The Rashīdī History 106.3

106.3

A year and a half previous to this meeting of the two Khans, my mother journeyed from this transitory abode to the dwellings of eternity. She had six sons : two of them had died at the breast, four survived her, and of each of these I will speak hereafter. One of the most curious facts in my own history is the following. While I was yet at my mother's breast, I was subject to such severe haemorrhoids that the doctors gave up all hope of my recovery. My mother, before bearing me, had been four times disappointed in child-birth [ajiza]. She had prayed very earnestly to God to grant her a son, and after much prayer and supplication on her part, I came into existence; hence the unbounded love which my mother had for me. When my malady became alarming, she turned in every direction in search of help, till at length she went to Maulana Muhammad Kazi, who was one of the most distinguished of the companions of his Holiness : so much so that even at this time his family have many disciples. When he had looked on me with his Christ-like glance, he became very thoughtful, and after he had gone out said : " If I had known that the Mirza's son was in such a grave condition, I should not have come." He ordered no remedy, except frugality, and then went on his way.