A quick note on why I chose to title the article This Was A Man: The title was Jeffrey Archer's last installment in his Clifton Chronicles and as apt as the title, Harry left an indelible mark in people's heart. Likewise, Irfan Hafiz, a Sri Lankan, has taken the level of being an inspiration to a whole new level. He has surpassed all the stages that there is, and through his death on July 25th, 2018, he became immortal.
Irfan Hafiz was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of 11. It is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. The doctors had told that he'd not survive to be 18. Yet, for 26 years, he fought a veritable battle and had become the longest a man with DMD had survived in whole of South Asia.
This is not the only factor that makes him immortal. With DMD, the whole muscular system shuts down and the process happens progressively. For Irfan, the entire muscular system had collapsed, rendering him bed-ridden at a very young age. Surprisingly, all but one finger worked and with one finger, he became The Keyboard Warrior. He had to miss schooling, and so he taught himself English through the internet and began to type with one finger. When he couldn't type on laptop, he typed on an iPhone. He found his purpose in life and before anyone knew it, he became an author.
Amidst his passionate writing, hardships would come and go as Duchenne really affects the lungs and heart, and he'd have trouble breathing. Through all the pain and suffering he had to go through, he never lost faith in God. He had said, 'Alhamdulillah. I’m strong enough to say that any difficulties or grievances would never forsake either my courage or faith at any moment, at anytime. I sincerely think that Duchenne has taught me patience and tolerance in my life. Duchenne has united parents all over the world. Duchenne has helped us identify good people in this world. Duchenne made us to know that still there are a lot of amazingly generous men and women in this world. Duchenne has specially helped me to identify true friends of life!’
Typing with one finger, at the age of 37, he had three books under his belt: Silent Struggle, Moments of Merriment (Stories for Children) and Silent Thoughts.
On July 25th, 2018, one of the world's strongest fighters passed away. It almost seems that his Creator Irfan believed in, wanted to alleviate his suffering. It is almost as if He said, 'it's enough suffering, child. I'm not going to make you suffer anymore,' and Irfan breathed his last. After having been a major source of inspiration for physically challenged and normal people all the same, Irfan Hafiz became immortal in people's heart and I say, this was a man!
