Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya

From WikiAhmadiyya, the free encyclopedia on Islam and Ahmadiyyat

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad penned the first volume of his monumental five-volume work entitled Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya (sometimes spelt Baraheen-e-Ahmadiyya or Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya) in 1880. The work, which garnered admiration throughout India, demonstrated Ahmad's breathtaking command of secular and religious knowledge. Ahmad argued for Islam's superiority over all other religions and even offered a prize of 10,000 rupees to anyone who could refute the book's arguments and give even one-fifth of these proofs in favour of their own position - a prize that was never collected.

The work was originally planned to be as large as 50 volumes, but Ahmad eventually completed the work in just five and went on to author over 80 other books in defence of Islam. The book was rapturously received by the contemporary Muslim scholars and public, as well as Ahmad's followers who continue to view the book as one of his most important works. Nonetheless, Ahmad offered refunds to critics who complained against the book, its eventual length or content:

We have twice published a pamphlet saying that anyone who wants to take his contribution for Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya back need only send our books back and we will refund his money. So all those inwardly ignorant people can send me their books and take their money back. There are even some people who have returned the books in very poor conditions but still we have returned their money. And we have written on many occasions that we are always ready to return their money, but now we are again writing this notice that if there is any such customer who had complaint of Barahin’s delay then he should send our books immediately and we will send him back his money on receipt of his letter.

- Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Ayyam e Sulah