Three in One

by Naeem Osman Memon

Page 294 of 363

Three in One — Page 294

that he would be pleased to represent Islam at the debate. . Abdullah Athim was nominated by the Church to represent. Christianity at the debate. He was the author of some vile publications in which he described the noble Prophet of Islamsa, as God forbid, a Dadjaal 158 and also stated that the description of the First Woe in Revelation IX applied, every word to, God forbid, him. '59 However, the debate finally took place at. Amritsar and continued for a fortnight and Athim, was found wanting in knowledge of both religions, Islam and Christianity. . Consequently, he acceded several points, as for instance, on the question of Hadhrat Jesus as alleged divinity. He 'admitted the reasonableness and validity of Hadhrat Ahmad's as method of induction but could not refer to any actual fact by way of instance which could prove Hadhrat Jesus's 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. ' Athim also found himself forced to admit that 'Hadhrat. Jesus as became a manifestation of God only when he saw His spirit descending upon him in the shape of a dove and lightning which effectively demolished the dogma that he, being the son of God was of the substance of the Father. ' His lack of knowledge of Islam and its Scriptures was also exposed during this debate and he had to 'concede that he had incorrectly quoted several verses of the Holy Quran. '. Athim's inability to sustain the pace of intellectual discussion and his failure to present any novel and convincing arguments either in favour of Christianity or against Islam was more than apparent to the audience, including his own colleagues. . However, at the close of the debate, Hadhrat Ahmadas concluded with the announcement: 'When I prayed to God, in all humility and earnestness, that. He might give His judgement in the debate as we are weak mortals and without His judgement we could not accomplish anything, I was given a Sign, by way of glad tidings, that of 58. Athim, Abdullah: Androona Bible: pgs 143/145 & 196 59. Ibid. , Aljawahirul Quran: pg 108 294