An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islam — Page 264
264 Background This book was written in response to a leaflet issued by Mi an ‘Abdul H aq Ghaznav i in a language full of mocking and jeering at what he alleged unfulfilled prophecies of the Promised Messiah as. Writing about this leaflet, the Promised Messiah as said: This leaflet tackles two issues: First, Mi an ‘Abdul H aq has made a reference to signs and prophecies which in reality have been fulfilled or at the point of being fulfilled and tried to mislead the general public claiming that these were not fulfilled. ( Tu h fa-e-Ghaznaviyyah , p. 4, R uha n i Khaz a’ in, vol. 15, p. 534) Second, attack of Mi an ‘Abdul H aq consists in rejection of a proposal which I made following a revelation in a way to arrive at a decision and this was also published by me in an earlier leaflet: that is in order to find out the truth, we pray for recovery of the sick people selected by lot. Mi an ‘Abdul H aq does not accept it on the plea that who will bear the expenses of assembly of the scholars and saints of India and Punjab at one place. ( Tu h fa-e-Ghaznaviyyah , p. 8, R uha n i Khaz a’ in, vol. 15, p. 538) On December 10, 1892, the Promised Messiah as issued an Ishtih a r (leaflet) declaring that God had permitted him to accept the challenge of orthodox Muslim priests for Mub a halah (Prayer Duel). He wished to settle everything with them once for all, so that he might then be able to devote his attention exclusively to the enemies of Islam. He fixed a period of four months for this purpose. This leaflet was sent to all the well-known Mull a hs under registered cover. It appeared that none of them had the courage to come forward, except Maulav i ‘Abdul H aq Ghaznav i , who accepted it. The Mub a halah took place in the Amritsar Eid grounds on Dh i qa‘dah 10, 1310 AH (May/June 1893). Several hundreds of people assembled including some English clergymen. In principle, the Promised Messiah as did not like the idea of