The Promised Son — Page 17
17 Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad ra had a very refined taste in food. He preferred eating fresh bread that was crispy on the outside but very soft in the middle. He had an acute sense of smell and if for any reason he disliked the aroma or taste of anything he was eating he would stop immediately. He would not voice any displeasure nor would he ever reprimand his cook. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad ra, despite the pressure upon him, was not a perfectionist. He was very careful not to demand too much from his children nor his workers. He accepted that everyone made mistakes and rarely was annoyed. In fact, there were very few things that would upset him. One of these was when people tried to cover up their mistakes with lies; he could not tolerate falsehood. He never intruded on his children and was not overly strict with them, but he would be very angry with his children if they missed any of the daily payers. The children of the Khalifah were treated with great respect by the majority of the Jama’at. There were some peo- ple who tried to show their love by showering them with gifts. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad ra was very particular on this matter. One instance that highlights this was when Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad rta brought home a new bike. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad ra was aware that young Tahir did not have enough money to buy a new bike. He asked him if the shopkeeper had given the bike to him for free. If so, the bike should be returned or