The Descent of the Messiah — Page 235
HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS 43 [continued] permission to publish any prophecy about him whatsoev- er. When I focused my attention on him [in prayer], the following revelation was received from God Almighty: عِجْلٌ جَسَدٌ لَهُ خُوَارٌ لَهُ نَصَبٌ وَعَذَابٌ . Meaning, "He is only a lifeless calf from which em- anates a disgusting sound. And, on account of his insults and abusive language, a grievous punishment is destined for him, which will surely be meted out to him. " When I focused my attention today, Monday, February 20, 1893, to learn about the time of this chastisement, God revealed to me that within six years from today, February 20, 1893, this person will be overcome by a grievous punishment because of his foul language, i. e. the profanities he uttered against the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. By publishing this prophecy, I now make it known to all Muslims, Aryas, Christians, and people of other religions, that if this person is not overtaken by such a chastisement¹ within six years from today, a chas- tisement that is distinct from ordinary afflictions and is a manifestation of Divine awe, then know that I am not from God and that this speech of mine is not from His spirit. If I turn out to be false in this prophecy, I am willing to face any punishment; I am even prepared to have a rope strung around my neck or to be hung on the cross. Aside from my agreeing to such punishment, it is evident that for a person's prophecy to be proven false is in itself a greater disgrace than any other. What more do I have to write? Remember, this man has treated the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with such insolence that the mere thought of it makes one tremble. His books are full of contempt, blasphemy, and sacrilege. Is there a Muslim who can listen to these books without having his heart torn to pieces? 1 Now all the Aryas ought to pray that this chastisement is put off through this lawyer of theirs [i. e. Lekhram]. (Author) 235