Khalifatul-Masih IV — Page 4
BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad rta had three sisters. Two were older than him while one was younger. His birth was a very happy occasion because Sayyadah Maryam ra who became known as Umm-e-Tahir (the mother of Tahir), had previously given birth to a son who had unfortunately passed away at a young age. Thus, the birth of Mirza Tahir Ahmad rta was a source of great joy for the family. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad rta had wide eyes and fine black hair with a slightly angled, yet defined nose. He was of fair complexion, medium height, and an average but defined build that exuded energy. When he was weaned, his nurse would take him to the dairy farm where he was given fresh cow milk to drink. He enjoyed a fairly healthy childhood and was of a very cheerful nature, always smiling and happy. He was also mischievous, but did not commit mischief that would cause anyone injury. He would play with his peers and engage in competitions, like walk- ing on the wall or jumping over buckets filled with rainwater. When he grew a little older, he started playing football (soccer) and kabaddi which is a contact sport popular in India and Pakistan. Hazrat Mirza