March 17, 2007

It was a cold night and the icy whips of the north wind lashed across his face. Shahid’s toes were numb and his body ached, but this seemed to have little effect on him. There he was, hungry, helpless, tired and hurt underneath the heavy rubble. His tears flowed among muffled sobs as he remembered the day when the earth shook.

It was the sacred month of Ramazan. Like every day of this month, his family, comprising four members, woke up for their pre-dawn meal (sehri). His younger sister was keeping her first fast that day, and everyone encouraged her.

“I bet she’ll come running for food after five hours!” joked Shahid.

“Ammi! Tell him not to tease me!” the girl complained, and their mother lovingly admired the affection between the siblings. After prayers, both brother and sister left for school. As they bade adieu, their mother warmly hugged them, and as it seemed, wanted to shower all her love in those few seconds. “Goodbye, my children, goodbye!” echoed her voice down the hall.

It was 8 O’ clock. During class, Shahid’s mind swayed. He smiled as he remembered his naughty but sweet little sister. Tear filled his eyes as he thought of his mother’s love. Somehow, life seemed precious all of a sudden…

Then something happened — ceilings collapsed, walls crumbled, children fell, everyone was wailing… Then all went black for Shahid. As he regained consciousness, he realised the severity of the earthquake that had hit his city. His first thought was to reach his family; but to his horror, he was stuck beneath a heavy pile of rubble. He shouted for help as he saw some villagers pass by, but they were helpless as the rubble was too heavy for them to lift.

So there he was, hungry and cold. He could even sense that the boy, who had been breathing a while ago, was now lifeless. But he stayed hopeful and constantly prayed to God for his life. That whole night he spent in a mixture of fear, tears, agony and pain, but above all was his hope that had kept him alive.

The next day, his prayers were answered and the villagers led the expert searchers to him, and fortunately, they rescued him. He later found out that his family had fallen victim to the earthquake, but he remained thankful all the same.

Why was it that others died while Shahid lived? I’d say it was his hope that helped him in such a situation.

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