Fazl-e-Umar — Page 10
Fazle Umar 10 In reply to the letter of the Promised Messiah [as] they requested that although the people of all nations of the world (including Europe and America) have been addressed in Huzur’s letter, being the residents of Qadian they had a greater right to witness and testify to such Signs. This would also mean incurring less expense as well as having such men who were eager to see the signs of the Living God. These prominent men included Munshi Tara Chand, Lachman Ram, Bish Daaz, Nihaz Chand and Beej Nath. The letter was witnessed by Lala Sharampat and Hadhrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanouri sahib as well as some others. The Riyaz Hind Press in Amrit- sar published the letter. In it the authors requested that the Sign be shown within one year of its publication, between September 1885 and September 1886. The Promised Messiah [as] accepted their request assuring them that there was no reason why God Almighty Who Himself dictated the announcement should not show a sign in response to their sincere request within this time period. God Almighty develops a deep connection with the founders of new religious orders from the very beginning. The means of the step by step strengthening of this new order is also brought about through the help and support of the All-Powerful God. Prior to this letter in around 1884, the Promised Messiah [as] resolved to undertake chilla, as it is known in Islam, a period of 40 days of solitude, prayer and contemplation in which communion is sought with God. He therefore endeavoured to proceed to Suranjpur but received a revelation from Allah Almighty, the Knower of the Unseen, in Urdu which translates, “Your purpose would be achieved in Hoshiarpur”. The Promised Messiah’s [as] thoughts were directed to this revelation and he migrated to Hoshiarpur in January 1886. He took up residence on the first floor of a secluded house on the outskirts of the town. He spent fourty days in complete seclu- sion and prayer. His food was placed outside the door of his room which he would take when he could.