Once a proposal was under consideration that the then existing two buildings (which were very old) in the Ahmadiyya Jama’at UK center, be demolished and replaced by a large complex comprising a big hall, offices, two large residences and a small flat.
The Jama’at did not have the necessary funds for the project at that time. It is not Jama’at’s policy to take bank loans on interest. Choudhry Sahib was requested to lend the amount to be paid back to him in instalments over a period of time. He agreed. In accordance with Qur’anic teachings, a contract was written down to the effect that Choudhry Sahib would pay the Jama’at one hundred thousand Pounds £100,000 and the Jama’at would be responsible to pay it back. £100,000 at that time represented a substantial amount in real terms.
The draft was given to Choudhry Sahib one evening. He said that he would study it carefully, sign it and return it the next day.
Next morning Choudhry Sahib said, “I mulled over it. My own self told me: ‘Zafrulla Khan! You have reached thus far because of Ahmadiyyat. All that you have achieved is due to blessings of this Jama’at. Do you now want to give the money to this beneficent Jama’at as a loan to be paid back?’ My soul reproached me a lot. I really felt embarrassed about this and sought Divine forgiveness. I decided there and then that I will present that amount to the Jama’at, not as a loan but, as a humble donation.”
Saying that he tore up the draft, wrote a cheque for one hundred thousand pounds and presented it to the Jama’at.
He pleaded that this donation not be mentioned to anyone other than Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih III (may Allah have mercy upon him) during his lifetime. What an excellent example of sacrifice, humility and sincerity!