Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 204
204 AHMADIYY AT tional should also repent. Do you not know what comfort Parlia- ment has brought to Iran, and what benefit have others derived from it? What kind of sleep have the Turks enjoyed after setting up a Parliament? What benefit have the Iranians derived from it? How many were destroyed in the time of Muhammad Ali Shah, and now ultimatums are being served on others? I remind you again that the Holy Quran sets forth clearly that it is Allah Who appoints Khalifas. Remember, Adam was made Khalifa by God, Who said: 'I am about to appoint a vicegerent [Khalifa] in the earth. ' What good did the angels achieve by raising an objection to it? You can find it from the Quran. If that is the situation of the angels, that they had to confess: 'Holy are Thou, we have no knowledge'; then you who object to me should reflect upon your own situation. I remember well when someone said: 'A Parliament has been established in Iran and this is the age of constitutions. ' He uttered a falsehood and was guilty of disrespect. The jealousy of God Almighty displayed to such people the result of the constitution in Iran. I repeat they should repent even now. In the middle of June 1912 the Khalifatul Masih had occasion to go to Lahore and during his brief visit he deli- vered another important speech on the status of the Khalifa and the obedience due to the holder of that office. In the course of this speech he observed:. God Almighty of His grace saved you from disintegration after the death of the Promised Messiah by uniting you at my hands. Then appreciate this Divine bounty and do not indulge in useless discus- sions. I cannot understand what moral or spiritual benefit do you derive from them. God Almighty has made Khalifa whom He willed arid has made you acknowledge His authority. It would be. great folly on your part to take exception to this Divine determina- tion. I have told you repeatedly and have demonstrated it from the Holy Quran that it is not the part of man to establish a Khalifa; it is the function of God Almighty. If anyone says that the Anjuman [Central Association] has made me Khalifa, he utters a falsehood. Such thinking is destructive and should be eschewed. Listen once more that no man or Anjuman has made me Khalifa, nor do I consider any Anjuman capable of appointing a Khalifa. Thus no Anjuman has made me Khalifa, nor