Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra (1894-1955)
London
Every Sunday, a regular lecture is held at [the Ahmadiyya mission] house [in London]. On this particular Sunday, the lecture focused on “Christian Science,” and was delivered by Brother Zafar Haq Khan Sahib.
Among the attendees was Mrs Husna Clark, an intelligent and well-educated lady who is the niece of Syed Wazarat Hussain Sahib, president of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat Munger. She has recently shown an inclination towards “Christian Science.” Every possible effort is being made to redirect her attention from that movement towards Islam. If she were to embrace Islam, she could, in time, make a valuable contribution to the education of our girls.
Lecture on “The status of women in Islam”
On Friday, Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib[ra] MA delivered a lecture on “The status of women in Islam” at the Chatham Theosophical Society, a town situated three miles from London and adjoining two other towns.
Earlier, in May of the previous year, the same society had invited him to speak on “The Holy Prophetsa and his teachings.”
The lecture lasted for 50 minutes, and the majority of the audience comprised women, as the topic directly concerned them. Malik Sahib[ra] divided his lecture into two parts: In the first part, he discussed the position of women at the time of the Holy Prophet’ssa advent, in various countries such as Iran, India, Greece, Rome, and Arabia. He also explained the treatment and status accorded to women by different religions before Islam – namely, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Paganism.
The Islamic perspective on women
In the second part, he presented in detail the Islamic viewpoint regarding women, emphasising their moral, spiritual, and social equality with men. While explaining the man’s relative authority in domestic matters, Malik Sahib[ra] clarified that Islam has imposed numerous restrictions upon men to prevent any misuse of this limited authority. He cited several verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that enjoin men to treat women with kindness and compassion.
Reaction and reception
A Unitarian Church minister who attended the lecture expressed great appreciation, stating that although he had studied Islamic literature, he had never encountered such a clear and balanced exposition of Islam’s teachings regarding women. He further expressed that he will arrange Malik Sahib’s[ra] lecture at his church.
After the lecture, a question-and-answer session followed, during which the audience continued their discussion with Malik Sahib[ra] until the secretary reminded them that his train to London – the last one of the day – was about to depart. The organisers also provided him with travel expenses.
A representative of the Chatham News and several women present at the event took detailed notes of the lecture, reflecting the keen interest it generated among the attendees.
Meeting with Dr Annie Besant
Last Friday, I accompanied Sheikh Yaqub Ali Sahib[ra] to a meeting with Dr Annie Besant. During the discussion, various matters concerning the Ahmadiyya Jamaat were brought up. Copies of Ahmadiyyat, [The Philosophy of the] Teachings of Islam and several other books were presented to her. Dr Besant expressed her regret that there exists very little literature on Islam in the English language, whereas other communities – particularly the Hindus – have widely disseminated their ideas in English.
Wassalam, Dard.
Damascus
Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shamsra (1901-1966)
Between 30 July and 10 September [1925], we met with nearly one hundred individuals. In every meeting, we discussed matters related to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Among those we met were religious scholars, newly educated young men, teachers from religious madrasas, and other respected figures of the city.
Apparently, no one expressed opposition; in fact, many appeared to appreciate our views. However, some clerics have now begun opposing the message, particularly engaging in debates concerning the issues of revelation and prophethood.
Early success and new converts
By the grace of Allah, four individuals have thus far joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Among them: One is a devout and zealous young man, deeply interested in preaching the message of Islam. Another is the editor of a weekly newspaper, a man of great ability whose books refuting Christianity are well regarded in this region.
May Allah the Almighty grant all of them steadfastness and make them a means of progress and blessing for the Jamaat, amin.
Press coverage
In addition to these efforts, [Syed Zain-ul-Abidin] Shah Sahib[ra] has published several articles in support of the Jamaat in various newspapers. He has also got printed the full text of a dialogue held with a journalist of the Wadi al-Burda newspaper. We extend our gratitude to the editor of Wadi al-Burda for publishing this dialogue in full.
The conversation has also been printed separately in two thousand copies, which are being distributed across Syria and Palestine – some have already been disseminated, while the remainder will, God willing, be distributed soon.
A public announcement has also been made in the press, inviting anyone who wishes to learn about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to contact us directly.
Ongoing outreach and local conditions
Almost every day, discussions about the Jamaat take place – some visitors come to our residence of their own accord, while at other times we visit others to convey the message of truth. However, due to the ongoing conflict between the inhabitants of Jabal al-Druze and the French forces, the villages are unsafe, and we have therefore been unable to initiate any rural preaching activities thus far. It is reported that Christian missionaries have already gained influence in the villages and have made some converts, while the Muslims, unfortunately, remain negligent of tabligh (preaching).
Humbly requesting prayers, Jalaluddin, Damascus.
Address: Through Syed Zainul Abideen Safadi (Atthami)
West Africa
Hakeem Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib (1901-1955)
On 11 August [1925], I departed from here [Saltpond, Africa], accompanied by Mr BE Keelson, travelling via Sekondi Railway Station towards Ashanti. In Sekondi, I stayed as a guest of Lala Ram Brothers, whose factory manager received me with great affection and courtesy.
On 13 August, I arrived at Fomena via motor lorry from Akrokyere Station. At the railway station, I was warmly received by my devoted friend and zealous missionary of Islam, Abu Bakr Sahib, Amir of the Fomena Jamaat, along with another sincere friend named Suleman.
Outside the town, the members of the Jamaat welcomed me most cordially, and I took residence in a government bungalow situated on a hill. There I met the pagan chief, who is ruler over a large state and a close personal friend of mine.
Public lectures and discussions
The chief arranged a public lecture, during which I spoke extensively on the excellences of Islam and the impractical nature of Christianity as a religion. At the conclusion of the lecture, I invited questions from the audience, but none came forward to challenge. Later, some idol-worshippers and Christians visited my residence with questions, to which they received satisfactory answers before departing. I also delivered a lecture in a nearby village, but on both occasions, heavy rainfall prevented large gatherings of people.
Preaching in Bekwai and Pramso
On 17 August, I left Fomena and arrived at Bekwai Station, from where I was to proceed to Pramso. At Bekwai, besides members of our Jamaat, a non-Ahmadi chief and his followers came to greet me. They expressed their sincerity not only through hospitality – serving food and tea – but also by offering a monetary contribution.
In return, I offered them spiritual tea and heavenly wealth, delivering a clear message regarding the advent of the Promised Messiahas, and inviting them to accept Ahmadiyyat. I also met the chief of the town, who, without my request, ordered a public announcement to gather people for my lecture. I then delivered a one-hour address, elaborating on the death of Jesus, the advent of the second Messiah, and the living and perfect nature of Islam. At the conclusion, several Christians posed questions, which I duly answered.
Arrival in Kumasi and meeting with the Ashanti Ruler
On 18 August, I reached Pramso, where I stayed for two days before travelling to Kumasi. There, I preached Islam to both non-Ahmadis and Christians. Kumasi was once the capital of a powerful kingdom, whose ruler had been subdued and exiled by the British.
After 28 years in exile, he had recently been allowed to return under government supervision. Through the courtesy of the Chief Commissioner, I had the opportunity to meet the ruler personally. I openly invited him to embrace Islam and introduced him to several Ahmadi friends from various parts of the Ashanti region, whose presence he acknowledged with appreciation and gratitude.
Although originally a pagan, the ruler had adopted Christianity during his exile and had now become a refined man.
Return to Saltpond and achievements of the journey
On 27 August, I returned to Saltpond. Throughout this journey, the amirs and several devoted members of the Jamaats in Fomena, Pramso, and other areas accompanied me.
May Allah the Almighty reward them abundantly. The primary purpose of this journey was to strengthen the organisational structure and coordination of the Jamaat members, and by the grace of Allah, substantial success was achieved in this endeavour.
Humbly yours, Fazl-ur-Rahman Hakeem.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 17 October 1925 issue of Al Fazl)