Mortal Men, Immortal Memories

Life is full of happy and sad moments; some we remember, most we do not. I would like to share a memorable experience of mine that took place about 32 years ago.

Sometime in 1981-82, while living in the Ahmadiyya student hostel “Darul Hamd,” Lahore, Pakistan, I witnessed one of the most profound experiences of my life. The Ahmadiyya Student Association organized a sports tournament for the Ahmadi students of Lahore. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah shower His mercy on him)—president of the Ahmadiyya Student Association at the time—were going to attend the prize distribution ceremony. We were very excited that after the Khalifah of the time, two of the most important and well-respected dignitaries of the Jama‘at were going to attend the function. It was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and therefore we were exceedingly thrilled and were expecting lively and extensive speeches by them. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan was at his advanced age and had an exceptionally outstanding reputation and persona at the time; so we were thrilled to be able to listen to his numerous experiences and insightful advice.

We had not even started to place the chairs on the lawn of Darul Hamd for the event when we heard a knock on the main door. We saw that Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan was at the gate. He was given the time of 4:00 P.M. and he had in fact arrived at 4:00 P.M. sharp. I am unsure whether Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad was with him or arrived just after him, but he too arrived soon. It was such an awkward moment that, to this day, I still remember it vividly. After the initial shock had passed, they asked us to put two chairs under a tree for them and both the respected guests waited there for us to complete our preparations. It took us around 30 minutes to start the event.

After the prize distribution, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan was requested to speak. He came to the podium and in a polite but firm voice said, “There is nothing else to say for me except that you should try to be punctual; no other advice is needed if we are so tardy.” After saying that sentence, he went back to his seat. To this day, I cannot recall any instance in which I was ever more embarrassed than I had been on that day. Most of us never expected it and would have done things differently if we had the chance. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad too explained to us the importance of time in his short speech.

I cannot say that I follow their advice all the time, but I try my best. Every time I am late to something, the memory of this event comes to my mind and motivates me to be punctual. I am sure many of the students who were in attendance at that event also still remember that historical event to this day.