You have a great lesson to learn from this opposition. Learn that those who spread deceitful lies about our actions and propagandize against us are thereby giving importance to our work without our asking. They publicize our cause, advertising it widely in a way which we could not have done. This is their service to us. Not only this, but by carrying on with all their propaganda, they are always thinking of me and giving me so much importance. This preoccupation of theirs is thus advantageous to them. You serve me in a favorable manner; they in an unfavorable manner, but it is service nevertheless. There is no doubt that in this way they are thinking of me and that is what matters. Their angle of vision is different, but they have the right to think and express their views and opinions. But while expressing their minds, too often they lose control over their tongues which leads them to ridicule and scandalize us.
You may resent it and say that this is their weakness. But if you believe this and still adopt the same vituperative attitude toward them, does this not expose your own weakness? There is then no difference between you and them! And it shows that my teachings, discourses, and instructions have had no effect upon you. Compared to them, your weakness is greater because you have stayed with me, heard my discourses, and know me, which they have not. So remain calm, put up with hardships, and be tolerant; forgive them and forget all.
The mandali, however, were not sitting idly in the face of the increasing opposition. Dastur and Chanji were vigorously working to counteract the effect of the Colonel's campaign to malign Baba. They would write long letters to the editors of the various journals and Gujarati and English newspapers which printed the Colonel's articles. Chanji even published a booklet in Gujarati about Baba, which included statements from Rustom and Daulatmai (the Colonel's sister) clarifying Meher Baba's mission.
Another Muslim boy who had been taken away with Aga Ali in August was Ahmed Muhammad. On 28 December 1928, at sunset, as Baba was seated by his crypt-cabin discussing matters with the mandali, suddenly Ahmed came forward and garlanded Baba with roses. He stood with pride before Baba. The little fellow returned to Meherabad, having walked all the way from Bombay, 175 miles. He had gone without food during his long journey and suffered many hardships along the way.