Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya was supposed to be only .94 cents per book, for the first 1000 copies (page count was not given)

Intro
From 1876–1879, MGA was flat broke, his dad (Mirza Ghulam Murtaza) was dead in 1876 (his pension ended) and MGA’s brother (Mirza Ghulam Qadir) wasn’t giving MGA any money, only food at home and free housing. MGA’s brother was also raising MGA’s sons (Mirza Sultan Ahmad and Mirza Fazl Ahmad) and was paying the bills of MGA’s first wife (Hurmat Bibi).

On a recent livestream, Bro Imtiaz and Adnan showed an Urdu only quote from Majmua Ishtiharat (Announcements)(from May-1879) wherein MGA had announced that the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya would only cost .94 cents per copy, (not even 1 rupee)(50:27 time stamp), however, the total amount of pages was never given. How many total pages was this “Barahin” supposed to be? This announceement was published in the “Ishaat us Sunnah” by MGA’s friend, Syed Muhammad Hussain Batalvi and allegedly by the Manshur-e-Muhammadi newspaper. Nevertheless, the announcement is posted and here is a link to some additional announcements, which were all published inside of the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya.

MGA announced that he was writing this book vs. Pundit Dayananda and the Arya Samaj sect, of which Dayananda was the founder. In 1875, Pundit Dayananda had published “Satyarth Prakash” (The Light of Truth), this seems to be MGA’s response. However, the Barahin 1-4 was nothing more than a vicious attack on the God of the Hindu‘s.

Nevertheless, in his famous announcement of May-1879 (see in the below), MGA asked for 5 rupees from donors. He also said that he wrote the book in 15 Juz (parts). However, he was forced to add 9 additional Juz (parts), which makes the book 150 Juz (parts)…..every part (hissa) of this book, which will be published in 1000 copies, will cost 940 rupees. None of these statements make any sense, the amount of Juzw makes no sense. It should be noted that in the English translation of the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya (See Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya [1882], Vol.3, online english edition, page-2, publishers footnote)(English translation dated to 2014-2017). MGA also offered a reward of 10k rupees, which he didn’t have.

By Dec-1879, MGA announced (we don’t know what newspaper this was published in) that although the price of the book was set at 5 rupees (the amount of pages is not given), the book actually costs 20 rupees. MGA then says that whoever has already given him 5 rupees, MGA will mail him the book, however, all new buyers will have to pay 10 rupees. It should be noted that MGA had collected 325 rupees by the end of 1879.

In 1880, with the publishing of Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya V-1+2 (see page 1), in the book itself, MGA says that the book is now 100 juz, and it is now costing 25 rupees for new buyers (this was an announcement). MGA alleges that the cost of publication is 25 rupees. It should be noted that the famous Qadiani-Ahmadi Maulvi Jalal ud Din Shams added a note that this specific announcement did occur in the first edition of BA1+2, however, it was not in the 2nd edition, but it was in the 3rd. MGA also offered a reward of 10,000 rupees, which he didn’t have (see page 46). Furthermore, the BA-1 is only 57 pages in English, 13 pages of announcements +31 pages of a silly poem+ 13 huge font pages of nonsense. Thus, in English, it is roughly 13 pages of arguments. It would be 20 pages in Microsoft Word in total (including poems and announcements). MGA also confessed to having received 325 rupees from a few donors, of which the most prominent was Khalifa Syed Muhammad Hassan Khan Bahadur, Dastur-e-Mu‘azzam [Prime Minister and Member Council of Regency] of the State of Patiala, Punjab, who has bought fifty copies for distribution among students who cannot afford it and has paid their full price as published in the announcement. He has also been of great help in introducing it to other buyers and has promised to help in other ways as well. This seems to be accurate with the .94 cents cost price. The BA-2 is 86 pages -11 for a poem=75 pages. In BA-2, MGA says the price is now discounted to 10 rupees for Muslims (see page 69). MGA even alleged to have sent 150 copies of the book to Muslims and they didn’t return it or even pay for it (a lie)(see page 75). Per MGA’s calculations 150 x.94= 141 rupees. Thus, BA1+2 is barely 13+75=88 pages (roughly 40 in Microsoft Word) of arguments and it should be noted that 940 pages were promised at .94 cents per 1000 copies.

In 1882, with the publishing of Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya V-3, MGA increased the price to 100 rupees for new buyers, the price for the previous buyers would remain the same (see pages 2-3). However, thus far, only 75 pages had been published thus far. BA-3 is 4 pages of announcements, 7 pages of non-sensical praise of the British Government. The book is 201 pages, -38 (poem) and -14 (announcements) and thus barely 201 pages, which would be roughly 100 pages on Microsoft Word. Thus, BA1+2+3=276 pages.

