Tadhkira-tush-Shahadatain (the narrative of two martyrdoms) written in the year 1903 is one of the many books written by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, of Qadian, India, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (peace be on him). In this book he has related graphically two of the most brutal and heinous murders ever perpetrated in the history of religion. This most brutal martyrdom of two of his pledged devotees is all the more deplorable as it was committed in the name of Islam, the religion of peace, and would cause any reader to shudder with horror.

To surrender one’s life in the name of faith for seeking the pleasure of Allah and to remain steadfast under the most trying conditions is indeed a very commendable act: The martyrdom of these two devotees deserves the highest praise, sympathy and love.

The martyr Hazrat Sahibzada Sayyad Abdul Latif was not only a highly placed and esteemed chief of Khost in Afghanistan, but was also the most reputed mentor of his country. The fame of his piety, knowledge and wisdom had spread even beyond the domains of Afghanistan.

The second martyr, Hazrat Mian Abdul Rahman, one of the most trusted pupils of the Sahibzada, was strangled to death in a very cruel manner for the very same reason of accepting the Promised Messiah.

The Promised Messiah has narrated how these two venerable persons joined the fold of Ahmadiyyat. He mentions the reason which made the Sahibzada fully convinced of his truth before taking the oath of allegiance at his sacred hand. The Sahibzada fulfilled this oath by surrendering his life even though many worldly honours were offered to him by the king if he retracted from his allegiance.

Readers should take note that in the original text of the book there are three articles in Arabic appended to the original Urdu text. The translations of these articles are not included in this rendering.

Mr. Muhammad Akram Khan Ghauri deserves sincere thanks for doing a great service by rendering this book into English. May Allah reward him profusely and bless him with His bounties.

28th February 1984

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed,

Imam, London Mosque