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I was with my friends at a hotel near Al-Asif Plaza discussing politics as usual. Some of us blamed the government for the ongoing scenario in the country, while others were critical of the opposition. It was certain that people today are much politically aware than before. You can start a political discussion with anyone and they will be able to provide an analysis like any other political pundit.
The conversation went on and I had moved to my third cup of tea. Suddenly a man who is disabled from both feet appeared and exclaimed – “I will also go. Where?” I asked. He pointed at the sky and then softly said, “Mufti Zarwali’s funeral”. Our conversation had stopped and there was silence. He informed us that the religious scholar was admitted to hospital after suffering from coronavirus and passed away. We said our sincere prayers for the departed soul and remained silent.
My friend Raqim asked the news bearer Arif about the funeral and was told it was that very day near his madrassah. It was 9:25 AM and the funeral prayers were supposed to be there at 11 AM. Arif told us we should attend the funeral as Mufti Zarwali was an esteemed religious scholar whom he had immense respect for and wants to attend the funeral. ‘I am disabled from both legs but Allah knows my intentions. I want to attend Mufti Zarwali’s funeral to please God,” he said. We were impressed by his enthusiasm and decide to fulfill his wish.
We dropped him and headed to Jamia Masjid Dar-ul-Khair to attend another funeral of the grandmother of an activist campaigning for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. I got the opportunity to meet several people struggling for her release from detention. Then, we went to Super Highway along with an elderly man while I continue to think over the funeral prayers I had attended that day.
We should spend our life to please our Creator who sent us into this world. In the battle between truth and evil, we should always be ready to take the right step.
As I looked out, I saw people going about their routine in the everyday life – laughing, smiling and engrossed in their work. Some people were speeding to get to town on the busy highway while others were heading to other cities. When we reached the old man’s house it was time for evening prayers. As we headed to a mosque down the lane, we came to know that a funeral was being held of Syed Abdullah who has laid the foundation of the mosque and set up a seminary as well.
In this way, I had managed to attend three funerals in one day. We headed home but were struck in traffic which is the norm in Karachi. I saw a tent was erected on one side of the road and it was closed for commuters. I came to know it was the residence of the same person whose funeral we had attended. I pass by the house regularly and often hear recordings of the recitation of the Holy Quran while the mosque and seminary he set up are still serving people.
When a child is born, we recite the Azaan in his ear after just a few moments. Then life passes by in front and we recite his funeral prayers when he passes away. The duration between our first Azaan and final prayers is our life. Have you ever wondered how brief it is? We know that death is inevitable and life will end one day but we never realize that it can happen at any moment. We should spend our life to please our Creator who sent us into this world. In the battle between truth and evil, we should always be ready to take the right step.
