Life of Ahmad — Page 107
as MASJID MUB A RAK 107 that he had proposed. The Munshi could, if he liked to enter the lists in a spectacular manner, hold a debate with many other advocates of Islam. Ahmad’s as chief anxiety was to show heavenly signs not claimed by others. He was, however, prepared to hold a written debate with the Munshi if he so insisted. The way had already been openend by the publication of his book. The Munshi should write a reply to the Br a h i n-e- Ahmadiyya and get Rs. 10,000. This letter was printed at the Sidd i qi Press, Lahore, and was dated May 30th, 1885. In answer to it the Munshi issued a leaflet printed at the Muf i d-e-‘ A m Press, Lahore, in which he blamed Ahmad as for not holding the debate to which, he alleged, he was originally invited, despite the fact that he had come to Lahore for the purpose. He also wrote that the debate should be held, provided necessary arrangements were made with the police for its peaceful conduct. Ahmad as again explained the purpose and the significance of his original invitation by means of an Ishtih a r and also pointed out that a debate which needed the protection of the police even before it started could not be anything but injurious and a waste of time. An exchange of papers in a courteous manner might, however, be useful. But, as it was to show heavenly signs that he was comissioned, the Munshi should notify his acceptance within twenty days from the receipt of the Ishtih a r , which was being sent under