Baba Sain
My
Baba was the only son of his father. Dada had
raised his son with great affection and love.
They had no shortage of money, which is why Baba
Sain was somewhat inclined towards a life of
leisure, but otherwise he was very sensible,
wise, intelligent, resourceful, and courageous.
He was so brave that people would tremble at the
mention of his name. Along with that, he was
also very compassionate. Any poor person, no
matter who, if they came with a complaint, he
would think, "I shouldn't even put slippers on
my feet." He would only rest after getting them
justice. This was very famous: "If Mukhi Gul
Muhammad hears about this, our heads are gone!"
Such was his authority that, to a large extent,
the era of oppression diminished. Another
quality of Baba Sain was that he kept companions
with him who were ready to risk their lives for
him. I had seen them. Alam Dars, Peero Rahmoon,
Bhooro Manghwaar and Karo Bheel were such strong
men that confronting an enemy was no big deal
for them - meaning, strong men from every
aspect. Camels, then, well-fed, sturdy,
beautiful, were always standing in our Otaq
[assembly place]. Other, herdsman
would be along with them. Food from our house
was abundant for, not only them, but even if a
guest arrived at midnight, just a call was
needed. The Otaq, which we called Kurh,
always had crowds of people; lively gatherings
were always underway. Ten to twelve cows,
buffaloes, loads of milk were constantly being
churned. What splendour there was! What
influence! Our herdsman was named Natho. During
rainy days, Ama would make copper pitchers shine
like gold and give them to me. Placing them one
on top of the other on my head, I would go
running. Natho would tell Baba, "Mukhi Sahib,
the pitchers are coming, but there's no person
underneath!" Hearing these words, I would get
angry. Baba would laugh. Those were the days!
In
my enthusiasm, I have strayed from the main
point. My Baba had two wives. Ama Saphian, who
was Baba's Bua's daughter. It was a
childhood marriage, from whom he had two sons
and one daughter. One son and one daughter
passed away at a young age. Only our Ada
Muhammad Ehsan remained, who later became famous
as Mukhi. He also had two marriages. One was our
Bhabhi Rajbai, whose marriage took place
along with my Ama's, from whom there is one
daughter, Adi Samani, who is still alive. May
Allah Sain grant her long life with health. That
account will be written later. The other wife
was my Ama, whose name was Mai Wasandi. Baba
Sain had requested Dada Sain, "I want to marry
this Wasi," because my Ama, in her childhood,
was so intelligent, clever, sensible, and
multi-talented that people would envy her, and
along with that, she was skilled too. She knew
every task, was an expert in every task. She was
bestowed with God-given abilities - praise is
only befitting Allah Sain, who makes His servant
so; that is the perfection of that Lord,
otherwise, the servant is, after all, just a
servant. Perfection belongs only to the Generous
One. Anyway, Ama's marriage took place. Bab Sain,
on the very first night, told Ama regarding his
son Muhammad Ehsan and sister Sukhiyani, "Peel
the flesh off my body and eat it, but never
complain to me about Ehsan and Sukhiyani." My
loyal mother also did her best according to her
human capacity. She neither complained nor gave
them an opportunity to complain. She was so
brave that she never retreated from any
frightening situation. So strong that often
during rainy days, our houses being mud-built,
snakes and creatures would appear. If someone
cried out "Snake!", Ama herself would kill it
even before Baba. Ada Ehsan was timid. He would
sit with his feet tucked up, saying, "Wasu, run,
come!" We, the children would laugh at it.
Sometimes it would also happen that rains would
become very heavy, night would fall, little
calves, and the crackle of lightning! Baba
himself was elderly and also heavy in body. He
would shout to Ama, "Wasu, go!" and she would
leave her food midway and run after the calves.
She would bring back little calves, running,
without any care. Baba would then praise her
greatly. "Wow, wow! Sain, wives should be like
this!" But Ada Ehsan, sitting there, would say,
"You're spoiling her." That was his nature.
Baba,Mukhi Gul Muhammad, also had his own
dignity. He knew how to get work done by people,
knew how to give affection, and knew how to
receive it too. There are many such incidents
involving my Ama, which, Insha'Allah, I
will keep writing from time to time. Another
very important incident was this: Baba used to
go and sit daily in the evening, sometimes at
Haji Umer Partani's shop, sometimes at Haji
Muhammad Siddique's, who was also called Bullu
Siddiqani. This quality of Baba was also counted
among his great virtues by people, that whether
it was a weaver, a cobbler, whoever it might be,
if someone needy came, he would help them
without delay, or if they had any trouble, he
would try his best to resolve that complaint
whatever effort was needed. One day, he was
sitting at Haji Muhammad Siddique's shop when
Haji Sahibdino, a respected elder of our town, a
pious man devoted to prayers and remembrance of
God, a righteous servant of Allah Sain, came
there. Sitting there, he said to Father Sain, "Mukhi
Gul Muhammad, Allah Pak has blessed you
immensely. You also do good deeds, take care of
the poor and needy; Allah Sain has given you all
these qualities. Friend, let me say one thing,
don't take it to heart, rather, if possible, act
upon it. If just now, someone calls you for
help, you would go with him for his work, but
have you ever reflected on these five calls of
Allah Sain that occur daily? Mian [Sir], one day
we have to appear there too." It seems Baba's
fortune awakened that day. He said, "Haji Sahib,
say no more. Insha'Allah, Rab Pak will
grant me ability; I, Insha'Allah, will
offer Namaz [prayer]." Before that,
perhaps he used to pray just occasionally, or
may be not at all! I don't know. Upon his
arrival home, it was time for Maghrib. He asked
Ama, "Put water for me; let me bathe." After
bathing and getting ready, he told Ama, "Spread
the prayer mat in the room; I will pray." Ama
was obedient to Baba Sain's command and also
very happy, thinking, how did this blessing
occur? When he finished praying, Ama asked, upon
which he recounted the whole story. The family
members were also surprised, thinking, this Gul
has come in a different form!
"whenever it rains, that is the
season for rains”
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Eventually, on the second or third day, he went
to the mosque for the Friday prayer. People were
surprised to see Baba, thinking, "Gul Muhammad,
and the mosque!" But the blessing of Rab Sain,
who hasn't seen it? They offered many
congratulations. After that, Father Sain tried
not to lose any prayer time and also began
reciting the Quran Sharif. He would go to the
Otaq as per routine, but the addition was
that he would also recite the Quran Sharif
alongside. That too, with Tafseer
[exegesis/commentary], and the points in the
Tafseer that he liked very much, he would
note them down in his diary. That diary is still
present with Rehmat, my daughter, in Baba Sain's
handwriting. That was a very great and virtuous
deed of his life. May it gain acceptance in the
court of Rab-ul-Alameen [Lord of the Worlds] and
benefit him there, Insha'Allah. This boat
of human life sails only by the grace of Sain,
the Merciful Master; otherwise, what power does
the servant have?
