Today’s Friday sermon was delivered by Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah be his Helper) from Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto, Canada. After Tashahhud and Surah Fatihah Huzoor said:
Today I am going to talk about two servants of the Jamaat who recently passed away. One of them is Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Khan Sahib and the second is Dr. Nusrat Jehan of Fazle Umar Hospital, Rabwah. Whoever comes in this world, has to depart. But blessed are those whom Allah enables to serve religion as well as humanity.
Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Khan Sahib was an old servant of the Jamaat and was also a Mubaligh. He was appointed on various administrative positions in the Jamaat. He passed away on October 11 in London at the age of 85. He got his BA from Punjab University and then completed his degree of Jamiatul Mubashereen from Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah in 1958. He belongs to a longstanding Ahmadi Family. His mother was Fatima Bibi Sahiba, who was the eldest daughter of the companion of the Promised Messiah (as), Muhammad Ilyas Khan Sahib (ra). His father’s name was Danishmand Khan Shahib who was recipient of true dreams and spiritual experiences. He was born around 1890. Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Khan Sahib was a born Ahmadi. His father accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1921, upon which the people of his village had also boycotted him. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rm) said to Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib in a letter that, “Your letters always refresh the memory of your pious father, and make me incline towards praying for him. He was free of all variations between what he said and what he did, and was the personification of a truthful and sincere man.” This characteristic is the emblem of a true believer. He further says, “I had a deep connection with him and I still have it and it is always expressed through prayers for him.” May Allah cover him with His Mercy and make his entire family his real heirs.
Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Khan Sahib got married in 1956 with Saleema Naheed Sahiba who is the daughter of Abdul Rahman Khan Sahib, son of Khan Ameerullah Khan Sahib (ra), companion of the Prophet Messiah (as). He has three sons and three daughters. In 1945, Khan Sahib was admitted into Taleemul Islam High School, Qadian. He was fourteen at that time. In those days, once in a Friday Sermon, Hazrar Khalifatul Masih II (ra) called young men to devote their lives in the service of Islam. Right after Friday Prayers, several young men offered themselves for devotion. Among those blessed young men was Bashir Rafiq Sahib as well. After that, since the system of Jamaat was till in nascent stages, he received a personal letter from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) saying that his Waqf has been accepted. Until 1947, he continued his education in Qadian. After completing his matriculation or around partition time he went back to his ancestral village. When he gained college admission he says that one day he received a letter from Private Secretary Sahib stating that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) is inquiring about a Pathan student who had signed up for Waqf in Qadian in around 1945, but he doesn’t remember his name. The record had been lost because of Partition. At this, Khalifatil Masih II (ra), directed him to immediately report and get admission in Talimul Islam College Lahore and complete his Bachelors of Arts (BA). This is the time when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (sa) was the principal of TI College.
In 1953, when he was preparing for exams, the anti-Ahmadi crisis erupted. He says that I wrote my exam in such circumstances. But when the result was announced, I was deeply saddened because I had failed. I was also confused that if I was to fail anyway, then why was I shown the exam paper in my dream state? Moreover, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) had also assured me that I will pass. In those days, my faith would get precarious. In the newspapers, the result was announced and I felt extremely wretched. Once I was sitting sadly, when my father inquired the reason of my sadness. When I told him, he said, it’s alright, you can sit again for exams. Maybe you couldn’t prepare properly due to the situation in Punjab. A few days later my father said that every time I pray for you, I hear a voice saying that Bashir has passed. When I showed him the result, he became silent. After every few days, he would say the same thing that I have been told that you have passed. One day, we received several letters through the postal service. One of the letters was from the university of Punjab. The letter read that there had been a blunder in results, and after a thorough inspection you have been declared as having passed. After a few days, I went to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) and related the entire incident to him. Upon hearing this, he said, I had already told you that I have been told after praying for you that you will pass. Now this result makes it clear that the verdict of God of God cannot be turned away. It would be a mockery if Allah’s words weren’t fulfilled. Allah had told the same thing to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) as well as to his father. Therefore, it was bound to happen.
After this Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II (ra) directed him to get admission in Jamia Ahmadiyya to complete his degree of Shahid because he intended to send him in the field of Tabligh. He says that our class of Jamia had the unique honor that Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II (ra) would visit us and guide us in how to be skilled in various subjects. Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II (ra) also drew our attention towards the need that every Murrabi should have his own library and should get in the habit of buying books. And this is something that every Murrabi should always keep in mind. Now, there are several Jamias in the whole world and there are numerous Murrabis, they all should remember this. A few days ago, there was a meeting of Murrabiyan in London, in which I also directed them to build their own libraries. They shouldn’t solely rely on Jama’at libraries.
