Life of Ahmad — Page 154
ADDRESSES THE A RYA SAM A J as 154 Mub a hala is a most serious affair. It requires the whole courage of one’s convictions. Vacillating and wavering minds can never undertake such a test. The deputation did not, therefore, dare to accept the challenge and preferred to go home assured of perfect religious freedom. Religion may be an individual affair. It is, however, no light matter. There may be some people whose squeamishness shudders at the idea of invoking the Divine curse. Christians may think it to be against the scriptures, which teach: 'Love your enemies'. It is, therefore, necessary to throw some light upon this method of settling religious disputes, which was resorted to by the Holy Founder sa of Islam. Islam teaches us in various ways to overcome evil with good. All our doings, if devoid of charity, are worth nothing. But it also teaches that charity should not be blind. It 'rejoiceth not iniquity. ' We read in the Bible: 'Destroy thou them, O God; let them perish through their own imaginations, cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; for they have rebelled against Thee' (Ps. 5:10. ) 'Plead Thou my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: and fight Thou against them that fight against me. . . . . . Let them be confounded, and put to shame'. . . . . . (Ps. 35:1, 4). 'Let death come hastily upon them and let them go down quickly into hell' (Ps. 55:15).