March 1971. East Pakistan was in turmoil. There was considerably local antagonism against those perceived to be West Pakistani or people considered to be close to West Pakistani interests. Unfortunately, despite being largely apolitical, Dawoodi Bohras were considered to be close to West Pakistani interests and hence, the target of the dangerous Mukti Bahini (armed rebel group).

We experienced this first hand. We were preparing for a meal around the thaal and there was a knock on the door. Someone went to open; within the twinkling of an eye, our ground floor was overrun by armed rebels toting machine guns. They wanted to know where our wealth was stored; one put a machine gun to my head and threatened to pull the trigger. Ditto for the other members of the family.

While they were prodding the rifle on my head in their attempt to move me on the first floor, we passed a framed picture of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb on the wall. I responded out of instinct; I cried “Mushkil ma aap kaho chho ke maney yaad karjo, to havey bachaavo!” No sooner had I said this, a voice (presumably the leader) rang out from the ground floor: “Taara-taari chol ekhan theke!” (Let us get out of here fast) The young man holding the gun to my head lowered it immediately, retreated a few steps, then turned and was out of sight. They left as suddenly as they came. This incident spread like a bushfire in a nervous Dhaka.

Suddenly people were asking for copies of Huzurala’s picture. Someone who put up a picture of Huzurala in their house were surprised to find the Mukti Bahini disappear likewise. In a vulnerable Dhaka, Huzurala was the Protector.

My husband Muder went in Huzurala’s presence and recounted just this. Muder told Huzurala “You protected not just us, but many who were not even mumineen!” Muder came back and told us that Huzurala had tears in his eyes when this was said.

Interview with Sakina Shakir (Vasi), Karachiz