Rajaballi Mohammed Khoja

I saw Sai baba some eight years or so before he passed away. I went, as I had heard good accounts from people here. I had work at Nasik and I went there. Some carts of tanning bark were being delayed delivery at Nasik, even after I went there. So I had nothing to do and I used my time by going to Baba. I regard him as a great saint with vast powers (which are possible only to those who have “atmajnana”) I went and presented him a coconut and sugar candy. I was not asked for dakshina and gave none. I asked leave to start the day of my reaching Shirdi or the following morning. But Baba said “That man is not yet ready to deliver your goods.” I therefore had no object in wasting more time at Nasik and spent two or three days in Baba’s company. I had nothing particular to ask of him. I wanted only increase of faith. I wanted that at my death, I may die possessed of full Imam or faith so that I may have a good end. I prayed to him (mentally) for that and asked for his blessings. He placed his hand on my hand and blessed me. From that moment his blessings have borne fruit. My faith has steadily increase. Besides that I have a great benefit from my faith in him and in his Udhi. For example five years back, my she-buffalo was in great travail, in trying to calve. Pained at her suffering I sent for the Veterinary Surgeon. He tried his best. Especially as I was the Chairman of the Sanitary Committee of the Municipality he would be glad to help me in such a difficulty. But he could do nothing. Then I besought myself of Baba’s udhi. I placed some udhi on the head of the buffalo and hoped that Baba would kindly come to its aid. In about ten minutes, she safely calved; there was no more trouble. There are numerous cases in which I have used Baba’s udhi, with signal success. I take it myself in this way. I apply a bit of it on my chest, eyes, forehead and think of Baba. Then all my difficulties are overcome.

Baba is undoubtedly a saint of vast power. “Is” I say. Saints according to Islamic tradition do not die. They pass from one state to another. That is all. I have similarly visited tombs of other saints e.g. at Delhi. And I have gone to numerous living saints e.g. Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur, Baba Jan of Poona (1928) etc. I have had numerous experiences. These give me earthly benefits here and strengthen my Iman or faith on which I have to rely at death. There is a saying, (which I firmly believe and act upon) that once being in the company of a saint is better than saying a hundred prayers by yourself.

I have here the porcelain statue and picture of Sai baba. My family burn udhbathi before it on Thursdays.