The letter and ishtihar about Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, both in Urdu and English, from respected Mirza Sahib has reached my humble self as well. He has sought a nice method to publicise Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Mirza Sahib has made the following claims in those writings:
“Firstly that he has been appointed as the Reformer of this Age, in likeness to the Messiah, so that he could reform the morals of mankind, and that his spiritual attributes are similar to those of Jesus Christ. Moreover, he has been granted a higher status than other auliya, who came before him, due to his obedience to Muhammad[sa] Sahib, and hence, in his obedience is goodness and harm in opposition.
“Secondly, the objective behind his divine appointment is to inform mankind that there is only one religion in accordance with the Will of God, meaning Islam, and Al-Quran is His Word.
“Thirdly, to prove these two promises, he has authored Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, after having revelation from God Almighty and being appointed by Him, and there is a reward of 10,000 rupees for refuting it.
“Fourthly, anyone who is doubtful about the truthfulness of Islam, may come to Qadian and stay there with him for a year and witness miracles, and come with an intention to accept Islam.” (Nur-i-Afshan, 2 April 1885, Vol. 13, No. 14, pp. 107-108)
He then goes on to object to the arguments presented in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya and uses foul language against Hazrat Ahmadas. (Ibid.)
Response from Rev. Abdullah Athim
On 16 April 1885, the same newspaper published a letter from Abdullah Athim, under the heading “Aik Zuroori Khat” – An important letter – in which he wrote:
“Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, Chief of Qadian, has claimed to manifest his signs under the banner of Islam, provided one ponders over him [i.e., his claims] with the condition of accepting Islam [upon witnessing the truth], and about this he has published announcements in Urdu and English and sent far and wide. And he has also cautioned that anyone who would not accept this challenge of Mirza Sahib, would be defeated. Now, I wish that you also publish whatever has ‘settled’ between me and Mirza Sahib, I will be thankful to you.” (Ibid., No. 16, p. 124)
He then elaborated on the said ‘settlement’ and stated that Mirza Sahib has ‘agreed’ for him to present three objections to the teachings of the Holy Quran, and said that if Mirza Sahib refutes all these objections and manifest a sign, he would accept the Holy Quran to be the Word of God.
He further wrote:
“I firmly believe that the claim of Mirza Sahib about manifesting a sign is in fact based merely on a hidden strategy and is not truthful. Moreover, I cannot acknowledge a faith which is miracle-seeking or based on a certain criterion to be a [true] faith, by compromising my principles. And Mirza Sahib does not agree to manifest a sign unconditionally, thus, I would wait for myself to be defeated if he does not fulfil my conditions, since, at last, I will surely overcome him.” (Ibid., pp. 124-125)
In later years, it was clear as to who stood victorious and who got defeated. There is not much space to narrate all those details here, however, the historical facts speak for themselves.
Another point that must be noted here is that, firstly, he did not agree with the method proposed by Hazrat Ahmadas in seeking the truth, and secondly, the objections raised by Athim against the Holy Quran have been dealt with and refuted by Hazrat Ahmadas in his multiple books written in the later years, and obviously in his early work Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya as well. He has always highlighted the magnificence and perfection of the Holy Quran.
The editor wrote a note at the end that they have published the responses from the above-mentioned three Christian missionaries and are receiving many more as well. However, he appealed that no more letters be sent, as he asserted, that Mirza Sahib was publicising his book through these announcements. (Ibid., p. 125)
These Christian missionaries did not truly accept the challenge posed by Hazrat Ahmadas and refrained from seeking the truth in accordance with the method suggested by Hazrat Ahmadas. Though a few clergymen, like Indarman Moradabadi and Pandit Lekhram, initially showed a willingness to accept the challenge, the later incidents exposed their real intentions.
For more details on this whole episode, see Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, pp. 253-264, and Chapter 8 of Life of Ahmadas.
