A Gift for Baghdad

A Gift for Baghdad is the English translation of Tuhfa-e-Baghdad, which was written in Arabic by the Promised Messiah(as) in 1893. It is a reply to an announcement and letter written in Arabic by As-Sayyid ‘Abdur Razzaq al-Qadiri of Baghdad (residing in Hyderabad, India at the time) maligning the Promised Messiah(as) and accusing him of disbelief (God forbid).

In A Gift for Baghdad, the Promised Messiah(as) dispels the misunderstandings and misconceptions held by al-Qadiri and advises him not to hastily accept the allegations of the ulama without proper and thorough investigation. The Promised Messiah(as) cordially invites him to Qadian to learn the truth first-hand, but in the event he is unable to embark upon this journey, he should perform the Istikharah Prayer and inform the Promised Messiah(as) so that he may simultaneously pray for him as his brother in faith. In doing so, the Promised Messiah illustrates a practical example of how Muslim brethren should resolve their differences and disputes while remaining united in the bonds of love for each other.