The Afghan Martyrs — Page 4
when he visited Qadian a significant transformation took place in him. As it seemed equally important to him to benefit from the company of the Imam of the time he felt that he could defer the performance of Haj for another year. During his stay in Qadian his love and devotion grew manyfold and he witnessed several signs. He accompanied the Promised Messiah (PBUH) when he went to Jhelum. The Sahibzada gained much in the way of knowledge from the Promised Messiah (PBUH) and learnt much concerning many religious issues. When he made up his mind to return, the Almighty through certain visions and revelations, disclosed to him that he would be martyred on arrival in Kabul. The message was so unambiguous that many attempted to dissuade him from returning to that land. In answer he would say, "No. My soil demands my blood and it has been decreed that my blood will be spilt in Afghanistan. " With great devotion and exhilaration he proceeded towards the site of his sacrifice as he knew it had been decreed. The Background of the Martyrdom of Hadhrat Sahibzada It was the Sahibzada who, at the time of Ameer Habeebulla Khan's coronation bound the Royal Turban round his head and ironically it was the same Habeebulla Khan who ordered rigorous imprisonment for him. Earlier the King wrote a letter to the Sahibzada from which it could have been constrained that he was not only pleased that the Sahibzada had done 'Bai'at' at the hand of the Promised Messiah (PBUH) but that perhaps he too may accept him. This was an act of pure deceit. Even if the Monarch had not resorted to this trick, accepting the Divine wish with an open heart and with full realization of what was in store for him, Hadhrat Sahibzada Abdul Lateef was almost eagerly drawn 4