Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 73
THE RENAISSANCE OF ISLAM 73 cases which furnish illustrations both of the acceptance of prayer and offoreknowledge offuture events bestowed upon Ahmad in accordance with the verse of the Holy Quran: 'He is the Knower of the unseen; and He reveals not His secrets, except to him whom He chooses from among His Mes- sengers' (72:26-7). Mention has been made ofPandit Lekh Ram of Peshawar who was a very zealous apologist of the Arya Samaj, whose zeal outran all considerations of good- will, courtesy and good manners. He had served for a number of years as a subordinate officer in the state police force, but had retired at an early age and devoted himself to polemics of the lowest type. His venom was particularly directed against the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace be on him. He referred to the Holy Quran in derisive and contemptuous terms and even spoke irreverently of God Almighty. Ahmad had- tried to persuade him to adopt a more moderate style when writing or speaking on such grave matters, but to no purpose. Finally, on 20 February 1893, Ahmad made the following announcement concerning him: Be it known that in my announcement of 20 February 1886 I had suggested to Inderman of Moradabad and Lekh Ram of Peshawar that if they would so desire I might announce some prophecies concerning their future. Inderman objected to this and died a short time after, but Lehk Ram sent me a postcard in which he told me that I could publish whatever I desired concerning him and that he would take no objection to it. So I supplicated the Divine concern- ing him and received from God, the Glorious, the revelation [Arabic]: 'He is a lifeless calf from which issues an unpleasant sound. In respect of his impertinent abuse, punishment and tor- ment and suffering has been decreed for him. ' I was given to understand that within six years from today, February 20 1893, this man will be overtaken by severe torment as a punishment for the disrespect which he has manifested towards the Holy Prophet, peace be on him. Now by announcing the prophecy I am seeking to inform all Muslims, Christians, and followers of all other religions, that if this person is not overtaken within the period of six years from today by a torment that should be distinguishable from ordinary sufferings and should bear an extraordinary charac-