Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (1875-1957)
Visit to Brighton and prayer
On 29 August 1924, at the invitation of Brighton Corporation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], accompanied by his companions, departed for Brighton at 10:30 am by train and arrived at the station after covering the 50-mile distance in exactly one hour.
About Brighton
Despite having a population exceeding 100,000, Brighton is still considered a town rather than a city. It is an ancient town that gained prominence in the mid-18th century due to its location by the sea and its proximity to London. This fishing village has, for nearly two centuries, served as a royal retreat for the English monarchy. Grand royal halls and palaces were built here, and during the Great War, these served as hospitals for Indian soldiers. These royal buildings were gifted to the people of Brighton by Queen Victoria in 1845, and they have been well-maintained ever since.
In 1914, when World War I began and hospitals were needed for wounded Indian soldiers, Brighton’s mayor, Mr [John] Otter, and the Corporation, in the spirit of humanitarianism and national duty, offered these royal palaces as hospitals. The people of Brighton sacrificed their comforts for the care of the wounded. Our connection to this hospital, both as Indians and as members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is significant, as many of our wounded Indian brethren, including some Ahmadi Muslim soldiers, were treated there. These soldiers, while fulfilling their military duties, were injured and sent to Brighton for treatment. They had written to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih at the time, praising the care and comfort they received, as well as the compassion shown by the people of Brighton.
Harbans Rai, a boy from a Hindu family in Qadian, also served at this hospital, caring for the wounded for an extended period. Thus, our relationship with Brighton is longstanding.
Chattri Memorial
In memory of the soldiers who passed away here, the Chattri Memorial was constructed on the high ground of the Patcham area of Brighton. The construction of this chattri was assigned to a renowned firm in Manchester. This location is situated at an elevation of 500 feet, surrounded by greenery, and offers a scenic view of the sea from near the memorial. An area of 121 × 90 feet has been designated for this monument. The chattri itself covers an area of 60 × 40 feet.
This chattri, made from white marble, was designed in the Indian architectural style and crafted in Italy. The dome has a diameter of eight feet, and the entire structure stands 29 feet high.
An additional 44 acres of land were acquired through public funds. Of this, 2 acres will be developed into a beautiful garden, while the remaining land will serve as a source of income to meet local needs.
Videographers
Upon reaching the Chattri Memorial, various videographers captured our group shots. Two newspaper correspondents and photographers accompanied us, one of them travelled with us from London. This is a small example of the diligence of the local newspapers. I will, Insha-Allah, write about this in detail in my travelogue regarding the London newspapers, or, if possible, I will send it to be published [in Al Fazl]. Standing on the platform of the chattri, Huzoor[ra] [expressed his] intention to carry out a prayer, and said:
Unite under the chattri of the Promised Messiah
“This monument is a united memorial to those nations of India who served their king during the Great War and fought alongside the imperial army, in which they sacrificed their lives. This memorial is a symbol, in its smallest form, of bringing the world together for a single purpose.
“The Promised Messiahas came to unite the world on one objective, and that is a grand purpose. This, a memorial of gathering for one cause, serves as a small symbol for our great mission. In the objective of unity by the Promised Messiahas, there is no distinction between East and West. It is not about East or West, but rather gathering the entire world on one faith.
“Therefore, my intention is to offer a prayer at this place, and that prayer will be in this sense – that just as this is a sign of those who united for one worldly cause, similarly, may Allah establish that grand chattri, which is the canopy of the Promised Messiahas. And may the people of the East and West gather under this true shelter. Just as this is an apparent sign, that sign [of the Promised Messiahas] cannot be made of bricks and stones. Rather, it is made by uniting hearts, and its effects reach far and wide.
“Thus, I will pray for the establishment of this true chattri, that people from the East, the West, and the whole world may gather under it, and may God create such means that we can unite them all.”
The summary of the speech was read out in English by Master Nayyar Sahib[ra] for newspaper reports, after which His Holiness carried out a lengthy prayer and descended from the other side. Meanwhile, the videographers captured the entire scene. As I write this (i.e., 3 September 1924), this scene is being shown to the people, and it has been received with great interest by the public.
