Life of Ahmad — Page 323
as FIRST AHMADIYYA CONFERENCE 323 Then the parties would begin to pray for the cure and betterment of all the sufferers alloted to each. The results should be prepared, compared and published after one year. This body should also decide which of the contending parties was able to reveal the secrets of the Holy Word of God in a unique manner. The meeting which Ahmad as called in connection with these proposals was of the opinion that the book be published forthwith and further steps be taken after ascertaining the views of his opponents. It appears, however, that the opponents of Ahmad as did not have the courage or the conviction to move in this matter. Muhammad Husain published in his journal an anonymous screed in which a certain Sufi expressed his willingness to accept Ahmad’s as challenge. ‘Abb a s 65 Ali, who had already proved to be a simpleton, wrote a letter to Ahmad as at the instigation of Muhammad Husain on May 6th, 1892, to draw his attention to this Sufi. Ahmad as replied on 65 He was one of the earliest supporters of Ahmad as in whom he professed great faith. But, as has been noticed before, he was of a weak and eccentric temperament. It appears he was very much frightened whan the mullahs rose up in arms and excited the masses against Ahmad as. Like the tonga-walas of Delhi, he ran away and openly joined the ranks of the enemies. Muhammad Husain very cleverly flattered him a little and ‘Abb a s Ali perished of his pious vanity and conceit. Curiously enough, Ahmad as had told him of it a long time before and he had noted the prophecy in his own notebook with great surprise. After recanting, he once came to Ahmad as at Ludhiana and suggested that he and Ahmad as should shut themselves up in a room for ten days and see who died first. In his opinion death should overtake the liar in this manner. The suggestion is typical of his mentality.