Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 61
THE REN AISSANCE OF ISLAM 61 kind of protection at the hands of the authorities. He did not appoint anyone from among his followers to watch over him or to make any arrangements for his security. He went into the mosque to join the five daily services, and at the end of the service often stayed in the mosque to meet visitors of all descriptions and carried on a discourse aimed at the training of his people in the exercise of high moral qualities and to encourage them to develop the higher grades of spirituality. During the forenoon he went for a walk extending over several miles when he was accompanied by some of his followers who did not deny anyone free access to him. From time to time he visited other places both far and near and during these journeys also he was exposed to danger all the time. In these circumstances, and in view of the bitter hostility of his enemies, the complete security that he enjoyed under Divine protection was so remarkable that it was consi- dered miraculous or supernatural. Not only was his physical security fully safeguarded, he was also completely safeguarded in respect of his freedom, dignity and honour. False charges were brought against him and he was hauled into court to answer them. In every case he was honourably discharged or acquitted and all the unholy designs of his enemies were completely frustrated. In one of these cases he was charged with so grave an offence as conspiracy to murder. Yet the proceedings took a course in which his honour, his dignity and his innocence were so completely upheld and vindicated that not only were his opponents utterly frustrated in their evil designs, but were subjected to great humiliation and were exposed to ridicule and contempt. At the end of the proceedings the District Magistrate who had tried the case against him intimated to him that if he would be inclined to institute criminal pro- ceedings against his prosecutor, the Magistrate would grant him leave to do so. Ahm~d declined to take advantage of the offer of the Magistrate, declaring that his case was pending before God Almighty and that he would not initiate proceed- ings against his enemies in a court of law.