Arba'in — Page xvii
FOREWORD Arba'in was written in 1900 by the Promised Messiah, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, on whom be peace, to satisfy the principle of Itmāmul-Hujjah, which dictates that a Prophet fully convey God's message to the people with conclusive evi- dence. Accordingly, Arbaʻīn was addressed to the religious clergy and scholars of the Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and the general population to bear witness that the Promised Messiah's claims, arguments, Signs, and challenges were fully and clearly conveyed to them and their people. Although the original intent of Arba'in was to publish forty short handbills, the first four were lengthy enough that they were considered sufficient to meet the initial objective. The Promised Messiahas himself stated that this book would ultimately be his evidence before God on the Day of Judgment that he discharged the mission for which he was sent. Ultimately, we are all com- pelled to admit that the Promised Messiahas fully and faithfully conveyed the lofty message and mission entrusted to him by Almighty Allah, as is evidenced by the several thousands of pages he penned. This publication was translated into English by Waseem Ahmad Sayed and Naser-ud-Din Shams. Valuable assistance was provided by Missionary Mubasher Ahmad, Rubina Nasser, Mubashar Ahmad, Bushra Shahid, Mansoor Qureshi, Rawan Malas, Kashif Baloch, Umair Ilyas, Maryam Bhatti, Falah Odeh,