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May this child live long; small
today, big tomorrow. He grew well, perfectly
healthy and robust. When he would wake from
sleep in the morning, he would never wake up
crying. His Baba would be very pleased. His cot
would be beside Shahid’s. From there, he would
put his face inside the cradle net and gaze at
him, offering thanks. Soon, Ama would also
arrive. Upon arrival, she would ask, "Ama, has
bachī shāl woken up?" All the sisters too
would first behold Shahid Sahib before starting
their chores. Meaning, this child was born as a
blessing from Allah Sain for everyone.
Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!
We also used to go to Jamesabad
every vacation. There, I had Rehmu learn sweing
work too. Nasim, on the other hand, was skilled
in embroidery. Aziz also knew every task. It was
my custom not to let my daughters sit idle. I
would engage them in some or the other work.
These capable, virtuous girls never said, "We
won't do this." There, in Jamesabad, near our
house, lived a Punjabi family. The mother's name
was Husna, her daughter's name was Bashiran.
They were very skilled. Rehmu learned machine
embroidery from them, and Nasim learned to make
decorative drawstring. She used to make very
nice drawstring with silk thread. Along with
that, she also made small covered baskets for
bread from date palm leaves. At that time, the
trend of making baskets and small briefcases
from plastic string also emerged. Rehmu, Aziz,
and Nasim, all three, made very nice ones. Their
Baba greatly admired skilled people. May Allah
Sain open the great gates of mercy for him,
because he used to praise our every work so much
that the effort didn't feel like effort at all.
Qazi Sahib was a God-given blessing for us and
for all the children. What can I say about how
right Baba's choice proved to be! This man
spared no effort in keeping us happy. Let us
praise Allah Sain, the Merciful, who created him
so affectionate and kind. Forget about us, Qazi
Sahib never differentiated between his
neighbours, friends, or anyone, rich or poor.
That can only be called a marvel of nature.
Whatever anyone has been given, it is a gift
bestowed by that Pure Provider. I was very
pampered, favoured and intolerant as a child; he
gave even me a great attention. Living with this
sandalwood-like person, I too gave up those
stubborn ways. Perhaps my temperament was gentle
from the beginning, as I couldn't bear anyone's
sorrow. Living in this company, I became imbued
with it. That too is the Master's favour.
It
is very important to write here a saying of
Sheikh Saa’di: In a bathhouse, there lay a piece
of clay that had a wonderful fragrance. Someone
asked it, "O clay, where did this fragrance come
from?" The clay replied, "Brother, I lay beside
a rose for some time; its fragrance has perfumed
me." Subhan Allah! We too, living beside this
rose like person, have acquired something
according to our humble state. Can’t say whether
we acquired as much as we should have or not.
But despite that, Shukr Alhamdulillah, at least
the heart is still merciful. There is empathy
for others. And this effort still exists: that
no one should suffer any trouble at our hands or
because of us! Furthermore, may Allah Sain grant
steadfastness in faith to every human being. Man
tries, Maula helps – and may one encounter
appreciative people ahead. Because man is
created from very weak clay. He shouldn't boast
so much, and Satan also walks alongside. May the
Merciful Master steer this boat with His grace
and favour. Insha'Allah, Amin.
Now, let's come back to Shahid Sahib. A very
good, gentle, and appealing child was born, one
who could rightly be called noble by birth. May
he live long, he was so wise that he wouldn't
even mention crying; I had to feed him milk
forcibly. Khalida was like Shahid's bodyguard,
always walking alongside him. We too, every year
as per custom, would be rushing off to Jamesabad
for vacation, Ama, always along with us! We used
to be very happy because Shahid Sahib's arrival
had removed all the clouds of grief that had
gathered. In the evening, Qazi Sahib would come
from the shop for Asr prayers and would be very
happy seeing Shahid. He too, slowly, slowly,
learned to take steps. Qazi Sahib went to
Karachi for shop supplies, and from there he
brought a pair of shoes, very nice and
appealing, made of fabric like denim, with small
red and blue straps on top. They fit him
perfectly. Happily, we put them on him. That day
too, Ama was doing embroidery in the evening,
and Ismail, the servant, filled the hookah and
placed it before Ama. Qazi Sahib came for
prayers as usual. I was sitting there. As this
little one came wearing the tiny shoes. His Baba
was so delighted seeing him that he said to me,
"Phatu, give me pen and paper." I promptly
brought them. Right there and then, sitting on
that prayer mat, he wrote these verses, which
are included in his book Safar Zindagī-a Jo
(The Journey of Life). I too will write a
few lines as an example:
Welcome, a
hundred welcomes, the solace of the heart came
today,
Praise be to God, the ‘Hot’ [Beloved], solace
of the heart, came today.
Hundred thanks to the Glorious One, praise is
due to the Lord,
With grace, the inner support arrived today.
Prayer emerged from the heart, and Amin was
said in the heavens,
Guardian’s grace rained upon him, he came
today.
With affection O Pervez [Shahid's second
name], may you illuminate the courtyard by your
radiance,
The adornment of this thirsty soul came
today.
May the blessings of the Creator shower upon
you always and forever,
May you remain manifest with good fortune, he
came today.
May the protection of the Guide’s hand be
upon you day and night,
May your fortune be ever greater, he came
today.
Offer thousands of praises to the Guide, O
Ali Muhammad, Ada,
Sorrows drowned, the
comforter arrived came today.
At
that time, Shahid bachī shāl had turned
eighteen months. Alhamdulillah. Truly, for us,
his walking around, playing with friends –
meaning, every aspect was exemplary. We offered
thousands of thanks to Allah Sain, standing and
sitting. Alhamdulillah, the Master's favours!
When he grew older and his friends would come,
drinks would instantly be made for them. And
sometimes, when there was a holiday and they
came early, we would cook sweet dish and feed
them with great enthusiasm. When he turned
eighteen months, he was weaned. Children usually
fuss; he, may he live long, was virtuous and
righteous. He didn't demand at all! Ama, in her
fondness, cooked sweet red flatbread for him.
His Ama Waḍi also made plenty of fried bread.
