English translation of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya
The beginning of the publication of this book, in Urdu in 1880, started the renaissance of Islam
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya has been called the Magnum opus of the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani
Introduction by Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his help
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Parts I and II were authored by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian and published in 1880. At that time the Indian subcontinent had become a virtual battleground for the major religions of the world. Islam, in particular, found itself on the defensive against the onslaughts of Christians and Hindus, who spared no ploy to defame the Faith and its Founder (sa).
Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), pained by these unjust attacks, undertook a series of debates and discourses with Christians and Hindus. He himself describes the pain that he suffered as follows:
My purpose, yearning, and heartfelt desire is to serve humanity;
This is my job, this is my faith, this is my habit and this is my way of life.
Finding the world in darkness, I pray to my Lord:
May He grant my prayers of the small hours of the night.
Establishing faith in Tauhid (Oneness of God)—which he found only in Islam—was his primary concern. He writes:
What I am trying to demonstrate by writing all this is that Tauhid, in its purest form, is not to be found among any people on the face of the earth except the followers of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. And there is no book upon the earth, other than the Holy Quran, that has firmly committed millions to this holy doctrine and that leads mankind so reverentially towards the One True God. People of every religion have created artificial gods for themselves, whereas the God of the Muslims is the One, Eternal, and Immutable God, whose attributes are the same today as they were before. (see Part II, Preface, on page 120)
At last, as a conclusive argument against the detractors of Islam, he decided to write Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya—a compendium of arguments for the truth of the Holy Quran and Islam. He announced a reward of 10,000 rupees—the sum total of his considerable wealth at the time—for anyone who could counter even a fraction of these arguments or produce similar arguments from their own scriptures— a challenge that remains uncontested to this day.
He also laid down upright rules for religious dialogue and discussion. He says:
Anyone who wishes to reply to this book must respond in two ways as per the conditions laid down in the Challenge [in Part I]. They must produce arguments from their own scriptures, for comparison with the arguments of the Holy Quran, and must also refute the arguments I have given. If they fail to present comparable evidence from their own scriptures and focus entirely on countering my arguments, it will be taken to mean that they are totally incapable of providing evidence for the divine origin of their Book. (see Part II, Preface, on page 91)
Based on the Holy Quran, he declared that all religious founders whose teachings have become widespread must be honoured and accepted as true. He also appealed for due courtesy in all religious discussions.
Read the full introduction and the translation in Alislam.org Library. Download PDF file.
Foreword of the book by Munir-ud-Din Shams
This is the first English translation of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Parts I and II, prepared under the guidance and auspices of Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his help), Fifth Successor to the Promised Messiah (as).
Alhamdolillah, we were able to put the internet and associated technology to the service of the Promised Messiah and foster a very thorough system for review. The translation team of Additional Wakalat-e-Tasnif, based in the USA, reviewed the original translation, compared it with the original words of the Promised Messiah and prepared a review document which showed both the original translation and their proposed changes, along with their reasons for suggesting the change and any relevant reference material. This humble one studied these documents and then had detailed online meetings with Munawar Ahmed Saeed and Abdul-Wahab Mirza.
I also followed up as needed with the Arabic and Persian Desks in London, the Research Cell and the Tasnif Department in Rabwah, Pakistan and Isha'at Department in Qadian, India. The final revised document was then presented to Hadrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba). Hudur (aba) took personal interest in this project and readily devoted his precious time to resolve the many questions which arose during the translation and revision process. Since both the translation and revision teams were located remotely, Allah the Almighty granted my humble self the good fortune of sitting in the blessed audience of Hadrat Khalifatul-Masih V to seek guidance and relay his directives throughout the process. He was particularly anxious that the translation be as close to the original as possible. He also took personal interest in the translation of the Persian poems. We sincerely hope and pray that this presentation will introduce the reader to the writings of the Promised Messiah so that a zest for reading them in the original may be developed (Amin).
Munir-ud-Din Shams
Additional Wakilut-Tasnif
London
May 2012
Introduction in the words of the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya has five different parts. The first two parts of Barahin-e-ahmadiyya should be considered to be a preamble to the other three parts and rest of his works, which comprise almost 80 different books. The Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani concludes the part II of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya by tabulating six advantages of this work, comprising of five parts:
The first advantage in this book is that it is not deficient in discussing the essentials of faith. Rather, it comprises all the verities upon which these principles are based, and all the lofty truths that are collectively described as 'Islam.' This means that the readers shall acquire a comprehensive understanding of the essentials of Islam and become immune to the ploys of impostors and deceivers. Rather, they will become excellent teachers and astute guides for others.
The second advantage is that this book contains 300 strong and compelling arguments in support of the truth and principles of Islam. The truth of this faith will become evident to every seeker after truth, except, of course, those who are completely blinded by prejudice and dwell in its darkness.
The third advantage is that this book responds to all the doubts and misgivings caused by our opponents, be they Jews, Christians,
Zoroastrians, Aryah Samajists, Brahmu Samajists, idol worshippers, atheists, naturalists, freethinkers or agnostics. Not only have their objections been thoroughly refuted, but the very points that the ignorant critics found objectionable, have been presented as evidence of the Holy Quran's superiority over other scriptures. And this superiority, too, has been proven so conclusively as to turn the tables right upon the critics. Moreover, it does not confine itself merely to responding to the objections; rather, it demonstrates that the matters, which the ignorant critic considers to be objectionable, are, in reality, such that they prove the superiority of the teachings of the Holy Quran over other scriptures. This superiority has been established with such cogent arguments that the critic himself turns into the object of criticism.
The fourth advantage is that, as against the principles of Islam, the principles of other faiths have also been thoroughly and rationally
scrutinized and all their false doctrines and creeds have been shown in stark contrast to the true principles of the Holy Quran.
The beauty of a precious gem, after all, is all the more appreciated when set in contrast.
The fifth advantage in this book is that, those who read this book will become cognizant of the truths and subtleties of the Holy
Quran. Furthermore, the wisdom and deep insight of the Holy Book [Quran]—whose illuminating radiance is the source of Islam's
light—shall become evident to all. For, all the arguments and truths that are recorded herein have been derived from the sublime verses
of the Holy Quran itself. I have not given any rational arguments other than those presented by God Himself in His own Word. It
is in this manner that almost twelve parts of the Holy Quran have been quoted in this book; hence, it may aptly be called a comprehensive commentary upon the subtleties, verities, profound secrets, wise principles, and sublime philosophy of the Holy Book. Any truth-loving person who goes through it will see the beauty and grandeur of the matchless Book of Allah the Almighty like the bright sun.
The sixth advantage is that this book argues its points in a very solid, reasoned and balanced fashion, but without compromising
the requirements of grace and lucidity. This manner of argumentation will prove to be an excellent means of fostering knowledge and
lending maturity to thought and perception. The study and use of sound rational arguments sharpens the intellect, the understanding
of subtle points helps enhance the power of comprehension, and the exercise of proper argumentation establishes one's mind squarely
upon the truth. It also helps to develop and perfect the ability to discern the basis and real truth of every point of contention—which
is essential for the perfect development of our intellectual faculties and on which depends the honour and prestige of the human self.
To read other parts of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya in Urdu and to read English translation of some of his other books, find the links below:
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