Flowers of Devotion

Happier still it is that the secret of the beloved’s heart;
Be spoken in the words of others.
— Allama Iqbal

Professor Nasiruddin Azam Khan, Principal (Retd.), Khybar Medical College, (Peshawar)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was counted among Pakistan’s foremost physicians and leading specialists in tuberculosis. The power of his treatment seemed almost spellbinding to his patients. That is why people seeking a cure—from every region of the country—longed to be treated by him, and they benefited from his medical services. Thanks to his personal nobility of character, friends and foes alike admired him. As a physician, he possessed countless virtues, and alongside these, he also carried within him excellent administrative capabilities.

He was extraordinarily gentle-spoken. In his heart there was an unparalleled love and compassion for the sick and for the suffering humanity. And he served all people—without distinguishing between them—purely on the basis of equality.

Although he has passed away, he left behind not only a golden example for us, but also praiseworthy heirs.

Ronaq Zaman (Abbottabad)

The task is, of course, exceedingly difficult—and painful as well: to write something about the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad. It would not be inappropriate to say that, despite every effort, perhaps neither my mind nor my pen can do justice to a personality as comprehensive and as upright as that of the late doctor.

He was our family physician. I personally had the chance to observe him very closely at the age of nine, when in December 1949, my late maternal aunt was under his treatment, which is when I stayed with her for nearly six months at the Dadar Sanatorium. Later, for about six years, I had the opportunity to work as a doctor at the Dadar Sanatorium. In this way, I was able to witness, with my own eyes, the conditions of the sanatorium in its early period as well as the circumstances after his retirement.

He was a devout worshipper—regular in the five daily prayers. After retiring from government service, he examined patients at his home. There was no strictness about fees, nor was any fee fixed: whatever someone gave, he accepted with gratitude.

Though my pen does not wish to stop—it seems to flow on its own out of sincerity and the late doctor’s greatness—it is most fitting, though, to end this piece with the following verse of the Quran:

مَن كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ

And whoever keeps his duty to Allah, He ordains a way out for him. And gives him sustenance from whence he imagines not. (Holy Quran—65:2–3)

The late doctor lived an exceptionally pure and God-fearing life, the blessings of which are today showering down upon his children, and Allah has granted all of them honor and blessing.
— Excerpted from Ronaq Zaman’s longer piece.

Ghulam Nabi Bajwa (Lahore)

I heard the news of the passing away of Doctor Saeed Ahmad from Captain Abdus Salam Khan. I had known him personally since the days when I was a classmate of his son, Abdul Hayee Saeed, at the King Edward Medical College, Lahore. On several occasions, I accompanied him [Abdul Hayee Saeed] to the Dadar Sanatorium, and thus had the chance to see Doctor Saeed Ahmad (may he rest in peace) up close—in a homely setting and also as a physician. He was a role model for us.
— Spoken tribute; written down by the biographer, Safia Saeed.

Abdul Wajid Rizvi (Abbottabad)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad: a human being—an angel. A poet has said:

“Even a man is not granted the privilege of truly becoming human.“

Yet, when a person purifies himself of evil, and within him arise feelings of love for humankind, generosity toward the poor, courtesy toward friends, and compassion toward the sick—then he becomes truly human. And when such people come to possess angelic qualities, they appear embodied in forms like Khan Bahadur Saeed Ahmad Khan, and they enter the hearts of Allah’s helpless, afflicted, sick, and constrained servants.

Who knows how many of Allah’s servants he entered the hearts of—and how many hearts he still inhabits today?

Aftab Ahmad (Kachi)

Some memories of the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad

About twenty miles from Abbottabad lies a town called Sherwan. People of the Rabwah Jamaat learned that a man lived there who identified himself as an Ahmadi. A few friends from the Rabwah Jamaat went to meet him. He told them:

I was gravely ill, and I had no one to care for me. I went to Doctor Saeed Ahmad. For a long time he treated me—and even paid my travel expenses and provided medicine free of cost. To me, there can be no better Muslim than the one who shows such kindness to the poor and the sick. If Doctor Saeed Ahmad has all these virtues and he is an Ahmadi, then by the grace of Allah, I too am an Ahmadi.

After the 1974 arson incident, part of the Dar-us-Saeed clinic in Abbottabad remained visibly burned for a long time. Some of it had been repaired, and Abdul Karim Saeed (the current Ameer) practiced medicine there. When I went, several patients were seated, waiting their turn. Among them was an unfamiliar man who asked how the building had burned. A man from Malikpura who was present replied:

“In 1974, we tried to burn a wali [friend] of Allah—and now we are paying the price in the form of stiff fees charged by doctors.“

A non-Ahmadi from our village often used to attend the Annual Convention [Salana Jalsa] with us. Once, someone asked him, “What do you see in Lahore?” I remember his answer clearly:

“Whether I see anything else or not, it is Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s recitation in the morning prayer that pulls me to Lahore. And when I look at his face, I feel this is not the face of an ordinary man—this is the face of a wali of Allah. It is this face alone that pulls me to Lahore.”

The patience he showed at the passing of Abdulla Saeed and the son of Abdul Hayee Saeed is a guiding light for all of us.

Allah Almighty has promised that such people do not die—they live. And living nations remember such people forever; they do not forget them. If nations forget them, then those nations cannot stay alive. My prayer to Allah Almighty is that He keeps us alive like living nations—so that we do not forget those people; for this is the very life of Ahmadiyyat.

Bushra Alvi and Arshad Alvi (Lahore)

“What faces must be hidden in the dust—how many forms have vanished!“

During our residence in Dar-us-Salam Colony, among the elders whose company we had the chance to keep, one deeply respected and pious personality was Doctor Saeed Ahmad. He received a blessed and good name from the one appointed by Allah; he truly embodied his name.