Charles Bradlaugh
Mentioning this challenge, The Toronto Daily Mail reported on 5 June 1885, under the heading “To Convert Bradlaugh”:
“Mr Charles Bradlaugh, the famous infidel, who is always elected as a member of Parliament for Northampton, and always rejected by the House, has now an opportunity of getting converted, and of making handsome wages during the process. The offer comes from Prince Mirza Gholam Ahmed, C.I.E., an Indian potentate of fabulous wealth, and a Mohammedan of great proselytising zeal. The Prince has read Mr Bradlaugh’s works sympathetically, and believes that with a proper course of teaching by Moslem sages, he would become a bright and shining light of Islamism. The Prince proposes, therefore, that Mr Bradlaugh shall come to the former’s domains in the Punjab, and shall put himself under tuition with a view to his conversion. The Prince agrees to furnish the neophyte with a suitable palace and a retinue of servants, to provide for all his household expenditures, which shall be on a scale of magnificence consistent with the honour due to a Prince’s guest, and to furnish him an allowance of 200 rupees per month during the entire process of conversion. Mr Bradlaugh is said to be seriously considering the invitation, although he says that the task of getting converted would probably be a life-long job.”
In 1886, Hazrat Ahmadas once again invited the religious clergy, including Lekhram, Athim, Imad-ud-Din, Thakur Das, and Jeevan Das, and wrote that instead of one year, they should stay at Qadian for 40 days to witness a sign in favour of Islam, and in case no such sign is manifested, they would be rewarded 500 rupees. (Surma-e-Chasham-e-Arya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 2, pp. 309-310)
Establishment of Ahmadiyyat
In 1889, when Hazrat Ahmadas established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and then claimed to be the Promised Messiah, it was as if the whole world had begun to oppose him. The Muslim clerics as well, instead of joining his efforts in the service of Islam, turned into staunch enemies. The foremost among all those opposing clerics were Maulvi Nazeer Hussain of Delhi and Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala.
An article by Nizam-ul-Mulk of Moradabad, 1891
When the Promised Messiahas published his book Fath-e-Islam (The Victory of Islam), the Nizam-ul-Mulk of Moradabad published an article on 31 December 1890, about which the Indian Newspaper Reports stated under the heading “Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Kadian, Gurdaspur, Punjab”:
“The Nizamu-l-Mulk (Moradabad), of the 31st December, received on the 10th January, refers to an Urdu pamphlet, called the Fatah-i-Islam, i.e., the victory or triumph of the Muhammadan religion, which has been written by one Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[as], Kadian, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. The Nizamu-l-Mulk republishes from the pamphlet the preface in which the author complains of the alleged spread of heresies and vices among the Musalmans, and of the alleged insults offered and injuries done to the Muhammadan religion by the Christians, particularly referring to the alleged performance of the drama called Mahomet. The Mirza represents himself to be a prophet and declares that he has been sent by God to save the Muhammadan religion from the attacks of Christians, to remove the vices which prevail among the Musalmans, and to again raise Islam to the high position which it once occupied. He will have no occasion to use arms, but will carry out his mission with the aid of the pen and his tongue.” (Selections from the Vernacular Newspapers Published in the North-Western Provinces, Oudh, Central Provinces and Rajputana, 1891, No. 2, pp. 27-28)
This article was then mentioned by the Akhbar-i-’Am of 19 January 1891 as well. The Nur-i-Afshan of 29 January 1891 mentioned the article of Akhbar-i-’Am and used inappropriate comments:
“Akhbar-i-’Am of 19 January narrates that ‘Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani is a strange man. According to a newspaper of Moradabad, he claims to be the Promised Messiah. He also says that its preaching to the whole world is incumbent upon him. He has written this in a book, which he has authored and published, entitled Fath-e-Islam. We call the attention of the Nur-i-Afshan newspaper to deal with Mirza Sahib.’” (Nur-i-Afshan, 29 January 1891, p. 2)
The Nur-i-Afshan went on to use inappropriate language against the Promised Messiahas and said that according to the Gospels, his claim is false. (Ibid.)
