The Afghan Martyrs — Page 76
said, "I am carrying the chains, shackles and handcuffs for the sake of Hadhrat Mohammad Mustapha (PBUH) and to me they are like ornaments. I am walking briskly because I am impatient for a rendezvous with my Master. II There was not the slightest trace of fear on his face nor was there any concern for the sadistic manner in which the population had treated him. He marched cheerfully and with great equanimity and the light of spiritual tranquility was evident from his blessed face. When he reached the site of execution the King and the notables alighted from their horses. A pit had been dug in a prominent place and he was lowered into it up to his waist and a circle was formed around him. In the first row were Ameer Habeebulla Khan, Mullah Abdur Razzaque, Sardar N asruHa Khan and some divines. The Ameer approached him and offered to save him even at that late stage, he would only renounce the Qadiani who claimed to be the Promised Messiah (PBUH). He was told that he was approaching the very end, that this was his last chance to save his life and to take pity on his family. Then the martyr replied, "I seek the protection of God. How can I deny the truth? Life has no significance for me. How can I abandon my faith for the sake of my wife and my children? I will not do that, I will die for the truth. . . . . " Then the Qazis and the jurists cried out, "He is an infideL Kill him and kill him quickly. " Again the Sahibzada declared that he upheld his faith above his life. The First Stone In view of the steadfastness and courage displayed by the Sahibzada, Ameer Habeebulla Khan resolved to implement the edict quickly. He asked Qazi Abdur Razzaque to throw the first stone as he had issued the edict of 'kufr'. But the Qazi pleaded that the King should throw the first stone as he was the Monarch. 76