Fazl-e-Umar — Page 120
Fazle Umar 120 house is only one example of his obstinate opposition to the wishes of the Khalifa. Hakeem Fazal Uddin of Bhera, a close relation of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih, had left a certain property in Bhera, which he had purchased very cheap from a Shia who had sold it under some temporary stress, as a legacy to the Sadr Anjuman by his will. The Anjuman decided to sell the property. When its original vendor came to know that the property was for sale, he wrote to the Khalifatul Masih, setting out the background of his sale of the property to Hakeem Fazal Uddin, and requested that the property may be sold to him on somewhat favourable terms. The Khalifatul Masih forwarded his request to the Sadr Anjuman and directed that it should be considered favourably. The response of the Anjuman was that the property would be put up to auction and its former owner could bid for it at the auction. They were not willing to extend a favour to him, which might occasion loss to the Anjuman. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [ra] conceived that this attitude not only lacked beneficence but was an affront to him, and he expressed his annoyance by minuting, “do as you please; I will not concern myself any further with the matter. ” When the question came up again in a meeting of the trustees of the Anjuman the Secretary reminded the trustees of their responsibility to God and enquired what should be done. Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad suggested that as Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [ra] desired that some concession should be made to the former owner of the property, his wishes should be complied with. The Secretary, Maulvi Muhammad Ali, said that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih had left the decision to them and read out his minute; whereupon Sahibzada Sahib pointed out that the minute was expressive of displeasure and not of permission and that they must comply with his wishes. A long discussion ensued during which Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib was repeat- edly urged to keep in mind his responsibility to God as a trustee, but he adhered to the view that he had expressed. Finally a majority took a decision contrary to his plea.