Syed Majid Gilani
As I reflect on the journey of life, I am filled with gratitude and love, especially when I think of the day you, Syed Arshad Gilani, were born. December 15, 2011, is a day that will forever be etched in my memory, marking the moment you arrived at Modern Hospital in Raj Bagh. The peaceful calm of winter surrounds me, and memories of our laughter and tears together fill my heart to overflowing. Under the tender care of Prof. Dr. Bilquees Jameela, who ensured your mom’s well-being, you began to blossom inside her, a symbol of life’s most precious gift. Then, under the expert care of Prof. Dr. Tasneem Gowhar, you took your first breath and, in that moment, stole our hearts.
One of the first acts of fatherhood I performed was reciting the Azaan in your ears, immediately after your birth. This was not just a religious obligation—it was a heartfelt act, a sacred moment of welcoming Arshad into the world with the divine call to prayer. I named you Arshad, meaning “the guided one,” believing you would walk a path of wisdom, always guided by the light of Allah. As I held you close, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me—love, responsibility, and an unbreakable bond. On your second day, I was blessed to have Dr. Nisar Ahmad, a skilled surgeon, perform your circumcision. It was another important religious duty, one I felt deeply privileged to fulfil.
Dear Arshad, I still vividly remember the visit of Mr Mohammad Shafi, our trusted family hairdresser, to our home, ‘Darul Iftikhar’. With care, he performed the sacred ritual of your first head shave, marking another important moment in our Islamic tradition. That tender moment is forever etched in my heart. Soon after, another joyful occasion followed. Your large studio portrait, crafted by Mimmic Colour Lab, was proudly displayed in our lobby. What made it even more special was that Abaji, my late grandfather, personally signed it and elegantly calligraphed your name along with the date on the back. The pride and love I felt in that moment are emotions I will forever cherish.
I distinctly remember the day your mom and I bought your first tricycle from Kawoosa Sons in Nowhatta. The moment we brought home that bright blue tricycle, it became your instant favorite. Your daadi would lovingly watch over you as you rode along our pathway and lawn, always ensuring your safety with every turn.
Among my most treasured memories is the day your mom and I took you to Hazratbal shrine. There, I humbly offered Nimaze Shukrana to Allah, grateful for the precious gift of your life. Then, straightway, we went to Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, and enrolled you there, marking the blessed and joyful beginning of your academic journey. Your first day of school was a momentous milestone. Our entire family eagerly awaited your return. The sound of the school van pulling up to our home’s main gate marked the beginning of a daily ritual that I cherished deeply – welcoming you back home. I vividly recall standing there, surrounded by your loved ones—your mom, your daadi, and my late grandfather, Abaji. His loving presence remains etched in my memory, a cherished part of that special moment.
I treasured the moments when I took you along to visit the revered Khanquah Moulla shrine and our ancestral graveyard nestled within the shrine’s grounds, held deep significance. As we offered Fateha Khwani, your innocent voice reciting Surah Fatiha filled my heart with pride and joy. It felt as though your ancestors, resting there, smiled upon hearing your pure recitation, finding comfort in the continuation of our family’s legacy.
Reflecting on your life fills me with both pride and gratitude. Every moment we have shared is a treasured gift. I pray that you uphold our ancestors’ noble legacy with honor and integrity.
Our family was blessed again on April 30th, 2014, with the arrival of your precious sister, Syeda Sarah Gilani, whose birth illuminated our lives with even more joy, love, and happiness. Sarah was born in the Modern Hospital where you were born. In that moment, I kissed Sarah’s forehead, whispered the gentle words of Azaan into her ears, and named her Sarah— meaning “purity” and “brightness”. In that blessed and precious moment, nothing mattered more than the health and happiness of your mom and your new-born sister, Sarah. The sound of Sarah’s first cry echoed through the room, filling it with a wave of joy and hope for the future.
It was a moment of pure bliss and deep gratitude, a reminder of the precious gift of life that had been bestowed upon us. I vividly remember the kindness of Prof. Dr. Tasneem Gowhar, the gynaecologist who performed the caesarean delivery, and I am deeply grateful for the personal care provided by respected Jan Sahib, the owner of the renowned Modern Hospital.
On the day of her birth, Srinagar was under strict curfew due to disturbances. Had I not been a uniformed Sub Inspector (at the time) in the Vigilance & Inspections wing of the erstwhile Commercial Taxes Department, I may not have been able to manage things as I did. Alhamdulillah. I went to the Khanquah Moulla Shrine to offer Nimaz-e-Shukrana, a prayer of gratitude to Allah for her safe arrival.
Dear Sarah, I still cherish the memory of the sacred ritual of your first head shave, which took place in the comfort of our home. That tender and intimate moment, filled with love and spiritual significance, remains forever etched in my heart.
On October 23rd, 2019, our family was again blessed by the birth of your brother Syed Murshad Gilani, in Modern Hospital, completing our family. Prof. Dr. Tasneem Gowhar expertly helped bring him into the world, and from the moment he arrived, he stole our hearts. Murshad’s birth was another moment of pure joy and serenity. Just as with you and Sarah, I recited the Azaan in his ears immediately after his birth, fulfilling our religious tradition. I named him Murshad, meaning “the already guided,” believing that Allah’s guidance would accompany him throughout his life. On his second day, I made sure his circumcision was performed with care by surgeon Dr. Nisar Ahmad. I remember holding Murshad in my arms, feeling an overwhelming connection to him.
