The Promised Messiah (as) wrote A Gift for Baghdad in Arabic in 1893 as a response to a poster and letter written in Arabic by As-Sayyid ‘Abdur Razzaq al-Qadiri of Baghdad (residing in Hyderabad, India at the time) maligning the Promised Messiah (as) and accusing him of disbelief (God forbid). In this book, the Promised Messiah (as) aims to dispel the misunderstandings and misconceptions of al-Qadiri by elucidating his claims and beliefs. Further, he advises al-Qadiri not to accept the edicts of disbelief issued against him without proper investigation and invites him to Qadian to discern the truth first-hand. The Promised Messiah (as) also says that if he is unable to undertake this journey, then he should perform the Istikharah Prayer from one Friday to the next and to inform him so that the Promised Messiah (as) can accompany him in prayer. As such, the Promised Messiah (as) not only presents a clarification of his claims and beliefs but also extends a hand of kindness and affection towards al-Qadiri of Baghdad. He writes:
O righteous brother! May Allah gladden you, take care of you, protect you, and support you. May He also open your eyes and guide you. Do not attempt to frighten me with a sharp sword, spear, or fire; for, I have already been killed by a sword of which you have no knowledge, long before you had even drawn your sword. And I have tasted a fire with which you are unacquainted. Verily, after this, God willing, I became amongst those who are especially blessed by God.
The English translation of this book was performed by Ibrahim Ikhlaf and reviewed by Reem Shraiky. Secondary reviews were performed by Qadhi Zafar Ahmad Bhatti, Adam Walker, Tooba Khokhar, Naveed Ahmed Malik, and Naser-ud-Din Shams. Valuable assistance was provided by Sabahat Ahmad Cheema, Mirza Abdul-Wahab, and Dawood Ahmad Abid. An earlier translation was drafted by Abid Haneef of USA. May Allah bless them all for their efforts.
al-Haj Munir-ud-Din Shams
Additional Wakilut-Tasnif, London
July 2022