His deep love for the Ahmadiyya Movement—his unwavering loyalty and heartfelt attachment to its ideals—are not hidden from anyone. After the government’s decision regarding Ahmadiyyat, he witnessed many bitter and harsh times, yet at no point did his feet waver. We were personally moved by his tearful recitation of the Holy Quran and by his profound humility. We always cherished the innocent smile upon his face.

He was like a compassionate father. He kept complete knowledge about every member of the Movement and shared in their joys and sorrows. His bond with the Movement was unmatched. He had special affection for children. He urged the youth to observe tahajjud and congregational prayer.

He had a deep love for the Quran. In piety, restraint, patience, and consoling others, he was incomparable. He encouraged every effort undertaken by members of the Movement. We, too, advanced through his encouragement and kept gathering his prayers; even today we feel those prayers with us.

He was fortunate that even after he passed away, his legacy remains in the form of his righteous children. Every member of his household is a high example of goodness and humility—and a true loyal servant of the Ahmadiyya Movement—fully devoted to advancing the mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Righteous offspring are indeed the ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) whose reward reaches parents even after death, as the Holy Quran says:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُوا۟ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمْ ۚ وَكُلَّ شَىْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَـٰهُ فِىٓ إِمَامٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ

Surely We give life to the dead, and We write down that which they sent before and their footprints, and We record everything in a clear writing.
(Holy Quran—36:12)

We were deprived of seeing him one last time, and that caused us heartfelt grief. Yet he will always remain in our prayers. May Allah Almighty grant him the highest station in paradise. Ameen.

Ahmad Nawaz (USA)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was sociable and exceptionally well-mannered. Because of qualities like love, compassion, humility, and gentleness, he was immensely popular and revered.

In the days when I served in the Pakistan Air Force, and was stationed at Badaber, Peshawar as a Group Captain, Doctor Saeed Ahmad once came to Peshawar for a wedding ceremony. According to local custom, seating was arranged on the floor. I was sitting beside him. During the meal his full attention remained on my eating, and he lifted pieces of meat from his own plate and placed them into mine. Like many other Ahmadi youths, I was deeply impressed by his graciousness and charming personality—and because of that my attachment to the Ahmadiyya Movement continued to grow.

After retiring from the Air Force and before leaving for America, I spent some time in Dar-us-Salam, Lahore. During that period, I remained close to Doctor Saeed Ahmad. Every day after the Fajr prayer he would go for a walk; I often accompanied him. For my guidance he would offer one counsel or another. His manner of speaking made every point sink into the heart.

My destination in America was San Francisco. He said to me especially: “In San Francisco, we have our center and a mosque. Unfortunately, disagreements sometimes arise over administrative matters among the members there. Remain connected to the Center with neutrality. Go to the Oakland mosque, and keep striving for improvement in the local situation.” I tied this counsel to my heart when coming to America, and by the grace of Allah I continue—so far as I am able—to act upon it.

May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of Doctor Saeed Ahmad, and grant us the ability to remain steadfast upon Ahmadiyyat by following in his footsteps. Ameen.

Zafar Abdullah (San Francisco, USA)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad—whom we used to address as “Janji”—came to America for the first time in 1977, and we had the honor of hosting him in Hayward (San Francisco area). During his stay my wife Zakia arranged every possible comfort for him, and he stayed among us as though he were a member of this very household. No formality stood between us. Our children, Feroz and Riyaz, were quite young then; they too became attached to him very quickly. He would seat them—one by one, and sometimes both together—upon his lap. He advised us as well that, for better upbringing of children, one should treat them with gentleness and love.

The purpose of Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s visit to San Francisco was the formal registration of the Ahmadiyya Movement Ishaat-e-Islam, Lahore (USA), and the inauguration of the Ahmadiyya Movement’s center and mosque in the building acquired for the Movement in Oakland. At that time I was the president of the Movement’s chapter in the USA; with the cooperation of members we arranged a splendid gathering. All chapter members attended; Muslims from outside the Movement were invited, and a large number of non-Muslim Americans and other foreign guests as well. His speech affected everyone remarkably, and the members renewed their resolve—new vigor and spirit—to expand and strengthen the propagation of faith.

After that, Doctor Saeed Ahmad visited here two more times. In 1979 he came after Suriname’s Golden Jubilee, and I traveled with him there along with my wife and children. There too I witnessed inspiring scenes of his spirited leadership. For the San Francisco convention he personally invited many members, and people attended in large numbers from other American states. At his passionate appeal, substantial donations were given—especially for Quran translations and books, and for purchasing a center in London. On that occasion I presented to him a check for $35,000 collected at the gathering—donations members had given specifically for that purpose. It was by virtue of his personal spiritual magnetism that hearts were stirred toward spending in the way of Allah.

He always carried in his heart the longing that the Movement remained gathered around a single center. Again and again he advised that all functions, and congregational prayers, should be held at the Oakland center and mosque.

He greatly encouraged those who worked for the Movement. His personality was equally inspiring for elders, men and women, and children. Though our children were small on his first visit and understood little, on his second and third visits they too benefited—at least somewhat—from his spiritual influence.

May Allah Almighty elevate his ranks. Ameen.

Excerpts from the Newsletter of the Ahmadiyya Movement, Lahore — January–February 1997

Doctor Saeed Ahmad passed away from this mortal world on 15 November 1996. His funeral prayer was led by his closest companion, Raja Muhammad Baidar. It was the daily practice of Raja, Qazi Abdul Ahad, Sardar Ali Khan, and Master Abdus Salam to visit Doctor Saeed Ahmad at his home after the Asr prayer to inquire after his health.

For thirty years, Doctor Saeed Ahmad served suffering humanity selflessly—as a renowned physician and an expert in the treatment of tuberculosis at the Dadar Sanatorium as well as in his ancestral city of Abbottabad. But after the deeply tragic riots of 1974, he moved to Lahore and settled permanently in Dar-us-Salam. There he left the medical profession entirely and devoted the remaining twenty-two years of his life—steadfastly and courageously—to the service of the Ahmadiyya Movement.

