Perseverance — Page 198
198 – the story of al-haj Rashid ahmad american He then mustered up the strength to say in a loud voice, “ Wa- ‘alaykum-us-sal a m !” It was at this point I realized he could understand what I was saying and the great respect he had for our scholars, which he exhibited even in this feeble condition. I also presented him with a published prototype of this book that was specially printed for Rashid by Syed Sajid Ahmad, USA Publications Secretary. Although I do not think Rashid could see it, he was able to feel it, and know the work was complete. I was satisfied that Brother Rashid knew that Allah had granted him his wish. It is now his personal gift to each reader. I wanted to tell Brother Rashid to ask permission from Allah to visit me in a dream to tell me what the Afterlife is like, but I thought my request would be foolish so I didn’t. I told him that there were many people in the home and they came to pay their respects to him, at which he started to violently motion with his hands, trying to say something to me that I could not understand. I then called his grandson, Rizwan, to help me interpret what he was trying to convey. Lastly, when I was alone with him, I told him that I was honored that he allowed me to serve him and I thanked him for the knowledge he gave me. I assured him that I would continue to pray for him long after his death, and if Allah so wills, he will receive those prayers in the form of the fruits in Paradise. This would be the last time I would see Rashid in this life.