Padree Rehmat Masih Waiz was born on May 1857 in Narowal District (now in Pakistan). By birth he was a Muslim and converted to Christianity through the influence and preaching of a Christian missionary, Pastor Roland Batman. On 11 May 1873 Rehmat, along with his father, elder brother and sister accepted Christ. It is claimed, by the people who knew him personally, that Waiz authored seven or eight books. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the names of these except for one, Rahat-e-Dil. This is a collection of Waiz's songs and poems. During hislifetime, the book became very popular among the local churches and several songs from it became favourites and were often sung during church services. Eventually, twelve editions of this book were published, the last one shortly before his death. Twenty-two of his songs were included in Sialkot Convention*. Waiz was a dedicated Christian. During his life, he was in contact with Sadhu Sundar Singh, Padre Ehssan Ullah and other prominent Christian scholars and preachers. His own ministry extended to various areas including Clarkabad, Montgomery and Chack 424. Rehmat Masih Waiz, having faithfully served his Lord through preaching, singing and writing, died on 10 Feb 1935 in Lahore, where he was laid to rest.

_______________________________________________

*Sialkot Convention is a book of Christian songs and hymns which has been published many times and is still in wide circulation in Pakistani churches.

 

© Akhtar Injeeli 31/01/2013

---