After getting the Shahid Degree from Jamiatul Mubashereen, I reported to Wakalat Tabshir. Wakilul Tabshir was Mirza Mubarak Ahmad, who took me to Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II (ra). He said that I should be sent to England. And when the time came, Wakilut Tabshir Sahib again took me to Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II (ra) who dictated detailed guiding points, prayed for me, embraced me and bid me farewell.
In 1959, he left for London where he started his services as Deputy Imam of the Fazl Mosque.
In 1959, before going to London, he went to see Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams to seek some advice. Shams Sahib had also served as Imam of the Fazl Mosque for a long time. Shams Sahib said that there is one particular advice that I want to relay to you which has benefited me immensely in my Waqf. Shams Sahib related the following incident to Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib:
Once when I was a missionary in Syria, an extremely affluent person converted to Ahmadiyyat through me. His name was Munirul Hasani Sahib. He was one of the pioneers of Jamaat and through him the Jamaat spread in Syria. When he took bai’at, his passion for Islam Ahmadiyyat kept growing day by day. He would come to the mission house every other evening to learn about the Jamaat. In those days, there were no restrictions on the Jamaat. He would prepare food for me with his own hand. He would cook and we would eat together in the evening. Once when we sat down for dinner, I complained to him that about the food being too salty. I told him to be careful in the future. At this Munirul Hasani Sahib became silent. After a few minute he replied, “Shams Sahib, as you know I have servants for all my chores (He was a very rich man). When I go home, my servant unties the laces of my shoes. I have never made tea for myself at my home. Whatever I do for you is to seek pleasure of God. Otherwise, I have nothing to do with preparing food. Therefore, if you notice any inconsistency in salt and other spices, please forgive me because preparing food is not my job.”
Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahib said that I took away from this incident that all those who lovingly serve us for being Mubalegheen, they don’t do it for our sake, but and they do it to seek the pleasure of Allah. They do it out of their love for Jamaat. Therefore, we should always keep in mind that when people serve us, it is their immense kindness upon us. Therefore, if they fail to deliver sometimes, then we have no right to question them about it.
As a matter of fact, Allah Almighty always bestowed the Promised Messiah(as) with some extraordinary people who are filled with faith and sincerity.
In 1964, Chaudhry Rehmat Khan Sahib went back to Pakistan, owing to his illness. Therefore, Bashir Rafiq Sahib was appointed Imam Masjid Fazl. In 1960, Bashir Rafiq Sahib initiated an English periodical named Muslim Herald which consisted of 10 pages initially. He himself was its editor and writer. In 1962, upon the recommendation of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra), he initiated Akhbare Ahmadiyya [Newspaper]. It was a bi-monthly paper. He says that he was its founder and stayed its editor for a long time. He would also write articles for it since he himself was a scholarly man. He also had the honor of being the editor of The Review of Religions, which was founded by the Promised Messiah (as) himself.
From 1967 to 1982, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih the III (rm) visited Europe eight time. Of the eight tours, Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib was present in seven of them. In two of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rm)’s tours, he had the honor of serving as Huzoor’s Private Secretary. In 1970 he went back to Pakistan and became Private Secretary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rm). In 1971, he went back to London and was reinstated as the Imam of the Fazl Mosque. In 1976, he had the honor of accompanying Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rm) as his Private Secretary in his tours of Canada and America. In May 1978, Huzoor visited London for the International Kasre Saleeb (Breaking of the Cross) Conference. In order to complete the project, members of the UK Jamaat, the committee of the conference, and Majlis-e-Aamila UK worked day and night and set an excellent example of team work. It was all done under the administration of Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib.
From 1964 to 1970 and then from 1971 to 1979, he remained Imam Masjid Fazl London. From 1961-1979, he served as the founding editor of the Muslim Herald. He served as Private Secretary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rm) from 1970-1971. Then in November 1985, he was appointed as Wakilud Deewan, Tehrike Jadid and served until 1987. From 1982-1985, he served as Wakilut Tasnif in Rabwah. He became Additional Wakeelut Tasnif Rabwah from 1983-84. And then he served as Additional Wakilut Tasnif London, from 1987-1997. He served as Editor Review of Religions from 1983-1985. He was Chairman of the Board of Editors for The Review of Religions from 1988-1995. He was a member of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Pakistan from 1971-1985, a member of the Ufta Committee, 1971-1973, and a member of the Qaza Board from 1984-1987.
