Arba'in — Page 196
196 examine and compare both of these books. If three scholars who have no affiliation with the two parties—themselves being com- petent writers and proficient linguists—make a statement under oath that P i r Sahib’s book is superior in eloquence and fluency and in depth of knowledge of the Quran, then I pledge, according to Islamic law, that I shall give 500 rupees in cash to P i r Sahib without any hesitation. That will also compensate P i r Sahib for the trouble he took, that his friends have been regularly complain- ing about, that he was unjustly asked to travel to Lahore. This proposal is also very good for P i r Sahib. Whether he is aware of it or not, intelligent people do not believe that P i r Sahib has any knowledge of the Quran, or that he can write even one sentence in fluent and eloquent Arabic. Indeed, we have come to learn from some of his close friends that it was very good that P i r Sahib did not face the contingency of having to write any compet- ing commentary in Arabic [against me]. Otherwise, all his friends would certainly have experienced a share of great humiliation. There is no doubt that once those few friends of his who har- bour these thoughts see P i r Sahib’s Arabic commentary adorned with fluency and eloquence, their hidden doubts about P i r Sahib will dissipate, and this feat will be the cause of drawing the gen- eral public towards him, which is the precise desire of such p i rs [spiritual leaders] of this age. On the other hand, if P i r Sahib is defeated, he should rest assured that I will not ask anything from him, nor will I compel him to make Bai‘at to me. I only want the truth of the hidden talents of P i r Sahib and his extraordinary excellence in the knowl- edge of the Quran to become known to the public relying on