Overview

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Rabwah on July 13, 1973, for his third tour and visited England, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and returned to Rabwah on September 26, 1973.

Arriving in London on July 14, 1973 from Karachi, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stayed in England until August 20, 1973. During this period, His Holiness focused on Jamaat training and meetings with members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaats spread across England. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) visited various printing establishments in London, observed the performance of printing machines, and consulted with various members regarding the purchase of these machines. His Holiness instructed that the print should be both beautiful and affordable, aiming to expand the spread and dissemination of the Holy Quran’s message. To maintain his health, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) also visited certain places and underwent medical tests.

Purpose of Visit:

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stated on July 12, 1973 before his departure:

“This journey is being undertaken purely for the purpose of calling towards God and the publication of the Quran in Europe. Additionally, I aim to explore the possibilities of establishing a press that will enable the Jamaat in different countries to consult with each other.”1

Arrival In England

July 14, 1973, a momentous day for the Ahmadiyya Movement in the United Kingdom was marked by the arrival of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). Nearly 1,000 Ahmadis gathered at the London Mosque to celebrate this significant event.

At Heathrow Airport’s VIP lounge, officials from the London Mosque and distinguished guests awaited Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s arrival. Notable attendees included H.E. Mr. Bocar Ousman Semega-Jenneh, M.B.E., the High Commissioner of Gambia; Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, former President of the International Court of Justice; and Mr. M.A. Bajwa, Imam of the Zurich Mosque.

After a long and exhausting journey from Pakistan, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stepped off the KLM plane, visibly weary but welcomed with great enthusiasm by the community. 

At the VIP lounge, representatives from the press, radio, and television were present, braving the British weather to cover Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s arrival. They were eager to conduct interviews with the esteemed visitor. The interview, although brief, proved to be enlightening.2

After the brief press conference at the airport, an amusing interaction occurred between Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and the press photographers:

As the photographers gathered around Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) to take his picture, His Holiness made an observation about their appearance. Noticing their long hair, His Holiness quipped, “There seems to be a shortage of hair-cutters in London!” This well-timed remark, delivered in a light-hearted manner, sparked laughter among the press photographers.

Following the interview and photo session, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was escorted to the London Mosque. There, a large congregation of devoted followers had assembled to welcome their spiritual leader.3

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s engagements in the UK

During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s visit to England, His Holiness resided in hotels and explored various sceneries and tourist locations around the country. Some of the visits and trips Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) embarked on are mentioned in Al Fazl.

On July 19, 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) went on a serene visit to Lake Coniston, immersing himself in the natural beauty of the area.4

The following day, July 20, 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) travelled to Mirfield to visit Dr. Mirza Mansoor Ahmad. This visit was highlighted by a special Jummah prayer held at Dr. Sahib’s house, attended by Jamaat members from Middleton, Wakefield, Bradford, and other areas.5

On July 22, 1973, at 11am, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) ventured out for leisurely activities, returning to the hotel by 3pm Later that evening, at 8:30pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) departed for Windermere, a scenic destination known for its stunning lake views. After his excursion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to the hotel, where His Holiness spent a restful evening in the lounge.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) returned to London after visiting the Lake District on July 30, 1973.6

On one occasion, whilst Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was resting in the hotel lounge, a few English travellers approached His Holiness, and enquired whether His Holiness liked their country. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) replied:

“I liked the England that was when I was studying in Oxford, but that England remains no more”7

On August 13, 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) held a series of meetings in London focused on the publication of the Quran. During these meetings, His Holiness sought advice on establishing a press, highlighting his commitment to spreading the message of Islam through modern means.

In the same month, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) welcomed a commissioner from Gambia, Abu Bakar, who arrived in London with his wife. 

Demonstrating his support for education, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) promised to provide two scholarships for students: one for a student coming to London for studies.

During his stay in London, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) had the honour of meeting 1,222 people from England and other countries, emphasising his role as a spiritual leader and his accessibility to his followers.

Wherever He went, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) paid special attention to children. At a horse show in Sevenoaks, His Holiness was greatly enchanted to watch young children of tender age confidently riding horses. Some would fall off, but showing no signs of despondency, they would quickly rise and mount their horses once again. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) moved freely among them, full of smiles, patting them on the back and offering words of encouragement. The effect was electrifying; one lady remarked, “I am yet to see a man who is as fond of children as you are!”

Before leaving the horse show, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) presented a handsome prize to the youngest child and judged the best contestant. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s affection for children elicited spontaneous responses wherever He went. For instance, during a visit to Italy, schoolchildren surrounded Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), encouraged by his informal conversation. They freely shook hands with him and focused their cameras to capture the moment. Before parting, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) handed one of the boys an autographed currency note, prompting the child to look at it in utter surprise and ask, “For me?”

As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) car started to leave, the children began to say to their beloved Imam, “Goodbye!”8

Departure From England

On the eve of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s departure from London, a poignant scene unfolded at the London Mosque. Hundreds of devoted Ahmadis gathered to bid farewell to their beloved spiritual leader, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the reality of his imminent departure set in.

As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) raised his hands to lead a silent prayer, the gravity of the moment became apparent to all present. Many Ahmadis were overcome with emotion.

The gathered Ahmadis prayed for their beloved Imam and for the members of his entourage.9

Arrival in Holland and Germany

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s travels to Holland began on August 20, 1973, when His Holiness left the UK and arrived in Holland in the evening.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), visited the picturesque town of Volendam in the Netherlands. During his visit, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) not only enjoyed the town’s scenic views but also took the opportunity to meet with members of the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 

His journey continued on August 22, 1973, as His Holiness departed from Holland and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Switzerland

Two days later, on August 24, 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left Frankfurt to visit Zurich, Switzerland.

In Zurich, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) attended a significant press conference where many delegates and ambassadors were present. During the conference, His Holiness was asked about the number of Ahmadis worldwide. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) responded that while an official census had not been conducted, the estimated number was around one million. This interaction highlights the global reach and growing influence of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.10

A Brief stay in Venice

On August 28, 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) reached Venice, Italy. Unlike his previous stops, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)’s schedule in Venice was relatively relaxed, allowing His Holiness some respite from his busy itinerary.11

Return To Pakistan

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) left and safely returned to Rabwah, Pakistan on September 26, 1973.

  1. Al Fazl, July 15, 1973, Page 6 ↩︎
  2. The Muslim Herald, October, November, 1973, Page 14 ↩︎
  3. The Muslim Herald, October, November, 1973, Page 15 ↩︎
  4. Al Fazl, August 1, 1973 ↩︎
  5. Al Fazl, August 3, 1973 ↩︎
  6. Al Fazl, August 2, 1973 ↩︎
  7. Al Fazl, August 7, 1973 ↩︎
  8.  The Muslim Herald, October, November 1973, Page 19 ↩︎
  9. The Muslim Herald, October, November 1973, Page 24 ↩︎
  10. Al Fazl, September 19, 1973 ↩︎
  11. Al Fazl, September 21, 1973 ↩︎

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