Published: 12:04 AM, 13 April 2026
Unyielding Willpower Is the Surefire Path to Success
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
Abdur Rahman Molla, a centenarian from Baraigram, Natore, has written his name in history as a living example of how insignificant human physical limitations can be compared to spiritual and mental strength. A 120-year-old life, the last twenty-five years of which were spent in the darkness of blindness, yet he conquered that darkness with the light of the heart or divine light. A two-hundred-meter piece of rope and bamboo stretched from his house to the mosque were his tools for conquering the world. For a long decade and a half, he gave the call to prayer five times a day and led the prayer, which will be considered a document of an indomitable determination in history.
From the perspective of medical science, old age and blindness severely damage a person's nervous and muscular control. At the age of 120, it is almost impossible for a person to walk with balance, but Abdur Rahman Mollah has traveled to the mosque five times a day. This proves that if the mind has control over the body's biological clock, nervous stimulation can overcome the inertia of old age and keep the body active. This physical ability of his can be a surprising subject of research for modern doctors.
Judging from the perspective of psychology, it can be seen that Abdur Rahman Mollah had an extraordinary 'positive mental attitude' or positive mental outlook. When vision is lost, most people are immersed in depression or 'depression', but he accepted this limitation and created a new routine in life. This faithfully walking on the rope is a unique example of his brain's 'cognitive mapping' or ability to recognize the path mentally. His strong willpower proves that if the goal remains steadfast, external blindness cannot stifle human creativity and sense of responsibility.
In the language of chemistry, the hormonal secretions that occur inside a human body are mainly controlled by his emotions and beliefs. When the immense faith in Allah and the satisfaction of worship worked in the brain of a religious person like Abdur Rahman Molla, the presence of soothing chemicals like 'dopamine' and 'serotonin' in his body made him forget physical pain or fatigue. This spiritual pursuit of his was actually a biochemical process, which gave him vitality for 120 long years and infused an unearthly power even in his aging body.
In the context of sociology, this old muezzin was a symbol of social unity and a center of inspiration. His selfless service and unrequited worship spread the glory of sacrifice among the people of the society. In a selfish world, where every work is sought for a reward, his free calling to prayer and leading the prayer has added a unique moral value to our social structure.
If students of human sciences analyze the life of Abdur Rahman Mollah, they will see a form of primitive and genuine struggle for human survival. In the course of evolution, man has learned to adapt to a hostile environment, and this old man transformed his blindness into a mechanical simplification through ropes and bamboo. In this age of technology, he has reminded us that with primitive inventive power and willpower, even a narrow rope can become a highway to success. A great lesson of the science of willpower is that the greater the obstacle, the more glorious the person’s crossing will be. For Abdur Rahman Mollah, going to the mosque was not just a physical distance, it was a daily challenge. Each of his steps was a triumph of invincible willpower. Science says that willpower is a kind of mental muscle that gets stronger through practice. He practiced that muscle for 25 years, as a result of which his determination did not waver even at the age of 120.
According to the theory of energy science or energy science, the positive energy of the universe is captured by those who devote their small energy to a greater purpose. This old man's daily call to prayer was a pulse of that positive energy, which created a resonance of peace in the entire village. He spent the limited energy of his body in the service of the house of Allah, and in return, the Almighty bestowed upon him a tireless spiritual power.
If we look at the historical context, we see many great souls from time immemorial who have overcome physical disabilities and become immortal. Abdur Rahman Molla Natore is one such name in the pages of history, who has won the hearts of people not on a sword or battlefield, but on the prayer mat and with the sound of the call to prayer. His life story will be a history of sacrifice for future generations, which will teach people how to live with their heads held high even in the face of adversity and selflessly love the Creator's creation.
From the point of view of economics, his work is a great example of 'volunteer work'. Modern economics only calculates material gains and losses, but Abdur Rahman Mollah has shown how to increase 'social capital'. He did not take any salary, yet the value of his work is more than crores of taka. His selfless contribution proves that not all work can be measured in terms of money and there are some achievements that are only preserved as savings for the future.
In political science terms, he was an ideal citizen who, without any demands or movements, created a silent revolution by sitting in a corner of the state. The state expects loyalty and devotion to duty from its citizens, and he fulfilled it with excellence. This lifestyle of his can be a great lesson for those in the governance of the state—to be so steadfast in duty and to serve the people by giving up the illusion of position.
In cultural science, this lifestyle of his is an integral part of the folk religious culture of Bengal. This scene of going to the mosque with a rope tied is not just an event, it is a powerful cultural imagery or 'image'. It is a wonderful example of the piety, tolerance and family ties of the people of Bengal (through the cooperation of his sons).
Abdur Rahman Mollah has set a unique example of human love. He knew that giving the call to prayer does not mean just calling out loudly, but rather inviting people to the path of goodness. He loved people for the sake of Allah, and that is why the people of the entire area expressed their infinite love for him by attending his funeral.
Patriotism lies not only in the battlefield, but also in properly fulfilling the duties entrusted to one. Abdur Rahman Molla felt a deep attachment to the soil and people of his native land. He considered the soil of this country sacred, so he repeatedly prostrated himself on it with his forehead. His long 120-year life was nourished by the light and air of this country, and he kept this town resonating with the melody of the call to prayer until his last breath. This devotion of his is proof of his silent and deep love for the country. Finally, it can be said that Abdur Rahman Molla was not just a muezzin, he was a beacon of humanity. His life taught us that even if we do not have the sight of eyes, it is possible to touch the sky with the sight of the mind. Although his passing at the age of 120 leaves us in mourning, his teachings will remain forever. With an indomitable will and trust in God, any impossible can be made possible—his philosophy of life will serve as a living beacon of hope for all the depressed people today and in the future.
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain is an essayist
and President of the International
Anti-Drug Organization - Freedom International Anti-Alcohol. He can be reached at [email protected]