In 1884, BA–4 was published, which was comprised of 10 pages of announcements, 80 pages of poem, and 347 of content. Thus, after 4 juz, MGA covered barely 327+276+75=678 pages of arguments. It should be noted at .94 per page, that would cost 637 rupees, Imtiaz alleges that MGA collected almost 1000 rupees.

By 1885-ish, MGA wrote a letter (To Mir Abbas, the first ever ex-Qadiani) and told him that he had spent all the BA money.

In 1907, via Badar, volume 6, No. 17, page 7-8, 25 April 1907)(Malfoozat volume 5 page 206, new edition, MGA said that he made millions of arguments in BA1–4.

After MGA died, BA-5 was published. In this book, MGA argued that only 2 arguments were sufficient, he didn’t need to produce 300. This book is 4 books mashed into one and has nothing to do with the Barahin series that was promised.

In 1923, MGA’s son tells the world that he only made 1 argument in the BA series, and even that was an incomplete argument (see the quote in the below).

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16 May 1879, addressing Bawa Narain Singh in the newspaper Manshur-e-Muhammadi, he said
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya: Why didn’t the Promised Messiah write 50 volumes? (alhakam.org)
(Hayat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 15-16)

“At the request of Bawa Sahib, we have compiled a book titled, Barahin al-Ahmadiyyah ala Haqiqati Kitabillah al-Quran wan-Nabuwwati al-Muhammadiyyah, which contains perfect and irrefutable arguments. In this matter, we are grateful to Bawa Sahib that although he had other ideas, his request helped produce a wonderful book, which will benefit many compatriots and Arya Samaj, and Bawa Sahib will also recognise that this is what we call evidence.”
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1879-May
Isha‘atus-Sunnah No. 4. Vol. 2, pages 3 and 4.
ishatul-sunnah-1879-jild-02-zameema : mindroastermir : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
What is the “Ishaat-us-Sunnah”–the Ahle hadith newspaper edited Muhammad Hussain Batlavi – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
Life-of-Ahmad.pdf (alislam.org)
See also Majmua Ishtiharat
Majmoo-e-Ishtihaarat, Collection of Advertisements, vol.1 pp.11-12, Advertisement dated May 1879

—“It should be known to my Religious Brothers and Honorable Mannered and Supporters of Religion of Islam and the Followers of Sunnah of Prophet (SAAW) that this humble self has compiled such a book on truthfulness of Quran and the truthfulness of Islam that after reading it the seeker of the truth will have no choice but to embrace Islam ……. to publish such a huge book is very difficult without the help of Muslim brothers. And the reward to help in such an important project is not hidden from even an ordinary Muslim. Therefore, it is requested from the faithful brothers that they should participate in this good work and help in its publication. If rich people give just one day expenditure of their kitchen, this book will be printed easily, otherwise this shining moon will remain hidden. Or else, all such persons who can afford, with the intention of purchasing the book, send Rs. 5 with their applications to me. As the book is published, it will be posted to them.” (Majmoo-e-Ishtihaarat, Collection of Advertisements, vol.1 pp.10-12, Advertisement dated May 1879). (old ref).

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—MGA says: “””What is the need of writing this book (See Imtiaz, 22:50 time stamp)? It is because of Pundit Dayanand and his Arya Samaj group and his followers. These people deny the prophets (like Musa [as], Eisa [as] and Muhammad [saw]). And they consider all the revealed books, like the Torah, Injeel and Quran as fabrications. And they are committing unprecedented blasphemies which NO ONE can tolerate. One such person (a member of the Arya Samaj) has published an announcement in the Safar-e-Hind magazine wherein they are asking Muslims to establish the truthfulness of the Quran. Thus, I have written this book (the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya) to respond to them. In this book (the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya) I have finished off the Arya Samaj Hindus and their arguments.

MGA says that initially he wrote the book in 15 Juz (parts). However, I was forced to add 9 additional Juz (parts), which makes the book 150 Juz (parts)…..every part (hissa) of this book, which will be published in 1000 copies, MGA needs 940 rupees.

