In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, this time, with some more details
4 December 1888: On this day – 29 Rabi‘ al-Awal 1306 AH – the Promised Messiahas composed a lengthy letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and also sent copies of the letter to close friends in Ludhiana and Kapurthala. The contents of the letter explained the importance and different aspects of the prophecy pertaining to the Musleh-e-Maud (the Promised Reformer). The Promised Messiahas also responded to allegations people had raised at the time against the demise of Bashir Awal. This letter cleared a lot of the doubts, misunderstandings and allegations many people had regarding the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 73)
4 December 1898: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira and also prayed for him. The Promised Messiahas further wrote, “You must spare some time and meet with me every so often.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 235)
4 December 1903: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Chaudhry Ala Dadra and stated that he had read his letter from start to finish. With reference to Hazrat Chaudhry Sahib’s government job, Huzooras said that he should give precedence to the monthly salary of 25 rupees in Qadian as opposed to the monthly salary of 50 rupees for the government job as God is the One Who provides and the door to His grace can never close. Also, Huzooras said to Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra that he would benefit from his company. Hazrat Chaudhry Ala Dadra was a resident of Shahpur, a town in India, who left his government job and relocated to Qadian, where he served in The Review of Religions’ office. He passed away at a young age. The Promised Messiahas, seeing his sacrifice and services to religion, had him buried in Bahishti Maqbarah and also led the funeral prayer. As he was known to be a very trustworthy man, friends would hand over their valuable possessions to him for safekeeping. Some friends would call him “amin-ul-millat”, the trustee of the people. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 363)
5 December 1891: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter from Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira, in which he stated that he had not been feeling well for the past few weeks. Huzooras further stated that he was praying for him and assured him that Allah would help him as He is All-Powerful. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 213)
6 December 1902: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahman’sra letter. In the letter, the Promised Messiahas elucidated important matters and explained the philosophy of religion. In this lengthy letter, Huzooras explained the meaning of the revelation he received:
رَبِّ کُلُّ شَیْءٍ خَادِمُکَ رَبِّ فَاحْفَظْنِیْ وَانْصُرْنِیْ وَارْحَمْنِیْ
“O my Lord, everything serves You. So, O my Lord, protect me, help me and have mercy on me.”
In the end, Huzooras wrote, “Patience is that alchemy, whose gold never ceases to exist. God causes one to face situations as trials; however, those who show patience and are loyal are enveloped with His love and such a one’s second state becomes better than the former.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 414)
7 December 1889: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. In the letter, the Promised Messiahas prayed for him and said that one should continuously recite prayers of seeking repentance (istighfar) as it repels calamities and protects one from misfortunes. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 569)
7 December 1889: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he expressed his gratitude and stated that he had received 100 rupees from him. The Promised Messiahas, in the letter, further mentioned that Maulvi Muhammad Hussain had deviated from the right path. Huzooras added that when one analyses oneself, instead of running after the material world, seeks forgiveness for their sins, then Allah grants them better insight in certain matters. Huzooras stated that even an apostate or an atheist can attain some knowledge and can gain the ability to partake in intellectual debates. However, Huzooras said that one should not feel proud simply in this matter. Man’s salvation lies only in his relation with Allah the Almighty; otherwise, having mere knowledge can never benefit anyone. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 89)
7 December 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar (announcement) titled “Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu” in which he explained the importance of Jalsa Salana. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 360)
7 December 1894: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he acknowledged the receipt of the 20 rupees he had sent and further stated that as the seasonal holidays were approaching, he should visit him in Qadian. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 607)
7 December 1897: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra. Huzooras expressed words of consolation and stated that he was busy praying for him. Huzooras wrote, “Despair not of Allah’s mercy and grace for He does not take long in showing His grace.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 357)
7 December 1907: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from his companion, Hazrat Syed Nasir Shahra, in which he mentioned that he was unable to reply to the letter earlier due to poor health. In this letter, the Promised Messiahas wrote, “Insha-Allah, I shall continue to pray. It is absolutely necessary that you, in these days of difficulties, frequently or even daily, continue to keep me updated. I am extremely concerned. Your letter has kept me worried.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 334)
8 December 1888: The Promised Messiahas, in his letter, reminded Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira to visit Qadian during the seasonal holidays. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 552)
8 December 1905: The Promised Messiahas shared his thoughts during a private sitting with companions about a separate graveyard for his followers. Huzooras stated, “I desire that a piece of land be acquired to serve as a graveyard, a monument and a reminder [to all that follow].”
