Conditions of Bai'at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi — Page 246
C ONDITIONS OF B AI ‘ AT AND R ESPONSIBILITIES OF AN A H MAD I 246 I say openly that the reason for which I have taken residence in Qadian is that it has been twelve years that I did bai‘at of the Promised Messiah as , but unfortunately for eleven years I lived at home and was cut off from Qadian. I used to come here for only a few days at a time. I wasted my life remaining embroiled in worldly affairs. When at last I paused to think, I realised that my life had flown away and I had not achieved anything either of faith or of this material world. I came here [that is Qadian] with intention to stay for six months. However, when I reflected over all my affairs, even- tually my heart decreed that worldly matters can be met by following faith, but when man follows the world, he does not attain the world, and the faith is also destroyed. I deeply reflected and realised that in eleven years I did not make anything of myself and neither did my brothers. With every passing day, despite realising this hopeless situation, we are ruining our faith. Eventually, having realised that there is no end to worldly pursuits, I said farewell to Kotlah making a firm resolve to emigrate from there. All praise belongs to Allah the Almighty! I am pleased to say that I have emigrated from Kotlah. As such, according to shari‘ah , a migrant cannot return to his own country by choice, that is, he cannot make it home. He can only pay a visit while traveling. Therefore in this situation it is difficult for me to return. I am very happy and very well. How can we separate from the focus of our love and devotion?… My dear esteemed brother! I have come here for God’s sake and my friendship and love is also for God. I am away from Kotlah but the wretched state of Kotlah , deeply saddens me. May God bestow wisdom upon you, our entire family