Conclusion

Although it was my intention that now whatever else I would write, would be shared in my next letter, the affection and encouragement I have received from my brothers—and also the reality that life is short—has compelled me to not put the matter off.

My brothers, yesterday was a strange and extraordinary day in Qadian. The ‘favours’ and ‘kindness’ that our neighbours shower upon us are not easily forgettable, nor fully repaid with gratitude, but yesterday, their vindictiveness and cruelty has discovered a new and unexpected course of action. They have erected a wall of unburnt bricks blocking the passage leading to the mosque, which is also a public road. This incident took place on 8 January 1900. In doing so, they have shown themselves to be champions in laying thorns in the path of goodness. Now, our guests must walk around to the other side of the village and must take a very long route to reach the Mubarak Mosque. As often is the case, His Holiness(as) was suffering from a headache yesterday. As is our habit, in view of these pressing circumstances, we were certain that God would send down revelation. His Holiness(as) arrived at the mosque for Zuhr Prayer and said: “My headache is severe, let both Prayers be combined.” After offering the Prayers, His Holiness(as) returned home, and then he began to receive revelation. He continued to receive this revelation until evening time. He came to the mosque for the Maghrib Prayer and spoke at length about revelation and the word of God. He elaborated as to how the word of God is revealed, and how the recipient possesses full certainty that these are the words of God even though others may not understand its true nature. Then he continued to speak on the rhyming in his own revelations. He said that this shines a light on the greatness of the Quran and moves one to appreciate the beauty of its rhyme and measured prose. The revelations received by His Holiness(as) were as follows:

Translation: The mill will revolve and divine decree will descend. Indeed, the grace of God will come and no one can turn it away. Say: By my Lord, verily, this is the truth. This will neither change, nor remain hidden.’ A matter will descend which will surprise you. This is revelation from the Lord of the high heavens. My Lord does not err, nor does He forget. It is a manifest victory. And we have given them respite until a fixed term. You are with Me and I am with you. Say: All matters are in the hand of Allah; and then leave him in his error, and pride and arrogance. He is with you and He knows all that is secret and most hidden. There is none worthy of worship except Him. He knows everything and sees everything. Allah is with those who are righteous and with those who do good fully and in every respect. We sent Ahmad to his people but they turned away and said: He is a wicked liar. They bore witness against him and fell upon him like a fierce storm. My Beloved is near. He is near but hidden.

Some of these revelations support and attest to the truth of the prophecy, the fulfilment of which is awaited by all. He who reflects can derive the deeper reality of these words himself.