The Generous Major Raja Mujtaba (late) It was sometime during mid-2012. In those days, my family and I were going through a period of financial turmoil, so much so that we had no other option but to request loans from a few reliable friends. I had already taken and later repaid a loan from one of my good friends earlier in the same year, because of which I was hesitant and shy on requesting him again for another one. It was a terribly awkward situation in which shyness and a hesitant nature added more and more to my anxiety with each passing day. Who do I ask for a loan? What if they flatly refuse? What will they think of me? As I was trying to gather together my thoughts, the words Major saab came to consciousness. I had been in very good communication with Major saab since mid-2011 through his forum Opinion Maker. Later, we developed a good academic relationship through regular phone calls, email exchanges and, most notably, interaction on Facebook. Major saab knew my mindset and personality well. For some reason I didnt hesitate much on asking him for a loan, something which I now wonder about; why was the process so easy with Major saab? Allah Knows Best. Anyhow, Major saab used to regularly call me for assistance on research (data collection) and technical help regarding software. I felt privileged whenever he would call me every other week and ask about my well-being, later requesting help; naturally, it would be a matter of honor for me to help out this old gunner (as my friend Saif bhai used to label him). He was indeed a man of robust determination, conscience, intellect and character. There are only a handful of retired military officers who continue to serve their country without expecting anything in return (not caring about any financial or other benefits). Major Mujtaba was one of such rare individuals. An exemplary individual with a no-bullshit attitude, he was a straightforward and articulate analyst-cum-commentator who would put forth his honest opinion on issues on which most would resort to doublespeak. His brainchild, Opinion Maker, was and still remains a consortium of great knowledge on issues such as the economy, national security, international geopolitics and defence. As I was saying, Major saabs name came to mind out of nowhere and I called him right after. As I related to him the background to my request for a loan, which I promised to return on a designated time period, he gently cut me out, assured me of help and invited me over to an Army Club where he was staying for a few days. With a wave of freshness and some relaxation in mind, I went over the same day to meet him. With humility and hesitation, I headed towards his room, to meet him face-to-face for the first time; and for what a purpose! A tall man, more than 6 ft in height, opened the door and politely greeted me, before signalling me to come inside. He gave me a seat beside him, in front of a coffee table, on which I noticed his laptop; I took a glimpse of the screen to see a web browser with dozens of tabs open and other software. Im working on a new report, he said, as he ordered tea and refreshments, I do hope you read it and provide your feedback. Major saab was not the sort of person who wanted to be praised and held high above on shoulders. He eagerly looked forward to receiving honest feedback from his friends and acquaintances. Most importantly, a remarkable attribute of his persona was intellectual humility. Rather than being imposing and arrogant, he welcomed correction to his assessments because he genuinely wanted to know more. This is a very, very rare quality in army officers, who are otherwise known to be too rigid and who consider themselves as the ultimate authority. Major Mujtaba stood firm by what he believed in, but he had sufficient room for critical reception and subsequent correction. In all honesty, I dont remember exactly when or how he was corrected for something because, at least to my observation, his opinions and analyses were always correct. Most of them were situational reports whereas some also contained foresight about events yet to come. In yet other instances, he would make policy recommendations. I remember his advice to Pakistan Navy for increasing their presence in Balochistan and transforming the Pakistan Marines into a full-fledged corps. The former did materialize in 2013 and early 2014, I sincerely hope the latter (establishing a Marine Corps) will also be taken into serious consideration. So there I was, taking bites from some delicious club sandwiches and sipping tea while he narrated some recent events of the day that took place in his very vibrant life. He was, MashaAllah, someone with a big network of contacts, whom he would interact with very regularly. Despite all this PR, Major Mujtaba was a very humble gem of a person. Another thing I noted about him was that he used to silently listen to what others had to say. He was a very good listener and that, I believe, is what made him the insightful person he was. There are people who keep on talking for hours on end but Major Mujtaba only spoke when it was necessary, and very carefully. I, personally, never heard a single word or statement of personal abuse, character assassination or backbiting from him at all. It was as if he calculated his words well in advance before speaking. With a burning fire visible in his eyes, full of passion and a powerful impression on his face, one could find that very fragile but persistent smile. It was not noticeable to everyone, if you look closer he would be gently smiling at you. Here you go young man, he said, as he handed me the required amount for the loan, Dont rush to return it. Be absolutely relaxed, take your time and pay my regards to your ammi jee. My mother not only returned the salam but also did a lot of duas for Major saab. You see beta, how Allah makes waseelah? You met him for the first time and yet he showed such generosity. May Allah bless him always!. I smiled in agreement. That loan helped my family and I on some important matters which were pending. I would still get frequent calls from Major saab afterwards on various issues such as information sharing and technical assistance, etc but he never mentioned the loan money. Not once did Major Mujtaba ask me to return it. I thought maybe he had forgotten about it so I told him myself that I would return his generous loan soon. Without letting me finish, he quickly diverted the topic to some hot national issue of the day. Im sure he wanted to prevent me from feeling embarrassed. A few months later, or 25 February 2013 (Monday) to be precise, I met Major Mujtaba for the second and, unfortunately, last time (face-to-face). I went to the Club but with a friend this time. He treated us to the same warm hospitality, in fact, even more. The three of us had a wonderful meeting for about an hour after which I looked at the clock to realize it was getting late and Major saab needed to rest. My friend went outside the room after which I took out the money to return Major Mujtabas loan. Zaki, you dont need to return it. I had given it to you without any intention of demanding a return, I really dont need it back. Please keep it. He kept insisting and was very serious about it. No Major saab. Youve been too kind. You were there for me in my toughest of times, and facilitated me on a single phone call. I am returning your loan but to your generosity and kindness, I shall forever remain indebted; it is invaluable. He still didnt take the money from me. Zaki, are you sure this is easily manageable? he asked with seriousness. Absolutely sir. Please let me return the loan, I replied. He very solemnly took the money before wishing me well and saw us (my friend and I) off. As he was closing the door, my friend and I noticed him smiling and closing the door. Who knew I wasnt going to see him again....... A few months later, I published an exclusive interview with Major Mujtaba on a very important subject. I had to transcribe the interview because he had sent me answers to my questions in an MP3 file, which is about 30 minutes long in duration. That audio file is still there in my hard drive, but the man is no more. He has gone to meet his Creator... Later on, I started noticing, and Im sure others did too, that Major saab had spiritual inclinations. He was writing Sufi poetry, sharing his thoughts and emotions on saints and the wonders of the cosmos with his friends and acquaintances. One day, Major saab called me and told me to add a student of his who was very spiritual. Slightly puzzled by the request, I asked, Sir, I am very thankful for your offer but what do I know about these things? Zaki mian, bas aap add karein unhein. Aap tau baray chhupay rustam nikle, he replied. I still have no idea what he meant. I did as he told, later politely questioning him again about why he had let a person like me in his spiritual circle. He gently laughed on the phone before quickly changing the subject towards national issues. Major Mujtaba was physically fit, healthy and could be seen playing golf with his friends, regularly mentioned on his Facebook profile. His sad demise was unbelievable for us keeping this thing in mind; who knew the battles he was waging with medical issues? He was silently fighting his troubles but was firm as ever for the general public on the outset. May Allah bless this patriot with a peaceful abode in Paradise and spread his words of wisdom to every corner of this country. May Allah help us grasp, and act upon, the vision of the late Major Raja Ghulam Mujtaba. Rest in eternal peace you old gunner! [Zaki Khalid]
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 09:49:52 +0000
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