First Grain of Sand — Page 171
CONFRONTING SOVIET LEADERSHIP 155 attention provided by Hazrat Musleh Mauʻud. I considered myself the perfect application of the famous Persian poem: و گرنه من همان خاکم که هستم جمال همنشین بر من اثر کرد I have absorbed beauty from the one I have remained with; Otherwise, I am still the same dust that I was before. I swear by God Almighty that during my captivity I saw such incredible miracles from the prayers of my beloved and benevo- lent master that I became convinced that in some difficult times even my own close family are unaware of me, whereas the atten- tion of my benevolent and beloved master's prayers are still with me. In fact, when I was imprisoned in Tashkent, a thought once forcefully came to my mind that whoever Huzoor sends out for preaching is never alone. They may not have a guardian or family member with them, but, like me, they have the great prayers and attention of Huzoor and the heartfelt prayers of the Ahmadiyya Community working with them. This reminds me of the time when I was once in the middle of my daily walk in prison, and suddenly my heart received a glimpse from Allah Almighty of the high stature and dignity of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II. I was amazed and thought to myself that I remained in the presence of Huzoor for such a long time in Qadian yet still could not recognize his status completely. Returning to that day, I came down to my room after mak- ing my statements to the committee of officers. One time, six or seven Russian women came to my hospital room and observed me intently. One spoke up in Russian asking me what complaints I have. I responded telling her I did not want this room. Another