Abdul Sattar Edhi: A Life Dedicated to Humanity

Introduction

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving the underprivileged and marginalized communities in Pakistan. He was the founder of the Edhi Foundation, which is one of the largest welfare organizations in the world and operates over 300 centers across Pakistan. He is widely regarded as a symbol of compassion, kindness, and selflessness, and is often referred to as the “Angel of Mercy” in Pakistan.

Early Life and Education

Abdul Sattar Edhi was born on February 28, 1928, in Bantva, a small village in the state of Gujarat, India. His family migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947. Edhi completed his education in Karachi and later started his own business, but he gave up his business venture to focus on serving the community.

Founding of the Edhi Foundation

In 1951, Edhi founded the Edhi Foundation, which started as a small dispensary providing medical services to the poor. Over the years, the foundation grew into a large-scale welfare organization, providing a wide range of services, including ambulance services, orphanages, nursing homes, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation centers for drug addicts.

 

Philanthropic Work of Abdul Sattar Edhi

Abdul Sattar Edhi’s philanthropic work was centered around helping the most vulnerable sections of society, such as the poor, the disabled, the elderly, and children. He worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, medical care, and education to those in need. He was known for his selflessness and compassion, and he never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion, caste, or ethnicity.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his lifetime, Abdul Sattar Edhi received numerous awards and recognition for his humanitarian work. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1986, the Lenin Peace Prize in 1988, and the Hamdan Award for Voluntary Work in Dubai in 2000, among others.

Abdul Sattar Edhi Quotes

Famous quotes by Abdul Sattar Edhi, a Pakistani philanthropist and humanitarian:

1. “My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world.”
2. “I do not believe in taking the right decisions, I take decisions and make them right.”
3. “No religion is higher than humanity.”
4. “I am not a hero, I am an ordinary man with a big heart.”
5. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
6. “The more you serve humanity, the more you realize that you have a lot to learn.”
7. “Help is giving the needy, not to appease your conscience.”
8. “My message to the world is one of love, peace, and compassion.”
9. “I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.”
10. “I have never made any distinction between man and man. All human beings are equal in the eyes of God.”

Legacy and Death of Abdul Sattar Edhi

Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away on July 8, 2016, but his legacy lives on through the Edhi Foundation, which continues to serve the marginalized communities in Pakistan. He has inspired countless people with his selfless devotion to humanity, and his life serves as a testament to the power of compassion and kindness.

Conclusion

Abdul Sattar Edhi’s life was a shining example of what it means to be a humanitarian. He dedicated his life to serving others and made a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of people in Pakistan. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and he will always be remembered as a true angel of mercy.