Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah(as) and Mahdi, wrote Fountain of Christianity in March 1906, in response to a book written by a Christian, in which the gentleman tried to prove that the Holy Quran does not contain any new teachings and that the Holy Prophet(sa) merely copied the narratives from past scriptures–God forbid. The Promised Messiah(as) responds to this objection by, first, raising serious doubts about the authenticity of the Christian Gospels, and then goes on to show how the Holy Quran is a unique and peerless book, how so many of its prophecies have been fulfilled, and how its blessings live on to this day.
In this small book, the author also argues against the doctrines of Trinity and Atonement held by Christians, and shows that these beliefs have nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus himself. In this context, the Promised Messiah(as) also draws out a comparison between the Muslim and Christian teachings of forgiveness and punishment.
The second part of the book, or Epilogue, consists of a profound thesis on the nature of true salvation. The Promised Messiah(as) describes salvation as "The abiding peace and happiness which man, by his very nature, hungers and thirsts for, and which is achieved through personal love and recognition of God, and through a perfect relationship with Him." The Promised Messiah(as) shows that the Christian and Hindu doctrines of salvation have not only failed in this purpose, but are also contrary to the eternal laws and attributes of the Almighty God.
The first translation of this book was done by the late Qadi Abdul Hamid Sahib and was published in 1970. This is a complete new translation prepared by Wakalat Tasnif Rabwah. I am indebted to the following for assisting me in the preparation of this book:
Raja Ata-ul-Mannan
Syed Tanwir Mujtaba
Mirza Uthman Ahmad Adam
Ahmad Mustansar Qamar
Tahir Mahmood Mubashar
I would also like to express my appreciation for the help and support given by Maulana Munir-ud-Din Shams, Additional Wakil-ut-Tasnif, who provided the vital link for seeking guidance from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V(at). I am also grateful to Ms. Madiha Irfan of Karachi for assisting us in the revision, and to Professor Abdul Jalil Sadiq for proof-reading the final manuscript. May Allah reward them all.
Please note that words in the text in normal brackets () and in between the long dashes—are the words of the Promised Messiah(as). If any explanatory words or phrases are added by the translator for the purpose of clarification, they are put in square brackets [ ].
The name of Muhammad(sa), the Holy Prophet of Islam, has been followed by the symbol (sa), which is an abbreviation for the salutation Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The names of other Prophets and Messengers are followed by the symbol (as), an abbreviation for ‘Alaihissalam (on whom be peace). The actual salutations have not generally been set out in full, but they should nevertheless, be understood as being repeated in full in each case. The symbol (ra) is used with the name of the companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) and those of the Promised Messiah(as). It stands for Radi Allahu ‘anhu/‘anha/‘anhum (May Allah be pleased with him/with her/with them). (rh) stands for Rahimahullahu Ta‘ala (may Allah have mercy on him). (at) stands for Ayyadahullahu Ta‘ala (May Allah, the Mighty help him).
In transliterating Arabic words we have followed the system adopted by the Royal Asiatic Society.
Chaudhry Muhammad ‘Ali
Wakilut Tasnif
Tehrik Jadid
Rabwah
11th October, 2007