From Chattri Memorial to the Royal Pavilion
After visiting the Chattri Memorial, Huzoor[ra] arrived at the Royal Pavilion, which had been used as a hospital for the wounded during 1914. At the entrance, he was welcomed by Dr HD Robert, a member of the Corporation, along with other officials. A large crowd was present at this occasion. Dr Roberts gave His Holiness a tour of the Royal Pavilion and detailed the various measures they had implemented for the rest and comfort of the wounded soldiers. At the entrance, His Holiness delivered a message, which was translated by Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan[ra]. This translation was prepared during the train journey and later while travelling to Brighton by car.
The public received it with great appreciation and expressed their happiness. In response to this address, Dr Robert expressed his gratitude for the visit of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]. The address and its reply will be given in the next report, insha-Allah.
Press
The next day’s newspapers extensively covered His Holiness’s visit to Brighton, including his address, and the reply as well. Photographs of the prayer at the memorial were also published. After the address, Friday prayer was offered on the eastern lawn of the Royal Pavilion, which was also filmed. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] gave a brief sermon on the path to success. Following the prayer, Huzoor[ra] and his companions had lunch at the Pavilion Restaurant, and later visited a dome related to the Royal Pavilion before travelling along the seaside and returning to London via an evening train.
Miscellaneous accounts
On 30 August 1924, due to certain ailments […], Huzoor’s[ra] health was not in the best condition. Despite this, he remained engaged in work throughout the day. In the evening, a British Khawaja Shahi new Muslim named Logreau, came to meet. He exchanged views with Mr Sayal[ra] in the presence of His Holiness. He did not consider prayer, fasting, and other religious obligations to be necessary, and he rejected the concepts of veiling and polygamy. When it was pointed out that these matters are clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran, he openly stated that he did not accept them.
Consultative assembly
After the evening prayers, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] went for a short walk, and then convened a consultative assembly that continued until midnight, where discussions were carried out on the subject of tabligh.
Spiritualist Society Conference
On 31 August 1924, Huzoor’s[ra] health further deteriorated […], as he had remained busy the previous night despite his discomfort. In the evening, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] attended a conference of a Spiritualist Society, which also had a large number of women in attendance. After a brief lecture, a woman stood up and began to claim that spirits were present, and she described the conditions of some of these spirits. It seemed like the ramblings of a delusional person.
After the meeting, I inquired from some attendees whether they had ever experienced [spirits], and they denied it. When I told them that these were mere absurdities, and that the significant matter is for a person to develop a relationship with God and experience divine communion, they were astonished and asked if such a thing was possible. I replied that not only is it possible, but that there is someone present at today’s gathering who has experienced it. Hearing this, a small circle of people gathered around Huzoor[ra].
His Holiness was unwell […] from 1 to 3 September [1924], but these days were marked by intense activity. Huzoor[ra] continued to work throughout the day and until midnight, reviewing and making necessary corrections to the English translation of the address that was to be delivered at the religious conference.
Interviews with the Khalifa
On the evening of 3 September [1924], from 5 to 7 pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] gave three separate interviews. One of these was with a representative from a religious conference, sent on behalf of its president, Sir Ross. During the discussion, the representative expressed a desire for Huzoor[ra] to extend his stay until 10 November [1924] so that he could deliver a special lecture on Islam.
The other two interviews were conducted by lady interviewers, one of whom was [Estelle Sylvia Pankhurst], the daughter of the famous suffragist leader, [Emmeline] Pankhurst. She is authoring a book on India [India and the Earthly Paradise, published in 1926]. Mrs Pankhurst had gained significant recognition for her role in supporting the women’s suffrage movement. Her daughter, too, was deeply interested in political matters, particularly those concerning India. During her interview, she asked several questions related to India’s political situation, focusing on issues such as the Panchayat Act, criminal tribes, Indian reforms, electoral issues, borderline nations, and the non-cooperation movement. She was so engrossed in Huzoor’s[ra] responses that she expressed a desire to continue the conversation at length, but as time was running out, she requested another meeting, which His Holiness graciously agreed to.
