A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian
Awwab Saad Hayat, Al Hakam
“I am lost in wonder when I see how Qadian was a small, anonymous settlement in the past, and today, due to the emergence of the Ahmadiyya [Jamaat], it has become the home of muhajirun [emigrants] and devotees, and a vast city with about 8 thousand people.” – Mahmood Khairuddin
It is recorded in the Jamaat’s literature that a famous writer of Damascus, Mahmood Khairuddin, editor of the journal, Wafa’ al-Arab, came to India, Qadian, and met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. His stay in Qadian lasted for three days, during which he learned about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
When he returned, he published a detailed article in his journal Wafa’ al-Arab, dated 29 Dhul Hajj 1339 AH, which was translated and published in the 20 October 1931 issue of Al Fazl by Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib Maulvi Fazil.
He had the chance to learn about the Jamaat and ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra questions on an array of matters. Most of the questions were related to the Hindu-Muslim conflict. Mahmood Khairuddin wrote in his journey:
“As I safely arrived in Bombay, I felt the desire to meet Ustaz [master] Syed Zainul Abidin Shah Sahib, Nazir Dawat wa Tabligh Silsala Ahmadiyya, due to his natural disposition of love, which is deposited in his nature and because most well-known people of Islamic countries are acquainted with him. I also wanted to visit Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad Sahib, Khalifatul Masih, so I may meet him and find out about Ahmadiyya, which has spread rapidly in Islamic countries.
“I reached Qadian after a 50-hour car journey and arrived at the house of the aforementioned Shah Sahib [Syed Zainul Abidin Shah Sahib] who was present and greeted me very politely and said, ‘اهلا و سهلا و مرحبا’ [greetings of welcome in Arabic] and made arrangements for my accommodation.
“I stayed with him for three days. During this time, Ustaz showed me the Ahmadiyya administrative offices of Ahmadiyya and Madrasahs – which were in no way inferior to the offices of a regular government in terms of management. I am lost in wonder when I see how Qadian was a small, anonymous settlement in the past and today, due to the emergence of the Ahmadiyya [Jamaat], it has become the home of muhajirun [emigrants] and devotees, and a vast city with about 8 thousand people.”
“I was also told by the respected Ustaz [Syed Zainul Abidin Shah Sahib] that mubashireen and mubaligheen of the Jamaat were making efforts to preach in every corner of the world. As so, there is no notable place in the world that does not have Liwa Ahmadiyyat flag bearers. Even in Western countries, intelligent, educated people have been convinced of the truthfulness of the true religion [Islam] by Ahmadi preachers.
“When I came to know amirs and secretaries of various branches of jamaats [under markaz] sent monthly reports of their preaching, organisational, and educational activities to the relevant central offices – from where it is conveyed to the Nazrat Uliya – the significance of the organisational efforts of this Jamaat increased in my heart, as the organisation of any community remains incomplete without the performance of these matters.
[Meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]
“I conveyed my desire to respected Ustaz [that I’d like to] meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. After making proper arrangements, he informed me that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih approved the request for mulaqat. When I arrived [for the mulaqat] at the appointed time, he [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II] got up from his place, smiled and greeted me in a pleasant mood and congratulated me on my safe arrival.
“His complexion is brownish, he is of medium height, has dark and extremely beautiful eyes, which express ingenuity and intelligence. He is fully versed in Arabic. He is loved by his own people as well as by non-Ahmadis, despite severe [religious] disagreements.
“During the conversation, he inquired about the important political issues of Syria, to which I submitted, ‘although the French are willing to give some rights to the Syrians, the political situation in the country still seems to be a bit shaky.’
[Discourse on Indian Political Science]
“Sensing the opportunity during the meeting, I inquired, ‘What is your opinion on the political insurgency in India? And will the British Government give [people] their rights after this struggle?’
“Responding, he said: ‘Surely, such rights which are suitable for both parties shall have to be given by the government. It is the strong desire of the government to resolve mutual misunderstanding and mistrust. Therefore, a meeting of the country’s leaders has been organised for this purpose to discuss and analyse Indian affairs and the national interest and then make a settlement, the result of which shall certainly be useful.’
[Hindu-Muslim Conflicts]
“Then I said, ‘we often hear about Hindu-Muslim disputes and debates, what are the causes of these mutual differences?’
“‘He said: The Hindu-Muslim issue is more severe than the issue that was between the Copts of Egypt and the Israelites during the reign of Pharaoh. […]
Moving on from questions regarding the Hindu-Muslim political situation, beliefs of Hindus, etc. The guest asked Huzoorra:
“‘We often hear about your respected community, but we do not know anything about many matters. Will you inform me of such facts that I can present as a gift to my countrymen?’
“Upon this, [Huzoorra] said: ‘Our Jamaat strictly adheres to the sharia, the Quran and the ahadith and we do not deviate from them. The truth is that Quranic verses and the Prophetic ahadith are conclusive proofs of the appearance of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace. His advent disseminated the true religion of Islam.’
“‘Alhamdulillah, most wise people and scholars from Arab and Western countries have entered this divine community through the efforts of our preachers. We aim to defend Islam from evil propaganda which is centred on insulting our Prophet, may the peace blessings of Allah be upon him, and gather the whole world to the one religion. It is our duty and the duty of the entire Islamic nation to stand against all opponents of Islam.
[Population of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat]
“When I [Mahmood Khairuddin] asked what the population of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat would be, he responded, ‘I can’t tell you the exact figures, but I can say that it is more than 700,000 and is increasing at a fast pace, and most of the members of Ahmadiyya Jamaat have dedicated their lives to propagating and preaching [Islam]. We are hopeful, by God’s grace, that within a short time we shall be able to raise a large number of Ahmadis in Arab countries, etc.
“I said, ‘Do you have any plans to visit the Arab countries?
“He [Huzoorra] smiled and said: ‘Multiple occupations and other matters are obstacles in this; although the good manners of the Syrians have a deep impact on me.’
“At this point, our conversation ended, and I took my leave, thanking him for his explanation.
“He is considered to be among the top thinkers and top leaders of India. اكثر اللّٰه من امثاله [May Allah make many more like him].” (Al Fazl, 20 October 1931, pp. 6-7)