The Holy War — Page 139
Proceedings—Debate 29 May 1893 139 I reiterate what I said earlier, that you know that in this tumultu- ous world, man is always in need of assurance and perfect cognizance, and every person indeed desires that the arguments that he wants to be accepted by others should be so categorical and sufficient that no room for argument should exist concerning them. And, when a seeker after the truth remembers his death and his state of disbelief and igno- rance and remembers the punishments that will be given to such peo- ple, he trembles, and thirsts and hungers for any Sign that could be a source of assurance for him and be a proof to act as a support for him. So I wonder why this tree of the Christian faith is being declared to be without fruit and why a path to assurance is not being presented to another who is showing a path to assurance in opposition to them. If it is not the custom of God Almighty to show Signs, then why does He show Signs in favour of Islam? Is it possible that darkness should prevail over light? Please leave off all such talk because I know full well that your heart will never ever be in accord with these statements of yours. It would be better that we conclude this issue with a written agree- ment between us. If, according to the conditions of this agreement that I suggest, I am not able to show some Divine Sign in accord with the will of Allah, the Lord of Glory , then I shall be prepared to suffer whatever type of punishment that you desire; indeed, I would be ready even to face the penalty of death. But if it is proven, then it will be your obligation that being fearful of Allah, the Lord of Glory , you would embrace Islam. Dr. [Henry Martyn Clark] sahib! How can it be that the Christian faith should be the true one, but Islam should be the one that is helped? You may continue in your own right to pray to Jesus Christ, that he should humiliate and leave this person without any answers and I shall pray to my God and then the True God shall prevail. What could be a better way than this to achieve a resolution of the matter? Who can accept your claims without any supporting arguments?