Fazl-e-Umar — Page 118
Fazle Umar 118 the directions of the Promised Messiah [as]. Some years later, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] described the scene in these terms: “In the eyes of a worldly person that gathering of two hundred and fifty persons seated on the bare brick floor may have appeared bizarre and inconsiderable, but their hearts were full of faith and they believed firmly in divine promises. They felt that they had met together to determine the future of Ahmadiyyat, on which depended the peace and progress of the world. That day would decide whether Ahmadiyyat would prove to be just one of many worldly associations or the association of the true followers of the Holy Prophet [saw] , through whom Islam was to be revived. On that day the fate of mankind was to be determined. Today it may not be realised, but before long it will be appreciated that this obscure religious Movement will be much more effective in compassing a peace- ful and holy revolution in the world than formidable political movements. ” 78 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [ra] pointed out that Khilafat was a religious concept, and the Community could not possibly make any progress without it. He said: “God has told me that if any of you deserts me, He will bestow upon me a large party in his place. So I do not depend upon any of you. I have full reliance upon Allah’s Grace that He will help me. ” Then referring to the views on the status of a Khalifa given by Maulvi Muhammad Ali and Khawaja Kamal Uddin, he said: “I am told that the only business of the Khalifa is to lead the Prayer services and funeral prayers, and to perform marriages and accept pledges of allegiance. Whoever says this is ignorant and impertinent. Such a one should repent or he will harm himself. ’” He admonished, “you have by your conduct hurt me grievously and have been