Abdul Qadir Bakhsh, an 82-year-old shepherd from a village in Hub, Balochistan, became an unexpected social media sensation after a video of him went viral. In the video, Bakhsh is seen wandering alone in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, with a long muslin cloth draped over his turban, looking frail and barefoot. The video received over a million views, prompting Turki Alalshikh, adviser to the Saudi Crown Prince, to tweet about where to find him.
Bakhsh had saved for 15 years to fulfill his lifelong dream of performing Umrah, and after returning from the pilgrimage, he discovered the viral video during an interview with Arab News inside his modest hut. Despite living in poverty, Bakhsh expressed contentment and gratitude, saying that his visit to the shrine of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and Makkah had granted his wish.
"I feel like all my worries have vanished. My heart is content. I am not even short of sustenance, I am happy. My wish to visit the shrine of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and Makkah have been granted," said Bakhsh, whose video was viewed over a million times.
Bakhsh's village was filled with visitors congratulating him on completing the pilgrimage, and he spoke of his experience of visiting Makkah and the Prophet's shrine, expressing his joy at finally being able to fulfill his dream. He explained how he wandered alone around the city, speaking only Balochi, which made it difficult to communicate for directions. Nevertheless, his prayers were answered, and he made it to the Holy Kaaba, where he wept with gratitude.
"At the Kaaba, I prayed: 'Allah, I don't know this place, so you are my guide. I have no guide here. If I'm not healthy, then this place is better for me; I'm not a learned person, and I have weak eyesight. Guide me as you're my only guide... guide me to your secrets,'" said Bakhsh.
Despite his poverty and simplicity, Bakhsh's faith and gratitude have inspired many people worldwide, proving that true happiness lies in fulfilling one's dreams and being content with what one has.
The picture taken on April 23, 2023, shows a signboard bearing the name of Goth Hajji Rahim village, where Abdul Qadir Bakhsh lives, in Hub, Balochistan.
Reference:
https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2292471
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