Intro
In the early 1920’s, he secretly funded the Qadiani-Ahmadi temple in London, the Fazl Mosque. The Qadiani’s lied about this and alleged that Ahmadi women sold their jewelry. It should also be noted that Bertram William Sheldrake was never a Muslim, he was lying the whole time.
Born to a wealthy pickle manufacturer in 1888, Bertram William Sheldrake suspiciously converted to Islam in London in 1903 (at the age of 15) and soon after took a leading role in a local Muslim organization known as the Pan-Islamic Society (See Dr. Khalid Sheldrake, “The Pioneers of Islam in England, Germany, France, and America,” Genuine Islam (January 1936): 26.)(See Bowen, A History of Conversion to Islam in the United States, Volume 1, White American Muslims before 1975). He founded the Young England Islamic Society in 1906 aged just 18.
In 1912, Khalid Sheldrake got published in the ROR. An article entitled “Islam in England” by Khalid Sheldrake Effendi (honorable Vice President, the Islamic Society of London), a convert to Islam, appears in the Review of Religions for July 1912 (See page 284).
In 1913, he began working with the Lahori-Ahmadi’s at the Woking Mosque. He was fast friends with Abdullah Quilliam (who seems to outwardly be a Lahori-Ahmadi).
In Feb-1914, Khalid Sheldrake was published in an Ahmadiyya newspaper, the Islamic Review (See pages 66-68). He wrote an essay entitled, “Islam and the Occident”. Sheldrake implores white Europeans to quit Christianity and join Islam (the Kufree Ahmadiyya version). Sheldrake write that Buddha, Krishna, Zaiathustra, Moses (as), Jesus (as) and Muhammad (Saw) are all prophets.
In 1914, in WW1 he enlisted and although he had served as a territorial before the war he was not sent overseas as converts were not trusted and were carefully watched. His friend and fellow convert Frank Mohammed Crabtree was accused of being ‘morally and politically undesirable’ and ‘an English Muhammadan crank’.
In 1917, aged 29, Khalid married the 20-year-old Victoria Gilbert. She converted, took the name Ghazia.
In 1921 (See the Al Fazl, of 28 March 1921 and Sir TW Arnold, who is the author of the famous book, The Preaching of Islam)(The Review of Religions [English], April 1921, page 158). In 1921, Qadiani-Ahmadi sources allege that he became an “Ahmadi Muslim” (See the Al-Fazl of March-28-1921).
In 1922, he was mentioned as a ‘Sheikh” in the Moslem Sunrise of Jan-1922 (see page 74)(al-Hakam too). During the week ending on the 17th May [1922], Mr. Bacon spoke at the Mosque on Moslems in Spain, Mr. Khalid Sheldrake occupying the chair. Mr. Bacon generally followed Lane Poole’s Moors in Spain. He dealt with the conquest, rule and fall of the Moslems, and spoke admiringly of the high standard of civilisation attained by the Moslems. Mr. Khalid Sheldrake in his presidential address dwelt at length on the Saracenic Civilisation (The Review of Religions, June, July & August 1922, page 201). Sheldrake was also helping Ahmadi’s organize lectures (See Al Fazl, 9 November 1922).
In 1923, Sheldrake was quoted in The Moslem Sunrise, April & July 1923 (see page 219). Sheldrake promoted the work of Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and the Qadiani-Ahmadi’s in America. Also in 1923, on 15 April [1923], Dr Henri Mustapha Leon’s [Abdullah Quilliam] lecture will be held at the Ahmadiyya Mosque under the auspices of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat on the topic of “The state of the people of Arabia before the advent of the Holy Prophet[sa]”. In the following weeks, Khalid Sheldrake, Muhammad Hill and Dr Salomon will deliver speeches. Invitation cards and handbills have been printed and published. An announcement has also been issued in the local newspaper (See 14 June 1923 issue of Al Fazl). Sheldrake gave a speech after Eid too (See Al Fazl, 28 August 1923).
