Abdul Sattar Edhi

My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world.

Abdul Sattar Edhi (28 February 1928 – 8 July 2016) was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, ascetic and humanitarian. He was the founder and head of the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan and ran the organization for the better part of six decades.

Quotes

• I always say, be human and preach humanity. I started my humanitarian service by strictly observing four principles: truth, simplicity, hard-work and punctuality, and I repeat, be human, preach humanity and adopt humanity.
  • as quoted in his Urdu language message, published in the report of National Annual Conference-2004 and Award Ceremony on the International Day of Human Rights, page-14 (December 9, 2004 at Islamabad –Pakistan) organized by International Human Rights Observer

• My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world.
  • quote published in Pakistan Studies Journal Pakistaniaat (Vol. 3 No.2 of 2011).

• My mission is to love human beings. ... Each day is the best day of my life.
  • as quoted in an interview published by "Reuters" (in 2013). Retrieved on

• To me serving "Mazloom" (destitute & deprived of rights) is just like praying and all human beings are equal and they all deserve equal treatment, respect, care and love.
  • as quoted by Dr. Javed Laghari in Monograph titled "Leaders of Pakistan" published by SZABIST, Pages 2-10 (Vol.1 June-2009). Retrieved on July 21, 2016

• I am a beggar for the poor. Serving humanity is the biggest Jihad.
  • as quoted by Chris Brummitt of AP, in NBC News (August 29, 2010). Retrieved on July 21, 2016

• People have become educated but have yet to become human.
  • as quoted by Mr. Salman Masood, journalist in the Daily Dawn (July 8, 2016). Retrieved on July 20, 2016

• Empty words and long praises do not impress God. Show Him your faith by your deeds.
  • quote published by the Editor, The Kooza Communications International (July 10, 2016). Retrieved on July 21, 2016

• Whereas the entire meaning of the Quran must easily be interpreted by the lives of Muslims, Islam's followers abandoned its essence.
  • as quoted by Tehmina Durrani author of A Mirror to the Blind, a biography of Abdul Sattar Edhi at Balzan Prize ceremony (November 17, 2000,), retrieved July 21, 2016

• I do not have any formal education. What use is education when we do not become human beings? My school is the welfare of humanity.
  • "The Richest Poor; Edhi’s life in facts, quotes," July 9, 2016

• Take care of the poor people of my country.
  • Edhi’s dying words, as quoted (with translation from original words in Urdu language) by IlmFeed (July 9, 2016) and in Gulf Times by Kamran Rehmat (July 11, 2016), retrieved July 22, 2016

No religion is better than humanity

Quotes about Edhi

• Edhi was "a living example of social justice, compassion and solidarity in action."
  • as described by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, published in The Nation, Pakistan (July 10, 2016), retrieved July 22, 2016

• As a reporter, I have met presidents, prime ministers and reigning monarchs. Until meeting the Pakistani social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi, I had never met a saint. … Shaking hands, I knew I was in the presence of moral and spiritual greatness.
  • Peter Oborne, published in the Telegraph, UK (April 10, 2008) Retrieved 20 July, 2016

• As a journalist, I interviewed many people, including heads of state, celebrities and intellectuals. But the one who meant the most to me, the one I most looked forward to, and thought so much about, was the brief interview I had with Pakistan’s most beloved son, Abdul Sattar Edhi.
  • Zarina Khan, a former journalist and research communications manager at the Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi [1] Retrieved 20 July, 2016.

• Abdul Sattar Edhi was … a heroic servant of humanity
  • US National Security Council's Ned Price, the official spokesman [2] & [3] Retrieved 20 July, 2016

• From nothing he built one of the world’s largest and most respected charities, serving humanity was his religious duty.
  • Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan, retired Canadian journalist and refugee judge, published in Saudi Gazette (July 22, 2016) Retrieved on July 22, 2016

• In remembering Edhi sahib, we should also resolve to work for peace between India and Pakistan.
  • Observer Research Foundation published via Press Trust of India (July 19, 2016) Retrieved on July 22, 2016.

External links

• History of Edhi Foundation