Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (1875-1957)
On 22 July 1924, while seated on the ship’s deck facing the Arabian Sea, I [Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira] am writing this letter to my brothers of the Jamaat. Just as countless small and large waves are rising in the sea, the same is the state of my heart and mind. The various scenes and accounts of this journey are before my eyes, and each one holds its own peculiar significance.
I wish my friends could share in every joy and delight I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing [in this journey], no matter how small they may be. However, this letter cannot bear such detail, and I lack the strength and resolve to do so at the moment. Therefore, I may write very briefly about the accounts of the journey.
Nonetheless, I will, insha-Allah, try to write in some detail about those aspects that are related to expressing the emotions of our master and leader, reflecting the bond and relationship he has with his Jamaat, and I will also highlight the significant goals and objectives aimed at spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and glorifying the name of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, across the world.
Arrival in Bombay
As our friends know, on 14 July 1924, some time after 5 pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] arrived at the Victoria Station of GIP Railways along with his associates. The jamaats from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Surat, Ellichpur, Malabar, and Bombay [now Mumbai] were present at the station. The sincerity and devotion with which friends welcomed Huzoor[ra] cannot be expressed in words. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] had already instructed for friends to be informed that he would proceed to [Thomas] Cook [India’s] office after shaking hands.
Accordingly, after shaking hands and taking photographs, Huzoor[ra], along with Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh, Zulfiqar Ali Khan Sahib, and this humble one, proceeded to the Cook’s building. We concluded our business there some time after 7 pm, and their office had been kept open for this very purpose. From a business perspective, this might be a minor act for any company, but for a European company that strictly adheres to office hours, keeping the office open was an extraordinary gesture. I observed at the time that the workers there were diligently complying with Huzoor’s[ra] instructions like dedicated servants.
Mistaken expectations
Upon departure from Qadian, it was not just a thought but a great expectation that ample time would be available in Bombay to purchase travel necessities, and therefore, the chosen route in the plan was the quickest one. However, as friends know, we could not take that route and reached there behind schedule. Our expectation that we would have ample time upon arrival and that the ship would depart around the afternoon turned out to be incorrect. The ship was scheduled to depart at 8:30 am on 15 July 1924. Consequently, time was extremely limited, and we needed more time to gather travel necessities. In this rush, the truth is that we were entirely unprepared for the journey. Additionally, Huzoor[ra] was incredibly busy. Hehad been awake for several nights and went through the same situation here. In short, by 6 am, no arrangements had been made, and we needed to be at the port by 7 am.
God’s succour
From the very start in Qadian, various matters kept emerging, making it seem difficult to reach and depart on time. However, at every turn, God Almighty provided unforeseen solutions and ease. We arrived at the last minute, making it nearly impossible for Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib, Dr Hashmatullah Sahib, and me to board the ship. Difficulties arose even during the medical examination. Eventually, by God’s grace, these matters were resolved. Then, additional issues arose concerning Chaudhry Sahib and Reham Din, as their tickets had not been purchased. By the grace of God, all these hurdles were overcome, and we finally boarded.
The scene at that very moment was extraordinary and moving. No poet’s imagination or artist’s brush could capture those emotions and atmosphere.
Departure from Bombay
On the shores of Bombay, the Jamaat stood with tears in their eyes. On the deck of SS Africa, the beloved leader of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was going to say Khuda Hafiz [bid farewell] to his ardent followers. Hope, trust in Allah, the difficulties of a great venture, separation from the Jamaat (however brief it might seem), the needs of the Community, and the thoughts of management and administration, were evident on Huzoor’s[ra] countenance. No matter how much human emotions are suppressed and no matter how much strength is exercised to show restraint, the impact [of these concerns] cannot be avoided.
Just like the situation when two loved ones are separated, this obvious state was visible in Huzoor’s[ra] expression and emotion. But it was at this time that the true spirit, as expressed in the following verse of the Quran, was manifested:
وَالَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلّٰہِ
“But those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.166)
A deep sorrow and concern for being separated from the Jamaat weighed heavily on Huzoor’s[ra] heart. Moreover, the love for members of the Jamaat, and the emotions tied to family and relatives were also manifest. The representatives of the Jamaat standing on the shore, embodying the sentiments of the entire Community through their eyes and faces, left an indelible impact.
