The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 366
366. Essence of Islam-III. The truth is that if any cleric of this country should wish to compete with me in respect of Qur'ānic insights, and I should write a commentary on a chapter of the Holy. Qur'an and he should write a commentary on the same chapter, he would certainly be humbled and would not be able to stand against me. That is why, despite my insistence, the Maulavīs do not respond to my challenges. . This is a great sign, but only for those who possess faith and a sense of justice. [Anjām-e-Ātham, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 11, pp. 292-293]. I desire to demolish the Arabs' claim to literary excellence and eloquence. Let these journalists, who call themselves masters of the language having written a few lines, come forth, if they dare, to challenge this sign. . Their pens will be broken. If they have any power or proficiency, they can take up this challenge individually or collectively. They will then realize the truth, and the lie which the ignorant are wont to repeat, that I get my books written by Arabs on payment of thousands of rupees, will also be exposed. Then it will also become clear as to who is the Arab that can write a book of such high literary standard and full of such verities and insights. . The books that these claimants of proficiency in literary qualities write are like a pile of hard and soft, white and black pieces of stones. While my books, which contain analysis of Qur'ānic verities and insights, are sweet and delicious. That which is composed with the support of the Holy Spirit and the words that are inspired by it, possess a unique sweetness, splendour and power which others cannot master. This will be a great sign indeed! [Malfūzāt, vol. 2, p. 375]. Though I have so far published nearly seventeen match-