Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 152
134 back to tell me that the doctor had diagnosed Meningitis which could not be treated locally and suggested to take him to the principal hospital; he was sent there immediately. The disease was rampant those days and many people were dying of it within 24 hours of contacting it. The situation caused me great concern because of the following reasons: 1. Because I did not have any permission for Tabligh in Senegal, the police could even imprison me being ‘guilty’ of an illegal activity. For tarbiyyat classes and meetings, I had hired a lit - tle known premises. Although in Dakar, the house was rath - er isolated, away from populated area and located in a farm. It had no electricity and the water was obtained from a well. Therefore, nobody knew what was going on there. In this situation, death of the young man could give the opponents an opportunity to take advantage. 2. Abdullah Jallow was a new convert. His death would be tak - en as a bad omen by the ignorant people of the area – ‘he became an Ahmadi, went for tarbiyyat class and died there’. Those who were weak of faith would be affected. 3. Moreover, his death while staying with me would create many problems for me. The police would come into action against our Tabligh activity that was not legally permitted and ban it. I could be exiled. The janaza (funeral prayers), getting certificate from the hospital and many other things would pose problems. I had Gambian passport but my fami - ly were staying in Senegal illegally; I was greatly worried about them.