One hundred years ago, two elders of the Jama‘at demonstrated perfect fidelity and steadfastness. They were true to their pledge, very true. They were enticed with different kinds of attractions to break the pledge, but these princes of steadfastness paid no attention to them and remained true to their pledge. The Promised Messiah(as) has paid excellent tribute to them. They are Sahibzadah Sayyed ‘Abdul Latif Shahid(ra) and ‘Abdur-Rahman Khan(ra). I present an excerpt from the Promised Messiah(as):
Ponder with faith and fairness that if a Jama‘at were based entirely on deceit, falsehood, and trickery, could its members demonstrate such steadfastness and valour that they should not forsake this path, accept being trampled under stones and — not worrying about their wives and children — offer their lives despite the repeated promises of release on condition of renouncing bai‘at? Sheikh ‘Abdur-Rahman(ra) was slaughtered in Kabul in the same manner. He made no protest nor begged for release by renouncing bai‘at.
This alone is the sign of a true faith and a true Imam. When someone attains a true understanding and the heart is permeated with spiritual sweetness, such a person does not fear being killed in this path. Of course, those whose faith is skin-deep, and faith has not permeated their limbs and veins, can turn apostate like Judas Iscariot. There are examples of such apostates in the life of every Prophet. Thanks to Allah that a large party of the faithful is with me; every one of them is a sign for me. This is the Grace of my Lord.
Translation:
O my Lord, You are my Paradise, and Your Mercy is my protection, and Your signs are my nourishment and Your Grace is my mantle.
(Haqiqat-ul-Wahyi, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 22, pp. 360–361)
The history of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama‘at over the last one hundred years bears witness that such examples of faithfulness and fidelity have been repeatedly demonstrated. There were losses of lives and property. There were martyrdoms. Children were killed in the presence of fathers, and fathers were killed in the presence of children. Then did Allah — Who is the Greatest in rewarding faithfulness — permit this blood to be spilled in vain? No. He showered His Mercy upon their progenies in an unprecedented way. Many of you who are present here or are spread in many countries are personal witnesses to this. Indeed, many of you are the recipients of these blessings. This is a consequence of the fidelity that you have shown towards Allah and the way you remained true to the pledge of allegiance. When the time of ease comes, do not forget this pledge of bai‘at nor let your future generations forget it. Always remain faithful to the dear Allah, so that His blessings may continue to pour on your future generations; transfer this relationship of fidelity to the coming generations.