Pratibha Raman/Bengaluru

On May 2, at 7.30 pm, eight Muslim youths observing Roza, received a call to immediately attend to someone’s help. They dropped their ‘namaz’ plans at once and rushed to assist in conducting the last rites of a Hindu man in Koppal, Karnataka.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s social wing is Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS), and its district head is Khaleel Udeoo. He was contacted first by a person known to the Hindu family in Bagalkot. Khaleel took Syed Hidayat Ali and other volunteers to attend to this emergency.

When they reached the residence of 80-year-old Vitthal Rao Mahendrakar at Vikas Nagar, they saw him dead lying on the floor. He had died of COVID-19. Unfortunately, his son had also been battling COVID in the hospital. “Vitthal Rao’s wife, daughter-in-law and grandchildren were there. His son-in-law Raghu from Davanagere was the lone relative, who stepped forward to help,” said Khaleel.

“It was an unfortunate scenario. Vitthal Rao’s wife is also aged. We collected our gloves, sanitizers and masks to get to the ground and help. We arranged an ambulance and made arrangements for firewood to set up the pyre,” said Hidayat.

They carried the mortal remains to the cremation ground, and ensured the last rites were conducted with no hassle, thanks to the workers at the cremation ground, who were also ready to support. Raghu was the man who lit the funeral pyre.

“When we met Raghu, he was slightly hesitant. It’s natural. He didn’t know whether we, being Muslims, would be readily rendering aid. But he soon became comfortable with us,” said Hidayat.

One of the main teachings of Islam stresses on helping those in emergency, explained Hidayat. “We have never let religion come in the way of humanity,” he added. “Not everyone is bad in any religion. I have been taught that if we do not pay heed to humanity, we aren’t Muslims. Be it Hindu or Muslim, we should have a good heart. That’s all that matters,” said Khaleel.

The volunteers completed the ritual and got back to their namaz at 10.30 pm that day. “Raghu as well as Vitthal Rao’s wife were so thankful. That is enough to keep us going,” said Hidayat.

“We even arranged for some biscuit packets for the children at home. While we were glad to be of help, we were a bit pained to see the ambulance driver demanding Rs 12,000 to travel just 2km. Life is meaningful only when there’s humanity,” said Khaleel.

Hidayat has been with HRS for 6-7 years now, while managing a shop that sells watches. He and his team of volunteers have been helping those in emergency – from providing medical aid during disasters to providing food for the needy during lockdowns.