It was a winter afternoon. The sun was just starting to set in the western sky, and a cold breeze lingered in the air. This time of day always made Rasel’s heart feel a bit restless. Like every Friday, he had come to the outskirts of the village, to the old shrine, Mazar Sharif.
Mazar Sharif was a small shrine, with a history that went back centuries. Here rested a local saint, a pious man known for his kindness and service to others. The villagers told many tales about him. Some said that wishes made here came true, while others claimed there was a mystical aura around the shrine that enchanted anyone who came near.
Since childhood, Rasel had heard stories about Mazar Sharif from his grandfather. Every Friday, he would come and sit quietly by the shrine. There was a small mango tree nearby, and he would sit under its shade, feeling a mysterious connection with the place.
Today, Rasel sat by the shrine as usual. The sky was lightly overcast, casting a warm, golden glow around the shrine. After a moment, he closed his eyes and whispered a quiet prayer. Suddenly, an old man appeared and sat beside him. The man had a white beard, wore a white kurta, and had a peaceful smile on his face.
The old man looked at Rasel and asked gently, "Why are you sitting here, son?"
Rasel smiled back, "Nothing, uncle. I just like this place. Being here makes me feel at peace."
The old man was silent for a while, looking at Rasel thoughtfully. Then he said softly, "You know, the saint buried here was devoted to easing people's hearts. Many come here, but not everyone knows the true prayer of the heart."
Surprised, Rasel asked, "How do I know what the true prayer of the heart is, uncle?"
The old man gave a faint smile and replied, "A true prayer comes from the depth of your heart. When you let go of your own desires and search for purity within yourself, then the prayer becomes complete."
Rasel fell silent, pondering the old man’s words, which stirred something deep within him.
The old man slowly stood up, saying in a gentle voice, "Suffering is only a test for the heart, a way to see the path. Pray for the clarity to find it, from within. True prayers are always heard." Then he slowly began to walk toward the shrine.
Rasel watched the old man in wonder. A moment later, he glanced at the shrine and saw that the man was gone, as if he had vanished into thin air.
Rasel understood that this shrine wasn’t just a place to make wishes. It was a place to search for the true path of the soul. Standing before Mazar Sharif, he closed his eyes and prayed deeply, asking to find the right path.
Villagers say that the mysterious old man was actually the saint’s spirit, appearing to show people the way. And Rasel, every Friday now, visits Mazar Sharif with a new prayer in his heart, seeking guidance.