The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 4
4 Essence of Islam-IV place of refuge for every Muslim. Most other places were full of disbelief, disobedience and tyranny, while Qadian was well-known for its adherence to Islam, piety, purity and justice. I have myself heard from those who had lived close to that time that in those days Qadiān was like a garden in which flour- ished hundreds of supporters of the faith, divines, scholars and brave and respectable men. There were many tales current in this neighbour- hood that Mirzā Gul Muhammad Şahib, the late, was an outstanding personality among the righteous people from whom proceeded many astonishing acts which bordered on the miraculous. Many seek- ers after God, scholars and pious men had come to Qādiān to be among his associates. It is surprising that some of his near miraculous actions are so well-known that they were vouched for by a large number of irreligious people. In short, in addition to this position as chieftain, he had great reputation for integrity, righteousness, manly courage, high re- solve, support of the faith, and sympathy for the Muslims. All his associates were pious people of good conduct, jealous for the faith, averse to dis- obedience and evil, and possessing courageous and commanding personalities. I have often heard my father relate that on one occa- sion a Minister of the Mughal Government-whose title was Ghiath-ud-Daulah came to Qādiān. Hav- ing observed the statesmanship, intelligence, courage, high resolve, perseverance and wisdom of