The Afghan Martyrs — Page 53
moment of separation came. As the Sahibzada had only taken leave of Ameer Habeebulla Khan for six months it was time for him to go back. He sought and was granted permission to leave from the Promised Messiah (PBUH) and the Promised Messiah (PBUH) came for two or three miles out of Qadian to bid him farewell. By then the Sahibzada was totally saturated with his love for the Promised Messiah (PBUH) and quite involuntarily he fell at the feet of the master and thus his clothes got covered with dust. He already knew that during his sojourn in the temporary abode of this world this was to be his last meeting with the Promised Messiah (PBUH) and he caught hold of his feet. The Promised Messiah (PBUH) said to him, "I will pray for you. Now do get up. II Tears poured down from his eyes and the Sahibzada would not let go his grip. Then the Promised Messiah (PBUH) said to him, "Sahibzada Sahib, 'A command has preference over deference,' I command you to let go of my feet stand up. " Immediately he let go of his feet and then the Promised Messiah (PBUH) embraced him and they remained in each other's arms for a long time. The Sahibzada, though unwillingly and in a state of utter grief, left for Lahore along with his pupils where he stayed in a small mosque next to the old residence of Mian Chiragh Deen. Although many wealthy people in Lahore would have been proud to have him as their house guest he preferred to stay in a mosque. While in Lahore he was invited for a meal by a well to do person. Along with his pupils he went to his house where a number of respectable citizens had been invited for a meal so that they may benefit from the Sahibzada's company. However, when the meal was laid out Sahibzada saw a vision and he left without eating. On the way back his pupils asked him why he had come away without eating. In answer he said he could smell filth. Later it 53