Khilafat Centenary Souvenir 1908-2008 — Page 131
elucidating on the logical excellence and supremacy of Islamic teachings. On August 11 th Huzur ra together with the entourage left Toronto for a picnic in the park. Prior to the picnic Huzur visited Niagara Falls. All the members were overjoy ed being in the company of their beloved Khalifa. After lunch, Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered. After salat, Huzur generously and lovingly continued to spend time with the members and then at 5:30 pm he travelled by car across the Canada border to Buffalo, NY. From there he traveled by air to Washington D. C. My Personal Meeting and Accounts Auditing On August 12 th Huzur ra requested my presence and asked me to bring the accounts ledgers, which I took to the home of Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad. Huzur ra reviewed the books and said the accounts were alright but as far as Moosis were concerned, some were not paying chanda (dues) on their actual and real income and there was a need to remind them. If they still did not pa y chanda on real income, then their wasiyyat should be cancelled. Huzur 'a said that he should be kept informed in London of this issue and to ensure it has been addressed. Subsequent to this meeting I prepared a list of those members who were paying less chanda than their income, and I informed each of them about Huzur's directive by letter. When Huzur ra reached London, he reviewed the list. Some of the members did pa y their arrears and for those who were in default, their wasiyyat was cancelled. Farewell Dinner in Honor of Huzurra On August 12 th, at the end of Huzur's ra visit to America, a grand farewell dinner was arranged by the U. S. Jama'at at the Sheraton Hotel. This dinner was attended by representatives of many embassies and honorable citizens. Huzur 'a met all of them individually. Khutba Juma On August 13 th , Huzur ra arrived at the Washington D. C. Mission House and delivered an erudite khutba on the importance of attachment to khilafat, acting upon the Quranic commandments, and financial sacrifice. He also made a reference to his perusal of Jama'at accounts, and the instructions given to the Missionary In-Charge regarding Chanda Wasiyyat, which would be enforced insha' Allah. Lajna members were reminded of the importance and consistency in observing pardah. Meeting with Washington Post Reporter After Juma prayers, a reporter from the Washington Post was granted an audience with Huzurra, who answered many questions about Khilafat elections, establishment ofjama'at Ahmadiyya and. the number of Ahmadis in the U. S. In the end Huzurra gave a message to Americans about the importance of love amongst humanity. The third meeting with US chapters On August 14 th , a third meeting with the U. S. chapters took place, which Huzurra presided over, wherein the outcomes of the previous meetings were presented and Huzur 'a graciously responded with exclusive guidance. Huzur 'a especially advised the chapters about the importance of training of the next generations. This meeting was held at the residence of respected Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad. Huzur ra concluded the meeting with dua (collective silent prayer). Respected Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad offered dinner to all the participants. Departure of Huzurra On August 15th at noon there was a farewell meeting at Sahibzada Muzaffar Ahmad 's residence and Huzur ra continued to give important instructions and meet with visitors. Today was the day when Huzur ra was going back to London. The time was spent in formal talk with the members and precious advice was tendered to servants of the faith. At 7:30 pm Huzurra and his entourage went to the airport. Many members were there to see their beloved master off; Huzurra shook hands with them all. There were also lajna members at the airport to bid farewell to Hadhrat Begum Sahiba, who shook hands with them. Finally it was the time for Huzurra to have to leave his servants. After collective dua, musafa (handshake) and embraces, Huzur'a departed for the airline lounge. At 9 pm Huzur'a traveled from America to London on British Airways. Those left behind prayed for Huzur'sra safety and returned to the Mission House. The details of this journey were published in the Khalid magazine in December, 1976 and January, 1977.