WEB DESK: Abdul Sattar Edhi — a prominent Pakistani humanitarian and philanthropist laid to rest in Edhi village who breathed his last in the country’s largest city, Karachi, after a long illness, left entire nation in intense grieve, Aaj News reported. 

The coffin, wrapped in national flag, was escorted from Kharadar by a contingent of Pakistan Navy. Elaborate arrangements were made for the funeral. Strict security measures were also taken for the very occasion.

The Namaz-i-Janaza was attended by President Mamnoon Hussain while Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was represented by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Here is Edhi's life in facts and some of his most famous quotes.

1. Setting of World’s Largest Charity Foundation

He established one of the largest charity foundations Edhi Foundation from a nominal amount of Rs. 5,000. Saying this will not be wrong he established a charity empire from nothing. During his whole life, he helped people of every class without any religion and identity discrimination.

2. He Lead a Simple Life

He was known for his ascetic lifestyle, having two pairs of clothes and living in an apartment where he spent his whole life.

3. Shield of Honor by Pakistan Army

He was awarded Shield of Honor by Pakistan Army for promoting the cause of social welfare service in Rawalpindi. Only a few people were able to get this award by Pak Army.

4. Travel Issues by Developed Countries Despite the Fact He was Legend

Whatever your status in the world is, still you can be badly treated if you have a beard and simple dress. Edhi was first arrested by Israeli troops in the early 1980s when was entering Lebanon. He was detained in 2006 in Toronto, Canada for 16 hours. In 2008, his passport and travel documents were seized by YS officials at the John F. Kennedy Airport. When Edhi was asked about this frequent detention, he replied, “I can think of is my beard and my dress.”

5. International Recognition

Abdul Sattar Edhi and his foundation won over a dozen international awards for providing services to the society.

6. He Even Donated His Organs

His last wishes included the request that his organs were to be donated but due to his ill health, only his corneas were suitable.

7. He was Fighting with Diseases for Past Many Years

Despite the fact, he himself was fighting with diseases still his motto for serving the society was high.

8. Edhi Foundation Runs the World’s Largest Ambulance Service

Edhi Foundation runs the largest ambulance service in the world. Almost two thousand ambulances are currently operational that offers twenty-four emergency services.

9. Edhi Foundation at International Level

Besides Pakistan, Edhi Foundation is also working at international level. The foundation has run relief operations in Caucasus region, Middle East, Africa and even in the United States and eastern Europe.

10. Take Care of the Poor of My Country, his last words

His last words were “take care of the poor of my country”. He remembered the poor in his entire life.

Quotations:

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Edhi also said, " You have to care for all beings created by God...My mission is to help any person in need.".

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"No religion is higher than humanity." - Edhi.

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“I do not have any formal education. What use is education when we do not become human beings? My school is the welfare of humanity.” -Edhi.

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“So, many years later there were many who still complained and questioned, ‘Why must you pick up Christians and Hindus in your ambulance?’ And I was saying, ‘Because the ambulance is more Muslim than you’.” -Edhi.

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“The Holy Book should open in your souls, not on your laps. Open your heart and see God’s people. In their plight you will find Him.”- Edhi

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“Those who believed in changing the world were either hungry by circumstance or practiced deprivation by choice.” -Edhi