*A LIFE DEVOTED TO ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGER*
By Syed Qaisar Mahmood

A brother's tribute to the late Mr. Syed Rashid Mahmood:

The upbringing of all of us brothers was steeped in our father's devout Islamism.
But none of us practised Islam so rigorously as did our great brother Syed Rashid Mahmood Sahab.
He was an amazing Muslim and was truly happy when he was on his prayer mattress.
I didn't fully understand the significance of his name more that I have understood it during the last three months after his sudden departure from this world.
By the definition of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), our esteemed brother was the best in our family.
The Messenger of Allah said that the best among you is the one who is good to one's family.
He respected youngers and elders alike. No wonder the trait for which he is revered most is his good manners.
A major portion of his life was spent on supplications, remembrance of Allah, meditation, recitation of the Holy Quran and, of course, prayers, which gave him immense emotional relief.
But he never displayed even an iota of arrogance on account of his righteousness and maintained humility and modesty to the end.
When one ponders over his lifestyle while lying in a cosy corner of the house, one draws the inevitable conclusion that there was something extraordinary about Syed Rashid Mahmood Sahab and the way in which he stepped out of the line and boldly crossed the limitations of what was considered appropriate during the times in which he lived. The light of faith illumined his mind in the most unusual manner.
His entire life was all about the quest for absolute truth and affection for Allah and His Prophet. His pursuit was central to everything he did.
Whenever we passed through hard times or an adversity struck us, he was our greatest friend. He would go out of his way to supplicate to the Omnipotent Lord for the elimination of our distress.
Allah, please do fill his grave with light and grant him a lofty status in the heavens.
In your impenetrable Wisdom, You are the greatest.
Please recompense him for the innumerable good deeds he did in this world.
Please accept his indefatigable worships, his hidden support for the orphans, the needy and the destitute and his kindness towards relatives, friends and acquaintances.