Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (1875-1957)
House of Lords and House of Commons
The health of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] remains the same, [i.e., there is no improvement]. The doctor has recommended complete rest, which is unfortunately not readily available here. On 7 and 8 October 1924, Huzoor[ra] went for medical consultations.
On 7 October, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] attended a session of the House of Lords to observe its proceedings, and on 8 October at 12:30 pm, he visited the House of Commons. For this visit, Sir Frederick Hall, Member of Parliament for East Dulwich, had invited him and gave a [guided] tour of the entire House.
East Dulwich is divided into two parts, and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] had delivered a lecture on politics there at the invitation of the Conservative Party. After the lecture, Sir Frederick Hall wrote a letter to Huzoor[ra] expressing his gratitude. The structure and internal arrangements of the House are quite astonishing. Sir Frederick showed us the meeting rooms, various committee rooms, and the workspaces for members.
On 8 October, a significant and highly anticipated debate was scheduled at the House of Commons, which drew a large crowd to gather below. We had arrived before the session, which was set to begin at 2:40 pm. There were speculations about the possibility of a ministerial defeat. While we were touring the buildings and rooms, a group of boys, girls, and teachers from a school in Wales also arrived to observe the House of Commons. It was an excellent example of national education and training. When a nation instils such a spirit in its children from the beginning, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
On 9 October, Huzoor[ra] is going to attend the debate at the House of Commons. On 1 and 9 October, he remained occupied with writing letters to India. On the evening of 8 October, Huzoor[ra] held another consultative meeting regarding the London Mission, and the immediate decision was that Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayal[ra] would stay here for some time. Malik Ghulam Fareed[ra] will travel to India to settle his wife and children and has made arrangements for his ship.
London
Regarding the construction of the London Mosque, it has been decided that Huzoor[ra] will personally lay its foundation stone under his supervision. Discussions with engineers have already taken place.
On 7 October, Maulvi Abdul Rahim Dard[ra] delivered a lecture at a society on the topic of women in Islam. However, due to the rain, the attendance was very low. The said society had requested him [to deliver the lecture].
Qadian
The long-awaited day, as expressed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra], has arrived by the grace and blessings of God:
آہ! كیسى خوش گھڑى ہوگى كہ بانیل مرام
باندھینگے رختِ سفر كو ہم برائے قادیان
“Ah! What a joyful moment it will be, when we, having fulfilled our mission, prepare to journey towards Qadian.”
Preparations for the journey are underway, and hearts are filled with fervour and longing for Qadian. May Allah safely bring everyone to their destination.
Engagements
The week from 8 to 16 October was marked by Huzoor’s[ra] multiple responsibilities: preparing for the journey back to India and propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to new Muslims in London. Additionally, a consultation with a throat specialist was scheduled. His health condition remains unchanged, and it was evident that consistent rest was now essential.
On 9 October, Huzoor[ra] spent time writing letters to India. On 10 October, he had an appointment with a throat specialist in the morning. He visited the doctor accompanied by his physician. The specialist began by asking general questions and then met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]:
Doctor: “Do you understand English?”
Khalifa: “Yes, I know some English.”
Doctor: “Your physician speaks good English.”
Khalifa: “I can also speak in the same way.”
The specialist examined Huzoor’s[ra] throat and remarked that there was no significant issue. He inquired further, and Huzoor[ra] explained, “I can speak continuously for six hours, but after that, I experience discomfort.” The doctor then examined his gums and found the issue. […]
The doctor concluded, “This is the only issue. Ensure you eat well; consume milk and butter.” […] He also recommended a general-use medicine.
A notable characteristic of this doctor was his practical approach; he explained everything by demonstrating it. […] In conclusion, there was no issue with Huzoor’s[ra] throat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] led the Friday prayer in Putney, as it was necessary to consult with engineers about the mosque. During these discussions, it was proposed that the foundation stone of the mosque be laid.
