Newly canonised Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta has inspired many Christians for her selflessness and acts of charity. The new saint's example of love for humankind is getting the attention not just of Christians but people from other religions as well.
Faisal Edhi, a follower of Islam and the son of Abdul Sattar, one of the most well-known philanthropists in Pakistan, sent a message on the occasion of Mother Teresa's canonisation on Sunday.
In his message, Faisal described Mother Teresa as "a great social worker who dedicated her whole life to the service of humanity without distinction of caste or religion."
"Her canonisation will immortalise her service for the poorest of the poor," the Muslim man said, as quoted by The Catholic News Agency.
He added that Mother Teresa should serve as an example for people nowadays to open up possibilities for "ending rivalries between nations and communities."
Faisal likewise recalled how his father frequently spoke of Mother Teresa and her work, saying her acts of selfless generosity should serve as an example to Muslims.
Abdul did just that when he was still alive. Known to some as the "Mother Teresa of Pakistan," he established a free medical clinic, which has become a large organisation called the "Edhi Foundation."
Faisal said Mother Teresa and his father indeed had something in common — a missionary spirit which helped them deal with criticisms from "religious hard-liners."
"Only missionary spirit can help them in working for the welfare of others and understanding their sufferings," Faisal said.
Concluding his message, Faisal stressed how his father "trained [him] to do what Mother Teresa did," and expressed hopes that Muslims will be as charitable and generous as the new saint.
"As a Muslim social worker in Pakistan, I thanks missionaries for their kindness and establishment centres that work without any discrimination in our Third World country," he said, adding that "there is no other example of the ways in which they help the disabled, especially handicapped children."
