The Holy War — Page 231
Proceedings—Debate 2 June 1893 231 as a follower and devotee and was called a follower of his law? Some Prophets excelled so much more than the Messiah in performing miracles that—according to your Books—touching the bones of the deceased, they brought them back to life. Furthermore, the miracles of the Messiah remain suspended in a state of doubt owing to the men- tion of the pool [of Bethesda] that is recounted in John 5. And the glitter of all the Messiah’s miracles is dissipated by this account. Moreover, so far as his prophecies are concerned, they already suf- fer a rather weak and feeble state, so on account of the excellence of which of his actions and practices is the superiority of the Messiah established? Furthermore—by the way—if he was superior, then what was the need for him to be baptised by the Prophet John, and why did he con- fess his sins in front of him, and reject being called ‘good’? And if he possessed Divinity why would he have replied to Satan saying that it is written not to prostrate before anyone but God? And your criticism of my statement alleging that there is a verse in the Holy Quran stating that nothing whatsoever is in your control; this is not your misunder- standing but your feigned ignorance. I had had it written in my state- ment of yesterday that the meaning of this verse is not what you allege. The purpose is only this much that Allah the Exalted says that you should follow My command and law; you have no authority to interfere in this. Now, assess whether this statement is about compulsion being imposed upon man or whether the statement applies to an occasion when some people were prevented from unnecessarily intervening in the affairs of governance? Therefore, I reiterate—whether you listen to me or not—that the Holy Quran has repeatedly mentioned quite clearly about choice, for which reason man will be held accountable. However, on other occasions, it is also stated in refutation of some false religions which existed in Arabia, that as you people believe, that such and such idol has a hand in the Divine system is absolutely wrong. That the source and root of every matter is God and that He is the Ultimate Cause