The Promised Messiah (as) extended kindness and hospitality even to his staunchest adversaries, often providing monetary assistance. He frequently stood to greet guests, demonstrating a practice of humility. The Promised Messiah (as) reportedly prevented an individual from placing their forehead on his feet, stating that such an act was inappropriate and a greeting of peace would suffice. "I do not give myself precedence over anyone else," The Promised Messiah (as) said, adding that "there is no greater idolater than a person who is arrogant." He also stated that "it was immoral to know that someone is in need of help and not help them." If direct assistance was not possible, he added, "at the very least they should pray for the person in need."
Embodying Compassion in Daily Interactions
The Promised Messiah (as) reportedly met people with a smile and listened intently to their worries, reflecting his approachability and empathy. He once listened for a prolonged period to a man recounting his woes until the man himself stopped talking, demonstrating his patience and compassion. The Promised Messiah (as) stated, "he was not of the opinion that he should be entirely unapproachable and that people should be fearful to speak with him." He added that he "despised such idolatry, and indeed he had come to abolish any forms of idolatry."
His personal conduct extended to practical acts of service. When Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (ra) visited, the Promised Messiah (as) personally arranged and served food to him. He was also observed undertaking household tasks, once bringing water for Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (ra). The Promised Messiah (as) also personally discarded mango peels that were attracting flies, indicating his attention to detail and willingness to perform menial tasks.
A mentally unwell man once rudely called out to the Promised Messiah (as), who responded with kindness, greeted him with peace, and provided him with money. This interaction showed his belief in universal compassion. The Promised Messiah (as) articulated this principle, stating, "It was immoral to know that someone is in need of help and not help them." He further advised that if direct assistance was not possible, "then at the very least they should pray for the person in need." He emphasized the importance of humility in daily life. "It is necessary for the righteous to live a life of humility and modesty," the Promised Messiah (as) said, adding, "This is an aspect of piety by which we must combat undue anger." He further explained that "vanity and pride stem from anger; and in certain cases, anger itself is the result of arrogance and conceit."
Selflessness on the Road and in Service
The Promised Messiah (as) demonstrated his commitment to humility and service in various contexts, including travel. When accompanying him on court cases, his worker would ride the horse first, as the Promised Messiah (as) stated he did not mind walking. During a funeral procession, the Promised Messiah (as) waited by sitting on the ground, and later offered his shaded seat to others, ultimately sitting on the dirt himself.
His care for others extended to ensuring their rest and comfort. The Promised Messiah (as) once lay on the ground beside Maulvi Abdul Karim (ra) to guard his sleep and prevent noise from disturbing him. His travel arrangements also reflected a lack of personal entitlement; upon arriving in Kapurthala via horse-drawn cart, he waited in a non-Ahmadi mosque, lying on the ground until his hosts met him. He explained that "there was no need to inform them, for he was only fulfilling a standing promise he had made to them about visiting Kapurthala."
On another occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) walked to Batala himself after a carriage driver found other passengers. He intervened when others criticized the driver, stating that "he should not have done so, because the carriage driver was not at fault. He needed to be paid and had found other customers, so it was understandable that he did not wait." The Promised Messiah (as) consistently emphasized the importance of humility in daily life. "It is necessary for the righteous to live a life of humility and modesty," the Promised Messiah (as) said, explaining that "this is an aspect of piety by which we must combat undue anger." He elaborated that "vanity and pride stem from anger; and in certain cases, anger itself is the result of arrogance and conceit." He also stated, "I do not give myself precedence over anyone else," and added that "there is no greater idolater than a person who is arrogant."
A Divine Mandate for Modesty and Love
The Promised Messiah (as) articulated a profound rejection of religious elitism, stating that "he was not of the opinion that he should be entirely unapproachability and that people should be fearful to speak with him." He further explained that "he despised such idolatry, and indeed he had come to abolish any forms of idolatry," emphasizing a commitment to accessibility and humility over any form of reverence that might create distance or fear. He stressed the importance of humility as a core tenet for believers, writing that "it is necessary for the righteous to live a life of humility and modesty." This, he added, "is an aspect of piety by which we must combat undue anger." The Promised Messiah (as) further elaborated on the interconnectedness of these traits, noting that "vanity and pride stem from anger; and in certain cases, anger itself is the result of arrogance and conceit." He expressed a clear vision for his followers, stating, "I do not desire that members of my community should consider themselves superior or inferior, behave arrogantly, or look down upon one another. God knows who is superior or inferior."
His compassion extended deeply into his spiritual life; The Promised Messiah (as) reportedly stated that if "he was offering prayers and He heard the cries of someone in pain, he would wish to break his prayer and render whatever benefit he could to that person and show that person compassion." This demonstrates a belief that immediate human suffering took precedence even over personal devotion. The Promised Messiah (as) consistently enjoined good conduct and moral behavior, not only for his followers but for people of all faiths, advocating for universal ethical standards. His son attested to his father's personal conduct, noting that The Promised Messiah (as) "lived like someone with meagre means, not like a king," noting his simple and unpretentious lifestyle despite his spiritual stature.
