The Shining Lamp — Page xiii
FOREWORD In this magnificent book published in 1897, the Promised Messiahas documents thirty-seven prophecies, including the humiliating ends of Pundit Lekh Ram and Abdullah Atham, two outspoken critics of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsas. He shares the glori- ous prophecy of Musleh Ma'ūd, the Divinely favoured Promised Son, and foretells a devastating plague outbreak in India. The book features an affectionate exchange of letters between Hadrat Khawajah Ghulām Farīdīta, a revered sufi saint, and the Promised Messiahas, which includes his poem extolling the glory of God, the perfection of the Quran, and his immense love for the Holy Prophetsas. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsas is named Sirāj-e-Munir (The Shining Lamp) in Sūrah al-Ahzāb, 33:47 because he embodies all luminous qualities. Like a lamp lighting others, he illuminated thousands of hearts in his very lifetime, and billions thereafter. The Promised Messiahas attained his exalted status by following the Prophet Muhammadsas, and those who humbly follow these footsteps will similarly reflect his light. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Rubina Nasir for providing the preliminary translation that was reviewed by Shehzad Ahmad. This manuscript was used as a basis for the final translation that was performed by Bilal Ahmad Rana, Waseem Ahmad Sayed, and Naser-ud-Din Shams, with valuable assistance