– M Rafi Ahmed
Service to humanity is a core principle in Islam. It emphasises kindness, compassion, and charity towards all individuals, regardless of their faith, colour, race or background. This principle is well-supported by various references from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, illustrating the importance of helping others and fostering a harmonious society.
Islam places a high value on the preservation and saving of human life. The Holy Qur’an states, وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا (“And whoever saves a life (gives life to one) – it shall be as if he had saved (given life to) mankind entirely.” – Chapter 5 Verse 32. No doubt, blood donation is an act of kindness, charity, and assistance to others, and is highly rewarded in Islam. It is also a form of relieving others’ distress, which aligns perfectly with Islamic tenets and teachings and is considered a virtuous act in Islam.
Meet the father-son duo Kayalpattinam native Shaikh Sadaqathullah (now a resident of Mannady in Chennai) a peace activist, HAM radio operator and blood donor and Shaikh Shamsudeen who were honoured by the Malaysia Consul General K Saravana Kumar with a certificate of appreciation during the flag raising ceremony to commemorate the 68th Merdeka celebrations on Aug 31 at Consulate General of Malaysia located at Cenotaph Road in Teynampet neighbourhood.
Interestingly, the Almighty has gifted both the father and son with a rare blood group of AB Negative. While Shaikh Sadaqathullah had donated blood 53 times since 1993, starting from saving a patient Narayana for the latter’s heart surgery at Perambur Railway Hospital and his son Shaikh Shamsudeen had saved lives by donating 20 times since 2016. Notably, they were invited by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to his chamber and appreciated them for their noble gesture.
It may be noted that Shaikh Sadaqathullah received recognition from Tamil Nadu State Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) with Dr M S Ashraf award under non-medical category during National Doctor’s Day fete held in Chennai (2022). A proud moment for him as he received the award from Dr J Radhakrishnan, former State Health Secretary and presently chairman and managing director of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (formerly TANGEDCO). A commendation certificate and a shield were presented to him on the occasion.
As a peace activist, Shaikh Sadaqathullah played an active role in taking part in communal harmony events held in Chennai city sending a strong message of Mother Teresa – “We can do no great things – only small things with great love. He was closely associated with leading luminaries like Late Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman, founder of United Economic Forum and All India Islamic Foundation, Dr. S.K. Khadri, Founder – Murthuzaviya Educational and Cultural Foundation of South India, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot, Founder Secretary-General – Harmony India and L.K.S. Syed Ahmed, Past District Governor – Lions District 324-A1, Managing Partner – L.K.S. Gold House.
To be precise, Shaikh Sadaqathullah makes it a point to attend almost all the communal harmony functions fostering Universal Brotherhood for peaceful coexistence among different faiths. It is a matter of great pride for him to get the recognition from Malaysia Consul General during the nation’s 68th Independence Day. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “If one removes a hardship of a Muslim in this life, Allah will relieve a hardship from him on the Day of Judgment”. True to the words of wisdom, Shaikh Sadaqathullah and his son Shaikh Shamsudeen are doing yeomen services to the cause of Mankind.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
