After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'wwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated:
Two days ago, a long-standing servant of the Ahmadiyya Community, Respected Sahibzadah Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib passed away. Innaa Lillahi Wa Innaa Ilaihi Raji'oon [Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] Allah the Exalted bestowed the honour upon him of having a spiritual connection with the Promised Messiah (as) as well as being part of his family. This is the law of Allah the Exalted that one, who comes to this world, has to depart it one day. Everything is mortal. The only Eternal Being is Allah the Exalted. However, fortunate are those, who try to make this present life, bestowed by Allah the Exalted, purposeful and try to attain the pleasure of Allah the Exalted. They understand that their mere kinship with any righteous person, means nothing and it is their own actions and conduct, which allows them to attain the pleasure of Allah the Exalted.
The Promised Messiah (as) mentioned at an occasion that the Holy Prophet (sa) used to tell Hazrat Fatimah (ra) that, ''O Fatimah! You cannot attain the pleasure of Allah the Exalted merely by being my daughter. In order to attain His pleasure, try to fashion your life in accordance with His commandments. Once, you have done so, you should still instil the fear of Allah the Exalted, [by praying 'Allah the Exalted may accept my endeavours and may make my end a good end through His Grace.'"
I had a close relationship with Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib and had the opportunity to observe him from close and I am personally aware of this fact that he strived to fulfil his waqf[devoting one's life] and accomplish his duties with great humility. He understood the spirit of waqf [devotion] and he was a senior figurewho worked while keeping this in view.
Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib was the paternal great-grandson of the Promised Messiah (as). He was the grandson of Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib, the eldest son of the Promised Messiah (as). He was the son of Hazrat Mirza Aziz Ahmad Sahib (ra). Hazrat Mirza Aziz Ahmad Sahib (ra) was that paternal grandson of the Promised Messiah (as), who did the Bai'at [oath of allegiance] before his father [Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad].
He was born on 12th September 1932 in Lahore. On 21st April 1945, at the age of twelve, he filled out the [Waqf] form in order to dedicate his life [for the service of the Jama'at]. At that time, he was studying in the ninth grade. He completed his matriculation in the high school of Qadian. He completed his Masters degree in English from the Government College in Lahore. On 10th September 1956, he joined the T.I College in Rabwah as a life devotee and rendered his services there in the field of teaching English for seventeen years as a popular and conscientious teacher. I was one of his students. In 1964, he came to England for one year on a scholarship of the British Council for a course in English phonetics in the University of Leeds.
I will now present some of his services to the Jama'at. In the days of unrest in 1974, respected Sahibzada Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib helped and assisted Hadhrat Khalifat-ul-Masih III. He stayed in the residence of the Khalifa in order to render his assistance towards him. He stayed in the residence of the Khalifa for a period of two or three months continuously. Similarly, with the approval of Hazrat Musleh-e-Mau'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, in the middle of 1962, an institute called Al-Nusrat was established for the care, education and upbringing of orphaned and poor children. Later, Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih III changed its name to Imdad-e-Tulaba [help and support for students]. He was in-charge of this department from 1978 until July 1983. Following that, this task was entrusted to Nizarat Talim [department of education].
On 30th April 1973, he was appointed as the Nazir Khidmat-e-Darweshan (director of service towards the dervishes). From 1st May 1976 until 1988, he rendered his services as the additional Nazir-e-A'la (additional executive director of Sadr Anjuman). He was also enabled to serve as a member of various committees. From October 1988 until September 1991, he rendered his services as the Nazir Umoor-e-'Amah (director of general affairs). He served as the Nazir Umoor-e-Kharijah (director of external affairs) from August 1992 until May 2003. Following this, during my Khilafat, I appointed him as the Nazir-e-A'la (executive director) as well as the Amir Muqami (local Amir of Rabwah). He rendered this service in a most handsome manner. He also served as a member of Majlis Iftaa and Qadha Board (judicial boards) for approximately twelve or thirteen years. In 1973, Allah the Exalted enabled him to perform Hajj [pilgrimage].
Allah the Exalted blessed him with six sons. Four of his sons are life devotees. Two of them are doctors. One has a PhD and is serving as the deputy director in Nazarat-e-Ta'leem (the department of education). Similarly, one of them has studied law and is serving as an assistant in the office of the legal advisor. One of his sons, Dr. Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib writes: "He had great love for Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih II (ra). A few years ago, he had to cut short a visist to Okara because of his heart trouble, he prayed all the way back to Rabwah he would reach Rabwah, so that he could pass away at the feet of Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih II.'" In other words, the place where he is buried and the area which he populated. This was the story of his love and affection towards Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih II (ra). He further writes:
He frequently used to say that the opponents are very spiteful towards Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih II (ra), as a matter of fact, even more so than towards the Promised Messiah (as)." The reason for this is that the opponents believe, which is correct to some extent, as a matter of fact, it is correct to a great extent, that Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih II (ra) established and strengthened the Nizam (system) of the Jama'at. This is the Jama'at of Allah the Exalted, which was destined to flourish, and all of this was bound to take place.
As I mentioned, in 1974, he served in the team, which was formed by Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih III (rh). He said, "in those days I observed that Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih III (rh) did not sleep for several nights. Rather, he would rest whilst sitting and spend the entire day and the entire night either occupied in the service of the Jama'at, or prayers. He was also a part of the team formed by Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih IV (rh) in the extremely troublesome period of 1984. he used to say that whenever circumstances of unrest arose, Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih III (rh) as well as Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih IV (rh) would remain extraordinarily relaxed instead of panicking in any manner. He also received the honour of being a part of the entourage from Rabwah to Karachi at the time of the migration of Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih IV (rh)."
Similarly, despite his illness, when the incident occurred on 28th May 2010 in Lahore, he first and foremost controlled and managed the entire situation in these circumstances of unrest with great courage. Secondly, despite the heat, he would personally lead the funeral prayer of every martyr and attend the burial.
He was serving as Nazir-e-Ala during the time before his demise. There is a tremendous responsibility that comes with this office, as there are various Jama'at related affairs and cases that need to be overseen. Upon receiving wedding invitations from people, he would attend such events as a Nazr-e-'Ala and Ameer Muqami. He would say, "since I am representing Khalifatul Masih, now this is an obligation for me." Similarly, visiting people at times of funerals and other tragic occasions, meeting the sick and the needy to enquire about their well-being, coming to the office and working throughout the office hours despite the illness, were all his virtues.
When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) passed away in Islamabad, Pakistan, he had the honour of leading the funeral prayers while in Islamabad since he was a representative of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) was also present but Huzoor (rh) asked Mirza Khurshid Ahmad sahib to lead the funeral prayers even though Mirza Khurshid Ahmad sahib asked Huzoor (rh) to lead it as he was older but Huzoor (rh) asked him to lead since he was the representative of the Anjuman. Similarly, he also received the honour of washing the body of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih the III (rh) at the time of his demise.
Last year, his wife passed away and he also got very ill afterwards and was suffering from a heart condition. I called him here to attend the Jalsa. After some initial concerns about his health and travel, he did manage to travel and attend the Jalsa. While, in the UK, he would come and meet me every night despite the weather.
Fauzia Shameem sahiba, Sadr Lajna Lahore, daughter of Hazrat Nuwaab Amtul Hafeez Begum sahiba who was the youngest daughter of the Promised Messiah (as), writes: "His virtues become more prominent after becoming Nazir-e-Ala. He was a very humble servant of the Jama'at. He was very compassionate, most helpful, and kind person." Despite his busy schedule, he made tremendous efforts for the reformation of a youth with his kind advice and prayers. She says: "Whenever I sought his consultation, he gave me an excellent advice. He was a very spiritual person and a well-wisher for all."
Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib, Wakeel Ala Tehrik-e-Jadid, writes, "He was very tender-hearted, forgiving and forbearing. He would provide for the poor, both on a personal and administrative capacity. He would always participate in people's sorrow and joy. Whether it was a wedding or a funeral, he would always be there."
One of the workers of the Nazarat-e-'Ulya, Tufail Sahib, states: "He had many qualities and it is not possible to mention them. He was a very affectionate, loving, sociable and helpful person and he had immense sympathy towards those who were afflicted with difficulties. He was a very simple person but possessed a very dignified personality. He was very much adored. I had the good fortune of serving under him for ten years approximately. I do not remember a single instance where he expressed anger or displeasure. If a mistake occurred, he would guide with immense love, tenderness and compassion."
Then, Khuwajah Muzaffar sahib, a Murrabi who works in Nazarat-e-Ulya, says:"He faced a long, demanding illness with immense courage and dignity. He had a very benevolent and forbearing disposition, always had a smile on his face and he always overlooked and forgave others. He would patiently listen to others for a long time." This attribute is a responsibility of every officeholder. If officeholders patiently listen to what people have to say, then a lot of issues, rather, grievances can be eradicated. Murrabi sahib narrated an incidence how you person behaved in a rude way in his office but Mirza Khurshid Ahmad sahib handle him with patients and graciousness. Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib her total control of is office and understood all the cases that passed through his office.
Rashid Javed sahib, Nazim Qadha, there is an instance on how Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib settled some financial loans between the husband and wife to facilitate the reconciliation of their marriage. Rabbani sahib, a Murrabi from Fazle Umar Foundation narrates instance and how, despite being very busy he facilitated the state of his visiting sisters in the newly constructed Dar-ul-Ziafat to help with this skin condition. This was highly appreciated by the family and strengthen their faith.
The Amir of the district of Khushab, Munawer Majoka Sahib, writes: ''He was an excellent administrator, noble by nature and greatly helped others. He was extremely watchful over even the minutest aspects of his duties.'' He narrates an incident that demonstrated that Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib personally followed up in a matter to make sure that some poor women of his district, were given help in good time. Amir Sahib [Khushab] further writes: 'This minor incident serves as a small tribute to his great personality in respect to his care for the poor, serving mankind.'
