Al Fazl, 31 July & 3 August 1922
Wandsworth Burrough
In its issue of 3 June 1922, the newspaper Wandsworth Burrough states:
“The Eid-ul-Fitr ceremony, which marks the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, or the month of fasting, was celebrated at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Southfields on Sunday. The congregational prayer was offered in the garden of the mosque at 11:30 pm and Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib BA BT, the imam of the mosque, delivered the sermon in English. In it, he explained the meaning of this event and the wisdom of the commandment of fasting in Islam. He also mentioned the Ahmadiyya Jamaat that its mission and purpose are to make Islam evergreen and spread it in the world.
“Around two hundred Muslims and non-Muslims from different regions of India, Afghanistan, Persia, Mesopotamia, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, East and West Africa, joined in celebrating this event. Among those present were the Minister of Afghanistan with his staff, the Foreign Minister of Turkey and his son, members of the Palestinian Arab delegation who are currently in London, Mr Jeevan Ji (East Africa), Mr TE Nelson Williamson, Barrister-at-Law (West Africa), Dr T Ahmad MB and Miss Muhammad Ali MB (India). There were many British women and distinguished people among the participants, among whom there were a lot of new Muslims. The attendees were treated with food and tea.” […]
Al Fazl, 3 August 1922
Daily Telegraph
The well-known London’s newspaper Daily Telegraph in its issue of 6 June 1922 states:
“One of the many addresses received by the Prince of Wales during his visit to India was from the distinguished members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. This is a purely religious movement which was established in Punjab about 30 years ago. One of its major beliefs, which is based on the teaching of Islam, is that it will remain loyal to the government under which its members will have religious freedom. The members presenting this address have stated that since they have this real freedom under the Government of Great Britain, they cannot be disloyal to it.
“It is written in the address that on the occasion of the visit of His Royal Highness to India, a book has been prepared. It contains the special teachings of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, the purpose for the establishment of this Jamaat, its special features and distinguishing signs, and the brief historical accounts of the founder of the Jamaat. The Prince has been requested to accept this book as a gift from members of the Jamaat.
“The Prince, through his Chief Secretary, sent the following acknowledgement for the address and the book:
“[From,
“No. 938 P.
“Prince of Wales Camp, India.
“GF De Montmorency,
“Chief Secretary to His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
“To, Zulfikar Ali Khan, Additional Secretary,
Ahmadiyya Community, Qadian, Punjab.
Dated the 1 March 1922.
“Sir,
“I am commanded by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, to acknowledge with thanks the address of welcome received from the members of the Ahmadiyya Community through the Government of the Punjab. His Royal Highness has read with interest the account given in the address of the origin of the Ahmadiyya movement and looks forward to reading the fuller history of the community in the very handsome volume presented to him by subscription among the members.
“His Royal Highness appreciates very warmly the loyal feeling, which has prompted so many thousands of your co-religionists to contribute towards this presentation and his pleasure in receiving this token of loyalty is the greater because he learns from His Excellency, the Governor of the Punjab that throughout the Great War and in the difficult times that followed the Ahmadiyya Community have been distinguished for a steadfast attitude of loyalty both towards the Throne and to the Empire. I am commanded to assure you that, in view of this record, the community may always count upon the warm regard of His Royal Highness.
“I have the honour to be,
“Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
“De Montmorency,
“Chief Secretary to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.]”
[…] The newspaper then writes:
“It is further added that there is a branch of Ahmadiyya Jamaat in London and they have a mosque in Southfields, Melrose Road, where regular prayers are offered.”
Almost the same article has also been published in the Yorkshire Herald, an English newspaper.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 31 July and 3 August 1922 issue of Al Fazl)