Dear Murshad, I would hug you hundreds of times each day, feeling your warmth and sweetness. Every kiss on your soft cheeks, every cuddle, and every whisper of affection deepened our bond. Your smiles filled me with immeasurable happiness. In those precious moments, time would freeze, leaving only us—lost in the depths of our love. Your laughter and cries were music to my ears, and your tiny steps, a symphony of joy. Your curious gaze would search for mine, and our eyes would lock in a loving embrace.
I vividly remember the challenging times during the 2020 global lockdown when circumstances prevented us from having a traditional barber visit for your first head shave. Instead, your mom and I got a trimmer from Citizen Electronics, Lal Bazar and I shaved your head myself for the very first time, always prioritizing your safety. The joy on Arshad and Sarah’s faces made the moment unforgettable, turning it into a cherished memory.
Dear Loving Children, I remember the quarantine period vividly. Confined to a small room on the ground floor, I would catch glimpses of you, through the small gaps between the doorframe and hinges. Those fleeting moments became my solace, my comfort, and my treasure. I cherish every memory of our time together. I vividly recall securing your admissions in Crescent Public School. I even enrolled you in tuition, at Madam’s home in our neighbourhood, ensuring you received the best possible foundation. Moulvi Mohammad Muzaffar Shah would visit our home regularly to teach the Quran to you, Arshad and Sarah, and I encouraged him to inspire Murshad to join you through play-based methods, preparing for his own Quranic journey.
I cherish the memories of our morning walks, cycling trips, picnics, and family outings. Your laughter and smiles have filled my heart with unmeasurable joy. I still remember the joy and laughter we shared during our cycle rickshaw rides through the vibrant streets of Chandni Chowk. Our leisurely strolls around Gumat Bazar and Jewel Chowk, exploring the narrow by lanes, are etched in my memory forever. Those carefree moments, are a treasure I will always cherish.
My stories and experiences are shared with the hope of guiding and inspiring you. The journey with you—through your first steps and school days—has been nothing short of beautiful. Of course, there have been moments of hardship, but these have only served to strengthen our bond. We have prayed together, visited sacred places such as the Dargah Hazrat Nizam ud din Auliya, Charar-e-Sharief, Hazratbal Shrine, Khanquah Moulla, and Dastgeer Sahib and Tujjar Sharief Shrine. These moments of spiritual connection have laid a deep foundation for our lives, and I pray that they continue to guide us in the years ahead.
Through all these moments of joy, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the traditions passed down through generations. I often think of my late great-grandfather, Moulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a venerable saint, Islamic scholar, and spiritual personality of a bygone era. His teachings of wisdom, faith, and devotion continue to guide me, forming the foundation upon which I seek to build your lives. May you proudly carry on the noble legacy of your illustrious ancestors.
Your laughter, your smiles, and your love continue to give me strength, and I am deeply grateful to Allah. As with all the children, there have been times when you have been unwell—those inevitable coughs, colds, and stomach aches. In those moments, I have always made sure to consult with a paediatrician, ensuring that you were well taken care of. By Allah’s grace, you have been spared from frequent illnesses, but whenever the need arose, Prof. Dr. Wajid Ali, your paediatrician, was always there with his compassionate care and prompt treatment. His expertise ensured that you all healed quickly and gently, for which I am forever grateful. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at Tawheed Medical Hall, Alamgari Bazar, who administered your vaccinations and boosters with such care. They made even the necessary injections a “cry-free” experience, helping me keep you three healthy and happy.
As I look back on these moments— both big and small — I find solace in knowing that, they have shaped my journey as a father. While the future may bring its share of challenges, I am confident that the love, faith, and guidance we have shared will carry us through.
Alas! Fate had other plans. On March 16th, 2023, our lives took a drastic turn, and circumstances temporarily tore us apart. My heart shattered into a million pieces. My heart bleeds, my soul aches, and every waking moment is filled with an unbearable longing. You continue to be a source of strength and peace, allowing me to calmly face the challenges and hardships that life has thrust upon me. You will forever be etched in my heart. Even though distance separates us, I pray that you feel the depth of my love surrounding you every day. May Almighty Allah bless you with excellent health, a top-tier education, a strong moral character, and a life illuminated with truthfulness.
Imposing full faith in Allah’s mercy, I remain hopeful, holding onto the belief that the entire truth will automatically unfold and revealed, you will understand the circumstances that led to our temporary separation. You will recognize the love and sacrifices I made for you. I have always strived to be more than just a father is; my wish is to be your loving friend—someone who encourages you, believes in you, and walks beside you.
In the challenging times, always remember that I love and miss you more than words can ever express. I am fighting for you and have unwavering faith in Allah. I dedicate my entire life to you and promise to be your rock, guiding light, and safe haven.
With all my love, tears, and longing, know that your Papa’s heart beats solely for you, Arshad, Sarah and Murshad, and his life’s purpose is to see you embrace your roots, heritage, and values.
(The author works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be reached at [email protected])
