by Syed Majid Gilani
Reflecting on the people who have shaped and influenced my early life, one person stands at the top of my mind: Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani, my late grandfather. Born in 1927 at Khanquah Moulla, Srinagar, to Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, my grandfather, whom we affectionately called Abaji, was a remarkable individual. He was a graduate of the ‘prestigious’ Punjab University and among the first generation of educated persons in Kashmir. Abaji began his career as a supervisor in Food Control Department, now known as the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, and retired as an Assistant Director in 1982 at the age of 55.
Abaji was an avid reader with a passion for literature. He read books, newspapers, and magazines voraciously, and had a talent for writing poetry, ghazals, and naatiya kalaam in Urdu, Persian, and occasionally Kashmiri. Despite his literary talent, he never sought to publish his works, preferring to keep his poetry personal. His life took a tragic turn when his only child, my father Syed Iftikhar Gilani, passed away from a cardiac arrest in 2001 at the age of 50. This event profoundly affected Abaji, who then took on the responsibility of raising me and my two younger sisters, Yasmeen and Sabiyah, after we were orphaned.
Our grandparents, along with our mother Shahida Chishti, embraced this responsibility wholeheartedly. They never let us feel the absence of our father and treated our mother with the same care and respect as their own daughter. Abaji’s life shifted from his literary pursuits to focusing on our upbringing. His dedication ensured that we received the best education and a stable life. We were brought up in a disciplined, decent, and religious environment, for which we are immensely grateful.
Abaji was a disciplined, learned, and God-fearing man. His life was guided by principles of truthfulness, honesty, and straightforwardness. His optimism and commitment to helping others were truly inspiring. Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather, and an exemplary father-in-law. His dedication to family and his unwavering support provided us with a sense of security and love.
Abaji’s day began early with the Fajar Namaz (dawn prayers), followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and reading Auradi Sharief. He maintained an active lifestyle, tending to the kitchen garden and the lawn, and taking care of household chores. Even in his old age, Abaji enjoyed good health, walking regularly and remaining mentally sharp. His love for reading books and daily newspapers kept his mind engaged and youthful.
He believed in living the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadith, not just reading them. His devout faith and practical approach to religion set a strong example for us. He often taught us English, demonstrating his excellent command and accent, and instilled in us the values of hard work and prayers. Abaji emphasized that success required dedication, self-discipline, and honesty, and these lessons have stayed with us throughout our lives.
One of my fondest memories of Abaji is his surprise visits to our study room. His thoughtful gestures reminded us to stay focused and dedicated to our studies. His emphasis on self-discipline, commitment to truth, and loyalty to family and friends has significantly shaped our beliefs and practices. Despite living a simple life, Abaji found joy in family and relationships. He taught us that true happiness comes from living simply, earning honestly, and maintaining strong family bonds.
Abaji passed away peacefully on March 13, 2016, at the age of 90 at his home, ‘Darul Iftikhar’ in Lalbazar. His extraordinary life, full of wisdom and discipline, continues to inspire us. His memory and teachings remain a guiding force for me and my sisters. We are grateful to Allah for blessing us with such a caring, polite, and educated grandfather. He played a significant role in our childhood, and we have countless memories of sitting in his reading room and playing with his books.
Abaji was not just our grandfather; he was also our friend and inspiration. Our relationship was unique and special, a testament to his remarkable qualities. His teachings will forever be a part of our family’s memories. He has left a lasting impact on our lives, helping us become well-rounded individuals.
May Allah elevate his status in Jannat ul Firdous. Aameen.
Author is a GST Inspector. He can be mailed at syedmajid6676@gmail.com
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