Video transcript
Seeing this bag reminded me of my grandparents. Granddad was a steeplejack and
often worked away from home so on weekends I stayed with my Nanna Ivy. Both my
grandparents had strong principles and values. If my granddad had not worked away I
would not have had the opportunity to spend so much time with my nanna. Her
wisdom, knowledge and her talks about God helped me to be the person I am today.
Seeing this bag reminded me of Doctor Hameed Khan. He was the first member of the
Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to bring his wife and family to live in
Hartlepool. He was a very special man, not only did he care for the physical well-being
of his fellow man but also their spiritual well-being. His home was used for Friday
prayers. Helped by his wife Sajida and his family, many meetings were held in their
home and their converted garage.
Over the years many English people converted to Islam and joined the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Association, my husband Bill and myself amongst them. If Doctor Khan had not
come to live in Hartlepool, I would never have met such a loving, caring and righteous
family who I now look upon as my extended family. I would never have become a
Muslim, nor would I have met members of the community who have become good
friends.
The life of the holy prophet, peace be upon him, the beautiful teachings of the Holy
Qur'an and the motto, 'Love for All, Hatred for None,' would mean nothing to me. I would
never have met the fourth Khalifa, may God be pleased with him on his visits to
Hartlepool.
The fifth Khalifa, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, would not have come to lay the foundation
stone of this mosque or have come back again for its inauguration. I would not have had
the pleasure of saying my prayers in such a peaceful place, nor would I have met the
many visitors that have been to the mosque since its opening. There would have been
no craft class, no girls creating their beautiful drawings, collages, etc. I would have
missed the fun and joy they bring to the class. I would have missed the love, friendship
and help that Lynda and all the girls bring to the class. I would not have met Louise and
Christine and you would not have heard of me or be watching this DVD.
I don't know what I would have done if these two men had not been in my life but I know
for certain that I would not be as happy as I am now. I thank God for my Granddad and I
thank God for Doctor Khan being in my life.
A window into so many lives. I was moved by this...Posted on 20/11/2009 at 04:04:47