The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 16
16 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS false misconceptions, even then, I know for certain, that all these people would be in the wrong. Such undertakings can never substitute for the true remedy that can banish all doubts that are firmly entrenched in a great many hearts. Rather, this would amount to silencing [the opponents] by force. Moreover, one can never be sure about the successful outcome of such memorials for the opposing party also have tongues in their mouths, and when they find that this action was not against an individual, but an attack on the whole Christian mission, they will not hold back from reacting with full force and in such circumstances there is no telling what will be the ultimate outcome, and maybe we suffer disgrace and humiliation in the end. Obviously, sending a memo- rial is filing a lawsuit, and every suit has two sides. I wonder what the outcome may be. But what is certain is that Islam possesses extremely pure principles. If every attack mounted by the oppo- nents is responded to with deep reflection and deliberation, it will not only remove the objection but will also establish that the very occasion, targeted for criticism by the ignorant opponent, is the source of many profound truths and insights. Thus, will the reli- gious sciences advance by the day, revealing thousands of subtle secrets of religious knowledge. Remember, it is now incumbent upon all Muslims to show concern for this storm of misguidance, and the sooner the better; but the only course of action is to select a person for writing a rebuttal to all the Christian attacks with politeness and civility. Such a book should not only contain a rebuttal but also the beauty, appeal and excellence of the Islamic teachings in such a lucid man- ner as can fully satisfy men of every disposition and aptitude. Let the author of such rebuttal imagine as if a whole host of people