Intro
In 1893, a book of his was published in Lahore, British-India via “The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab entitled, “The Merits of Islam”. His full name was Maulvi Abdul Hamid Snow. The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab also published “The Prayer Book for Muslims” (Prayer Book For Muslims Hamid Snow (1893)). Hamid Snow mentioned MGA as “the laughing stock” of the Muslims of India (See page 29).
In roughly 1895-1897 he was arrested and detained for attempted murder in British India of a Muslim who had been supporting him (See page 6). He was released after a few years.
In 1894 (Jan-16), The Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser of Tue, Jan 16, 1894 ·Page 2, reported that Reverend Hamid Snow created a new sect (firqa) in Bombay, India. Hamid Snow alleges that this is specially for white people.
In 1894 (Mar-20), Riazudin Ahmed confided in Snow, “in this dispute between Mr. Lant and Mr. Webb we should not side with either unless we can get a thorough knowledge of the whole affair” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (May-18), Hamid Snow is mentioned in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of Fri, May 18, 1894 ·Page 1 as someone who was working with Alexander Webb in New York. It seems that Hamid Snow was accusing Alexander Webb of fraud and misappropriation of funds and created a new organization called “The Church of Islam”. Haji Abdullah Arab was also mentioned, he seems to have given Alexander Webb 34,000 rupees.
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Hamid Snow, an Indian confederate, wrote to Lant, “The Moslem world now knows that the attempt to equivocate in calling you an ‘ex-convict’ was a dastardly outrage, for the word, in your case should be synonymous with ‘patriot’ or ‘martyr” (See “Send us Eastern teachers,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2, via Singleton).
In July 1894, Hamid Snow arrived in Lahore to take up a position as English lecturer at the newly established Islamia College.
In 1894 (Aug-26), via the Democrat and Chronicle (daily newspaper serving the greater Rochester, New York, area) of Sun, Aug 26, 1894 ·Page 3, it is explained how Mohammed Webb “Roped in the Rupees”. The newspaper alleges that Mohammed Webb failed in his mission of bringing Islam to the USA. Webb raised 1000’s of rupees in British India. It seems that a man named Hamid Snow made the first accusation back in May-1894. Hamid Snow is mentioned as a tipster who told the world about the fraud of Webb. This report also refers to the Liverpool Muslim Institute and how Webb criticized it’s financials. Webb, allegedly commented that with 300 pounds, a make-shift mosque could have been erected in Liverpool. The verbal attacks of Mrs. Nafeesa Maria Theresa Melissa Keep are also mentioned as the final nail in the coffin for Webb‘s mission. It seems that Mrs. Keep was able to get the press that Webb was using. The newspaper infers that Webb seems to be out of business aka bankrupt. A letter from John C. Sundberg (U.S. Consul in Baghdad) was read out which commented on the mission of Webb. It seems that Webb had argued in 1893 that American would accept polygamy, however, Webb contradicted this and shocked Sundberg and others. The newspaper alleges that thousands of rupees were stolen by Webb and his fake mission. Sundberg alleges that Islam could solve all the problems in the USA, including woman’s suffrage.
In 1894 (Sep-8), the Malvern Item of Sat, Sep 08, 1894 ·Page 4 reports that a man named Haji Abdullah Arab owns the “The Mohometan Society in India” and seems to be dissatisfied with the work of Alexander Webb. However, Webb alleges that Hamid Snow is spreading false rumors.
In 1894 (Nov-24), Indians did begin taking sides in the quarrel; a concerned Riazuddin Ahmed wrote, “The dissension raging in America should not spread over India as this will give capital for the Church Christians to rejoice” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 24 November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1895 (Mar-16), a letter by H. Musa Khan appeared in The Daily News (Perth, Australia) of Sat, Mar 16, 1895 ·Page 1, wherein a letter from Mr. Hamid Snow (Professor at Islamia College, Lahore and editor of “The Philanthropist” in Ludhiana, India) is posted. The unlawful shooting of 2 Aghan’s by a person named Knowles is highlighted and how Knowles was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. Hamid Snow alleged that this ruling has caused a stir amongst Muslims. Snow asked Afghan’s to ask for help from their Sultan, H.H. Ameer Abdur Rahman Khan.
