Abdul Sattar Edhi – An Angel on Earth

The Edhi name is synonymous with humanitarian work and compassion and is so because of the single-minded struggle and journey of Abdul Sattar Edhi, whose foundation is the largest social welfare in Pakistan. The foundation provides a wide range of services including but not limited to ambulances, orphanages, maternity centers, drug rehabilitation centers, etc. most of which are available at a subsidized rate if not free. He had been diagnosed with a kidney disease and has been admitted to Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) for a routine checkup but at the frail age of 85, I felt it as an obligation upon myself to pay my respects to this man who is no less than an angel for whom everyone can take out a moment to make supplication.

Born in 1928, at the age of 20, Edhi joined a charity run by Memons but soon left because the organization’s work was limited to Memons. He felt there should be no discrimination between humanitarian works. Everyone is already aware of the work he has done which is not limited to Pakistan but for Muslims world over. Starting off with one ambulance that he bought after having to beg for money to buy the van; today (according to the Edhi Foundation website) the foundation owns a fleet of over 1800 ambulances.  

A lot can be learnt from Edhi who has often found himself in conflict with religious leaders and in my opinion has always come out as the victor. One such example is his setting up of the cradles outside Edhi Centers. This was met with fierce opposition and criticism. But the idea behind the cradle was that though one sin has been committed (child being born out of wedlock), to the mothers from committing the sin of murdering their child. His placards stating, “do not commit another sin: leave your baby in our care” had a deep impact and overtime the cradles were accepted and continue to exist today. Despite the criticisms, Edhi has received numerous national and international awards for his work including the Nishan-i-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan and the Ahmadiyya Peace Prize. 

Having come from humble beginnings, Edhi has not changed his appearance despite having attained international fame and recognition. Being the position of amassing enormous wealth, he continues to live a simple life, still donning his militia kameez shalwars and Jinnah caps. Edhi has not limited himself to serving the living but also provides ‘Ghusl’ (full body ablution) and burial for abandoned cadavers. He has even set up animal shelters. Edhi is a source of inspiration for years to come and I pray that God removes his ailment and gives him a longer life to continue his mission.