Muslim man continues to serve Gurdwara Dera Sahib

Pilgrims praise Azhar Abbas for his compassion and dedication

LAHORE: At a time when religious intolerance is at its peak in India, one man continues to serve Sikh and Hindu pilgrims in Pakistan.

For Syed Azhar Abbas, who has served Gurdwara Dera Sahib, one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, for over two decades, there is no stopping.

Each day he arrives at the Gurdwara with the same love and compassion that brought him to its doorstep 21 years ago. “I’m here to serve the community,” claimed Abbas.

Providing services at a non-Muslim place of worship, he said, is not an easy task. As a Muslim, Abbas said, he needs to be mindful of the ritual and respect the traditions of the community. “I have to make sure my head is always covered when I enter the Gurdwara,” said Abbas. “There are no candles, incense, or bells, or any other ritualistic devices inside the Gurdwara,” he pointed out. The only object of reverence in the main hall, Abbas said, is the book of Sikh scripture, which the community treats with the respect reserved for a Guru. “I’ve always ensured that their rituals are respected at all times,” claimed Abbas, who is also known as Shah ji.

The 45-year-old who hails from Multan has been working for the Evacuee Trust Property Board since 1992 and was formally appointed as an employee at Gurdwara Dawa Dera Sahib seven years later. He has not looked back since then.

As part of his job, Abbas receives Sikh and Hindu pilgrims at the Wagah border, the only legal crossing between India and Pakistan. “I need to make sure all pilgrims have a place to stay while they are in Pakistan,” said Abbas.

In his long selfless journey, Abbas has had some very challenging tasks. He was responsible for the repatriation of deceased pilgrims. “I’ve made sure that the bodies of 64 pilgrims, who passed away during their religious journey in Pakistan, were returned with full honor,” said Abbas with a quiver in his voice.

Abbas has prepared the documentation for each of these deceased pilgrims, with absolute dedication. “I’m responsible for preparing the paperwork after a pilgrim passes away in Pakistan,” he said. He also prepares their remains for the final journey back home. “I make sure the body is bathed and dressed in clean clothing before being repatriated,” said Abbas.

His dedication and compassion have earned him praise at home and abroad. One pilgrim who was visiting the UK said: “I’ve never seen someone so committed and dedicated to interfaith harmony.”

Another said, Abbas, was a rare example of how people from different communities and backgrounds can stand by each other without hating each other.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2020.