The Afghan Martyrs — Page 64
were tearing their clothes in disgust, began abusing the martyr and declared that there was no doubt in his 'kufr'. Under appalling circumstances the edict of 'kufr' was recorded. Then the Sahibzada was sent back to the prison in chains. Here one small detail has been omitted. While the martyr was engaged in debate with the unfortunate Moulvis eight guards with bared swords had been posted over him. That night the edict of 'kufr' was sent to the Ameer but the organizers purposely omitted to send him the detailed proceedings of the debate. The general public were also kept completely in the dark. This was clear proof that the opposing Moulvis were unable to rebut the arguments put forward by the Shaheed. Alas, without asking for the papers relating to the debate the Ameer confirmed the edict of apostasy. It would have been expected of him to fear the Ultimate Arbiter Allah the Almighty to whom, leaving behind his Kingdom and his wealth he was to return, and so to be present while the debate was in progress, especially when he knew very well that the real object of those engaged in it was to put an end to the life of an innocent person. Had he the fear of God in him he would have remained at the assembly in a state of concentration. Further, until the charge was proven he should not have kept an innocent person bound in chains in prison for such a long time. Nor was it proper for him to have eight soldiers with bared swords posted over him. Obviously the objective was to intimidate him and prevent the accused from defending himself. Even if we disregard his conduct as stated above, it was his duty to send for the papers concerning the debate before he could issue an equitable order. In fact he should have demanded to see the papers regarding the debate at the very beginning. Not only should he have scrutinized the papers himself but he should have had them published and then the public would have known how the accused had frustrated the Moulvis. The Sahibzada was not given an opportunity to 64