Syed Majid Gilani
In the autumn of 2018, I traveled to Handwara in North Kashmir — a land of tall chinars, whispering pines, and sparkling streams. I had come at the invitation of disciples and family friends of my great-grandfather, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a respected religious personality of his time, known for his piety, knowledge, and service.
Though I had heard of him all my life, being in the town he once visited created a quiet, meaningful connection. From my youth, I had read his travel diaries, accounts of his visits, manuscripts, letters, khutbaat, sermons, naats, and other writings. Most of his work is in Persian, written in exceptionally clear and beautiful handwriting, which, unfortunately, felt like Greek to me. I tried to read his Kashmiri writings, but it was his Urdu that I truly loved and connected with.
In a large, old compound surrounded by walnut trees, my eyes fell on a marble plaque. Its edges were worn, yet the letters were clear—Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani – Khanqah Moulla. It also recorded that he had laid the foundation stone of the Eid Gah. Seeing It felt like stepping back in time. For a moment, I imagined him there — calm, devoted, and caring for others.
Walking through various villages in Handwara, the elderly spoke warmly of him, recalling how they had learned from him and how he explained religious texts. The plaque was more than a marker; it was a reminder of a man whose spiritual guidance continues to shape lives.
I also reflected on the challenges he faced. Traveling from Srinagar to this remote area more than half a century ago was no easy task. Roads were rough, transport limited, and journeys long. Yet he came not for comfort, but out of duty and care. In his pursuit of spiritual guidance and Islamic knowledge, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani traveled to remote villages across Jammu and Kashmir, as well as to places like Campbellpur (now Attock), Muree, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. He even performed Hajj via a six-month sea journey, at a time when the cost of Hajj was just a few hundred rupees. He founded the Eid Gah at Magam in Handwara, delivered its first sermon, and left a lasting mark on the town.
At Neelipora, Handwara, my hosts, especially Mohammad Aslam Mir, took me to the Eid Gah at Magam. Afternoon sunlight fell on the marble plaque. As I read the engraved letters — Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani – Khanqah Moulla — I felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
Born on July 18, 1890, in the historic Khanqah Moulla of Srinagar, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani devoted his life to religion, learning, and service. He had profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, Fiqh, the Quran, and Hadith, and was fluent in Persian, Urdu, and Kashmiri. As a Unani healer, he treated physical ailments with herbs and remedies, always with compassion. His love for Islamic history and Fiqh grew throughout his life, and his spiritual guidance left a lasting impression on the people he served.
Maulana passed away on April 19, 1966, yet his teachings, deeds, and values continue to inspire those who remember him.
Even today, I can hear the voices of those who welcomed me as one of their own. They did not see me as a stranger; they saw me as the great-grandson of a man they deeply respected for his knowledge and piety.
Visiting Handwara, seeing the plaque, and hearing stories of his life reminded me that the legacy of Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani lives on in the values he left behind.
(The author is a government officer and freelancer. He writes about family values, moral wisdom, real-life memories and emotions. He can be reached at [email protected])
