Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (1875-1957)
Huzoor’s[ra] health and external factors
By the end of the second week, the health of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] was not good due to illness […]. In addition, extensive work took a heavy toll, and Huzoor[ra] could not even go outside for taking fresh air. It had become routine for him to remain occupied until 1 or 2am.
These external factors were already present when, on 3 September 1924, a telegram arrived from Qadian conveying the news of the martyrdom of Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib, a missionary in Kabul. This tragic news naturally worsened Huzoor’s[ra] condition. However, he forgot his own illness, deeply disturbed by the cruel attack by the Afghan government that had taken the life of the Ahmadi missionary. His distress was a reflection of the deep love and bond the Khalifa has with his followers and the devoted members of the Jamaat.
Undoubtedly, the news of Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib’s painful death was heart-wrenching, but the life and status he attained through his sacrifice are truly enviable.
On the night of 4 September 1924, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] remained awake and seated until 2 late into the night. His health was so frail that words could hardly describe it. However, after offering the Maghrib and Isha prayers, Huzoor[ra] listened to the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Sahib[ra]. Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib Dard[ra] also recited a poem of Huzoor[ra], as well as a poem by Syeda Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba[ra]. The poem written for the Paighamis, [i.e., those who did not take the bai‘at of the second Khalifa], was also read out, which expressed the Khalifa’s unshakeable faith, trust in Allah, and absolute conviction of divine support.
Answering questions of an Indian student
During this time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] also answered questions from an Indian student. These activities were meant to divert his mind, but time and again, his thoughts would return to the same centre of concern, [i.e., the martyrdom of Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib]. As of today, 10 September 1924, that same intensity of concern remains.
Preaching to the Turkish ambassador
On 4 September 1924, after the Asr prayer, Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib[ra] and Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif BA Sahib[ra], went to the Turkish embassy to preach the message of Ahmadiyyat. Although the Turkish ambassador himself was not present, his deputy was, and he was introduced to the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The ambassador was already aware of the turmoil caused by apostasy in India.
The deputy enquired about the method of electing the Ahmadiyya Khilafat. When he was informed about the prophecies regarding the spread of the Ahmadiyya community in Europe and other Western countries, including the establishment of an Ahmadi [spiritual] empire, he was naturally surprised. He asked how long it would take for Islam to spread in the West. Based on the writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, he was told that it would take around three centuries for this prophecy to fully manifest.
In this way, the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was clearly conveyed to him. The Turkish embassy treated the missionaries with great respect and courtesy, and on 7 September 1924, they even attended the formal “At-Home” gathering held in Putney.
Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan[ra] and the Afghan embassy
Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahib[ra], moved by his deep faith, wrote a letter in English to the Afghan embassy in response to the martyrdom of the Ahmadi missionary in Kabul. In the letter, he expressed strong disapproval of the Afghan government’s cruel act, and reminded them of the warning in the Holy Quran regarding the killing of a believer. It was natural for the Afghan embassy to be unsettled by this letter, and their response confirmed the saying:
عذر نا معقول ثابت مى کند الزام را
[“An unreasonable excuse only proves the guilt.”]
Protest against the Afghan government
A protest gathering against the Afghan government’s brutal action was planned for 16 September 1924. (This jalsa eventually took place on 18 September and news of this gathering was published in the 25 September 1924 issue of Al Fazl.) Some well-intentioned people in the area were independently working to organise this event, which aimed to raise a voice of protest against the Afghan government’s actions.
This protest was crucial because it condemned the violation of freedom of thought and conscience. On one hand, freedom of conscience is considered a basic human right, yet on the other hand, a government commits such a grave injustice by mercilessly stoning a person to death solely due to differences of religious beliefs.
The Ahmadiyya Movement and the British public
The local newspapers have published so many remarkable articles about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] that no Indian, whether a political reformer or a religious figure, has ever received such coverage. Through this, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has been fully introduced to the British public.
On Sunday, 7 September 1924, Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyar[ra] hosted an “At-Home” gathering, which was attended by a large number of English men and women, as well as Indian students. Among the attendees were members of the Turkish embassy and some other distinguished Muslims who have been practising medicine or law here for many years. Journalists and photographers were also present. The newspapers the next day published reports about this gathering, and some even included photos of His Holiness.
Dialogue with the Turkish embassy officials
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] had an extended conversation with the Turkish embassy officials, during which various questions about the Ahmadiyya community were asked. Huzoor[ra] provided answers to all of them. These questions were asked with the intent to learn more about the Jamaat, and all the officials met Huzoor[ra] with great respect and warmth. They stayed with him until the end of the meeting.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] clearly explained the claims of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and discussed the differences between mainstream Muslim beliefs and the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.
Opening speech
Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahib[ra] delivered the opening speech with great sincerity and passion. In his speech, he highlighted the purpose of the Khalifa’s visit and the challenges and obstacles faced by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in spreading its message.
Following this, Mr Janjua gave an enthusiastic speech, after which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was requested to deliver his message to the people of Europe. Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahib[ra] then aptly presented the message of the Khalifa. The audience was deeply moved, and they listened to the message of love with great attention and affection.
Speech by Mr Das Gupta
After the message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra], Mr Das Gupta, a well-known figure among the public and the Secretary of the East and West Union, delivered an impassioned speech. He announced the martyrdom of the Ahmadi missionary in Kabul and proposed that a protest gathering should be held regarding this incident. He added, “I am a Hindu, but this act is a violation of freedom of conscience. It is the duty of every person to raise their voice against it.” He then asked the audience, “If you agree with me, please raise your hands.” Everyone in attendance raised their hands, and 16 September was set as the date for the protest gathering. (As mentioned above, the jalsa took place on 18 September 1924.)
– Yaqub Ali Irfani
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 8 October 1924 issue of Al Fazl)