Abdul Rahim Rangari
A wife’s recovery, a broken tonga and Baba’s teaching on devotion beyond religious custom.
Sai BabaDevotee experienceVolume 3
The chapter
In 1913 Abdul Rahim Rangari took his wife to Sai Baba because a swelling in her throat and cheek had made eating impossible and medical treatment had failed. Her condition improved during the journey. At Shirdi Baba touched her head, said “Khuda Acha karega,” accepted dakshina and gave udhi. Within two hours the swelling was rapidly subsiding.
Rangari left without Baba’s permission and was stranded at night when his tonga broke on a lonely road. A carriage then appeared, and its driver said Baba had sent him. It brought the family back to Shirdi at two in the morning. Baba reminded Rangari why the trouble had occurred, gave the family food, and later told him to go; when no tonga could be found, one suddenly appeared where Baba had directed him to look.
Rangari noticed sandal paste on Baba’s face and hands and said it was against Muslim custom. Baba replied, “Jaisa Desh, Taisa Vesh”—he accepted the forms used by the people around him—and explained that devotees were worshipping him instead of their own God, while he himself remained a devotee of God.
Baba then spoke with Rangari about music and asked about his Guru, Habi Balishah Chishti Nizami. Rangari’s experience of devotional music enabled him to understand Baba’s explanation that love of God may express itself through tears, laughter and dance.
Editorial note: This page is a concise paraphrase for web presentation and does not reproduce the complete chapter. Please consult the original PDF for the full account and wording.