The following telegram was sent by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] to the Associated Press and subsequently disseminated to other newspapers as well:
“The wounds inflicted by the stoning of Maulvi Nematullah Sahib had scarcely healed when, on 10 [sic. 5] February [1925], the Kabul government executed two Ahmadi tradesmen by stoning solely due to their adherence to Ahmadiyyat. This inhumane act, repeatedly carried out in Kabul, is bound to yield profound consequences.
“I assure the Kabul government that such actions will not deter us from our commitment to truth. Oppression has never triumphed over sincerity and faith, nor will it prevail now. Every true Ahmadi is prepared to sacrifice their life for the establishment of truth and the restoration of freedom of conscience. I do not believe that a single member of my community would hesitate to lay down their life in defense of this fundamental right.
“Even if the Kabul government continues to stone Ahmadis one by one, they will ultimately witness that such brutality will only serve to accelerate the spread of Ahmadiyyat. These atrocities do not instil fear in me; rather, they strengthen my resolve. While the loss of these individuals – my spiritual sons – grieves me more than the death of my own biological children, my heart swells with pride when I see how the divine grace upon our Jamaat’s founder has deeply ingrained faith in their hearts. These martyrs are sacrificing their lives to liberate the world from the servitude of [such harmful] ideologies.
“However, I believe it is the moral duty of both our community and the civilised world to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifice of these Ahmadi martyrs, who have embraced a cruel death in the defense of freedom of conscience. Their bravery deserves universal acclaim, while their unlawful persecution warrants global condemnation. I bear no personal resentment towards the Kabul government or the clerics who have incited these actions. However, I firmly believe that, for their own sake, they must be made to realise that every noble person disapproves of these actions and is deeply affected by them.
“Through the medium of your esteemed newspaper, I appeal to all individuals who want to establish global peace, uphold human morality, and value freedom of conscience to raise their voices in protest against this inhumane act by the Kabul government. Every possible effort must be made to prevent freedom of conscience – achieved through centuries of courageous struggle – from being trampled underfoot.”
Indian Daily Mail
In its issue of 14 February 1925, the Indian Daily Mail (Bombay) wrote:
“There remains only one country in the world where the Biblical punishment of death by stoning is still enforced: Afghanistan. Some time ago, Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib, an Ahmadi, was brutally stoned to death solely due to religious differences. This act provoked a widespread outcry not only in India but also in nearly all civilised nations where the news reached.
“The recent report that another two Ahmadis – innocent shopkeepers – have been executed in Kabul in a similar manner will not enhance the reputation of the Amir of Afghanistan, except within a narrow circle of prejudiced Indian clerics.
“It has been reported that these recent stonings were carried out under the direct supervision of Kabul government officials, with the superintendent of police and 15 constables present at the scene. The imposition of such a punishment for religious differences has been abolished in nearly all countries for a considerable period. If Afghanistan aspires to be recognised as a civilised nation, it must reform its criminal code, particularly in relation to religious offenses.”
Telegram from Nairobi, Africa
“We have received a telegram from Reuters reporting the stoning of two Ahmadis in Kabul. This tragic event has deeply saddened the Ahmadiyya community in Africa.
“Please provide details via telegram, along with an account of the general sentiment in India regarding this incident and the prevailing perspective on the matter.” – Malik Darfield
Telegram issued by the Office of Public Affairs in Qadian
The following telegram was sent to newspapers on 19 February 1925 by Nazir Umur-e-Aama, Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Qadian:
“Further information regarding the recent stonings in Kabul has revealed that the two Ahmadis who were executed were named Abdul Halim and Nur Ali. Both individuals were residents of the suburbs of Kabul. The former was an elderly man, a harmless and pious scholar, while the latter was a peace-loving young man and a hafiz (one who has memorised the Holy Quran). He owned a shop in the city. Both [of the martyrs] were married and had children.
“Reports also indicate that 30 more Ahmadis are currently imprisoned in Kabul, awaiting the merciless verdict of the Afghan court. Additionally, it has been learned that the Amir is permitting these atrocities to gain the sympathy of the rebellious factions within the country and the traditionally conservative clerics of Kabul.
“Given the gravity and urgency of the situation, it is imperative that the entire civilised world raises its voice in protest to put an end to this brutal persecution. We appeal to all advocates of peace and justice to speak out against the oppression and tyranny of the Kabul government.”
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 19 and 21 February 1925 issue of Al Fazl)