It was probably in the year 1995 when I attended a reception by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand on the occasion of the Pakistani Independence Day. Tables and chairs were placed around the garden. On the next table some Quranic verses were quoted in a conversation. When I overheard the word ‘Qadiani’ I started to listen. I overheard some one say:

“Yes, if a Qadiani would say his prayers in a garden like this and be seen by someone outside he could be sentenced to 3 years in Jail.”

I asked: “I heard you quote the Holy Quran just now, could you please give me a quotation from the Holy Quran which would justify such a punishment.”

The speaker (who turned out to be a Session Judge from Baluchistan and the brother of His Excellency the Ambassador, on a visit to Bangkok) replied: “There is no such verse in the Holy Quran. On the contrary Islam calls upon us to protect our minorities.”

Again I asked: “Could you give me a quotation from the Holy Quran which would justify that the Ahmadis should be considered a minority?”

The Judge replied: “There is no such verse. This is purely a political move. I have said in my court, endangering my career, that this is a stupid law and whenever such a case came to me I immediately granted bail.”

After this conversation snacks and tea were served and the people mingled. After we had enjoyed the food I went up to the Judge and said to him: “As an Ahmadi-Muslim I would like to thank you that you granted bail to my brothers”. He laughed and said that ” I did not know that you were an Ahmadi, I just gave those who asked me my honest answer.” He then pulled me to one side and, looking at a bearded Mullah, said: “These Mullahs, they are destroying our country.” I then said to him: “You are a powerful man, why do you have to take me aside when you mention this? Why can you not say it in front of the guests at the table?” He replied “Ah, you know, the pressures of the society…”

May Allah reward this person for his humanity (and may He grant him just a little bit more courage). Amin.