Volume 1 letter 97

From: Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Hadith Sahib (May his secret be sanctified)

To: Moulana Abdur-Raheem Motala Sahib (May his shadow be lengthened)

Date: 29^th Sha’ban 1388/19^th November 1968

After the sunnah greeting, following your departure I wrote you numerous letters, sent to both your residence and Bombay addresses. Aside from Friday and Sunday, I wrote a card every day. Conversely, with the exception of the card you sent from the train, I have not received any. I learned from molvi Munawwar sahib that you had written an express letter, but as yet, on Thursday morning at 10am, it has not arrived. 

Today is the day I attend the masjid and there is a noticeably large gathering today. My intention in dictating and sending this letter today is to ensure you receive it by Saturday. Any letter sent subsequently would be received after 24^th November. I have emphasised in previous letters and wish to purport one last time that I am well aware of your own and dearest Yusuf’s sentiments, however, emotions ought to be checked in favour of pragmatism. It gets rather cold here and there is no satisfactory medical centre, contrary to the facilities readily available in Surat. Do not attempt to return here until such time that he has convalesced satisfactorily, and do not be negligent in this regard.

The sorrow of you both being absent in Ramadhan is indescribable, but it cannot be helped. I dictated to this point of the letter this morning, hoping to continue after reading the mail. Upon going through the mail, I came across the letter you wrote on the train and sent Tuesday, but to date, on Friday after Zuhr prayers, I have still to receive that express letter you sent. You were right to return, it is inconvenient and costly travelling back and forth, while at home you will receive the contentment’s of both day and night.

Much consideration should be given in respect to dearest Yusuf’s treatment. Mere counsel and advice will not suffice; make certain that he is referred to the consultant bone specialist in Surat, and I hope God willing that we will all meet again in better circumstance. You requested for my prayers, it is not necessary for you to write and request them. However, I am still very disappointed, if it was his wish to return, then returning by train was the easier option. May Almighty Allah confer his good favour.

In Yusuf’s lengthy letter, he penned that there will be 10 persons travelling with him. There is a vast multitude here today and the assembly of notables is considerable. The masjid and tent are full. At present, Molvi Abdul-Mannan Dehlawi arrived and we greeted with a handshake. Molvi Munawwar informs me that he came upon his request. Convey my salutations to your good-wife and khala. Abul-Hasan’s wife is adamant in spending Ramadhan at my home. Iqbal’s wife has been here 15 days. I wish to say without any pretence or insincerity that I miss you immensely. May Almighty Allah grant you tranquillity. It is disappointing with regard to your express letter. 

Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Hadith Sahib

Dictated to Muhammad Ismail

29^th Sha'ban

From the writer: Sunnah greetings and request for prayers.