Fazl-e-Umar — Page 183
Fazle Umar 183 They acknowledged orally as well as in writing that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] came to the rescue of the Kashmir Muslims when help was needed desperately. The enemies of Ahmadiyyat had taken notice that Ahmadis were becoming popular among Muslim masses. This included some eminent Muslim leaders who were seeking advice from the Head of the Movement. These leaders often followed his advice exactly as told. This situation made others mad with jealousy. They raised the theological issue of who is an Ahmadi and who is a non-Ahmadi among the members of the committee. They incited Muslims against the members of the Movement. Realising their wickedness Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] handed in his res- ignation as President of the All India Kashmir Committee. Nevertheless he continued his relentless support for the cause of Kashmiri Muslims. T H E A H R A R A short time before the All India Kashmir Committee had been set up a new politi- cal party had been formed in the Punjab called the Ahrar (the Free). Its membership was confined to Muslims and its leadership was vested in persons whose only purpose was to exploit every situation for their personal benefit. In their political outlook they supported the policies of the All India National Congress and the bulk of the Muslims of the Punjab looked upon them as the Muslim wing of the Congress. They were not, however, firmly committed to any set of principles or policies. They trimmed their sails according to the direction of the prevailing wind. The only policy to which they consistently adhered was their proclaimed virulent opposition to the Movement. This attitude of theirs was not inspired by any concern for religious doctrine or teaching but had been prompted by the consideration that opposition to and hostility towards the Movement would win them easy popularity among the bulk of orthodox Muslims. When the All India Kashmir Committee was formed, the Khalifatul Masih