The Holy War — Page 152
152 sahib was writing an answer that was against the conditions. But when, in their opinion, Mirza sahib started writing in accordance with the conditions, then they told their scribes to continue writing as well. It was the opinion of the President for the Muslims that until Mirza sahib completes his essay, no action should be taken to stop him, because, in his opinion, Mirza sahib had done nothing against the conditions. Consequently, Mirza sahib continued dictating his reply and completed it within his allocated time. When they were comparing the papers, the Christian clerks then completed that part of the essay that they had left because of the orders from their President. Now, another matter arose that the Christian President and audience believed that the answer of Mirza sahib was against the conditions because firstly, this week the Christians had the right to ask questions to the Muslims regarding the religion of Muhammad, not that the Muslims seek answers from the Christians. Secondly, at present, Abdullah Atham has asked the ques- tion about Mercy without Recompense, whilst Mirza sahib is asking about the Divinity of the Messiah. The President for the Muslims declared that the essay of Mirza [Ghulam Ahmad] sahib is not against any conditions. In fact, it is exactly in accordance with the rules. Mirza sahib also stated that his answer does not go against any condition because the question of Mercy without any Recompense is founded upon the Divinity of the Messiah, and we can only fully refute the issue of Mercy without Recompense once this foundation has been uprooted. How can the foundation be said not to be relevant? In fact, it should be said that the issue of Mercy without any Recompense is based on perversity confounded. The Christians continued to insist that the essay of Mirza sahib was against the conditions, whilst the Muslims were trying to prove that it was, in fact, in accordance with the conditions. Reverend Imad-ud-Din stood up and stated clearly that it is not permissible for the two presid- ers to prevent any speaker from answering any question, but upon the question from the Christian President, however, he stated also that the reply of Mirza sahib was against the conditions. Mr. Abdullah Atham