Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sial (ra) was a companion of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). He is a pivotal figure in the historical narrative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the United Kingdom, celebrated as the first Ahmadi missionary dispatched from Qadian, India to London. He served under the auspices of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih I (ra), with great zeal and dedication.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1887 in Jora Kalan, a town in the Kasur district of Punjab, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad and his father, Chaudhry Nizam Din, solemnly pledged their allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as) in 1899. Moved by their devotion, the family migrated to Qadian the following year.
Dedication to Service
Inspired by the words he Promised Messiah (as) in 1901, which emphasised the significance of genuine commitment and dedication to Faith over mere verbal promises (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 2, 2022, p. 523), Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad was moved to pen a heartfelt letter at just 20 years of age. This letter, wherein he embraced the call to dedicate his life to the service of Islam, was acknowledged with a note of appreciation by the Promised Messiah (as). (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol, 3, p. 459)
Educational Endeavours
Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad successfully completed his bachelor’s degree from the esteemed Government College University, Lahore, in 1910. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Arabic from the renowned Aligarh Muslim University.
Services to the Ahmadiyya Community in Qadian
Upon returning to Qadian in 1912, with a fervent desire to serve, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad approached the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. Despite an initial setback, where the Secretary, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, suggested he seek employment elsewhere, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), overseeing education in Qadian, astutely appointed him as an English teacher for the 6th grade at Madrasah Ahmadiyya, Qadian.
During that time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) made a fervent call, encouraging Community members to come forward and offer their services as missionaries in London. At just 26 years old, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad became the first to shoulder this duty. (Al Fazl, 25 December 1956, p .5)
Role as a Missionary in London
Prior to the arrival of Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad in UK on 22 June 1913, Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din Sahib had already travelled to England in 1912, mainly to represent a nawab from Hyderabad Deccan in a legal matter. During his visit, under the direction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra), Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din Sahib was tasked to inspect the situation of a mosque in Woking. As a result, he effectively took charge of the mosque, using this chance to spread the teachings of Islam. He was soon joined by Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad, who collaborated with him in Woking, particularly in managing the mosque and outreach efforts.
Yet, after the Community split in 1914 after the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra), upon the direction of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II (ra), Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad shifted his base to London, initiating a distinct and independent mission. His first outreach efforts were centred around Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, where he proficiently engaged locals and distributed informational leaflets about Islam
Establishment of the Fazl Mosque
With a directive from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra), Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad set forth in August 1920 to secure a site in Southfields. This one-acre property initially served as a mission house, which subsequently transitioned into the Fazl Mosque, officially inaugurated on October 23, 1926.
Tenure as Missionary-in-Charge
Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad commenced his duties as the missionary-in-charge in 1913 and diligently served the UK mission until 1916. Following a brief hiatus, he resumed his commitment in 1919, continuing until 1921.
Demise
Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sial (ra) passed away on February 28, 1960.
