Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and the Spirit of Sacrifice — Page 2
‑ 2 ‑ [and final] stage of maturity starts at the age of 40—the time ordained by Allah Almighty for the appointment of His prophets. Accordingly, this first year of your matur- ity has been marked by various hurdles and crises. Of all the uncertainty and critical moments [our] comm unity has faced, the period between your eleventh and twelfth year has been the most fraught with peril. This movement has endured several cycles of cruelty and hardship in the past, but until now our members did not falter from the fear of oppression. Our enemies have exaggerated the numbers of those [who have exhibited weakness in recent times] and in my estimation they are no more than 50 or 60. Even the majority of those were quick to repent and there is hardly any one among them now who has not expressed embarrassment and remorse at [their actions]. Vulnerability is not a trait that is prevalent among believers. [Divinely