The Holy War — Page 5
Proceedings—Debate 22 May 1893 5 Statement of h a d rat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian 1 ۰۰ ِ بِسْم ِ الل ِّٰ الرَّحْمٰن ِ الرَّحِیْم 2 َ ِِّٰ رَب ِّ الْعٰلَمِیۡن َ وَالصَّلٰوۃ ُ وَالسَّلَم ُ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہ ِ مُحَمَّد ٍ وَّآلِہ ِ وَاَصۡحَابِہ ٖ اَجْمَعِیْن لل ُ اَلْحَمۡد After this, let it be known that today, which is the 22 May 1893, is the day agreed upon for this disputation and debate between Deputy Abdullah Atham and me. And through this debate, the intent and aim is to impart upon seekers after truth which religion—between Islam and the Christian faith—is true, living, perfect, and from Allah, and also which religion is the means through which true salvation can be attained. I consider it appropriate, therefore, that first, by way of a comprehensive statement, the Holy Bible and the Noble Quran should be compared and contrasted regarding this very matter which is the ultimate reason for this debate. However, within this comparison and contrast, it should be kept in mind that no party shall have any right whatsoever to go outside of his Book or express anything by way of his own opinion. On the contrary, it shall be mandatory and binding that whatever claim is asserted, that claim is referenced from that revealed Book which is deemed to have been revealed. And whatever argument they present, that argument should also be referenced from that very Book, for it is absolutely true and far beneath the dignity of a Perfect 1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. [Publisher] 2. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon His Messenger, Muhammad, and his people, and upon all his Companions. [Publisher]