An Apology and an Announcement1

The long delay in the publication of Part III at this time2 may have utterly dismayed many buyers and readers. It would not be surprising if some of them might even have started harbouring various kinds of doubts and suspicions. But let it be clear that the delay was not on my part. The fact is that sufficient funds for publication had been accumulated by May 1881, and the sections of the book were sent to the Safir-e-Hind Press in Amritsar for printing and it was expected that Part III would be printed and published within two months at most. However, destiny, which is beyond the control of man, who is weak by nature, intervened. The manager of the Safir-e-Hind Press faced some unexpected crises and difficulties, and due to these difficulties the press remained closed for a long time. Since this delay was beyond his control, it was basic human decency to patiently wait until he regained his composure. So, alhamdulillah [all praise belongs to Allah] that, after some time, his difficulties began to fade away and the printing of Part III has started recently. However, since there has already been an extended delay due to the aforementioned hindrances, I have deemed it appropriate, with a heavy heart, not to wait for the printing of the whole part, and instead to dispatch to the buyers whatever portion has been printed thus far, in order to satisfy and reassure them. The remaining portion will, God-willing, be printed along with Part IV, which is a larger part [of the book].

Some friends might object as to why I have chosen to print the book at a press that always causes such long delays. In response to this objection, as I have already submitted, the delay on the part of the manager was inadvertent, not intentional. In my opinion, in such a state of difficulty, he deserves sympathy rather than criticism. Another reason for this choice is that the manager of Safir-e-Hind Press works with great care, meticulousness, effort, attention to his work, and puts his heart and soul into his work. He is a priest, but notwithstanding the differences of creed, God has made his nature such that he works with the utmost integrity and commitment. He is obsessed with the thought that work should not fall short of the standards of excellence, high quality and accuracy in any way. It is for these very reasons that I prefer this press over others, even though the printing charges of this press are far higher as compared to others. I am very much hopeful that there will be no delays on his part in the publication of Part IV. The only delay might be in the collection of sufficient funds for [the printing of ] that Part. So it is appropriate for all kind buyers not to be distressed and doubtful while waiting for that Part, for as soon as that Part is ready—sooner or later, as God wills—it will be dispatched to them without delay.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped in the publication of Part III for their interest and assistance solely for the sake of Allah. This humble one cannot at present mention the worthy names of these generous people and other buyers due to lack of space and various constraints, but later, if God so wills and their intentions remain pure, they will be published in full detail in a future part of the book.

Here, I would also like to mention that Part III consists of all the preliminary points which need to be studied and borne in mind carefully for understanding the subsequent arguments of the book. One who reads it will realize that God has invested the true religion of Islam with such honour, glory, blessings and truth, that no other faith has ever been able to compete with it, or ever will. Having delivered this message convincingly, the argument has been completed against all opponents, and the door has been opened for every seeker after truth to come and witness the full proof, so that they may attain their goal and objective and all opponents may be shamed and rendered speechless before the perfect light of truth. It is also meant to put to shame and confound all those who have taken the false enlightenment of Europe as their god, and who regard those who believe in heavenly blessings to be ignorant, savage, and untrained; and who address the believers of heavenly signs as fools, simple-minded, and ignorant. They hold that the new light of European knowledge will erase the spiritual blessings of Islam, and that the machinations of the created will overwhelm the light of the Creator. Every honest person will now see for himself who emerges victorious and who ends up silenced and frustrated; who is truthful and wise, and who is a fool and a liar! [And it is Allah alone whose help is to be sought and in Him alone is our trust and reliance].

Humbly,
[Mirza] Ghulam Ahmad
may Allah forgive him