After Jumuah prayer, Huzoor[ra] went out for a short while, and upon his return, he received a telegram conveying the joyful news that on Thursday, 9 October [1924], a son was born to his first wife. Alhamdulillah for this blessing. Friends were overjoyed at this delightful news and exchanged congratulations among themselves. Later that night, after prayers, Chaudhry Ali Muhammad Sahib[ra] hosted friends with sweets to celebrate the occasion. May Allah reward him abundantly.
On 11 October, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] went out to purchase some essential items. On 12 October, he had invited new converts, and spent nearly five hours in preaching and guidance. On 13 October, preparations for the journey were underway, as the luggage was to be handed over to Thomas Cook on the morning of 14 October. On the same evening, Malik Ghulam Fareed[ra] MA, the missionary to England, was departing for India with his wife and children. Huzoor[ra] personally accompanied him and a group of friends to Victoria Station, where a long silent prayer was carried out before seeing them off to India.
That same evening at 8 pm, Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahib[ra] delivered a lecture on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, at the Theosophical Lodge in Brixton.
On 15 October, Huzoor[ra] visited the Oriental School of Study with Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib[ra] and Abdul Rahman Sahib. This institution specialises in teaching Eastern languages. Sir ED Ross conducted the tour and showed the library as well.
16 October was dedicated to Indian correspondence, and Huzoor[ra] remained occupied with this task. Later, there was another scheduled medical consultation with the doctor. At 7 pm, Huzoor[ra], accompanied by his companions, was invited for tea at the residence of Mrs Pearl, a new convert. In addition to these engagements, Huzoor[ra] appointed certain companions to meet prominent figures.
Meeting with ambassadors
I, along with Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif Sahib BA, was instructed to visit various ambassadors. On 13 October, we met with the Chinese Ambassador to London; on 14 October, we met with the Estonian Government Ambassador; and on 15 October, we met with the Japanese Ambassador.
In general political views, we expressed that the Ahmadiyya Community has come into the world to foster a spirit of universal peace. For this purpose, God referred to its founder, Hazrat Ahmadas, as the “Prince of Peace.” By adhering to his teachings and principles, universal peace and harmony can prevail in the world.
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community instructed his followers to refrain from all forms of rebellion and unrest, and this directive is included in the conditions of initiation into the community. He taught, based on the guidance of the Holy Quran, that one should always respect the laws of the government under which they live and demonstrate loyalty and obedience through their actions. If the government commits an error, one should inform it respectfully and rationally.
This has always been the approach of our community, and under the leadership of Huzoor[ra] and the successors of the Promised Messiahas, this is how the community is being guided. We have consistently provided governments with sound advice courageously and sincerely, and senior officials of the government have always respected and valued these constructive suggestions.
It was further conveyed to these ambassadors that our leader strongly disapproves that a person serves the government in upholding public peace and then expect any compensation in return, be it in the form of rewards, titles, or estates. This is because whatever we do is done in obedience to the commands of God Almighty, not as a transaction or trade.
The Ahmadiyya Community, while instructing its followers to show loyalty to a lawful and legally established government and obey its laws, also fosters a sense of sincerity that elevates such actions beyond personal interests or motives. For this reason, wherever such a community exists, it proves to be a blessing for the governments there.
Thus far, the ambassadors we have met have expressed great happiness and satisfaction during our discussions. They have shown readiness to offer moral support when our missions are established in their countries. Some have even suggested that we deliver lectures there. These aspirations and objectives are of the highest order. They have also provided contact details of some of their prominent thinkers and scholars who may assist in this work. Allah the Almighty will surely open further avenues as He wills.
The Netherlands
On 13 October, Chaudhry Zafarulla Khan[ra] Sahib departed for The Netherlands via aeroplane, where he is staying for a few days at a place owned by a newly converted lady. This sister is a highly active and devoted Ahmadi who is engaged in extensive preaching efforts.
In his letter, Chaudhry Sahib[ra] wrote that the English Channel was crossed in just 15 minutes, and he reached his destination very comfortably. The view of the earth from the sky is indeed extraordinary and wonderful.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 11 November 1924 issue of Al Fazl)