The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 68
68 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS Now, can the Anjuman, in case their memorial proves futile and fruitless, adopt the approach of writing a rebuttal and publish- ing such a resolution in the newspapers such as Paisa or Observer etc. ? Surely not! Let the Muslims now see for themselves how the impetuosity of the Anjuman has damaged the real cause of Islam and how it has undermined its defence. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, with all his titles, was indeed brave, wise and perceptive in these matters. Even in his final days, he remained committed to writing the rebuttal of this book and never inclined towards sending a memorial. If he were alive he would have supported my view just as he had supported my opinion regarding the Sultan of Turkey and despised and criticised the opposing views. Where now can we find such a wise and prudent person in political matters so that he may join us in lamenting over the hastiness of this Anjuman. It قدر مردان بعد از مردن is truly said 1 If the Anjuman comes up with the excuses that they are opposed to producing its rebuttal because, even though the Christians are so foul-mouthed, they belong to the state religion, therefore, it is disrespectful to write their rebuttal. We would like to ask them: is it respectful to send a memorial seeking their accountability and punishment? Our honourable Government in its profound wis- dom and high resolve, has promulgated a general law, namely, that if someone attacks the faith of another due to difference of opin- ion, the latter is also free to defend against the attack. True, since we are the subjects of this Government and observe its innumera- ble favours all the time, we are under solemn obligation to remain loyal to this Government and be helpful in fulfilling its objectives 1. A man's worth is known after his death. [Publisher]