The Afghan Martyrs — Page 57
quite a while the Sahibzada wrote another letter to Sardar Mohammad Husain in Kabul. That letter was censored and then sent to the Ameer. It is related that it was Sardar Nasrulla Khan who was behind this plot. Sardar Nasrulla Khan's enmity to the Sahibzada was really due to his having favoured Ameer Habeebulla Khan for succession to the throne on the death of Ameer Abdur Rahman Khan. Nasrulla Khan felt that this opportunity was God-sent and he therefore incited and instigated the King against the Sahibzada. Arrest It is apparent that the Almighty had already told the Sahibzada that his martyrdom had been destined. Therefore he was mentally prepared and was only endeavouring to prepare his pupils so that when the time came they too would display steadfastness. Syed Ahmad Noor Kabuli relates that one day when he was out for a walk the Sahibzada raised his hands and addressing them asked, II Are you ready and prepared to wear manacles?" Then addressing Syed Ahmad Noor he said, "After I have been martyred you should go and tell the Promised Messiah (PBUH). " In regard to this conversation which further strengthened the faith Syed Ahmad Noor Kabuli records thus: "On hearing this I began to shed tears and submitted, 'Sir I am with you, why should I be separated from you?' He responded by saying, 'No no, when you submitted to the Promised Messiah (PBUH) that you did not wish to leave Qadian he asked you to acconlpany me and then he told you and not me that you would come back. " During this period, as they felt the time was suitable for the move, 57