GRIM THOUGHTS

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   23.                                      GRIM THOUGHTS

Once  an Islamic saint ,Sheikh Saadi , complained to Allah (God) that his shoes were worn out and torn . He saw a man who had no feet . Sheikh Saadi  sought Allah’s forgiveness.

I always seek Allah’s Mercy and pray to save me from  hellfire and  infirm old age when one loses one grip on mind and body .I have seen both parents go blind after an unsuccessful eye surgery . I am about 70 and ill .  One of my friends used to tease me on my illness till he too became diabetic . I would tell him to guard his health by praying to Allah for His Divine Mercy  .

In the space of two months , I have experienced two deaths that of the late Dr. Ghazi Haqqi( multi organ failure ) and the late Bhai Mumtaz (old age and various medical complications) , both were  cousins ( the former from my father’s side while the latter’s mother’s side) as well as the infirmity of Dr. Ikram Mohyuddin , my dear friend and the old age of Professor Muhammad Jamil . another friend and class fellow of Masters in English Literature who is  85 plus .

Mumtaz Bhai died  the other day . He was also 85 plus . He and Professor Jamil were class fellows  in the Indian city of Ambala from where both migrated to Pakistan in 1947 . At that age , both were infirm and complained of sickness . The latter told me that he had a difficulty  hearing when I telephoned him to convey the sad news of the death of Mumtaz Bhai .

Last evening , when the mourners were carrying Mumtaz Bhai’s body to the nearby Mosque for funeral prayers and burial . I accompanied them thinking it was at the short distance because I have venous ulcers on my feet hence a difficulty in walking .( I walked  five or six miles a day till I fell ill ). I met a distance relative , Mr. Ahmed Ali Qureshi ,who was a heart patient . I  began walking with him and his grown up son . He told me that his doctors told him that there was nothing they could do further for him . I was hoping to hitch a ride in any mourner’s car . After walked some distance, he  sat down  on the roadside and asked his son to bring the car . Fortunately a car stopped for me too . Among the mourners , there were a few who had same difficulty walking .  I realized later that I  was able to walk the way back  from the Mosque . Of course , I had taken a pain killer before coming .This morning my wife told

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that Mr.Qureshi’s loving wife had  assorted illnesses , had been diagnosed as cancer  and heart trouble .

Muslims have been taught through the reading of the Noble Quran that they would be put to tests , deaths , sickness ,loss of limbs , monetary loss and they have to face these tests , never to complain and never to lose Faith in the Infinite Mercy of Allah  . Muslims have before them  the example of the Prophets particularly the Noble Prophet , Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him ) and his companions    and how they faced the tests one after another with fortitude and determination . The Noble Quran describes the Prophets and other holy persons who were slain in pursuit of their mission to spread Allah’s Commands  

Mahfooz ur Rahman

Islamabad.

Novermber 06 , 2013