The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 66
66 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS other. But the supporters of the Anjuman-e-Himāyat-e-Islām, Paisa Akhbar and the Punjab Observer, have criticised my per- sonal affairs, brought their discourse very close to the sedition law [being applied to it]. This time I shall pardon and overlook these unwarranted attacks, but I warn the editors of both these papers that in future they must not forget their crucial respon- sibilities when writing against facts and should spare themselves from being targeted by this law. Therefore, whatever they may write about me and my Community, they must write with cau- tion since an unjust person does not deserve to be forgiven on each and every occasion. Of course, forgiving and overlooking is our principle, and not to resist evil is our practice, but it does not mean that no matter how much harm and defamation I may suffer due to their slander and falsehood or how adversely my mission is affected, I shall remain silent in any case. It is not at all permis- sible, on account of religious reasons, to put up with such defa- mation that imputes to me deceit, dishonesty and falsehood. For it constitutes a bad example in the eyes of the people. In such cir- cumstances, Josephas also called on the Egyptian rulers to inquire into the truth. Therefore, the Anjuman and its supporters would do well to keep this advice in mind. I hereby swear by Allah the Exalted that I opposed the Anjuman-e-Himāyat-e-Islām in abso- lute good faith, and I was fearful and apprehensive that the course this Anjuman had adopted was by no means beneficial to Islam. Is the Anjuman infallible? Or does it deem itself worthy of the title 'innocent' like the Prophets? Why did they take offence at my perfectly sincere advice? A wise person should keep in view both aspects of the matter before choosing one. I vehemently state that the course this Anjuman has adopted is definitely not in accord