By Syed Majid Gilani
As I reflect upon the long, winding journey of life, my heart overflows with gratitude and love — especially when I think of the day you, my dearest son, Syed Murshad Gilani, came into this world.
October 23, 2019 will forever remain engraved in my memory — the sacred moment when you arrived at Modern Hospital, Rajbagh. The calmness of autumn still reminds me of that blessed day — the still air, the golden leaves, and the warmth that filled our hearts as we awaited your arrival.
Under the tender and expert care of Prof. Dr. Tasneem Gowhar, who ensured your mother’s well-being at every stage, you began to blossom inside her — a living symbol of Allah’s most precious gift. Then, under her skilled hands, you took your first breath, and in that single heartbeat, you stole our souls.
When I held you for the very first time, a flood of emotions swept through me — joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of completeness. I pressed you close to my heart, and tears of joy streamed down my cheeks, for I knew I was holding the most beautiful gift of my life. Your delicate hands, the sparkle in your eyes, and your pure innocence captured my soul. You instantly became my heartbeat — my world. I kissed your soft forehead, whispered the Azaan gently into your ears, and named you Murshad — “the one guided to the right path.”
On the second day, I made sure your circumcision was performed with utmost care by Dr. Nisar Ahmad in the same Modern Hospital, just as I had done for your elder brother Arshad. It was a sacred duty — one I felt deeply privileged to fulfil.
The days that followed were wrapped in unconditional love. I would hug you countless times a day, breathing in your sweetness, feeling your warmth. Every kiss upon your soft cheeks, every cuddle, every whisper of affection strengthened our bond. Your smile filled my heart with immeasurable joy; your laughter was the melody that brightened my every moment. When you laughed, the world stood still. When you cried, I felt it in my soul.
Then came the global lockdown of 2020, which brought many challenges. Traditional rituals became difficult, but my love found its way. When it came time for your first head-shaving, I couldn’t call a barber due to restrictions. So, I bought a trimmer from Citizen Electronics and carefully shaved your head myself. That tender act — performed with love and devotion — was not just a ritual, but a moment of deep spiritual connection between us.
I still remember the quarantine period vividly — those silent days when I was confined to the ground-floor room. Through the tiny gap between the doorframe and hinges, I would steal glimpses of you, Arshad, and Sarah. Those fleeting moments became my solace, my strength, my treasure.
Then came new beginnings. In November 2022, I secured your admission to nursery, excited to watch you bloom. Among my most sacred memories is the day your mom and I took you to the Hazratbal Shrine. There, I offered Nimaz-e-Shukrana to Allah, thanking Him for blessing me with you. From there, we went straight to Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, where I joyfully enrolled you — marking the beginning of your academic journey.
I still remember the day I brought home your first tricycle. The moment you saw it, your eyes lit up with joy. You climbed on instantly, pedaling excitedly across the lawn and along the pathway. Your laughter filled the air, while your siblings, Mom, and Daadi lovingly watched over you, ensuring your safety with every turn. That day, happiness seemed to bloom in every corner of our home.
Another precious memory is of the day I took you and Arshad to the Khanqah Moulla Shrine and our ancestral graveyard within its sacred grounds. As we offered Fatehakhwani, your tiny voice softly recited Surah Fatiha. That tender recitation filled my heart with pride and peace. It felt as though our ancestors, resting in eternal calm, smiled from above — content that their legacy was being carried forward through you.
I made sure to guide you at every step — arranging tuition at our neighborhood teacher’s home along with your siblings, ensuring you built a strong foundation. Moulvi Mohammad Muzaffar Shah would regularly visit to teach Qur’an to Arshad and Sarah, and I would ask him to gently guide you through playful ways, nurturing your heart and preparing it for your own beautiful Qur’anic journey.
Now, as you study in Senior Kindergarten (SKG) at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, ready to step into your first grade, I can vividly picture your bright smile lighting up the classroom — your curious mind absorbing knowledge with wonder and joy.
May Almighty Allah bless you with excellent health, strong faith, noble character, and a compassionate heart.
My dear Murshad, I often think of your great-great-grandfather, Moulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a saintly scholar whose life was rooted in humility, faith, and devotion. His values form the spiritual foundation upon which I wish you to build your life. May you always honor that sacred legacy with integrity and grace.
Your laughter, your smiles, and your innocent love continue to give me strength. You are, and will always be, etched within my heart. With all my love, prayers, and endless longing, know that your Papa’s heart beats solely for you, Arshad, and Sarah.
My life’s purpose is to see you three grow in love, faith, and wisdom — embracing your roots, your heritage, and your Creator’s path. I dedicate my entire life to you, my children, and promise to remain your rock, your guiding light, and your eternal shelter.
Papa loves you beyond words. Some moments are not just remembered — they live within the heartbeat forever.
Syed Majid Gilani is a Government Officer by profession and a writer/storyteller by passion, who weaves stories and reflections on family values, moral struggles, and real-life emotions. He can be reached at syedmajid6676@gmail.com
