Ahmadiyyat in America — Page 5
"Our task today is to herald the news in all directions; he who has a noble soul surely comes!" (The Promised Messiah) I Mr. Muhammad Alexander Russel Webb ~~~rn he United States of America is ~~ lhY1 lB·~ one of those countries which was blessed w ih the message of true Islam through the Promised ~~c~~~ Messiah himse l f. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad f ir st conveyed the message of Islam to the American people through a pamphlet mailed to thousands of laymen and clergy in Europe and America in the year 1885. This created a considerable interest in Islam among various sections of the Ameri- cans. A journalist, Mr. Alexander Russel Webb , who later became American Consul in Phil- lipines, became deeply i nterested and started correspondence with Hazrat Ahmad. In a letter dated 24 February 188 7, Mr. Webb wrote to the Promised Messiah: ". . . it occured to me that I might through your aid assist in spreading the truth here. If, as you say the Muhamaden is the only true religion why could I not act as its Apostle or promulgator in America. . . . " (The letter from Mr. Webb and the reply to it from the pen of Hazrat Ahmad were or iginally printed in Shani Haq, 1887). Consequently, Mr. Webb accepted Islam and became an active missionary of Islam , es- tablished seven Islamic branches in various cities in the United States, and in 1893, founded a publication, "The Moslem World". In his letter of condolence upon the death of the Promised Messiah, Mr. Webb wrote: "Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad accomplished a great undertak i ng and conveyed the light of truth to hundreds of hearts, which it could not have reached otherwise. More than twenty years ago I started my correspondence with him and ever since then I have been deeply affected by the fearless earnestness with which he continued to spread the truth in the pursuance of his purpose. Whithout a doubt God Almighty had chosen him for this great enterprise which he fulfil l ed completely. I am sure that he wi ll enjoy the companionship of the saints and prophets in heaven. " e I. . .