Life of Ahmad — Page 36
BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD as 36 he was six or seven years of age, i. e. , about 1841. The name of the tutor was Fa d l Il a h i. He was a resident of Qadian and belonged to the H anaf i school, and taught his pupil the Holy Quran and a few elementary Persian books. About 1845, when Ahmad as was about ten, another tutor was employed. His name was Fa d l Ahmad. He came from Ferozewala, district Gujranwala, and belonged to the Ahl-e-Hadith school. His son, Mub a rak Ali of Sialkot, became afterwards a follower of Ahmad as. He was a good and pious man and worked hard with his pupil. He instructed Ahmad as in the elements of Arabic grammar. When Ahmad as reached the age of 17 or 18 a shia named Gul Ali Shah 4 of Batala was appointed his tutor, and Ahmad as learnt more of Arabic grammar and something of logic from him. This method of instruction was in accord with the routine followed in those days. In addition to this, Ahmad’s as father, being an experienced physician, instructed him in the rudiments of medicine. But learning was altogether at a discount. Ignorance reigned supreme. It was really an age of 4 He was a great smoker and some of his pupils would make fun of him, but Ahmad as never joined them and always remained respectful. And thus, uninspired of applause and undeterred by ridicule, he gave early evidence of his courageous determination to remain loyal to his principles. Gul Ali Shah taught Ahmad as at Qadian in the beginning; later Ahmad as went to Batala. L. Bh i m Sain and Muhammad Husain were also among the pupils of Gul Ali Shah in those days. In Batala Ahmad as stayed in a building which belonged to his father; it was probably situated near Achl i gate in Miy a Ĕ Mohalla.