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—“To publish such a huge book is very difficult without the help of Muslim brothers. And the reward to help in such an important project is not hidden from even an ordinary Muslim. Therefore, it is requested from the faithful brothers that they should participate in this good work and help in its publication. If rich people give just one day expenditure of their kitchen, this book will be printed easily, otherwise this shining moon will remain hidden. Or else, all such persons who can afford, with the intention of purchasing the book, send Rs. 5 with their applications to me. As the book is published, it will be posted to them.” Majmoo-e-Ishtihaarat, Collection of Advertisements, vol.1 pp.11-12, Advertisement dated May 1879. (old ref). Page 20 in the new edition

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—“Anyone who will refute the proofs given in this book …..I will give up all my assets worth Rs. 10,000 and hand over to him everything.” (Majmoo-e-Ishtihaarat, Collection of Advertisements, vol.1 pp.11-12, Advertisement dated May 1879).(old ref).

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1879
Dec-3rd
(Advertisement dated 3rd Dec. 1879, Majmoo-e-Ishtihaarat, Collection of Advertisements, vol.1 p. 13). old edition. Page 21 in the newest edition.

“….the beautiful script and writing and fine paper etc. necessities and care with which this book will be published, the real value of this book was not less than Rs.20. But only on the hope of and with a view that certain rich and ambitious Muslims will pay full attention and thus the loss incurred due to low price would be compensated, price was fixed at Rs.5 only. But this did not happen and I have also grown tired of waiting…..”.

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MGA says on Page 22, “Whoever has paid money already, (MGA will give it to them for 5 rupees) other than them, the price of this book is 10 rupees””.

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1880
Braheen e Ahmadiyya-1, RK-1, page 2
Online English edition, see page 1
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya (Parts I & II) (alislam.org)

“”I would like to submit for the kind attention of all honourable and respected buyers of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, that this is a fairly sizeable book, comprising more than 100 juz’,** and by the time the complete book is printed, its volume is expected to increase further on account of the footnotes that will be added to it from time to time. It is being printed on high quality paper, in beautiful script, satisfying all the requirements of style and elegance. This is why the actual cost of publication has been estimated at twenty-five rupees per volume. Initially, the price was fixed at five rupees so that—as it was then proposed—”””

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1880
Braheen e Ahmadiyya 2, Roohani Khazien 1, page 62
See pages 74, 79 and 155, online english edition
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Parts I & II (alislam.org)
MGA made lots of excuses for the delay

“We wrote Braheen e Ahmadiyya after observing hundreds of defects and evils in the society. In the mentioned book, the truth of Islam was shinning in fact more than the sun because of 300 strong and sound arguments.”

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Braheen e Ahmadiyya 2, Roohani Khazien 1
Online English Edition
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya (Parts I & II) (alislam.org)

“””The price of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya has been discounted to ten rupees for Muslims, for they never hesitate to extend financial help for the cause of their Faith—provided, of course, they are possessed of sufficient means. However, people of other faiths will be charged full price specified in the Announcement contained in Part I, because no financial service or support is expected from the…”””
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Braheen e Ahmadiyya 3, Roohani Khazien 1, page 134
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part III (alislam.org)
See pages 2-3, online english edition

MGA says: “Here, it should also be mentioned that this book initially comprised only thirty to thirty-five juzw’ that were subsequently extended to a hundred juzw’. Also, the price was fixed at ten rupees for Muslims in general and twenty-five for non-Muslims and affluent ones. But now, in order to make the research more comprehensive and the arguments more conclusive, it has been extended to three hundred juzw’. In view of the additional expenses, it was considered necessary that the price in the future should be set at one hundred rupees. However, considering the apathy of the masses, it was deemed advisable that the negligible price set earlier should be permanently fixed for the future, so that people are not burdened beyond their capacity. However,
buyers will not be entitled to rightfully demand those sections of the book for which they have not paid. Whatever they receive in excess of their payment will be sent to them [as a free gift] for the sake of Allah and only those will get its reward who support this cause solely for the sake of Allah.”””

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Majmua Ishtiharat, page 426
See Imtiaz, 1:47:40 time stamp
https://www.youtube.com/live/r41Y3Dj12vc?si=jXiRwC4_f9VwvbW1

–the delay in publication of Barahin is not blameworthy
–Imam Bukhari spent 16 years in collecting hadith, so don’t blame me

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1882-1885
What is Maktubat-e-Ahmadiyyah? – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
Maktoobat Vol1 page 306
Mir ‘Abbas ‘Ali Sahib of Ludhiana was the first ever #exahmadi – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

MGA says he spent the money!