After the passing of Maulana Sadr-ud-Din, when he was elected Ameer of the Movement, he gave special attention to reorganizing Ahmadiyya Movement chapters inside Pakistan and abroad. He undertook detailed tours of America, Canada, Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname, and visited England, the Netherlands, and Germany multiple times—so as to draw the attention of those chapters toward assuming the new responsibilities of the Movement.

When Pakistan’s National Assembly declared Ahmadis non-Muslim and subsequent laws were enacted, it became necessary for overseas Movement chapters to shoulder greater responsibilities so the hardships created by government restrictions could be faced. Prior to this, overseas chapters had been working under different names; but after 1974 it became necessary that the aims and outlook of the Movement be made clear. For this reason, during his overseas visits, Doctor Saeed Ahmad instructed all foreign chapters of the Movement to register themselves as branches of the Ahmadiyya Movement Ishaat-e-Islam, Lahore. Following his guidance, the chapters of Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname reorganized their work as branches of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement—and today we can say with pride that the beautiful mosques of Georgetown (Guyana) and Paramaribo (Suriname), which are regarded with admiration in Muslim countries, are splendid achievements of the international chapters. Today around thirty branches are active in England, America, Canada, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, and India.

In this work of reorganization, the following friends gave full cooperation: in England, Jameela Khan and Zahid Aziz; in America, Sameena Sahoo Khan, Noman Ilahi Malik, Abdullah Jan, and Masud Akhtar; in Germany, Imam Saeed Ahmad Chaudhry; in the Netherlands, Karamat Ali, A. S. Santu, and Maulana Abdul Rahim Jaggoe; in India, Abdul Razzaq; and in Fiji, Shaukat A. Ali. Yet it cannot be denied that for all of these friends, Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s strong personality—and his prayers—were a great source of strength.

For the past two years Doctor Saeed Ahmad had been ill, yet he continued to oversee the Ahmadiyya Movement’s important affairs. He possessed an excellent memory and a remarkable capacity for work. One especially noteworthy trait was his effort to maintain personal relationships with Ahmadiyya Movement workers and members; he would write letters himself—whether in Urdu or English. The secret of this unusual strength lay in his piety and in the orderliness of his daily life. Even during illness, despite weakness, he did not reduce his five daily prayers, tahajjud, or his evening walk. During the walk—going from his home to the other end of Dar-us-Salam—his habit was to greet everyone with a smile and ask after their well-being.

At Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s urging, his son, the late Abdulla Saeed, began taking interest in the Quran translation project. He was the first to propose that scholars and experts of non-native languages should be engaged from outside for this work. Under this new approach, the first translation published was in Spanish. For this invaluable service, not only the late Abdulla Saeed deserves our praise and gratitude, but also his honored father—whose encouragement made the work possible and enabled it to advance. The work on Russian, Chinese, German, and Dutch translations has proceeded along the same lines identified by Abdulla Saeed.

Doctor Saeed Ahmad had only just entered his 97th year of life when Allah Almighty called him to Himself on 15 November 1996. May Allah Almighty pour His special mercies upon this blessed soul. Ameen.

Excerpts with reference to Paigham-e-Sulh, Nov–Dec 1997 (Special Issue)

Professor Asghar Hameed, the Fourth Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Movement, writes:

In February 1979 I retired from government service and two or three months later moved to Dar-us-Salam, where I have remained ever since. After moving here, opportunities to meet the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad increased greatly—most of all because we met at all five daily prayers. Since Doctor Saeed Ahmad himself often led prayers, we frequently had the opportunity to hear his distinctive recitation.

When meeting me, he would clasp my hand very firmly—and sometimes hold it for a long time—so that I often felt the strength of his grip. At times we would walk together in the evening, though not regularly. Once the late Hafiz Sher Muhammad also visited Lahore; for a few days he too joined the walks. The doctor sometimes walked in the morning as well, perhaps—but I was never able to rouse myself for morning walks.

Sometimes he would bring a thick notebook to the mosque. He had several notebooks which mostly contained the revelations, prophecies, and events related to the late Syed Asadullah Shah, as well as incidents of his elders, and some Farsi verses of rhyme by religious saints. From here and there he would read passages aloud to us; Syed Asadullah Shah was mentioned often.

Even regarding medical matters, the late Ameer’s presence was a great benefit to people. If anyone in Dar-us-Salam was ill, help was found through him. My household benefited from him many times. If needed, he would personally contact another doctor outside. Who can grant the reward for that except Allah Almighty?

In the final phase of his illness, when he became very weak, I reduced my visits so as not to burden him. Anwar Ahmad would often tell me, “Please come—he is happy when he meets you.” Even so, I went less, for it is my weakness that seeing someone in extreme frailty and illness feels very difficult to me. I keep seeking its remedy through prayer. May Allah accept. May He raise his ranks, admit him among the righteous, and grant us the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen.

Razia Madad Ali

Our family’s relationship with Doctor Saeed Ahmad began through the friendship between my father, the late Mirza Yaqub Beg, and his father, Maulvi Muhammad Yahya. Every year—ever since I opened my eyes—my father would travel with the whole family to Abbottabad for two months in summer. There the Ahmadis of the Frontier Province would visit our home frequently. I often heard mention of Maulvi Muhammad Yahya and his son Saeed Ahmad, who was studying medicine—but there was no direct connection between the women of the two families.

After my father passed away, my brother Mirza Abdul Rahman Beg’s marriage was arranged with Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s eldest daughter, Ayesha—thus the closeness between the two families increased. My mother loved the doctor as she loved her own children. During the days of the Annual Convention, the whole family would stay at our home—memories of affection and sincerity that cannot be forgotten. Both families shared values of sincere hospitality and relationships free of pretension. My mother regarded Bebe Ji and Bobo Ji as daughters, and the doctor as her true son. For that reason I always called the doctor my brother, and Bebe Ji and Bobo Ji my sisters.

