Fazl-e-Umar — Page 108
Fazle Umar 108 “Look at my past life. I have never desired to become the leader. I am well aware of my own condition, and my Lord is even better aware of it. I have not the slightest desire of occupying a place of honour in the world. My only desire is that my Lord and Master may be pleased with me. I supplicate for the fulfilment of this desire; and it is out of this desire that I took up my residence in Qadian and will continue to reside here. I have spent many days considering anxiously what would be our situation after the death of Hadhrat Sahib. That is why I have endeavoured that Mian Mahmud’s education might be completed…. If you insist on pledging your allegiance (bai’at) to me then bear in mind that bai’at means to be sold. ” Finally, Huzur [ra] reminded them: “Now whatever may be your individual inclinations you will have to carry out my orders. If this is acceptable to you I shall undertake this responsibility will- ingly or unwillingly. The ten conditions of the pledge laid down by the Promised Messiah [as] shall continue in force. I shall include among them and would emphasise the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, the collection of Zakat, the training of preachers and such other projects as Allah may be pleased to inspire me with. Religious instruction and the courses of study in the theological seminary will require my approval. I undertake this responsibility solely for the sake of Allah, Who has ordained: Let there be from among you a body of persons who should enjoin good and forbid evil (The Holy Qur’an Ch3. :V. 105). Remember, all good proceeds from accord. A leaderless people are dead. ” 68 As soon as he finished speaking, all present, who had arrived from far and near and who numbered about 1200, urged him with one voice, `We offer you our pledge. We shall obey your orders. You are our Amir and the Successor of our Messiah. ’ All of them swore allegiance to him in his capacity as Khalifatul Masih. After the