Prayer
At that very moment, we witnessed something only witnessed in a person moulded by the love of God. All the emotions were manifested in the form of a prayer as Hazrat Khalifatul Masihraised his hands in supplication, and the Jamaat joined him in lifting their hands to the Lord. The power of Huzoor’s[ra] hands and his heartfelt sincerity created an almost electrifying effect, instilling an extraordinary spirit in those on the ship and those on the shore alike. As the prayer lengthened, hearts melted with humility and devotion before the Lord. Meanwhile, time for the ship’s departure began to pass, but even the crew was so captivated that they could neither ask to end the prayer nor depart the ship. Finally, Huzoor[ra] concluded the prayer, and at that very moment, raindrops began to fall from the sky, which I interpret as a sign of the prayer’s acceptance.
Trust in God alone
This experience taught us that in every state, we are always in need of God’s help and mercy. It showed that human desires, unless they are aligned with God’s will and pleasure, hold no true value. During times of distress and sorrow, the only thing that can bring peace to human hearts is the grace of Allah, which descends through prayers.
Huzoor[ra] expressed to members of the Jamaat that his mission during this journey would be to offer prayers for their spiritual advancement. In this state of separation for the sake of God, knowing that letters and telegrams from friends might take days or weeks to arrive, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih assured them that he would constantly pray for them before the Ever-Hearing and Near God. Huzoor[ra] said:
“Thus, despite whatever thoughts and affectionate emotions might arise in your heart due to this temporary separation, my God is always with me, and I will incessantly call upon Him and pray for you. Moreover, being a human, the Jamaat’s interests, the concerns of spreading God’s message in the world, and given my frail health, I also put my trust in prayers to assist me in these great endeavours. I urge all members of the Jamaat to support each other through prayers, for this prayer is the key to drawing divine help.”
Khalifa’s love for the Jamaat
We bid each other farewell with prayers, filling the atmosphere with cries of “Assalamu alaikum” and “Khuda Hafiz.” On one side, people were waving handkerchiefs and saying goodbye with their hands, while on the other, the voices of “Khuda Hafiz” and “Assalamu alaikum” reverberated, stirring the sea of materialism. It was no surprise that people were astonished, especially those unfamiliar with and distant from God.
A special atmosphere was witnessed on the ship’s deck. Huzoor’s[ra] countenance at the moment was enthralling. The ship was being moved by a small steam launch, and members of the Jamaat stood on the shore. Huzoor[ra] was praying silently in his heart. Suddenly, he was filled with emotion and raised his hands for prayer. The impact of human emotions was evident in his eyes as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] prayed, a long and heartfelt prayer. Especially the friends on the shoreline, and indeed the entire Jamaat, are worthy of congratulations, for the Imam offered a special prayer for them. It was not an ordinary prayer; it was filled with such fervour, intense emotions, and restlessness that are essential elements of prayers destined to be accepted.
Motherly love
Huzoor[ra] prayed for a long time, and after the prayer, another state overtook him. With the movement of ship, the side where members of the Jamaat would seem near, Huzoor[ra] would run to that side and pray again. Huzoor[ra] running from one side to the other at the moment created a profound atmosphere. Indeed, such emotions can be seen in a mother’s love – a mother separated from her child with something obstructing her from reaching the child.
Imagine this state; with the movement of the ship, Huzoor[ra] was running from side to side, impacting the attendees with his spiritual influence. The result was that the friends standing on the shore began to run from one end to the other. An uninformed person might simply attribute this act to sincere devotion, but I say with certainty and insight that something was moving them from within. The people on the shore were running to the other side, their involuntary actions manifesting that they were grippingly drawn towards [their Khalifa by some divine power].
