Asmani Faisalah

The Heavenly Decree

Background

When the Promised Messiah(as) returned from Delhi to Qadian, he wrote this book of about 40 pages in December, 1891, which was read out by Maulavi ‘Abdul Karim on December 27 at a meeting held in the Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. Seventy five members of the community were present; they came from Kapurthala, Lahore, Sialkot, Bhera, Jammu, Wazirabad, Gujrat, Ludhiana, Amritsar and the district of Gurdaspur. The Promised Messiah(as) had called this meeting specially for the purpose of consulting his friends and disciples about the best method of putting into practice the proposals made in the book.

The Book

In the early part of this book, the Promised Messiah(as) described how he had been unjustly excommunicated and declared an infidel by Maulavi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi and Maulavi Muhammad Nadhir Hussain. Then, he gave details of the debates that were held with him in Delhi and suggested what might be described as the most scientific method of inquiry, the like of which has, perhaps, never been formulated. It is a monument of spiritual eminence and an outstanding proof of unequalled superiority. This method is really an elaboration of his original invitation to show heavenly signs.

He explained in this book that there were four ways described in the Holy Quran by which the chosen ones of God could be identified and distinguished from the rest of mankind:

• The chosen ones of God receive many glad tidings from Him regarding themselves and their friends.

• Secrets of the future are often revealed to them which relate to the decrees of heaven concerning important events and persons of this world.

• Their prayers are largely accepted.

• The secrets and meaning of the Holy Word are opened to them in abundance.

To test the acceptance of prayers, the Promised Messiah(as) suggested the setting up of a body which should publically invite the most afflicted ones of any faith to send in their names and full particulars, and then the parties after dividing the afflicted people by lot, should pray for the betterment of that batch. The results should then be prepared, compared and published.

It appears, however, that none of the opponents of the Promised Messiah(as) had the courage or conviction to accept this open challenge.

Specimen of Writing

A revelation with slight verbal variations has been received repeatedly (Urdu): I shall bestow honour upon thee and shall foster thee. I shall bless all thy affairs so much so that kings will seek blessings from thy clothes.1