He also had the opportunity of working in some worldly positions. For example, he was a member and vice president of the Wandsworth Rotary club. He was also appointed as President of the Rotary Club. In 1968, upon the order of the President of Liberia, Mr. Tubman, he was invited as a state guest. He was appointed as Liberia’s honorary chief.
His son writes that he used to offer Tahajjud regularly and would pray with much preparation. He would pray by names so he doesn’t forget to pray for anyone. He would abundantly invoke Durood. He explained to us the importance of Chunda. His brother Col. Nazir Sahib writes one of his incidents that I had already mentioned briefly. He says that when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) called for him for Waqf, he had already gotten admission in the Law College. So when his father received the letter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra), to send him for Waqf, Bashir Rafiq Sahib said that I can complete my Law degree and as a result I can serve better. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) wrote as a response to this that we need lawyers for religion, rather than worldly lawyers. The stature, honors, wealth, and fame he wants to see in the world, Allah will grant him with all of them through the blessing of Waqf. He says that when our father read that letter to my brother, he immediately took his luggage and set out for Rabwah. Now see how Allah Almighty fulfilled two words. Had he become a worldly lawyer, he would have gotten only worldy ranks but due to waqf he got religious as well as worldly ranks. His brother writes that whatever Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) had prophesied, he achieved all that such as status, high ranks, fame with the blessing of Waqf.
By the Grace of Allah, he lived life to its fullest. He was extremely loyal to Khilafat. He was a heart patient. He had heart surgery too and at one point the condition of hopelessness developed. However, Allah Almighty gave him new life and he became better. He was extremely weak because of this medical condition, but he would regularly not only write letters to me in which he would express his sincerity and loyalty to Khilafat, but would also try to attend all those events where I would be expected to attend. Also, with the help of a walker he would try to attend Jumma prayers. May Allah treat him with forgiveness and exalt his status. May Allah Almighty also enable his children to remain connected with the Jamaat with sincerity and faithfulness and may they follow his footsteps. Amin.
Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, I will talk about Nusrat Jehan Malik Sahiba, who was the daughter of Abdul Malik Khan Sahib. She passed away on October 11 in London, To Allah we Belong and to Him shall we Return. She was residing in Rabwah but was a British national. Therefore, she would come every year. She would visit partly to update her professional skills in various hospitals and also because she had been sick for some time and was getting treatment here. After the UK Jalsa, she got a chest infection which kept increasing. Then her lungs stopped working. But by the Grace of Allah she had recovered well and doctors were hopeful too. Yet, the fear was still there that if the infection occurred again, then it would be hard for her to survive. However, Allah’s decree dominated and one day out of nowhere, she had an attack and within hours she passed away.
She was born on October 15, 1951 in Karachi. Her father Abdul Malik Khan Sahib was also a longstanding servant of the Jamaat. He was the son of Khan Zulfiqar Ali Khan Sahib. His ancestral village was Najeeb Abad which is located in District Bujnor in U.P. Dr. Nusrat Jehan’s grandfather did bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as) through a letter in 1900. And then in 1903, he visited Qadian and had the honor of meeting the Promised Messiah (as). Upon the wish of the Promised Messiah (as), Hadhrat Khan Zulfiqar Ali Khan Sahib (ra), devoted his son Maulana Abdul Malik sahib before his birth. He was born later in 1911.
After graduating from Madrassah Ahmadiyya, Abdul Malik Khan Sahib, completed his Molvi Fazil from Punjab University. After this he got a very attractive job offer. But his father wrote to him, that I didn’t make you educated so that you earn the world, someone should also earn the faith. As soon as he received this letter, Abdul Malik Khan Sahib resigned from his job, came back to Qadian and joined the class for Mubaligheen. The same spirit of sincerity and devotion, was found in Dr. Nusrat Jehan. After completing her Medical education from Pakistan and the U.K., she could have earn hundreds of thousands of rupees daily wherever she would choose to go. But to serve the religion and to serve humanity she preferred to stay in the small town of Rabwah. Her expertise was also needed in the hospital, and she fulfilled those needs. And then throughout her life, she offered such service which had reached its pinnacle. Numerous people have shared with me their feelings about her, which cannot all be described but I will still mention a few.
