A Message of Peace — Page 26
M ESSAGE OF P EACE 26 If the Hindus genuinely desire to effect a compromise with us, then they should also write it as a declaration and sign it; its subject matter being as follows: We believe in the divine message and Prophethood of Hadrat Muhammad Mu s taf a Ras u lull a h [the chosen one, the Messenger of Allah] may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and deem him to be a true Prophet and Messenger. From now on we will remember him with reverence and respect as befits a believer. If this is not adhered to, a large fine of not less than three hundred thousand rupees will be paid to leader of the Ahmadiyyah Jam a ‘at. It should be remembered that at present, the Ahmadiyyah Jam a ‘at numbers not less than four hundred thousand 15. Hence, the collection of three hundred thousand rupees should not be considered too great a task for such an impor- tant cause. The majority of people who are outside the fold of our Jam a ‘at are disunited in their views and are diverse in their nature. They do not follow a leader, obedience to whom they would consider incumbent. This is why I cannot undertake anything on their behalf; as yet they consider me to be a k a fir [imposter] and dajj a l [Antichrist]. But I trust that when the Hindus enter into an agreement with me, they 16 will also not be so daring as to abuse the Book and the Rishis of such a civilized people and thereby invite the abuse of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in retaliation. Such abuses will then be rightly blamed on those who act irresponsibly. As such action is contrary to modest 15. This number represents the membership as of the writing of this book in 1908. [Publisher] 16. The other Muslims [Publisher]