Some Prophecies of Hazrat Ahmad - A Critical Study — Page 55
further disclosure concerning this matter and it was disclosed to me today, April 8th, 1886, by God Almighty, that a son will be born very soon, within the period of one pregnancy. This means that a son will be born of a near pregnancy but it has not been disclosed whether the one who will be born soon is the same Promised Son or whether he will be born at some other time within the term of nine years. " '5. This announcement, in itself carried a clear message that a son was not expected of the present pregnancy. This is indicated by the disclosure that a son will be born within one pregnancy and not this pregnancy. This view is further strengthened by the words that a son will be born of a near pregnancy and not the present pregnancy. . On the 7th of August, 1887, Hadhrat Ahmad'sas prophecy in relation to the birth of a handsome and pure boy, Emmanuel and Bashir, who was to descend from heaven as a guest of Hadhrat. Ahmadas, was fulfilled when a son finally made his appearance and. Hadhrat Ahmadas, made a declaration that this son fulfilled the prophecy of 20th February, 1886, 'namely: A handsome and pure boy will come as your guest. ' He also stated that the birth of this son 'fulfilled the prophecy in the announcement of April 8, 1886 that a son will be born soon. '. But this son, named Bashir Ahmad and popularly referred to as Bashir the First, was to be a guest only as had been stated by the prophecy' and declared by Hadhrat Ahmadas at the time of the child's birth. . Consequently, as had been decreed by God Almighty, the guest, Bashir. Ahmad the First departed before Hadhrat Ahmad'sas own eyes when he died on the 4th of November, hence fulfilling the prophecy of his birth and also, his death. . The early death of this Bashir the First, was, once again, an occasion for the adversaries to contend that Hadhrat Ahmad'sas prophecy in relation to the Promised Son had been falsifed. In response to this contention, he 5 Announcement, 8th April, 1886: Tabligh e Risalat, Vol. 1 6. Maktoobat Ahmadiyya, Volume V, Part III, pg 22 7. Announcement, 20th February, 1886 vide Riyaz Hind, Supplement, 1st March, 1886 8. Maktoobat Ahmadiyya, Vol. V, Part 3, pg 22 55