One of the world’s most famous humanitarians, Pakistan’s Abdul Sattar Edhi, has died at the age of 88. He was renowned for dedicating his life to the poor, founding the Edhi Foundation, which grew to be Pakistan’s largest welfare organisation, running schools, hospitals and ambulance services across the country.
"Who is Edhi?" pic.twitter.com/FxTbvGkDKB
— عُمر (@OmarImranTweets) July 9, 2016
Edhi famously approached his life with simplicity, honesty and hard work. "It is everyone's responsibility to take care of others,” he once said in an interview with the BBC. “That's what being human means. If more people thought that way, so many problems could be solved."
On Saturday, thousands flocked to his funeral at the National Stadium in Karachi, bidding farewell to a man many deemed to be a “living saint” and “Pakistan’s Mother Teresa.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his sorrow at Mr Edhi's death and said he prayed that he would have "the best place in paradise".
"He was the real manifestation of love for those who were socially vulnerable, impoverished, helpless and poor."
Social media was also aflame, with celebrities, journalists and people across the world taking to twitter to express their deep respect for Ehdi, a source of love and inspiration for many.
Shame on you, Nobel Peace Price committee, for allowing Abdel Sattar #Edhi to pass, without making him a laureate. You had so many chances.
— Bobby Ghosh (@ghoshworld) July 8, 2016
The world knows names of monsters like BinLaden and Zarqawi etc, but how many have heard of humanitarian #Edhi
RIP our dearest #EdhiSahab ❤— Deeyah Khan (@Deeyah_Khan) July 9, 2016
My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world. RIP #Edhi, You belong to the ages https://t.co/E6swt2D9L9
— Rula Jebreal (@rulajebreal) July 9, 2016
#Edhi was asked why was he ok with his ambulances picking up Christians & Hindus He replied "Because my ambulance is more Muslim than you"
— Shaista Aziz (@shaistaAziz) July 9, 2016
#Edhi did more acts of charity each day than many of us do in a lifetime. The extent of his kindness cannot be overstated. Or forgotten.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) July 8, 2016
A man who lived with little & did so much for those with even less. #Edhi 's greatest gift to all - dignity https://t.co/1XbG4aXzBZ
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) July 8, 2016
#Ehdi.
— Aisha Sultan (@AishaS) July 8, 2016
Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/lDnSjMuy08
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