The neighbours also gave generously, saying,
"Shahid is Ada Ali Muhammad's longed-for son.
Ada, he has been weaned, but he was simple,
sisters are enjoying all the breads!
Safely, Shahid bachī shāl turned two and
a half years old when the time for his second
brother's arrival drew near. Sain Molvi Umer
used to tell Ama daily: "Adi, Shahid's Mashhood
is coming." When the eighth month arrived, I
indeed experienced discomfort, the same way as I
had with the previous premature baby. Seeing my
state of discomfort, Roshan, who was only eight
years old at the time, but whom Allah Ta'ala had
created with exceptionally high abilities, felt
such pain seeing my suffering that she wrote in
her little diary: "Kash ji āūn ḍākṭar hujān hā"
[If only I were a doctor]. This little
child wrote this with such pain that it set
things in motion, such that today she is Dr.
Roshan, a senior professor, working at Liaquat
Medical University. We also became worried as
Qazi Sahib was not at home. The water bag
(amniotic bag) also tore; the discomfort
increased. We pleaded earnestly with everyone,
but no one accompanied us from Diplo. Moreover,
there was no doctor. We felt very helpless.
Suddenly, at night, Mama Muhammad Umer arrived.
Ama spoke to him. He got ready immediately. Qazi
was informed. He said, "I will come upto Naukot;
you reach there." We set out straight for
Hyderabad. In the evening, we arrived at Nani
Makan's house. We consulted with Dr. Saleh. He
said, "It's Najib's [Dr. Najib] era, and my
interaction with him is limited. But Dr. Qamar
is doing her house job; I'll refer you to her."
We went to the hospital immediately. Dr. Qamar
met us promptly. She said, "There's no chance
for waiting, get admitted immediately." She
admitted us and left, referring us to the nurses
and doctors on duty. Qazi Sahib was not allowed
upstairs. Ama was not allowed to stay either.
She also left. The children, Khalida and Shahid,
also left. Then, this lone soul was left, with
Allah as the Protector. The pain, in its place,
was immense. On top of that, at two o'clock at
night, a high grade fever also set in. There was
no one to even hear my cries. A mud water
pitcher was placed nearby. Moment by moment, I
drank water from it. Allah is merciful, but
there was no person to listen. To add to my
woes, a lunatic woman was lying on the nearby
bed. Her arms were tied to the bed frame, and
her screams and cries... well, what could a
helpless person do! Then, one woman felt pity.
She asked me, "Ama, who are you?" I told her.
Then that poor soul served me greatly, pressed
my legs. She even applied oil to my head. Until
two or three o'clock, the pains started. A new
suffering! Somehow, the night passed. Morning
came. At eight o'clock, Dr. Qamar came. She
asked, "What is the condition?" I told her about
the suffering throughout the night. Examining
me, she said, "These pains are premature. They
might increase. I will come and check again
later." She didn't come again. I continued to
bear the pain. The family members weren't
allowed in; even if they came, they must have
gone back. Young doctors kept coming and going,
saying, "There's still time." Until twelve
o'clock, a Dr. Ruqaiya came. She was also doing
her house job but was somewhat compassionate.
She took me to the labour room. Again, no
attention. Until six in the evening. A nurse
passed by. I forcibly stopped her and said, "I
am Dr. Saleh's cousin. My condition is very
critical, the baby in my womb is about to die,
and I myself will die too. I am writing this
down: no doctor in this hospital is
responsible." She immediately brought Dr.
Shafqat, who said, "Indeed, the baby has become
weak." Instantly, all the nurses and young
doctors gathered. Within five minutes, the boy
was born. It was half past six by then. The baby
didn't cry. They took him away for oxygen. The
fever persisted, but that particular suffering
subsided. After a short while, they gave
congratulations, saying the baby was fine and it
was a boy. "Feel free to inform the family to
bring clothes, etc." Now, whom should I tell?
Thankfully, the midwife named Maryam, who was
there during Shahid's time, came on duty.
Recognizing me, she asked, "Ama, any news?" I
told her the situation and asked her to look
outside, perhaps someone from my family was
there! Because she knew Ama and Mama Misri. She
went, and indeed, Mama Misri was standing there.
She informed him and also brought milk for me.
As the milk went into my stomach, I regained
some consciousness. Mama Misri immediately went,
gave the congratulations, and brought Ama, Qazi
Sahib, and Masi Sikan. They came upstairs, saw
me, and also had the little one brought for them
to see. Hardly half an hour passed when there
was a commotion that Dr. Sahib was coming on
rounds. Ama pleaded, "My daughter is ill, let
her stay the night." That permission was
granted, anyhow. I told Ama the whole story. Ama
also went to see the baby. She said he was fine.
When it
was four in the morning, the baby cried out
loudly. I felt in my heart that this child
wasn’t ours. I told Ama to go and check. Ama
went immediately. She saw that the baby's
condition was not good. One moment he turned
blue, the next moment he was fine again. Ama
told the nurse to show him to a senior doctor.
They called Dr. Razia Ansari. At that time, she
was the registrar. She came, saw the baby's
condition, and gave them a severe scolding,
"This baby was premature! Why didn't you inform
me?" Anyway, she tried her remedies, but her
efforts didn't succeed. By then, it had dawned.
At eight o'clock, Dr. Salar came. We had also
sent word to Dr. Saleh Sahib, because Qazi Sahib
was sitting downstairs. Ama had informed him. He
also came along with Dr. Salar to see the baby.
Salar also had a heated argument with Razia.
X-rays was done. Whatever measures needed to be
taken, he did. But efforts succeed only when
there is help from above. That little one had
also brought only a few hours of life. It turned
one o'clock in the afternoon, and he took leave
from us and departed. The helpless mother,
father, and grandmother shed two tears on his
sweet, dear face and fell silent. Packing our
belongings, we went with Mama Misri to their
house. Shahid and Khalida came running, but
seeing the bundle, they asked, "Why are they
carrying our brother in that white cloth?" I had
already become strong, having endured these
shocks. But still, I gave thanks that Shahid
bachī shāl was before my eyes. The sorrow
eased. We said, "That too is the Master's
grace." Well, what can I write! The pen has
stopped. There is no strength in my hands to
write more.
