The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 317
316 Α'ΙΝΑ-Ε-ΚΑMĀLĀT-E-ISLAM-DAFI UL-WASĀWIS pray themselves to death. And I [actually] hear the word of God which others dismiss as a mere hypothetical possibility. I have been shown, told, and made to fully comprehend that Islam alone is the true faith in the world and it has been revealed to me that whatever has been bestowed upon me is by way of blessing on account of following the Khātamul-Anbiyā' [Seal of the Prophets], may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and that there is nothing the like of what has been bestowed upon me in the other faiths, for they are false. Now, therefore, if there is any seeker of truth-whether Hindu or Christian or Ārya or Jew or Brahmū or anyone else—it is an appropri- ate occasion for him to contest my assertion. If he is able to successfully compete with me in the matter, showing some Sign of the unseen and of the acceptance of prayer, I swear by Allah, glorified be His eminence, that I shall hand over to him all my immovable property, the value of which must be about 10,000 rupees. I shall also satisfy him by paying a penalty in any manner which he may approve. The Lord God, who is One, witnesses that I shall never be amiss in this; I shall heartily yield to the penalty even if it be the forfeiture of life. I am sincere in my declara- tion, and Allah the Exalted knows that I speak the truth. If anyone has a doubt or mistrusts my proposal, I invite him to suggest some other wholesome way in which the penalty might be imposed. I shall agree to that. I shall put forward no excuses. If I am a liar, it would be better that some severe punishment should destroy me, but if I am true in my claim, my only desire is that someone in spiritual desolation might find salvation at my hand. O Christian clerics who hold an honourable and eminent status among your people! I call upon you in the name of Allah, His eminence be glorified, to pay attention to this matter. If, in your hearts, you have even a particle of love for the man whose name is Jesus, the Messiah, I hereby adjure you to take up this invitation. I adjure you to come and compete with me in the name of God who caused the Messiah to be born of Mary the Truthful; who revealed the Gospel; who, having caused the Messiah to die, did not take him to the company of the dead