In 1895 (May), in America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton). At about this time, Hamid Snow sent a letter to the editor of the New York World trying to expose Webb as a fraud. However, he unintentionally drew negative attention upon himself and the First Society. The letter emboldened the World to investigate the state of both Islamic movements. Although Snow thoroughly castigated Webb, Webb in turn excoriated Snow and his American associates in an interview with the World. Webb said, “I know this man Hamid Snow, and he is not of the least consequence. He is a half-breed Mussulman, and is running a sort of independent church at Agra Fort. He is out for all the money in sight.” He further reminded readers of Lant’s run-ins with Comstock and reprised his version of the story of Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda. Webb said of Nabakoff, “He used to be an ice-cream peddler at Brighton, England, and knows no more about the religion of Islam than any other street fakir (destitute person).” Furthermore, he related, “When I turned Lant and Nabakoff out of my place they tried to establish a mission in Union Square. They made a failure of that, and now they are trying to injure me in India by writing to persons whose names Lant obtained from my personal papers.” He went on to chide them as “leeches,” “frauds,” and “sycophants.” Webb then focused his rage on Sheik Abdullah Quilliam, calling him “a charletan [sic] of the worst possible character” (“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17 1895, p. 8, via Singleton).
In 1895 (Dec-1), The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2 dedicated an entire page to the failures of Alexander Russell Mohammad Webb in America entitled, “The Fall of Islam in America, ” New York Times, Dec. 1, 1895, p. 2. In 1895, the Nawab of Basoda was Nawab Omar Ali Khan, who ruled the small Central Indian principality until his death that year. Nevertheless, the Nawab of Basoda alleged that he gave Webb 40-50,000 british pounds. However, Webb says that it was only 2000 British pounds. The newspaper alleges that Webb is living in poverty. It seems that the Nawab of Basoda was in the USA and was wanting to see what was the result of his investment. Nawab of Basoda didn’t see much and never met Webb either. The Nawab of Basoda was accompanied by Mr. William Mackinnon (hard headed, a shrewd-spoken scotch man, secretary to the Nawab and interpreter). Before leaving America, the Nawab of Basoda told the New York Times all of this via Mr. William Mackinnon. The newspaper mentions how Webb travelled thru India and to Hyderabad, India, and how wealthy Indian’s had paid for him to do so. Among one of these was Haji Abdullah Arab, who personally gave 5000 British pounds. It is alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad (Mahboob Ali Khan?) gave a huge sum of money for Islam to spread in America. The Nawab of Basoda confessed that he hadn’t given Webb any money, nevertheless, he wanted to see an update and was shocked to see nothing. The Nawab of Basoda also said that some of the money was given to Webb in India and lots of it was sent to America and all the records of that are missing. A man named J.A. Lant of Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson met with The Nawab of Basoda and Mr. William Mackinnon. Lant alleged that Webb owed him 600 British pounds for services rendered in connected with Webb’s newspaper. Webb’s failures in America are highlighted. Webb hoodwinked Indian Muslims! Webb’s business address in Ulster Park, NY is mentioned in detail. The newspaper mentions how Webb looked nothing like a Muslim who had been to India, he looked like a common farmer in New York in 1895. The reported for the newspaper met Webb and gave these observations. Webb said that he didn’t know that the Nawab of Basoda was in town, Webb questioned why the Nawab didn’t come to Ulster Park to see for himself. Webb denies receiving 40-50,000 British pounds. Webb alleges that 20k US dollars have been spent by himself and his mission in this pursuit. Webb denies that Haji Abdullah Arab gave him 5000 British pounds. Webb alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad never gave him a penny, nor did any other Indian. Webb alleged that he never personally received even a single rupee and that he never received money in-person, whatever was given to him via “offering” was turned over to Haji Abdullah Arab. Webb alleges that he was offered 32k US Dollars in incremental payments of 13k for the first year, 10k for 2nd and 3rd year. This payment included maintenance for Webb and his family. Webb alleges that people thought he came to the USA with 1 million dollars and began to try to leech off of him and failed. Webb alleges that Lant was one of these leeches. Webb alleges that Hamid Snow was another. Webb alleges that Lant and Snow caused Haji Abdullah Arab to break his contract with Webb and thus left Webb in poverty. Webb alleges that a single Moslem in India is supporting him financially right now. Webb admitted to not preaching Islam in Ulster Park.
