Is Edhi Next ?

Pakistan’s famous philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi has recently received an award called “Ahmediya Peace Prize” from the Pakistan’s officially declared Non Muslim Jamaat of Ahmediya against his unmatched services rendered to the humanity.

The Ahmediya peace prize is an international award that was launched in 2009.  It is an award in recognition to the individual or organization’s contribution to the advancement of the cause of peace.

During introductory speech the Ahemdiya community representative recognized Abdul Sattar Edhi’s great contribution and admitted that Edhi foundation is a shining example of his success through sacrifice and determination for the love of God and service to the humanity. The Ahmedi people felt honored to give official recognition to Mr. Edhi.

Despite knowing the fact that receiving an award from one of the most unsafe communities of Pakistan, Edhi accepted the award and as a response (through video conferencing) he expressed his gratitude that for the sake of humanity the Ahmediya community has considered him worthy for their prestigious award.

Mr. Edhi felt so glad that the community made a bond with him, he further said that he doesn’t believe in any differences and he believes in serving humanity which is the most important ‘Relgion’ — according to him when a person becomes human then no other relationship matters except for the relationship that exists between man and the God.

He prayed that the step taken by Ahmedis would definitely please Allah, the work Ahmediya community is doing may bear fruit and God grant them success.  He added that at Edhi foundation hundreds of people come, he doesn’t ask what their religion is; he considers that a person is simply human.

Mr. Edhi’s statements in award ceremony are widely condemned by the Pakistan’s right wing forces. Although this particular event was not given much space by the media yet the so called custodians of Islam successfully brought up the issue in limelight. The extremists are now showing serious concerns over the services of Edhi foundation and seem annoyed by the undisputed legend.

Different groups of neo Mullahs are seen spewing venom that how Edhi sells kidneys of dead-bodies  and what sin he has committed by calling serving humanity the biggest religion but when I tried to justify that whatever Edhi said had nothing to do with religion, he only used such phrases as mere metaphors to highlight his services. I was simply given a shut up call by asking how many times do I offer prayers.

Now the credibility of Pakistan’s favorite man is systematically being damaged and religious figures have been spending most of their time condemning Mr. Edhi for getting award from the declared Non Muslims of Pakistan.

No doubt Abdul Sattar Edhi stands tall in Extremists vs Liberal war and apparently nobody in this nation has anything against this guardian angel of Pakistan but now I am afraid what if he becomes the victim of another Mumtaz Qadri in the name of religion.  At this point of time the religious lobby of Pakistan instead of rolling out reproachful gestures towards Mr. Edhi should come forward and offer “Islamic Award of Humanity” to him that would not only encourage Mr. Edhi work with sense of security but certainly help Mullahs overcome a negative self-image due to inferiority complex.