The compelling force of love and attraction is something that not everyone can fully comprehend. Eventually, the ship sailed away, making our friends disappear from our view and us from theirs. However, the impact of this moment left a lasting impression on our minds and hearts. Despite the corporal distance, it brought us closer. At that time, Huzoor[ra] expressed a wish for a small wireless [telegram] device through which he could say “Assalamu alaikum,” and the Jamaat could reply with “Wa alaikum salaam.”
Certainly, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih did not have the wireless [telegram] that Marconi invented, yet there was a “wireless connection” that continues to exist and will persist, which is the manifestation of “heart-to-heart communication.” Huzoor’s[ra] wish was indeed leaving a deep impact on every heart and affirming the exchange of “Assalamu alaikum.” I ask every friend reading this letter: “Is your heart sensing the voice of “Assalamu alaikum” from Huzoor[ra] or not?”
Regardless of a wireless device being present or not, whether the voice being heard or not, and an impactful atmosphere being created or not, this desire of Huzoor[ra] expresses how much our Imam wishes for the safety of the Jamaat and cares deeply about them. This is the very thing essential for the life of the Community, i.e., Imam’s heartfelt concern and passion [for his devotees]. With these sentiments, our Imam bid farewell to the Jamaat, and the ship named “Africa” set sail on the Arabian waters.
Incident with a porter
I cannot overlook the incident of a porter beggar. Huzoor[ra] was heading to his cabin on the ship when a porter, appearing like a beggar, approached and asked for something. This humble one and Khan Sahib were also present. The ship’s officer, familiar with such people, grabbed him by the neck and started pushing him away. This treatment disturbed Huzoor[ra] greatly, and he ran after them. Considering the ship’s rules, Huzoor[ra] couldn’t say anything to the officer, but as he kept pushing the beggar away, he kept following. Huzoor’s[ra] impatience persisted until he managed to reach the beggar and give him something.
Epitome of kindness and generosity
This incident reminded me of an example from the life of the Promised Messiahas, and I have long held it dear to my heart, strengthening my faith. The Promised Messiah’sas revelation about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] also included that “He will bear a likeness to you [i.e., Prophet Ahamdas] in kindness and benevolence.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 442) The series of events have consistently affirmed this [prophecy].
Once, a beggar approached the Promised Messiahas, and he intended to give him something. However, upon returning home, he forgot, and the beggar disappeared as well. The Promised Messiahas felt great distress and regret, repeatedly praying for his return. Eventually, by the grace of God, he appeared from somewhere, and the Promised Messiahas was able to fulfil his commitment to him. It was then that Prophet Ahmad’sas impatience subsided.
Just as the Promised Messiahas was restless for that beggar, Huzoor[ra] was also restless. His heart remained anxious until he gave something to the porter. During the departure of the ship, Huzoor[ra] did not refuse anyone’s question among the beggars present on the shore. As the ship moved, he continued to give away whatever he could find in his pocket.
Memory of Mahmud
In the midst of all this, Huzoor[ra] asked me “Had Mahmud been given the telegram [to be sent for members of the Jamaat]?” I replied in the negative. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said, “Check if there is wireless on the ship. If so, send the telegram now.” Later, it became known that some telegrams were given to Munshi Abdul Ghani Sahib, who used to be a clerk in the Da‘wat-o-Tabligh office at one time, and now had recently returned from Egypt. He was asked to send it after the ship had departed. Among them was Huzoor’s[ra] message which was sent from the shores of India. The memory of Mahmud renewed my gratitude and rekindled the emotions of love in my heart, prompting me to reflect on how fortunate the nation is to have found such a leader and guide. I had witnessed Huzoor’s[ra] initial state, and then that voice [of my Imam] overwhelmed me, causing me to cry out and collapse in tears.
Message from seashore
Before this letter, the Jamaat have already read the message given on 15 July 1924, after the departure of the ship from Bombay. Its contents bear such intense emotions that cannot be expressed in words. The longing in Huzoor’s[ra] heart for members of the Community cannot be quantified. This very thing dispels our sorrows and difficulties; that we are servants to a compassionate master. Despite our pride and joy in this servitude, our Imam lifts us from the status of servility to the status of brotherhood and friendship.
