An Invitation to Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah of Golrah — Essence of Islam Vol. 3

14 Sep, 2026 Essence of Islam 0

Essence of Islam Book Cover by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS)

Introduction

In this discourse from Essence of Islam (Volume 3), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, expounds upon An Invitation to Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah of Golrah, presenting profound spiritual insights and scriptural verities.

Book Series: Essence of Islam (Volume 3)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (AS)
Section: Part 13: Repeated Challenges
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restrains himself from denouncing me as an impostor, will be under the curse of God, the angels and all the righteous ones. And the only duty of a Messenger is to convey the message.
[Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 11, p.303, footnote]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 358]

The readers of this announcement will be aware that, having observed the persistent condemnation and vilification of opposing clerics and custodians of shrines, and having noted their demand for a sign, I had made an announcement that was addressed especially to Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib. The sum and substance of that announcement was that there have so far been many discussions on religious issues from which the opposing Maulavis have derived no benefit, but as they continue to ask for heavenly signs, it is possible that they might derive some benefit from them. It was published because Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib, who claims excellence of sainthood, as well as a high intellectual calibre and, on account of his confidence in his learning, has recently renewed his condemnation of me as a disbeliever, and has published a book in order to provoke the common people against me…. And since God Almighty has honoured me with the revelation: ‘The Almighty Allah has taught thee the Holy Qur’an’; I had, therefore, suggested that it would be enough of a sign for testing my truth or falsehood if Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib and I both were to write a commentary in clear and eloquent Arabic on some Chapters of the Holy Qur’an. If he is judged better than me, I shall have no hesitation in acknowledging his superiority. With this in Repeated Challenges 359 view, my announcement was made entirely in good faith … but he has completely evaded my challenge.…
Today, God Almighty has put a plan in my mind which I set forth to conclusively resolve this matter, and I believe that it will fully expose Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib, for the whole world is not blind; there are some who are fair and just. The plan is that today I give the following answer to the constant barrage of announcements, which are being published in favour of Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib. If Pir Mehr ‘Ali Shah Sahib is truly exceptional in his knowledge of the Qur’an and Arabic literature, and is well versed in the arts of persuasion and eloquence, I believe he must still be in possession of those qualities since it is not long since he moved to Lahore. I propose here and now to establish the truth by writing a commentary on Surah Al-Fatihah and setting down the verities and truths of this chapter of the Holy Qur’an. As for Hadrat Pir Sahib, he should also base his evidence regarding the Promised Messiah and the bloodthirsty Mahdi on Surah AlFatihah. He is at liberty to deduce his conclusive arguments and crucial verities from Surah Al-Fatihah, written in eloquent and brilliant Arabic. The two books should be printed and published within seventy days beginning from the fifteenth of December, 1900. This will allow knowledgeable people to compare and decide for themselves. If three scholars, who possess literary qualities and are proficient in Arabic and have no connection with either of us, state on oath that Pir Sahib’s book is superior to mine, both in composition and in setting forth the verities of the Holy Qur’an, I shall immediately pay five hundred rupees to Pir Sahib…. He will be at liberty to seek help in this enterprise from Maulavi Muhammad Hussain of Batala, Maulavi ‘Abdul Jabbar of Ghazni and Muhammad Hassan of Bhin. He is even free to employ three or four Arab scholars who posses literary qualifications for this purpose. These commentaries should not be less than four juz242 each…. If any of us fails to publish such a commentary within the appointed term—between 15 December 1900 and 25 February 1901—he will be considered false in his claim, and no further proof of his falsehood will be necessary. Peace be upon those who follow the guidance. Announced by: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad From Qadian, 15 December, 1900.
[Arba‘in No. 4, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 17, pp. 479-484]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 358]

Knowledge of Arabic and the Holy Qur’an as Signs of Divine Support I once received the revelation:
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 3]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 360]

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Introduction