There are still many stories about my Baba and,
along with him, my mother. As much as possible,
I will try my best, Insha'Allah. May the
Master Sain grant me His grace and the ability
to write correctly, Insha'Allah.
Baba's mind was also such that he wouldn't
forget even a trivial matter. Baba Sain had
almost memorized Shah's Risalo [The
Message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai]. Wherever
and from whatever point he was asked, he would
narrate it right from the beginning. He was a
traveler on Shah Sain's path; he would go to the
Melo [fair/festival] every year without
fail and participate eagerly in the gatherings
of the faqirs [ascetic/dervish]. His
voice was also good. Then, my mother was also
fond of singing and was a nightingale; he would
make her sing his favorite songs, which she
would sing with great enthusiasm, emboldened by
Baba, and he would listen intently. Baba Sain
liked Sassui [heroine of the folk tale Sassui
Punhoon] very much; he often made her sing about
her. Once, what happened was that Dr. Nabi
Bakhsh Baloch Sahib, who is still alive, found a
line in Shah Sahib's verse incomplete. He asked
Ada Qazi Ahmed Sahib, "Who will explain its
meaning to me and who will complete this verse
for me?" Ada said, "My Mamu [maternal uncle]
Mukhi Gul Muhammad can tell this, but he is in
Diplo town." He said, "Take me there; I would
like to have a sight of him." So both came to
Baba Sain. Baba greeted them well and also
completed that line - the meaning was also
found. Secondly, Baba liked Rano and Moomal
[characters from a Sindhi folk tale], and Sami's
salook [Sufi sayings] too.
Along with that, he handled his worldly affairs
very well. Such a person has many friends, but
also many enemies. Often, disputes over fields
would keep occurring. Often, the police and the
subedar [police officer] were in his
pocket (available to him). Sometimes they would
antagonize him too! Once, what happened was that
someone informed the subedar that there
was amal [opium] in the Mukhi's house (amal
was perhaps banned at that time). What they did
was throw a small box of amal into our
house. The subedar at that time was
perhaps annoyed about something, so he also got
an opportunity. He said, "We will search the
Mukhi's house." Baba's spies were also strong at
that time. This news reached Baba Sain. He told
Ama, "Wasi, act cleverly, search the entire
house thoroughly. If you find anything anywhere,
take it, jump over this wall, and run away, but
don't delay at all. They are about to arrive."
Ama, Sain, was no less capable! She searched the
entire house. In the grandparents' house, in my
Nani's room, she found that small sachet. Taking
it, she vanished like the wind. Meanwhile, they
also arrived at the door. The man who had done
this deed was also with them. Baba, with great
courage, told the subedar, "Are you the
one to search me? Come, come and search, and I
will also see you." Our house and the
grandparents' house were like one, as there was
no wall in between. They were heading straight
for the grandparents' house when Baba shouted,
"That is my uncle's house; this is my house. It
is illegal for you to raid someone's house
without reason." Then they made a cursory search
and left. They found nothing at all. On the way,
they said, "Sain, we have clashed with a strong
man." But where would Baba Sain let them go?
Straight away, the next day, he went to
Mirpurkhas and filed a case against the
subedar. The case was very strong. He was
transferred immediately. The threat of losing
his job loomed. He came and fell at Baba's feet,
begged for forgiveness, but how would he let him
off? In the British government, there was
justice. Eventually, he lost his job too and sat
at home. That was Mukhi Gul Muhammad! He praised
Ama, saying, "If you hadn't shown this
cleverness, my honour would have been lost."
In
our entire Qazi neighbourhood, too, when both
used to go to Bua Sukhiyani’s place, the whole
neighbourhood would gather, saying, "Ada Gul and
Adi Wasandi have come." There, in the lively
gathering and laughter, who could match Ama?
Just what can I say? Baba and Ama were blessings
bestowed by nature, the more value given to
them, the less it was, but what to do, time
slipped out of hand, just spent in pampering.
Now what will happen? I can give them prayers
that peace and blessings of Allah be upon them,
Insha'Allah, Ameen.
Yet another incident. Stories of fields,
friendship, enmity, companionship! One of our
fields, I have forgotten its location , if
remembered, I will write it, was very fertile;
it yielded large measure of grain. In its front,
which we used to call serho [boundary
strip]. Others' fields were also there; they
were of the Hala caste. They claimed that
serho was theirs. Our Baba had cultivated it
because that was our front line. What they did
was make a secret plan that before the Mukhi's
people come to collect the grain, we will take
it away. What will the Mukhi do then? They were
also powerful, meaning, veterans of battle too.
Our Baba's espionage was also not weak; he got
the news. Baba already had those four companions
with him; the haris [farmers] were also
bound by his command. They too had prepared.
Taking one or two men with them, carrying sticks
and axes, they arrived at the field. Baba Sain
also arrived. He shouted, "If you are men, come
forward; but if you touch the field, remember,
my name is Mukhi Gul Muhammad! I will make you
run like anything." They engaged in a little
scuffle, but finally, they gave up asking, "Sain
[Sir], forgive us, we made a mistake." Baba
ordered his men, "Collect the grain and put it
in." Just the order was needed; heaps of sheaves
piled up. He stationed four strong men, saying,
"Until the grain is threshed and ready, don't
move from here." He filed a case against them,
got three or four men jailed, obtained
apologies, and only then did he let them go.
They never moved in that direction again.
The story about the fields shown above, let me
start it again, as there is a point of purpose
in it - all the stories, you offspring have
heard many, but let me write them down again.
After Dada's death, for quite some time,
everything went on quietly. All family members
proceeded; the fields were also in our
possession. But the two fields that were in Bua
Bhagul's name, Dada had also written the deeds
[land record/deed] for those in her name. Mama
Umer was afraid of Dada; secondly, he would also
yield due to his sister (Ama). But Baba would
keep them in his possession. What happened was
that Baba had a dispute with Muhammad Usman
Diplai over something. He incited my Mama, "Gul
is appropriating the grain from your fields; why
don't you have it yourselves?" They said,
"Brother Gul is a powerful man. He won't even
let us come near." Ama also forbade her
brothers, "Don't confront Gul." Finally, urged
on by Diplai, Bua Bhagul also became adamant,
"My father gave these fields to me. What will
Ada Gul do?" They got their haris and
ploughed the field, and Baba's people's eyes
opened. They cautioned them, "You have done a
difficult thing," but they didn't relent.
