By SYED MAJID GILANI
Surrounded by winter’s peaceful calm, memories of laughter and tears flood my heart, overflowing with love for you. The gentle breeze whispers tales of your laughter, warm embraces, and radiant smiles. December 15, 2011, is etched in my memory forever, marking the miraculous day you, Syed Arshad Gilani, arrived at Modern Hospital in Raj Bagh. With loving care, Prof. Dr. Bilquees Jameela ensured your mom’s health while you blossomed inside her. Then, under Prof. Dr. Tasneem Gowhar’s expert care, you took your first breath and stole our hearts. The blessed ritual of circumcision, skillfully performed by surgeon Dr. Nisar Ahmad, fulfilling our religious duty, marked your second day. When your tiny hands wrapped around my finger for the first time, my heart filled with overwhelming joy and love.
As you blossomed, our family’s heart expanded with joy and affection. You were later joined by siblings, Syeda Sarah Gilani (born April 30, 2014) and Syed Murshad Gilani (born October 23, 2019), who brought even more love, laughter, and joy to our family. Sarah, your radiant smile and insatiable curiosity captivate my heart, while Murshad, your birth was a divine gift; your innocent gaze and tender hugs became my sanctuary.
Dear son Arshad, I vividly recall the warm visit of Mohammad Shafi, our trusted hair dresser, to our home, ‘Darul Iftikhar,’ where he graciously performed the sacred ritual of your first head shave, fulfilling another Islamic tradition. This tender moment remains etched in my memory, and soon after, another joyful occasion unfolded. When your large studio portrait, crafted by Mimmic Colour Lab, was displayed in our lobby, Abaji, my late grandfather, personally signed it and elegantly calligraphed your name and the date of capture on the back. The pride and love that swelled within me at that instant are feelings I will forever treasure.
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I distinctly remember the day your mom and I bought your first tricycle from Kawoosa Sons in Nowhatta. Your bright blue tricycle instantly became your favorite. Your daadi would lovingly watch over you as you rode along our pathway and lawn, ensuring your safety with every turn. Among my most cherished memories is the day your mom and I took you to Hazratbal shrine, where I humbly offered Nimaze Shukrana to Allah, grateful for the gift of your life. Then, straightaway, we enrolled you in the prestigious Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, marking the blessed and joyful beginning of your academic journey. Your first school day was a joyous milestone. Our entire family eagerly awaited your return home, eager to hear tales of your initial steps into learning. The school van pulled up to the main gate of our beloved home and dropped you off, marking the beginning of a cherished routine. I vividly recall standing there, surrounded by your loved ones – your mom, your daadi, and my late grandfather, Abaji, whose loving presence remains etched in my memory.
I cherished the moments when I took you along to visit the revered Khanquah Moulla shrine. Our subsequent stop at our ancestral graveyard, nestled within the shrine’s premises, held deep significance. As we offered fateha khwani, your innocent voice reciting Surah Fatiha filled my heart with pride and elation. It was as if your ancestors, laid to rest there, smiled upon hearing your pure recitation, finding solace in the continuation of our family’s legacy.
Reflecting on your life fills me with pride and gratitude. Every shared moment is a treasured gift. I pray you uphold our ancestors’ noble legacy with honor and integrity, exemplifying Islamic values of truthfulness, compassion, and righteousness. May you proudly carry on the noble legacy of your illustrious forefather, Moulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a venerable saint of bygone era, renowned for his unwavering piety, profound Islamic scholarship, and spiritual luminance.
Though temporarily fate has taken us apart, my love remains steadfast. I cherish memories of our joyful laughter, bright smiles, and cherished milestones. Your unbreakable bond testifies to our family’s love, values, and traditions. I cherish our moments, from bedtime stories to family adventures. Sarah, your passion for reading fills me with pride. Murshad, your smile and laughter fill my heart with love.
On your birthday, Arshad, I offer my gratitude to Allah and reaffirm my commitment to being a loving and supportive father. To you, my beloved children, I promise to be your rock, guiding light, and safe haven. I dedicate my entire life to you. With resilience and faith, I vow to trust in life’s goodness.
May Allah shower you with happiness, prosperity and piety. With every breath, I love you more.
Syed Majid Gilani is a writer and works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be mailed at syedmajid6676@gmail.com
