By 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. That person is Syeda Sakina Gilani, my late grandmother.
Born in 1930 at Yarkand House in Malaratta, Srinagar, she was the daughter of S. Syed Ahmad Gilani. Her father had left Srinagar to join his own father, Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani, who was already settled in Central Asia. Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani was a successful carpet businessman in Yarkand and held the position of a political representative appointed by the British imperial government. Sadly, my grandmother never saw her father in her lifetime. He passed away in 1964 due to cardiac arrest in Murree, Pakistan, and could not return to Srinagar.
At a very young age, she was married to her maternal cousin, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani. He was the son of her elder maternal uncle, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani of Khanqah Moulla, Srinagar.
Amma was a graduate of the University of the Punjab in 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. It was a decision she embraced with grace, dignity, and firm conviction.
For me, writing is a powerful medium to express emotions and preserve cherished memories. My father, Syed Iftikhar Gilani, passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest on June 12, 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 and Syeda Sakina Gilani, never allowed us to feel the full weight of that loss. They enveloped us and our grief-stricken mother, Shahida Chishti, in unconditional love and care. They treated 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. Amma always maintained a positive and optimistic outlook. 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 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 prayers followed by Fajr Namaz. She would then devote herself to the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. She also read the 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 because she firmly believed that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith should not remain confined to recitation alone. She believed they must be practiced in everyday life to fulfill 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. She instilled in us the values of hard work, honesty, self-discipline, and dedication. She taught us that success comes only through perseverance and encouraged us to remain focused on our studies.
I still fondly cherish memories of Amma’s surprise visits to our study room. These were gentle reminders of her care and concern for our education. Those thoughtful gestures shaped my learning habits and strengthened my sense of commitment. Spiritually, she left a lasting influence on us by taking me to Dargah Hazratbal for Friday prayers. Through her guidance, we developed a deep reverence for the saints of Islam. We proudly continue this tradition by visiting various shrines even today.
Despite leading a simple life, Amma derived immense joy from her family, relatives, and neighbors. She taught us that true happiness lies in nurturing strong and loving bonds within one’s family and community.
On January 1, 2009, Amma passed away peacefully at the age of 78. She left 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. The love of a grandmother is truly unique. 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. 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. 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.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper
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