Fazl-e-Umar — Page 190
190 When Sir Herbert Emerson’s term as Governor was approaching its end he was granted an extension for two and a half years. He suffered a severe attack of internal haemorrhage while playing golf on extended leave. Although he returned to robust health, he was unable to resume the Governorship. The Ahrar boasted to wipe out the Movement very soon. Right at this time when the mischief was in its full steam, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] made the fol- lowing announcement in one of his sermons: “The ground is slipping from under the feet of the enemy. I can foresee their immi- nent defeat. ” 110 Soon after this announcement, in 1935 a controversy arose in which the Movement was not directly involved but in which its sympathies were with the bulk of the Mus- lims to whom it lent its moral support. The Ahrar ranged themselves on the opposite side. Feelings rose high and the Ahrar became the subjects of disgrace on the part of the Muslim masses. They rapidly lost favour and were no longer trusted or respected. Their original leadership has passed on and they dragged along as a despised remnant.