Pathway to Paradise — Page 114
114 THE AHMADIYYA KHALIFAS Since 1908, the year of the Promised Messiah’s death, there have been four Khalifas. Allah bestowed His special favors on each one, and the Jamaat has flourished and prospered during each Khilafat. A brief summary of their achievements is given below: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddeen Sahib was the first successor to the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). He was a most favorite companion of the Promised Messiah, and was the first to enter into Bai’at. Possessing vast religious knowledge, Hazrat Nooruddeen had a very deep understanding of the Holy Qur’an. He was an eminent physician and served in the court of the Rajah (prince) of Kashmir. As soon as he heard of Hazrat Ahmad’s claim, he traveled to Qadian to visit him. On seeing Hazrat Ahmad, he immediately offer ed to enter into a covenant with him. During his Khilafat from 1908 to 1914, Hazrat Nooruddeen established various Jamaat institutions including the Treasury, schools and publications. He also vigorously upheld the institution of Khilafat against a small minority element which wanted to undermine the Khilafat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II One of the prophecies revealed to the Promised Messiah by God was that He would bestow on him a son who would be a sign of Allah’s Mercy, Power, Grace and Beneficence, and through