C. Naseer Ahmad
The Ahmadiyya Gazette, May 1997
In his book "Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddeen - Khalifatul Masih I", Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan noted that the function of a Khalifa is to push forward the fulfillment of the purposes of his master. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih's priorities were to take up the projects that were pending or were contemplated at the time of the death of the Promised Messiah (as).
Madrassah Ahmadiyyah, a theological seminary, had been established by the Promised Messiah (as) in 1906, for the purpose of providing religious instruction at a high level. For lack of funds, however, this project had not progressed beyond an elementary stage. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) made the Promised Messiah's (as) dream into a reality. He appointed a committee in June 1908 consisting of Sahibzada Mirza Bashir-ud-deen Mahmood Ahmad (later Khalifatul Masih II), Maulvi Mohammad Ali, Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan and Khalifa Rasheeduddeen. This committee took the necessary steps for fund raising and developing the institution, which is now Jamia Ahmadiyyah whose graduates span the globe serving Islam.
During his life, the Promised Messiah (as) had a wish that at least one hundred members of the community attain the knowledge and reasoning ability to answer the critics in the best manner possible. He wished that these learned men of reason should be capable of delivering every seeker after truth from the doubts by the Arya and some Christians critics of Islam. While some efforts took place in 1901 during the Promised Messiah's (as) life, they never took off. In July 1908, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra), directed that the Promised Messiah's (as) announcement on this subject to be distributed widely. He directed that every year an examination in certain prescribed books of the Promised Messiah (as) should be held in the month of December, beginning with 24th December 1908. Since then this method has continued to be pursued widely in all sections of the community.
Critics of the Promised Messiah (as) started a litany of objections on his claims. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) took a very pro-active and keen interest in defending the Promised Messiah (as). For example, when the young Sahibzada Mirza Bashir-ud-Din wrote a booklet, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) sent a copy to Maulvi Mohummad Hussain of Batala with a comment: "You have said that Mirza Sahib's offspring are not good. I have sent you a copy of a booklet written by one of them. Should any of your offspring have written anything send me a copy of it." Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) approached the problem effectively and graciously.
Welfare of the community members was very important for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra). For example, he sent a number of dispatches, telegrams and letters, to the community in Hyderabad in 1908, which was devastated by floods. When he did not get a response, he sent Hafiz Abu Saeed Arab as his emissary to the community which was deeply moved by his compassion.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) was a Hakim - healing those afflicted by sickness and disease. That was his original profession. Despite his preoccupation with the leadership tasks, he found time to examine and prescribe for every patient who sought medical help from him.
Major expansion of the Talimul Islam High School Qadian was achieved during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra). With successful fund raising and organizational efforts, a large property was acquired to build a new mosque, hostel and school building. Later, a hospital known as Noor Hospital was also added.
Perhaps, one of the best testaments about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) was written by Shaikh Yaqub Ali Irfani (ra):
"Our Khalifa, who is our leader, is simplicity itself and observes no ceremony. He speaks to everyone in such a manner that the person addressed conceives that he is singled out for his affection and attention. But, that is not so. He has the same sympathy and affection for everyone. Both indoors and outdoors he is simplicity personified; his food is simple, his dress is simple. That which distinguishes him from his fellow men is his majestic and shining countenance. His time is all spent in ministering to his fellow beings and servicing the faith."