Estrangement occurred. Baba held back Ama in our
house not allowing her to even see her brothers.
Still, nothing happened. Baba finally went and
appealed. Then the matter came to a head, and
Diplai got his chance. He used to live in
Mirpurkhas itself. He took the land papers from
Bua Bhagul and came. Go on, Sain, the matter
slipped out of hand. Police and court - may good
come of it. Baba had won other cases all his
life, so he thought it was nothing, but right
remained right! Their old claim from Nana's side
remained; that resurfaced. Hearings upon
hearings began! On top of that, three years of
continuous drought! Everything became entangled.
Diplai also got a chance to harass Baba. So,
articles in newspapers, various kinds of
propaganda - he really gave him no peace.
Moreover, at Ehsan's behest, pressure was put on
Baba regarding Ama, "Look, Wasu's brothers are
doing this." There, Mama Umer got a job with
Atta Muhammad Pali in Mirpurkhas. Mama Ahmed's
tailoring shop was also flourishing. Both
prospered well, and our house came crashing
down. Nothing came from the fields. Ama's
jewelry also went into pawn. Then Chacha Maulvi
said, "Tell this woman Wasandi to broker peace,
so that life may be spared, otherwise, who knows
where this affair will leave you." There, Baba
also retreated a bit. There was a wall between
the two courtyards. My uncles were longing even
to see their sister's face. They would bring
fruit and call us, but we couldn't go. Finally,
one day, Mama Umer brought fruit from Mirpurkhas
to Nani Kariman’s house. Nani Kariman was Ama’s
maternal aunt and her daughter, Masi Asudi (this
was Muhammad Mian's mother). They both got along
very well with my uncles. They said, "Masi,
make some excuse and call our sister Wasi and
the girls (me) too. This fruit is stuck in our
throats." Nani made some excuse and called Ama.
I remember that well; I was always with Ama.
Brothers Umer and Ahmed cried and fell at Ama's
feet, saying, "Adi, you have ruined our
happiness." Ama said, "Brothers, you have hung
my husband high and dry. I will not eat this
fruit! I won't do that." She quoted this verse
of Marui:
"Umer, how can I
sleep in comforters? My husband dwells in the
dew,
Laugh not at the rug,
Umer, do not act thus."
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
"Umer, how can blemished women
wear white clothes,
Whose husbands in the deserts endure taunts?
Those disloyal to their
consorts, how can they be deemed chaste, O
Soomra?"
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
"Brother,
when calamity lifts from Gul, then I will eat
these fruits
- then sweep away the dust from the deceased's
shroud, so I may return to Malir."
 Pegs
of love, innumerable, driven in heart!
Now let's come to the love for the sister, whose
name was Sukhbai, but Baba used to call her
Sukhiyani. Mother had passed away; the sister
was little. He had raised her with much
affection and love. She was the brother’s
darling. She would command, and Baba considered
giving his life a small matter! Dada also loved
his daughter very much. Fortunes are made by
Allah Sain, but work is done through human
hands. According to his father's guidance, Dada
Umer's (grand father of Qazi Ali Muhammad)
youngest, most affectionate, and virtuous son,
whose name was Maulvi Muhammad, he arranged his
daughter's marriage with him. Chacha Maulvi had
a government job. Anyway, he was a man of the
highest calibre and virtues. So was our Bua
Sahiba. Sensible, wise, intelligent,
God-fearing, possessing the qualities of
humility, modesty, and truthfulness – meaning,
she was like a darvesh. Just as she was
Mukhi Manjhi's daughter – sensible, wise,
intelligent, God-fearing – she got a husband of
the same calibre. That was great fortune that
she found compatibility, Alhamdulillah.
The sister got married. The brother was always
at the sister's command. The lineage continued,
but it wasn't quite fruitful. Many children were
born but passed away at a young age. Eventually,
after much longing, Adi Bhanbai was born. She
barely survived, but Bua fell ill due to the
grief over those children. For her, medicine,
remedies, hakeems [traditional
physician], tabeebs [physician], asking
wise men was also Gul Muhammad's job. Chacha had
his own job and prayers. That darvesh-like
nature! Finally, Ada Qazi Ahmed was born. He too
remained ill. Asking pirs and faqirs
for him was also our Baba's responsibility. Bua
used to call Ada Qazi Ahmed "Allahdino"
[God-given]. He couldn't even walk until he was
four or five years old. Bua got a spiritual
indication to take him to Bodlo Pir, and he
would get well. Chacha Sahib used to shy away
from such things. So she told Baba, "Ads Gul,
this indication has been received." Baba said,
"Your command. You pack the bags; I'll get the
camel ready and present myself right away."
Well, Sain, within five minutes, the camel,
along with the camel rider was ready, and he
himself went along. There, by the power of Rab
Pak, just reaching was needed, Ada started
walking, holding the camel's saddle strap.
Thanks and congratulations. He was very happy.
There, Chacha Sahib's faith in the prayers of
pirs and faqirs was established. Then
again, our Ama's presence! The promise Baba Sain
had sought on the first night, "Do not complain
about Sukhiyani and Ehsan at all; accept their
command too as if upon your head and eyes." Bua
Sahiba used to have some kind of pain, I don't
know what type, like a lump rising in her chest,
and my Ama, who was skilled in every art, had
figured out the trick to reduce it; she would
instantly reduce it. Bua would almost die from
it. I remember that well, that whenever, at
whatever time, even midnight, there was no fixed
time for that pain to occur, Chacha Sahib would
call from the door, "Mukhi Sahib, your sister is
in pain." Well, he would get up, whether
grinding grain or cooking food, meaning,
whatever the engagement, at Baba's command, she
would run. Baba would follow, ready anyway. In
that love, in that affection, there was never
any decrease. Although, it was true that my Bua
appreciated my Ama. If Ada Ehsan acted
highhandedly, she would not let him go
scot-free. She would assert her point and get
Ama justice. Then Baba also reached the final
stage of life, but by then Bua was taken by Ada
Qazi to Hyderabad with him. Baba felt her
separation greatly and missed her dearly.
Sometimes he would make Ama sing verses of Shah
Sain. I remember those too: "The beloved will
lift the door – desolate soul will be revived –
he will bring my companions safely."
