Life of Ahmad — Page 45
as EARLY LIFE 45 had sometimes to go to Dalhousie on foot, which means that he had to put up with a good deal of inconvenience and discomfort. He did not go there 'in order to woo official favour in behalf of his family. ' He had to go there in answer to court summonses. There was, however, one redeeming feature in these journeys. Not only did Ahmad as come in contact with the outside world, but the majestic mountain scenery with its beautiful verdure and running water filled his pure heart with the infinite beauty and glory of God. He loved the solitude of the mountains and felt that there he was nearer to his Creator. There was, however, a long series of cases (mostly with tenants) with which Ahmad as had to deal. In litigation people do not generally care much for truth, honesty and righteousness. But in carrying out his father’s wishes by faithfully conducting the legal proceedings, Ahmad as never lost sight of his duty to God, Whom he loved with all his heart and all his soul. If he had had his own way in the matter he would have given up all claim to his worldly possessions and would have devoted himself, even in those days, solely to the service of God. It was, however, the Divine will that he should come in actual touch with the people of this world and gain experience which was to stand him in good stead ever afterwards. He saw with his own eyes the greed, conceit, lust, wickedness and misery of this world, which he was one day to reform and regenerate. The more he saw of this world the more thoroughly was he