Tahira Fazl-e-Ahmad

I do not have words with which to describe his virtues. Every aspect of his life shone bright and radiant like the sun. Now it falls upon us to keep the flame of this priceless lamp lit.

What was his personality? He was not merely a compassionate figure for his blood relatives—he was the loving guardian of the entire Ahmadiyya Movement. Every young and old person felt that he loved them the most. If there was grief, hardship, or anxiety, one would at once ask “Janji” for prayers—and one’s burden would feel lighter. Which memories should we recall? It is enough that we take even a single tiny particle from the life of this magnificent soul. He possessed countless virtues.

If we wish to offer him any tribute, then to please his soul we should work within the Movement with full devotion, unity, and sincerity of heart. He endured everything and gave this work priority; so we too should place our full effort on this path. His prayers and the paths he showed us stand before us. Every man and woman, every young and old among us, should resolve that the sacrifices made by our elders will not be wasted. If we are called Ahmadi, then for the sake of Allah, adopt the ways worthy of an Ahmadi. Allah Almighty does not waste the effort of those who work from the heart. If in every matter we think of how our elders acted, then surely our efforts will not be wasted.

Mah Jabeen Yusuf, USA

My sister Zareena called me from Trinidad with the news of Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s passing. I often remember our journey to Abbottabad for the Annual Convention in 1973—when we all traveled together from Dar-us-Salam, Lahore, passing through different places, and reached Abbottabad, where we met Doctor Saeed Ahmad (a long time ago now). May Allah Almighty grant him a place in His mercy, and in this difficult time be Helper and Supporter for all of you.

Mian Fakhruddin Ahmad

For five or six years I had the opportunity to work close to the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad at the Center, alongside him. Maulvi Muhammad Yahya and my father had long-standing fraternal ties. Whenever the late Maulana came to Rawalpindi or was traveling to Lahore, he would certainly visit our home. Doctor Saeed Ahmad kept these ties alive and strengthened family traditions. When I came to Dar-us-Salam, he arranged my residence near his own. Many times he would visit my home and offer counsel regarding religious matters. He would be pleased with my humble service and appreciate it.

He gave useful advice on reports about the work of Ahmadiyya Movement preachers. He answered the letters of Ahmadiyya Movement friends with diligence, and wrote, in his own hand, soothing and affectionate letters to those who sent requests for prayer. His circle of friends was wide; it included people from Rabwah as well, who too maintained respectful relations with him.

This is the grace and kindness of the Generous Lord—that we continued to receive leaders who were manifestations of God’s power. May Allah grant us the ability to remain in the company of these chosen souls. Every promise of the Powerful and Mighty God is true. This heavenly, spiritual, God-given Movement will endure; and the promise of the Most High and Mighty God—made to His appointed one a hundred years ago in these words, “I will grant this Ahmadiyya Movement of your followers supremacy over others until the Day of Judgment”—will continue to be fulfilled forever. On 15 November 1906, it was also revealed: “Your prayer has been accepted.”

Raja Muhammad Baidar

I first had the chance to see Doctor Saeed Ahmad in 1950. In Mansehra, he led the Friday prayer. Hearing his recitation of the Holy Quran left me astonished. Then, a second time, in Lahore in 1952, his recitation of Surah Al-Qamar in the morning prayer—in such a lovely manner—has remained with me all my life.

In times of distress, when we asked him to pray for us, we felt [a sense of] tranquility: that he would pray for us, Allah would accept it—and many times Allah granted relief through his prayers. Praise be to Allah. His love and compassion were such that, from children to elders, he was like a caring father to all. Many times, even small children would come into his presence while we were there; he would give them toffees and chocolates, which he always kept ready. Whoever came to meet him would find a glow and a smile upon his face. His conversation was so affecting that no listener remained untouched.

Allah Almighty showered His blessings upon this servant: honor and rank; righteous children; leadership of a great movement like the Ahmadiyya Movement. Allah granted him a long life—spent in worship and in service to His servants.

Zahid Aziz

Doctor Saeed Ahmad possessed many qualities that are essential not only in a true Muslim leader, but also in the administrative head of any movement. It was our good fortune—and Allah’s special favor—that such a person existed among us, and more than that, that our Ahmadiyya Movement decided to elect him as leader. He strove in every possible way to achieve our objective and devoted all the strength and capabilities of his mind and heart to it. Since the day I have known him, he dedicated every moment of his life to the progress of this Ahmadiyya Movement.

He was for us a source of strength and protection. By a Quranic parable, one may say he was like a strong tree for us—deep, firm roots and lofty branches—under whose shade we found safe and restful refuge for a long time. He would weep and implore before Allah while we slept peacefully with the sense that he was present. Now that he has fulfilled his duty, set an example for us, and departed, responsibility has fallen upon our shoulders—as the Holy Quran says:

كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍۢ

وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ

Every one on it passes away. And there endures forever the person of thy Lord, the Lord of glory and honor. (Holy Quran—55:26–27)

Sardar Abdul Qadir, Frankfurt (Germany)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s life was the life of a God-centered person. The pen cannot encompass these matters. He was an open book from which one could benefit at all times. As a doctor I saw him closely: whenever a patient left his presence, brightness returned to the patient’s face. Likewise, there was blessing in his words: when he stood to teach the Quran and Hadith, a new movement entered weak hearts.

The separation from such a beloved presence has created a great void, especially for the beloved ones of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Yet this is the system of nature: we are all passengers on the same vehicle, moving onward at its speed; no one knows the destination-time. When the moment arrives, the departing one moves forever toward his destination. May Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s destination be at the feet of the beloved Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Ameen.

Bashir Ahmad, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP)

This incident is from 1966–67: I was doing my graduation at Abbottabad College and staying at relatives’ house. He came there for some work, gauged the cramped space, and with great affection said, “Come and stay with me—this place is too confined.” I could not go, but the effect of his words remains in my heart to this day.