Huzooras added, “It will be an impactful spectacle to see the [members of a] Jamaat who were united during their lifetime also united after their demise. This is very good … It is not an innovation to add inscriptions on gravestones; in fact, this serves as a reminder and every gravestone will serve as a piece of history of the Jamaat.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 586)
9 December 1894: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra. Huzooras expressed his gratitude for his financial sacrifice and further wrote, “You have occupied a warm place in my heart. I continuously pray for you in your absence and I also pray for your brothers, Salih Muhammad, Ali Muhammad and Yunus.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 334)
9 December 1897: On this date, Al Hakam (Vol. 1, no. 7, 9 December 1897, p. 5) reported that news was received from Qadian that members of the Jamaat ought to profusely recite the following prayer in the last rak‘ah of their Prayers after the ruku:
رَبَّنَاۤ اتِنَا فِی الدُّنۡیَا حَسَنَۃً وَّ فِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَنَۃً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 1, p. 6)
10 December 1892: The Promised Messiahas issued an open announcement to all clerics and religious authorities, which can be termed as the first call of mubahala (prayer duel). This was chosen as a decisive measure to reach a solution between him and his opponents. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 363)
10 December 1892: The Promised Messiahas wrote a lengthy letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra. In this letter, Huzooras narrated the purpose of establishing the Jamaat, Allah’s treatment with the Jamaat and shared details of a few prophecies and eradicated misconceptions with regard to the aforementioned prophecies. After removing some doubts in light of Quranic verses, Huzooras stated that though this letter was addressed to Nawab Sahibra, however many points had been written for the benefit of removing misconceptions that others may have also. This precious letter is cited in Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam (Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 331-358). (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 170)
10 December 1894: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira. Huzooras stated that he was pleased to receive his letter in which he mentioned that Allah the Almighty had saved him from a certain matter. Huzooras, in the letter, prayed that Allah the Almighty granted Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanauri Sahib’s father good health. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 222)
10 December 1894: The Promised Messiahas issued a handbill on this day for the eyes of the British Government, the Empress of India Queen Victoria, the governor general of India, lieutenant governor of Punjab and other concerned influential figures. This was published in Gulzar Muhammadi Press, Lahore and contained the rebuttal of an article titled, A Dangerous Fanatic, published in the Civil and Military Gazette on 24 October 1894. The article was about the Promised Messiahas and was misleading and deceitful. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 595)
10 December 1899: On this date, the Promised Messiahas said:
“It is my desire to write a book of teachings which Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib should then translate. This book will have three sections. The first section will be on our duties to Allah the Exalted; the second section will deal with the rights that we owe to our own souls and the third section will provide an exposition on the rights that we owe to humanity at large.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p. 105)
10 December 1899: The Promised Messiahas wrote to a sajjada nasheen (a term used within the sufi tradition for a successor or sufi master), Maulvi Sultan Mahmud Sahib, in which he gave a short, yet comprehensive introduction to his Jamaat and the status which Allah the Almighty granted him and his mission. After conveying his message in full, Huzooras stated:
“This is a proclamation from me to you. The responsibility for all those individuals who can accept the truth with a slight gesture by you, rests on your shoulders.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 483)
10 December 1901: The Promised Messiahas was extremely worried for the masses as the plague was claiming lives in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. On this day, out of sheer sympathy, he issued a written announcement in three languages, Arabic, Urdu and Persian, with a supplement in Pashto so that his message could reach as many locals as possible and they could safeguard themselves from this growing pandemic. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, pp. 537-553)