Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V — Page 245
APPE N DI X to B AR Ā H Ī N-E-A H M ADIY YA — PART F IV E 245 years. The word muq a m implies the buildings in these areas that were made for permanent dwelling. And God had foretold in this prophecy that those temples—meaning, the places where idols are worshipped— would also collapse, and their collapse would be the harbinger for the spread of the Oneness of God, while other buildings would also col- lapse. And this is what came to pass. So, when the prophecy has been fulfilled in accordance with its lit- eral wording, to deny it now is absurdity. The literal words deserve to be considered when ascertaining the meaning, and it is sheer folly to turn away from the literal at the time when the words of the prophecy have been fulfilled literally. Had this sentence: عفت الدیار محلھا ومقامھا [Temporary residences and permanent ones will be wiped out] been fabricated by man and had the plague been implied by it, the fabricator could not have used this sentence; for, reason would have stopped him from using the words that cannot be applicable to the plague, since buildings do not collapse because of the plague. If the meanings were not interpreted correctly before the actual occurrence, it would be an error of interpretation, but to refuse to accept the cor- rect meanings after the truth has become evident, is called mischief, dishonesty, and obstinacy. His Statement— I ask you for the revelation in which you have given the news that an earthquake would strike. But you cannot present such a revelation till Doomsday. My Answer— I say that the Doomsday that you deemed far off is right upon you. See the newspaper Al- H akam of 24 December 1903, page 15, column 2, where it has been clearly stated: