Instead of ideological politics, Thar has been dominated by politics of power and bloodshed. In a land of peace, harmony, and love, the Sindhi proverb "One says, the other accepts" has always been the norm, but now, due to the increasing greed for power of some parties, acts of intolerance and violence are being seen.
Perhaps these power-seekers understand that honour and prestige can only be achieved through power, authority, and weapons, otherwise all lines of modesty and shamelessness would not have been crossed! But even in such a time of competition and ego, there are some people who, through their work and character, bring love and happiness to the common people of Thar and do not lose patience even when times get tough. Among such great characters is Arbab Maqbool Ahmed Rahimoon, who passed away on 22 September 2014.
Born in the house of Arbab Noor Muhammad Rahimoon in the village of Sengalo, a village on the banks of the Thar Desert, this ruler of the state took over the leadership of the Rahman community after the death of his father, but he handled the huge responsibility given to him at a young age well for a period of over 30 years. Arbab Noor Muhammad Rahimoon became a member of the provincial assembly in 1953, but he had such a sense of honour and honesty that no corruption or betrayal ever touched his feet. Perhaps it was because of this upbringing that Arbab Maqbool Ahmed Rahimoon, despite being the head of a large community in Thar, never took power. He never played with the emotions of the people for power politics or took undue advantage of their voting power.
Arbab Maqbool stood as a candidate for the provincial assembly seat in Thar three times and contested the elections, but in none of the elections did he resort to caste-community clashes, police action, or violent tactics. Although all opportunities were available at many places and occasions and some parties even came to burn houses, he did not allow his patience and forbearance to be tarnished, possessing the character of the Karoonjhar hills. As a result, he lost the election, but some sections of his community also expressed displeasure and took a different tack in electoral politics. But instead of taking any stand, this embodiment of nobility distanced himself from traditional politics and seemed to say, “the next day, the people returned, and the truth was revealed, and the shame died!” Instead of being swept away by the flow of time, he continued to work hard to maintain the principles and the kingdom.
A humble man, always relying on his own strength, he was so simple that when someone new saw him, they would not believe that he was the leader of a large community of Thar. He always dressed simply, without a bodyguard, among the common people and a friend of the poor! He made decisions in such a way that even opponents praised them. "If a poor person calls you a scoundrel, you should be humbled, and if a powerful person calls you a scoundrel, you should think a hundred times before leaving." Never insult or listen to insults from anyone. Even if you cheat someone and suffer political losses, forgive them if they come back later.
One he was asked, "Sir, politician so-and-so cheated you and now you are helping him again, so you should not think twice?" He replied, "He was his own man, whatever he did, the rest of us have to think about the future of Thar. If there is a fight between the big communities here, there will be great destruction and foreigners will take over Thar." The questioner became speechless.
Perhaps Arbab Maqbool Ahmed Rahimoon had read these lines of Kabir Bhagat:
"Kabira, your hut is near the flower pots,
Whatever you do, it will fill it, so why are you sad!"
Even if he did not have such a strong faith, it is not possible for just everyone to do such a great thing as forgiving those who sent him to prison on false charges of white-collar crimes. And their witnesses, even after they lied in court and received an unconditional apology. Whenever we met him or heard him in a conversation, we never saw him slandering, gossiping, or swearing at anyone.
A humble man, always relying on his own strength, he was so simple that when someone new saw him, they would not believe that he was the leader of a large community of Thar
The people of the time treated this man with such contempt that if he had been a high-ranking officer, he would have been able to make a deal somewhere, but kudos to this brave son of Thar who never compromised the customs of nobility and rule.
Once, in Umarkot, a member of a community invited him and Arbab Maqbool Ahmed accepted, saying that he would have dinner. Soon after, a poor man, in comparison to the first inviter, offered an invitation. He immediately accepted and apologized to the first party. Someone asked, "What did you do?" He immediately replied that he could not refuse the invitation of a poor fellow who had invited him with love and affection. "And he also has more dal from the poor's house than food at the rich's bungalow!"
In 2009, a decision was to be made on a matter of the Rahman family, and there was a huge attack by the ruling party. In the face of this pressure, powerful people associated with the ruling party pressed for a decision, but he suddenly replied to one of them, "You are a bureaucrat and it would be better if the officer ran the office/did official work, the rest of the power of the government is with the elders in your family, let them come and talk, the rest is none of your business!"
Even today, his native village does not have electricity, paved streets, or other basic facilities, and yet he never asked anyone for personal favours or illegal work! Once, an influential person from his community invited him and presented him with the finest type of gun as a gift. "Since you are the chief of the community, swords were given as gifts earlier and now it is the modern era, so you should accept the gift." To this, he openly declared, "I am not that kind of chief. I will not take a gun from someone who wields weapons and claims great human rights." In stark contrast, during a visit to Thar, he happily accepted a newborn horse gifted to him by Abu Bakr Rahman.
Always thoughtful, quiet, and an incomparable example of modesty, he was a man of extreme humility. I believe that if we compare his character with those who have grown wealthy in the ruthless world of traditional politics and self-interest, there is nothing more admirable than his example.
"Even after enduring oppression, the poor have not lost their humility,
Even after selling their honour, the rich have expanded their chests!"
He never spoke ill of anyone, but if someone had asked him about his circumstances and received an answer contrary to expectations—given how Raj Bhag's politics and reputation lie in ruins—his response would have been:
"I sell mirrors in the city of the blind!"
Today, as bloodshed stains the politics of Thar, what began as the stoking of caste and community conflicts in the hunger for power has now taken on religious overtones. While those coveting Thar's resources work to create an atmosphere of conflict and violence, there is a painful shortage of individuals who respect the region's social fabric, traditions, principles, cultures, and landowners. There is an urgent need for more people like Arbab Maqbool—those who sacrifice personal gain for communal benefit and remain devoted to the politics and values of Rajbhag.
The passing of such a beloved figure has left a profound void in the lives of all Thar's people, especially the poor. On 22 September 2014, as the sun set, a dignified farewell was bid to a man whose extraordinary humanity was witnessed by the crowds of poor people lining the roads of Badin, Sinhi Goni, and Kadhan. On the other route, from Diplo to Sengalo, the road seemed heavy with grief, as if endless mourning processions were passing through. Everyone shared the same sorrow, and in their restlessness, they waited for one final glimpse of their benefactor's remains—both the man and the poor he championed.
On the journey from Sengalo to Shah Hussain Graveyard, where thousands stood with eyes brimming with sorrow, one undeniable truth emerged: money, grand mansions, palaces, power, and high positions mean nothing. What truly matters is a person's character—and it is that character which conquers hearts.