Life of Ahmad — Page 253
as THE PHARISEE OF BATALA 253 2. The second condition is that this discussion, which will be only for the promulgation of truth, should be carried on in writing; because it is an oft-repeated experience that a verbal debate leads ultimately to mischief. 3. That group of divines should also join this meeting who have, on the authority of their revelations, declared that I am accursed, being an infidel who cannot be guided. They want Mub a hala. Maulaw i Abdur Ra h m a n of Lukhooke declares me to be an unbeliever and an infidel and Miy a Ĕ Abdul H aq Ghaznavi says that I am accursed. Maulaw i Abdul Jabb a r believes in their revelations and follows them. So these three must join the meeting so that if they declare Mub a hala to be permissible in these circumstances it may also take place there and then; because my health does not allow me to undertake the journey again and again. 4. You should be selected to carry on the discussion in writing on behalf of all the opposing mullahs, because I do not like to hear unnecessarily jeers and gibes and abuse from different people. 5. It is for you now to fix any convenient date and inform me and Maulaw i N u r-ud-D i n ra. As I am indisposed and weak, I would like to bring him with me so that if I become too weak