Sometimes he would write this in letters. He
would make me write those letters, as his
eyesight had weakened and his hands also
trembled.
"The fine needle
stitched my soul with the Marus [people of
Marui's tribe].
Sitting, I remember, O Soomra, the shrubs and
grass.
My heart is there; here are dust and flesh.
Among the huts, is the
life breath, the body is in the fort."
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Bua and family went to Hyderabad in 1945. Baba
Sain passed away in 1949. During that time, Bua
and family used to visit. Finally, when the
illness worsened greatly, he started sending
messages, "Let my Sukhiyani show me her face."
She, poor soul, was dependent on others. When
things worked out well, Ama would also give
reassurances, "Don't worry; Insha'Allah,
she will soon come and meet you." I remember our
Qazi Sahib went to Karachi to buy goods for his
shop. Baba told him, "Tell my Sukhiyani that now
your brother is about to depart; come and show
your face." And he gave this verse of Shah Sain:
"Before the
arrival of the beloved, O death, do not slay me.
Let me see my friend,
then take my breath; do not threaten me from
afar."
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
And so it happened. Bua and family arrived on
the night of the 9th of Hajj, and on the
morning of the 10th, the day of Eid-ul-Azha, at
Fajr time, my beloved Baba departed. As if he
was just waiting for that meeting! That came to
pass. That is a long story. As the time of Bua’s
arrival drew near, he told Ama, "Wasu, prepare
good food; my Sukh is coming." When she arrives,
tell me slowly, lest my heart stops, lest I
don’t see Sukhiyani. Ama said, "Mian, keep a
brave heart; Insha'Allah, you will meet
and be happy, chat too; don't be disheartened."
By Maghrib time, Bua and Chacha Maulvi Sahib
arrived. Ama went to meet them immediately. Bua
got that same pain. Ama already knew the remedy
for it. Doing that, she came and told Baba,
"Congratulations to you, your Sukh has arrived
and is happy; Insha'Allah, she will come
shortly after resting." Then he said:
"The raven came
near, bringing good news, O dear one!
Heart's desires were fulfilled, the soul
became happy,
Allah brought the
beloved; my calls were answered."
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Thus he kept longing for his sister. Bua came
with great affection. Brother and sister met. I
still remember that state today. Baba Sain felt
immense joy. Writing this, tears still come to
my eyes today, thinking, where did such true
affection come from? Ama had prepared seero
[a sweet semolina dish] and pulao. With
great enthusiasm, sitting beside Baba, Bua and
Chacha Maulvi Sahib ate. They ate and were very
happy. Then she said, "Sister, I have kept many
things stored up for you. Sit down when you are
free; let me pour out my heart's secrets." But
alas, barely had they sat down when Parto
Moosani, my Ama Saphian's nephew, arrived. Baba
didn't like his arrival but couldn't say
anything to guest. After Isha, Qazi Sahib also
came. Baba used to be very happy seeing him,
saying, "Ilahi Mevo [Divine Fruit] has arrived"
– that was a loving call for Qazi Sahib. But
sadly, due to Parto's presence, Baba couldn't
share any heartfelt words with Bua. Bua and
family left by midnight. Early morning, he sent
Ama, "Quickly bring Sukh, lest someone comes and
again I cannot speak." Ama was bound by the
order, but Bua had come after many days; at that
time, the custom of visits by neighbours was
also strong; Bua was a very sociable lady, so
crowds of people! Finally, the poor woman took
leave from everyone and came, but two or three
people were sitting with Baba. Meaning,
conversation couldn't happen. Baba, sick, got
tired. He said:
"They remained
in the heart – I couldn't share them with
anyone,
The secrets of my
heart, I couldn't share with anyone."
Time passed quickly. We didn't even know that
this meeting was for such a short time. Night
fell. I didn't go to Baba that night as it was
Eid night, and I had to give clothes to people.
I was sewing clothes for my children, Geena,
Janu – all that work was piled up, so I couldn't
go. Bua and family were sitting; general
conversation took place. Qazi Sahib was also
sitting with them. At two o'clock, Qazi Sahib
came. I asked, "You are very late today." He
said, "Today Seth Waddo [the Elder, referring to
Baba] was in a very good mood and talked a lot.
We also enjoyed it and stayed sitting. While I
was leaving, Seth Sahib asked Mami Sahiba,
“Ilahi Mevo hasn't greeted me. Call him so I can
answer him." Ama called Qazi Sahib. He returned
from the door and said, "Sain, I greeted you."
Baba Sain said, "I didn't hear properly. Now you
say Assalamu Alaikum to me, so I can say
Wa Alaikum Assalam." That happened. Then
he said, "May you always be happy and
prosperous." We had no idea this was the last
meeting. My Bua had two sons: one Qazi Ahmed
Sahib, the other Qazi Abdur Rehman Sahib. The
eldest was Adi Bhanbai; Adi Taj Bai, whom they
called Tajan, who was Amina's mother, was
married to Qazi Muhammad Usman. She was Ada Qazi
Sahib's step-sister. In step-relation, Ada
Qazi's former wife, Mai Saphian, was very gentle
and humble, but Ada Qazi apparently didn't get
along well with her. Everyone has their own
destiny. That poor woman had one child, who
passed away after three days. A year later, Ada
Qazi married again. The Siddiqanis arranged that
marriage with great enthusiasm. Ama had arranged
that match. Bua, as well as Chacha Maulvi Sahib,
tried hard to restrain that relation, but Ama
had already convinced Ada Qazi. Masi Halima was
Ama's friend, so she also supported Ama, and
destiny, written by Allah Sain, also happened,
so the match was made.
Love
Incapacitated me
Now, Baba's love for Mukhi Muhammad Ehsan,
mentioned earlier. He had instructed Ama, "Don't
even mention Ehsan's hardships or discomforts to
me." And my loyal mother, again, never
complained to Baba Sain. He sometimes
understood, but his love for Ehsan was
boundless, like that for his sister. Though
every parent loves their offspring, that is a
glory of nature that He has placed that love and
affection in parents' hearts for their children,
but this case was different. As Ahmed Mallah
Sahib says:
The sun does not
offer brightness itself,
Mother and father do not offer their
affection by themselves,
It is the kindness of the One Lord alone,
O servant, then leave duality,
In the heart, O believer, hold onto the rope
of Oneness,
The world is a place to
overlook [faults].
