IT is a crucial moment where we face a great test as a collectively: us, who have lost a spiritual shelter. We have suffered a loss indescribable and are still grappling with what has actually befallen. This type of a loss is not easily explainable and this is what makes it dangerous for us. We are in a state of homelessness and that is what unites us in this moment of devastating grief. Like a homeless family we are sitting around the debris; our emotions singe deep inside it. It is very likely that such a loss leads to collapse; at the level of thinking and practice. There are also some whisperings in the air that can fan another fire. In this moment of grief we have to be very alert not to allow ugly elements to appropriate the Khanyar incident in their divisive politics. That is the way, probably, to listen to the teachings of the great soul who sent his blessings to Kashmir from Geelan in Iraq. That is how Dastgeer Sahab (RA) can come to our rescue in this critical moment. We must listen to what he says, and stand united. Once we refuse to succumb to the rendition of divisive forces, the immediate task is to build the shelter that we have lost. That is the apt response to the loss and the accompanying threat. We must shake up the dust, restore the thinking, and get going. This is the time to be particular about how the work of reconstructing the mosque and the shrine is undertaken. The design and the content that goes into the new building must be the same as it was. No faking, no compromise on the details. We, as a civil society, have to be ever present when the task of rebuilding the structures is undertaken. The modern day monsters of marble and concrete should not step in; not even on the fringes of the reconstruction plan. But to start the work we have to first gather ourselves. The soul of the saint is ever present here and our belonging to him is permanent and growing. There is no threat to that. We all are one in this moment of grief and in unison we should try to restore the routine of life and start the work on the reconstruction of the Dastgeer Sahab (RA) mosque and shrine.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST