Hakeem Noor-ud-Deen – Khalifatul Masih I – The Way of the Righteous — Page 16
In Quest of Knowledge 15 near the residence of the Hakeem Sahib in question. I got down to look around for the residence, and I was told that the house facing me was the house I was looking for. In the same dusty and miserable condition, I entered the house. I noticed a big hall and saw an angel-like handsome attractive face with white hair, wearing white dress, sitting on a white sheet sidelined with small pillows. In front of this saintly figure were a Paandaan (a pot of leaf with nut), a spitting pot, a pot for safekeeping of betel-leaf, an ink pot and a set of paper. On sidelines of this hall, a large number of people surrounded him; they had come to pay respect and homage to him. The hall was carpeted with white clean sheets. I was stunned by the sight, as I never had the occasion of seeing such a genteel atmosphere anywhere in the Punjab. As I approached Hakeem Ali Hussain from the eastern door of the hall with my feet soiled with dust and stepping on the white clean floor leaving footprints on the white sheet, first I was a little reluctant and then I approached him without any hesitation and said loudly, Assalamo Alaikum according to my custom. It was a strange voice in Lucknow. I do not know whether he replied in loud or low voice, and then I extended my hand for handshake, Hakeem Ali Hussain extended his own and I shook hands. I, with a great deal of respect, sat down on the white sheet. One of the local Lucknavi persons around Hakeem Ali Hussain accosted me and asked me from which cultured land had I come. I was quite aware of my humble status, but the inquisitive eyes of the person, who posed the question, prompted me with half- closed eyes to say, "These informal ways and loud voice of Assalamo Alaikum are the product of the teachings of that illiterate Prophet of the barren valleys, who used to tend the flocks of goats, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and my parents be sacrificed on him. " My answer worked as a flash of lightning, and the seated Hakeem Ali Hussain was completely un-nerved, and in a towering voice, snubbed that wealthy man, and told him, "You have been attending the Royal Courts, have you ever faced such a rebuke. "