Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV — Page 200
BarĀhĪn-e-a H madiyya — Part Four 200 never acquired proficiency in the knowledge pertaining to the Arabic language; on the contrary, he cannot even hold a conversation with an ordinary Arab? In making their comments, such people overreach themselves and merely expose their own ignorance. They fail to realize that criticizing something against the testimony of native speakers and renowned poets is, in fact, tantamount to proving one’s own ignorance and obstinacy. Let Padre Imad-ud-din hold a dialogue with an Arab for one or even half an hour on any religious or secular topic so that the public may know whether he is capable of communicating his thoughts in simple and idiomatic conversation in the manner of a native Arab. I am certain that he cannot do it, and I know with full certainty that if I were to confront him with an Arab to converse with him, he would not be able to relate even one tiny tale in the style and taste of the Arabs, and would remain bogged down in the mud of ignorance. Should there be any doubt, then I put him under oath to give it a try. I, myself, under- take the responsibility that, if Padre Imad-ud-din asks me, I will pro- vide an Arab and arrange for a meeting on an agreed date which will be attended by some qualified Hindus, and also some Muslim divines. It would be incumbent upon Imad-ud-din to bring some Christian brothers with him. Then, in the presence of all attendees, he will first narrate, in Arabic, a story which will be provided to him at that time. Following that, the Arab gentleman, who will also be present, will nar- rate the same in his own language. If the judges rule that Imad-ud-din’s narration was of high quality, elegant, and in accordance with the liter- ary style of the Arabs, I shall concede that his linguistic criticism is not objectionable and will further award him a cash prize of fifty rupees immediately. On the other hand, if Imad-ud-din makes a reeking dis- play of dishevelled and erroneous composition instead of making a flu- ent and eloquent presentation, or, fearing his humiliation and exposure of his incapability, does not even publicly announce his willingness to go through such a test, then what can I say except, َ ْن ی ِ ٰذِب ک ْ لَعْنَة ُ الل ِّٰ عَلَی ال [‘The curse of Allah be upon the liars’].