In 1924, K. Sheldrake helped to organize (was the secretary) the visit to Brighton of the leader of the Qadian Movement, while he was in the UK on his historic trip (See English ROR of Sec-1924, page 446)(Al Fazl, 28 December 1939). On 5 September 1924, the 2nd Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa attended a reception held in his honour in Peckham. There, in addition to some new converts, a member of the Dulwich Conservative Association also had the opportunity to meet the 2nd Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa. He invited the 2nd Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa to deliver a lecture in Dulwich, which the 2nd Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa accepted and thereafter delivered a lecture at the Constitutional Hall on East Dulwich Grove (Safar-e-Europe, pp. 195-196). Khalid Sheldrake accompanied the Khalifa to France also wherein they watched nude women at an opera. At the Paris railway station, Mr. Khalid Sheldrake, who had been sent ahead to arrange accommodations, was present along with the imam of the Paris Mosque, and Mr. Durand, a correspondent of the Havas Agency. The Havas Agency, much like Reuters, is a global news dissemination service (See 29 November 1924 issue of Al Fazl, and transcribed from the original English, published in the November & December 1924 issue of The Review of Religions).
Reporting on the reception at the house of Mr Khalid Sheldrake, South London Observer published articles on 10 and 13 September 1924, under the heading “His Holiness the Khalifatul Masih”:
“On Friday His Holiness the Khalifatul Masih was the guest of Dr and Mrs Khalid Sheldrake, of Fennimere, Fenwick Road, Peckham. He was accompanied by twelve learned Indians and his representatives from Berlin, Chicago and Nigeria.
“His Holiness is in London to speak at the Conference of Living Religions Within the Empire on the invitation of the organiser, who include Col. Sir Francis Younghusband of Tibetan fame, Sir E. Dennison Ross, Sir Thomas Arnold and W. Loftus Hare.
“The conference was to have taken place at the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley, but as now arranged for the 22nd instant to October 3 at the Imperial Institute, South Kensington.
In terms of the Qadiani’s, he was allegedly at the 1926 opening of the Fazl Mosque. In the same year, he has an essay in the Islamic Review of March-April 1926 (see page 148).
The Sheldrakes raised their family in East Dulwich in the 1920s. They lived in Tarbert Road and in the 1921 Census they lived in Melbourne Grove before moving to nearby Fenwick Road where they lived until the early 1930s. It was here that they became parents and in 1922, when their son Rashid was born, two Muslim clerics visited Mrs. Sheldrake in East Dulwich, ‘their turbans provided some interest in the neighbourhood’. They whispered the Muslim call to prayer into the baby’s ear after which the proud father was taken off to dinner at the Afghan embassy. Their other son, Kemal, was born in 1926.
By 1928 there were just three mosques in London: in Woking, Southfields and East Dulwich (Sheldrake’s personal mosque) and Sheldrake expressed disappointment at British Islam’s slow progress for which he blamed sectarianism (division to which he himself contributed). Still, he concluded, there were some positives: ‘We do not conduct our campaigns on the lines of the Mormons’.
In 1930, he “allegedly” broke away from Ahmadiyya (Lahori’s and Qadiani’s) and created the WIA (Western Islamic Association). A few years later, he became an open political agent of the British in Western China with the Ughurs Muslim. In 1930 the WIA (Western Islamic Association) had been founded by Dr. Khalid Sheldrake, a prominent British convert to pseudo-Islam. In reality, Sheldrake was a British agent and was pretending to be Muslim as a political strategy (See “Islam in Interwar Europe” by Clayer and Germain, it is also on the Ahmadiyyafactcheckblog).
Khalid Sheldrake was a regular subscriber to “The Light” (top Lahori-Ahmadi English magazine). In 1933, he revealed that his cousin is: Her Highness Khair-un-Nissa, the Dayang Muda of Sarawak aka Gladys Milton Palmer.
Soon thereafter, he became an open agent of the British (1934) and was briefly declared king of the short-lived state of Islamestan in the Xinjiang region of China during the Warlord era. However, he never took power before the state’s defeat.
K. Sheldrake, “The Pioneers of Islam in England, France, Germany and America,” GI, I/1, January 1936, p. 26. The Lahori mission was a direct rival of Abdul Sattar and Abdul Jabbar Khairi’s own mosque project. In 1936, K. Sheldrake blatantly claimed that “the bulk of the 30,000 Muslims of Great Britain, among whom some 5,000 were English by birth, are in the branches of this body,” denying any authority to “the little mosque of the distant county of Surrey.” (See “Islam in Interwar Europe” by Clayer and Germain, it is also on the Ahmadiyyafactcheckblog).
Sheldrake continued to give lectures on Turkestan after his return to Britain but found little interest. He continued to raise funds for new mosques and Muslim charities. He travelled in north Africa and central Europe and served his family business by buying sour pickles in Turkey. In World War II he worked for the British Council in Ankara. He returned to the UK in 1944 and died in 1947.
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1912
Account of Quilliam’s work by an English convert in the ‘Review of Religions’, 1912
Account of Quilliam’s work by an English convert in the Review of Religions, 1912
An article entitled Islam in England by Khalid Sheldrake, a convert to Islam, appears in the Review of Religions for July 1912. It briefly traces the history of Islam in England from the earliest times. It was written after the cessation of the activities of Quilliam and his community in 1908, and refers to his work in some detail as follows:
“The first organised Islamic community was founded at Liverpool by an English Solicitor (who had accepted Islam in Algeria) named W.H. Quilliam in 1881. He took the name of Abdullah and subsequently was received often by the late Sultan of Turkey who decorated both his family and himself and conferred the title of Bey upon him. I knew Quilliam well, and as many people have spoken ill of him, I will endeavour to give you some idea of the struggles and hardships he underwent for Islam. He was a charming personality, full of wit and repartee, kind and patient — he was known in Liverpool as “The Poor Man’s Solicitor” as on scores of occasions he fought cases for men who were penniless and charged no fee. He was a learned man, an eminent Geologist and linguist, and President of many Manx and Liverpool Guilds and Societies. His books on the Antiquities of the Isle of Man is a standard work. Although, unfortunately, he is no longer with us, having committed a technical offence though not in any way a criminal one, and I who know the facts of the case consider him morally justified in his action which only showed very eloquently the superiority of the Islamic legal code over that in use in England at the present day which is far from reaching the standard laid down by our Holy Prophet 1300 years ago. He was the author of the “Faith of Islam”, “Footprints of the Past,” “The Religion of the Sword,” “Studies in Islam” and many others. He edited the “Crescent” and “The Islamic World” which he kept up out of his own pocket. He opened the Mosque and Lecture Hall and contributions were sent from all parts of the Muslim world. For 25 years he lectured and wrote for Islam. The mosque windows have been smashed by stones week after week and he was insulted on every possible occasion. He boldly defended Islam when quite alone at the Liverpool Town Hall in 1903 in a most brilliant speech which was reported not only by English papers but Continental as well. His example was followed by many. The cause of Islam is still upheld in Liverpool by a devoted band under F. Djaffer Mortimore, aided by Prof. Stephen, Hasan Arculli and Resched P. Stanley (Late Mayor of Staleybridge). My readers will quickly recognise the name of Yehya-en-Nasr Parkinson, F.G.S. He was one of Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam’s converts and he is a great gain to Islam as his fluent pen is always active in its service and as a poet he emulates those well-known Arab poets whose works are the delight of the Muslims today.”
Note: For more about Yehya-en-Nasr Parkinson, please follow this link.
At the close of the whole article the following comment occurs:
“I am very thankful to the Editor of the Review of Religions for so kindly sending me books and pamphlets to lend to enquirers. I think that this paper is doing useful work for Islam, and I thoroughly enjoy its perusal every month. I shall be happy to receive presents of Indian Journals in English on Islamic subjects; as they pass from hand to hand they bring a better knowledge of the ‘Faith which is most excellent’.”
— Review of Religions, July 1912, pages 286–289.
Scan
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1914
The Islamic Review (February 1914) — www.aaiil.org
Click to access islamicreview_191402.pdf
Khalid Sheldrake, “Islam and the Occident”, the Islamic Review and Muslim India, Volume II, no. 2, 67.
In Feb-1914, Khalid Sheldrake was published in an Ahmadiyya newspaper, the Islamic Review (See pages 66-68). He wrote an essay entitled, “Islam and the Occident”. Sheldrake implores white Europeans to quit Christianity and join Islam (the Kufree Ahmadiyya version). Sheldrake write that Buddha, Krishna, Zaiathustra, Moses (as), Jesus (as) and Muhammad (Saw) are all prophets.