Some affections and loves are exemplary. Among
those exemplary loves was one: Baba Sain's for
Ada Ehsan. Baba arranged the marriage of his
dear son alongside his own, to Nana Moledino's
daughter Rajbai. Ama and Baba used to say she
was a good, virtuous, and loyal girl and was
very faithful. Baba used to call her ‘Ama Raj’,
and in response, she would say, "Ji Mama!"
She never just said "Ji" alone, but what
to do, it's a matter of fate that she didn't get
her chance with her husband. In the ninth month,
sister Samani was born, and Ama gave birth to
Hoorbai, upon whom Baba lovingly bestowed his
own mother's name, and he blessed Samani,
saying, "She will be my Samani [the one with
good respect]." Ada Muhammad Ehsan, who was
Baba's beloved son, took unfair advantage of
that love. He wouldn't listen to anyone, so much
so that he wouldn't even listen to Baba himself!
Whatever he pleased! Moreover, expenses, income
from fields and farming, or the money Baba
earned from writing petitions, he would give all
to Ada. Thus, he became more and more the
master. Who could question him, lest he is
provoked? No one had the courage. He made all
the family members yearn for ordinary household
articles. Not just Ama Saphian, but he would
also tell Baba, "Aba, you have troubled me
greatly." Eventually, Hoor and Samani turned
ten. My Bhabhi, who was Samani's mother,
gave birth to a stillborn son in the eighth
month and passed away herself along with him -
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un [To
Allah we belong and to Him we shall return]. The
poor girl, Adi Samani, was left crying "Ama, Ama".
Her mother's heart was also greatly attached to
her. Then Nani and Dadi, Ama Saphian, and Ama
raised Adi Samani.
Baba Sain's son became alone, so Baba placed his
own cot next to his son's. After some time, he
started efforts for his marriage, but success
wasn't seen anywhere. Everyone said, "Brother
Gul! You are respected in our eyes, but your son
is stubborn; we are afraid." He used to feel
very sad. Sometimes he would also feel despair,
but he didn't lose heart. Remembering Shah
Sahib, he would say,
"Trudge through heat and cold; it's not time to
sit."
Sometimes he would console himself, "Don’t
lose hope; the Affectionate is all Giver.”
Finally, one day, Umer Partani, who was Baba's
neighbour and also a close relative (Ama
Saphian's paternal cousin's son), said, "Mian
Gul Muhammad, here is Kaka Laiqdino; his
daughter Walhbai is a good girl. They are poor,
indeed, they have nothing. If you give your
daughter in exchange to Ahmed, they will give
you the match for Ehsan. I can get this done for
you." Baba was tired by then; he agreed. In a
day or two, consent was given. Baba was happy,
but Dada said, "Gul, you will marry off Ehsan,
but you haven't thought about Hoor at all.
Hunger is crying out in their home!" He replied,
"Aba, I have, as if, sacrificed Hoor for Ehsan."
In that marriage, another incident occurred. Ada
Ehsan's wedding was happening with great
longing, so all the neighbours had clothes made.
According to the customs of that time, customary
bangles were worn by all women. Ivory bangles
used to come from Umerkot. They came for the
bride too, but Ada Ehsan didn't arrange them for
Ama. My mother had prepared the entire bridal
clothing with her own hands and was doing the
wedding work with great enthusiasm. Until seven
days before, according to the old custom, they
used to perform bukki [a pre-wedding
ritual], meaning the wedding started, and that
night songs were also sung; it was the first
wedding ritual.
Bua Rahiman, Baba's Bua Lalbai's daughter, who
was married in Saro [a nearby village], was also
invited. All daughters were invited; everyone
came. Everyone came to our house and put up the
hearths with great joy. It was a very happy
atmosphere. Baba didn't even know that Ehsan
hadn't arranged bangles for Wasu. Then Bua saw
that everyone, turn by turn, put on bangles, but
Ama didn't get any. She asked, "Brother Gul,
this Wasu is walking around with bare wrists.
Where are her bangles?" He said, "Sister, ask
Ehsan; I don't know." Then Sain Muhammad Ehsan
Sahib was asked. He said, "What bangles! Wasu's
bangles are still perfectly fine." Bua got very
angry. She said, "Brother Gul, this is such
injustice! I am taking off these bangles given
to me. With what face will we walk? What will
people say?" Then, since ivory was in Umerkot,
rubber bangles were brought from Haji Obhayo's
shop in Diplo. My Ama wore those. Even then, the
poor woman was happy, saying, "How can I be
annoyed? Gul's only son is getting married. Gul
will be upset. I am accustomed to sorrows?
Sassui and sorrows went entwining themselves
together." Then she said:
"Sorrows have
fostered me, worries have reared me,
Comforts, says the Syed, I was not even
balloted,
Perhaps I was a
fragment of the vine of woes.”
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
My
poor mother had indeed received sorrows in the
cradle like Sassui. But "What can anyone do to
her whose bond is with Punhoon Jam?" She was
controlled by Baba Sain's indication; how could
the world know? Muhammad Ehsan Sahib became the
groom and came home. Ama and Ama Saphian, poor
souls, were dependent on Ehsan while Baba was
still alive. On top of that, Walhbai arrived,
adding fuel to the fire. After a short time, the
tune began: "Wasu feeds her relatives," and
"Saphian is gluttonous; she eats away
everything." The grain store was locked. Grain
was given by measure. Helpless even for a morsel
of food. Samani grew up, attending to Walhbai's
children and serving her. Walhbai became the
queen bee. These poor women worked and also
endured reproaches! Money was given by Sain
[Ehsan] only then would even comb and soap
arrive. As time went on, Samani and Hoor grew
up; they also got married. Dowry etc. was given
according to means, and they reached their
homes. Samani still ended up in a better place,
but poor Hoor, again, faced the same poverty.
Ignorant and unworthy people, and lack of
appreciation. More sorrow for Ama! She carried
on with a brave heart. Baba Sain lacked no
praise for Ama. Ama, being skilled with her
hands, passed her time with her embroidery etc.
Hoor had one child miscarry, then another at
three months miscarried. That sorrow too. In
between, Mama Ahmed fell ill. He had TB.
Finally, in January 1942, he passed away. Naheed
was nine days old when he passed away. He said,
"One has arrived, the other is leaving. You
remain the same in numbers." Then Hoor Bai
became pregnant again. One, hunger and hardship;
second, the burden of children. Where could
comfort be found? Praying to Allah, nine months
were completed. In April 1943, Nasim was born to
Samani, and twenty days later, Hoor gave birth
to a son. I was in Mithi at that time for the
final exam. In the meantime, the boy was born.
