Edhi sb: The man who lived a life for humanity

Edhi sb. has been a role model and a great source of inspiration, and someone who lived a live of immersion and purpose. As a Pakistani, we all know about him and his great efforts, however what gave me most insight about him, and really impacted my life is his autobiography; A Mirror to the Blind. It is still a continuous source of guidance and a book that I usually go back to often times.

There is no doubt that his life is a great example of living by action, humility, simplicity, hard work and most importantly perseverance to continue on his mission despite many hurdles, setbacks and limited resources. There is much more that we can learn from him and apply in our lives, and maybe another post would be appropriate for that.

For now, the death of Edhi sb. gave a reminder of how fragile and temporary this life is, and that everyone, even the greatest and most generous souls are not going to stay forever. Coping with this sad fact and reality, I came across this beautiful quote by none other than Edhi sb:

“Never take anyone’s death to heart Bilquis. Remember God by the equality with which He implements it. Nobody is different, the richest to the poorest, from here to the end of the globe face it equally. What an example of equality.”

Death is inevitable, there is absolutely no escape from it; however how we live our lives, how we treat others, our values; is what is going to be remembered once we die. Edhi sb. lived a life that will be remembered forever and ever and may it give us the encouragement to remember the sad reality of death, and try to live a life that is meaningful, and not only lived for ourselves but for the benefit of other beings.

Apnai liay to sabhi jeetai hain is jahan main

(Everyone in this world live for themselves)

Hai zindagi a maqsad auro kai kaam ana

(However the real purpose of life is to be of help to others)