Khilafat Centenary Souvenir 1908-2008 — Page 165
Personal Remembrances of Ah mad i Kha I if as ---------------------------Hajja Shakura Nooriah By Allah's immense Grace and infinite Mercy I am blessed with personal encounters with beloved Khalifas over the years. After embracing Ahmadi yya Islam in May 1979 at age fifty-two I attended my first Musleh Mauood Day program the following February at the Fazl Mosque in D. C. As devoted speakers described the unique personality and noble contributions to Islam made by Hadhrat Mirza Bashirudin Mahmood Ahmad , Khalifatul Masih rrr a I was thirsty for more details about this "Great Nation Builder" of the Islam Ahmadiyya worldwide community. So promptly attending the next Lajna meeting, I waited for follow-up discussion about him. To my disma y, this topic was not on the agenda and that discussion never took place. Disappointed, I returned home trying to recapture what I had already learned about him. I was sitting alone with a few quiet tears falling, when suddenl y I saw in a vision a profile of the beloved face of Hadhrat Sahib. His distinctive beard and turban were clearly recognizable. At the same instant I felt the light kiss of an angel on my cheek. What a wonderful consolation! That was my personal introduction to understanding the vast subject of Islam Ahmadi yya Khilafat which is one of Allah's greatest gifts to humanity. Later I wrote an article about our "Great Nation Builder" for the children's booklet - Bright Lights of Ahmadiyya. Respected Imam Mir Mahmood Nasir Sahib was Missionary-in-Charge at the time and prepared to sign Bai'at. He was aware that I became an Ahmadi Muslim after seeing the Hol y Quran and the Kalima in a dream and after seeing Sahibzadi Amtul Qayyum Begum in a dream before ever meeting her. He arranged for me to meet her and, as my distinguished mentor, she graciously began to teach me about Islam Ahmadi yy a. Her unusual spiritual presence, comprehensive knowledge of her Faith and generous hospitality are truly awesome. May Allah always protect her and her family. Ameen. She and Imam Nasir Sahib encouraged me to write to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih rn ra about how I became an Ahmadi Muslim, my travel and study in several African countries, my teaching experience in Europe and in the USA and why I had left the Christian church man y years earlier. In his endearing response, Huzur wrote my name on the back of the envelope as 'Shakura Nooriah of Africa' - meaning that I should diligently supportjama'at missionary efforts in USA and on that rich but underdeveloped continent as well. He warmly encouraged me to remain steadfast in studying my Faith and obedient to its teachings. Most important, he prayed for my increasing moral and spiritual progress. In subsequent letters he urged me to give active, devoted service to Lajna. His interest in my development supported my work as Lajna office- bearer and humble contributor to Jama' at Tabligh, Human Rights committees and Wasiyyat. I especially appreciate his leadership in advancing the Cause of Ahmadiyya Islam in Africa where millions of Ahmadi Muslims love him and AhmadiyyaJama'at dearl y. InJama 'at USA he urged Ahrnadis to show sincere brotherly/sisterly love for each other as an example to the racially polarized American society. He promulgated "Love for all, hatred for none. " After corresponding with Hadhrat Sahib and then seeing him for the first time, he seemed to be ten feet tall, dressed in all white, his face glowing with bright light and health. When Hadhrat Sahib and Begum Sahiba toured the USA in 1980 he laid the foundation for the August celebration and commemoration of the Ahrnadiyya Centenar y in 1989. It was my honor to serve Respected Sister Salma Ghani, then Sadr Lajna 165