USA Souvenir 1989 — Page 10
With Deep Gratitude Thanks to A ll ah, The Gracious "A drop was I, through His Grace I became a flowing river; Dust was I, yet He made me shining star. " Alhamdo lillah. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of U. S. A. is presenting this Souvenir in commemoration of the Ah m adiyya Centenary Thanksgiving Ce l eberation. May Allah reward all those dear ones abundantly who helped in its preparation and publication. May Allah also reward those who are busy in making arrangements related to various programs of the Centenary. Through the special grace of Allah, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has entered the new century after completing the first one in a glorious and excellent manner. If we compare the beginning and the end of the first century, it becomes manifest that the Ahmadiyya Community was established by Allah the Exalted. This Community was founded under Divine command by a man raised by God Himself. Who could imagine that this delicate plant would survive the deadly and furious storms of opposition and persecution? Even the family members and relatives of the Founder of this Community, the residents of his village , district , province and country tried their level best to arrest its growth, but they failed bitterly. It seemed rather impossible to come out alive from the raging fire which was lit all around it. But the world witnessed that this Community which was established by God crossed each and every obstacle successfully and progressed with amazing speed all over the world. There was a time when there was only one person and a handfull of men in an unknown village of Qadian who had accepted his claim, but now there are ten million in 120 countries who 10 follow him. There was a time when there were only a few pennies given in the cause of Islam, but now millions of dollars are being contributed for propagation of Islam and distribution of the teachings of the Holy Quran. This is a revolution wrought by utmost sincerity , devotion, faith and love. The monetary sacrifice is made not only for one day or one year; this is being constantly repeated year after year. Just take the example of the Community in U. S. A. In 1947, the annual budget was the total contribution of a few members in the amount of 147 do l lars, while the annua l budget this year was 1. 5 million dollars. There were additional donations toward the publication of the Holy Quran, construction of mosques, establishment of mission houses, and homes for the poor. This is a never ending process. Alhamdo lillah. Friends and foes alike witnessed the marvelous expansion of the Community. All the promises of help and victory made by Allah the Exalted to His beloved Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi , were clearly fulfilled in the century which just ended. No one can deny the fact that the little seedling has now become a tremendous tree with its branches in various countries. God's promise that: '. i:. . ~ l _: ~ " ~ Gf q ~ '=- ~ ~' ,, ,;- -'?' ;-w/ ~ CJ,,~ J ~- has been fulfilled in its full glory. Each and every member of the Ahmadiyya Community prostrates to God Almighty to express his thankfulne ss and gratitude for His heavenly help and favor. In utmost humility, every member begs Him for His continued bles sings in the centuries to come. May Allah give Ahmadiyyat and Islam prosperity and success. May all those who have accepted the Promised Messiah and Mahdi take full share of Allah's blessings ; and may a ll those who have not yet recognised him be blessed to come into the fold of guidance.