When I arrived in London as a Missionary and deputy Imam in September 1970, I had the opportunity to meet him regularly. I write here some anecdotes relating to that period which illustrate various aspects of Choudhry Sahib’s pleasant personality.
This was my first venture outside Pakistan. It was the first time for me to travel through the blessing of Ahmadiyyat by air.
I had studied English language at school and college but did not need to write or converse in English in Pakistan.
I did deliver some prepared (and memorized) speeches in the college and Jami’ah but my English was not proficient for day to day conversation. I mention this because two months after arrival in London I was subjected to a test in English and the examiner was none other than Hazrat Choudhry Sahib.
It so happened that Respected Bashir Ahmad Khan Rafiq Sahib, the then Imam and Missionary In-charge, told me once that someday I would be required to deliver a Friday sermon in English.
I expressed the opinion that there is no rush for this and that in due course such opportunities will arise, Insha-Allah. I thought that was the end of the matter.
However, a few days later, it was Friday. I had offered my sunnah and the second Adhan was called shortly after. Khan Sahib, who was sitting next to me, nudged me to get up for the sermon.
I was not mentally prepared for that but there was no room to make excuse and could not engage in discussion as the Mosque was full of worshippers. I had to get up. With prayers, I started the sermon with Tashahud, t’awwuz, and Surah al-Fatiha. That was easy enough.
When I looked around, I saw Choudhry Sahib seated in a chair as usual towards the right end of the first row. As he heard the voice of a new speaker, he glanced at me. I am sure he would have prayed for me, but I was awestruck by his personality.
Just then I remembered the farewell advice by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih III (may Allah have mercy upon him) as a flash of inspiration.
He had advised me to speak English confidently and without hesitation while in London and not to worry if I made mistakes in the beginning. This encouraged me and I bolstered my morale thinking that Choudhry Sahib had also progressed to his current standard of excellent English gradually.
These ideas passed through my mind over a short time thrown in the deep end, putting my faith in Allah, I started the sermon. I do not remember the topic, but it lasted for 15-20 minutes. After khutba-saniya (second sermon), I led the prayers.
I offered sunnah and prolonged more than usual offering these, hoping that Choudhry Sahib would have left by then and I would not have him hold my arm and point out my mistakes in front of all the people.
When I got up to go, I saw Choudhry Sahib was still engaged in prayers. It was an opportune moment for me to leave the Mosque immediately!
Now I waited for the result of my test and expected to receive guidance from Choudhry Sahib shortly. In the evening when I met Bashir Rafiq Sahib, he congratulated me. “For what?” I asked. He replied, “Choudhry Sahib has given you a pass in English.” I said, “Alhamdolillah,” and thought that he must have added some grace marks out of his magnanimity for the new speaker on his first attempt.
His kindness and graciousness to me continued later in various ways.