Al Fazl, 8 August 1921
Dear Editor Sahib Al Fazl, assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!
All praise belongs to Allah that the stay in Ganderbal for a few days, especially the daily bath in the Indus River at this place, has brought significant improvement to the health of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra].
A pandit mentioned that the snowy mountain was very close and one could easily see it and return in one day’s time. So on 24 [July 1921], Huzoor[ra] and some of his companions rode on horses and went for an excursion to the mountain. However, after travelling 8-10 miles, we came to know that the snow [mountain] was still at a distance of three to four days. Thus, Huzoor[ra] returned there and then.
As soon as he reached home, Huzoor[ra] experienced [some health issues]. This was a result of some defect in the food and also due to fast riding. However, by the grace of God Almighty, Huzoor[ra] got better the next morning.
Maulvi Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahib’s elder brother, Syed Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, and Mian Muhammad Hussain Sahib, son of Mistri Muhammad Musa Sahib, came to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. Master Ghulam Hussain Sahib came from Gilgit to meet him. Moreover, three friends from Bandipura came to visit Huzoor[ra]. Two of them were Ahmadis and the third friend took bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. His name is Ghulam Muhammad Butt.
It rained heavily on 28 [July 1921] and the sky cleared up at around Asr prayer. Huzoor[ra] then went for a walk of three to four miles.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] returned to Srinagar on 29 [July 1921]. Srinagar is about 20 to 22 miles away by the river. Therefore, the houseboat could not reach in one day. We camped at night about eight miles from Srinagar and reached the residence at eleven o’clock on 30 [July 1921].
Nowadays, Srinagar is not a good place in terms of climate. When Huzoor[ra] reached the city, he suffered from mild fever and experienced weakness. The climate of Ganderbal suited Huzoor[ra] very much, so he intended to stay permanently in Ganderbal. However, some associates said that there were many other healthy places in Kashmir that were far better than [Ganderbal] in terms of climate and natural beauty. Thus, after staying in Srinagar for two to four days, Huzoor[ra] will visit Asnoor.
Maulana Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib delivers a dars [religious sermon] of the Holy Quran every day. Hazrat Ummul-Momineen, all the family members, and other travelling companions are well. All the mail intended for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] should be sent to the postal address of Srinagar. The postmen deliver it themselves.
Humbly yours, Syed Mahmudullah Shah, Srinagar. 30 July 1921.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 8 August 1921 issue of Al Fazl)