A Hadith states that two lives are enviable: one whom Allah gives wealth and then he spends it in the path of truth; and another whom Allah gives knowledge, who judges by it and teaches it. How enviable is the life that is granted both—spending wealth in the path of truth and benefiting the world through knowledge. Such a life was granted to Doctor Saeed Ahmad.

He was large-hearted and hospitable. For Friday prayer in Abbottabad, people came from surrounding villages. Since the mosque was part of his home, after Friday prayer a cloth would be spread—either in the mosque or in the house—for guests. He would feed guests and serve them tea, and would personally serve them with his own hands.

We pray for this great benefactor—an embodiment of humanity and decency—that Allah Almighty elevate his ranks, pour countless mercies upon his soul, and grant him a place in His mercy’s nearness. Ameen, then Ameen.

O flower-plucker—what foolishness you committed:
you plucked a flower, and the whole garden became desolate.

Lest my narrative grows longer still, I end it with these verses:

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتًۢا ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

And think not of those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they are alive being provided sustenance from their Lord.
(Holy Quran—3:169)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked, “Who is a martyr?” He said: “He, too, is a martyr who is killed while fighting in Allah’s path—and he too is a martyr who dies while working in Allah’s path, even if the death is natural.” If we look at Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s life, he strove against them with it—a mighty striving: serving the Quran, arranging its translations, carrying it to lands beyond—until he surrendered his life to the Life-Giver, and thus became ever-living. In the words of Allah Most High:

وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ لِمَن يُقْتَلُ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتٌۢ ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌۭ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَشْعُرُونَ

And speak not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, (they are) alive, but you perceive not. (Holy Quran—2:154)

Zareena Muhammad, Trinidad

Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s personality was such that, among all members of the Ahmadiyya Movement, he was not only a strong link—he was also a cause for strengthening faith for all of us. Therefore, for the whole Ahmadiyya Movement, his passing has created a great void. My prayer is that Allah Almighty grant all members of the Ahmadiyya Movement and their families the courage to bear this immense shock; and that the important work of faith that was being carried out through him continues, and that the means of guidance for the Ahmadiyya Movement also continues.

Raja Zauq Akhtar Khan

I belong to the feudal society of the Siran Valley, situated very near the Dadar Sanatorium—people who imagine “there is none like us.” It was my great good fortune that in my business life I became the contractor of the Dadar Sanatorium. This arrangement continued from 1 May 1945 to 1962. During this period I learned much from Doctor Saeed Ahmad and had the chance to see him very closely.

He was devoted to tahajjud, steadfast in fasting and prayer; a patron of the poor, kind to friends, and naturally hospitable. Once, when he was made Director and sent to Peshawar upon the formation of One Unit, there was uproar in Dadar: staff, patients, and the poor people of the region began to weep. As a result, Doctor Saeed Ahmad was sent back to Dadar again. For Doctor Saeed Ahmad, wealth was never a standard. He considered good character Islam’s distinguishing hallmark. That is why—from child to elder, from sweeper to governor—he measured everyone by the scale of character. His administration was such that even a minor incident in Dadar would immediately come to his notice. In that whole period, no incident occurred in Dadar that reached the police station.

I remained very close to him; and if I say that I learned practical Islam from Doctor Saeed Ahmad, it would not be exaggeration.

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was not a single-dimensional person; his personality had many aspects. He was a doctor and also a scholar; he had a deep connection to knowledge and literature. My friend, the late Naseem Hijazi—whose historical novels spread inside and outside Pakistan—often met Doctor Saeed Ahmad and was an admirer of his noble character.

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was among those who walked in the footsteps of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), following him in every way. As a husband, a father, a relative, and a friend, he was unrivaled in embodying that Prophetic example—an excellence that came from living the Prophet’s beautiful model.

Malik Saeed Ahmad

Death has taken from us the earthly body, undoubtedly;
but to take from us your memory—that is impossible.

Though he had been ill for some time, we did not imagine he would soon depart from us. On the morning of 16 November 1996, the heart-rending news of his death printed on the last page of the daily Jang drained all my strength. At 9 a.m. I reached Dar-us-Salam and spent the entire day writhing in grief at his separation. At last, the final living sign of Hazrat Mirza Sahib was buried beneath mounds of earth amid our lamentation—and I returned home utterly aimless and broken.

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was, for us, the last remaining sign among those who had placed their hand in the blessed hand of the Founder and received spiritual grace from him. My love and devotion for Doctor Saeed Ahmad compelled me to present a few points for friends: what lofty rank he possessed, and how thousands—indeed hundreds of thousands—entered his circle of devotion. Those blessed people who, with depth of heart and full sincerity, laid their heads at the feet of the Founder—reached the highest stations of honor in this world as well, and were granted wealth according to their capacity. In the next life, surely, they will be at a very high station in paradise alongside the Founder, beholding the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

I am not grieved merely because Doctor Saeed Ahmad has passed away; my grief is that we have now been deprived of seeing that luminous and pure face—and finding comfort, peace, and reassurance. Looking at Doctor Saeed Ahmad, one would see a glimpse of Hazrat Mirza Sahib before one’s eyes.

Qazi Abdul Ahad

My relationship with Janji lasted about twenty-four or twenty-five years, and it was a very pleasant part of my life. Doctor Saeed Ahmad was a believer—a God-fearing person—and he embodied the qualities the Holy Quran describes for a believer. By profession he was an able doctor of chest diseases, yet he also had excellence in religious knowledge.

In Abbottabad, the daily routine was: after Maghrib until Isha—lessons of Quran, lessons from Bukhari Sharif, and readings from the sayings of the Founder. Everyone participated, and there was also a gathering of just the two of us in which I would read to him Arabic books of the Founder. Personally, I benefited in that my knowledge kept increasing continuously; it was a great treasure I received through him.

