The Devotion of Life — Page 456
456 sub-continent of India. It was a time when people of brutish nature turned into Satans and put on the garb of barbarity and acted in such a dreadful way that put humanity to shame, particularly on both sides of the Punjab Province countless scenes of execution were enacted, and eyes were transfixed in horror by the sight of blood-soaked swords, spears and lances. Sadly, within a short period of time ten million Muslims had been either slain or forced out of their homes. Qadian itself was empty of Ahmadis. At that critical time, the valiant Imam of the Jama’at and our beloved Khalifa Hadrat Musleh Maud ra announced that for the protection of the holy places he needed 313 such people who were prepared to lay down their lives following in the footsteps of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) who fought in the battle of ‘Badr’ and played this same role fourteen hundred years ago to protect Islam. There was an instant response to this call and each and every Ahmadi offered himself for the purpose. But the figure 313 set could take only that many lovers of Ahmadiyyat. The 313 were selected and with their lives exposed to danger constantly, passionately exhibited an inspiring spectacle of sacrifices. It was their passion and spirit of sacrifice which has written that golden chapter of Jama’at Ahmadiyya over the past sixty years for future generations to read and kindle the flame of their faith. In fact, it is passion alone which beautifies history and opens the shining gates of victory for great nations. Accordingly, these 313 devotees who were honoured with the title ‘Darweshan’ settled down at the feet of their beloved and continued to establish such impressive milestones of faith, love, submission and