Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (1875-1957)
Pyramids of Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt are considered one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of Egypt. The name is attributed to their antiquity, as the word “haram” (هرم) refers to something ancient. These are conical structures, essentially serving as the tombs of the Pharaohs of Egypt. Archaeologists currently estimate their antiquity to be around 6000 years. However, as the excavation of ancient relics in Egypt continues, it is possible that these pyramids will be deemed even older. Some books on the pyramids suggest that they also served as observatories. Nevertheless, it is widely agreed that these are tombs. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] himself visited these pyramids and even entered one of them, though he did not inspect it from the inside. His visit was merely for exploration. Among our travel companions, Bhai Sheikh Abdur Rahman Qadiani Sahib[ra] and Dr Hashmatullah Sahib[ra] entered and examined it. A more detailed account of the pyramids will be provided in my travelogue, insha-Allah.
Women
Educational progress is indeed a commendable achievement, but if it manifests as a beautiful calamity, then ignorance is preferable. The sight of women’s immodesty and lack of purdah in Egypt deeply saddened Huzoor[ra]. This reaction is natural for someone who bears the enormous responsibility of guiding and reforming the Muslim ummah. It is impossible for him to overlook even the minor aspects of their conduct. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] has carefully considered the social, cultural, and moral conditions of Muslims. Outwardly, he may appear to be walking in the market, but he is constantly pondering the state of Muslim trade – how much of it remains in their control, how far they have fallen behind, and how they might advance.
In Egypt, women roam the streets and markets brazenly, and their coverings and purdah have become a thing of allurement in itself.
Departure from Egypt
On the day of our departure from Egypt, we were sent to meet a distinguished lawyer, whose name I will not mention at this point. On 30 August 1924, he waited for nearly four hours, first at the residence and then at a nearby hotel, to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra], but eventually departed after leaving his card. As there was not enough time to meet him personally, Huzoor[ra] instructed me, Hafiz Sahib[ra], and Chaudhry Sahib[ra] to meet with him, which we did. The lawyer received us with great courtesy and expressed his intention to join the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. May God grant him the ability to do so. Surely, someone very rightly said:
وه خدا ميرا جو هے جوهر شناس
اِك جهاں كو لا رها هے ميرے پاس
[“My God, who discerns true worth, is drawing people of the world towards me.”]
Indeed, angels are planting seeds of recognition and acceptance of God’s messenger among the virtuous. Naturally, we were delighted by the lawyer’s statement, especially since the editor of Al-Mahrousa suggests that Ahmadiyyat cannot spread in Egypt. This incident shows how hearts are being prepared for Ahmadiyyat. We thank God for this blessing and request our friends to pray for the progress of the community in all Muslim lands, particularly in Egypt, as some have asserted that there is no room for Ahmadiyyat here.
Nonetheless, we departed from Egypt for Jerusalem, and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] graciously allowed his humble servant, Mahmud Ahmad, to accompany him to Qantara, so that Huzoor[ra] could provide him with essential instructions regarding our work in Egypt, as earlier he did not get the opportunity to do so due to his busy schedule.
Caliph’s engagements
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] has been so occupied during this journey that it amazes my travel companions that how could I assume Huzoor[ra] would get ample opportunity to relax during the tour [of Europe]. There is hardly a moment when Huzoor[ra] is free. In fact, compared to the busy schedule of this journey, we now consider the great responsibilities of Qadian as a time of ease for him. Whether stationary or travelling, he is constantly engaged in preaching and outreach, to the extent that even meals and essential personal needs are sometimes delayed. After giving Mahmud thorough instructions for a long time, we changed trains at Qantara and departed for Jerusalem.
Maqam-e-Ludd – Lod
Lod is a junction where we changed trains again to reach Jerusalem. This is the same Lod that some of our Muslim opponents believe will be the site where the [Promised] Messiah will slay the antichrist. The interpretation of Lod in Ahmadiyya literature is well-known among our friends. The true meaning is clear, but it would not be surprising if, at some point, God fulfilled this prophecy in its literal sense to satisfy the superficial understanding of some Muslims.
However, I cannot help but share my personal experience and conviction. Surely, God Almighty has blessed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] undertake this journey, passing through significant locations that will undoubtedly become memorable in Ahmadiyya history. Insha-Allah, those who live to see it will witness that Ahmadiyyat will be a glorious part of this land.
Caliph’s loyalty
Before detailing the events in Jerusalem, I must mention two things; otherwise, I would be committing a grave omission, that shed light on the great character of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]. In 1913, Huzoor[ra] composed a poem stating:
بے وفاؤں ميں نهيں هوں ميں وفاداروں ميں هوں
[“I am not among the unfaithful; I am among the loyal.”]