We
stayed at Nani Makan's house for eleven days.
There were many family members in their house.
Space was certainly tight. We were also
preoccupied with our own thoughts. We thought it
best to leave, as there was no work either.
Setting off from there, we reached near
Mirpurkhas when the rain really put a stop to
things. Near Kunri, the train absolutely
couldn't move. Somehow, we reached Jamesabad to
find that the wall of the house had collapsed;
the whole house was filled with water. Boxes
were floating on the water. Haji Ahmed Khalifo's
family lived there. We stayed the night at their
house. In the morning, we set off for Diplo.
Qazi Sahib dropped us off and came back to
repair the house. Somehow, the days and nights
passed. We have passed through times of great
hardship, but still, we give thanks that Maula
Pak, with His mercies, removed all sorrows.
Shukr Alhamdulillah!
During that time, quite a bit of friction
developed between Ada Qazi Ahmed Sahib and Ada
Khan Sahib Muhammad Qasim over Tahirani Sahib
and local government membership issues, etc. Our
Qazi Sahib would try to mediate between them,
but both young men stood by their names
[reputations]. Whoever he spoke to, would say,
"We are right." Finally, Ada Khan Sahib said,
"You must pick a side." We replied, "We cannot
do that." Ada Qazi also said many things - can’t
be written. One day, Qazi Sahib was so hurt that
after the Zuhr prayer, deeply disheartened, he
said, "I embrace them both, trying to make them
one like brothers, but they are not mine. They
will never be. My own brothers were much
stronger, but they broke my arms and left me
alone. Now I pray to my Pure Lord not to leave
my Shahid alone. Just as Allah Tabarak wa Ta'ala
gave Hazrat Haroon Alaihissalam as an arm to
Hazrat Musa Alaihissalam, similarly strengthen
my Shahid's shoulders with Mashhood." So,
indeed, during Asr prayer time, he wept
profusely and pleaded with the Lord. Allah Sain
is exceedingly merciful. That Sain granted our
request. Alhamdulillah! Exactly in the ninth
month, on March 13th, 1966, our Babu
returned. Allah Pak graciously bestowed Qazi
Sahib's Mashhood safely. Alhamdulillah!
Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! As many thanks, as
many favours of that Sain we acknowledge, they
are insufficient. How many can I count? May the
Lord's blessings be abundant.
“Fish in the waters, sand upon
the dunes, hair upon the cattle,
More countless I deem
the blessings of the Benevolent One.”
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Shukr Alhamdulillah! Thanks to the Master Sain.
It is also Allah's favour that both brothers, by
the grace, virtue, favour, and blessing of Dhani
Pak [Pue Master], are extremely righteous,
virtuous, and capable. Alhamdulillah! They show
great affection towards each other, all their
sisters, and the neighbours. They are the
blessings given by Allah Sain. The mother's case
is altogether different - their affection for me
is indescribable. O Sain, this weak tongue lacks
the power to offer Your due thanks, with which I
could sing the praises of that Merciful Master
and Great Creator.
“They came, hopes revived, the
Baloch came to Bhanbhor,
Seeing Punhun's tracks, my eyes found solace
to the nails,
Worries were forgotten,
branches of joy sprouted.”
– Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Alhamdulillah, with Mashhood's arrival, Allah
Sain fulfilled all our deficiencies. We brought
Mashhood home. All relatives and friends were
overjoyed. Anyone, including Baba, who had ever
prayed, said the same thing: "May Allah Sain
grant you a pair of sons." To the extent that
even Qazi Sahib's venerable mother prayed the
same in her final moments. According to Qazi,
when I was reading his book yesterday, the same
was written there. Now, the prayer at the
Master's door is: May Allah Sain, the Merciful
Master, keep both brothers, along with their
families, happy, prosperous, settled, and
thriving. May their names shine like the bright
day. Insha'Allah, Amin. There, the series of our
children's births ended.
Now, we focused more on our children's
education. When Mashhood turned one, Shahid
bachī shāl was safely enrolled in school,
and Khalida was in the second grade. The
children's education proceeded regularly.
English education was also ongoing. Our school
ran as a branch of the high school for ten
years, where Ada Muhammad Usman Siddiqani would
come from school to teach the children, because
they couldn't study at school due to lack of
classes. So again, Ada Muhammad Usman, on the
advice of Ada Sahibdino, the headmaster, taught
privately at his home. Rehmu was eager, but
studying with a companion makes it more
enjoyable and boosts morale. So Ada Muhammad
Usman prepared Zeenat Siddiqani. The guidance
that gentleman provided us at that time, or the
advice and counsel he gave from time to time –
for that, Allah Sain will grant him a great
reward. Ada Qazi Ahmed Sahib also helped
constantly. Finally, in 1961, both girls passed
the Matriculation exam, well and with good
marks. People from the entire town came to offer
congratulations, and we too had containers of
thādhal [a cooling drink] filled. We
were overjoyed. Mama Muhammad Usman Diplai Sahib
wrote in the newspaper Ibrat: "Two girls
from Diplo have passed the Matriculation exam
privately." Many letters, telegrams, etc.,
arrived from people. We offered thanks. Then we
told Qazi Ahmed Sahib, "Now hurry up and get the
girls jobs." Because he was a member of the
Local Board at that time. He got the school
sanctioned and gave space in his own house for
the school. We, in turn, hired a maid whom we
paid from our own pocket, because cleanliness
and water were necessary. Interest grew among
the other children, and parents also became more
interested. Whichever girl finished primary
school would be enrolled there, until, due to
the increasing number of girls, a larger space
was needed. Then we got the other side of our
primary school sanctioned and shifted the school
there. By that time, Rehmu had also completed
her B.A. And our Nasim, Razia Siddiqani, and
Nasim, Ada Khan Sahib's daughter, they also
passed Matriculation. Ada Qazi got them jobs
too. Ada Qazi Sahib (Qazi Ahmed Muhammad) – may
Allah Sain's mercy be upon him, may he be
granted a great reward – consistently guided our
daughters and us with great empathy. And also
Ada Muhammad Usman – these two individuals,
along with Ada Sahibdino – because of them, our
morale and that of other daughters' parents was
boosted.
