Tadhkirah — Page 183
1886 183 the second the indication was that she is not good-looking. This seems to indicate that the handsome son of noble character, whose birth has been prophesied, can on the face of it be expected from a pious, good-looking wife. [But Allah knows best. ] [Makt u b a t-e-Ahmadiyyah, vol. 5, no. 2 p. 6, Letter dated June 8, 1886, addressed to Hadrat Khalifatul Masih I ra ] March 1886 In the Announcement of February 20, 1886 made by this humble one…there is a prophecy of the birth of a righteous son possessing the qualities mentioned in the announcement. …Such a son, according to the divine promise, will surely be born within nine years 206 , soon or late, but certainly within this period. [Announcement of March 22, 1886, Majm u ‘a-e-Ishtih a r a t, vol. 1, p. 113] 206 (A) The grandeur of the prophecy relating to the birth of a son whose various high qualities have been set out is not reduced by any long period that might be specified for its fulfilment even though it might be the double of nine years. The heart of every just person will bear clear witness that the fulfilment of such a high prophecy which comprises the birth of such an outstanding and special personality is beyond human power. The revelation of such good news in consequence of the acceptance of prayer is not only a prophecy but is a grand heavenly Sign. [Announcement of April 8, 1886, Majm u ‘a-e-Ishtih a r a t, vol. 1, pp. 116–117] (B) According to the divine promise he…will certainly be born within the term announced. Heaven and earth can move away but it is not possible that His promise may not be fulfilled. [H aqq a n i -Taqr i r bar W a qi‘ah Waf a t-e-Bash i r, December 1, 1888, Sabz Ishtih a r, p. 7 footnote, R uha n i Khaz a ’in, vol. 2, p. 453 footnote] (C) I know, and know it with complete certainty, that God Almighty will deal with me according to His promise. If the time of the birth of the Promised Son is not yet, he will appear later. If there is left only one day of the term announced, then God, the Lord of Honour and Glory, will not let that day end till He has fulfilled His promise. [Announcement of January 12, 1889, Majm u ‘a-e-Ishtih a r a t, vol. 1, p. 191]