Fazl-e-Umar — Page 61
Fazle Umar 61 Mohammad Ali sahib M. A. were fluent in their praise. These were the two gentlemen who were extremely proud of their religious knowledge even in those days. Later this pride grew to the point where Hadhrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad sahib’s marvellous scholastic and mental attainments, and the fame of his learning and excellence began to hurt them rather than please them. This is the same Maulvi Mohammad Ali sahib who after reviewing the Tashheezul Azhan in the March 1906 issue of the Review of Religions (Urdu), of which journal he was the editor, was compelled to write: “The Tashheezul Azhan, a quarterly journal, has started publication from Qadian and its first issue has just become available. It is an example of the high resolve of the young men of this Movement. May God bless it. Its annual subscription is 12 annas (5 English pence). The editor of this journal is Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, son of the Promised Messiah [as]. This issue of the journal carries an introduction from his pen extending over 14 pages. It will in any case be read and appreciated by the members of the Community, but I wish to draw the attention of the opponents of the Movement to it as a clear proof of the truth of the Movement. “The Sahibzada is only 18 or 19 [actually 17] years old. Everyone is aware of the thoughts and ambitions that inspire the minds of youngsters of that age. If they are college students, their minds are occupied with eagerness for higher education and freedom. Such zeal for the faith and such eagerness in support of Islam as are manifested in these simple words are something out of the ordi- nary. Not only on this occasion but, as I have observed, on every occasion this sincere eagerness of his comes to the surface. . . . It is not a casual matter that the heart of a youngster in his teens should be inspired by such eagerness and ambitions, because that is the age of sports and games, etc. Now inquire from those black-hearted people who call Hadhrat sahib an impostor whence has