It was a time of Hindu Muslim riots in north India. There was a very close-knit joint family of an aristocratic Rajput chieftain living in a massive haveli in a small place in UP. One evening, as the day came to a close, they were informed by one of the staff that a family of six Muslims were at their door, looking for safe shelter.
The eldest nobleman came out to see a frightened man with his wife and children, begging for protection and shelter. Immediately, he took them in, gave his word to protect their lives and honour and the high gates of the haveli were ordered to be shut. The guests were given warm water to bathe while the dinner was getting ready. The guests were still suspicious as this was a Hindu family, that too belonging to the brave warrior class of Rajputs.
As this was the only choice they had, they could do nothing else. They were given respectable accommodation, and then asked to partake of food with the family. Some family members had already gone to bed and the rest of them sat and had dinner with them. The next day also went by peacefully, with not even the regular house helps being allowed into the haveli. After two or three days had passed the Muslim family was given a loving farewell as they felt reassured to leave for their homes some distance away. They left full of thanks and prayers to Allah to shower blessings on their protectors.
What happened next is what is interesting. The whole village had come to know that a Muslim family was harboured in the house and some family members had food with them. That act in those days was enough to not only boycott but ostracise the family. To be continued.
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.
