Khilafat Centenary Souvenir 1908-2008 — Page 166
USA, as National Lajna Coordinator wjth thejama'at Centenary Celebration Plan. Sahibzadi Amatun Nur Ahmad was the assistant Coordinator. In December 1980, the US delegation traveled with Huzur and Begum Sahiba on the same flight to attend J alsa Salana at Qadian and Rabwah. In a speech he informed the American sisters that we are the seeds of the future success of Islam Ahmadiyya in the USA; therefore, we must prepare for this success by setting the best examples for those who follow us. We were able to see Huzur several times and were invited to their home. Alhamdolillah! At Qadian and Rabwah a new world opened up for me. The peace and serenity of Qadian has a special place in my heart because there I felt the Promised Messiah's as presence. Sahibzada Mian Wasim, Amir ofjama'at India, and Sahibzadi Amtul Quddus Begum were the very soul of loving hospitality. Fortunately, I met them again on their visits to the U. S. With the privilege of meeting Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad r ta who addressed the sister delegates during this J alsa, I had no idea that I would meet him again in the US as Khilafatul Masih IV 1 a. It was June 1982 and it seemed the whole world was weeping at the sudden sad news of the demise of our dearly loved Khalifatul Masih Illra. How many people recall the great commotion in the heavens during those days? For days television news showed images of comets and shooting stars streaking and thundering across the heavens. Immediately I understood its significance - Almighty Allah was showing the universe the Truth of, and His support for, Islam Ahmadiyya Khilafat. This heavenly showering continued during the inauguration of Khalifatul Masih Nr 1 a. When I told a sympathetic astronomer at the Washington Naval Observatory that this phenomenon related to my faith, he kindly allowed me to listen over the phone to hear this celestial symphony from outer spa€e - what a blessed thrill that was! It confirmed my faith as an Ahmadi Muslim Later in 1982 I applied to make Hajj Pilgrimage and was apprehensive about getting authorization to go. The night before my appointment with the authority I was praying Magrib Salat when I saw a vision of Khalifatul Masih mra standing near me. He was looking down at me with such tender concern, reminding me that I am an Ahmadi Muslim, consoling me not to worry if the authority refused me permission, that Allah is All-Knowing. Extraordinary human being in his personality and as Supreme Head of the Global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. As persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan was rising to a climax. His miraculous 1984 journey to safety in London astounded Ahmadis. It also solved the mystery of a puzzling dream I had. In the dream I was a student in a class of missionaries being taught by Huzur. He was reviewing us for an exam and posed a question about "Bahar for the English" which would be on the test. I had never heard the expression before and became apprehensive about the exam. Each student's desk had a small light attached and my light was not on. Another student reached over and switched on my light, but I still did not know the answer. When I attended UK J alsa in 1985 to meet Hadhrat Sahib I mentioned the dream to him. He casually replied that many people had dreams about his move to England. Later someone else told me that there was a prophecy that the English. Is it true? As a result of his move, Islam Ahmadiyya World Community has made quantum leaps forward in all of its programs, by Divine design, especially for Lajna Imaullah, MTA, International Bai'at, other Muslims and non -Muslims. Bibi Qayyum's thoughtfulness sometimes included me on occasions when I could meet Hadhrat Sahib and Begum Sahiba (may Allah be pleased with them) She and Sahibzada M. M. Ahmad, Amir USA and the entire family of the Promised Messiah in the USA are extraordinary in their hospitality, evidence of their piety, sincerity, simplicity and fellow-feeling. May Allah reward them abundantly. Ameen. I had begun writing to Huzur after his inauguration, requesting his prayers and offering suggestions about public relations strategies on the issue of persecution, which I had also mentioned to M. M. Ahmad Sahib during a brief period when I did minor office work for him. As president of DC Lajna (1985-1991) and correspondence secretary of English under the late respected and dear Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, there was opportunity to serve him in his outstanding 166