Those unfamiliar with the truth may dismiss it as mere poetic expression, but those aware of the facts can see this reality reflected in his actions. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s[ra] loyalty is a long and delightful story, but I will share a couple of incidents from this journey. I had the opportunity to travel with him previously and witnessed this noble trait: in travel, he always prioritises the comfort and well-being of his companions over his own. This is not the place to recount past events, but I will share two recent incidents from this journey.
Port Said customs house
We arrived at Port Said at night, and the first task upon disembarking was to pay the health tax at the quarantine office. After that, we proceeded to the customs house. Paying the health tax was a simple matter of handing over money, but the customs house was quite an ordeal. After enduring a gruelling 15-day sea journey, we naturally longed for rest upon reaching land. However, at the customs house, we had to wait a considerable amount of time as the belongings of numerous passengers were inspected to ensure no taxable or prohibited items were being brought into the country. This process involved a thorough search, even to the extent of conducting personal searches of men and women, with women being searched by a female officer.
It was a distressing thought for us that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] would have to endure the inconvenience of waiting. Khan Sahib[ra] respectfully suggested that Huzoor[ra] take leave, but he replied, “I will take everyone with me.” The love and compassion in these words for his servants can only be truly felt in the heart.
The associates wanted Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] to go and rest, but he would not be at peace until his travel companions had also rested. The love of a mother is proverbial, but the love that our Imam[ra] has for each member of his community surpasses any worldly affection or maternal bond. This is because his love transcends all worldly relationships. It is for this reason that we cannot be perfect in our faith until we love our Imam[ra] more than all other [worldly] relationships. This principle is also reflected in the Conditions of Bai‘at. Despite repeated requests, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] gave the same reply: “Do I need rest more than anyone else? We will all go together.” This action was not merely a lesson; it is ingrained in his nature. On journeys, he always prioritises the comfort of others over his own.
In this very Port Said, when disembarking from the ship and boarding the launch boat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] would constantly check to ensure that everyone was safely aboard before he would proceed. Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif Sahib[ra] and Mian Reham Din[ra] were seated in front, and since Huzoor[ra] could not see them, he anxiously enquired about their whereabouts. Only after personally seeing them did he allow the boat to depart. It is essential for each of us to cultivate this spirit of care and concern for others.
Another incident
When we departed from Jerusalem for Damascus, we stopped at a station named Samakh. The train halted there for an extended period. The station had a small restaurant that usually offered bread, eggs, and canned fruits. However, due to the large number of passengers, the bread quickly ran out, although more bread was later brought in from outside. Our group, travelling in third class, was the first to send cash to purchase food.
When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was about to have some food, he inquired whether the other companions had also given ice [to cool water]. Upon receiving a negative response, he instructed, “First, ensure they receive ice.” This apparently seems like a minor issue – whether or not ice was given – as in travelling, comfort and convenience are but divine favours, and one should not embark on a journey expecting the usual comforts. Thanks to Huzoor[ra], we travelled in great comfort. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] did not approve of using the ice himself until others had received it. Consequently, ice was sent to us.
We have witnessed this natural endowment in our Imam[ra] of practically prioritising the comfort of others over his own, an attribute that strengthens our faith.
Stay in Jerusalem
The events and accounts of our stay in Jerusalem can be divided into two categories. First, we visited some of the important and famous sites, and second, we observed the local conditions and environment for the propagation and spread of Ahmadiyyat in this region.
The renowned places visited by our Imam[ra] include:
– The Convent of Prophet Elijahas
– The tombs of Prophets Ibrahimas, Yaqubas, Ishaqas, and Yusufas, as well as the tomb of Hazrat Sarahra, where he carried out prayers
– Bethlehem
– Prayers were offered in Al-Aqsa and Umar Mosque
– The church was also visited, where it is said that Hazrat Umar[ra] was requested to pray on its stairs. This church contains the sites associated with the crucifixion of Prophet Jesusas.
The accounts of the inspection of these sites require detailed descriptions and shall be included in my travelogue, insha-Allah. The most notable event worth writing about is the prayers offered by our Imam[ra] at Al-Aqsa and Umar Mosque.
Prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque
Before praying in Al-Aqsa Mosque, our Imam[ra] read the list of names, prepared during the voyage, comprising the friends who had requested prayers. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] read the entire list and then performed a two-rak‘at congregational prayer. Each position of the prayer was prolonged, and the supplication was extensive. Upon entering the Umar Mosque, our Imam[ra] offered a prostration and engaged in a long supplication. Both prayer sessions were profoundly moving. Those of us who participated in the prayers were overwhelmed by a sense of humility and devotion, and an intense emotion that seemed to have come like a bolt from the blue. I attribute this to our Imam’s[ra] spiritual attention and its impact upon us. It felt as though the angels were carrying the prayers upward for acceptance, and the gates of heaven were open. By the grace of God Almighty, we are confident that the fruits of these prayers will manifest in the form of the spread of Ahmadiyyat and the success of the community in Jerusalem.
– Yaqub Ali Irfani.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 16 September 1924 issue of Al Fazl)