The Afghan Martyrs — Page 61
Written Debate with the Afghan Divines With great patience the Sahibzada bore all the hardships inflicted on him during the four months of his imprisonment. The King felt confident that after experiencing the hardships of prison the Sahibzada would renounce his beliefs and would seek forgiveness. However the 'rock of steadfastness' who during his term of imprisonment was being encouraged by soothing revelations from the Almighty left the King deeply disappointed. The Promised Messiah (PBUH) has recorded this episode as below. II At the end of the four months of imprisonment the Ameer had the martyr brought before him in an open court. With great force he was asked to deny the truth of the Qadiani and to renounce his teachings. In return he was assured that not only would his life be spared but he would be freed and elevated. In response the martyr pleaded that it was impossible for him to deny the truth. He said that the punishment from the worldly rulers is sure to end with death but that he feared another everlasting punishment. He pleaded that as he was convinced that he was on the right path concerning his beliefs he may be permitted to debate with the divines. If, on the basis of the outcome it was established that he was false then he would happily accept any punishment. Some who were present at the time and who had listened to the conversation say that the Ameer was not exactly pleased. II (Tazkira-tush-Shahadatain Page 54) Then, in obedience to the command of the Ameer, some noted representatives of the Afghan divines were ordered to engage in 61