A Lady’s Conversion to Ahmadiyyat
Taken from Al Fazl, 1 June 1918
I already mentioned in the report dated 15 February [1918] that I was preaching to two ladies and that they have now reached a level where they have attested to the prophethoods of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the Promised Messiahas in writing. One of them has already accepted Islam. The request for Bai‘at is being sent along with this report, addressed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah strengthen his hand. (The letter has been conveyed – Editor.)
The name of this respected lady is Mrs Erie. She has chosen her Islamic name as Rakhil [Rachel] for herself. (Rakhil was the wife of Prophet Jacobas.) One of her sons is employed in the British Army serving in India and is currently occupied in the Mesopotamian campaign. Sister Rakhil showed me his letters and took some books from me to send to her son so that he may also be given the opportunity to accept Islam. All praise belongs to Allah!
We have been sending brief reports of local activities, newspaper cuttings of articles that have mentioned us or given our pictures and photographs of the new converts regularly. However, due to an ever-increasing workload and other needs, there is not enough in our budget to continue this in such a manner. Hence, those who desire that I continue sending letters and such information to them or the secretary of their Anjuman [local chapter], should deposit five rupees to the Secretary Taraqqi-e-Islam, Qadian, which shall be held in their accounts. When this amount runs out, they will be reminded. Once the secretary sends the list of contributors along with the funds, this process [of communication] will start once again. Insha-Allah.
For the past few days I have suffered a sore eye, causing great difficulty in reading and writing. I humbly request prayers from all brothers and sisters. Due to this eye condition, there is a risk that it may affect the progress in tabligh [preaching].
Alongside this, the prices of items have increased to such an extent that the allowance provided for tabligh is being spent on domestic purposes. Our Jamaat is already burdened with so many funds that Secretary Taraqqi-e-Islam may not consider my asking for an increase in allowance appropriate.
Bearing in mind the current state of affairs, it would be no surprise if the momentum of our tabligh activities slowed down. However, we hope that the earnest prayers and attention of Hazrat Fazl-e-Umar [Khalifatul Masih IIra] and members of the Jamaat can help in filling the void and alleviate our inactivity. Wa ma taufiqana illa billahil-Aliyil-Azim [And we possess no strength other than that of Allah, the Highest and the Great.]
Mufti Muhammad Sadiq
3 April 1918
(Al Fazl, 1 June 1918)