[We should] read this message, and read it repeatedly, for it holds a deep secret of enlightenment. The key to your [spiritual and worldly] advancements is present in it. May God grant us the spirit within to achieve it.
Returning to the primary subject
I have digressed, and my literary spirit has led me away from the primary subject. After the ship started moving, Huzoor[ra] went to check his cabin and checked the locking mechanism. Then, he visited the rooms of friends, and also observed the place of fellow travellers on the ship’s deck. Afterwards, Huzoor[ra] returned to his cabin.
In the meantime, stormy weather engulfed the ship. Both Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif and Mian Sharif Ahmad Sahib were affected by seasickness. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih himself felt nauseous, but he came with complete resolve, smiling, and expressing that he, too, was affected. By that time, I was also among those affected.
One after another, everyone succumbed to seasickness, except Chaudhry Fateh Sahib and Bhai Abdul Rahman Sahib. Chaudhry Ali Muhammad Sahib was also less affected. The condition we found ourselves in was indescribable.
Now that we have regained health, the conditions we experienced make us seem quite pitiable. The description provided by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sahib reveals this truth.
Enviable journey
Many might find our journey enviable, and indeed it is, for having the honour of participating in this great historical journey of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, undertaken for the sake of God’s pleasure. However, my perspective is based on the wonders of the journey. Everyone desires to travel the world and enjoy its sights. It might also seem enviable to some from that perspective.
But then, if they witnessed the scene we saw and experienced what we went through, they would surely, in agreement with Sadi [Shirazi], say:
سلامت در کنار است
[“Serenity awaits on the shore.”]
In this time of great distress, the following verse spontaneously came out of our lips:
کجا دانند حالِ ما سَبُکبارانِ ساحلها؟
[“How can those who are in peace on the shore understand our plight?”]
The sea was so turbulent that whenever we asked the ship’s captain when we would reach Aden, he would clasp his hands, look towards the sky, and say, “Only God knows.”
The danger was immense. Yet, despite the peril and our dire condition, there was an inexplicable peace that prevailed in our hearts. Undoubtedly, this serenity was a reflection of Huzoor’s[ra] presence.
Brotherhood
We were utterly helpless, unable even to get up for our basic needs. During these days of illness and the ordeal on the ship, the compassion and services of Bhai Abdul Rahman Sahib Qadiani, Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib, Dr Hashmatullah Sahib, and Chaudhry Ali Muhammad Sahib left a deep impression on our hearts. May Allah reward them abundantly. They sacrificed their comfort to provide us relief. This empathy stemmed from a higher source, a reflection of Huzoor’s[ra] compassionate nature that inspired such devoted helpers. Otherwise, the ship was a scene of utter self-preservation. The spirit of self-sacrifice was distinctly evident among members of our Community.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih personally visited each one of us, offering reassurance and comfort. This care was the only thing that kept us going, as we were otherwise no different from the dead, save for the fact that we were still breathing.
Our condition worsened by the day, prompting us to send a telegram to Qadian. The stormy state of the sea was so severe that the ship’s speed had to be drastically reduced. Even the ship’s crew, accustomed to such stormy weather, seemed to convey the following message through their demeanour:
ترا ہست بدار از طوفاں چہ باک
[“Ones sitting safely at home; what fear do they have of the storm?”]
The ship’s crew also fell ill and needed assistance. As per Huzoor’s[ra] instruction, Bhai Ji intended to help, but God Almighty heeded the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, and the stormy conditions began to subside. During this period, Huzoor[ra] was affected by seasickness, along with headaches and fever. There was also a complaint of a sore throat.
No matter what, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] forgot his own discomforts and was concerned only about his companions. Throughout this entire ordeal, Huzoor[ra] carried out many prayers for his associates and the Jamaat.
The stormy conditions have subsided and we have regained our senses. During this period, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih maintained the observance of congregational prayers and as of yesterday, we too have been blessed with this fortune.
– Yaqub Ali Irfani. 22 July 1924.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 9 August 1924 issue of Al Fazl)
