Pakistan

Edhi: The richest poor man

Abdul Sattar Edhi will only live among the people; long after he has left us

Hassaan Khan April 28, 2016

Abdul Sattar Edhi will only live among the people; long after he has left us. PHOTO: AFP

For over 60 years, Abdul Sattar Edhi has shown us the power of one individual’s unwavering commitment and sincerity to the cause of humanity. As I write this, it pains me to say that Edhi has been robbed of just that.

When we first decided to conduct an interview of Edhi, we were too busy trying to coordinate the ‘perfect’ interview of arguably one of greatest living humanitarians in the world. We wanted everything to be perfect, down to the setting, the lighting and even the conversation. When we finally met him, everything was thrown out of the window.

Edhi, the obstinately humble hero to Pakistan's masses

A frail Edhi walked out of his room and sat down on the only sofa in the tiny room from where he operates his charity empire. It didn’t take long for us to realise that his story could not be told in a 30-minute interview. “I want to go now,” he said, looking at me dead in the eye before lowering his gaze towards the ground. The cameras rolled and so did we.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou wrote. Such will be the legacy of Abdul Sattar Edhi. His story will only live among the people; long after he has left us.

The author tweets @HassaanKahn

COMMENTS (28)

ASHIQ ZAFAR | 8 years ago | Reply May Allah rest him in Peace. He has earned “Jannah” by his Noble Deeds and exempliary services to Humanity. He was a role Model of a true Muslim and an example for our so called leaders and pliticians to serve the deprived and suppressed/ poor masses of this Country.

US CENTCOM | 8 years ago | Reply Abdul Sattar Edhi will be remembered forever. Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM

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A. Saeed Khan | 8 years ago | Reply "Noble Prize" will be in fact honored if it is announced for Mr. Edhi. In deed he was a great Hero for Humanity. I wish, all Ministers and Politicians learn from the Life of Mr. Edhi as how the People are served and how the Humanity is prioritised. It would be a great honour for the People of Pakistan if the new Air Port of Islamabad is given the name of Edhi. An humble citizen

Alter Ego | 8 years ago | Reply @Rex Minor: There are those like Obama,Malala and Salman Rashide who win noble prizes and awards. Then there are those like Eidhi and Sadqian, who reach the extreme end of their passions. I hope you know the difference.

Khilari | 8 years ago | Reply I wish terrorists would get inspiration from his life to go to jannat instead of following hate preachers.

Saeed Khan | 8 years ago | Reply No one can forget his Good Deeds for the suppressed and poor masses of the Country.

Saeed Khan | 8 years ago | Reply May Allah rest him in Peace. He has earned "Jannah" by his Noble Deeds and exempliary services to Humanity. He was a role Model of a true Muslim and an example for our so called leaders and pliticians to serve the deprived and suppressed/ poor masses of this Country.

Kuku | 8 years ago | Reply The fact of matter is that we would not need people like Abdus Sattar Edhi if we had progressed as a developed nation with time like west. Having people like Edhi is a proof of backwardness and utter failure of a nation and state in this 21st century.

Rahila | 8 years ago | Reply Indeed Abdul Sattar Jee are the great loss to Pakistan. May the good humanterian work he started decays ago continues and Allah SWT to reward him in Ikhersh ang grant him a place in Janatul Firdaus. Ameen He will be remembered by generations to come, no doubt he was a unique individual who dedicated his life to humans regardless of their belief, cread and or race. We should follow his footsteps and may Allah SWT guide us to do good deeds even to start from a small one is Sadqa without any reward from humans but only for Allah's sake. In Shaa Allah Again my tribute to Sir Ahdi.

Khadim Hussain | 8 years ago | Reply Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, What can a humble human being like me say when your deeds fill volumes.

Azhar | 8 years ago | Reply You are above to Noble Prize Mr. Edhi. Salute to you.

Reader | 8 years ago | Reply Very few people in the world have done so much good for humanity, given so much help, mobilized so many people, inspired so many thousands, if deeds speak louder than words, then Edhi sahab does not have to say a word. His life is an example, that even the humblest amongst us can give, we do not have to be rich to give, he has given love, compassion, succor, he in turn has been blessed by his wife, who has always stood by him. His life is an example, for the rich, poor, healthy, weak, everyone, and everywhere. He has been vilified many times by the rich, powerful, politicians, clergy, all and sundry, yet he has stood his ground. He has made sacrifices we will never ever be aware of. The 200 million people of Pakistan have been honored that he is part of this nation, and the creator has sent him here to serve, he has done his duty, and much much more.

Mehtab | 8 years ago | Reply There is no word in dictionary to tribute for this one man army. He is the symbol of Spirit, struggle and determination. Long Live #Edhi Sb...!!!

Anjum Arshi | 8 years ago | Reply @Rex Minor: I have known Maulana Edhi for 35 years. There is no example of a human being like him. Period. You cannot compare him with Gates and Fords, nor with the Nobel Prize winners of this world. There is a world after this one, and Maulana Edhi will be rewarded there, in front of all humanity, with the greatest honor bestowed upon him by Allah Almighty. We all pray for his health, and we pray to Allah to give our Maulana a long and healthy and happy life. Amen.

Average Pashtun | 8 years ago | Reply @brar: actually there are around 12 Muslims who actually have won the Nobel prize two of them being from Pakistan, though i wouldn't disagree with the states treatment of Dr. Abud us salam but i wouldn't condone the policies of Nobel prize and its mechanism are that transparent.

Javed | 8 years ago | Reply Edhi salute to you. Love from Australia

Chacha Jee | 8 years ago | Reply In Amritsar, Bhagat Pooran Singh was a similar type of personality. He took care of hundreds of disabled children, adults and destitutes. He started a charity called Pinglewara and still works in Amritsar and no religion is asked far. People like Edhy and Singh are especially sent by God to take care of humanity. They are not not seeking Peace Noble Prizes which are reserved for the likes of Obama.

Mamoon Ahmad Khan | 8 years ago | Reply strong textThough I am an Indian but strongly feel, Nobel prize is too small an acknowledgement to recognise his contribution to humanity.

Zahid | 8 years ago | Reply Edhi Sb., he is great living legend and great hero of Pakistan May God blessings him

mak | 8 years ago | Reply May Allah always keep Abdul Sattar Edhi Saheb blessed and close to the Almighty.

brar | 8 years ago | Reply @IBN E ASHFAQUE: He is above Noble prize and I pray for his long life, but I disagree with you that this prize is rseerved for any special category , you say this because only one MUSLIM won this prize who was fro Pakistan and you know better how he was treated in country where he was born and wanted to be cremated because your Mullas said he is not a Muslim.

brar | 8 years ago | Reply He is a living God pray for his long life.

Rex Minor | 8 years ago | Reply How can an indidual person be the richest poor man who lives on charity and does not pay taxes? He certainly deserves a comfortable life style like Bill Gates whose empire is profit oriented Trusts, created for the benefit of humans. Rex Minor

IBN E ASHFAQUE | 8 years ago | Reply I hope he never gets the Nobel peace prize. That prize is booked for special type of people who kill humans in the name of peace. Edhi Sahib is a genuine HUMAN being...........

rich | 8 years ago | Reply salute to him may god bless him

faizan | 8 years ago | Reply He is a living legend and blessing on us (Pakistanis)

qudrat ullah | 8 years ago | Reply Abdul Sattar Edhi sahib is the only human being in this country of around 200 million impassive pygmies and beasts.

Saeed Khan | 8 years ago | Reply He is a living Legend

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