Life of Ahmad — Page 215
as VISIT TO ALIGARH 215 matter and may only have been an idiosyncrasy of the moment; but it is just these trifles that reveal the true and inner nature of a person and give an insight into character. It is significant that this man deserted Ahmad as later and joined the lists against him. Another incident which happened at Aligarh at that time may also be mentioned here. Ahmad as was requested by a Maulaw i , named Muhammad Ismael, to make a public speech. Though Ahmad as was not at all well at the time, his love for Islam made him consent. Arrangements were therefore made for his speech, and it was duly advertised. But when the appointed time approached, Ahmad as told the Maulaw i that he had been forbidden by God to make the speech. 48 People tried to persuade him to keep his word and not disappoint the public, but he would not listen to anyone. He said he could not disobey God under any circumstances. The Maulaw i was very much upset, and became his bitter enemy. Ahmad as was accused of cowardice, ignorance and imposture but he was so confirmed in his conviction and he was so devoted, obedient and faithful to God that he cared nothing for the ridicule 49 of the world. He stayed a 48 Ahmad as says that it was for reasons of health that he was forbidden. The Maulaw i later wrote a book against Ahmad as and therein prayed for his death. This book was yet in the press when the Maulaw i died. His friend omitted the prayer from the printed book but M. Abdullah Sanauri ra had seen it in its original form. 49 Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan also made Ahmad as the target of his ridicule in his vanity and conceit. He offered to become his disciple and then go to Hyderabad where Ahmad as should show some of his false miracles and he would go round singing his praises. Then the State in its simplicity would