The other woman was named Miss Jordan, and her interview was religious in nature. She came with deep sincerity and enthusiasm. She had heard about Huzoor[ra] during a lecture by an Ahmadi missionary in Hyde Park and was so moved that she decided to meet him in person. This woman was partially deaf, and after mentioning her hearing impairment, she requested His Holiness’s prayers. Huzoor[ra] promised to pray for her and asked to remind him of her request. She then asked various religious questions, particularly about the evolution of the soul and transmigration. After listening to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s[ra] answers, she was so pleased that she remarked:
“I feel that my country and its people are in great need of spirituality, and I sense that this spirituality will be revived through a holy man like yourself. I am truly glad that such a pure soul resides in such a noble person.” Her words were filled with sincerity, and her face reflected genuine [spiritual] thirst.
This interview will be detailed in full in the upcoming travelogue, insha-Allah.
News of Maulana Nematullah Khan’s martyrdom and impact on Huzoor[ra]
Just before the Asr prayer today [on 3 September 1924], Maulana Sher Ali Sahib’s[ra] telegram informing Huzoor[ra] of Maulana Nematullah Khan’s martyrdom in Kabul was received. Upon this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was deeply saddened, and it was evident that this news caused him immense grief. We have witnessed that His Holiness remained calm and composed even during the burial of his own child, but the impact of this news on his heart was far more profound. Indeed, this [blessed bond] breathes life into us. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was, and is, satisfied by Maulana Nematullah Khan’s firm faith, steadfastness, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice for the sake of God. The example he set for members of the Jamaat is a symbol for the entire Community.
However, the thought of his isolation and the suffering he endured shakes the very foundation of the human soul. Huzoor[ra] went into solitude, closing the door behind him. We firmly believe that His Holiness offered countless prayers in various forms for the elevation and rewards of the martyr of Kabul. Immediately, instructions were given to Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib[ra] MA and Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib[ra] to visit the offices of the press, and Mr Nayyar[ra] was also tasked with disseminating the news. After the Asr prayer, Huzoor[ra] remained engaged in these arrangements. Despite this immensely great loss, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] still gave the aforementioned interviews with God-given fortitude.
Conveying the news of the Kabul atrocity
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s[ra] heart is filled with a burning desire to disseminate the news of this martyrdom and to draw the attention of the world’s civilised governments and honourable people to this injustice. His Holiness wished that this message could be shared as powerfully as possible, i.e., electric [billboards] should be used for the manifest announcements, so that all the residents of London would be made aware of this martyrdom. Large posters should be printed and displayed on motor vehicles to circulate throughout the city. Newspapers here have reacted to the news with shock and surprise.
The next day, we read articles in The Daily News, The Daily Express, The Daily Chronicle, and The Daily Telegraph, among others, reporting this shocking event under various headlines in their 4 September [1924] issues.
Telegram to the League of Nations
A collective telegram was sent to the League of Nations, whose assembly is currently taking place in Geneva, and additional telegrams were dispatched to various governments. No effort has been spared in raising a voice of protest against this great injustice, and none will be spared in the future. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community must now prepare itself for the great sacrifice to which the martyrdom of Maulana Nematullah Khan has drawn attention. The lives of nations are sustained through sacrifices.
Here is the telegram that was sent to the League of Nations and other governments, and which must have reached them by the time I write these words at 9:00 am on 4 September [1924]:
“[To] President, League of Nations, Geneva:
Afghan government has caused Ahmadia missionary at Kabul to be stoned to death on 31 August owing to differences of belief. Martyr Niamtullah Khan had for several weeks previously been consigned to prison and protest had been addressed to afghan government against this act of highhandedness, but instead of following dictates of justice, latter has cruelly put him to death. Afghan government had already strangled one Ahmadi and stoned another to death on basis of religion difference. Such base and tyrannic conduct in this civilized age deserves severe condemnation. I trust you will convey strong protest to Afghan government against its inhuman conduct which becomes still more treacherous when it is remembered that not only had Afghan government proclaimed full liberty of conscience in its dominions but had assured my secretary for missionary work in writing that it would not molest ahmadis in future.
Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Head of Ahmadia Community, Qadian, Gurdaspur, India, at present: 6 Chesham Place, London, SW 1.” (Telegram from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to the League of Nations | League of Nations Records, UNO Archives)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] is fully committed to raising this protest in every legal and constitutional way possible and will continue to speak out against this atrocity and unjust killing until God, by His power, reveals the truth.
– Yaqub Ali Irfani
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 27 September 1924 issue of Al Fazl)