In the year 1901, a raging plague was taking its toll on the populace of India. The province of Punjab was especially hard hit by the plague. Since Hazrat Mirza had been informed by Allah that this plague had spread in the land as a punishment for the wicked ways of the people, he repeatedly exhorted the people through speeches and writings, that they should repent and seek the protection of Allah.
An Announcement titled Plague:
On March 17, 1901, Hazrat Mirza published an announcement titled Plague in which he stated:
“Readers may recall that on February 26, 1898, I had published a prophecy regarding a plague. I had stated therein that I had been shown in a vision that black saplings had been planted in different parts of this country, and that those saplings were of plague.
“Further, I had announced that those saplings could be weeded out by resorting to prayers for forgiveness and repentance.
“But instead of repenting and seeking Allah’s protection, the announcement was read with mirth and ridicule. Now I see that prophecy being fulfilled in these days.
“May God save the country from this catastrophe…
“So O my dears! I am publishing this announcement once again for the same purpose; repent and fear God. And bring about a pure transformation in yourselves so that God may have mercy on you and dispel the calamity that is so near at hand now.”
Arabic announcement titled Plague:
On December 10, 1901, Hazrat Mirza published a proclamation in the Arabic language titled Plague. The subject matter was the same, but the various issues were discussed at greater length. The Arabic text was accompanied by its Persian and Urdu translations. Once again, the people were exhorted to repent and to seek Allah’s protection, and to bring about a pure transformation in their lives so that God may dispel this calamity.
The Great Reformer 