Since the time of the Promised Messiahas, people from different backgrounds have been attracted to his cause.
His message was known to the general public in the Western World through English language newspapers that would publish stories about his claims, prophecies and other writings.
Alexander Russell Webb, living in the United States of America, stayed in constant touch with the Promised Messiahas through letters. He is known to have accepted Islam and was inclined towards the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Alexander Russell Webb
The famous orientalist D D Dickson, on his visit to India, made effort to reach Qadian (on 17 November 1901) and pay respects to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. He was fortunate to have accompanied the Promised Messiahas during one of the morning walks. The Promised Messiahas – with Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra interpreting in English – spoke at length to Mr Dickson about the teachings of Islam. D D Dickson also took three photographs of the Promised Messiahas (not yet discovered). He stayed in the famous Gol Kamra in the house of the Promised Messiahas and benefitted from his blessed company.
James Wilson, Financial Commissioner of Punjab, visited Qadian and expressed his desire to have an audience with Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. The Promised Messiahas – with Mufti Sadiq Sahibra interpreting – answered Mr Wilson’s questions about Islam in general and about the claims of the Promised Messiahas.
Mr George Turner, an American from Chicago, visited Qadian (in 1908) with the desire to meet the Promised Messiahas. He was particularly interested in the challenge that the Promised Messiahas had given to Dowie. He was seated in the offices on the ground floor of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian. Hazrat Ahmadas came downstairs to meet him and answered his questions. Mr Turner enquired as to how the truth of Huzoor’sas claims could be judged. Huzooras replied that the arrival of an individual all the way from America to a small hamlet in Punjab was itself proof of his truthfulness.
Clement Wragge | Sir Harold Nicholas – Wiki Commons
Clement Wragge, a renowned meteorologist from the UK, visited the Promised Messiahas in Lahore (1908). Being a man of science, he asked questions to do with the very existence of God and God being limited or unlimited. After two sittings with the Promised Messiahas, he declared that his questions had been answered satisfactorily. He later accepted Ahmadiyyat.
This interest in the Jamaat, from all parts of the world, has continued during the time of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and continues to this day.