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1920
Khalid Sheldrake: The East Dulwich man who would be King –
The Sheldrakes raised their family in East Dulwich in the 1920s. They lived in Tarbert Road and in the 1921 Census they lived in Melbourne Grove before moving to nearby Fenwick Road where they lived until the early 1930s. It was here that they became parents and in 1922, when their son Rashid was born, two Muslim clerics visited Mrs Sheldrake in East Dulwich, ‘their turbans provided some interest in the neighbourhood’. They whispered the Muslim call to prayer into the baby’s ear after which the proud father was taken off to dinner at the Afghan embassy. Their other son, Kemal, was born in 1926.
______________________________________________________________________________________________1921
The Islamic Review, 1921
He has an essay in the Islamic Review of Jan-1921. And Feb, May, June-July, Sep, Oct, Nov,
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1921
100 Years Ago… – Inauguration of new mission house in London, views of famous newspapers and letter of an attendee
London Nama
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1923
100 Years Ago… – New converts write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II and Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq’s efforts for Islam (alhakam.org)
The Moslem Sunrise, April & July 1923
A message by Shaikh Khalid Sheldrake
From London (England), Shaikh Khalid Sheldrake writes:
“Allah has indeed blessed you [Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib] abundantly and we are seeing the reward your labors merited. To light the torch of Islam in America is a grand work, and Mufti Muhammad Sadiq is the worthy instrument chosen by Allah. Your Moslem Sunrise is a journal of which you may indeed feel proud. It is full of Divine guidance and brings us so close to you that we can feel that your endeavors are ours.
“As one who dwelt in the light of Islam for twenty years, may I send a message to my American brethren? It is this:
“‘Remember that each Muslim is a sentinel who must be ever watchful over his habits and actions. Islam is judged by men from what we say and do. By example, we can make men first wonder, then enquire as to our motive power and so they come to know of the eternal truths of our Holy Faith. Let us guard ourselves, be true to Islamic principles, and we need not fear others.”
During the week ending on the 17th May [1922], Mr. Bacon spoke at the Mosque on Moslems in Spain, Mr. Khalid Sheldrake occupying the chair. Mr. Bacon generally followed Lane Poole’s Moors in Spain. He dealt with the conquest, rule and fall of the Moslems, and spoke admiringly of the high standard of civilisation attained by the Moslems. Mr. Khalid Sheldrake in his presidential address dwelt at length on the Saracenic Civilisation (The Review of Religions, June, July & August 1922, page 201). Sheldrake was also helping Ahmadi’s organize lectures (See Al Fazl, 9 November 1922). Also in 1923, on 15 April [1923], Dr Henri Mustapha Leon’s [Abdullah Quilliam] lecture will be held at the Ahmadiyya Mosque under the auspices of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat on the topic of “The state of the people of Arabia before the advent of the Holy Prophet[sa]”. In the following weeks, Khalid Sheldrake, Muhammad Hill and Dr Salomon will deliver speeches. Invitation cards and handbills have been printed and published. An announcement has also been issued in the local newspaper (See 14 June 1923 issue of Al Fazl). Sheldrake gave a speech after Eid too (See Al Fazl, 28 August 1923).
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1924
RoR, XXIII/12, December 1924, pp. 446-452
See page 446
Review Of Religions – December 1924 Edition by reviewofreligions – Issuu
In 1924, K. Sheldrake helped to organize the visit to Brighton of the leader of the Qadian Movement, while he was in the UK on his historic trip (See English ROR of Sec-1924, page 446).
It seems that Sheldrake also travelled to France with the Khalifa and Zafrullah Khan (See Safar-e-Europe). Sheldrake read his prayers behind the Khalifa too.
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1926
In terms of the Qadiani’s, he was allegedly at the 1926 opening of the Fazl Mosque. In the same year, he has an essay in the Islamic Review of March-April 1926 (see page 148).
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1928
Khalid Sheldrake: The East Dulwich man who would be King –
By 1928 there were just three mosques in London: in Woking, Southfields and East Dulwich (Sheldrake’s personal mosque) and Sheldrake expressed disappointment at British Islam’s slow progress for which he blamed sectarianism (division to which he himself contributed). Still, he concluded, there were some positives: ‘We do not conduct our campaigns on the lines of the Mormons’.
