Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams (ra) (1901-1966)
Islam Ahmadiyyat and Arabs
The notion that the [Arab] people will readily accept our message is not correct, except what Allah the Almighty wills. The Promised Messiah (as) states in his book, Nur-ul-Haqq:
“O brothers! Know that the work of publishing books in the Arab world and conveying the profound knowledge contained in my books to the Arabs is no trivial matter; rather, it is a tremendous task. Only those who are qualified can accomplish it, for these obscure issues – over which I have been labelled a disbeliever and accused of lying – are no doubt difficult for the Arab ‘ulama in the way that they are difficult for the ‘ulama of this country. In particular, the people of the desert – who neither know the subtleties of the Faith nor ponder in the way they ought to – their understanding is superficial and their hearts are hasty, save a few of them, whose natures Allah has illumined, but they are rare.” [Nur-ul-Haqq (The Light of Truth Parts 1 & 2), p. 33]
Scholars of Damascus
The scholars here are more prejudiced than the Indian scholars because they believe that the Promised Messiah will descend here in Damascus. A tract entitled Shai’un min ‘Aqa’id al-Jama‘at al-Ahmadiyya was written, to which a certain Sheikh – who appears to be the very likeness of Maulvi Muhammad Husain Batalvi – published a reply, in which he freely indulged in abusive language. I quote one line in which he addresses me:
كُلُّ شَخْصٍ مِنْكُمْ كَافِرٌ، مُلْحِدٌ، مَجُوسِيٌّ، مُشْرِكٌ، كَذَّابٌ، مُفْتَرٍ، أَفَّاكٌ أَثِيمٌ۔
“Every one of you is a disbeliever, an atheist, a Magian, a polytheist, a liar, a fabricator, a great slanderer and a sinner.”
Upon reading this line, the following verse of the Promised Messiah (as) spontaneously came to my lips:
کافر و ملحد و دجال ہمیں کہتے ہیں
نام کیا کیا غم ملت میں رکھایا ہم نے
“They call us disbelievers, atheists and the Antichrist; what names have we not borne for the sake of the grief of the nation.” [Durr-e-Sameen, p. 16]
Challenges in Syria
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] also stated that our contest in Syria would take place and would be severe, but, insha-Allah, the eventual success would also be very great.
However, owing to the prevailing circumstances, there has not yet been an adequate opportunity to carry out the work of tabligh [preaching] to the fullest extent, such that the message could be conveyed comprehensively to every individual. Such an opportunity can arise only in conditions of peace.
Tracts and books
The tracts that were printed before the imposition of martial law are still being distributed. The books that Syed Zain-ul-Abidin Waliullah Shah Sahib [ra] made great efforts to have printed are likewise being distributed. To the extent possible, efforts are also being made to convey the message through personal meetings with people.
Preaching through correspondence
Through correspondence, I am also conveying the message in places outside Damascus. This has already borne fruit. A prominent scholar in Homs has expressed his willingness to accept the invitation of the Promised Messiah (as). He has requested books and tracts on two occasions and these have been sent to him. He has also given them to other friends to read. He has stated that they are spreading this message discreetly and that they also respond to those who raise objections.
Similarly, correspondence was being maintained with Al-Sayyid Ahmad Faiq al-Sa‘aqi in Nazareth. He is a righteous young man. He came to Damascus and took bai‘at [pledged allegiance] before returning to Nazareth. From there, he sent letters of bai‘at from four people, two of whom are merchants. He has written that the remaining individuals are also desirous that we come there and explain the detailed matters to them.
New members in Damascus
In Damascus itself, Allah the Almighty has enabled two women to enter the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Friends are requested to pray for the steadfastness of all these [new converts and supporters].
– Jalal-ud-Din, Damascus
Al Fazl, 10 August 1926
Opposition and tabligh in Sumatra
Although the religious scholars have issued a decree that Ahmadi books and writings should neither be read nor listened to and are making every possible effort to conceal the truth, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, continues to progress day by day.
Thus far, nearly 200 individuals across various regions have joined Islam Ahmadiyyat. Some of them are very enthusiastic about spreading the message of Islam, while others are publishing articles about the Jamaat in various newspapers.
Encounters with religious scholars
This week, I met and spoke with several religious scholars. When they were unable to provide arguments in response, they resorted to abuse. Witnessing their helplessness, some people of sound and sincere disposition have been astonished, asking why their religious scholars are unable to provide proper answers.
Dialogue with a Christian missionary
I also spoke with a Christian missionary. When he was unable to respond and became deeply embarrassed, he said, “You are not even Muslims, because all the Muslims have issued a decree declaring you disbelievers.” At that moment, however, my responses had made an impression upon the Muslims present and they all said, “No, he is a Muslim.”
After the Christian missionary had left, I said to the Muslims:
“Look at how these people are trying to extinguish the radiance of Islam. Is it still not time for all of you to unite in the service of Islam and enter into the servitude of the Promised Messiah (as)? For no one except the Ahmadis can answer them.”
Friends are requested to pray that Allah the Almighty may open the hearts of the people of this country to accept the truth. Amin.
– Rahmat Ali, Padang
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 6 and 10 August 1926 issue of Al Fazl)