The Holy War — Page 106
106 present, in opposition to me, the heavenly Signs of true salvation by asking for them from their Messiah. But for now, in accordance with the conditions of this debate, I especially address in this regard, Deputy Abdullah Atham. This gentleman should prove that he possesses in himself the signs that are laid out by the Gospel as being characteristic of a true believer, and similarly, on this side, it shall be incumbent upon me that I prove to possess in myself those signs that the Noble Quran indicates are the signs of a true believer. But it should be known that the Noble Quran does not bestow on us any authority to show signs at will. Indeed, our bodies tremble upon uttering any such word. We do not know what type of sign He will show. He alone is God, and there is no god beside Him. Notwithstanding—yes, this is a strong vow by us, that just as Allah, the Lord of Glory, has made it clear to me that I will surely be victori- ous at the time of a contest; however, it is not known how exactly God shall show a sign; the only objective being that it be a sign beyond the powers of a human being. Is it necessary that a humble man should be held up to be God and a sign of Divine power—at will—be demanded of him? This is not what our religion teaches nor is it our belief. Allah, the Lord of Glory , promises to show us signs only in general and universal terms. If I prove false in this, I would be willing to accept any punishment that is suggested, even if it be death, but if leaving behind the bounds of justice and reasonableness, you demand from me such signs as even His Eminence, Jesus, was unable to show—indeed, he hurled one or two abuses upon the petitioner—so even to speak of showing such signs is, in my way of thinking, tantamount to disbelief. Signature—English Signature—English Ghulam Q a dir Fasih Henry Martyn Clark President President Representing Muslims Representing Christians