Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya
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Barāhīn-e-Ahmadiyya alā haqīqati Kitabilla hil Qur'an wannabuwatil Mohammadiyya (Proofs of the truth of the book of Allah - the Qur'an, and the prophethood of Muhammad) is a five volume book containing a compilation of writings by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. The first 2 parts were published in 1880 CE, the third volume was published in 1882 CE, the fourth volume in 1884 CE and the fifth volume in 1905 CE. Written and published against the backdrop of an intense anti-Islamic atmosphere in the Indian sub-continent, a significant portion of the subject matter of the book is dedicated to the defence of Islam and intends to prove the truth of Islam, the excellence of the Quran and argues against the criticism of Muhammad, the Quran and Islam that was raised in late 19th century.
Along with the publication of the book, Ghulam Ahmad offered a reward of 10,000 rupees to anyone who could refute the proofs and arguments presented therein and could give one-fifth of these proofs and excellences in favour of his own religion, scripture and founder.[1]
The book was written in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's native language, Urdu. It has since then been translated into English and many other languages.
Contents |
[edit] Contents
The first and second volumes are largely introductory in their nature and present an outline of the book. Ghulam Ahmad listed six points to which the book adheres.
- It contains all the truths based on the principles of the knowledge of religion; all the truths put together can be called Islam
- It contains 300 proofs, strong, conclusive and convincing of the truth of Islam.
- It contains answers to the allegations, accusations, objections and whimscal views of the opponents of Islam, like Jews, Christians, Magians, Aryas, Brahmins, idol worshippers, atheists, naturalists and non-religious people.
- It contains a discussion on the basic religious beliefs of other religions.
- It contains the explanation of the secrets of the word of God.The wisdom of the holy Quran becomes manifest throughout.
- All the discussions have been penned with great coolness and fineness and in perfect accordance with the rules of discussion; everything has been said in a lucid manner and understanding has been made easy.
[edit] Third Volume
In the third volume Ghulam Ahmad laments at the poor condition and plight of the Muslims and has shown great concern for them. The subject of external and internal proofs of the truth and excellences of the Quran are dealt with at length.
[edit] Fourth Volume
The fourth volume discusses the need for the word of God (revelation). The excellence and uniqueness of Al-Fatiha and other verses of the Quran are discussed. A comparison is made between the teachings of the Quran and that of the New Testament. Certain prophecies are made of which many people were told of beforehand. The miracles of Jesus, the meaning and nature of salvation and how it can be obtained are also discussed.
Towards the end of this volume, Ghulam Ahmad claimed that he had received a sudden manifestation of God, the like of which had been received by Moses and that God addressed him saying Verily I am your Lord. Thereafter he was made aware of such secrets of 'spiritual heights' as could not be comprehended merely by human wit and intelligence. With this he declared that he no longer had any control over this book, but that it was God alone who knew how it would proceed.
[edit] Fifth Volume
Written about 23 years after the fourth volume this volume describes the nature of the true religion and how it can be recognized, the nature of divine love, the nature of miracles and why they are essential and that living and fresh miracles are the signs of a living religion and not merely stories of the old. A mention is made of the fulfillment of prophecies that had been made in earlier volumes, the divine succour that Ghulam Ahmad claimed to have received on all occasions. All these according to him, are proof of the truth of Muhammad and show that he (Ghulam Ahmad) was true in his claim that he had been commissioned by God.
A lengthy supplement is attached to this volume in which Ghulam Ahmad answers objections raised by some people; the death of Jesus is also dealt with in the light of verses of the Quran. After the supplement, Ghulam Ahmad intended to add an epilogue, the notes of which have been added. These notes explain what Islam really is according to Ghulam Ahmad, an explanation of the teachings of the Quran and the fulfillment of promises that he claimed God had made with him.[1]
The fifth volume of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya ends with an explanation of certain revelations which Ghulam Ahmad claimed to have received in which he was addressed as Jesus. About his claim he states (with which ends the fifth volume):
| “ | O men of God! You people know that when rain is held back and a long period goes without rainfall, then the final result of this is that even the wells begin to dry up. Therefore, just as in physical terms the water of the sky also creates a commotion in the waters of the earth, likewise, that which is the heavenly water in spiritual terms (namely the revelation of God) is that which bestows freshness to stale intellects. Thus, this age is also in need of this spiritual water.
I deem it necessary to say this much about my claim that I have been sent by God precisely at the time of need. This is the time when most of the people have become similar to the Jews. They have not only abandoned the fear of God (Taqwa) and purity of heart, but like the Jews of the days of Jesus, have become the enemies of truth. Thereupon, as a matter of contrast with them God named me Messiah. Not only is it that I call the people of this age to myself, rather the age itself has called me! |
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