The Shining Lamp — Page 38
38 want to remind here briefly that the prophecy was very clearly fulfilled. Mr Atham was an old acquaintance of mine. He had once implored me verbally and through a special note that if there was ever a prophecy regarding him that turned out to be true, he would reform himself to whatever extent. Thus, God revealed this prophecy that he would be cast into Hell within 15 months, but this was contingent on his failure to turn to the truth within that period. Thus, since there was a con- dition in God’s revelation and, overcome by fear, Mr Atham had complied with this condition, it was necessary that he reap its benefit. It is not possible that one fulfils God’s condition and yet avails no benefit from it. Therefore, as per the condition, his death was somewhat delayed. If it is asked what proof there is that he became sincerely inclined towards Islam and was overcome by fear of the Islamic prophecy, the reply is that when God informed me that He had delayed his death because Atham had taken advantage of the con- dition in the prophecy, I invited him (Atham) to publicly swear that he had not covertly become inclined toward Islam, nor was he in awe of Islam, and offered him a reward of 4,000 rupees for doing so. Or, if he was not willing to swear an oath, he should initiate legal proceedings to prove the reasons for his fear, which he had acknowledged. However, he neither swore an oath nor pursued legal action, but admitted that he remained fearful during the period prescribed in the prophecy, claiming that it was not due to the awe of Islam but due to a trained snake and attacks, etc. Since he could not conceal his fear, he made various excuses but presented no evidence, so he was invited to take an oath to prove