Now the thought arose that the number of girls
was growing up, so a middle school for girls was
necessary. There, we considered having Rehmu do
her B.Ed. We found out it could be done in
Hyderabad, and the middle school had also been
established by then. Ada Qazi advised against
it, saying, "That won't be right; then your girl
won't be able to become Headmistress." Now the
school had two sections: one government, the
other still running under the Local Board. Ada
Sahibdino said, "Qazi, this struggle for school
sanction will continue; by the time it's
resolved, your girl will have completed her
B.Ed. and returned. Don't miss that chance."
Again, Zeenat put pressure on her parents, but
they didn't give her permission. They asked Ama,
"Persuade Qazi against this idea, and we will
treat you with sweets." Ama replied, "Aba, let
the sweets go to whoever fancies them; our
daughters will study. Allah Sain will protect
their honor. Today you say this; tomorrow
everyone will scramble for these jobs. Remember
my words!" Anyway, Rehmu duly went to study in
1969. She studied with great enthusiasm. Her
Baba and I used to visit her. Your Baba – may
Allah Sain's mercy be upon him – what can I say,
what a blessing from Allah Sain he was for the
children. He was a great gift of nature to us.
Discouraging us in any matter? The question
simply didn't arise. People gossiped quite a
bit. They would say, "Baba, who will marry these
girls of yours, who study alongside boys like
this?" But Qazi Sahib also said, "Our daughters
are given by Allah Sain, and that Sain is their
guardian. It is not our burden. The Creator
Himself will take care of the burden." While
these talks were going on, Rehmu safely took her
exams and returned. She secured the fourth
position in the entire university. During the
exams, she had fallen ill, with a very high
fever, but she didn't lose courage. Dhani Pak
helped. After Rehmu's return, the Middle School
started, in which Rehmu became the Headmistress.
Now the division of the school began. There,
Zeenat, Adi Samani’s daughter also passed
Matriculation. The issue was that the A.V.
[Anglo-Vernacular] school had five primary
classes and two Matriculation classes. Again,
the Local Board's new middle school was
provincial and developing. Jobs were up for
grabs! Finally, Dadi Leelan, who was
Inspectoress of Schools at the time – what we
nowadays call D.E.O. – the matter went to her.
Ada Qazi, Ada Ahmed Ali Sahib Siddiqani, Abdul
Razzaq Siddiqani all went together. Our stance
turned out to be correct. The decision was made
that Qazi Ali Muhammad has two daughters; one
stays in the Local Board school, and one is
already in the Government school. The Siddiqanis
have two daughters; they should also remain
similarly, one in this school, one in that. As
for Qazi Ahmed Sahib's niece and Ada Khan
Sahib's daughter, both should go to the
Government school. "Fill out the T.C. [Transfer
Certificate] forms immediately, otherwise the
job will remain temporary." We were saddened, as
Nasim was upset, but for the sake of
reconciliation, we had to do it. We convinced
Nasim by saying, "We will get you to do your
B.Ed. That chance will come within six or seven
months. B.Ed. can be done privately." The form
was filled immediately. You can imagine how much
struggle must have gone on and what had to be
endured. We too did not lose courage at all; we
kept moving with the flow of time. Allah Sain's
help continued for us too. Without the Master's
help, there would have been no solution at all.
Shukr Alhamdulillah!
There, our Aziz Rani also passed
Matriculation. Shukr Alhamdulillah! Now, we
requested Ada Qazi to get her a job too! The
number of teachers was already full. Now what to
do? Then she was appointed as an Arabic teacher.
Now, Alhamdulillah, all three of our daughters
became teachers.
In
1971, when the war was going on in Bengal, the
Indians, to divert attention from there,
stationed their forces on the Runn of Kutch
border and started a fight with Pakistan. Our
town, Diplo, was only twelve miles away from
there. The sounds of shells and ammunition could
be heard. Finally, a danger alert was announced,
and people were told to evacuate. Some people
were forced to move. A blackout was imposed. We
also became part of that migration. Suddenly at
night, news spread that Indian soldiers had come
close to Diplo. At two o'clock at night, we were
told to leave. Qazi Muhammad Ismail's children –
for whom Qazi Iqbal, who was A.C. [Assistant
Commissioner] in Badin at that time, sent a
vehicle – they left and reached Jhudo. Because
there was only one vehicle, how many people
could fit? We sat, trusting in Allah, hoping for
some help. Finally, at two o'clock at night, we
reached Parhyari (nearby village) on camels. Ada
Ibrahim Siddiqani was our relative and his
loyalty to us was extreme. He secretly sent a
word to his son, Dr. Abdul Ghani, who was posted
as Medical Officer at Jhudo to arrange for
travel of Qazi sahib’s family to Jhudo and stay
at his hospital premises. And he himself, at
that time, in the dark, opened his shop, packed
cartons of the necessary items I had written
down, and sent them to us. May Allah Sain's
mercy be upon him. Ada Ibrahim seemed like a
blessing from Khuda Pak to us. People used to
call him quarrelsome, but for us, he was a great
human being. We were extremely pleased with him.
Dr. Abdul Ghani told Ada Ghulam Muhammad Laat
and sent two vehicles for us at Parhyari early
in the morning. One vehicle from Qazi Iqbal
Sahib also arrived. At that time too, Qazi
Muhammad Usman's family was with us. They,
Hamid, and Amina's family all set off together.
