The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 398
398 Essence of Islam-III the Vedas and their principles as Divine revelation, I call upon him, in the name of Ishwar, to write a refutation of my book and receive five hundred rupees as an award. This award will be made on the certificate of an arbitra- tor who should be a Christian minister or a Brahmu. I would even agree if, after the publication of the refuta- tion of my book by such an Āryā, Munshī Jīwan Dās Șā- hib, Secretary Āryā Samāj, Lahore, who is the most respected gentleman from among the Aryas of our neighbourhood, would attend along with his sons a pub- lic meeting of the Muslim, Aryā and Christian divines, and affirm on oath that all the criticism raised in my book Surmah Chashm-e-Āryā, which he has read carefully and understood, has been totally refuted in the reply of the Āryā writer, and that if his affirmation is not made in full sincerity and truth, may he and his sons, who are present with him, be called to account in this very life. If this is done, the writer of the refutation would be awarded five hundred rupees in cash simply on the testimony of the said Munshi Şahib. If the Munshi Şahib does not suffer from any ill effects within one year in consequence of his oath, the Aryas would be entitled to claim that he had made his affirmation sincerely according to his knowl- edge and understanding. Peace be on him who follows the guidance. Announced by: Ghulam Ahmad Qādiān, Distt. Gurdāspūr, Punjab. [Surmah Chashm-e-Āryā, Rūķānī Khazā'in, vol. 2, pp. 321-322]