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1930
In 1930 the WIA (Western Islamic Association) had been founded by Dr. Khalid Sheldrake, a prominent British convert to pseudo-Islam. In reality, Sheldrake was a British agent and was pretending to be Muslim as a political strategy.
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1933
The Light (8th February 1933) — www.alahmadiyya.org
Feb-8-1933
Khalid Sheldrake was a regular subscriber to “The Light” (top Lahori-Ahmadi English magazine). In 1933, he revealed that his cousin is: Her Highness Khair-un-Nissa, the Dayang Muda of Sarawak aka Gladys Milton Palmer.
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1934
Soon thereafter, he became an open agent of the British (1934) and was briefly declared king of the short-lived state of Islamestan in the Xinjiang region of China during the Warlord era. However, he never took power before the state’s defeat.
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1936
K. Sheldrake, “The Pioneers of Islam in England, France, Germany and America,” GI, I/1, January 1936 (See Bowen, A History of Conversion to Islam in the United States, Volume 1, White American Muslims before 1975). In 1936, K. Sheldrake blatantly claimed that “the bulk of the 30,000 Muslims of Great Britain, among whom some 5,000 were English by birth, are in the branches of this body,” denying any authority to “the little mosque of the distant county of Surrey.” (See “Islam in Interwar Europe” by Clayer and Germain, it is also on the Ahmadiyyafactcheckblog).
There is an article about “King” Khalid Sheldrake in the Mon, Mar 16, 1936 Page 11, of the Daily Mirror out of London, England. He is wearing a Fez and moustache only.
Scans
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2024
Response to London’s FIRST Mosque: Why King Faisal, Jinnah & Iqbal Attended The AHMADIYYA Fazl Masjid! – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
Asif Basit alleges that Khalid Sheldrake and Quilliam were attending Qadiani-Ahmadi events in the early 1920’s.
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2025
In this scan in the below, which is from the “Arts and Culture” website, it is clearly written that Sheldrake helped with the funding of the Fazl Mosque (Retrieved in 2025). The same info can be found on a kids website about the Fazl Mosque (Retrieved in 2025). It can also be found herein.
Scans
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 28 March 1921 issue of Al Fazl
100 Years Ago… – Inauguration of new mission house in London, views of famous newspapers and letter of an attendee
100 Years Ago… – Inauguration of new mission house in London, views of famous newspapers and letter of an attendee
Al Fazl, 28 March 1921
Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra (1887-1960)
The highlight of this report (5 to 16 February [1921]) is the inaugural jalsa of our new maqam-e-tabligh [mission house] which was successful in every way, by the grace of God Almighty. This jalsa was to be held on 6 February [1921], as has been mentioned in previous [reports].
Its preparations began around two weeks prior to the event and people interested in Islam and its activities were invited from London [in particular] and [other places of] England as well. Famous Indian, Hindu and Muslim friends of England were also invited.
Around 70 to 80 guests attended [the jalsa], including representatives of some well-known newspapers, secretaries and presidents of some societies, Prof Leon, who is an old and experienced Muslim, Sir TW Arnold, who is the author of the famous book, The Preaching of Islam and has a special interest in Islamic activities and a new convert Ahmadi Muslim, Mr Khalid Sheldrake. Apart from all these friends, the participation of the Chief Oluwa of Lagos is particularly noteworthy.
Since this jalsa was also a farewell for Brother Nayyar Sahib, the chief addressed him in his speech and said:
“You may lead the way and I will help you there [in Africa] to the fullest possible extent.”
In addition, letters of apologies were received from Prof Brown of Cambridge, whose research and works have slowed the pace of the Bábi Faith in Europe and America and Lord Farooq Headley, for not being able to come due to their busy schedule.
Speech of the chairperson
Prof Haroun Mustafa Leon [also known as Abdullah Quilliam], who was the chairperson, said in his speech:
“Although I am not a member of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, but there is no denying the fact that it is very hard to find a parallel of the planning and organised manner with which the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is currently working, in Islamic countries. I have been well acquainted with this Jamaat for a long time now, and I consider the founder of this Jamaat to be a special friend of God and a servant of Islam.”
