Brother,
We get a kick out of ridiculing Bhangi or any other low life profession that does menial jobs especially back home. In West you have sweeper (bhangi) to President tendency. I studied this when I took MBA courses for Masters degree. Bhangis are vital for any society as Scientists and Engineers. Please tell what you want to call Kiyani but don't insult the bhangi.
Once during the caliphate of Omar RA the Sahaba Karaam RA were sitting with Omar RA when a Beheshti (water carrier) passed by. Some Sahaba RA pointed at the man. Beheshti was one of the lowest positions in the social heirarchy like a bhangi.
Omar RA apparently didn't like the action of Sahaba RA that pointed to the Behesti. May be the Sahabi RA was just pointing without intention to degrade him. The next day morning there was uproar in streets of Madinah. Sahaba RA came out of their houses and saw Omar RA doing the job of the Behesti delivering water door to door.
Sahaba RA cried out: Ya Amir ul Mumineen, What are you doing? Omar shot back: Never consider any profession lower and degrade it. There are several other stories like that attributed to the first generation of Muslims. Unfortunately we think dignity of labor is a western monopoly. It is very much part of our heritage.
Posted 2 years ago on 29 Jun 2009 5:09
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