Hazrat Ahmad’sas claim to be the Promised Messiah
On 26 March 1891, Hazrat Ahmadas published an announcement, titled “Zuroori Ishtihar” — An important announcement, and wrote that God Almighty revealed to him the reality of the coming of the Masih Ibn Maryam about which he had briefly mentioned in earlier works such as Fath-e-Islam and Taudih-e-Maram and with much details in Izala-e-Auham as well. Huzooras further said:
“I declare it aloud that God Almighty has revealed the truth upon me through His revelation and inspiration, and the truth which He has opened to me is that, in reality, Masihas Ibn Maryam has passed away and his soul is in the second heaven along with his cousin Yahyaas. I am the spiritual Messiah who was to come in this era whose glad tiding is present in the authentic ahadith.” (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 221-222)
In Izala-e-Auham, Huzooras mentioned that his claim to be the Mathil-e-Mau‘ud was not a new one, as he had already mentioned it in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzooras also mentioned some of his Arabic revelations, which were published in the third part of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, and said:
“Yes, in Barahin, it was not stated – on the basis of any revelation – as to what is the reality of the coming of Hazrat Masih Ibn Maryam, which people were awaiting. That is, whether the same [Messiah] would really descend from the heaven onto the earth while placing his hands on the shoulders of angels. But rather, whatever I have written in Barahin in regards to the second coming of Masih Ibn Maryam to this world, is with respect to a well-established belief towards which our Muslim brethren are inclined these days. So, with respect to this apparent belief, I had written in Barahin that I am only the Mathil-e-Maud. […]
“Those who receive revelations from God Almighty do not speak without being permitted, do not understand until they are granted understanding, do not make any claim without His command, and cannot show any boldness on their own. […] So in accordance with this, no debate was initiated on my own in Barahin in relation to Masihas Ibn Maryam. Now that God Almighty has revealed to me the reality of this matter, it is essential for me to publicly announce it. […]
“Moreover, I have so many certain and absolute proofs in regards to the death of Masih Ibn Maryam that there is not enough space in this short booklet to narrate their details. Firstly, you ought to ponder over the Holy Quran and see with open eyes how clearly and categorically it is telling us about the death of Jesus Son of Mary.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 192-224)
An invitation to the Christian clergy and their response
On 20 May 1891, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar titled “Ishtihar Ba-Muqaabil Paadri Sahibaan” — An announcement regarding the Christian missionaries, at the beginning of which he mentioned verse 83 of Surah al-Maidah, verse 20 of Surah Muhammad, and verses 21 and 22 of Surah an-Nahl, and wrote:
“In these above-stated verses, God Almighty has declared the death of Hazrat Masih Ibn Maryam and all those people who were falsely and unrightfully believed to be worshipable. In reality, this argument alone is far stronger than millions of arguments in order to nullify those who worship the creation, as in the holy personages and people who they made ‘god’, have passed away, and now they are dead, not alive. If they were God, they would not have died. […]
“All Christians unanimously agree that if anyone could prove that after death, Masih Ibn Maryam remained dead, they would instantly leave the religion of Christianity, but alas, our clerics of the past did not pay heed to this point against Christians, whereas, this one debate alone would have ceased all debates. […]
“Unfortunately, the Muslims and Christians have made a notion, contrary to the Word of Allah, that the Messiah has been alive in heaven for a long time. Undoubtedly, if this pillar is broken, as a result of the eradication of this false notion, the face of the world would instantly be purified from the worship of creation, and all of Europe, Asia and America would join the same religion of Tawhid and live amicably. However, I have thoroughly tested the Muslim maulvis of the present time, they are furious upon the breakage of this pillar and are in fact supporting the worship of creation. I informed them of the commandment of God Almighty, but they did not accept it. Now I take this invitation, with the aim of presenting this pure gift and addressing the Christians. […]
“What else is the dispute with these people, except the fact that the Messiah is not alive? If this one-minute point is settled, these people would join us like brothers, and there would be Islam everywhere in Europe and Asia. Hence, I am sending this gift of ishtihar to the Christian missionaries, with great respect and humbleness, that God Almighty has revealed to me that Hazrat Masihas Ibn Maryam has died forever, and I have so many proofs that a just person would have no option other than to accept it.” (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 240-242)
Response from GL Thakur Das
On 11 June 1891, Nur-i-Afshan of Ludhiana published an article by GL Thakur Das, titled “Jawaab Ishtihar Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib Qadiani” — Response to the announcement of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib Qadiani, in which he, as his practice, used foul language and mocked the Promised Messiah’sas claims and revelations. (Nur-i-Afshan, 11 June 1891, pp. 6-7)
