First Grain of Sand — Page 40
24 FIRST GRAIN OF SAND Russians. And in this battle, a great number of Russian soldiers were killed, including high-ranking military leaders. For this rea- son, people in this area get deeply resentful at the sight of Indians. Further, the Russians and British have completely discontinued any travel, postal service, trading, and every kind of relationship between the two nations. Thus, given this atmosphere, if any Indian attempts to enter Russian territory, he is viewed with great suspicion of being a spy who merits very harsh treatment. Yet, even in such circumstances, it was absolutely not an option for me to run away, and I would spend day and night supplicating to God for His Divine help. And in accordance with my habit, I would wake up in the dead of night to offer my Tahajjud Prayers for this purpose. In the morning, after my Fajr Prayers [obligatory Prayer at dawn], I would recite the Holy Quran, and after the sun had risen would offer another set of extra prayers. I would turn only to God Almighty to seek Divine protection and liberation.