Speech of the Ahmadiyya missionary
After [the statement of the chairperson], I said in my speech that Islam is the true religion of mankind. The path to harmony, peace and contentment opens through Islam. Consequently, Islam is the representative of all other religions and fulfills their purposes. In the same way, Prophet Muhammadsa is the representative of all other prophets and the one who fulfills their purposes and objectives in the world.
In this age, Prophet Ahmadas is the living example of Islam and the hujjat [conclusive argument] against the disbelievers was fulfilled through him. Its practical representation can be seen in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the problems of India, Britain and all other nations of the world will be solved today with the help of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat through Islamic principles, as the differences and problems of the Arabs were settled through the idea of Islamic brotherhood.
Thereafter, I talked about the organised system of the Jamaat and how the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is working under one Khalifa like the Companionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa].
Speech of Maulvi Nayyar Sahib
After [my speech], Nayyar Sahib delivered his farewell speech and thanked all the friends who treated him kindly during his stay in London. He said:
“It was a pleasure for me to come to this country. For me, living here has also been a source of happiness because by the grace of God Almighty, I had a great opportunity to carry out tabligh. With this, I say goodbye to this country and my friends here, so that I can spread the word of Allah in other countries as well.”
Thereafter, Brother Khalid Sheldrake delivered a speech. After him, Brother Muhammad Abdul L’Awel Augusto Chino Oluwa delivered a welcome speech for Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib on behalf of the Muslims of Lagos and then the jalsa was concluded with a silent prayer.
A great number of high gentries were also present in the jalsa. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, all of them left with positive impressions. Some of them told me that their views on Islam had changed completely and also promised to study further [about Islam].
Views of newspaper
Accounts of this jalsa were published in the famous newspapers of London in the following way.
The newspaper, Wandsworth, under the headline “A mosque in Putney,” wrote:
“On Sunday, an inaugural gathering for a mosque was held at No. 63 Melrose Road. Indian, Persian, Nigerian and European Muslims participated in it and all of them were wearing their national costumes. The site and the house, which are now being used for the objectives of Islam, have been purchased by the Ahmadiyya Movement. Their headquarters is located in Qadian, India. There is an acre of land with the house in which the mosque will be built. In addition to other people at the gathering on Sunday, the following persons were also present:
“Sir TW Arnold author of the famous book, The Preaching of Islam; Chief Oluwa of Lagos; Prof Leon; Khalid Sheldrake; Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal; Maulvi Abdul Rahim Nayyar and Maulvi Mubarak Ali, secretary of London Jamaat.”
In its issue 7 February [1921], The Times of London said:
“Yesterday, imams, missionaries and members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat of London invited people to the opening ceremony of a house. This relatively large house, located in a small orchard, has been recently bought by the Ahmadiyya Movement. It is hoped that a mosque will soon be built in the orchard. Mr Abdul Rahim Nayyar, who is about to leave for West Africa on an Islamic mission, made a farewell speech. Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal, Prof Leon and Oluwa of Lagos were present [in the gathering].”
The Daily Graphic newspaper, in its 7 February [1921] issue, under “Islam in the suburbs of London,” wrote:
“Yesterday, on Sunday, the people of Africa and India were present in their typical clothes at the inaugural gathering of a new Islamic mission [house]. Around 50 to 60 English men and women were also present. The London Jamaat has bought a house and a large piece of land for the tabligh of Islam. They intend to soon build an Islamic worship place over here, in which they will offer prayers as per Islamic practice. One of the most famous followers of Islam in this country is Lord Headley. Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal, one of the speakers of yesterday, said, ‘The unity between India and England can only be established with the help of the Ahmadiyya Movement.’”
The Morning Post, under the heading “Religion of Islam in England”, said:
“Yesterday, a gathering was held at No. 63 Melrose Road on the occasion of the inauguration of Ahmadiyya Islamic [mission house]. The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded about 40 years ago in Qadian, Punjab, India. Ahmad of Qadian, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, claimed to be the Messiah and the reformer. It is suggested that the foundation of a mosque be laid on the land adjacent to the house.