To recall Janji and his late father’s great services, I must go back a bit. There was once a princely state called Amb, like Dir or Chitral. My family there was known as the Qazi family. My uncle, Qazi Muhammad Ishaq, was an enemy of Ahmadiyyat—like Muhammad Husain Batalvi, rather even more—because he was Chief Justice and had power to enforce his orders. This was during the rule of Farid Khan, and Qazi Sahib was close to him. He committed severe oppression against Ahmadis—annulled marriages, inflicted all kinds of harm, and then exiled them from the state. When the family of Samandar Khan—many households—was exiled, then the father and son acted like helpers of the Ansar: they settled some people in Debgaran and some in Dadar. This migration proved beneficial, and their children gained education and rose to high posts—whereas in the state there had been no arrangement for education.

By Allah’s grace, He rescued me from that filth; and it is also His grace that my children, after good education, earn honorable livelihoods. Praise be to Allah. Janji’s memory will remain for life.

Aziz Kashmiri, Editor, Daily Roshni, Srinagar (India)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was pious, sociable, and noble. I still have many of his letters; every word reflects love and humility, sympathy and compassion, and spirituality. Before Partition, when he came to Srinagar, the Friday prayer was offered in congregation at my former residence, and he urged me to attend the Annual Convention by coming from Hazara so we could travel together. Likewise, after laying the foundation of the mosque, Maulana Muhammad Ali, Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Movement, honored my humble home with his presence; and during his stay in Kashmir, Maulana Sadr-ud-Din would spend some time with me every Friday. Such nobility of soul lodges itself in hearts, and spiritual personalities become ever-living.

Aamir Aziz

A sea of memories keeps surging—and with each memory comes a flood of tears that will not stop. Every moment, Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s countless qualities compel one to wonder: where now can we find someone like you? Yet one must submit before the Quranic decree:

Every soul shall taste death.

Still, some personalities depart leaving a void that does not fill even after long stretches of time. Yet, the flowers they cause to bloom continue to make this physical world fragrant long after. Such a personality was our beloved, late Doctor Saeed Ahmad.

If you were to blend gentleness, forbearance, patience, compassion, piety, sincerity, love, selflessness, sacrifice, nobility of spirit, simplicity, soft speech, and wisdom—what personality would result? It would be our late Ameer, Doctor Saeed Ahmad.

Countless people live for themselves and think for themselves; but there are also those who live for others and work for others. Our late Ameer belonged to this second group. His life passed in healing people and serving the Ahmadiyya Movement. He took the helm of the Movement at a time when, in this beloved country, Ahmadis were viewed with hatred and contempt—and he brought the Movement of the Promised Messiah to a point where it was no longer in the whirlpool, but had reached the shore.

Alas, that lamp which had been lit from Debgaran—spreading rays of light, illuminating humanity with knowledge, distributing joy into sorrowful lives, pulling people out of swamps of despair and showing them rays of hope, awakening in hearts a longing for faith—was extinguished in the settlement of Dar-us-Salam.

But no—not at all. Such a person lives even after death; for great souls do not die—they become immortal. The thought he gave, his ideas, his message—these remain alive and established; and with that message, he too remains alive. Yes, but we do not perceive. O Allah, admit our beloved Doctor Saeed Ahmad among those regarding whom Your own promise stands: “They are the successful [ones.]” Ameen.

Mumtaz Ahmad Bajwa

The great and history-making people—those of true insight—affect their surroundings; they are a pride for their Ahmadiyya Movement and their country; their lives become a model for their contemporaries, and their deaths a guiding lamp for people like us.

My personal relationship with the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad began in 1954 through the late Shaikh Ghulam Qadir, when I was afflicted with tuberculosis and presented myself to him. For six months I remained under treatment; by Allah’s grace, through the doctor’s medicines and prayers I returned healthy after six months.

The bond formed through that incident remained until the last breath. I met him one last time a month before his passing, on 16 October 1996. Sitting at his bedside with my hand in his for ten to fifteen minutes, he continued to speak—some about my illness, and alongside prayers, offered advice and counsel.

In 1963, at my request, he also solemnized my nikah in the Ahmadiyya buildings. In 1964 he attended my rukhsati in person, granting me a great honor whose memory remains in my heart and mind forever. Thereafter once or twice he met my wife; after greetings he would say, “Do you remember—I solemnized your nikah?” It was another style of affection.

For these reasons I held deep devotion, love, and respect for him. He was the healer of my body, and I received spiritual benefit from him as well. He too showed great affection to me, poor and faulty as I am. Whenever we met, he would ask—one by one and collectively—about my family, relatives, and the friends of the Ahmadiyya Movement, and would often encourage us to remain in contact.

Khurshid Alam Tareen

Doctor Saeed Ahmad, the late doctor, held a very high station in piety, sacrifice, and selflessness. Nowadays, we are experiencing a severe dearth of capable individuals; such God-fearing, prominent, and wise leaders have become rare. Against violence and hatred directed at Ahmadis, Doctor Saeed Ahmad led the Ahmadiyya Movement with resolve, steadfastness, courage, and complete conviction—so the enemy could not inflict greater harm. He left indelible marks upon the Ahmadiyya Movement’s history.

May Allah, Blessed and Exalted, grant him a place of mercy among those upon whom favor is bestowed; grant his survivors patience and beautiful endurance, and grant them the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen. May He grant the Ahmadiyya Movement a worthy successor and strengthen this sacred mission entrusted to us by the Reformers. Ameen.

Usman Saidu (Cape Town, South Africa)

Hearing of Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s passing, I was deeply shocked. “Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.” He was, in the truest sense, a servant of Islam. May Allah grant him His pleasure. My family and other friends of the Ahmadiyya Movement who had a close relationship with him share in this grief. May Allah grant you all beautiful patience.

