This Week in History: 27 February – 5 March

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

27 February 1914: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra received a revelation, upon which he decided to move out of the city to the open air. This was also the advice of the doctors. Following the advice of physicians, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra moved to the house of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan^ra, which was named “Kothi Dar-us-Salam” and was in the suburbs of Qadian. It was thought that fresh air from the countryside would help in his recovery. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 470)

27 February 1922: During his visit to India, the Prince of Wales, who would later ascend to the throne as King Edward VIII of England, received a thoughtful gift from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra – a book specially authored for him. To support the expenses associated with its printing and related costs, members of the Jamaat generously contributed one anna each. On this day, a delegation from the Jamaat had the honour of meeting the distinguished royal visitor to present this gift. The book was elegantly translated into English by Hazrat Chaudhry Zafarulla Khan^ra. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 293)

28 February 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra was in Lahore, and on this day, the principal of Dyal Singh College, Lahore, visited Huzoor^ra. This meeting continued for almost three hours. (Al Fazl, 6 March 1922, p. 2)

28 February 1971: On this day, the second Ahmadiyya hospital in Ghana opened in Asokore. The opening ceremony was attended by 4,000 people and the first doctor for the hospital was Dr Syed Ghulam Mujtaba. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 27, p. 8)

1 March 1972: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh announced the establishment of Majlis-e-Sehat to organise sports and physical exercise for the people of Rabwah, Pakistan. Huzoor^rh desired that every resident of Rabwah should exercise daily. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 28, p. 30)

For more details, see “Rabwah – National Centre of Sports” at alhakam.org (11 May 2018, p. 3).

1 March 2014: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa inaugurated the Nasir Mosque in Gillingham, UK. On this occasion, Huzoor^aa also held an audience with local Ahmadi Muslims. In the evening, a special reception, attended by more than 180 dignitaries and guests, was held to mark the opening of the mosque. (“New Mosque Opened by World Muslim Leader in Gillingham”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

2 March 1947: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra wrote a letter to MA Jinnah, saying:

“On HMG’s new declaration, Sir M Zafrullah Khan approached Sir Khizar, suggesting that at this critical juncture, he should not fail his community. Malik Sahib then asked Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan to come to Lahore. As I also, on my way to Sind, had to stay there for one night, Sir Muhammad came there yesterday and discussed the matter with me. Following this, last night, he had a long discourse with Malik Sahib and Qizilbash. They have agreed to resign. […] Now you have a great lever to get Muslim rights from your opponents.” (Jinnah Papers, Vol. 1, Part I, pp. 164-165)

For further details, see “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s services to the Muslim cause: Guidance and support to leaders of the Pakistan Movement” at alhakam.org (5 March 2021, p. 20).

3 March 1907: On this day, Syed Habibullah ICS, who was the magistrate of Agra, arrived at Qadian before the Zuhr prayer. Although the Promised Messiah^as was unwell, he showed great hospitality and gave adequate time to the guest.

For more details, see “Coming from every distant track: Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib visits Qadian and meets with Promised Messiah”, at alhakam.org (16 April 2021, p. 13).

4 March 1889: On this day, while residing in Ludhiana, the Promised Messiah^as published an announcement for those who were keen to take the bai‘at. Huzoor^as informed people that he would be staying in Ludhiana until 25 March. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 201)

4 March 2018: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa laid the foundation stone for the new administrative block at the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in Morden, UK. The administrative block, which was to include multi-purpose halls, offices and accommodation facilities, was being rebuilt after a fire in September 2015 had caused widespread damage at the site. (“Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Lays Foundation Stone for New Administrative Block at Baitul Futuh Mosque”, pressahmadiyya.com)

5 March 1953: On this day, Master Manzur Ahmad Sahib was martyred in Baghban Pura, Lahore, Pakistan. In the atrocities against Ahmadis in Lahore, Master Manzur Sahib was the martyr who was martyred before the implementation of martial law by the government to stop planned attacks on Ahmadis. (Friday Sermon, 7 May 1999)

5 March 1990: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^rh was in Portugal, where Huzoor^rh addressed a press conference and responded to the questions asked by the journalists. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 862)