Life of Ahmad — Page 14
AHMAD’S as FOREFATHERS as 14 annexed by Ranjit Singh in 1819. He took Peshawar in 1823. During this period of military service under Ranjit Singh Mirza Ghulam Murtaza’s burden of affliction and adversity was to some extent lightened, but the Sikhs were still in power and the family remained in straightened circumstances. Mirza Ghulam Murtaza was much worried. It is said that he travelled far and wide but no ray of hope was yet visible. In moments of distress and disappointment he even thought of going to Kashmir and settling there; for he had already served there in the capacity of a Su ba , a kind of Governor. He devoted his time to study and prayer. He tried his luck at the court of Ranjit Singh, but the court was dissolute, and nothing availed. Ranjit Singh was, however, so impressed with Mirza Ghulam Murtaza’s goodness and nobility that in the latter period of his reign, sometime in 1834-35, he restored to him five villages out of his lost ancestral estate. This was about the time of the birth of the future Prophet. Thus the very birth of Ahmad as , the illustrious reformer of the world, blessed his parents and his family in a wonderful manner. Light came and darkness vanished. The days of adversity were turned into peace and prosperity. They had a twofold reason for gratification: they were restored to peace, and they came to enjoy religious freedom. The whole family felt the change in its fortunes and attributed it to the happy birth of their blessed son. And it proved to be a blessing for the whole