In 1897, the “The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab published “The Gospel of Ahmad: the great Arabian prince, prophet and philosopher” by Maulvi Hamid Snow.
In 1900 (Dec-26), Hamid Snow sent a letter to the “Crescent” announcing “J. Muhammed Lant” as the first pastor of the American branch of the Church of Islam, Snow’s India-based mission (See “A voice from India,” Crescent, December 26 1900, p. 407, Via Singleton).
In 1901 (Sep-1), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3 reported on an Islamic mission in the Philippines. The newspaper alleges that there are currently 9 Moslem missionaries in Manila, of which 3 are white, 2 are Philippinos and 2 Malay’s. The head of the mission is Emin Nabakoff. Nabakoff had a brother in the Russian military 15 years ago. Nabakoff was previously a bishop in the Greek Church of Sitka, Alaska. Nabakoff allegedly converted to Islam by himself in Alaska. It is mentioned how Nabakoff was previously working under Webb and how they collapsed. After Webb, Nabakoff got involved with the “International Muslim Union” or “Young Turks Party”. Nabakoff was hired by the “International Muslim Union” in Ludhiana, British India to manage their missions in Malaysia and the Philippines. Mohammed Price and Ali Lant are working closely with Nabakoff (both are native born Americans and veterans of the civil war). It is reported that Hamid Snow will run the mission from Ludhiana and Nejib Selim from Singapore.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1893
“The Merits of Islam”
In 1893, a book of his was published in Lahore, British-India via “The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab entitled, “The Merits of Islam”. His full name was Maulvi Abdul Hamid Snow. In roughly 1895-1897 he was arrested and detained for attempted murder in British India of a Muslim who had been supporting him (See page 6). A poem of his was also published.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Jan-16
The Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser of Tue, Jan 16, 1894 ·Page 2
https://www.newspapers.com/image/936857328/?match=1&clipping_id=new
In 1894 (Jan), The Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser of Tue, Jan 16, 1894 ·Page 2, reported that Reverend Hamid Snow created a new sect (firqa) in Bombay, India. Hamid Snow alleges that this is specially for white people.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
March-20
Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton)
In 1894 (Mar-20), Riazudin Ahmed confided in Snow, “in this dispute between Mr. Lant and Mr. Webb we should not side with either unless we can get a thorough knowledge of the whole affair” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
May-18
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of Fri, May 18, 1894 ·Page 1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/85890312/?match=1&clipping_id=new
In 1894, Hamid Snow is mentioned in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of Fri, May 18, 1894 ·Page 1 as someone who was working with Alexander Webb in New York. It seems that Hamid Snow was accusing Alexander Webb of fraud and misappropriation of funds and created a new organization called “The Church of Islam”. Haji Abdullah Arab was also mentioned, he seems to have given Alexander Webb 34,000 rupees.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Apr-May-Jun
“Send us Eastern teachers,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2.
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Hamid Snow, an Indian confederate, wrote to Lant, “The Moslem world now knows that the attempt to equivocate in calling you an ‘ex-convict’ was a dastardly outrage, for the word, in your case should be synonymous with ‘patriot’ or ‘martyr” (See “Send us Eastern teachers,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2, via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-26
the Democrat and Chronicle (daily newspaper serving the greater Rochester, New York, area) of Sun, Aug 26, 1894 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/135222022/?match=1&clipping_id=new
In 1894 (Aug-26), via the Democrat and Chronicle (daily newspaper serving the greater Rochester, New York, area) of Sun, Aug 26, 1894 ·Page 3, it is explained how Mohammed Webb “Roped in the Rupees”. The newspaper alleges that Mohammed Webb failed in his mission of bringing Islam to the USA. Webb raised 1000’s of rupees in British India. It seems that a man named Hamid Snow made the first accusation back in May-1894. Hamid Snow is mentioned as a tipster who told the world about the fraud of Webb. This report also refers to the Liverpool Muslim Institute and how Webb criticized it’s financials. Webb, allegedly commented that with 300 pounds, a make-shift mosque could have been erected in Liverpool. The verbal attacks of Mrs. Nafeesa Maria Theresa Melissa Keep are also mentioend as the final nail in the coffin for Webb’s mission. It seems that Mrs. Keep was able to get the press that Webb was using. The newspaper infers that Webb seems to be out of business aka bankrupt. A letter from John C. Sundberg (U.S. Consul in Baghdad) was read out which commented on the mission of Webb. It seems that Webb had argued in 1893 that American would accept polygamy, however, Webb contradicted this and shocked Sundberg and others. The newspaper alleges that thousands of rupees were stolen by Webb and his fake mission. Sundberg alleges that Islam could solve all the problems in the USA, including woman’s suffrage.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Sep-8
