USA Souvenir 1989 — Page 52
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq The First Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary arrives in the United States. In 1920 Hazrat Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq arrived at the shores of Philadelphia. The news of his arrival was heralded throughout the city by the local newspapers. Inspite of constituional guarantees, propagation of faith other than that brought by the colonists was not permissable. So, Dr. Sadiq was detained in ellis Island , New York. He reported the matter to Khalifatul Masih II Hazrat Mirza Basheeruddin Mahmud Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him and requested for special prayers for the success of his mission. Ile was asked to write to the President of the country. The Secretary of State replied on behalf of the President conveying his permission. Dr. Sadiq first established himself at Madison Avenue, New York for three months. He then moved to Chicago where he established 52 the first headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam at 74 Victoria Avenue. He established the first Mosque at South 4448 Wabash Avenue. lie started the first publication of the Movement "The Muslim Sunrise" from 27 Labelle Avenue, Highland Park. At the time of his departure in 1922 there were seven hundred Ahmadiyya Muslims here. Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq died in Pakistan on February 13, 1987. Pioneer Missionary Efforts Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was followed by Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Din who served the cause of islam and Ahmadiyyat until 1925. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf continued the missionary work in the interim period of 1925 till 1928. In 1928 Sufi Mutiur Rahman Bengali arrived.