From new convert to missionary
Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib [Mr P Nathaniel Jonson], a new convert to Islam, was among those who had the opportunity to accept Islam through the efforts of Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib [ra]. After embracing Islam, he devoted himself to studying its teachings. From the very beginning, he possessed a remarkable zeal for the tabligh [preaching] of Islam. As his understanding of Islamic teachings deepened, this enthusiasm continued to grow until he eventually dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the spread of Islam. God Almighty granted him success in these efforts.
The fruits of tabligh
Accordingly, among the approximately 400 individuals whom we see standing under the banner of Islam in the American newspaper The St. Louis Star, the majority are the result of Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib’s sincere and tireless efforts.
Appointed as an imam in St. Louis
When Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib [ra] returned from America to India, he appointed Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib as the imam for St. Louis. With this responsibility placed upon him, his efforts increased even further and he became more actively engaged than ever in preaching and spreading Islam.
Edification of new converts
Sheikh Sahib is of Arab descent, although he was born in America. He teaches the Arabic language to all new converts and personally assigns them their Islamic names in Arabic. In addition to St. Louis, special missions for tabligh under his supervision were also established in Richmond Heights, St. Louis County and East St. Louis. May God Almighty bless his efforts and place abundant blessings in his work.
In its evening edition of 27 May 1926, The St. Louis Star, under the headline “Jesus Christ is buried in India”, wrote [translated from the Urdu source]:
In exactly the same manner as prayers are offered in a mosque in Arabia or Syria, the Muslims of St. Louis stood upright in their small centre at 2636 Olive Street, facing the sacred city of Mecca. Raising their hands to their ears, they proclaimed in a melodious, unified voice, “Allahu Akbar” [God is the Greatest]. This marked the beginning of the prayer, during which each stage was accompanied by a change in posture. First, the raised hands were lowered and folded across the chest. They were then placed upon the knees before each worshipper returned to an upright position. Next, each person prostrated, placing his forehead upon the ground. Finally, the prayer concluded with the words, “As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” [Peace and the mercy of God be upon you]. The prayer, however, could not be offered until every participant had first performed ablution and removed his shoes.
After the prayer concluded, Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib, who was in charge of the mission, delivered a sermon explaining the teachings and beliefs of Islam. He stated that Muhammad [sa] is the chief of the Prophets, while Jesus [as] and all other Prophets and Messengers are likewise deserving of honour and reverence. He further explained that the Holy Quran was revealed to unite all people and therefore Muslims should not concern themselves with distinctions and divisions based on race, colour, religion or nationality.
He then stated that Jesus [as] is not alive, but passed away at the age of 120 years. According to his address, after the incident of the crucifixion, Jesus [as] spent the remainder of his life in India, where, following his death, he was buried in Srinagar, (Kashmir).
However, the Bible states that he was buried in the garden of Joseph of Arimathea, situated just outside Jerusalem, very near the place where he was crucified.
Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib instructs every person who newly embraces Islam to remain steadfast in obeying both the laws of the government under which they live and all the commandments of the Holy Quran.
He also emphasises the observance of the five daily prayers, offered facing the qiblah.
Speaking to a reporter, he explained that the Holy Quran presents the teachings of all previous Prophets, including Buddha, Rama, Moses and Jesus [peace be on them] and at the same time proclaims that none is worthy of worship except God Almighty.
Commenting on the word jihad, he said that it simply means striving in the cause of righteousness and virtuous deeds. However, its meaning and significance have been grossly misrepresented, as though it refers only to warfare and fighting. In reality, Islam strongly opposes bloodshed and prohibits it in every form except where defensive necessity requires it.
Thus far, 380 people have joined him [i.e. accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat]. In addition to St. Louis, missionary centres under his supervision had also been established in Richmond Heights, St. Louis County and East St. Louis, where they were engaged in preaching and spreading [the message of Islam].
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 27 July 1926 issue of Al Fazl)