Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 201
THE RENAISSANCE OF ISLAM 201 and sent for the Sahibzada Sahib and Mir Nasir Nawab Sahib. On their arrival Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, as the spokesman of the group, mentioned that the condition of the Khalifatul Masih was a source of anxiety and that they were anxious that some understanding might be reached which should obviate the risk of differences arising in case of his death. He gave the assurance that none of them had any desire to succeed the Khalifatul Masih in his holy office and that all of them were convinced that no one was better qualified for the office of Khalifa than the Sahibzada Sahib. But they were anxious that no decision on the question of succession to the Khalifatul Masih should be taken till those of them who were resident in Lahore had arrived in Qadian. It was represented that this precaution was necessary to forestall any action on the part of anyone that might give rise to differences or disturbances. Upon this the Sahibzada Sahib pointed out that the Companions of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, had considered it unlawful and sinful to arrive at any understand- ing during the lifetime of a Khalifa with regard to the person who should succeed him on his death. There the matter ended. In January 191 I, after there had been considerable im- provement in his health, the Khalifatul Masih felt that the effect of the injury on his right temple, which had become a permanent sore, was beginning to advance towards his heart and he apprehended that his end might arrive suddenly without warning. In this condition, on the night between 19 and 20 January, he asked for pen and paper and, making an entry on a piece of paper, folded it and put it inside an envelope. He inscribed a couple of lines on the envelope and placed it inside another envelope, which he committed to the custody of Shaikh Muhammad Taimur saying: 'In case of my death action should be taken according to the directions enclosed in this envelope. ' It transpired later that the two lines inscribed on the enclosed envelope were (Arabic): 'Accord- ing to the example of Abu Bakr'; and (Urdu): 'Make the covenant of BaJiat with the person whose name is enclosed. '