Malvern Item of Sat, Sep 08, 1894 ·Page 4
In 1894 (Sep), the Malvern Item of Sat, Sep 08, 1894 ·Page 4 reports that a man named Hajee Abdulla Arab owns the “The Mohometan Society in India” and seems to be dissatisfied with the work of Alexander Webb. However, Webb alleges that Hamid Snow is spreading false rumors (See Malvern Item of Sat, Sep 08, 1894 ·Page 4).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov-24
Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 24 November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton
In 1894 (Nov-24), Indians did begin taking sides in the quarrel; a concerned Riazuddin Ahmed wrote, “The dissension raging in America should not spread over India as this will give capital for the Church Christians to rejoice” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 24 November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Frostburg Mining Journal of Sat, Dec 01, 1894 ·Page 4
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Mar-16
The Daily News of Sat, Mar 16, 1895 ·Page 1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146724642/?terms=Snow&match=1
Mar 16, 1895, page 1 – The Daily News at Newspapers.com™
In 1895 (Mar-16), a letter by H. Musa Khan appeared in The Daily News (Perth, Australia) of Sat, Mar 16, 1895 ·Page 1, wherein a letter from Mr. Hamid Snow (Professor at Islamia College, Lahore and editor of “The Philanthropist” in Ludhiana, India) is posted. The unlawful shooting of 2 Aghan’s by a person named Knowles is highlighted and how Knowles was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. Hamid Snow alleged that this ruling has caused a stir amongst Muslims. Snow asked Afghan’s to ask for help from their Sultan, H.H. Ameer Abdur Rahman Khan.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Inquirer and Commercial News of Fri, Mar 22, 1895 ·Page 3
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
May-17
“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17, 1895, p. 8.
In 1895 (May), in America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton). At about this time, Hamid Snow sent a letter to the editor of the New York World trying to expose Webb as a fraud. However, he unintentionally drew negative attention upon himself and the First Society. The letter emboldened the World to investigate the state of both Islamic movements. Although Snow thoroughly castigated Webb, Webb in turn excoriated Snow and his American associates in an interview with the World. Webb said, “I know this man Hamid Snow, and he is not of the least consequence. He is a half-breed Mussulman, and is running a sort of independent church at Agra Fort. He is out for all the money in sight.” He further reminded readers of Lant’s run-ins with Comstock and reprised his version of the story of Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda. Webb said of Nabakoff, “He used to be an ice-cream peddler at Brighton, England, and knows no more about the religion of Islam than any other street fakir (destitute person).” Furthermore, he related, “When I turned Lant and Nabakoff out of my place they tried to establish a mission in Union Square. They made a failure of that, and now they are trying to injure me in India by writing to persons whose names Lant obtained from my personal papers.” He went on to chide them as “leeches,” “frauds,” and “sycophants.” Webb then focused his rage on Sheik Abdullah Quilliam, calling him “a charletan [sic] of the worst possible character” (“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17 1895, p. 8, via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Dec-1
The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2
In 1895 (Dec), The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2 dedicated an entire page to the failures of Alexander Russell Mohammad Webb in America entitled, “The Fall of Islam in America, ” New York Times, Dec. 1, 1895, p. 2. In 1895, the Nawab of Basoda was Nawab Omar Ali Khan, who ruled the small Central Indian principality until his death that year. Nevertheless, the Nawab of Basoda alleged that he gave Webb 40-50,000 british pounds. However, Webb says that it was only 2000 British pounds. The newspaper alleges that Webb is living in poverty. It seems that the Nawab of Basoda was in the USA and was wanting to see what was the result of his investment. Nawab of Basoda didn’t see much and never met Webb either. The Nawab of Basoda was accompanied by Mr. William Mackinnon (hard headed, a shrewd-spoken