The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 42
42 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS take up the pen to criticise without making reference to authentic books of the opponents, or each and every party, instead of attack- ing the other's faith, should describe the virtues of their own. Now obviously there is no contradiction in my past and present state- ments as The Observer has assumed. Does my earlier statement mean that the attacks of the opponents should go unanswered? Suppose, we do not attack the religion of others, but it is at the very least incumbent upon us to defend our faith against the criti- cism of others and to demonstrate the excellences it. In short, our honourable Government does not stop us from defending the tenets of our religion with civility. So, revered ones! See for yourselves, how much criticism has been levelled at Islam. There are criticisms by Christian priests; attacks by mod- ern philosophy; charges by the Aryas; condemnation from the Brahmu Samājists, and the ambush of the atheists and naturalists. I fearlessly proclaim that today a true Muslim is one who sympathises with the plight of Islam and does not turn away from it on account of his callous heart, indifference, or baseless far-fetched suspicions. O men of high resolve! I regret to repeat- edly write about what should be done in these circumstances. O shining stars of the nation and honourable elders! May God inspire your hearts. Attend to this matter for the sake of God. Had I known the objections that might have arisen in the minds of those who read these writings of mine, I would have refuted them in advance. If I had the words that would draw you gentle- men towards this objective, I would have used them. Alas! What should I do to communicate to people this frightening scenario that appears more threatening to me than the plague and chol- era? O my Lord! Place this into the hearts yourself! O Merciful