Syed Majid Gilani
When I reflect on the people who shaped and influenced my early life, one person stands foremost in my heart and mind — Syeda Sakina Gilani, my late grandmother. Born in 1930 at Yarkand House, Malaratta, Srinagar, she was the daughter of S. Syed Ahmad Gilani. He had left Srinagar to join his father, Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani, who was already settled in Yarkand (Central Asia) and was successfully running a carpet business there. Besides being a leading businessman, Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani also held the position of a political representative appointed by the British imperial government in Yarkand.
Sadly, my grandmother never saw her father in her lifetime, as he passed away in 1964 due to cardiac arrest in Murree (now Pakistan) and could not return to Srinagar. At a very young age, she was married to her maternal cousin, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani, the son of her elder maternal uncle, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, of Khanqah Moulla, Srinagar.
Amma was a pass-out of Punjab University, Lahore, and belonged to the first generation of educated women in Kashmir. Despite having ample opportunities for employment, she chose to dedicate her life to her home and family — a decision she embraced with grace, dignity, and firm conviction.
For me, writing is not merely a hobby; it is a powerful medium to express emotions and preserve cherished memories. My father, Syed Iftikhar Gilani (1950–2001), passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest on 12th June 2001, at the young age of 50. His untimely demise left me and my two sisters, Yasmeen and Sabiyah, orphaned. However, our grandparents, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani (Abaji) and Syeda Sakina Gilani (Amma), never allowed us to feel the pain of that loss. They enveloped us, along with our grief-stricken mother, Shahida Chishti, in unconditional love and care — treating our mother not merely as a daughter-in-law, but as their own daughter.
They raised us in a disciplined, decent, and deeply religious environment, for which I remain eternally grateful. Amma was one of the most disciplined, educated, and God-fearing women I have ever known. The secret of her graceful and contented life lay in her unwavering honesty, truthfulness, and straightforwardness. This article is my humble tribute to her cherished memory.
Amma always maintained a positive and optimistic outlook, and her sincere commitment to helping others served as a constant source of inspiration. She was a wonderful wife, a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, and above all, a kind and supportive mother-in-law. She consistently encouraged us to preserve her values with gratitude and sincerity.
Her daily routine began before dawn with Tahajjud (pre-dawn prayers), followed by Fajr Namaz (dawn prayers). She would then devote herself to Zikr-o-Azkaar (remembrance of Allah), Tilawat-e-Qur’an (recitation of the Holy Qur’an), and the reading of Aurad-e-Shareef, Kibrat Shareef, and Qaseedah Shareef. Even after fulfilling these spiritual commitments, she never remained idle. She actively assisted my mother in household work, firmly believing that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith should not remain confined to recitation alone, but must be practiced in everyday life, thereby fulfilling the true spirit of divine guidance.
When we were in our primary classes, she personally taught us. Amma had a remarkable command over Urdu and spoke it with elegance and grace. She instilled in us the values of hard work, honesty, self-discipline, and dedication, teaching us that success comes only through perseverance. She constantly encouraged us to remain focused and committed to our studies.
I still fondly cherish memories of Amma’s surprise visits to our study room — gentle reminders of her care and concern for our education. Those thoughtful gestures shaped my learning habits and strengthened my sense of commitment. Spiritually, too, she left a lasting influence on us, often taking me to Dargah Hazratbal for Friday prayers. Through her, we developed a deep reverence for the Auliya-e-Kiraam (saints of Islam), a tradition we proudly continue by visiting various shrines even today.
Despite leading a simple life, Amma derived immense joy from her family, relatives, and neighbours. She taught us that true happiness lies in nurturing strong, loving bonds within one’s family and community.
On 1st January 2009, at the age of 78, Amma passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, love, and discipline. Though she is no longer physically present, her memories, life lessons, and unwavering faith continue to guide me and my sisters, Yasmeen and Sabiyah.
The love of a grandmother is truly unique, and we consider ourselves blessed by Allah to have been raised under the care of such a loving, educated, and compassionate woman. She played an irreplaceable role in our childhood, and I fondly remember the warmth of her kitchen and the lovingly prepared dishes we shared.
Amma was not merely our grandmother — she was our mentor, our friend, and our greatest inspiration. The deep and enduring bond we shared was rare and special, for she was truly an extraordinary woman with remarkable qualities.
I will always cherish her memory, as she occupies a permanent and sacred place in my heart. Her teachings and values will forever live on in our hearts and continue to shape our family’s future.
May Allah grant her the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Aameen.
Syed Majid Gilani is a Government Officer by profession and a writer-storyteller by passion — weaving stories of faith, family, and real-life emotions. He can be reached at syedmajid6676@gmail.com
