Wings of Duty — Page x

vi They present a story of courage, triumph over adversity and the ever-present helping hand of God. They also offer a glimpse into my father. He was a highly honest man who possessed a truly noble spirit and a kind heart. For me he was an empowering figure in an age where girls had fewer opportunities. He had a remarkably broad perspective on life. He taught his children about time management, financial integrity, decency and kindness. Most of all, he showed us to perceive and love God in a deeply personal way, beyond just ritual and customs and to remember God with each breath and step of our lives as the Supreme Being Who transcends time and space. And it is exactly this love of God which comes across so strongly in these recollections. He relished travel, nature, stimulating company and had an uncanny ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds with empathy and kindness. These qualities too shine through in this book. Despite the various setbacks in his life, my father was never bitter or regretful. He was a man who when given lemons made lemonade and it was with this same spirit that he so dutifully fulfilled his role as a pilot of one of the planes of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community during the years of Partition. I hope that