Hazrat Ahmad — Page 50
50. HADHRAT AHMAD. The Promised Messiah stayed at Sialkot for five days. In addition to discourses which he addressed to such persons as came to meet him at his residence, he delivered one public address. This was no sooner announced than the Ulema issued a notice forbidding to attend it. they also accompanied the injunction with a 'fatwa' that whoever listened to the Promised Messiah's lecture would suffer the dissolution of his marriage. This is a potent instrument, wielded by the Ulema of India whereby they seek to retain their hold upon the ignorant section of the Muslims but for which they have no authority whatsoever. . Not content with issuing the notice, some of the opposing. Maulvis announced a lecture as a sort of counterblast in a building opposite to that in which the Promised Messiah was to deliver his address with the object of dissuading people from listening to him. . They also posted pickets at the entrance to the auditorium with instruction to proclaim that it was a sin to listen to the address. . Some even went so far as to take hold of intending visitors and to draw them away by force. But despite all their endeavors people came in large numbers and when it was known that the Promised. Messiah had arrived at the auditorium, people abandoned the lecture of the rival Maulvis and crowded over to the auditorium. . Although it was not a holiday, employees of Government came in numbers to attend the meeting. . This address had also been printed in advance and was read out by Maulvi Abdul Karim. While the lecture was in progress some people tried to create a disturbance, but they were promptly put down by the Deputy Superintendent of Police who was a European and who very pertinently asked the Muslims why they were offended with the lecturer, who was speaking in their support and was demonstrating the greatness of their Holy Prophet. It was for the Christians, he pointed out, to take offense, for the lecturer was striving to demonstrate the death of their Lord (Jesus Christ). In short, through the vigilance and tact of the police, a disturbance was avoided. One special feature of this lecture was that for the time the Promised Messiah claimed to fill the role of Sri Krishna (peace be on him) and thus demonstrated the obligation of the. Hindus to accept him and his mission. . When the Promised Messiah was returning to his residence, after the lecture, an attempt was made by some people to throw