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1893
Majmua Ishtiharat, page 424
See Imtiaz, 1:47:40 time stamp
https://www.youtube.com/live/r41Y3Dj12vc?si=jXiRwC4_f9VwvbW1

–you are not deprived completely, I delivered something, 36 juz.
–I am making a Dua, and doing some reflection
–I am only wanting to do a proper research
–MGA claims that he could have written 20 books in the intervening time period

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1892-1893
A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 5, page 311
See the explanation by Bro Imtiaz (1:28:40 time stamp)
https://www.youtube.com/live/r41Y3Dj12vc?si=hEzpOvjS8Fb7cgz9

“””I have no knowledge of your detailed biography before the time of Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya, but I know this much, that from the time of Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya’s publication, you started to lie and you started to deceive the people..”

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1900
MGA on the delay of the Braheen and other people’s investment money
December 15, 1900 AD [RK, v 17, pp. 457-458; starts at last line of p. 457, above the marginal note; Arba`een Number 4].”””

In 1900, MGA and his team wrote:

[RK, v 17, pp. 448-458; Arba`een Number 4]. The article is dated
December 1900. In this he censures his critics and claims that he has Divine support etc. Toward the end of the article is the following:

“””If I have received from you the payment for the price of Baraaheen-e-Ahmadiyya then I invoke the oath of God Almighty upon you, in Whose presence you will be made to appear, that [you should] return all those four parts of Baraaheen-e-Ahmadiyya to my custody and take your money back. Look, I make this open announcement that after this if you demand the price [refund] of Baraaheen-e-Ahmadiyya and, having shown [those parts] to some friend of mine, send [return] all four parts to me, as value payable, and if I, after receiving the four parts, do not pay their price, then [may] the curse of God [be] upon me. … And prior to this I have published three announcements, regarding the price [refund] of Baraaheen, which had the same content that I am prepared to return the price. [These people] should return all the four parts of my book and receive from me the few paltry coins that they are dying for. … [Dated]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________In 1900, MGA promised 40 parts for his books Arbaeen, however, he only gives 4 calls it even
Roohani Khazain vol.17, Arba’een No. 4, Page 442, http://www.alislam.org/ur…uhani-Khazain-Vol-17.pdf, PDF 477

“Just as God had initially fixed 50 prayers then reduced it to 5 in place of 50, similarly according to the Sunnah of Rabb-e-Kareem, I reduce for the sake of viewers and pronounce number 4 as 40.”
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1907
MGA claims that he has instead written millions of arguments
(Badar,volume 6, No. 17, page 7-8, 25 April 1907)(Malfoozat volume 5 page 206, new edition)

“People said that the promise of giving arguments mentioned in Braheen is not fulfilled. Though there are millions of arguments in Braheen for the truth of Islam.”
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Haqiqatul Wahy
Online English edition, see page 423
Haqiqatul-Wahi – Philosophy of Divine Revelation (alislam.org)

MGA admits to being flat broke at the time of the publishing of Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya. MGA alleges that Khalifah Sayyad Muhammad Hasan (a Minister of State of Patiala) sent him 500 rupees (see page 423), however, in BA1+2 (see pages 6 & 11), MGA alleged it was 325= 250+75. However, MGA’s math is off.

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1908
Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya, online english edition, pages 1-2
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V (alislam.org)

“””Many a time I experienced heartfelt pain that a long time had elapsed in completing Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Nevertheless, despite the utmost effort and urgency caused by the demand for the book from its buyers, and the strong criticism filled with the filth of ill-suspicion and obscene language during this protracted time, and such a prolonged period of delay—and [such objections] could genuinely arise in minds because of such a prolonged delay—the wisdom of divine providence did not enable me to complete this book. This shows that man does not have the power to step outside the limits established by divine decree and determination. I regret the fact—indeed, my heart aches to think of the fact—that so many people who had agreed to buy this book passed away from this world even before it could be completed; however, as I have already written, man is subject to divine decree.”””

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MGA says it’s not required (See BA-5, online english edition, page 5)

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1923
A summary of the quotation of Seeratul Mahdi- Number 123

It says that 300 arguments were Written on 2500 pages but in fact Only One Incomplete argument could be printed in Braheenay Ahmadia in total of 4 volumes. He says he heard that earlier writings were burned.

The scans

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1946-1947
see Dard, page 90

A portion of the book (probably 2500 pages) seems to have been completed by May 1879 when a notice concerning it was published in the Zamima Isha‘atus-Sunnah No. 4. Vol. 2, pages 3 and 4 (issued in May 1879).

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Links and Related Essay’s

What is Majmu‘ah Ishtiharat? – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog