![What an American Christian missionary witnessed in Qadian (1925)
The renowned and well-known Christian missionary, Dr [Samuel Marinus] Zwemer, in one of his articles titled Islam in India, published in the magazine, The Church Missionary Review of London, makes mention of his visit to Qadian and writes as follows:
“Our reception was most cordial. In fact, they had sent to meet us at another railway station and invited us to spend days instead of hours.
“My friend, Dr Muhammad Sadiq of Detroit and Chicago, was in evidence and apologised that he could offer us no ‘rocking-chair and honey-dew melons.’ They gave us of their best and we saw all there was to see printing presses, mailing bureau, post office, theological school, girls’ and boys’ schools, a busy hive of propagandism (tabligh-o-isha‘at).
“Not only is The Review of Religions published here, but three other magazines; and correspondence is carried on with London, Paris, Berlin, Chicago, Singapore, and all the Near East; pigeon-holes filled with possibilities; shelves crowded with encyclopedias, dictionaries, and anti-Christian philosophies; an armoury to prove the impossible; a credulous faith that almost removes mountains.”
Salvation and the Prince of Peace
In its latest announcement, The International Bible Students’ Association of London states:
“All over the earth there rises a cry for freedom. The peoples of the world are realising as never before a need for deliverance from their limitations and their heavy burdens, and there is everywhere a restlessness such as has never before been experienced in human history.”
They further declare that “the recent and present world events, including the British and Jewish activity in connection with Palestine,” clearly indicate that “the time of deliverance has come,” and “that it is to be confidently expected that this year will see a very marked development of God’s purposes.”
We are in full agreement with all of this. But the pressing question remains: where is the Promised Prince of Peace? If this remains unknown to you, then know that he has already appeared. It is none other than Ahmadas of Qadian, who came in the spirit and power of Jesusas, in fulfilment of the Biblical prophecies. He unequivocally declares that no other shall come, and that all further waiting shall be in vain.
New convert
[Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra states:]
“In a town called Aurora in America resides the renowned poetess Miss Mary Amelia Hunt, a highly accomplished and celebrated literary figure. She is the author and compiler of several books and has been appointed as Poet Laureate in her region. I have been in correspondence with this distinguished lady for nearly twenty years. For a long time, her words of praise for The Review of Religions and the book The [Philosophy of the] Teachings of Islam were regularly published.
“During my stay in America, Miss Hunt provided considerable support to the work of our mission. She frequently participated in our gatherings and events. Despite this longstanding relationship, for various reasons Miss Hunt had not, until recently, formally embraced Islam. However, in the most recent mail received from abroad, a letter from Miss Hunt arrived in which she has submitted her request for bai‘at (initiation) to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra].
“May Allah the Almighty grant her steadfastness. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih has given this new convert the name Safiyyah. All praise belongs to Allah.”
London
“During the period I was in London, a lady – Miss Clara Carden – had accepted Islam. She was given the name Jameelah. She currently resides in Liverpool with her Muslim husband, and they have two sons. In a letter to Sheikh Abdul Hameed Sahib, an Ahmadi accountant based in Lahore, Jameelah writes:
“‘When I took my eldest son to enrol him in school, I told the headmaster that I am a Muslim and that my son should not be taught the Bible. At first, he refused to believe me, repeatedly insisting that it was impossible – that I could not be a Muslim – and insisted my child would receive a Christian education like the other children. When I persisted, it led to a discussion comparing Islam and Christianity. I presented arguments in favour of Islam, demonstrating that it possesses attributes absent in Christianity. At that point, the headmaster appeared embarrassed and fell silent. The state of moral and practical conduct among Christians in this country is deeply degraded – so much so that entire books could be written on the subject.” – Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, Qadian
Tabligh in India
[Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra states]:
“In the previous article, it was stated that the Hindu nation fundamentally relies on codes of conduct and civilisational customs rather than on theological doctrines. It was further noted that the true foundation of Hindu society lies in the unity and commonality of its rituals and cultural practices, while theological beliefs are considered secondary. As long as there is uniformity and harmony in rituals and civilisation, differences in religious doctrines are not regarded as problematic within Hindu society.
“Previously, I provided examples of various sects within Hinduism. However, readers may be surprised to learn that certain Hindu communities are, in their core beliefs, actually Muslim, yet due to adherence to traditional Indian customs, they are counted among the Hindus – and this is accepted without objection. For instance, the difficulties we faced regarding the Malkana community stem from the fact that, doctrinally, they are Muslims but continue to observe Indian rituals. Hence, Hindus have persistently sought to classify them as Hindus based on cultural origins, while Muslims have regarded them as Muslims in light of their theological orientation.
“A similar case is that of the Agha Khanis, who, in belief, are Muslims of the Shia denomination. They profess faith in the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Alira, and all the imams of the Ismaili branch. However, due to their observance of Hindu rituals, they are often absorbed within Hindu society. Now that an era of investigation and re-evaluation has begun, some among them are reverting to Hinduism, while many – like the Malkanas – are formally declaring their acceptance of Islam.
“There are also communities such as the Shamsis, Pir-Parasts, and Sarwarai Hindus who, while remaining within the Hindu fold, believe in Muslim saints, abstain entirely from eating pork, and consume only meat slaughtered according to Islamic rites. Similarly, the Hindu Jats of Punjab, who have not yet embraced Sikhism, also belong to such Islam-influenced Hindu sects.
“Since these sects have been mentioned, it is important to note that preaching Islam to such communities is remarkably easy, and they often accept Islam readily. These individuals firmly believe that Muslims are divinely guided and that Allah frequently answers their prayers. As a result, they venerate Muslim saints, offer tributes at their graves, and at times, even accept food directly from the custodians of Sufi shrines. While their motivations are often worldly, a profound impression of Islam has long been imprinted on their souls, and for generations, they have maintained reverence for Muslim saints. Consequently, they are not unfamiliar with Islamic values or personalities.
“Therefore, those who seek to propagate Islam among the broader Hindu population should first identify such individuals in their vicinity, develop amicable relations with them, and then gently and lovingly guide them toward the light of Islam. When they come to see that you have a genuine relationship with God, that you sincerely wish well for humanity, and that your prayers are often accepted, then – insha-Allah – they will surely accept Islam.
“Thus, a confrontational or argumentative approach to preaching should never be adopted with such people. Instead, efforts should be made to bring them to Qadian, as meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih can have a transformative, almost miraculous effect upon them. Due to the rising tide of the Hindu nationalist movement, the number of such individuals is gradually declining. Nonetheless, a perceptive missionary of Islam still has ample opportunity to work within these communities. These individuals are found among various castes and professions, including Hindu Rajputs, Jats, Senis, Chamars, Sunars, and others. Interestingly, women in these groups are often more spiritually inclined than men.
“I once spoke to a Hindu who was a devotee of Sakhi Sarwar. When I inquired, he admitted, “Yes, I revere Sakhi Sarwar.” I replied, “It is essential to also revere the master of your pir. The pir of your pir was Muhammadsa, whose declaration of faith (kalimah) is recited by all Muslims. Would it not be wonderful if you, too, affirmed that kalimah?” He responded, “I do not deny him.” When approached in such a manner, these individuals do not take offence – and by the grace of Allah, success in such efforts is quite likely.”
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 18, 21, 25 & 28 July 1925 issue of Al Fazl)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alhakam.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F03%2F1-2.png&w=3840&q=75)
The renowned and well-known Christian missionary, Dr [Samuel Marinus] Zwemer, in one of his articles titled Islam in India, published in the magazine, The Church Missionary Review of London, makes mention of his visit to Qadian and writes as follows:
“Our reception was most cordial. In fact, they had sent to meet us at another railway station and invited us to spend days instead of hours.
“My friend, Dr Muhammad Sadiq of Detroit and Chicago, was in evidence and apologised that he could offer us no ‘rocking-chair and honey-dew melons.’ They gave us of their best and we saw all there was to see printing presses, mailing bureau, post office, theological school, girls’ and boys’ schools, a busy hive of propagandism (tabligh-o-isha‘at).
“Not only is The Review of Religions published here, but three other magazines; and correspondence is carried on with London, Paris, Berlin, Chicago, Singapore, and all the Near East; pigeon-holes filled with possibilities; shelves crowded with encyclopedias, dictionaries, and anti-Christian philosophies; an armoury to prove the impossible; a credulous faith that almost removes mountains.”
Salvation and the Prince of Peace
In its latest announcement, The International Bible Students’ Association of London states:
“All over the earth there rises a cry for freedom. The peoples of the world are realising as never before a need for deliverance from their limitations and their heavy burdens, and there is everywhere a restlessness such as has never before been experienced in human history.”
They further declare that “the recent and present world events, including the British and Jewish activity in connection with Palestine,” clearly indicate that “the time of deliverance has come,” and “that it is to be confidently expected that this year will see a very marked development of God’s purposes.”
We are in full agreement with all of this. But the pressing question remains: where is the Promised Prince of Peace? If this remains unknown to you, then know that he has already appeared. It is none other than Ahmadas of Qadian, who came in the spirit and power of Jesusas, in fulfilment of the Biblical prophecies. He unequivocally declares that no other shall come, and that all further waiting shall be in vain.
New convert
[Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra states:]
“In a town called Aurora in America resides the renowned poetess Miss Mary Amelia Hunt, a highly accomplished and celebrated literary figure. She is the author and compiler of several books and has been appointed as Poet Laureate in her region. I have been in correspondence with this distinguished lady for nearly twenty years. For a long time, her words of praise for The Review of Religions and the book The [Philosophy of the] Teachings of Islam were regularly published.
“During my stay in America, Miss Hunt provided considerable support to the work of our mission. She frequently participated in our gatherings and events. Despite this longstanding relationship, for various reasons Miss Hunt had not, until recently, formally embraced Islam. However, in the most recent mail received from abroad, a letter from Miss Hunt arrived in which she has submitted her request for bai‘at (initiation) to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra].
“May Allah the Almighty grant her steadfastness. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih has given this new convert the name Safiyyah. All praise belongs to Allah.”
London
“During the period I was in London, a lady – Miss Clara Carden – had accepted Islam. She was given the name Jameelah. She currently resides in Liverpool with her Muslim husband, and they have two sons. In a letter to Sheikh Abdul Hameed Sahib, an Ahmadi accountant based in Lahore, Jameelah writes:
“‘When I took my eldest son to enrol him in school, I told the headmaster that I am a Muslim and that my son should not be taught the Bible. At first, he refused to believe me, repeatedly insisting that it was impossible – that I could not be a Muslim – and insisted my child would receive a Christian education like the other children. When I persisted, it led to a discussion comparing Islam and Christianity. I presented arguments in favour of Islam, demonstrating that it possesses attributes absent in Christianity. At that point, the headmaster appeared embarrassed and fell silent. The state of moral and practical conduct among Christians in this country is deeply degraded – so much so that entire books could be written on the subject.” – Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, Qadian
Tabligh in India
[Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra states]:
“In the previous article, it was stated that the Hindu nation fundamentally relies on codes of conduct and civilisational customs rather than on theological doctrines. It was further noted that the true foundation of Hindu society lies in the unity and commonality of its rituals and cultural practices, while theological beliefs are considered secondary. As long as there is uniformity and harmony in rituals and civilisation, differences in religious doctrines are not regarded as problematic within Hindu society.
“Previously, I provided examples of various sects within Hinduism. However, readers may be surprised to learn that certain Hindu communities are, in their core beliefs, actually Muslim, yet due to adherence to traditional Indian customs, they are counted among the Hindus – and this is accepted without objection. For instance, the difficulties we faced regarding the Malkana community stem from the fact that, doctrinally, they are Muslims but continue to observe Indian rituals. Hence, Hindus have persistently sought to classify them as Hindus based on cultural origins, while Muslims have regarded them as Muslims in light of their theological orientation.
“A similar case is that of the Agha Khanis, who, in belief, are Muslims of the Shia denomination. They profess faith in the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Alira, and all the imams of the Ismaili branch. However, due to their observance of Hindu rituals, they are often absorbed within Hindu society. Now that an era of investigation and re-evaluation has begun, some among them are reverting to Hinduism, while many – like the Malkanas – are formally declaring their acceptance of Islam.
“There are also communities such as the Shamsis, Pir-Parasts, and Sarwarai Hindus who, while remaining within the Hindu fold, believe in Muslim saints, abstain entirely from eating pork, and consume only meat slaughtered according to Islamic rites. Similarly, the Hindu Jats of Punjab, who have not yet embraced Sikhism, also belong to such Islam-influenced Hindu sects.
“Since these sects have been mentioned, it is important to note that preaching Islam to such communities is remarkably easy, and they often accept Islam readily. These individuals firmly believe that Muslims are divinely guided and that Allah frequently answers their prayers. As a result, they venerate Muslim saints, offer tributes at their graves, and at times, even accept food directly from the custodians of Sufi shrines. While their motivations are often worldly, a profound impression of Islam has long been imprinted on their souls, and for generations, they have maintained reverence for Muslim saints. Consequently, they are not unfamiliar with Islamic values or personalities.
“Therefore, those who seek to propagate Islam among the broader Hindu population should first identify such individuals in their vicinity, develop amicable relations with them, and then gently and lovingly guide them toward the light of Islam. When they come to see that you have a genuine relationship with God, that you sincerely wish well for humanity, and that your prayers are often accepted, then – insha-Allah – they will surely accept Islam.
“Thus, a confrontational or argumentative approach to preaching should never be adopted with such people. Instead, efforts should be made to bring them to Qadian, as meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih can have a transformative, almost miraculous effect upon them. Due to the rising tide of the Hindu nationalist movement, the number of such individuals is gradually declining. Nonetheless, a perceptive missionary of Islam still has ample opportunity to work within these communities. These individuals are found among various castes and professions, including Hindu Rajputs, Jats, Senis, Chamars, Sunars, and others. Interestingly, women in these groups are often more spiritually inclined than men.
“I once spoke to a Hindu who was a devotee of Sakhi Sarwar. When I inquired, he admitted, “Yes, I revere Sakhi Sarwar.” I replied, “It is essential to also revere the master of your pir. The pir of your pir was Muhammadsa, whose declaration of faith (kalimah) is recited by all Muslims. Would it not be wonderful if you, too, affirmed that kalimah?” He responded, “I do not deny him.” When approached in such a manner, these individuals do not take offence – and by the grace of Allah, success in such efforts is quite likely.”
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 18, 21, 25 & 28 July 1925 issue of Al Fazl)