Al Fazl, 21 September 1923
On 16 September 1923, the Qadian-based department working on curbing [Malkana Rajput] Apostasy Movement held a majlis-e-shura [consultation] to consider the situation with regard to apostasy. After this [meeting], the following telegram was sent to the Muslim leaders and the press regarding the agreement that is being contemplated by the Hindu and Muslim leaders in Delhi about the Shuddhi Movement. The [telegram was sent to] Hakeem Ajmal Khan Sahib, Dr Ansari Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, and Dr [Saifuddin] Kitchlew Sahib in Delhi and also given to the newspapers [for publishing]:
“We [Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat] have come to know that an agreement is being finalised with Mahasha Shraddhanand that the Aryas who have come from outside places should leave the work of Shuddhi [converting Malkana Muslims to Hinduism] and the Muslims who have come from other places should also go back [from Agra], and the people of the area under discussion should be allowed to decide for themselves.
“In our view, agreeing on it is completely unwise and against the interests of Muslims. The people of Arya have been working there for a long time and converted thousands of men to their faith. Withdrawal at this time would simply mean that those people remain as Aryas, [completely ignoring the fact that they were compelled to leave Islam]. There is no harm for this nation [of Arya] to stop their endeavours now because they have already compelled [many to their faith]. The actual loss is for those who have to bring the people of their faith back [to Islam].
“No Muslim can tolerate that their brothers in faith are compelled to convert. They cannot keep sitting silently and do nothing to help their fellowmen believe [in Islam]. The workers of the Arya faith are still present in that area. They have nothing to lose, but the real loss is for Muslims as their fellow believers do not have the ability or enthusiasm to work in their region.
“We do not understand why tabligh [preaching of one’s faith] would cause any strife in both nations unless a particular nation itself foments discord.
“Thus, we strongly protest against this agreement. We will not rest until the people of this area return to their [desired religion of] Islam. We will not consider making any compromise on the honour of Islam. Our Jamaat hopes that you [i.e., Muslim leaders], realising the responsibility ordained upon you by Islam at this time, will not allow any agreement that is against the spirit of spreading the message of Islam.”
On 17 September 1923, when the telegram consisting of the aforementioned message was dispatched, the following cable was sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] from the Muslim leaders:
Statement of Hakeem Ajmal Khan, Maulvi Muhammad Ali, and Dr Ansari
“Delhi, 16 September 1923, 12:30 pm.
“To Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Sahib[ra], Qadian, Batala.
“We strongly request that on your behalf, please send a responsible representative who is familiar with your views and can be consulted to stop the strife arising due to the Shuddhi Movement.
“From Ajmal Khan, Muhammad Ali, [and] Ansari.”
Consultation
After receiving the above telegram, a special meeting of majlis-e-shura was held. On his behalf, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] appointed Chaudhary Fateh Muhammad Khan[ra] MA (Head of Ahmadiyya Da‘wat-o-Tabligh Delegation), Chaudhary Zafrulla Khan[ra] BA (Barrister-at-Law), Maulvi Sheikh Abdul Rahman Misri and Sheikh Yaqub Ali[ra] (Editor Al Hakam) as his representatives and gave them necessary instructions. Both the Chaudharys, [Chaudhary Fateh Muhammad(ra)] in Agra and [Chaudhary Zafrulla Khan(ra)] in Lahore, were informed by a telegram to join the delegation. The remaining two companions[ra] left for Delhi from Qadian on 17 September 1923 and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gave them the following letter for the Muslim leaders:
Letter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II
“In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
“Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Prophetsa
“To, Honourable Hakeem Sahib, Maulvi Sahib and Doctor Sahib,
“assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!
“We received your telegram. After your request, I am sending Chaudhary Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahib[ra] MA (Head of Ahmadiyya Da‘wat-o-Tabligh Delegation), Chaudhary Zafrulla Khan Sahib[ra] BA (Barrister-at-Law), Maulvi Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sahib Misri and Sheikh Yaqub Ali Sahib[ra] (Editor Al Hakam). As far as I have been able to understand the message of your telegram, I have given them all the instructions regarding the Shuddhi Movement. If any question arises [in your mind] and my representatives do not know my stance, they will enquire from me and inform you. I can assure you that our Jamaat is eager for not only Hindu-Muslim unity but worldwide unity as well. One of our great objectives is to eradicate division and disunity from the world. However, it is all the more important for us that the root cause of the disagreement be identified first and that means be provided by which permanent peace and harmony can be established. Consequently, it can bring about peace among all the nations of the world. On the other hand, it should not be that such peace is achieved that is not long-lasting or that would result in another conflict.
“I hope that you will also agree with us in this endeavour and do your best to achieve it.
“Mirza Mahmud Ahmad,
“Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya [1923].”
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 21 September 1923 issue of Al Fazl)