Pearl Shairah Deen (Trinidad)

We were fortunate that Doctor Saeed Ahmad (late) loved the people of Trinidad greatly—just as he did those in Pakistan, England, and other countries. Whenever we had the chance to meet him, we received spiritual strength. He was an excellent friend, brother, and distinguished leader. Friends of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Lahore and abroad held devotion for him, and for them he was a fountain of guidance. May Allah grant him the blessings of paradise and reward him for the selfless religious service he rendered in serving Islam and God’s creation.

Abdul Santu (Netherlands)

Although our beloved Doctor Saeed Ahmad had not been able to undertake overseas tours for the past twelve years, I know he maintained personal contact with people across the Ahmadiyya Movement chapters. Leading members of the Netherlands Ahmadiyya Movement remember well how his balanced and righteous personality left a deep impression upon everyone. In difficult moments we would turn to him for prayer and guidance. We also know he held special love in his heart for the people of the Netherlands. In the 1970s, when the Ahmadiyya Movement faced severe hardships in Pakistan, chapters in the Netherlands were forming all across its cities. Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s determined face became a source of strength and faith for us on every occasion. Hafiz Sher Muhammad was often with him. His memory will remain alive in the hearts of the people of the Netherlands.

Noman Ilahi Malik (Columbus, Ohio, USA)

With deep grief we express condolences at the passing of Doctor Saeed Ahmad. His death is an irreparable loss for us. In recent years, progress within the Ahmadiyya Movement occurred due to his prayers and his spiritual and moral guidance. His entire life was an excellent example of placing faith above worldly matters.

The late Doctor Saeed Ahmad had deep affection for the USA chapter of the Ahmadiyya Movement, and we feel we have been deprived of a compassionate and experienced leader. His prayers were a great source of strength for us, and we will always feel the lack of his faith-affirming presence. God willing, we will strive with even greater zeal to continue the mission that was dearest and most important to him.

Our prayer is that Allah, by His mercy and grace, grant the late Doctor Saeed Ahmad companionship with the believers in paradise, and grant his family the strength and courage to bear this shock.

يَـٰٓأَيَّتُهَا ٱلنَّفْسُ ٱلْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ
ٱرْجِعِىٓ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةًۭ مَّرْضِيَّةًۭ
فَٱدْخُلِى فِى عِبَـٰدِى
وَٱدْخُلِى جَنَّتِى

And enter My Garden!
O soul that art at rest,
Return to thy Lord, well-pleased, well-pleasing,
So enter among My servants
(Holy Quran—89:27–30)

Rashid Pir Khan (President, Ahmadiyya Movement Chapter in Suriname)

Hearing of the passing of our spiritual guide Doctor Saeed Ahmad, we were filled with shock and sorrow. We will never forget how, in times of extreme oppression, violence, and opposition, he guided the Ahmadiyya Movement with great steadfastness and strong will. His person was a source of spiritual motivation for all the people of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Our prayer is that Allah grant him a special place in His mercy, and grant his family the courage to bear this loss.

And enter My Garden!
O soul that art at rest,
Return to thy Lord, well-pleased, well-pleasing,
So enter among My servants
(Holy Quran—89:27–30)

Muhammad Yaqub (Chak No. 23, Tehsil Vehari)

I did not have much personal correspondence with him, but I had been seeing and hearing him since before he became Ameer—back in the time of the late Ameer, Maulana Sadr-ud-Din. In every respect he was an excellent example and a blessed personality. He was extremely sweet-spoken, gentle in temperament, and possessed of high morals. Alongside that, he also had lofty resolve and firm determination. He was so sociable that when he shook someone’s hand, he would hold it for a long time—he would not release first until the other person withdrew.

Most often we met him at the Annual Convention. He did not favor long speeches: his addresses were brief but meaningful, and—according to time and place—would settle into the heart. Especially through his Fajr supplications, and the opening and closing prayers of the gathering, his gentleness, humility, and tender-heartedness became unmistakably clear.

During the agitation, when the storm of opposition rose and even his house was attacked, his steadfast resolve and firm determination became evident. Many urged him to announce leaving the Ahmadiyya Movement, saying the danger was great. He sternly told them: “Do not give me such advice. I will never make such an announcement—whatever may happen.” He never feared hardships and trials. In every way he was beneficial, a source of good, and a complete model. He was a blessed presence for the Movement. He possessed many virtues. He raised his children with high religious training and also provided them high worldly education—as is evident before all of us.

When we returned from the Annual Convention, carrying back his counsel-filled speeches and prayers, our hearts would become so filled with calm and certainty under the effect of his prayers that we felt protected from turmoil and hardships for the coming year. Indeed, so long as we live, the effect of his prayers will remain upon us.

— 14 December 1996

Shahid Aziz (England)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad was a great personality—he proved a solid rock for the Ahmadiyya Movement in difficult times. Overseas Ahmadiyya Movement chapters, especially the chapter in England, are deeply indebted to him. Through his efforts the Ahmadiyya Movement received a building for the Center; then, at his appeal, substantial donations were gathered through which repayment of debt became possible. Our prayer is that Allah grant the late leader a place in His mercy.

Hamid Chaudhry (Surrey, England)

Once, when our Ameer Doctor Saeed Ahmad came to London on overseas tours, he honored me by staying with me for two days. He said to me: “Take me to the homes of those you know who have drifted away from Ahmadiyya Movement activities.” I took him to every such home I knew. He invited each person to participate in the Ahmadiyya Movement’s work and also collected donations for the publication of the Quran. He said: “Even if you give me only a penny, I must carry forward the mission of the Imam of the time.” That tour breathed a new spirit into Ahmadiyya Movement chapters outside Pakistan and strengthened the Ahmadiyya Movement. He desired unity and harmony and tried to remove mutual resentments and grudges. May Allah grant him a tremendous reward and bless the Movement with a righteous successor. Ameen.

