Among the poverty, corruption and terror in Pakistan there stands a man of hope, a man on a mission, a servant of mankind, in the person of humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. The narrow streets of Peshawar are crowded with excited children, women, men. Old and young, rich and poor, healthy and unhealthy, waiting to donate thousands of rupees to him. He has become a national treasure and a role model to many, a man of great charisma and passion working for a higher purpose. He does not only raise money for the needy but also donates himself and his life to the service, doing various physical acts for the progress of mankind, not dissimilar to Mother Teresa.
Together with his wife Bilquis Edhi they have been honoured with multiple international awards, the most notable are: the Peace Prize from the USSR for services in the American earthquake disaster 1998. Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service from Philippines 1986. International Balzan Prize 2000 for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood, Italy.
Now Edhi and his foundation have been recognised by the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for his services and is the recipient of the Ahmadiyya International Peace Prize 2010. The prize was awarded to him at the 8th International Peace Symposium held by the Community in London on the 26th of March 2011. The symposium was attended by many distinguished guests including the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Lord Eric Avebury, Attorney General Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC, Mayors, National MPs, organisations, community representatives and religious leaders.
Hopefully the next generation are inspired by this man’s selflessness and passion to serve humanity. We pray that many more servants of mankind are not only acknowledged but emerge from our youth, societies and our hearts. This is a time when individuals, organisations, governments are trying to eradicate peace and love from the Earth, however peace and love is sown into the fabric of mankind. It can never be eradicated. Now is the moment to exercise our love for the world in our thoughts and actions.
The clip below is Edhi’s address to the Peace Symposium 2011.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
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