Fazl-e-Umar — Page 68
Fazle Umar 68 into these apparent technicalities, the Promised Messiah [as] explained the matter to Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib in such a loving manner that not only solved the issue of the parrot but also easily solved numerous other complicated issues. The Promised Messiah [as] explained: “It is flesh, so morally it is not forbidden to eat it. But God has not created all birds for eating. Some beautiful birds are there for us to see and enjoy while other birds are gifted by nature to delight us with their song. The parrot is one among them. ” 41 In this way the Promised Messiah [as] took a constant interest in his educa- tion. This episode appears trifling but a child who was taught with such understand- ing and wisdom was surely to possess subtle insight and a diverse, clear-sighted and discriminating mind. H OR SE R I d I n G Apart from shooting, Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib enjoyed horse riding. He states: “I remember just before his death, the Promised Messiah [as] bought me a mare. In fact, it was not bought but was sent to us as a gift. The details are thus that I saw some boys riding bicycles and I also wanted to ride one. I mentioned this to the Promised Messiah [as]. He commented that he did not like riding bicycles but rather considered horse riding a more manly pursuit. In that case he ought to buy me a horse I suggested. He then stated that he liked strong and firm horses. In all probability his intention was that I become a good rider. He wrote to Abdul Majeed Khan sahib of Kapurthala to buy and send him a fine horse. He wrote to Khan sahib because his father was in charge of the State stables and his family was well acquainted with horses. Khan sahib bought a mare and sent it as a gift. When the Promised Messiah [as] died, it was inevi-