The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 4
4 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD by following the footsteps of their teacher and master, they developed such spirituality, that despite susceptible to the dangerous maze of politics they did not let virtue and honesty slip their hands. Even under the burden of [holding positions] in sovereignty, their backs remained as firm as they were at the time when they once required the basic means of sustenance and their floor was the bare earth of Masjid-e-Nabaw i ; 3 their own hands served as pillows, their occupation was listening to the blessed words of the Holy Prophet sa and their leisure was the worship of the One God. FIRST DEVOTEES OF ISLAM: H A D RAT ‘ UTHM A N RA & H A D RAT ‘AL I RA You have probably gathered that on this occasion, I intend to speak about the Khilafat of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and Hadrat ‘ Al i ra. Both of these noble men are among the first devotees of Islam. Their companions are also from among the best fruits of Islam. For a charge to be levelled against their honesty and virtue is, in reality, a disgrace upon Islam. Any Muslim who sincerely ponders over this fact will definitely reach the conclusion that in actuality, these people are above and beyond all kinds of partiality. This statement is not without foundation; rather, the pages of history are a testimony to this very fact for anyone who examines them with open eyes. 3. The Prophet ’ s Mosque [Publishers]