Part 20 – Urgent telegrams from Damascus and Sumatra and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s prayers for missionaries (1927)

A Call for Prayer: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II Responds to urgent Telegrams from Damascus and sumatra

The early 20th century witnessed a surge in the global missionary efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Sent from Qadian, India (now Pakistan), these pioneers ventured into unfamiliar territories, often facing unrelenting opposition. Their unwavering dedication to spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat became a beacon of hope and a testament to their faith.

On December 24,1927,a cloud of concern descended upon Qadian when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra received two urgent telegrams,one from Damascus,Syria,and the other from Padang,Sumatra (present-day indonesia). Both messages carried distressing news about Ahmadi missionaries facing grave dangers in their respective fields of work.

Damascus: A Narrow Escape

In Damascus, Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shams^ra, a dedicated missionary, had been brutally attacked by an opponent of ahmadiyya.He miraculously survived the onslaught, escaping with his life, albeit shaken. The attack underscored the precariousness of their mission and the unwavering hostility they faced.

Padang: Facing Religious Opposition

In Padang, Maulvi Rahmat Ali Sahib found himself preparing for a critical debate against hundreds of prominent Islamic scholars (ulema) determined to halt the progress of Ahmadiyya. The challenge was daunting, a testament to the potent religious resistance Ahmadis faced in Indonesia.

A United Plea

With heavy hearts, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra relayed these urgent messages to the Ahmadis gathered at Masjid Aqsa in Qadian. He painted a vivid picture of the sacrifices made by the missionaries and the urgent need for divine intervention in their endeavors. He then invited the entire community to join him in a collective plea for guidance and protection.

The atmosphere was one of profound unity and shared concern. The Khalifa’s address echoed with a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the dedicated missionaries striving on distant frontiers. The subsequent communal prayer was a testament to the spiritual bond between the Khalifa and his followers, a powerful demonstration of their unwavering faith and commitment to the mission.

The telegrams from Damascus and Padang served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Ahmadi missionaries in spreading their message. It highlighted the immense sacrifices they made, often facing persecution and hostility. This event demonstrated the enduring spirit of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, their willingness to stand together in support of their fellow believers and their steadfast faith in the face of adversity.

What lessons can modern-day Ahmadis draw from the community’s resilience in the face of adversity experienced in 1927?

Archyde Interview: Preserving Faith in trials – A Conversation with Dr. marchesha Rafiq, Historian and author

In the early 20th century, the ahmadiyya Muslim Community faced challenging global missionary efforts. We sat down with Dr. marchesha Rafiq, a historian and author specializing in Ahmadiyya history, to discuss the resilience of the community and its dedication to spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat amidst adversity.

An Urgent Call: December 24, 1927

Archyde (AR): On December 24, 1927, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II received distressing news from Damascus and Padang. How did these events shape the community’s approach to missionary work?

Dr. marchesha Rafiq (DR): The telegrams from Damascus and Padang served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Ahmadi missionaries. They underscored the need for unwavering faith, courage, and unity in the face of adversity. The community responded with a collective plea for divine guidance and protection, strengthening thier resolve to propagate their faith.

Daring unto Death in Damascus

Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shams,left severely injured.

AR: In Damascus, Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shams was brutally attacked. Despite the grave danger, why did Ahmadis continue their missionary work?

DR: Ahmadis believe that their mission is divinely ordained.Despite the hardships faced, they were driven by a profound conviction that they had a duty to share their understanding of Islam with the world. The attack on Maulana Shams was a test of their faith, but it did not deter them from their mission.

Setting Sail for Sumatra

AR: In Padang, Maulvi Rahmat Ali Sahib faced a daunting challenge. How did he prepare for such a significant debate?

DR: Maulvi Rahmat Ali Sahib was a astute scholar and an eloquent orator. he prepared meticulously, armed with a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and a firm belief in the truth of Ahmadiyya. His faith and knowledge were his greatest weapons against religious opposition.

A United Plea and Reflection

AR: The atmosphere in Qadian was one of profound unity.How did this event strengthen the bond between the Khalifa and his followers?

DR: The event brought the community closer, reminding them of their shared mission and responsibility. The communal prayer was a powerful testament to their unity and faith, demonstrating their willingness to stand together in support of their fellow believers.

Reflecting on this event, how do you think modern-day Ahmadis can draw inspiration from the resilience shown by their predecessors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.