32
Harmony in Marriage
they are scared their wives may start taking advantage of them.”
He then asked me if I knew the reason he pushed her on the
swing.
Between the years of 1943 and 1944, I had a
construction contract with the government. We had a Muslim
contract labourer by the name of ‘Ahmedmiya’. He was our
head bricklayer. He had invited me several times to his home.
“Sahib, visit my little hut,” he would say. Muslim people are soft
spoken and sincere, and although their conduct may or may not
correspond, they are pleasant and sincere when they speak.
One day he asked me if I would bless him by visiting his home,
and that it would make his wife and children very happy. I had
not yet received Gnan at that time, but my world vision was
very elevated. I had compassion for everyone. If I employed
someone, my inner intent was to always look out for their
welfare. I always wanted people to be free of their miseries and
become happy; such was my intent.
I had seen the good qualities of this (Muslim) community.
I agreed to visit him. He told me that he had only one room and
was concerned about where we would sit. I told him, “I will sit
anywhere, all I need is a chair and if you don’t have any, then
I will do without one. But I will definitely come to your home.
It is your wish, so I will come.” And so, I went. Because of my
business I frequently visited Muslim homes. I would also drink
tea at their homes. I did not hold any differences.
He had only two rooms, one large room and the other as
small as a bathroom. When I asked him about the rooms, he
replied, “Sir, what can I do? This is more than enough for us
poor people.” I then asked him where his wife slept. He said,
“In this same room. You can call this a bedroom and a dinning
room, this room is everything.” So I asked, “Ahmedmiya, don’t
you ever fight with your wife?” He was amazed, “What are you