Some Prophecies of Hazrat Ahmad - A Critical Study — Page 33
Hence, the Church leadership initially refused to be a party to a debate at which Hadhrat Ahmadas represented Islam. But, when a deputation of. Muslim leaders stressed upon the Christian missionaries that Hadhrat. Ahmadas was their popular choice, they were forced to give in. And after a certain amount of correspondence had been exchanged between the two parties, 'an agreement was finally reached upon holding a debate at. Amritsar from 22nd May to 3rd June, 1893 CE. The subjects of the debate mutually agreeed were, 'the truth of Islam; its noble Prophetsa and the. Glorious Quran and also the alleged divinity of Jesus Christas. . Nevertheless, although an agreement had formally been reached between the two parties, the Church leadership accepted Hadhrat. Ahmad'sas nomination with a certain amount of reservation. They tried to influence the Muslim masses to reconsider their choice through the character assasination of Hadhrat Ahmadas and Rev. Clarke in particular, issued a statement addressed to the Muslims, pointing out to them that 'Hadhrat Ahmadas, God forbid, was not a Muslim at all. ' He also referred to. Maulvi Muhammed Hussain Batalvi's edicts against Hadhrat Ahmadas and suggested that 'Muslims disown him. ". However, the debate finally took place at Amritsar as agreed and continued for a fortnight. The Christian representative at the debate,. Abdullah Athim, was found wanting in knowledge of both religions,. Islam and Christianity. Consequently, Athim acceded several points in the debate. For instance, on the question of Christ's as alleged divinity, Athim ‘admitted the reasonableness and validity of Hadhrat Ahmad'sas method of induction but could not refer to any actual fact by way of instance which could prove Christ's as alleged divinity. ' He could only contend that 'reason and experience should not be the guides of faith and man cannot understand the doctrine of Trinity. " '9. Athim also found himself forced to admit that 'Jesusas became a manifestation of God only when he saw His spirit descending upon him in the shape of a dove and lightning'10 which effectively demolished the. Christian dogma that 'Jesusas, being the son of God was of the substance of the father. ' Athim's lack of knowledge of Islam and its Scriptures was also exposed during this debate and he had to 'concede that he had incorrectly 7. American Mission Press, Ludhiana & Noor Afshan: 2nd May, 1993 8. Jang e Muqaddas 9. Ibid 33 10. Ibid