Meetings with educational figures and address to students
On 1 May 1926, after Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in congregation, Sheikh Nur Ilahi Sahib (inspector of schools) came for a meeting. They remained engaged for a considerable time in discussion on various matters.
Following the Maghrib and Isha prayers, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] proceeded, at the request of the students of the Ahmadiyya Hostel, to attend one of their gatherings.
Under the chairmanship of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, Qazi Muhammad Aslam MA, a professor at Government College, delivered a speech in English on the subjects of religion and morality. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] expressed great appreciation for the professor’s speech. After Professor Aslam Sahib concluded his speech, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] himself rose to speak and delivered an hour-long lecture in which he offered the students highly beneficial and practical counsel.
Visitors from various regions
On 2 May 1926, as it was Sunday, a large number of friends arrived to pay their respects to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih from places including Mian Mir, Gujrat, Ferozepur and Rawalpindi, as well as from numerous villages. In the morning, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] graciously granted them audience and blessed them with his company for several hours.
During the course of the conversation, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] remarked that he would often put forward a question to the Shiites concerning the doctrine of taqiyyah (dissimulation under threat). He would ask whether taqiyyah, when practised in circumstances of danger, ought to be regarded as something superior or inferior. If they answered that it was inferior, then, [according to their own beliefs], an allegation would arise against Hazrat Ali (ra). If, however, they claimed it to be superior, then the same objection would apply to Hazrat Hussain (ra). [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) explained] that, according to Shiite belief, Hazrat Ali (ra) pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Uthman (ra) as an act of taqiyyah, [although they maintain that] he himself was the immediate and rightful successor [of the Holy Prophet (sa)].
Thus, if taqiyyah was something inferior, why did Hazrat Ali (ra) adopt it? Conversely, if it was something superior, then why did Hazrat Hussain (ra) not preserve his own life through the same means by outwardly pledging allegiance [to the caliph of his time] as an act of taqiyyah?
Discussion on religious and political reform of Muslims
At approximately two o’clock, Mir Maqbool Mahmood (member of the council) arrived for a meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. After learning of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s views and methods regarding the religious and political reform of Muslims, he was deeply impressed. He proposed that, if Hazrat Khalifatul Masih were to gather together certain individuals who were actively striving for the progress and reformation of Muslims and who also held him in sincere esteem, much benefit could be derived from Huzoor’s ideas and proposals.
Initiations into Islam Ahmadiyyat
After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, three individuals formally took the pledge of allegiance (bai‘at). Their names were as follows:
1. Ghulam Sarwar Sahib, Isa Khel
2. Mehr Muhammad Sahib, Dulmial
3. Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Chunian, Lahore
Following the bai‘at, one devotee submitted, with great emotion, that although they were people of limited means, they were ready to lay down their lives for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. He emphasised that this was no mere verbal claim; if ever required, he was prepared, with his own hands and without the slightest hesitation, to offer even his own blood and flesh in the service of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra].
Inquiry regarding a concealed bai‘at
A non-Ahmadi individual submitted the question that one of his relatives wished to enter into bai‘at, but owing to certain personal circumstances, he desired that his initiation remain undisclosed. He therefore inquired whether such a form of bai‘at would be permissible. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] replied that he could only reach a decision if the individual himself were to present his circumstances directly. Only then could it be determined whether his situation genuinely warranted permission for the pledge to remain unannounced. Without knowing the particulars of the case, Huzoor [ra] stated that he could not issue any ruling.
Meeting with Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew
At approximately four o’clock, Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew Sahib arrived from Amritsar to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. During the meeting, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] sought from him a detailed account concerning the organisation of the Muslims. Their discussion continued until nearly eight o’clock in the evening.
Visit of Arya Samaj representatives
During this same period, three gentlemen belonging to the Arya Samaj, one of whom was a preacher and lecturer of the movement, came to pay a visit to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. They explained that their sole purpose was to obtain “darshan” (an audience or viewing). After a brief conversation, they departed.
Visit of Professor Syed Abdul Qadir
Around the time of Maghrib, Syed Abdul Qadir Sahib, Professor at Islamia College, came to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. The professor held a special affection and deep regard for Huzoor [ra], who received him with great warmth and cordiality.
Professor Abdul Qadir Sahib expressed that he had only arrived from Amritsar that very day and was due to return on the evening train; otherwise, he would have come earlier. Since the time for the Maghrib prayer had arrived, the conversation remained brief before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih proceeded to lead the prayer.
