Tadhkirah — Page 306
306 God and is deifying a humble man, will be severely afflicted within a period of months corresponding to the number of days of this debate. That is to say, within fifteen months he will be greatly humiliated, provided he does not turn to the truth. And he whose stand is on the truth and who believes in the True God will be thereby exalted. When the prophecy is fulfilled some who are blind will begin to see, some who are lame will begin to walk, and some who are deaf will begin to hear. 358 358 Note by Hadrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad ra : This prophecy had clearly predicted that if A tham did not turn to the truth he would be afflicted within a period of fifteen months. Thereafter, contrary to his habit, A tham refrained from uttering anything objectionable against Islam or the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The other indications also prove that he had been afflicted with fear due to the grandeur of the prophecy and was impressed with the truth of Islam. God Almighty, therefore, had mercy on him in accordance with His way [Allah would not punish them while they sought forgiveness] and he was delivered from the affliction predicted for him. Thereafter, however, he refused to affirm that he had turned towards the truth. On this, after reminding him several times, the Promised Messiah as announced that if A tham would declare on oath that he had not turned towards the truth, the Promised Messiah as would pay him Rs. 4,000 if he survived for one year after taking the oath. In that announcement the Promised Messiah as stated: Now if Atham would make the required statement on oath, then the term of one year is definite and final and is not subject to any condition. The divine decree in that case will be unalterable and even if he does not make the required statement on oath, God Almighty will not leave unpunished one who has tried to deceive the world by concealing the truth …and the days of his punishment would be near and not far. [Announcement concerning award of Rs. 4,000, p. 11, Majm u ‘a-e-Ishtih a r a t, vol. 2, p. 106] The Promised Messiah also announced: A tham will not make the statement on oath even if the Christians would cut him to pieces or slaughter him. [Anj a m-e- A tham, p. 3, Reference Announcement of December 30, 1895, Majm u ‘a-e-Ishtih a r a t, vol. 2, p. 204]