Invitation to Ahmadiyyat — Page 327
327 but those villages have remained villages. If they at all grew, it was because of the natural process of growth. The growth of towns or cities is not easy. Towns that are founded by Kings without regard for economic conditions often do not prosper. From an economic standpoint, Qadian was very poorly situated. It was far from the railway line but not so far that it might be adopted as an economic hub in its own right. Nor was it situated on the banks of a river or canal that could help boost trade and development. Against all odds and in the absence of any apparent means, the Promised Messiah as made the prophecy that Qadian would grow exponentially. With the publication of this prophecy, God caused the Community to start increasing and inspired its mem - bers with the desire to come and live in Qadian. Without any for - mal appeal being made, members began leaving their own towns and villages to settle down in Qadian. The prophecy is yet to be fulfilled to its full extent but the degree to which it has already been fulfilled is truly amazing. At the moment, the population of Qadian is four-and-a-half thousand, which is more than twice the original population. The old village wall has disappeared and the town has expanded far beyond its boundaries. At present, houses can be seen at least a mile out of the old village. Some big brick buildings and wide roads have been added so that what was once a village is now a town. The bazaars too have grown and purchases worth thousands can be made at a time. Where there was only one primary school, there are now two high schools and a theological college. The post office, which received mail only twice a week and was run by the local schoolmaster, now requires a staff of seven or eight. Telegraph facilities are being introduced. A twice- weekly newspaper, two weekly journals (Urdu and English), one