The British Government and Jihad — Page 41
41 abandoned and that traditions of friendship and love be promoted. If there is any truth in a faith, it should be displayed. One should not just continue to recite the deficiencies of other faiths. Not every ruler or administrator can implement or accept my suggestion. Only a highly astute administrator will under- stand its true significance. I hope that his Excellency the Viceroy Lord Curzon, who is both broad-minded and perceptive, will consider this suggestion and implement it with determination. If this is not possible, then he should put all faiths to the test in order to determine which has Divine authority on its side. In other words, orders should be sent to the renowned scholars of each religion—Muslims, A ryas, Sikhs, Sanatan Dharm, Chris- tians, Brahmus, Jews, etc. —to demonstrate the evidence of Divine Power in their faith in the form of a prophecy or some- thing else. The religion that is judged to have the strongest Divine support should then be declared true and worthy of respect. Since I have been given authority from the heavens, I volunteer on behalf of my followers, and I am ready for such a contest. At the same time, I pray that Allah may always bless our government, under the auspices of which we have the opportu- nity to make suggestions that demonstrate the Might of God. With greetings of peace, July 7, 1900 Petitioned by the humble one, Mi rz a Ghul a m Ahmad of Qadian