scotch man, secretary to the Nawab and interpreter). Before leaving America, the Nawab of Basoda told the New York Times all of this via Mr. William Mackinnon. The newspaper mentions how Webb travelled thru India and to Hyderabad, India, and how wealthy Indian’s had paid for him to do so. Among one of these was Haji Abdullah Arab, who personally gave 5000 British pounds. It is alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad (Mahboob Ali Khan?) gave a huge sum of money for Islam to spread in America. The Nawab of Basoda confessed that he hadn’t given Webb any money, nevertheless, he wanted to see an update and was shocked to see nothing. The Nawab of Basoda also said that some of the money was given to Webb in India and lots of it was sent to America and all the records of that are missing. A man named J.A. Lant of Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson met with The Nawab of Basoda and Mr. William Mackinnon. Lant alleged that Webb owed him 600 British pounds for services rendered in connected with Webb’s newspaper. Webb’s failures in America are highlighted. Webb hoodwinked Indian Muslims! Webb’s business address in Ulster Park, NY is mentioned in detail. The newspaper mentions how Webb looked nothing like a Muslim who had been to India, he looked like a common farmer in New York in 1895. The reported for the newspaper met Webb and gave these observations. Webb said that he didn’t know that the Nawab of Basoda was in town, Webb questioned why the Nawab didn’t come to Ulster Park to see for himself. Webb denies receiving 40-50,000 British pounds. Webb alleges that 20k US dollars have been spent by himself and his mission in this pursuit. Webb denies that Haji Abdullah Arab gave him 5000 British pounds. Webb alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad never gave him a penny, nor did any other Indian. Webb alleged that he never personally received even a single rupee and that he never received money in-person, whatever was given to him via “offering” was turned over to Haji Abdullah Arab. Webb alleges that he was offered 32k US Dollars in incremental payments of 13k for the first year, 10k for 2nd and 3rd year. This payment included maintenance for Webb and his family. Webb alleges that people thought he came to the USA with 1 million dollars and began to try to leech off of him and failed. Webb alleges that Lant was one of these leeches. Webb alleges that Hamid Snow was another. Webb alleges that Lant and Snow caused Haji Abdullah Arab to break his contract with Webb and thus left Webb in poverty. Webb alleges that a single Moslem in India is supporting him financially right now. Webb admitted to not preaching Islam in Ulster Park.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1897
Amazon.com: The Merits of Islam and the Prayer Book of Islam: 9781468136043: Snow, Hamid Urban, Al-Ahari, Muhammed A.: Books
https://www.amazon.com/Merits-Islam-Prayer-Book/dp/1468136046?asin=1468136046&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1
In 1897, the “The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab published “The Gospel of Ahmad: the great Arabian prince, prophet and philosopher” by Maulvi Hamid Snow.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1900
“A voice from India,” Crescent, December 26 1900, p. 407, Via Singleton
In 1900 (Dec-26), Hamid Snow sent a letter to the “Crescent” announcing “J. Muhammed Lant” as the first pastor of the American branch of the Church of Islam, Snow’s India-based mission (See “A voice from India,” Crescent, December 26 1900, p. 407, Via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________1901
Sep-1
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/138260375/?match=2&clipping_id=193981645
In 1901 (Sep-1), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3 reported on an Islamic mission in the Philippines. The newspaper alleges that there are currently 9 Moslem missionaries in Manila, of which 3 are white, 2 are Philippinos and 2 Malay’s. The head of the mission is Emin Nabakoff. Nabakoff had a brother in the Russian military 15 years ago. Nabakoff was previously a bishop in the Greek Church of Sitka, Alaska. Nabakoff allegedly converted to Islam by himself in Alaska. It is mentioned how Nabakoff was previously working under Webb and how they collapsed. After Webb, Nabakoff got involved with the “International Muslim Union” or “Young Turks Party”. Nabakoff was hired by the “International Muslim Union” in Ludhiana, British India to manage their missions in Malaysia and the Philippines. Mohammed Price and Ali Lant are working closely with Nabakoff (both are native born Americans and veterans of the civil war). It is reported that Hamid Snow will run the mission from Ludhiana and Nejib Selim from Singapore.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Links and Related Essay’s
Who is Haji Abdullah Arab? – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Tags
#ahmadiyya #ahmadiyyafactcheckblog #messiahhascome #ahmadiyyat #trueislam #mirzaghulamahmad
8 Pingback