Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 39
THE RENAISSANCE OF ISLAM 39 will bear clear witness that the fulfilment of such a high prediction which comprises the birth of such an outstanding and special personality is beyond human power. The revelation of such good news in consequence of the acceptance of prayer is not only a prophecy but is a grand heavenly Sign. In an announcement of I December 1886, he explained that'in the announcement of 20 February, the words begin- ning with' A handsome and pure boy' and ending with 'he who comes from heaven' indicate a short life, for a guest is one who stays for a few days and then departs before one's eyes. The succeeding sentence refers to the Promised Reformer who is named FAZAL in the revelation. In a footnote to that announcement he stated: 'According to the Divine Promise, he will certainly be born within the term announced. Heaven and earth can move away but it is not possible that His promise may not be fulfilled. ' According to the earlier part of the prophecy a son was born to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad on 7 August 1887 but proved only a guest and died on 4 November 1888. He was named Bashir Ahmad and has become known as Bashir I. In an announcement of 12 January 1889, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad affirmed: I know with complete certainty that God Almighty will deal with me according to His promise. If the time of the birth of the promised son is not yet, he will appear later. If there is left only one day of the term announced, God, the Lord of Honour and Glory, will not let that day end till He has fulfilled His promise. On Saturday 12 January 1889, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was, blessed with a son whom he named Mahmud. On the same day he issued a leaflet announcing the birth of the child, in which he stated that he had not yet been informed whether this boy was the one who would be the Promised Reformer. Later, at different times, he declared in his books definitely that Mahmud was the promised son whose birth had been predicted in the announcement of 20 February 1886.