Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya
al-Barāhīn al-Ahmadīyyah 'alā Haqīqatu KitābAllāh al-Qur'ān wa'n-Nabūwwatu al-Muhammadīyyah (Ahmadiyya Arguments in Support of the Book of Allah - the Qur'an, and the Prophethood of Muhammad) is a five-part book written by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement. The first two parts were published in 1880 CE, the third volume was published in 1882, the fourth volume in 1884 and the fifth volume in 1905. In writing the book, Ghulam Ahmad sought to rejuvenate Islam by arguing for the validity of its principles and vindicating its teachings in response to  Christian and Hindu polemics against Islam as well as atheistic philosophies. In this context, a significant portion of the subject matter of the book is dedicated to the defence of Islam as a whole against the criticism of Muhammad, the Qur'an and Islam that was raised in the 18th and 19th centuries predominantly by Christian missionaries and Hindu revivalists. Along with the publication of the book, Ghulam Ahmad issued a poster advertising a reward of 10,000 rupees (the total value of his property in 1879) for anyone who could rebut his arguments in favor of the divine nature of the  Quran and the authenticity of Muhammad's claim to prophethood; or could present at the very least one-fifth of the 'excellences' as presented in the "Barāhīn" in favour of Islam, in favour of their own religion, scripture and founder(s). The work was initially intended to be a fifty-volume series in the defence of Islam, however, Ghulam Ahmad's claim to be divinely appointed as the expected Mahdi and Messiah during the course of its writing and following the publication of volume four marked a major turning point in his life. The series thus ended with the fifth volume . The "Barāhīn" proved to be a useful source for the defence of Islamic doctrine and was critically acclaimed by many Indian Muslim scholars at the time, earning Ghulam Ahmad recognition as an expert in formulating arguments against Christians and Hindus among the intellectual circles of the Punjab. However, other aspects of the work proved highly controversial "within" the Muslim community itself because of the author's messianic claims and his claim to be a recipient of revelation. The Conditions for the Challenge. In the announcement contained in part one, Ghulam Ahmad sets out the form, conditions and criteria of the  challenge and offers a reward of 10,000 rupees (total value of the author's property) to the respondent, provided that three judges agreed upon by both parties, 'unanimously give the verdict that the conditions' have been met. Contents. The first and second volumes are largely introductory in their nature and present an outline of the book. Ghulam Ahmad listed six points to which the book adheres. In the third volume Ghulam Ahmad laments at the poor condition and plight of the Muslims and has shown great concern for them. The subject of external and internal proofs of the truth and  excellences of the Quran (قرﺁن) are dealt with at length. Part IV. The fourth volume discusses the need for the word of God (revelation). The excellence and uniqueness of Al-Fatiha (opening chapter of the Qur'an) and other verses of the Quran are discussed. A comparison is made between the teachings of the Quran and those of the New Testament. It also compares the nature of God as presented in the vedas arguing that they do not address the idea of God's oneness and leave the concept of God unclear, open and miscible. Certain prophecies are made of which  many people were told of beforehand. The miracles of Jesus, the meaning and nature of salvation and how it can be attained are also discussed. Towards the end of this volume, Ghulam Ahmad claimed that he had received a sudden manifestation of God, the like of which had been received by Moses and that God addressed him saying "Verily I am your Lord". Thereafter he was made aware of such secrets of 'spiritual heights' as could not be comprehended merely by human wit and intelligence. With this he declared that he no longer had any control over this book, but  that it was God alone who knew how it would proceed. Part V. This volume starts with a description of what constitutes a true and living religion and stresses the point that mere stories and legends of ancient times are not enough to establish the truth of a religion, it must have the continued miraculous manifestation of the words and deeds of the Almighty God up to the present. Any religion that is not true and is not living will certainly be devoid of these manifestations. He then continues to explain what a miracle really is and why it is  essential for miracles to take place. He adds that living miracles and signs and not merely the stories of bygone ages are the sure sign of a living religion. An extended supplement is attached to this volume. Ghulam Ahmad explains the unusual delay of 23 years to write the 5th Part (1905) of "Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya"; after the initial four parts (1884), during which period he wrote more than 80 other books, Ahmad explains that the delay was the Will of God, so that many of the Revelations, he received 23 years earlier and published in the initial parts, would  have been fulfilled. He answers objections raised by some people; the death of Jesus is also dealt with in the light of verses of the Quran. After the supplement, Ghulam Ahmad intended to add an epilogue, the notes of which have been added. These notes explain what Islam really is according to Ghulam Ahmad, an explanation of the teachings of the Quran and the fulfillment of promises that he claimed God had made with him. The fifth volume of the "Barahin" ends with an explanation of certain revelations which Ghulam Ahmad claimed to have received in which he was addressed  as Jesus. About his claim he states (with which ends the fifth volume): Translations. The book was written largely in Urdu. Since 2018 all five parts of "Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya" have been translated into English by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Parts III, IV, and V have been partially translated into English by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam.