Stories from Early Ahmadiyyat — Page 48
48 avert the threat of rabies. Having gone through a full course of treatment there, he returned to Qadian. A few days later, he exhibited signs of hydrophobia. His condition caused great anxiety as he developed the deadly symptoms and began to suffer from the agony of the fatal disease. Hydrophobia, literally the dread of water, is the main symptom of rabies. The name derives from an aversion to water or other liquids, difficulty in swallowing them and from the violent spasms of the throat which occur when drinking is attempted. Rabies is regarded by the medical profession as a terrible disease in which death is virtually certain. A telegram was immediately sent to the specialists at Kasauli who had treated him previously, describing his symptoms and asking for directions. A reply was sent back by telegram: ‘Sorry, nothing can be done for Abdul Karim. ’ Hazrat Ahmad as had been advised of the condition of Abdul Karim and was kept informed of the progress of his symptoms. When he was told of the reply received from Kasauli, he was much distressed and was deeply moved out of pity for Abdul Karim and his widowed mother. He prayed to God for his complete recovery. His prayers were accepted and within less than 24 hours Abdul Karim was recovered fully, and he resumed the course of his studies. Hazrat Ahmad as has in fact shown many other similar