Phulbani: A Muslim youth chose humanity over religious customs to save the life of a pregnant woman.
Sheikh Shaqir, a resident of Peonpada in Phulbani, broke his fast Friday to donate blood to the woman who was in urgent need of blood.
According to sources, the woman-Anjali Mallick of Kainjhar village under Tikabali police limits in Kandhamal district was admitted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) here three days back after she complained of labour pain.
Doctors said she was in urgent need of blood transfusion due to hemoglobin deficiency. However, since the woman had AB blood group, one of the rarest, it was becoming increasingly difficult for her husband to arrange blood.
There was no blood matching to the woman’s blood group available in the blood bank. Medical authorities said it would take at least two to three days to arrange the AB blood.
This deteriorated the condition of the patient. Family members were worried and were losing hope as they desperately looked for a donor.
Shaqir came to know about this and volunteered to donate blood, thereby taking food and breaking his fast in the holy month of Ramadan.
Shaqir’s move has not only saved a life but also set an example for others with his efforts being applauded in all quarters.
“My religion teaches me to help fellow humans first, so I broke my fast and donated blood to save the woman. Every religion teaches that humanity is bigger than everything else,” Shaqir said.
“This indeed is a lesson for everyone. When a youth can come forward for such a good thing, everyone should follow it,” a local said, heaping praises on Shaqir.