Everyone was very happy. Baba, Ama, and Hoor
felt as if breath had returned to a dead soul.
But alas, that happiness was only for three
days. I didn't even know that this happy
occasion had arrived or if it was just a gust of
wind to end soon. So, after taking the exam, I
bought two clay toys shaped like parrots from
the market, which I liked very much – one for
niece Nasim and one, hopefully, for Hoor's
child. I had no idea that the piece of the moon
would make his mother pine and then take the
mother along with him!
I
have narrated that sad story earlier - the sad
demise of our Hoor. Baba and Ama, both, all day
and night, calling "Hoor, Hoor", reciting Shah
Sain, sat comforting their sorrows. She was not
to return, nor did she return. That time also
passed. Hoor had been gone barely five months
when suspicions arose in Baba. It was also
possible Ada Ehsan might have incited him about
it, Wallahu A'lam, true or false, may the Lord
forgive supposition. Baba said, "I don't know
how long I will live. Hoor's sorrow has killed
me. Let it not happen that Wasu claims her
rights in the property, causing trouble for
Ehsan." So one day, quietly, on Friday, after
praying the Jummah prayer in the Jamia Masjid,
he made this announcement: "All those sitting in
the mosque, listen! I have handed over all my
property, including fields and house, to my son
Ehsan. My wife and daughter have no connection
with it." People were all astonished that a wise
and intelligent man like Mukhi Gul was doing
this, but what could anyone do? Chacha Maulvi
Muhammad came home and told Bua, "Mukhi Gul
Muhammad has committed a grave injustice today.
He has deprived two rightful heirs of their
rights. He has made this announcement." Bua was
also deeply saddened. Ama didn't even know; the
poor woman was devastated by Hoor's grief. She
neither remembered property nor had awareness of
the world. Her only lament was, "The sorrow
for the camel riders is etched in my soul."
Finally, Baba came to Bua in the evening as
usual. Bua asked him, "Ada, what have you done
today? The ground has slipped from under my
feet. This poor, wretched Wasu, struck by
sorrows, where will she go? That Ehsan, will he
let you escape the Hereafter? The Day of
Judgement is very difficult. Ask forgiveness
from Allah and reconcile with your wife. What
will the helpless woman do?" Your son, only God
knows, will provide even for you.” And then,
indeed, it happened that way. Some time later,
Baba himself stopped going to the fields. Sain
became the master. Scarcity ensued even for
food! Baba, now repented his decision. So one
day he called for Arbab Taj Muhammad, Ada
Muhammad Haroon and Qazi Abdul Rahman – seating
them, Baba reserved five of the fields for
himself . He made a written document, took their
signatures as witnesses, and entrusted Arbab,
saying, "After my death, though in the official
documents these fields will remain in the name
of Ehsan, but the produce will go to Wasu. If
Ehsan causes any trouble in this, help my wife."
Arbab Taj Muhammad gave assurance with a very
large heart, "Sain Mukhi Sahib, Ama is my
sister, my mother. If she commands, Muhammad
Ehsan won't even be able to pass through this
land." That's it, whatever fortunes held, that's
what was received. Arbab sahib made all the
worldly arrangements he could.
These heart-wrenching things shouldn't be
written, but it's also true that writing them
instills the fear of God, which every person
should possess because Shah Sahib has said:
These few
moments you witness, O simple one, may not stray
you,
Remember those nights
that will come when you will be alone.
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Every person learns this lesson from their
experiences and should keep it. In July 1949, my
Aziz Wadi [elder] was born. Poor Baba was
waiting in the hope that my daughter would have
a son, so he sat waiting with hope. Ama informed
him, "Fatima has given birth to a daughter this
time too." Tears came into poor Baba's eyes. He
said, "Wasu, you have killed me. Now I won't
live, but 'I will go and plead earnestly for
the sake of the Kechis'." That very day,
Baba fell ill with fever. Ada Ehsan made some
taunt. At that, Baba said, "Ehsan, you may do as
you please, but I too am praying earnestly to my
God. That Lord is very great. My daughter will
have a pair of sons. They will have long lives,
be fortunate and obedient. They will make my
daughter's name bright. Insha'Allah,
Allah Sain, the great Benevolent wills it." He
told Ama, Don't be grieved at all. Allah will
make it happen, you will see, but alas, I will
not see it." Baba's illness worsened, and when
Aziz was three months old, Baba departed from us
on October 10, 1949, during the month of Hajj,
on the day of Eid, at Fajr time. Ama
asked, "Mian, to whom are you entrusting me?" He
raised his finger and looked towards Allah.
"Death may not come before, but I may not live
after; the sight of beloved comforts my going.”
Then Ama said, "I will
go crying out to Kech, bearing witness with woes
as my companions – I will not live without the
Jats."
Poor, my helpless mother, left to Ehsan's mercy,
Baba departed. He asked for forgiveness
profusely from Ama during his illness. "Wasu,
forgive me." Finally, Ama said, "Mian, it is my
fate. I have forgiven you. If I had even one
son, perhaps you wouldn't have done this, but
what can I do? That inheritance of a son was not
granted to me, what fault is it of yours?
'Whom can I blame? Fate did this to me'."
If I were to write this story,
the mountains might crumble. As Sassui says:
If I reveal even
a particle of the reality of this state,
Silence would fall upon the wild beasts,
mountains would crumble down,
Trees would burn away,
vegetation wouldn't rise.
–
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Then the cries that split the sky
that Ama uttered, I cannot write them here, for
my heart breaks, my liver shatters into pieces.
What can I write, what can I possibly write?
Sometimes, when Baba came strongly to her
memory, she would utter lamentations. There is
not an iota of exaggeration in this. These were
Ama's words, which I remember even today:
I pleaded
relentlessly,
My beloved did not return,
The bonds of the Baloch were tied in the
cradle,
Messengers, I sent to Kech, seeking the
beloved,
Enduring the sorrows of the beloved became my
lot,
O sisters, Abdul Latif
says, ‘Arianis’ will come.
- Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Time and again, she would lament. That Sassui
had received sorrows in the cradle. It cannot be
written down, the plea goes forth to be
accepted. May Allah grant both my parents a
place in the supreme gardens of
Jannat-ul-Firdaus and forgive their
shortcomings, faults, mistakes, sins, whatever
occurred due to human frailties. Because humans
are always errant; mistakes will always happen.
