Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddin - Khalifatul-Masih I — Page 43
Hadrat Maulw i Nur-ud-D i n ra — Khalifatul Masih I PHYSICIAN AT BHERA 43 V PHYSICIAN AT BHERA On arrival at Bhera Maulaw i N u r-ud-D i n ra was welcomed by a large gathering of Muslims and Hindus of the town. He soon discovered that the prevailing atmosphere was one of fanaticism, intrigue and distrust. Among the Muslims there was a strong tendency towards emphasising minor points of ceremonial and ritual and an entire absence of eagerness to foster high moral qualities and promote spiritual values. He was repeatedly drawn into futile discussions of theological abstractions, and his sensible liberal views gave mortal offence. He was warned that unless he descended to the common, popular level in these matters, life would be made difficult for him. He was often manoeuvered into situations of extreme peril, from which he managed to extricate himself by the exercise of his God-given acumen, tact, courage and presence of mind. Many still had recourse to him for theological studies, and he gave them freely of his best, but controversy and intrigue continued to hold sway. At last he decided to start the practice of medicine. He sought the advice of a physician who was already well established and he counselled caution: "I charge fees, and yet can just eke out a modest livelihood. I know you will not demand fees, and voluntary offerings may be insignificant. Besides you are likely to prescribe simple, inexpensive remedies, and your methods will not commend you to surgeons and druggists. The divines are not friendly