Why Islam is my choice — Page 66
66 my imagination. The spiritual impact it had over me is unforgettable. Brother Bash ī r had arranged my meeting with my would-be wife’s parents. I visited their house. In short, I got married in a simple ceremony. After our marriage, I found out that my father-in-law was slightly reluctant about our marriage but my mother-in-law had seen a dream in which she was shown the words, I shall protect your daughters, written on a green banner. Al- Ḥ amdu Lill ā h, we have had a very successful marriage. All ā h has rewarded us with four beautiful children. I moved to San Francisco in 1977 and eventually to Merced, California, where I am currently living with my family. I work as a Muslim Chaplain in three of the State’s prisons. Once I had an opportunity to go to Saudi Arabia and Nigeria to teach English language in those countries. Although these visits were short but they left immeasurable effect on my memories. In Nigeria, I was particularly impressed by the work of an A ḥ mad ī brother, Dr. Ziaudd ī n. He was nothing but an angel. Once during my stay in Nigeria, cholera epidemic broke out. Dr. Ziaudd ī n worked relentlessly, round the clock, and going door to door, during this epidemic. Sometimes, he would rush to help even in the middle of the night. He provided free services and medicine, and thus by himself saved hundreds of lives. To me, Dr. Ziaudd ī n’s life was a perfect example of a true Muslim. I am convinced that the quiet and peaceful revolution that is being brought about in the whole world today is the direct result of the true Messianic touch of Ḥ a ḍ rat Mirz ā Ghul ā m A ḥ mad, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) and his Khulaf ā (Successors). I am convinced that by reviving the institution of Khil ā fat in Isl ā m, All ā h has demonstrated his ultimate virtue of mercy upon the mankind. I have met Ḥ a ḍ rat Mirz ā N āṣ ir A ḥ mad, Third Successor to the Promised Messiah, may All ā h have mercy on him, and Ḥ a ḍ rat Mirz ā ā hir A ḥ mad,