Life of Ahmad — Page 58
EARLY LIFE as 58 to turn grey when he reached the age of thirty, and that at fifty he had an entirely hoary head. Ahmad as once had an attack of tuberculosis and suffered from it for six months. His uncle, Mirza Ghulam Mu h yudd i n, 10 nearly despaired of his life. But, thanks to the loving attention of his father, who treated him as his physician, he was completely cured. The simplicity of his life was striking. He dressed in a plain fashion and ate whatever he was given. Plain living and high thinking was his motto throughout life. For his honesty, fairness and righteousness, he was held in high esteem not only by members of his own family but also by his enemies. They would often appoint him arbitrator in their disputes and abide by his decision. He was once appointed as commissioner to record evidence in a marriage suit. He went to the place to make enquiries and was accompanied by an official peon, M i r a Ĕ Bakhsh by name. Officials generally think that they possess a right to demand in villages on such occasions hospitality not only for themselves but also for their servants and horses. But Ahmad as was very careful in such matters. He took with him not only his own food but also fodder for the horse he was supposed to ride. He did not, however, like to ride the horse himself. According to his practice, he asked the attendant to ride while he traversed the distance on foot. He ordered him, however, not to accept any gift 10 Father of Imam D i n, Niz a m D i n and Kam a l D i n. He was a Tahsildar.