This sense of responsibility should develop in all our office-bearers in respect to how to fulfil a task. It should not be the case that one simply orders for something to happen. When a request is submitted, the one submitting it will of course try to follow it up but so should the office-bearers and they should continue to oversee it until it is implemented or until the complaint has been resolved or the task has been fulfilled rather than simply neglecting it. As I mentioned before that if this habit is instilled within the office-bearers then many of our issues will be resolved.
Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib writes: ''I am witness to the fact that Hazrat Mia Sahib discharged his responsibilities in such a manner that manifested his great love and devotion for Khilafat .He was an excellent model about observing prayer in congregation. In fact, he would say, 'you people may think that he only repeats this one thing but what can I do? I will not be doing true justice to my responsibility if I do not continue reminding you.'"
Muhammad Anwer Sahib, who is one of the staff members in the office of Nazrat-e-Uliya, writes: "It is impossible to forget his kindness, compassion and love. He would always come on time and was an example for us all. Despite his old age and illness, he would come to office on time and would remain occupied in his office duties. He would always give precedence to serving faith over his own self."
Then, a missionary of the community, Malik Muhammad Afzal Sahib, states: "Sitting in the mosque with his head lowered; being completely immersed in the Dars [lecture] of the Holy Qur'an after the Asr prayer during the blessed month of Ramadan; and if anyone presented their personal issue to him, he would happily and calmly listen to what they had to say and would give a solution, were such traits that every inhabitant of Rabwah would witness daily."
"He was extremely kind natured and compassionate as if an angel. A friend of mine once told me that 'I was only a teenager and still learning to ride a motorbike and crashed into the fence outside the house of Mia Khurshid Ahmad Sahib. By chance, he himself was watering the plants near the fence outside the street. I was extremely nervous as well as greatly embarrassed because not only was I at fault but I was also riding underage and caused damage to his garden. However, he was so kind natured and compassionate that he immediately came to me and helped me get to my feet. He then asked whether I had sustained any serious injury and then told me in a very loving manner that I should value and take care of my life."
Similarly, he had a lot of love and affection for missionaries and Waqifeen [devotees of life]. During his first [official] convocation ceremony of the Shahid [Final year] class of Jamia Ahmadiyya [Pakistan] in which I had appointed him as my representative, in his speech to the Jamia students he said: "This humble one will only stress on one point, which is not only important but absolutely vital, and that is to act on the directives issued by Khalifatul Masih. We should also pray to God Almighty to grant us the opportunity to act upon these directives."
A missionary from Baddomalhi, Masood Sahib, writes: " He was a popular personality who would show immense love and compassion to everyone. He was an embodiment of excellent morals and humility. He would rise from his chair to greet everyone that entered his office and shake their hands, even if the guest was a small child. Whenever someone would come to meet him, he would leave aside all his important work and would listen intently to what the other person had to say. That is why everyone would go to him with their troubles."
Doctor Noori sahib writes: "He would be mindful of everyone's sentiments and emotions as well as looking after their needs and requirements. When he was undergoing treatment in hospital he would say to the nurses – those male or female nurses that are under training – to buy everyone sweaters as a gift from him and to ask his son to pay for it. He would appreciate the efforts of others." On one occasion he said to me, 'Noori, Tahir Heart is like the brainchild of the Khalifa of the time. May Allah the Almighty fulfil the desires of the Khliafa and may this institute become the true Dar-ul-Shifa [abode of healing].'"
Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib expressed his love and connection with Khilafat in an incident when my wife once asked him, "as you pray for the Khalifa, please also remember me and my children in your prayers." To this he replied: "In the specified Sajdeh [prostration] where I pray for the Khalifa of the time, I also pray for his wife and children." Whilst he was mentioning this he was overcome with emotion.
His obedience to the Ameer and also his superiors was of a very high standard. A few years ago, I wrote a letter to the Khandaan (family members of the Promised Messiah (as)) in which I reminded them of their duties and responsibilities. When I sent this letter to Pakistan I asked him to gather the members of the Khandaan (members of the Promised Messiah (as))and read out my letter before them. When he read out this letter before the members of the Khandaan, he was overcome with emotion and said "let me make this evidently clear that my own children are not free from these issues that have been highlighted. I advise them and their children to address these shortcomings and strive to meet the expectations of the Khalifa." This was the level of his truthfulness and righteousness. May Allah bestow the Jamaat and also Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya helpers who are loyal, sincere and those who adhere to the subtle points of righteousness.
Mirza Anas Sahib, who is the eldest son of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) has written to me stating: "My dear brother Khurshid served the community until his last breath under the shade of Khilafat. May Allah elevate his status and accept his services. Also, may He bestow countless blessings on him and keep him in the shade of His Mercy. He fulfilled his pledge." This is absolutely correct in that he most certainly fulfilled his pledge. May Allah the Almighty enable us all to fulfil the true spirit of our pledges ad enable us to complete them.