Her only daughter is Ayesha Nudrat who resides in the UK with her husband and three kids. As I said that Dr. Nusrat Jehan completed her MBBS from Fatima Jinah Medical College, Lahore. And then from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) she took a gynecology specialization. In 1985, she started her services at Fazl-e-Omer Hospital, Rabwah. And from April 20, 1985 until now, she offered her services at the hospital. As I said she was suffering with certain illnesses—she had liver disease. And on April 5, 2016, she took a medical leave and came to London for treatment. She was getting better but after Jalsa, she had a chest infection and became ill again. After that she had recovered again but then again, she had an attack and couldn’t survive.
Her son in law, Maqbool Mubasher Sahib says she had complete reliance on Allah. She was fond of worshipping, she was deeply in love with the Quran, and she had a deep connection with Khilafat. She obeyed Khalifat with utmost thoughtfulness. Service to humanity and the wellbeing of the patient was her first priority. I am witness to all these things that he has mentioned. It is not an exaggeration, but in reality she had these qualities.
She would pray before every surgery and before every treatment. She would give Sadqa every day. She would reach out to elders of Rabwah for prayers for her patients. She would often pay or had her close friends pay for the treatment of poor patients. She was also very mindful of Jamaat money. She would always try to spend as little money as possible. She would not let a single penny of the Jamaat go to waste. He [Maqbool Mubasher] worked in a private hospital in Lahore. So Dr. Nusrat Jehan would inquire form him that how much he spent on such and such equipment? And she would inquire about medicines, that where I get the supply from and how much do you pay for them? Then, if it was appropriate, she would buy the same things on a lower price from those places for Fazl-e-Omer Hospital.
She loved her parents and served them well too. She took care of her mother despite her long illness. She fulfilled her responsibilities as well and served her well too. She also spent her last illness with much patience. She stayed in the hospital for two months. In her last days, she wanted to listen to the Quran. At home as well, she would advise kids to offer Namaz and recite the Quran. Every time she would see any kid doing something good, for example reading Quran etc, she would get very happy and would give them gifts and prayers. Her son in law, Mubasher Sahib, says that when their daughter turned 12, she started tell her about head scarf and Purdah. And through the life of Hadhrat Ama Jan and other noble personalities, she would relate short yet interesting incidents. She herself was very careful about Purdah. So if parents and their elders advise children about Purdah, then the shame of wearing Hijab ends and they feel courageous.
Dr. Nusrat Jehan Majoka Sahiba of Fazl-e-Omer Hospital writes, that my relationship with Dr. Nusrat Jehan Sahiba comprised of 18 years. I joined Fazl-e-Omer hospital’s Gynecology department, right after completing my residency. She did my entire professional training. She was a talented teacher. She says that we will get guidance from her in all fields of life. She was strong and accomplished. Allah Almighty had bestowed her extraordinary abilities. She was an obedient and caring daughter as well as a compassionate mother. She was a disciplined teacher as well as a consoler, a sister, and a friend. She says that her entire life is labeled with sacrifice. Her preferences were very different from ordinary people. Dr. Nusrat Jehan used to say that I have two kids, one is my daughter, and the other is my profession. She kept working for the advancement of the Gynecology Department.
She was always readily available for her patients, particularly for those workers of the Jamaat who are not very well off. She would often call them to enquire about their wives. She was always very kind to her staff. If there was more work at the hospital due to a patient’s condition, she would send them food from home. She would always try to help them in their times of need.
Everybody has written that she had a very strong connection with Khilafat. And this is a fact. Dr. Nusrat Jehan Majoka says that she had an extra-ordinary relationship with Khilafat. Dr. Nusrat Jehan Majoka further says that, since last year, she included me in everything. She kept me involved in everything and taught me all sorts of Gynecological surgeries too. She also used to express that I don’t have enough time. At that time, I never paid attention to what it meant because she was very active. But now after her death, I realize that maybe she knew something. She also says that she left the residents of Rabwah. She did a lot for the people of Rabwah and today every eye is tearful and every heart his grieved. I have received so many letters about her. And she has described the facts.