The food and drink items we had taken at that
time proved very useful to everyone. Everyone
was very happy and praised, saying, "In such
difficult and trying times, Adi has brought all
necessary things." Biscuits, chickpeas, cashews,
tea, sugar – meaning, almost everything was
available. Flour, ghee, lentils, etc. Eating and
drinking happily, everyone departed. When the
vehicles reached Jharhyar (a village close to
Naukot), Qazi Sahib also arrived. He was very
happy to see us. There, one incident occurred:
Amina started having labour pains. Then we took
Ama down and seated her in Amina's jeep. Dark
night, a difficult path, we lit a torch. At
Jharhar, the boy was born – that is our Zamir
Khan Sahib. A knife was needed for the umbilical
cord. Then Qazi Sahib's nutcracker came in
handy. Anyway, praying to Allah, we safely
reached Jhudo. Dr. Abdul Ghani took us to his
quarter. Here, we were very happy. All the
Diplais residing in Jhudo hosted us generously,
gave us respect. The doctors, well, they outdid
themselves. Moreover, our agricultural land was
nearby; milk, vegetables, etc., started coming
daily from there. The girls got jobs there too.
The discussion was about the children's
education, and this topic came up in between.
Roshan Rani had passed Matriculation in First
Class, First Position. In the meantime, she also
did her First Year Arts. Now the thought
occurred to us that the girls were grown up, and
the country's situation was also uncertain. So
Ada Khan Sahib and Mama Muhammad Umer both came,
and the marriage dates were fixed right there.
Ada Ibrahim, again, was entangled with many
people but was so sensible that he said, "Qazi
Sahib is the daughters' father and a poor man
with many children. I will not put him into
expense." He also agreed. Later, Aziz's dates
were also fixed there. Shahid was preparing for
the fifth-grade scholarship exam. His staying in
Diplo was necessary as Abdul Ghani Junejo gave
good tuition there. Ada Ibrahim's children were
in Jhudo, but he himself stayed in Diplo for the
sake of his shop. He said, "Shahid will be under
my care. Send him to me; I will give him a place
in my eyes." So we too, holding our hearts, sent
him. Shahid used to say that Chacha Ibrahim took
great care of him. And Alhamdulillah, Shahid
bachī shāl passed the exam with an excellent
position and won the scholarship. Shukr
Alhamdulillah! Every aspect of Shahid was new
and auspicious for us. At that time, our
financial position was very weak, but despite
that, we did not compromise on the dowries of
the three sisters. In this, Ama and my three
daughters did all the embroidery and sewing work
with their own hands. So much so that, in my
opinion, not even one rupee of ours was spent in
this regard. After a short time, peace returned
to Diplo as well. We too safely settled back
into our respective homes. The wedding of our
three daughters and Nasim, Ada Khan Sahib's
daughter, took place together. They also did not
hold back according to their means, but when the
dowries came out, the handiwork of our girls
received great praise. Our Qazi Sahib was anyway
very generous, so he arranged sweetened roasted
flour, fried bread, and crackers in abundance.
For breakfast, there were breads and meat;
breakfast was served for three consecutive days.
He had two large pots of flour dough. Then the
lunch would be served with Pulao and sweet.
Everyone would eat with exclamations of wāh
wāh! The farewell (rukhsatī) took
place at night. We sent off the three sisters
with large hearts. Shahid and Mashhood went
along with their sisters. When Geena, Jano, and
Ada Muhammad Haroon's daughter had got married,
Qazi’s brother Ada Muhammad Haroon was no more.
That sorrow was immense in its own place. So
much so that after seeing them off and returning
home, Qazi Sahib's condition was such that he
fell ill. We still remember that time. And this
time, the poor soul, after sending off three
daughters, had sat wringing his hands. But, this
time, because of Shahid and Mashan [Mashhood],
this happiness was for us many times more joyous
than the happiness of Eid. But still, in the
eyes of onlookers, we showed remarkable patience
and gratitude. Ada Abdul Rehman and family were
sitting with us at that time. In the morning,
they discussed it, saying, "Hats off to these
parents who sent off their daughters with such
large hearts." Even now, sometimes when the
topic comes up, they mention this. But Mashan
Sahib, who was too much emotionally attached
with his Baji, Aziz, when he woke from sleep,
asked me, "Ami, where is Baji?" I said, "Aba,
Baji has gone to her own home." So, without
telling anyone, he went straight to his sweet
Baji. Her own life breaths were in him; seeing
him, she hugged and kissed him. He asked Aziz,
"Why have you gone away?" He was only six years
old, but Aziz's departure felt painful to him.
Ada Ibrahim also showed affection. They insisted
he eat, but he didn't eat there. From there, he
came to Mama Umer’s house. He saw Nasim. Mama
fed him, as our Mama had immense affection for
my children. We still consider that house our
own. But the point was that even as a child,
Mashan's eyes had a great sparkle;.he was also
very mischievous, but from that day onwards,
that sparkle left his eyes. Later, slowly,
slowly, growing up, one becomes accustomed, but
that sparkle never returned to his eyes! That is
the true love and sincere affection, which is
beyond description.
Allah Sain created Shahid Sain
mature from birth. Because the Master knew that
this child would have to bear great burdens. So
even then, he was realistic, and now too, Sain
is realistic. May Allah Sain bless both brothers
with long life and complete health. For us, they
are undoubtedly blessings bestowed by Rab Pak.
May Dhani Pak, the Merciful Master, keep them in
His protection from every evil eye, every envy,
and from the mischief of Satan. The Generous One
has shown great grace, and seeing our lowly
state, the Master has bestowed favour. How many
favours of that Great Creator, Merciful Master,
should we recount, who indeed, according to
Ama's prayer, covered the heads of seven souls
and covered the unclothed with the mantle of His
grace. Little Mashan is indeed younger than all
the sisters and the brother, but Rab Pak, with
His grace, has given him such understanding and
made him so virtuous and righteous that, despite
him living abroad, all of us, sisters, and
indeed his brother Shahid, consult him on every
matter, every problem, and he gives sound and
appropriate advice in few words. Almost every
issue gets resolved by the grace and favour of
Allah Pak. Shukr Alhamdulillah! These are the
graces of the Master Sain. We are humble and
sinful servants; all these graces belong to that
Generous One who removed all our troubles,
fulfilled every lacking. Shukr Alhamdulillah!
The discussion was about the daughters'
weddings; that, Alhamdulillah, went well.
