FOREWORD

I am more than grateful to Almighty Allah for enabling me to bring the memories of my father Naimatullah Khan to life. This book was developed by transcribing his detailed interviews, conducted by renowned journalists Noman Lari, Shabbir Soomro, Haider Shaikh, Asad Ahmad, and Asaduddin for various newspapers and other periodicals.This book covers various events all the way from his childhood to taking on Karachi’s mayorship. After being relieved of the post, he oversaw the relief work by Al-Khidmat Foundation in the wake of the massive earthquake on October 8, 2005, in the northern areas and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, whereas he also served the organization as its central president during the years 2007 to 2011.

The basic purpose of writing this book is to bring about a realization in our youth that this country of ours is not a mere piece of land, but it is an Islamic ideological state, formed with the innumerable sacrifices of Muslims of the subcontinent. Millions left behind their homes, assets, and their loved ones and migrated in a helpless state to begin their lives in a new country with newer difficulties awaiting them. This book also attempts to let the youth know that there is no ‘shortcut’ to success and progress in this world. Sheer hard work, learning, consistency, and, above all, Allah’s blessings are the foremost factors to put one on the track to progress.

After reading this book, the youth may also come to know that a better person is the one who is good to his parents, siblings, relatives, children, and the society, being aware of his rights as well as responsibilities. Such an individual is especially gentle in terms of how he treats his family. Naimatullah Khan’s life resembled an open book that one could read through. When he joined the sphere of social services, he set the examples of honest and indiscriminate service to people. When he entered politics, he perceived it as a sacred way to be of service to the people. He proved with his character that politics itself isn’t deceitful, but those who use it for vested interests and personal gains are!

The city was also blessed with Professor Ghafoor Ahmad, Mahmoud Azam Farooqui, Abul Sattar Afghani, and Syed Munawar Hassan, and they revived our faith in politics and showed the youth that it should and can be practiced for public welfare.

The one thing Naimatullah Khan assigned the most value to be dawah (inviting people towards the lifestyle desirable by Allah). He came closer to Jamaat-e-Islami after reading some books authored by its founder Syed Abul Ala Maudoodi (RA). He made Iqamat-e-Deen (establishing deen) his mission and dedicated himself to it. He took his oath to join the Jamaat-e-Islami in Makkah and Madina and honored his commitment till his last breath. Naimatullah Khan loved the people of Karachi and Pakistan selflessly. The way he served Karachi and rendered his duties with honesty and integrity sets an example for the youth as well as the politicians of the country. He was my father as well as of this city. He was, by all means, a blessing for the city and its inhabitants.

We all have to depart this world one day, and we are in an ongoing test. The only thing that counts is what one takes away with them and how they are remembered afterward. May Allah accept all of his good deeds and grant him a high place in his mercy, Ameen.

 

Nadeem Iqbal