Dr. Amtul Haye is our new Doctor in Ghana. She also says that her preliminary training was done by Dr. Nusrat Jehan. Even after going to Ghana, she kept in touch with her through Whatsapp and email and guided me through and through. Whenever I had any issue in gynecology, she would help me. She would always advise me to write to the Khalifa of the time for prayers. She also says that when I used to work with Dr. Sahiba, I realized that she would take care of little things. For example, if an extra light was on, she would turn it off because Jamaat money is being wasted. Also she would advise those who were married to always try to save marriages. She used to say that blood relations can never break but the relationship of husband and wife is of love and affection, if that breaks, then nothing is left. This is a great point that she told, and every married couple should keep that in mind. She says that just before being admitted into the hospital in London, she called to tell me that new Gynecological Theater has been installed in Rabwah, and that she was not sure if she will be able to see it. She also mentioned it me considering it may be too late. She sent in a request for Nazir Aala Sahib to inaugurate it because the tasks of Jamaat should not be impeded because of its members.
Dr. Noori Sahib, who is the in-charge of Tahir heart institute in Rabwah, says that he has had the opportunity of working with Dr. Nusrat Jehan Sahiba for over 9 years in the Zubaida Bani Wing. He said that she possessed such characteristics that are hardly found in doctors these days. She was pious, prayerful, possessor of High moral values, fearful of God, prayerful for her patients, extremely particular in Purdah, very knowledgeable about the Quran, and was a true follower of the life of Prophet Muhammad (sa) and the Promised Messiah (as). As far as Purdah is concerned, she was educated here in the UK too and afterwards she used to come for different courses in various hospitals, but she always covered her face and wore full Burqa. While staying in Purdah she completed all her tasks and she had no complex. So for those women who make excuses that we cannot work in Purdah, she was an example to the contrary.
Dr. Noori also says that she was an expert of her skill. She was aware of advanced technical developments. She was aware of the new trends in her field and would implement them in her work. While working, she never cared about time and never misused facilities that were provided. For serious patients she would sacrifice her time-off and would work straight for 12 hours at times. He says that, I remember that once for a critical delivery case, she stayed up all night and worked. She would always make the patients aware of all possible outcomes, therefore, her patients trusted her fully. She was extremely principled and was concerned about rules and regulations. She would carry out her responsibilities with utmost honesty. Sometimes, people would even complain to me that Dr. Nusrat Jehan is very strict. She was strict because of rules, otherwise she was very soft hearted. Generousness and sympathy were also her special characteristics. Dr. Noori Sahib says that an elderly woman who was admitted at Tahir Heart Institute related an incident: She says that once, Dr. Nusrat Jehan was going home after work and she saw me at Aqsa Road near the Hospital. She pulled over and put her hand on my neck and asked how was I feeling. And then right there, she prescribed medicine for me.
Her speaking ability was amazing too. Her father was also an excellent public speaker. Fozia Shamim, Sadr Lajna Lahore, told Noori Sahib that every time we called her to speak at events, her speech and personality would have an equally effective influence on the whole audience. The focus of her speeches would be Ahmadiyyat, Khilafat and accounts of Allah’s blessings. One could see the refection of her father’s speech on hers.
Her relationship with Khilafat was of devotion and sincerity. During meeting, seminars and even during ward rounds she would keep reiterating the sayings of the current Khalifa. Devotion to Khialfat wasn’t mere lip service. Instead, her actions would express the same. She was a role model in the true sense.
Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Ashraf says that Allah Almighty had bestowed her with genuineness and perceptiveness. While treating someone, she would delay a procedure and later on her decision would prove to be right. She was an excellent organizer. She had full control over the management of her department. She was highly principled. She would express her viewpoint with utmost resolution. It was her habit to thoroughly investigate matters and would use them as guiding principles for later on. Despite her strictness on organizational matters, she was very kind and loving to her staff. She would join them in their happiness and sorrow. Her circle of sympathy and kindness wasn’t just limited to relatives, neighbors, staff, and patients, but it was extended to patients and staff’s relatives too. We saw everyone gaining benefit from her kindness. She would help the needy. While respecting their self-respect, she would help them without anyone knowing about it.
He says that she would always keep a record. He says, that according to his knowledge, at the moment, the Gynecology Department’s record is the most up-to-date.
