The Life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad — Page 14
facts, misleading the evidence to one's own advantage, and other malpractices were very common in these matters. But the. Promised Messiah always manifested the highest degree of truthfulness and honesty in these matters and always acted in a humble manner. . Polemics and Controversies at Sialkot. The Promised Messiah stayed at Sialkot for four years from 1864 to 1868 in connection with his service as a reader for a magistrate. After office hours he spent most of his time in studying the Holy Quran and in devotion and social service. He showed the greatest zeal in defending the faith. The Christian. Missionaries had made the Punjab-and especially the town of. Sialkot, the centre of their activities. The Hazrat also started a single-handed campaign in defence of Islam. In this connection he championed the cause of Islam in public debates against the famous Scottish missionary, Dr. Butler. Of these controversies. . Dr. Iqbal's teacher, Maulvi Sayyad Meer Hassan of Sialkot has given an account in his writings. . Glad tidings from Allah on keeping away from a controversy. After resigning his post at Sialkot, the Promised Messiah returned to Qadian and kept himself busy in the cause of the faith. In the year 1868, after hearing the views of Maulvi. Muhammad Hussain regarding the point of contention, he refused to oppose him in an open public debate and firmly withstood the pressure brought on him by the Hanifite Muslims in favour of the debate. He declared that the verdict of the Holy Quran in all cases superceded the Traditions and the Sayings of the Holy. Prophet. Therefore, the Hazrat said, there was no cause to argue and start the controversy. Allah was very much pleased at the stand he had taken in that matter and as a reward gave him the following glad tidings: "Thy God was pleased with this thy action and He shall bless thee greatly-so much so that kings shall seek blessings from thine garments. " 14. MUSLIM HERALD