My Mother — Page xv
Foreword to the First Edition xv available free for the public benefit, I did not deem it nec- essary to obtain the author’s permission for its printing and publication. I am not seeking either the gratification of the Ahmadis, or notoriety among non-Ahmadis. That is why I am not disclosing my name. The reprinted book- let is an exact copy of the original. I am only appending a brief introduction of the author and the booklet. Chaudhri Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, Foreign Minister of Pak istan, has set forth in this booklet entitled an excellent biographical sketch of his mother. I possess neither the learning nor the ability needed for its appraisal. But I have read it repeatedly and I wish to record the impressions that its perusal has left on my mind. It may be asked—why did I feel impelled to give greater publicity to this rare gem? Every reader of it will discover the answer to this question for himself. It is the biographi- cal sketch of an Ahmadi lady, mother of an Ahmadi indi- vidual. But it is a priceless pearl for every Muslim house- hold that makes no discrimi nation between Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi. At the same time, it is as revealing and help- ful for bigoted non-Ahmadis as for Ahmadis. In view of its unlimited beneficence I have ventured to make it more freely available for seekers after knowledge. I claim no literary merit. I venture only to set forth on paper in simple language the promptings of my heart. This booklet is a mirror of the self-sacrifice, self-respect, courage, integrity, trust in God and conformity to Islamic values of a lady behind the veil. Every Muslim woman can learn from it how she should comport herself.