On the 15th of February, a search was made throughout Bombay for the blind and destitute; but this time Baba's "standard" of what defined a poor person was more general, and there was no great hardship involved in bringing the required number to the Manzil. The feeding lasted until 4:00 P.M., and almost 800 people were fed. The men broke their fast of 24 hours at nine that night, as ordered by the Master; however, Baba did not break his fast and remained on buttermilk.
The next morning, the mandali who lived in Poona left for their homes along with Sayyed Jamadar, who had been staying in the Manzil until then.
Meanwhile, a Muslim named Maulvi Abdul Wahid of Hyderabad arrived in Bombay in search of a friend and stayed in the mosque at Dadar. While he was meditating in the mosque, he saw a bright light issuing from the Manzil. He immediately concluded that there must be a divine personality inhabiting the place. The next day, when he sat in meditation, he saw a still brighter light, and in its brilliance he was able to read the words MANZIL-E-MEEM .
It was on 16 February when Wahid could no longer remain passive to his vision. He came and stood outside the Manzil. He was in such a dazed state that he ended up standing on the sidewalk the whole night without speaking to anyone.
The next morning, the Master noticed the stranger outside. He sent Gustadji to inquire about the reason for his silent sentry by their gate. Wahid narrated his story about the light he had experienced in the mosque and added that he felt profound peace within himself near the Manzil. By Baba's order, Wahid was directed to Munshiji's house, where he was given food and informed about who Meher Baba was.
After dinner, a meeting of the Gutta was called, and the mandali asked, "Why is it that we always hear of outsiders — such as the maulvi [priest] today — having great experiences of your divinity and seeing brilliant lights? And why are we, who you say are members of your circle, left in the dark?"
Baba gave a brief but convincing explanation:
What happens when you place a kerosene lantern on the floor? It sheds light all around, but the area which is closest to it — encircling its base — is always dark. So it is with you who are closest to me.