Habib Miyan
Habib Miyan (May 20, 1870 - August 19, 2008) 138 years of age[1] of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, claimed on numerous occasions to have been born in the 1850s.[2] If true, he lived to be nearly 152 years old.
His real age has been recently calculated as scientists have found the records in his home in Rajahastan. According to his record, Miyan was born May 20, 1857.[3] Jeanne Calment was claimed to be the oldest person to have ever lived, yet Miyan was older than Calment his whole life. Habib Miyan was discovered the oldest person who had lived in 1996 when Calment had already died.
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[edit] Disputed claim
Neither Guinness World Records nor other researchers have verified Miyan's age. His claim was based upon documents issued in 1938, identifying a man named Rahim Khan as having been born in 1878.[4] Miyan's assertion that he was, in fact, Rahim Khan is greeted by many with suspicion.[citation needed] He also claimed to have been born in 1851[citation needed] and, more recently, 1851.[2]
[edit] Distinctions
The Limca Book of World Records recognized him as the oldest living man in the world in its 2005 edition, but the Guinness Book of Records did not.
He was the world's longest-registered old-age pensioner, having started receiving his pension in 1938 after retiring from the Jaipur State Army. He also became the oldest Hajj pilgrim to visit Mecca in 2004, after benefactors donated funds to underwrite the trip.[5]
Although his birthday had become a public event once his age claim came to public notice, Miyan did not celebrate in 2008 because he was distressed by recent bombings in India that had claimed 68 lives.[citation needed]
[edit] Quotes
- "I may have seen many springs, but I still get excited about my birthdays. After all, who doesn't like getting gifts?"[citation needed]
- On his birthday in 2007, while talking to PTI at his home, Miyan said, "Kisi raees ki mehfil ka jikra kya hai amir, khuda ke ghar bhi na jayenge bin bulawe ke ("May you discuss a party of a rich man, I will not even go to God's house without invitation.)
[edit] Death
Miyan outlived his wife by 70 years and all his five children.[citation needed] He was buried at the Ghat Gate graveyard in the Alwar district, after the Zuhar (afternoon prayers).[citation needed]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Nowpublic.com obit for Miyan
- India Server website covering Miyan's death
- Daily Mail obituary for Miyan
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