An article by Safir-e-Deccan quoted in Nur-i-Afshan
On 25 June 1891, the Nur-i-Afshan of Ludhiana published an article and wrote:
“Safir-e-Deccan has published the views of Mirza Mohid — owner of the Akhbar Wazir-e-Hind — in regards to the Promised Messiah which he wrote in his newspaper, with amazement and wonder, titled ‘Khushkhabri-e-Masih-uz-Zaman’ [glad tiding of the Messiah of the Age], and we too, upon reading it completely, regretted upon the Muslims who believe in certain things hurriedly. Mirza Mohid Sahib wishes for all followers of Islam to accept [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahibas] Qadiani as the Promised Messiah. This is the right of Mohid Sahib and the followers of Islam, however, the point which Mohid Sahib has mentioned in his said article that ‘God Almighty sent Masih Ibn Maryam in the world in accordance with His promise, the oppressor Jews put Messiah on the cross and caused his death and he departed to the heaven, and now enjoying the cool breeze of the garden [heaven].’ This is neither the teaching of the Holy Quran and Islam, nor Qadiani Sahib is a believer of the Messiah’s death on the cross. I inquired from Qadiani Sahib that you profess the death of the Messiah against the consensus of Islam, please tell us as to what type of death he had. In response, he recited the Quranic verse: اِنِّیۡ مُتَوَفِّیۡکَ وَرَافِعُکَ اِلَیَّ [I shall cause thee to die a natural death, and shall exalt thee to Myself (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch. 3: V. 56)] and said that his death is proven from this verse, and he would have passed away naturally due to an illness.’ It clarifies that Qadiani Sahib does not accept the Messiah’s death on the cross. Mohid Sahib should make him believe in the Messiah’s death on the cross and then advise the Muslims to believe in him. Currently, there is a difference between the statement of the claimant and the witness. It is not a matter of any wonder that Mirza Mohid Sahib and some of his like-minded people are ready to obey and support Qadiani Sahib by accepting him as the Promised Messiah, since such people are always in practice of believing in unauthentic recipients of revelations. Particularly, in a situation when Qadiani Sahib is against the notion of death on the cross, atonement and divinity of the Messiah, and states:
بعد از خدا بعشقِ محمد مخمّرم
گر کفر ایں بود بخدا سخت کافرم
“[Next to God, I am inebriated with the love of Muhammadsa; if this be disbelief, then by God I am a great disbeliever. (Lecture Sialkot [English], p. 69)]
ہر تار و پود من بسرایَد بعشقِ اُو
از خود تہی و از غم آں دلستان پُرم
“Hence, the Muslims require and like this kind of Messiah who is against the notion of the Messiah’s divinity and death as an atonement, and lover and devotee of Muhammad Sahib.”
He then quoted a verse from the Gospel (1 John, 4:1).
He continued:
“The Akhbar As-Siddiq of Ferozepur has also published a Persian poem of Qadiani Sahib, from which we have quoted the couplets above, and promised that they would express their view on the claim of Qadiani Sahib in an appropriate manner, as far as they have understood it.” (Nur-i-Afshan, 25 June 1891, pp. 1-2)
Another article by a missionary
In the same issue, another article was published written by a missionary named Jaimal Singh of Khanna, district Ludhiana. He wrote that for a long time, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib[as] Qadiani has been claiming to be the recipient of revelation and nowadays staying in Ludhiana and publishing announcements from there, addressing Muslims and Christians. His claim is now to be the Messiah and the likeness of Jesus.
The tone of this article was very harsh and abusive. (Ibid., pp. 5-6)
The evergoing practice continues
We learn from the Holy Quran that all Prophets have been mocked and called out with various titles, as it is stated:
کَذٰلِکَ مَاۤ اَتَی الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِہِمۡ مِّنۡ رَّسُوۡلٍ اِلَّا قَالُوۡا سَاحِرٌ اَوۡ مَجۡنُوۡنٌ
“Even so there came no Messenger to those before them, but they said, ‘A sorcerer, or a madman!’” (Surah adh-Dhariyat, Ch. 51: V. 53)
The same was the case when Hazrat Ahmadas announced him as God’s appointee. The people, particularly the Muslim clerics, called him a “fanatic” and mocked his claims. The press also joined their ranks in this opposition.
For instance, on 29 July 1891, The Civil and Military Gazette wrote such words for Hazrat Ahmadas and stated that “he set himself up as Christ, and has been going about preaching a new Gospel. He denies the previous coming of Christ, and has, to the utter astonishment and disgust of the native Christians and Muhammadans alike, been publicly declaring himself to be the only Christ whom God promised the world several centuries ago.”
A debate between Hazrat Ahmadas and Muhammad Hussain Batalvi
The Paisa Akhbar of 17 August 1891 reported under the heading “Mathil-e-Masih aur Ludhiana ka Mubahatha” – Mathil-e-Masih and the debate in Ludhiana – that Abu Saeed Muhammad Hussain Sahib of Lahore had a debate with Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian concerning the proof of him being the likeness of the Messiah. Paisa Akhbar reported that the debate ended harshly and without any decision. (Paisa Akhbar, 17 August 1891, p. 5)
This debate took place in July 1891 and the Promised Messiahas has narrated its details in an ishtihar (announcement), published on 1 August 1891.
