Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra embarked on his tour of Europe in 1924 that marked a pivotal moment for the Jamaat, ushering in a new era of global outreach and opportunity to spread the message of Islam. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra participation in the Wembley Conference also fulfilled the divine vision of the Promised Messiahas in which he witnessed himself delivering a well-reasoned speech in London. (Tadhkirah [English], p. 239)
The departure of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra from Qadian for this historic tour was an emotionally charged and significant moment for the Jamaat, as it marked the first time a Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community left their homeland. On the other hand, the temporary separation from members of the Jamaat weighed heavily on the Khalifa’s heart. Consequently, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra sent the following heartfelt message from the ship to members of the Jamaat in Qadian:
‘This telegram shall be wired after our sailing’
“[I, Khalifatul Masih II, am] very pleased to know the birth of [the] grandson to Hazrat Khalifa-tul-Masih I[ra]. Name the child Abdul Basit. Sorry, you did not wire us the Qadian news which could reach us before sailing.
“Inform all Ahmadi brothers and sisters that I have sailed today with a heavy burden on my heart on their account. I am praying for them more than ever since I started on this journey. I have found in them that sincere love and devotion to my humble self, which even I myself was not aware of. God bless you, my people. Keep in Him firm faith, love Him sincerely and devotedly, and honour and obey His Prophets.
“Brothers, you are surrounded by enemies on all sides, so never forget this and think how bitter your end will be if you are likewise forsaken by God. Try to be as near to God as possible, which you can do only if you become true Ahmadis.
“So be steadfast in prayers, ready to sacrifice everything for God and be honest to the utmost in all your transactions. Fear God and love your brothers. Propagate Islam to the farthest corners of the world.
“I pray for you and request your prayers for the success of the mission on which I am going. You do not know, nay you can not gauge the love I have for you. Oh! How painful it was for me to part from you, how heart-rending it was to leave you behind! But that was only in body. My soul always was, is, and will ever remain with you. I am yours in life or death. Your happiness is my heart’s desire and progress towards high material and spiritual goal my only wish.
“I know that many of you are now sorry to have requested me to proceed personally to Europe. But let us forget our present sorrow and make preparations for greater benefits. Let us pray to God to lead us on the path of success. God bless you my brothers and you my sisters and be with you wherever you are and in whatever condition.
“Khalifa-tul-Masih.
“Bombay, Byculla, 10:15 [am], 15 [July 1924].”
(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original English, published in the August 1924 issue of The Review of Religions)