New initiates into the Jamaat
After the prayer, six individuals entered into bai‘at. Their names were as follows:
1. Mian Nasiruddin (tailor), Railway Rd
2. Mian Bashir Ahmad (tailor), Railway Rd, Lahore
3. Mian Muhammad Saeed (third year), Islamia College
4. Syed Muhammad Ashraf Afghan
5. Mian Muhammad Umar (student), Railway School, Lahore
6. Munshi Ahmad Hussain Rohtasi, Lahore
Banquet hosted by the family of Mian Chiraghuddin
In the evening, the family of the late Mian Chiraghuddin Sahib, together with Mian Mirajuddin Sahib and others, hosted an elaborate banquet in honour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra], his companions and the other guests accompanying him.
After the meal, the guests were further entertained with an offering of fruits. This entire household, which by the grace of God is a large and distinguished family, possesses remarkable sincerity and devotion towards Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Their loyalty and affection were truly enviable. It was owing to this deep attachment that the family had consistently remained recipients of the special blessings and affection of the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) and [now] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] and continued to do so.
Another bai‘at
Following the banquet, another individual, Nazar Muhammad Qureshi of Lahore, formally entered into bai‘at and then, after carrying out dua (silent prayer), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] left the gathering.
Discussion with Maulvi Ismatullah Sahib
On 3 May 1926, at approximately eight o’clock in the morning, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] once again granted an audience to Maulvi Ismatullah Sahib. Maulvi Sahib raised questions concerning matters upon which extensive and detailed clarification had already repeatedly been provided and regarding which any reader of the Jamaat’s literature could easily acquaint himself. Nevertheless, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih continued answering his questions for nearly an hour.
Recovery of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s wife
The condition of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s first wife, whose health had suddenly deteriorated and become extremely alarming, improved by the grace of God Almighty. All cause for concern had now passed, alhamdulillah.
Bai‘at and meetings with prominent individuals
After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, an individual named Babu Muhammad Ali Sahib (train clerk, Moghalpura station) entered into bai‘at. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] granted an audience to Dr Muhammad Abdul Haq Sahib, who belonged to the family of Dr Karam Ilahi Sahib. Shortly afterwards, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] departed to attend a tea reception hosted in his honour at the residence of Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan, the younger brother of Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan. Upon returning, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih met with Mr Abdul Razzaq Sahib (barrister), nephew of the late Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib, as well as Malik Ghulam Muhammad Sahib.
Bai‘at and dinner
After the Maghrib and Isha prayers, another individual, Mr Muhammad Yusuf Sahib of Androon Mochi Gate, Lahore, took bai‘at. Subsequently, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra], accompanied by his companions, proceeded to attend a dinner hosted by Babu Abdul Hamid Sahib (railway auditor).
Approximately thirty guests had been invited by the host. Upon returning from the gathering, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih granted an audience to Dr Noor Muhammad Sahib.
Guidance for Ahmadi students
On 4 May 1926, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] graciously granted an audience to Ahmadi students studying in colleges and offered them several important pieces of advice and guidance.
In this connection, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih instructed Sufi Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Superintendent of the Ahmadiyya Hostel, that a register should be maintained for the hostel recording how many Ahmadi students enrolled each year and how many completed their examinations and departed. In this way, it would remain possible to monitor the rate at which the number of students was increasing.
Tea reception at Lahore Cantonment
At approximately five o’clock, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) attended a tea reception at the invitation of the Ahmadi members residing in the Lahore Cantonment. Several other companions accompanied him. The hosts served tea, biscuits and fruit. Following the refreshments, Dr Muhammad Rizwan Sahib expressed gratitude for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s visit, while Dr Abdul Aziz Khan recited one of his poems. Thereafter, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud [ra] delivered an address before returning to Lahore.
Morning meetings and religious discussions
On 5 May 1926, at approximately seven o’clock in the morning, Sheikh Maula Bakhsh Lyallpuri arrived to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). Thereafter, Dr Noor Muhammad Sahib continued seeking answers to a number of objections commonly raised by members of the Arya Samaj concerning Islamic teachings and doctrines. During this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] also met with Raja Rahimullah Khan, son of the late Khan Bahadur Raja Painda Khan.
Meeting with the Governor of Punjab
After three o’clock in the afternoon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] departed for a meeting with His Excellency, the Governor of Punjab.
Upon returning from this engagement, he held discussions on various matters with two distinguished officials from the Secretariat office.
Return from Lahore
On the night of 5 May 1926, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] departed from Lahore by the nine o’clock train. A large number of friends were present at the railway station to bid him farewell. Floral garlands were placed around his neck as a mark of affection and respect. At the Moghalpura Station, members of the jamaats of Lahore Cantonment and Mauza Gang were also present to obtain the honour of meeting him.
At the Amritsar station, members of the Amritsar Jamaat had an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. They had arranged charpoys and other necessities at the station. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra], together with his companions, spent the remainder of the night there before departing in the morning and returning to [Qadian], Darul Aman (Abode of Peace), where he arrived safely.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 7 & 11 May 1926 issue of Al Fazl)