An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islam — Page 92
92 Background Christianity appeared to be making some headway in some remote villages like the one, known as Jandiyala, in the District of Amritsar. The local Muslims began to defend Islam and whenever Christian missionaries delivered their open air speeches, they began to ask questions and raise objections. The mission authorities were now meeting opposition and resistance to their activities because of repeated blows dealt by the Promised Messiah as on their fundamental beliefs and they were compelled to take notice of this opposition. Rev. Dr. Henry Martin Clark, the Medical Missionary in charge of Amritsar District, wrote a letter to Muhammad Baksh Pahnd a Maktab Desi, Jandiyala, in which he suggested that a decisive action should be taken in the form of a public debate between accredited representatives of the two faiths to stop the daily pin-pricks. As soon as Pahnd a received this registered letter, he wrote to the Promised Messiah as on April 11, 1893, asking for instructions. The Promised Messiah as wrote directly to the Christians of Jandiyala on April 13, 1893, expressing his pleasure and intimating his acceptance of the invitation. But they refused to have any direct dealing with the Promised Messiah as and wanted an answer from the Muslims of Jandiyala. The Promised Messiah as again addressed a letter to Dr. Henry Martyn Clark on April 23, pointing out to him that the Muslims of Jandiyala had no learned person among them and, therefore, it would be better if the matter was decided with him directly. ( Life of Ahmad by A. R. Dard ra , edition of 2008, p. 385) This letter was presented to Dr. Clark at Amritsar. Dr. Clark accepted the proposal and the understanding was arrived at the following points: 1. The debate would take place at Amritsar.