Fuzail Ayaz Shaib, who is Murrabi Silsila, writes that she was a very kind person. He says that in 1989 when he was serving in Jamia Ahmadia Rabwah, he moved to Rabwah with his wife and daughter. Dr. Sahiba treated his wife. She was very kind and compassionate during the treatment. She was very kind to his wife and kids for the fact that they were related to a Waqfe Zindagi. He says that my four children were born under the care of Dr. Sahiba in Fazl-e-Omer Hospital. We always found her concerned about my wife and kids’ health. When we had three daughters, once the third daughter, who was only four, went to her house and said, please get us a brother. Dr. Sahiba told her to pray and Allah will get you a brother too. So when they were expecting again, Dr. Sahiba herself prayed for them and wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rm) for prayers and told all acquaintances to pray for us. So Allah Almighty blessed us with a baby boy. When the baby was born, she herself came to our house, picked up my daughter, showed her the baby and said, here is your baby brother. And then she dropped off my wife back at home.
Many non-Ahmadi patients would also come to her as well. Once she herself told that a non Ahmadi Molvi Sahib brought his wife for treatment. They were married for several years but didn’t have any children. After her treatment, his wife started expecting. So she said that now that I have gotten the opportunity, I will do Tabligh to him for the full nine months. And that’s exactly what she did without any fear or hesitance.
Tahir Nadim Sahib of the Arabic desk says that Dr. Sahiba relied more on prayers rather than on medicines. He says that when he came to London, his wife was still in Rabwah. His wife was scheduled for a surgery in which there were some complications. Dr. Sahiba herself told him that when complications occurred, I cried in my prayers to God that O my God, this is a wife of a Waqife Zindagi, her husband is away, have mercy on her. Soon after by the Grace of Allah, the bleeding stopped and surgery was no longer needed.
About her hospitality, Tahir Nadeem Sahib says, that once for Al Hiwarul Mubasher Arabic program, Arab Ahmadis were staying in Guest House number 53 near Fazl Mosque. She was also staying at the same place. One day, she was she was making parathay [sweet bread] in the kitchen with her daughter. She said that I am making parathy for all Arabs who are here for the program so that I can also join in this Jihad and can earn some reward.
Mubashar Ayaz Sahib, Principal Jamia Ahmadi Rabwah, says that our Dr. Sahiba would be seen wearing her Burqa, fit and active like a soldier. She displayed the best example of Purdah carrying out her tasks. Those women who complain about Purdah should look at her for inspiration. Dr. Nusrat Jehan would work for long hours in her purdah and she never expressed any tiredness or fatigue.
Dr. Sultan Mubasher says that she used to live in Quarter Sadr Anjuman, where we lived as well. In those days the atmosphere of Rabwah was very friendly. People were frank and used to visit each other on a daily basis. He is the son of Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid who was friends with Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib. Since Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib’s sons weren’t there at that time, Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid Sahib had asked his son to visit Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib’s house in case they needed anything. So both families were very frank with each other. He says, that afterwards, I got guidance from Dr. [Nusrat Jehan] Sahiba as well and worked as her colleague in Fazl-e-Omer hospital too. He says, if I ever did anything for her, no matter how small it is, she would be extremely thankful that she would give presents to him, his wife and children.
He says that she would go to UK every year to synchronize her department of gynecology with cutting edge techniques of OBGYN. And she would pay for her own travelling costs and would not be a burden on the Jamaat. Also she would also order new machines with the help of other people. He says that she worked very hard for the construction of a new theater in the Zubaid Bani Wing, but she couldn’t get to use it. May Allah enable other doctors to use it properly.
In Fazl-e-Omer Hospital the Gynecology department used to consist of only one room. Today, it comprises an entire wing, which is the living proof of Dr. Nusrat Jehan’s untiring hardwork, determination, and commitment and passion.
Her staff nurse, Jamila sahiba, says that I am extremely saddened by her death. She was a very nice and talented doctor. She would take care of her like she would her own children. She would take care of us. If she would come across a needy patient, she would return his registration fee as well as will give him money for medicine.
Another nurse, Musarat Sahiba says, that she was a compassionate teacher and was a talented Doctor. I worked under her over 31 years. She was very loving, very sensitive, and was always ready to extend a helping hand. She was a consoler for adults and showed affection to children. She was very loving to patients and was always giving lessons of high morals and good attitude to all staff and patients. She was always ready to obey the commandments of the Khalifa of the time.
