The Afghan Martyrs — Page 73
taken through the most populous bazaars to the 'site of black stones'. Then from amongst religious fanatics, every individual would carry as big a stone as he was capable of carrying, and advance towards the condemned person. All the while they accused, abused, and cursed the convict. Once the crowd reached the place of execution the senior most amongst the prosecutors would cast the first stone. Then as and when others got close to the condemned person they would also cast their stones. Then regardless whether the accused was dead or in a swoon he was left buried under the stones for three days. Only then was his body handed over to his relatives. (Review of Religions Qadian January 1909) Frank A. Martin who was himself present on the occasion of the stoning of the Sahibzada provides some further details. He says, that in the presence of Mullahs the hands of the condemned person were tied behind his back and his feet were shackled. Then he was marched through the streets of the town and lowered into a pit dug for the purpose at the site of the execution. The first stone was cast by the Chief Mullah. Holding stones in their hands those who had assembled for the occasion waited for the Chief Mullah to cast the first stone. As soon as he had done that the huge crowd showered their stones. Consequently the condemned person lost strength and finally gave up the ghost. The Day of Martyrdom The 14th of July 1903 was a fairly warm day In Kabul. From early morning there was an unusual hustle and bustle in the town. Groups of people had assembled in tea shops, mosques, schools and gardens and the J amey Mosque of the town was full to capacity. The only issue under discussion was that in accordance with the edict of the Mullahs and the command of the King, 73