Everyone was happy in their homes then, and now
too, Alhamdulillah, they are happy. Saphu, the
maid, whom we had hired for five rupees, her
loyalty towards us remained the same. Another
favour Allah Sain bestowed upon us – its mention
should have come earlier, but I remember it now:
When our little, sweet, dear Mashan Bakhtawar
was about to arrive, we received such news from
Hyderabad that staying at Ada Qazi's house might
now be inappropriate. We had to go to Hyderabad
for the delivery anyway. After much thought, we
found this solution: In Sajai (a nearby village)
we contacted Sikiladho Hajam [barbar], whose
wife Saran had breastfed Qazi Sahib's eldest
son, Abdul Rahim. We had great affection for
them. We sent them a word asking them to give us
a boy under any circumstances. They sent Arab to
us, who was twelve years old at the time and
worked at Bhom Singh Thakur's house in Sajai. He
was very attached to them. Perhaps loyalty was
innate in his nature from childhood. He used to
remember them fondly, and sometimes, I remember,
he would cry calling "Nani, Nani," because he
called Bhom Singh's wife Nani. He came to us,
and slowly, slowly, his heart grew attached to
us, so much so that he is still with us today.
We too gave him immense love, considered him
like our own child. Man is won by love; Allah
Ta'ala has made even lions submit to man through
it. He, after all, was a human being.
When I was eight months pregnant, we came to
Jamesabad from Diplo. The children were with us:
Shahid bachī shāl and little, dear
Khalida. We left the other girls in Diplo
because Aziz was about to take her Matriculation
exam. Rehmu and Nasim were employed and,
Masha’Allah, grown-up and sensible. We had
absolutely no worries about them. And Roshan was
also very large-hearted and courageous. And her
Ama Waḍi also loved her very much. So, we
too came with brave hearts. Upon arrival, Qazi
Sahib went to Hyderabad. How Allah Sain helps
us! Because that Sain is the helper of every
servant and the Merciful Master. He is aware of
our every condition. The servant only needs to
rely on Him and trust Him. He went there and
consulted with Dr. Saleh Sahib. He said, "Chacha,
Dr. Qamar is currently working at Memon Hospital
and is very successful. My word might carry
weight there too. Insha'Allah, you trust in God
and have the delivery there. Furthermore, Allah
Sain will help you, Insha'Allah." Ada Ghulam
Muhammad Makhdoom was also sitting there. The
topic of accommodation also came up – where to
stay? He said, "Chacha, don't worry at all. I
currently live opposite Gulshan Hotel. I have
been allotted a government house. Memon Hospital
is very close too. That hotel is very good, and
its owner is my friend. Moreover, being an
officer, everyone shows consideration. Come with
me this moment; I will arrange excellent
accommodation for you." Qazi went with him, saw
the hotel, and he spoke with the owner. He said,
"I will charge one hundred rupees per month
rent. Stay as long as you like, feel free to
come." The place had two rooms, a rudimentary
kitchen arrangement, and a good bathroom. Qazi
Sahib liked it very much. He paid one hundred
rupees advance and returned home at night to
Jamesabad. Very happy, he told us the news. We
were happy too. In the morning, we took
household goods and settled there. Arab was with
us. The next day, we showed my condition to Dr.
Qamar Sahiba. She said there was still about a
month's delay. We went for check-ups every week.
In this manner, Maula Sain helped us.
Alhamdulillah! Master Sain showed countless
favours, through which that grace occurred, that
dear, sweet Mashan also arrived. Great thanks to
the Master. I have already written that account
earlier. This account should have been written
earlier, but the thought came later, so I am
writing it here. Never mind... as things come to
mind, I write them down.
The talk was about the
attendants: At that time, the attendants we had
were Masi Saphu, Sajjan, Arab's younger brother,
whom we had kept for Arab's sake. Though he was
very young, we kept him anyway. Hajams are very
loyal; for that reason too, we kept him.
Chanesar Bajeer used to provide water. But after
Rehmu's wedding, it was necessary for her
attendants to work at her house. However, this
virtuous girl took only Sajjan for work at her
home, leaving the rest with us. Arab was anyway
one ‘Ranjho’ worth lakhs. He would go to Darelo
(our agricultural land was situated there) and
keep Qazi Sahib happy there. When he came to
Diplo, he would do our pending chores, whatever
groceries were needed, he would bring and make
us happy too before leaving. May Allah Sain's
mercy be upon him. And we too have looked after
him like our own sons. That is the way of the
world. That quality of humanity should
necessarily be in every human being. And my
sincere advice to all my daughters and sons,
indeed to all my progeny, is that the reward for
kindness is nothing but kindness. Never be
ungrateful. People used to say about my Baba,
and it was famous throughout the Thar Diplo
region, that Mukhi Gul Muhammad was quarrelsome
and hot headed, but despite that, he always used
to say, "If anyone takes any good step towards
you, value it and remain grateful, then Allah
Pak's blessings upon you will keep increasing.
Allah Sain does not forgive the one who forgets
kindness and is ungrateful." This is a sincere
advice. Obeying one's elders is also a form of
good deed. Arab, although poor, maintained his
honour with us due to his loyalty, and we too
have valued him. Thanks are due. Time passed
well, Alhamdulillah.
Nine months after the daughters' weddings, Saleh
Sahib was born. We had come to Hyderabad. I also
went for Aziz’s delivery and to give
congratulations. According to my means, I took
clothes and items made with my own hands. Her
Baba also joined us. We were all happy. Saleh,
Alhamdulillah, was a very beautiful and lovely
child, and very endearing. After Mashan, this
little child arrived, so we were happy, and the
paternal grandparents were also happy. Ada
Ibrahim was very fond of Aziz. may Allah Sain's
mercy be upon him – he valued us greatly. When
we went to his house, he treated us with great
respect. And Adi Kariman (his wife) too was a
virtuous, sensible, and appreciative woman. Both
of them maintained our honour very well. May
Allah Sain grant both of them a place in Jannat
ul-Firdous. Then, after about a month, Nasim
also gave birth. It was a girl. She was born
after great difficulty, but the poor soul went
to Allah immediately. We were very sad, but
Allah Sain is sovereign in His decisions. What
power does the servant have, not to accept His
command? Rehmu had a delay. When Saleh was
fifteen months old, Shahneela Rani also arrived.