When Huzooras read out his written paper, Maulvi Muhammad Hussain felt his defeat, and thus, could not control his anger and started using harsh language. Hence, he disregarded the terms and conditions of the debate. (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 247-251)
The Riaz-i-Hind of Amritsar also reported on this debate, in its 10 August 1891 issue.
A letter in Paisa Akhbar, 1891
On 7 September 1891, the Paisa Akhbar published a letter from someone, under the heading “Janaab Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib” – Respected Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib – which stated:
“It is a cause of huge regret that the Muslims have become the enemies of their fellow Muslims. At least I have not found any maulvi who could match Respected Mirza Sahib’s characteristics, such as dignity, morals, piousness, eminent practices, gracefulness, knowledge, sympathy for Islam, etc. He is not only a firm believer of God, but rather, he is immersed in the [love for] the Oneness of God, a staunch follower of the Word of God — the Holy Quran — from depth of his heart, a firm follower of the Messengersa of Islam – the Seal of the Prophets — and the sympathiser of Islam from the depth of his heart and life.
“Despite this, it is devastating to see that some of the Muslim maulvies have made a determination to oppose him, but rather, use immensely impure and inappropriate words for him. They do not thoroughly read his writings and do not try to understand his intentions with patience and calm. Just recently, a Maulvi Sahib from Batala had a debate with respected Mirza Sahib in Ludhiana, in essence, he ‘fought’ with him. His total emphasis was on showing off his intellectuality by leaving aside the real point under debate and indulging in minor and irrelevant issues. It was as if he had saved all of his knowledge and information for that day to oppose that respected and eminent Muslim. Maulvi Sahib turned so much furious that his body in itself depicted the anger, and began to immensely impure words for respected Mirza Sahib, but rather, even for his own self as well. In fact, it was the first instance I heard the abuse and swear of ‘Zann Talaaq’ [an abuse in the Pashto language, meaning the one who gives divorce to his wife] from such a Maulvi Sahib. Moreover, he also publicised through announcements that ‘Mirza Sahib has been defeated.’ SubhanAllah! How great was Mirza Sahib’s patience and tolerance that he did not utter even a single inappropriate word, but rather, he continued to advise his companions to refrain from anger and disorder at all times. It is a regret that on that occasion, the ‘intellectuality’ of Maulvi Sahib seemed to be ignorance. O Muslims and Maulvi Sahiban! For God’s sake leave aside the internal disputes and disorder, wish for the betterment of your Faith and make efforts in this regard. Respected Mirza Sahib is, in fact, a pillar [servant] of the Faith and its great sympathiser. People do not take into consideration his sympathy and obedience to the Islamic Faith. It is unfortunate!.” (Paisa Akhbar, 7 September 1891, p. 5)
Edicts of kufr by the Muslim clerics
The Madras Weekly Mail wrote that “The Mahomedan moulvies at Lahore have publicly proclaimed” Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian “to be a ‘Kafir.’ A document signed by all the leading moulvies in India, in which Kadian is condemned as an impostor, has also been read out in public and the people warned against his preaching.” (Madras Weekly Mail, 18 February 1892, p. 2)
Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala had collected edicts of kufr against the Promised Messiahas from around 200 clerics from all over India, including Maulvi Syed Nazeer Hussain of Delhi and Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, and published them all in his magazine Ishaat-us-Sunnah. Muhammad Hussain also appealed to the Muslims that they should refrain from keeping any religious ties with the Promised Messiahas, should not say salaam to him, not accept his invitation or invite him to their own gatherings, and not pray behind him. (Ishaat-us-Sunnah, Vol. 13, pp. 185-210)
“This formal declaration was written by Maulvie Muhammad Hussain of Batala. It is signed by more than 200 Maulvies. The orthodox mullahs hold him to be an atheist or an infidel.” (The Muslim Controversy, Rev. EM Wherry, The Christian Literature Society, 1905, p. 58)
As far as the Christian missionaries are concerned, Rev. Imad-ud-Din wrote a book called Tauzin-ul-Aqwal (1893) wherein he objected to the claims of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, particularly his claim to be the Promised Messiah. A detailed review on this book can be read in the above mentioned book by Rev. Wherry.