Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 78
78 AHMADIYY AT distance of approximately twenty-five miles from Qadian. The relic was a cloak of cotton stuff, which had a certain number of writings worked into its fabric. The Sikh tradition was that this cloak had been sent down fron heaven by God Almighty as a mark of honour for Baba Sahib and also as a means of providing security for him against all dangers. Baba Nanak had been born into a Hindu family, but had, early in his life, exhibited deep devotion to the doctrine of the Unity of God and a marked aversion towards everything that savoured of polytheism or association of any person, idol, or thing as partner with God. As he grew up itbecame apparent that he held the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace be on him, in high honour and believed in the Holy Quran as the Word of God. He is reputed to have travelled far and wide in his search after truth, and Sikh tradition confirms that he even per- formed the pilgrimage to Mecca. When the Promised Messiah learned of the relic at Dera Baba Nanak and heard rumours about its divine origin, he became anxious to discover what evidence this relic would disclose of its origin and what significance could be attached to the writings which had reputedly been worked into its fabric. He despatched a delegation composed of four of his followers to Dera Baba Nanak for the purpose of investigat- ing the existence, condition and significance of the relic. On their return they reported that they had succeeded in having a view of the cloak and had found to their joy and delight that the writings which the cloak bore were all in Arabic, and that besides the credo of Islam, 'There is no one worthy of worship save Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah', all the writings were verses of the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiah, on hearing the report, felt that this was a grand proof that Baba Nanak was a Muslim saint and that he should personally follow up the matter and make sure what exactly was inscribed on the cloak. On 30 September 1895, the Promised Messiah proceeded to Dera Baba Nanak in the company of ten of his devoted followers. He visited the temple in which the relic was