Masha’Allah! A few degrees prettier than Saleh.
Beautiful, gentle, little, sweet, very
endearing, lovely she was. We were happy. In the
evening, both would come, and our house would
fill with joy. One would say, "I'll hold her,"
the other would say, "I'll hold her." Even now,
all the children, meaning all our grandchildren,
are just as pampered by us. When Shanu
(Shahneela) turned six months old, then Alhamdu
Lillah, Ambreen Rani arrived. Alhamdulillah, we
were immensely happy that Rehmu's little child
had arrived in the house. In the meantime,
Nasim's boy had been born, but he too was not
fully formed; he also passed away. The sorrow of
Nasim's lost children was great for all of us,
but Ama used to be extremely worried and would
pray for Nasim, saying, "Ama, don't cry, don't
grieve, a lion will be born from your womb.
Remember this prayer of mine." Alhamdulillah! It
happened just so. When Ambreen turned six months
old, then Alhamdulillah, Asif Khan arrived.
Shukr Alhamdulillah! Shukr Alhamdulillah!
Indeed, a lion was born. Thanks and favours to
the Master Sain. Alhamdulillah, we brought him
safely to our home, because Ama's health was not
good; she was also at our house. Asif bachī
shāl, small today, big tomorrow, a very
good, endearing child. Then, what can I say, in
the evening, our house would be like a festival
Aziz would come, both children [Saleh,
Shahneela], and from there, Ambreen Rani and
Asif Khan. The house filled with happiness,
their Buas [aunts] would come, the house
seemed like a garden. Wah wah! Those days are
still remembered fondly.
One thing is very necessary to write, which was
left out. It is this: I have written
sufficiently about the education of Rehmu, Nasim
and Aziz. That account will continue, but Roshan
Rani's account – how and in what manner she
studied – has not been written at all. That too
is a great, memorable saga. Masha’Allah, in
studies, all my children, Alhamdulillah, were
intelligent and self-reliant, and they never
needed any tuition, etc. Alhamdulillah! Roshan,
passing small exams, finally reached
Matriculation. At that time, we didn't have a
science class. Therefore, all the girls studied
Arts. Our pampered one (Roshan) also passed
Matriculation in Arts from Hyderabad Board with
First Class, First Position, and Zeb-un-Nisa
Mithwani (Muhammad Umer Mithwani's daughter) got
the second position. When the newspaper arrived,
Roshan's name was written in the paper, and
Zebu's name was at number two. Her Baba, who was
sitting on the cot in the evening, when he
heard, said, "How can this be? People must have
made a mistake in writing. That Roshan Ali
Muhammad must be someone else!" But then he too
read the newspaper and was satisfied, and we too
offered thanks to Rab Pak. At that time too,
letters and telegrams came from many people,
among which one letter from Ada Allahdino is
still etched on our hearts. In his emotion, he
wrote these words:
“Elevate your self esteem so
high, that before any fate,
Lord Himself asks you for your
desires.”
-Allama Iqbal
She did her First Year and Inter Arts. Much
earlier than that, when my child after Shahid
was born premature and I was in severe pain,
this innocent child, who was only eight years
old, felt such sorrow at my suffering that she
wrote in her little diary, "Kash āūn ḍākṭar
hujān hā" [If only I were a doctor].
Allah Tabarak wa Ta'ala, who is more merciful
than all merciful beings, and is All-Hearing,
All-Knowing, heard it. That word 'Kash' [If
only] was recorded in His register. It set
things in motion such that in 1973, at Nawaz
Qazi and Iqbal Qazi's wedding, we were in
Hyderabad. We thought about getting Roshan a
job, meaning teaching. My girls had developed a
good friendship with Apa Mrs. Shaikh who was
Additional Directoress of Education at that
time. We made the request to her. Seeing
Roshan's certificate, she said, "Ama, this girl
is a position holder! How can you get her a
teaching job? She is worthy of becoming a
doctor." We said, "Apa, how is that possible
with Arts education?" She replied, "You give
permission; this girl is mine. I will make all
the arrangements. You are free from that." We
discussed it with everyone; they all started
laughing. But Allah Sain, who is the Master of
all knowledge, giving knowledge to someone was
easy before that Master. We set off from there
and reached Naukot, but the lorry bound for
Diplo had already departed. We stayed the night
at Ada Haji Muhammad Mithwani's place. There, we
discussed the matter clearly with Qazi Sahib.
Qazi Sahib, who appreciated our every reasonable
point, prepared Rehmu and Roshan and sent them
off with Arab. They went straight to Apa Shaikh
Sahiba. Apa also made every effort, meaning, got
permission from the Board of Examinations;
fought battles with Apa Ameena Halepoto at
Government Girls’ College; got Roshan admitted;
arranged the hostel – meaning, she helped in
every way. May Allah Sain grant her the great
reward of both worlds, Insha'Allah. Maula Pak
had to help us, who prepared this woman and
fulfilled our innocent girl's hope.
Alhamdulillah! Among those who helped us in this
were Dr. Sajjan Sahib. When she passed Inter
with 74 percent marks, she got the first
position in Tharparkar district and got a seat
in Peoples Medical College Nawabshah because she
had the Tharparkar domicile. At that time, due
to Zebu's (Qazi Ismail’s daughter) death, I was
there, and Nawabshah was very difficult for us.
Her father was elderly, and access was difficult
for us there. Then I took Nawaz, Qazi Muhammad
Ismail's son with me from there and went to
Nawabshah, where Dr. Sajjan Sahib was the Civil
Surgeon. I requested him, "Ada, help us in this
matter." At that time, the Secretary was Anwar
Shaikh. He was a very close friend of Ada
Sajjan. He said, "Adi, I am at your service. I
will not hold back in my efforts. Insha'Allah,
you will receive the migration letter." Indeed,
we were still there in Hyderabad at Qazi
Ismail's house when his clerk brought the
letter. By the fate of God, that night Dr. Anwar
Shaikh suffered a heart attack and passed away.
May Allah Sain grant him reward too. That was
God's command, but that Sain had to help us in
every way. Then we got Roshan admitted to
Liaquat Medical College Jamshoro and arranged
for her to stay at Dr. Muhammad Ali's house,
which was in Jamshoro at that time. For
admission, the condition was set that the girl
must secure the first position in the first
test. Allah Sain helped with that too. Truly,
Roshu, Ami's sweet dear one, cleared that stage
too. I say this with certainty: Allah Sain Malik
helped us supremely at every stage. For His
gratitude, if we do not lift our heads from
prostration, it is justified for us.
Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Finally, that
Roshni, her Ami's beloved, became a doctor. Now,
Alhamdulillah, she is currently a Professor at
Liaquat Medical University. Alhamdulillah!
Alhamdulillah! Countless are the favours of that
Master who made all these stages easy and
brought her to that rank. There was a time when
we used to go to hospitals invoking Dr. Saleh
Sahib's name. May God's mercy be upon him too;
he helped us greatly. There is no lack of reward
with Allah Sain. That Sain will give him his
reward. But today, Allah Sain has fulfilled all
those deficiencies of ours. Shukr Alhamdulillah!
Thanks and blessings abound from Allah Sain.
Then
our little, sweet, dear Khalida became a doctor.
Shukr Alhamdu Lillah! Shahid bachī shāl
also became a doctor, such that his Baba saw him
become a doctor with his own eyes. That too was
our hope: when would people say, "Qazi Ali
Muhammad's son is a doctor." That too, Sain
showed His favour and grace. Shukr Alhamdu
Lillah! Then Shahid Sahib developed an interest
that I should become a DC [Deputy
Commissioner]. He asked his Baba for
permission, which he gave him with great
pleasure. Giving permission happily and being
content with his choice had the benefit that
Shahid bachī shāl secured the First
Position in the entire Sindh in the C.S.S.
[Central Superior Services] examination. Alhamdu
Lillah! Sain's graces and His blessings and
favours are beyond counting.
Then,
our sweet, dear, little Mashan – Ama's prayer
was answered for him too. His heart's desire was
to become an engineer, but in Computer Science.
At that time, computer education had not yet
started in Hyderabad; it was only available in
Karachi. He filled out the form, but admissions
in Karachi had closed, so he came back very
disappointed. Ama was with us at that time – and
that poor mother, oh, what a mother she was, who
would care not just for me, but would read the
face of my every child. He came, offered salaam,
and sat down. He informed me of the closing down
of admissions in Karachi and then sat quietly.
Ama said to me, "Ama, Mashhood's face looks
downcast. I told Ama, "Ama, the deadline for his
form has passed. He is worried about that." Ama
became impassioned and said emotionally, "Ama,
Allah Sain will absolutely not let him fail. Aba,
the Divine will work wonders for you, and
Insha'Allah, your tasks will be accomplished
while sitting at home. Have faith in your Lord!
Allah Sain is merciful. He will not cause any
difficulty at all. I am a sinner, but my Lord is
exceedingly merciful. Don't be disheartened at
all; you will be successful, Insha'Allah."
Meaning, Ama prayed fervently for this child.
Rab Pak also felt compassion. Poor Ama took
leave from us and departed within that same
week, but she left Mashan blessed by her
prayers.
I
remember, barely a week had passed since Ama
left when Mashan came happily, holding a
newspaper article, saying, "Ami, Computer
Science classes have opened at Mehran University
in Jamshoro, Hyderabad! I am going to apply for
admission." Alhamdulillah, his marks were the
highest in the entire Tharparkar district, so
Alhamdulillah, our dear Mashan was admitted
safely. Shukr Alhamdulillah! Dhani Pak answered
my Ama's prayers, and he consistently achieved
success, always securing the First or Second
position.
In the
meantime, Roshan Rani also became a doctor, and
we got a quarter in Jamshoro too. Shahid Sahib
also came to study medicine. Khalida began
studying medicine in Nawabshah. Qazi Sahib was
so happy about this, beyond any limit. The open
air of Jamshoro, the spacious house, freedom of
movement. We were free from the nuisance of
landlords. Time was passing with great respect
and peace when Dr. Khalil also got a quarter
there. Wedding preparations began there. Roshan
and Shahid Sahib's wedding also took place
there, very auspiciously. They truly blossomed.
Within about two years, Shahid's dear son Farhan
also arrived. Alhamdulillah! Then, Rab Pak
removed all of our Qazi Sahib's sorrows. Farhan
had given him a new youth. What can I say about
how many graces Providence bestowed upon these
worthless servants!
When
Khalida was little, one day Qazi Sahib said to
me, "Perhaps the women who give birth to sons
have that son-bearing substance or element in
them. Maybe you don't have that element." I felt
no despair at all, but I said to Qazi Sahib,
"When Ghulam Muhammad and Allah Rakhio came,
where did that element come from then? You are
such a trusting person, large-hearted, and full
of faith in the Lord; rely on that Sain. He is
most merciful." He replied, "That must have been
an exception. I am not hopeless, but what can I
do? As age advances, one is human, sometimes the
thought just comes: who knows if a son will be
born, or if life will pass by just waiting." I
reassured Qazi Sahib wholeheartedly. I felt pain
myself too, but didn't let Qazi Sahib suspect.
That Merciful Master Sain showed such immense
grace, giving this lesson to the whole world: O
humble servant, never despair of the mercy of
your Gracious Generous One. When He turns His
favour, He gives abundantly. Alhamdulillah!
When it rains,
it pours – that's the way of the monsoon rain.
As great as Your Name is, so great is the
favour I seek,
Without pillars, without supports, You are
the roof, You are the shade,
What can this lowly one say? You know
everything.
You are the touchstone, I am iron; if You
touch me, I become gold.
You are the Giver, others are mere beggars,
Rains fall on time, but You rain eternally,
If You come to my
house, Impure as I am, get honoured.
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai |
