khuddam.org.uk: My name is Muzaffar Ahmad. I am originally from Lahore, Pakistan and my constituency is Garden Town which is part of the Model Town Majlis. During the Lahore massacre, I was on duty in the Baitun Noor mosque, Model Town. I had the opportunity to perform duties there before and after the incident. The structure of masjid Baitun Noor is such that there is a pre-existing atrium and on top of that a new hall was built for the women’s section. In addition to this there is a basement. All in all, the mosque compound is spread over an area of 4 Canal (0.5 Acre) and can accommodate 1500 worshippers. If required, prayers can also be offered in the courtyard.
On the day of the incident, local Khuddam were performing duties inside the compound and at the entrance, whereas Khuddam from other majaalis were on duty outside the compound at various locations. Leading up to 28th May there were many lesser occurrences which gave an indication that something was not right. A few days prior to the event the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat organisation held conferences in several non-Ahmadi mosques across Model Town and spread false propaganda against the Jama’at, saying that Ahmadis (God forbid) commit blasphemy against the Holy Prophet (saw) and believe that the Promised Messiah (as) is greater in rank than the Holy Prophet (saw). As a result, residents who were well aware of Ahmadis turned against the Jama’at. By presenting the Jama’at’s teachings in this corrupt manner their sole purpose was to mentally prepare the terrorists and to carve a path for the killing of Ahmadis. Also two or three days before the event there were signs of red mist in the atmosphere, which was noticed not only by myself, but others as well.
On the day of the incident, I arrived for duty at 10am. Qaid sahib assigned me to cover the roof of the mosque. It was my duty to look out for any unusual activity and if so, report it to the Khuddam immediately. I was covering the right section of the roof which coincidently was the side used for the attack and I was able to witness the whole event unfold.
Reading this account made me cry. And I’m so proud of our Khuddam and the way they responded with selflessness, courage and dignity. God bless them, all!