One of her patients says, that once she was treating me, and being the wife of a Murrabi, she was very kind to me. The ultrasound was supposed to be done. She told her assistant to take me for my ultrasound but there was a long line with no place to sit down. A poor woman was sitting on a chair, her assistant tried to get the chair to give it to me as I wasn’t feeling well. She may have thought that since I am with the Dr. Sahiba, I should be able to sit on the chair. But right then, Dr. Sahiba brought another chair and gave it to me and let the poor woman keep sitting on her chair.
Another Dr. Sahiba says that she had much regard for Jamaat. She was deeply in love with Khilafat. She would advise her fellow doctors and staff members too to develop a personal relationship with Khalifatul Masih and should write letters as much as you can. Every time she would write a letter to Huzoor, she would ask for prayers for us. She further says that every time she received a letter from Huzoor she would read it out loud. The happiness in her eyes would be amazing. She was a faith inspiriting mentor for us. By devoting her life she sacrificed financial and worldly comforts. She would give us examples from her own life and would motivate us to do Waqf and serve the Jamaat in different capacities. By working with her, we would feel inspired in our faith every day, and the passion of doing Waqf would be kindled in our hearts.
Abid Khan Sahib, Our press secretary, related an incident about her devotion to Khilafat.
He told me that, Nusrat Jehan Sahiba told him that, even if I hear something “by the way” from Huzoor, even it is not a commandment, then I act on it. This is how much regard she had for Khilafat. This was the standard of obedience that she possessed.
There are so many stories, that are hard to be read here. A woman says, that once I was going to the Lajna office from my home which was located behind the hospital. She saw me and asked where was I going. I told her I was going to the Lajna Hall for duty. She told the driver to drop her off at the Lajna hall because she is going for Jamaat work. She then said that I use the Jamat’s car for only Jamaat work.
Her daughter Nudrat Ayesha sahiba says that my mother was an exemplary mother and was a very loving person. She would always pray for us. Every time I got into some difficulty, I would call my mother, and would be carefree. And then by the Grace of God, everything would become fine too. Then she would ask me to offer Sajda Shukar.
Despite so many responsibilities, she played a vital role in my upbringing. She was such a strong woman that she nurtured me both as a mother and as a father. Sometimes, when she would realize that she cannot give me enough time, she herself would quickly say the work I spend in serving humanity is much more important. May God Himself take care of my daughter’s needs.
She would always tell me that your Grandfather [her father] told me two things, one was reliance on God, and the other was connection of Khilafat. I advise you the same things. Always rely on Allah and keep your relationship with Khilafat strong, and tie your children with Khilafat too.
She says that she was extremely devoted to Khilafat. She says that when she got sick and was about to be put on the ventilator, she offered Namaaz and read the Quran from my mobile phone. Afterwards, she asked for a paper and pen. On which she wrote, “Keep asking Khalifa Waqt for prayers.”
She says that I found my mother to be sincere and filled with the passion to serve the Jamaat.
In Fazl-e-Omer Hosptial, she started her work at a small consultation room with a couch on one side of the room and simple desk and chair on the other side. Due to her prayer and passion of serving, Allah Almighty rewarded them with a labor ward first and then with an independent building of the Gynecology Department. The wing has now become a successful unit with her and her staff’s hard work and efforts. She would go to Lahore and Faisalabad to buy equipment. I accompanied her a few time too. She would gather quotes from different stores and would try her best to save the Jamaat money.
Once, when my daughter Alia was visiting Rabwah for two weeks, she made her work for her department. She told her to help in typing because her speed was fast. She told her that serving the Jamaat is a privilege, and to get your part from this privilege.
Her work was her passion. Even in her last days, at the mention of the Hospital, a smile would appear on her face. During unconsciousness, she would say names of Hospitals operation theater and equipment companies that even British nurses would be surprised and would enquire me about it.
She had complete reliance on Allah. During the period of severe illness she couldn’t speak. When doctors installed a speaking valve the first sentence that my mother said was, “My daughter, leave it to Allah.” And when I would start crying, she would tell me with a gesture of her eyes to turn to God.
May Allah grant her only daughter patience and fortitude. And the advice her mother has given to her, May Allah help her fulfil them.
May Allah always keep her daughter and her children in His protection. May Allah elevate her status too. And may Allah grant Fazl-e-Omer Hospital more doctors who serve with passion and faithfulness and loyalty to the Jamaat and obedience to Khialfat. And those who are already serving, may Allah increase them in this work.
After Jumu’ah prayers I will offer Namaze Janaza in absentia of these the two deceased.