The Afghan Martyrs — Page 5
towards martyrdom. Before he was martyred he was kept in a prison cell for approximately a month and a half and was chained 'ghraghrab' This was a kind of chain weighing 30 K. G which was wrapped round the prisoner's body. He was hand cuffed and his feet were fettered with chains weighing 4 K. G. He spent a month and a half in this tortuous state, Before his arrest, as the EVENT which was to follow had already been revealed to him, sitting in his house after 'Asar'(afternoon prayer) and addressing his two raised hands he asked, liDo you have the strength and ability to wear chains for the sake of the Master?!! As there had never been any question of imprisonment his family were astounded and asked him what he was talking about and why. After 'Asar' two footmen appeared at the door and arrested him. On repeated occasions he was asked by the Ruler of Kabul to repent and relinquish his belief. On each occasion he sent a message back saying that he had accepted the belief with full awareness for the sake of Allah and therefore neither fear of torture nor any power on earth could wrench his faith from him. He emphasized that he had no fear of death. However, after it was decided to martyr him he was allowed to debate with the local divines so that he may have an opportunity to prove to them that his beliefs were in accord with the Holy Quran, A British Chief Engineer has written a book concerning Ameer Habeebulla Khan named 'Under the Absolute Amir' In this book he casually refers to what the Sahibzada had to face. According to him, Habeebulla Khan the Ruler of Kabul held the Sahibzada in very high esteem indeed and did not want to see him killed. However, his brother Nasrulla Khan, who was a known despot and already had a difference of opinion with the Sahibzada persisted in his efforts. According to Martin the British Chief Engineer, twelve divines were chosen to pronounce judgement on 5