May that Merciful Master, who is Ar-Raḥmān
ur-Raḥīmeen, seeing our errors and yet forgive
them. May He bestow His grace and kindness upon
them, look upon them with forgiveness. May He
keep them under His protection from the trials
of the Day of Resurrection and make them worthy
of the intercession of the Noble Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him) and raise
them smiling in the company of the believers.
Insha'Allah, Ameen.
May this prayer
be: may their place be in Paradise,
May their intercessor be the Leader of the
Worlds himself,
May their salvation from the trials of
Resurrection be granted,
Ameen, Summa Ameen.
May the Leader of the Messengers, the Mercy to
the Worlds, the Leader of Nations, the Comfort
of the Lovers intercede for them, so that they
both rise with smiling faces. Ameen, Ameen,
Summa Ameen, Insha'Allah. May the Able,
the Generous, accept this humble plea through
His grace. Ameen.
In
our town of Diplo, the system of Panchāyat
[village assembly] existed from the beginning.
There were three main neighbouhoods: Mukhi
Muhammad Ehsan's [great grandfather of my
father] neighbourhood, Mukhi Waraya's
neighbourhood whose Mukhi was Ahmed, and the
neighbourhood of the Wāṇiyan [Hindu
traders], whose Mukhis were Balo Mal and
Tilokchand. If any poor person faced difficulty
or trouble, or suffered harm from an oppressor,
everyone would gather, make a decision, and
provide redress for their valid complaint. But
gradually, the honour of our Dada’s family
increased because they were the foremost great
landlords – there wasn’t a village area in the
entire Diplo taluka where they didn’t own
land. They also had considerable money, while
the other Mukhis were weaker in these aspects.
Due to this reason, the importance of our Dada
Sain increased.
More people used to come and go to Dada Sain’s
place; they would also receive loans and
dealings from them because they were mostly
their peasants and tenants. Due to this, not
among the Hindu Mukhis, but within our own
community, some envy also arose. To such an
extent that when my great grandfather Misri had
a son, the late Mukhi Ahmed sent all the women
for congratulations but told them, "The Mukhi
will give you dried coconut (a custom at the
time of birth of a son). Take those in the first
instance, but leave all behind when you get up
to leave. Let Mukhi Misri's coconuts go to
waste; he won't be able to do anything." They
did exactly that. After some time, a son was
born in Mukhi Ahmed’s family. What did our great
grandfather Misri do? He gathered the women of
the neighbourhood and told them all, "The Mukhi,
out of magnanimity, will give four pieces of
dried coconut each. You collect these.” Finally,
one woman, who was the cleverest and smartest
among them all, he told her, "Give a signal to
everyone, so that suddenly all of you pick up
the coconuts and come away. Then they themselves
will be embarrassed!" And he also said, "Why
should we return the favour given?" After that,
Mukhi Ahmed's family never committed such an act
again. That too is a lesson of sorts. Our
ancestors were so wise that they never let
matters slip from thier hands. They would strike
back, but without resorting to any unethical
act, they would teach the opponent a lesson.
There are many such examples of our great
grandfather Misri.
Before great grandfather Sain passed away, he
instructed his sons – one of whom was my Dada
Muhammad Manjhi, and the other my Nana Jan
Muhammad – "Aba, these Umeranis, who are now
called Qazis, are very pious, righteous, and
humble. Do not let them slip from your hands,"
meaning, maintain marriage ties with them
through your sons and daughters. "They will
never betray you." This is a great example, as
eleven daughters from our household came into
Qazi families. That was the jewel of his
foresight and ability to judge character.
My
Dada Mukhi Manjhi was an extremely intelligent,
wise, pious, prayerful, and poor-cherishing
person. God Almighty elevated him so much that
his sustenance increased many levels above his
father's. To such an extent that if there were
poor households in our town, or if some rural
people came to them, they would weigh out money
[silver coins] on scales and give it to them.
Poor people would do a little trade in the rural
areas to make a living for their children and
would give him many blessings. The important
thing was that they held nothing adverse against
anyone. For this reason, the poor and needy
would bring their complaints only to them. Their
influence was such that people would obey their
word. Once, there was an incident. In our town,
there was a poor Hindu man, but he was mentally
compromised, whom people commonly called "Ram
Charyo" [Ram, the mad]. His actual name was also
Ram. He would do some act or another for which
people would beat him too. Dada would shield
him, scold the people, appease him, feed him,
give him drink, and send him off. Once, Ram
Charyo took some girders belonging to the
Wāṇiyan that were lying around and threw
them into the Wāṇiyan's well, which we
used to call the Balo’s Well – which still
exists today. At this, the Wāṇiyan gave
him a beating. He came limping, picked Dada up
onto his shoulder, and ran off. My Dadi, who was
sitting right opposite, cried out to Baba, "Aba
Gul, Ram Charyo has carried off your father!"
Baba said, "Ama, what are you saying?" He came
running and saw that indeed, Baba wasn't there!
Upon asking, she said, "He carried him off
towards the Wāṇiyan's houses." Baba says,
"What did I see that a crowd of people
gathered." Upon asking, the matter became clear.
Then, gathering four or five men, he had the
girders pulled out and given to the Wāṇiyan,
then they returned. Poor Ram received justice
and started jumping with joy. He said: "Manjhi
Mukhi nā marē, manā bachāyō. Manjhi Mukhi tūn nā
marē" (May Mukhi Manjhi not die, who saved me.
Mukhi Manjhi, may you not die).
Dada was so generous that he
wouldn't eat breakfast in the morning until he
had fed some poor person along with himself. He
was pious and prayerful. After praying the
Fajr namaz in the morning, I remember this
too, there was a man of the Dars caste named
Siddique, whom they called Siddu Dars; he would
mostly feed him along with himself. I saw this
too, that Dada would be very happy feeding him,
whenever a petitioner ate and left satisfied. He
also had great faith in the Panjtan Pak. Every
Friday, sweet rice would be cooked in our house,
and Dada Parto Dars or anyone else who came, he
would seat them inside the house and feed them,
and give to other poor people as well.
Drought and rains come and go in Thar, just as
heat and cold, ups and downs occur in human
life. These all play with humankind, but some
things or memories are such that hearing or
seeing them imparts great lessons. What happened
was that a severe famine struck Hindustan.
