Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, a renowned philanthropist, educationist, reformer and an intellectual was remembered on his 22nd death anniversary by Shura Hamdard in a meeting titled “Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said: Life and Services” presided by Speaker Justice (retd) Haziq-ul-Khairi held yesterday at Hamdard Corporate Office. Chief Mutawalia Hamdard Pakistan Mrs. Sadia Rashid along with other members of Shura Hamdard also attended the meeting. Seasoned politician and an intellectual Mehtab Akbar Rashidi graced the occasion as a chief guest.
In an opening statement, Justice retd. Haziq-ul-Khairi said: “Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said’s life is a testimony of national service. All his life, he remained committed to serve humanity with best of his abilities. He was a reformer, an intellectual and an accomplished author. Hakim Said authored more than 150 books including travelogues and inspired new generations with write-ups in Hamdard Naunehal.
Haziq-ul-Khairi also said that Hakim Said established unique institutions such as first of its kind city of knowledge, learning and wisdom “Madinat-ul-Hikmah” and “Shura Hamdard” a platform for intellectuals of this country. He said that Shura Hamdard was a popular forum in the country, hosting seminars and lectures in major cities, every month since 1961, in which distinguished thinkers, writers, poets, and historians, discussed national issues and presented recommendations for concrete steps, which were then sent to concerned government departments. “Once, Dr. Mahatir Mohamed former Prime Minister of Malaysia also attended a Shura meeting in Karachi on the request of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Mrs. Mehtab Akbar Rashidi said: “Individuals like Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said are born in centuries. He was a visionary leader of Pakistan. His initiatives for educational reforms in the country were revolutionary. Madinat-al-Hikmah is one its kind city which was established to create education opportunities to all. Hamdard Public school and Hamdard Village School are not only providing education to the young generation but also building their character because Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said always laid a special emphasis on character-building of children.”
She also said “Islamic teachings also emphasize on character building. His vision for Pakistan was comprehensive as he wanted our country to evolve as an education and knowledge-loving society. Today, it is our responsibility to carry out his mission and contribute to the betterment of our society with best of our abilities.”
Former Senator Mr. Abdul Haseeb Khan said: “Life of Shaheed Hakim Muhammed Said is a role model for today’s Muslims. Every aspect of his life is in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an. The balance he maintained in religion and the worldly affairs is a great example for our society especially our younger generation.” He also said “He was not only a physician but also a reformer of our society. He considered education and character-building as inseparable. He saw a visionary reformer who took it upon himself to equip new generations with the gift of knowledge and education. He remained committed to fulfilling his dreams of brighter Pakistan. Hakim Mohammed Said was a man of great intellect. He realized the importance of research in the development of medicine long ago.” “Today, the research sector in Pakistan is weak, therefore, we have to follow Hakim Said’s guidelines to invest more in R&D,” he added.
Brigadier (retd) Dr Riaz-ul-Haq said: “Hakim Mohammed Said was a great Pakistani patriot. Allah bestowed martyrdom upon him as he was a practical example of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Today, Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said is the only person who can be presented as a role model to the new generations because his life is a prime example of patriotism, hard work and commitment.” Riaz also suggested that books should be written on Hakim Mohammed Said’s service to the nation. Prof. Dr. Khalida Ghous said that Shaheed Hakim Muhammed Said was open to new ideas, so he introduced those courses at Hamdard University from the beginning, which were not given much importance at that time, but later their usefulness became apparent. “Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said believed that teaching modern sciences were essential for the development of Pakistan because the young generation had to be prepared for the future.” “In Shura-e-Hamdard, he always invited people who could discuss new ideas with the member,” she said. Commodore (retd) Sadeed Anwar Malik said “We as Muslims believe that the ranks of martyrs are very high and Hakim Muhammed Said has acquired highest place in the afterlife.
Hakim Mohammed Said’s greatest virtue was punctuality and patriotism.” He said Hakim Said loved Pakistan and was always concerned with Pakistan’s issues. “His love and sincerity for the betterment of Pakistan is also a guideline for us to love our country and embrace it.” “I had a few meetings with Shaheed Hakim Said and I found him an amazing individual,” he added
Colonel retd Mukhtar Ahmed Butt said that if there were any major tragedy in the country after the assassination of first elected Prime Minister Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, it was the martyrdom of Hakim Mohammed Said. “He was a person who cannot be forgotten. For this, a resolution should be passed that Youm-e-Shahadat of Shaheed Hakim Said should be observed at the national level in recognition of his great services to the country. Special programs on his life should be aired on TV channels because such great people are not born every day,” he added.
Dr. Mohammad Amir Tauseen recommended that research articles written on the life of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said in different universities should be compiled and published as a book to highlight his services.
Dr. Shakeel Farooqi said that Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was not just an individual but he became much bigger than that. “He was a movement of reform as he always emphasized upon collective efforts and paid special attention to discipline the nation. In my view this summarizes his personality,” he said.
