The Advent of the Fifteenth Century after Hijra — Page 12
Movement in Islam was initiated in 1889. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam. Ahamd announced his claim of being the Mahdi and Promised. Messiah in early 1891. At the time of his death the number of his followers did not exceed half a million, and few of them lived outside India. . Today, no more than a little over seventy-two years after his death, the membership of the Movement exceeds ten million, and is growing in geometrical progression. Its branches are strung around the globe in all the continents. It is accounted the most dynamic missionary Movement in Islam. Its members have set a unique example of upholding moral and spiritual values of Islam. . This is not the doing of man; it is a manifestation of the grace of. Allah, the Supreme. . Its opponents have nothing to offer but confusing and outworn niceties of doctrine. They are wedded to the letter that killeth, and are bereft of the spirit of righteousness that alone revives and bestows life. That spirit can be kindled and fostered only by Allah's grace, which may be won through steadfastness and prayer, as the Holy Quran directs (2:46). . The basic cause of the malaise that afflicts the Muslims is their turning away from Allah, and their pursuit of self-devised remedies. The true and effective remedy is that they must turn to. Allah and hold fast to Him and follow in every respect His design rather than their own devices. . May Allah, of His mercy and grace, enable us to embrace humbly and sincerely the guidance that He has provided for us so that we may become His instruments for the consummation of the glorious supremacy of Islam. Amen. 12 +