People began to die from hunger. People ate the
leaves of trees. Finally, distressed, they came
from Kutch Bhuj to our town Diplo because it was
close to them. These people were Marwāṛā
by caste. Hordes upon hordes arrived and settled
in our wathāṇ [cattle ground]. When Dada
learned that these people had arrived in hunger
and misery, he immediately summoned his men, had
large pots of rice cooked, and made a general
announcement: "Baba, whoever comes, feed them
until they are full." This continued for
thirteen full days. People would eat, feed their
children, move on to other regions, and go
giving blessings. As they left, they gave this
verse (according to the Vikrama Samvat era, it
was the year of 'Chhapan' [fifty-six], which we
call Chowanjāh):
"O Chhapana famine year, may you
never come into this world again! In Diplo,
Manjhi Mukhi, the generous one, shines – he
fills the stomachs of the hungry – O Chhapana
famine year!"
The verse was quite long, but I
remember these words that I used to hear from
Ama and Baba. My Dada had two wives. Among them
was my Baba's mother, whose name was Hoor Bai.
From her, there was Baba Sain and my Bua Sukhbai,
whom Baba affectionately called Sukhiyani.
Dada's second wife, whose name was Veerbai, was
the paternal aunt (Puphi) of Muhammad
Usman Diplai, and her mother, whose name was
Tajbai, was also a very clever woman; I saw her
too. She was very sensible, wise, and
discerning, but she wasn't happy in her
marriage. Her husband wasn't from such a
high-status family; he was also somewhat an
uncouth type of man. But daughters' fates, who
knows where they end up stuck? However, she was
a very honourable woman. She passed her time
with honour and departed with dignity.
Our Dadi was also quite sensible. They were poor
people, but among them, she was good and
sensible. My Ama used to relate that she would
tell, "Ama, as long as a matter is in the
stomach [kept secret], the person is above it,
and the matter is below. But once the matter
comes out, the person is below, and the matter
is above." Meaning, don't share your inner
thoughts even with someone very close to your
heart. If absolutely necessary, then share only
with someone from whom some way forward might
emerge.
In Sindhi, they say, “Ningīan
jōṛā ta piyass ghōṛā” [Meaning: Once spoken,
it's gone swift as horses]. Meaning 'Once it
leaves the tongue, the wind carries it away.'
There's an old Sindhi verse: “Muṭh bhēṛiyā'ī
bhalī – 'Upaṭī ta wā', Padhar wadī gālhiṛī–Ta
chhaḍī wēndī sā'.” [A closed fist is good –
opened, it's wind! Opened a large matter –
leaves only a trace behind]. Dadi Veer Bai bore
our Dada seven daughters, no son survived; three
of the daughters passed away at a young age, and
four grew up. Among them, the eldest was my Bua
Kariman, Bua Asiyat, Bua Bhagil (who was the
wife of my Mama Muhammad Umer) while Bua Kariman
was given to Mama Ghulam Muhammad Janwani, who
was his nephew. Bua Asiyat was given to Qazi
sahib's brother, Ada Muhammad Haroon. My Mama
Ahmed and Muhammad Umer were both given two
daughters [in marriage from Dada's family]. The
elder daughter, whom he called Panil - I was
later called Panil after her name. And my Bua
Sukhiyani, Baba Sain's beloved sister, was given
to Uncle Maulvi Muhammad. He too, by the grace
of God Almighty, possessed superior virtues.
Pious, prayerful, extremely simple-hearted, full
of humility and justice – meaning he had
dervish-like qualities. As one might say,
“Samey sunjāṇī bēṛō badhō bānhan mēñ,” [Samo
recognized the right connection and secured it].
Just as Mukhi Manjhi's daughter was sensible,
wise, discerning, and God-fearing, such was the
husband she received. That was great fortune
that, Alhamdulillah, she found compatibility.
My Dada
and Nana had a dispute over property. How much
parental property there was, I have no idea, but
Dada Sain himself had increased it considerably.
When the time came for the division of property,
Nana said, "Give me the complete half." There
were sixty fields in total. Dada Sain's wish
was, "I'll keep ten fields due to my position as
Mukhi; the rest we can divide half and half."
Nana didn't agree to this. Finally, Pir Bhawan
Shah of Badin (they also called him Bhawan Shan,
Rider of the Ocean) – the matter went to him for
a decision. Sain tried hard to persuade Nana and
also prayed for him, "Accept your elder
brother's word." The Panchāyat also gave
the same decision, but Nana absolutely did not
budge. Finally, frustrated, Pir Sain said, "Mukhi
Manjhi, may all your fields be sweet and
fruitful, and may seven generations have these,
sweet and fruitful. Jani doesn't agree, so be
it; otherwise, from my side, the matter is
closed." Dada used to send some grain etc., but
Nana would return it. Anyway, after some time,
reconciliation occurred, based on the thought,
"Brother, if I didn't partake, let it be, but
let my daughters have." Thinking this, Dada and
Nana became close again. Two daughters – one was
my Ama's cousin and my Nana's niece, who was
Nana Maulidino's daughter, her name was Rajbai –
she was given to his grandson Ehsan, and my Ama
was given to my Baba. Dada felt great sorrow
that brother Jani wouldn't take the property.
"There is accountability before Allah." Then,
having reached the final stage of his life, what
did he do? From his own fields, he separated two
excellent fields in the name of each daughter.
The rest he put in his son's name. Furthermore,
he gave Bua Bhagil the entire share of jewellery
and everything in the trousseau (whatever was in
her mother's share). In the midst of this, he
also performed Hajj. Nana passed away after
that. Time kept moving at its own pace. Finally,
old age and illness both arrived together; his
age also reached eighty-five years. One day,
Dada Sain gathered his grandson Ehsan,
daughters-in-law, daughters, and all other near
and dear relatives, seated them, and said: Aba,
what was heard of Kechis by ears from
afar, today angels were seen by eyes. He had a
vision. Then he asked forgiveness from everyone.
Everyone, with tears in their eyes, forgave him,
except our Nani Taj Bai, who was Dada's sister
married in exchange for his wife Veer Bai. She
said, "Ada, I will not forgive you. You fetched
a fairy but discarded me." The poor man heard
this and drowned in silence. He said nothing at
all. He just said, "Adi, Allah Sain will grant
me forgiveness. Everyone has their own destiny."
After a short while, reciting the kalmō,
taking witness from everyone, he took leave and
reached his Lord. I remember that time. I was
eleven years old. Ultimately, a person departs,
and depart they must. That day is predestined.
Every prophet, saint, friend of God must taste
that taste. ‘Kullu nafsin zā'iqatul maut’
[Every soul shall taste death]. But if one
reaches it with the safety of faith and the
kalmō, with righteous deeds making them His
own, then that person is glorious. To write
about them, these relatives of ours were so
renowned that books could be filled, but lest
readers say, "What is this?" Therefore, we will
suffice here. |
