2
Given the great favours of the British Government bestowed generally upon the Muslims of India and specifically upon the Muslims of the Punjab, whatever degree of gratitude Muslims express to this kind Government would still be far too little; for, Muslims have still not forgotten the time when they were suffering in a burning pit at the hands of the Sikhs whose tyranny not only destroyed their worldly status, but also the state of their religion to an even greater extent. Let alone the performance of religious obligations, some Muslims were put to death for saying azan and performing prayers. In such a lamentable plight, Allah Almighty sent from afar this blessed Government like a much needed cloud to liberate us, which not only came to deliver us from the claws of those tyrants, but also established permanent peace, provided every means of comfort, and allowed religious freedom to the extent that we can now freely propagate our mighty Faith in the best manner possible. On the occasion of Eidul-Fitr, I spoke extensively on this subject which has been reported in brief by the English newspapers and soon my brother-in-faith Mirza Khuda Bakhsh will publish a detailed report on it. On this happy occasion of Eid, having mentioned the favours of the Government, I directed my Jama’at, who are truly loyal to the Government and consider it a heinous sin to live a life of hypocrisy as led by others, to earnestly pray for their benevolent Government that Almighty Allah may grant it a great victory in the ongoing war in Transvaal. I also pointed out that the foremost obligation in Islam, after the rights of Allah, is showing sympathy for people and that it is a rewarding deed, in particular, to show sympathy for the servants of such a kind Government that safeguards our lives, property, and, above all, our Faith. Hence, I urged the members of my Jama’at, no matter where they live, to make a monetary contribution within their means and resources for the wounded and maimed of the Transvaal War. The members of my Jama’at are hereby informed through this announcement that they should prepare a list of contributors in every town, collect the sums, and send them to Qadian before the 1st of March—care of Mirza Khuda Bakhsh, as he has been assigned this duty. After the receipt of money along with the lists, the final list of contributions will be recorded in the aforementioned report. My Jama’at should treat this task as urgent and carry it out without delay. Peace be upon you.
Author,
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian,
10 February 1900
1 In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. [Publisher]
2 We praise Him and invoke His blessings upon His Noble Messenger.[Publisher]