My Mother — Page xix
Foreword to the First Edition xix in the lap of such a virtuous mother; nurtured by her pure milk, was bound to possess pure qualities. Such a one who is supported by the prayers of his revered mother and is helped by the accepted supplications of his spiritual pre- ceptor is sure to enjoy divine support. A non-Ahmadi Frontier Afghan The writing of the Urdu booklet imposed a severe emotional strain on me. The passage of time—forty-three years—has not served in the least degree to assuage the heart-ache or to soften the poignancy of the separation; though in a curious way I have throughout enjoyed communion with her. Friends have con- tinued to urge upon me the desirability of making a biographi- cal sketch of available in English, but I have shrunk from under taking the labour of sheer love involved out of fear that the emotional impact upon me might prove unendurable. Certain recent incidents have, however, presaged the approach of our reunion. Also there has been a rapid progressive deepening of sensitive and emotional reactions. It seems as if I am becoming incapable of disliking anyone, and there is a constant urge to pour forth sympathy, love and affection. One aspect of this urge seeks fulfilment through a presentation of ’s verbal picture to a wider circle in English. I feel as if it is a duty that I have so far left unperformed on insufficient grounds and that she would approve of my belated discharge of it. I pray that divine grace may enable me to carry it out in a manner that would win His approval and acceptance. Amen.