Masud Akhtar

Doctor Saeed Ahmad possessed many personal moral qualities that distinguished him from other members of the Ahmadiyya Movement—qualities that made people devoted to him. These included humility, modesty, care for the poor, simplicity, a habit of overlooking faults, love, dealing with every young and old person with great kindness and compassion, sympathizing with everyone, and caring about others’ feelings—these virtues existed in him to the fullest. These are the virtues that grant a person true greatness.

Like me, hundreds of his other devotees became attached to him because of these personal virtues. Our devotion to him began even before he was elected Ameer—it was a personal devotion he deserved. In our view, leadership did not magically add “wings” to him; rather, it increased his responsibilities. Still, it is true that an Ameer is a spiritual guide, and leadership suits only the one who possesses spirituality as well as the ability to lead. By Allah’s grace, he possessed both.

Before he became Ameer, he held in my heart the station of a spiritual father; after becoming Ameer, he became my spiritual leader and guide as well.

It cannot be denied that during Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s tenure as Ameer, despite extremely unfavorable circumstances, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement progressed. Works that had previously been neglected were once again not only given importance, but practical steps were initiated to carry them out. A wave of new life was felt across all Ahmadiyya Movement chapters.

India—where our Movement had foundational ties—had almost been forgotten; there, the work of Quran translations and publication of propagation literature for Islam began with great diligence and continues to progress day by day. All this was possible because of trust in the leader and in his leadership qualities.

Doctor Saeed Ahmad (may Allah have mercy upon him) fulfilled his duty excellently and departed to his True Creator. The process of decline halted, and steps began to move toward progress. How can anyone forget such an Ameer—such a leader? In the history of Ahmadiyyat, he holds a special place. In the eyes of historians, his tenure as Ameer will be a bright chapter in the history of the Ahmadiyya Movement.

Excerpt From the Book Titled “Lahore Mein Mashahir Ke Madfoon (i.e. Prominent Figures Buried in Lahore)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad (Sitara-e-Khidmat)
Doctor Saeed Ahmad was born on 9 October 1900 in the village of Debgaran in Hazara District (Frontier Province). After early education, he studied at Madrasa Talim-ul-Islam, Qadian. He completed F.Sc. at Islamia College, Peshawar, and finished his medical education in 1924 at King Edward College, Lahore.

He served at various postings in the Frontier Province. In the course of his official duties he never accepted any kind of pressure; in recognition of this, the British government conferred upon him the titles “Khan Sahib” and “Khan Bahadur,” and the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Sitara-e-Khidmat.

In 1950, at the time of Hajj, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz ibn Saud invited him to Saudi Arabia for treatment and then offered him appointment as royal physician. He preferred serving his own countrymen and did not accept the offer. In 1956 he was promoted to Deputy Director in the Health Department; after retirement he was granted an extension and sent again to the Dadar Sanatorium. He retired from service in 1964 and began practice at a clinic in his home Dar-us-Saeed in Abbottabad.

In 1981 he was elected Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Despite old age, his strength and capacity continued to grow, and under his leadership the Ahmadiyya Movement entered a new era. During his tenure, translations of the Holy Quran and other books were produced in many languages, including Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Russian, and Chinese.

On 15 November 1996 he departed this mortal world and was buried in the cemetery at Dar-us-Salam, Garden Town, Lahore. The tomb is solidly built.

— Writing & research: Muhammad Shahid; Jang Publishers, 3 Sar Agha Khan Road, Lahore; p. 384.

Poem by Muhammad Azam Alvi (November 28, 1976)

Doctor Saeed Ahmad’s Return to the Homeland

Sorrow and grief appear helpless, undone;
Yet signs of life-bestowing spring are seen.
The longings once thought wasted, lost, and vain—
Now they appear as companions, soothing, keen.

By the blessing of one God-fearing, self-aware fighter,
A few small shoots now look like a garden grown.
Such is his courage that a few frightened souls
now seem enrolled among the righteous, known.

Those who for truth fought long—still they appear
as fighters still, upon the field of right.
Whom city-muftis branded “infidel,”
now they appear as leaders of the faith’s caravan in sight.

These are the effects of your midnight sighs—
The heedless now appear awake, alive.
Your nature bears felicity; you are “Saeed” yourself,
and through your link we too appear as lights that thrive.

O saplings of the garden—good fortune to the guardian:
The trees of hope now stand in sight.

Poem by Saleh Noor (Dammam, 26 July 1977)

A Traveler’s Message, Addressed to Doctor Saeed Ahmad

May you forever place faith above the world;
by Allah’s grace, may you keep serving faith—unfurled.
May you keep gifting heaven’s light to all;
We pray we stand by this pledge till death’s last call.

When faith requires our life and wealth again,
by Allah’s help, may we lay them down—without refrain.
What truth a wali of Allah has spoken—clear:
God still fashions “Kalim” indeed, without fear.

May every act be steeped in seeking His pleasure alone.
In late-night solitude, when the chance is shown
for special prayer—then in the court of the Divine
may you keep raising this cry, sincere and fine:

O Lord—accept these very poor ones too;
grant them the grace to serve Your cause in all they do—
That morning and evening they strive for God’s faith’s victory anew.

Break a hundred heads, yet how few walk the path of right;
what all they do to the people of truth—out of spite.
Let them publish whatever they wish, day and night.

Whenever you step out bearing Islam’s banner high,
perhaps you’ll meet the people of Ta’if nearby—
whether they accept or not, keep saying “There is no god but Allah”—defy.

In storms the tree of goodness blossoms, bears fruit;
Behind clouds the moon becomes radiant—mute.
It is creation’s duty: to the Creator remain loyal, resolute.

Here people fear even calling oppression “oppression”—so strange;
but what care have God’s people for that—let tongues rage.
Keep doing what the elder said—and what he did—engage.

I have nothing in my cloak but tears, nothing more;
On Judgment Day, from fear I tremble to my core.
Forgive me, my Master—keep praying, evermore.

(Presented by Sadiq Noor, son of Saleh Noor.)