Fazl-e-Umar — Page 255
Fazle Umar 255 of supporting any agriculture. Mir Mohammad Nasir sahib sates: “At that time Rabwah was absolutely barren, there was no water or electricity or gas. There was nothing. Because of the sand and crystallised salt it was dif- ficult to work the land. There was one tree and a broken bench on the site. On that bench the words ‘Anjuman Khuddamul Islam Chiniot’ were written. Locals as well as agricultural experts insisted that the soil at this location could not support any vegetation. Plants could not be grown and sustaining any shade bearing trees would therefore be impossible. They argued that it was therefore totally unsuitable for the needs of the Community. Having heard these opinions, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] decided to visit the location himself. So in the company of a few people he travelled to the area and inspected it in detail. That evening he returned to Lahore and announced that the land should be bought immediately. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] appointed Nawab Mohammad Deen to begin the process of acquiring the land and so the new headquarters were born. ” 120 After paying the designated price, the Community acquired the site which con- stituted 1,034 acres and so the beginning of the new headquarters was born. 121 The proposed town to be constructed on the barren, treeless site on which not a blade of grass had ever sprouted, was named Rabwah, which is the name ascribed in the Holy Qur’an to the region where Jesus [as] eventually found shelter (Ch23:V. 51). 122 Upon receiving permission from the government, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] immediately appointed a committee to start planning the settlement of the new head- quarters. For the official inauguration of Rabwah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra] left Lahore on 20 September 1948 by car. After crossing the river Chenab bridge, he got out of the car with his companions, turned towards the Kaaba and prayed, “O my Lord make my entry a good entry and make me go forth a good going forth. And grant