Truth Prevails — Page vii
( i ) F O R E W O R D Title of the book under reference is (THE) TRUTH TRIUMPHS. It is directed against us, the Qadian (now Rabwah) Section. Of course, the truth always triumphs. But the victory claimed by the Lahore section, against Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, will be obvious from a perusal of the following: 1. After his acceptance of the Khilafat of Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin, for six years, Maulvi Mohammad Ali made an astounding discovery. He said no Khalifa was needed to hold membership of the Movement together, or to control and direct the activities of the Movement. Immediately before the death of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, he had a leaflet printed. But he kept it secret, nicely packed up into bundles, ready for dispatch to various addresses at the opportune moment. The title of this leaflet was A VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. Its purport, and purpose, was that the institution of Khilafat was not needed in the affairs of the Movement, since the guidance and control of the Anjuman was enough, for all possible purposes. He conceded, however, that from deference for the last Will and Testament of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, and for accepting bai’at (pledge of loyalty) from those wanting to join the Movement, an Amir could be appointed. He should have no authority over the Anjuman or the general body of the Movement. His functions and duties should be precisely limited and conditional. The aim of the leaflet was to arouse a general feeling to cultivate a view that the membership of the Movement should not allow itself to be persuaded that an elected Khalifa with an overall supreme authority in the affairs of the Movement was essential, altogether indispensible. Following the death of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, the leaflet was distributed without delay. It was broadcast everywhere among members of the Movement in defiance of the wishes expressed by the first Khalifa in his last Will and Testament in regard to the Khalifa to be elected after his demise. In the midst of people present around him in his illness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I had his Will read aloud thrice over by Maulvi Muhammad Ali himself, asking him each time he finished his reading if there was anything important not covered by this all important document at that juncture. Each time Maulvi Muhammad Ali had replied that nothing had been missed. However it is painful to remember that the moment the eyes of the Khalifa closed in death, Maulvi Mohammad Ali, to all practical intents and purposes, tore up this Will and scattered the pieces to the winds.