“After the welcome address for guests, Prof Haroun Mustafa said in his speech, ‘Islam was first preached in England about 40 years ago. It commenced from Liverpool. There is no concept of family priests in Islam. Only certain men are elected [by God] for this work. However, every person is responsible for his or her own salvation.’ Maulvi Muhammad Sayal said that he stood up to call people to Islam and Ahmadiyyat. He believes that Islam is the essence of all religions and Ahmadiyyat is the essence of Islam.”
In addition, The Daily Mirror, an illustrated newspaper, has published photographs.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, owing to the mention of our new mission house in the said jalsa and in the newspapers, it has become famous all over London and England. All praise belongs to Allah Who made it all possible!
A letter
In this jalsa, non-Ahmadi Indian Muslims were also present. One of them, a graduate of University of London, after he returned from the jalsa, wrote the following letter:
“Dear brother! Before I write about other things, I would like to say that I was very impressed with your lecture last night. This is not the first time I have had the privilege of listening to your lecture. I attend almost all the lectures held at Hyde Park but unfortunately, I have never had such an opportunity before to meet you [as I did at the jalsa].
“Brother, you are my guide. You are the guiding star for me. I confess to you without hesitation that although I am a Muslim by birth, I do not consider myself a true Muslim due to my long exile. The constant suffering and frustrations that have befallen me in my life have shattered my faith. However, now, I sincerely ask forgiveness from my Creator and I hope that Allah may accept my supplication.
“Would you please give me a chance to meet you this week because I want to talk to you on various subjects? Please schedule this meeting around Salat timings. I will bring Muhammad Khan (BK Singh) with me. He is very eager to meet you.
“Yours obediently, S […] Majeed
“P.S. I think we should establish centres in England, Scotland and Africa for tabligh. There should be at least five or six centres in London.”
Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray that may Allah the Almighty make this new markaz of Islam the centre of victory of Islam in the West.
Apart from our usual lectures, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib gave a lecture on Women’s Education at a women’s society in London. Another lecture on The Problems of India and Their Solutions was held in Folkestone, in which it was expressed that the cure for India’s problems is Islam, which will lead to the establishment of one religion, one nation and one language.
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The last king of Xinjiang: how Bertram Sheldrake went from condiment heir to Muslim monarch | South China Morning Post
The last king of Xinjiang: how Bertram Sheldrake went from condiment heir to Muslim monarch
- Bertram Sheldrake converted to Islam at the age of 15 and spent much of his fortune promoting the religion in Britain
- His efforts brought him an invitation from leaders of the newly proclaimed Muslim nation of Islamestan in China’s far west
It’s a long way from the south London suburb of Forest Hill to the once dreamed of Republic of Islamestan.
You may never have heard of Islamestan, in Chinese Turkestan, or its one-time “king”, Bertram Sheldrake. Islamestan is long gone, swallowed up in the historical shifts of a turbulent region, but for a brief and unlikely moment, an English pickle-factory heir ruled, with his wife, Sybil, over the newly independent Muslim country, to the far west of China.
The whole of what was then referred to as Chinese Turkestan, or Sinkiang (now Xinjiang), was, in the 1930s, subject to tribal rebellions and warlord uprisings. It was ultimately concluded by the chiefs of various tribes in the region that only an outsider (but necessarily a Muslim one) could bring unity to the region. Having read newspapers brought by travellers, they sent a delegation to south London to visit an Englishman who had caught their attention. Sheldrake was invited to assume the throne of Islamestan. Not being quite sure of the correct title for the new ruler, the British press helpfully offered some suggestions – “The Pickle King of Tartary”, “The English Emir of Kashgar”, “Lord of the Rooftop of the World”.
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Links and Related Essay’s
Account of Quilliam’s work by an English convert in the ‘Review of Religions’, 1912
https://www.wokingmuslim.org/pers/quilliam/rev-rel3.htm
The last king of Xinjiang: how Bertram Sheldrake went from condiment heir to Muslim monarch | South China Morning Post
Khalid Sheldrake – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalid_Sheldrake
The Fazl Mosque, London – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
Origins of the Glorious Fazl Mosque – The Muslim Sunrise
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#ahmadiyya #ahmadiyyafactcheckblog #messiahhascome #ahmadiyyat #trueislam #ahmadianswers #mirzaghulamahmad #qadiani #qadianism
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