Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddin - Khalifatul-Masih I — Page 294
CLOSING SCENE Hadrat Maulw i Nur-ud-D i n ra — Khalifatul Masih I 294 directed a second and a third reading out, and then enquired whether anything had been left out, to which Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Al i replied that it was quite right. He then put it in the custody of Nawab Muhammad ‘Al i Kh a n ra. The growing weakness of Hadrat Khalifatul Masih ra gave rise to speculation as to what would be the situation in case of his death. This speculation revealed sharp differences which threatened discord and disruption. In this situation Sahibz a da Mirz a Bashir-ud-Din Ma h m u d Ahmad ra drew up an announcement to the effect that airing of differences while Hadrat Khalifatul Masih ra was in good health would have done no great harm, as he could have restrained and controlled it, but now that he was seriously ill such discussions might occasion trouble, and that, therefore, such discussions, whether oral or in writing, should be held in abeyance till God Almighty restored him to the enjoyment of full health. He sent the draft of the announcement to Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Al i and suggested that it might be published over their joint signatures. The latter countered that a better way would be if a meeting were called and both of them were to address it in the sense desired. Accordingly a meeting was called in Masjid N u r and Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Al i asked Sahibz a da Sahib ra to speak first, who thereupon made the plea that he had proposed to make in the announcement. Then Maulaw i Muhammad ‘Al i spoke and administered a severe rebuke to those who criticised Khaw a ja Kam a l-ud-D i n and those of his way of thinking. He was listened to in sullen silence. In the end he added a few words in a harsh tone on the need of accord. His speech served only to exacerbate further feelings already ruffled.