Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Parts I & II — Page 129
129 PArT T Wo while he did not have any significant following to defend him against their onslaught. Would it not have been more in keeping with the ways of the world, to criticise some and praise others, so that where he had enemies he might also have some friends? For instance, if he had conceded to the Arabs that L a t and ‘Uzz a were true gods, they would have obeyed him and followed him without question. For, they were a people who placed great importance on family and tribal affiliations and national honour. They were in agreement with everything [the Holy Prophet sa taught]. The only thing he needed was to permit idol-worship to win their heartfelt obedience. What worldly expediency could have led the Holy Prophet to alienate one and all for the sake of holding firmly to Tau hi d— a creed that was deeply unpopular at the time and the profession of which spelled many a trouble and even the risk of death? And what earthly motive could he have for continu- ing to insist on the doctrine that had taken away everything from him and the very expression of which could cause new converts to Islam to suffer confinement and torture? How could anyone hope to attain material success by telling people what was against their temperament, customs and beliefs, thereby making them his mortal enemies—and not keeping ties with anyone? Is this the way cheats and liars scheme? Do schemers turn their friends into enemies? Do those who plan on gaining material reward through their clever devices challenge the whole world at once and live in constant fear for their lives? Far from it, they are keen to humour everyone and eager to award the certificate of truth to every reli- gion. It is not in their character to show fortitude for the sake of God and take pains to uphold their belief in His Oneness and Greatness. Indeed, why should they do so when their aim is to lay