Life of Ahmad — Page 521
as PT. LEKHR A M’S DEATH 521 by the advocates of other faiths. The whole idea of the opponents of Ahmad as was to bring discredit upon him, and thus to undermine the position of Islam. The majesty of God was therefore aroused and the Almighty decided to strike terror in the hearts of evil- doers. Ahmad as had worked long enough in every possible way to bring mankind back to God and the time was now ripe for a sign which should confound the enemies of truth. Satan had most insidiously led the people astray for ages through the nefarious designs of his votaries. Now it was the turn of God to strike and He struck in such manner that there was consternation and confusion in ranks of the enemy and the forces of wickedness were almost utterly routed. It so happened that Pt. Lekhr a m, who had always sought a sign from Ahmad as , was most mysteriously murdered at Lahore on the afternoon of March 6th, 1897, which was a Saturday following the Muslim festival of Eid. It is said that the murderer was a ferocious-looking man who had come to him as a seeker after truth and had stayed with him for some time. He stabbed Pt. Lekhr a m in the abdomen with a dagger and disappeared. The news spread like lightning and struck terror in the hearts of all. A terrible hue and cry was raised throughout the length and breadth of the country. Meetings were held, resolutions of condemnation were passed, an immediate enquiry was demanded and it was openly suggested that Ahmad as had encompassed Pt.