By SYED MAJID GILANI
Every year, I find myself reflecting on the profound and beautiful journey that began with the birth of my first child, Syed Arshad Gilani. Arshad’s arrival on December 15, 2011, at Modern Hospital in Raj Bagh was nothing short of a miracle. The moment he took his first breath, I felt the deep certainty that my life had irrevocably changed. His mother, under the care of the highly respected Prof. Dr. BilqueesJameela and later Prof. Dr. TasneemGowhar, experienced a smooth and uneventful delivery. As I held my newborn son in my arms, I felt the weight of fatherhood settle into my heart, along with a profound sense of awe and responsibility. From the very beginning, I felt deeply connected to the traditions of our faith, and one of the first acts of fatherhood I performed was to recite the Azaan in his ears, immediately after his birth. This was not just a religious obligation—it was an act I took to heart, a sacred moment of welcoming Arshad into this world with the divine call to prayer. I named him Arshad, meaning “the guided one,” with the belief that he would walk a path of wisdom, guided by the light of Allah. Holding him close in that moment, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me—love, responsibility, and an unbreakable connection. On Arshad’s second day, Iwas blessed to have Dr. Nisar Ahmad, a trusted and skilled surgeon, perform his circumcision. This was another important religious obligation that I felt privileged to fulfill.
Each of these acts, though small in themselves, was a way to ensure that Arshad’s life would be grounded in faith, with each step of his journey rooted in the love and guidance of Allah. I had long dreamed of providing my children with the best of both worlds—an upbringing deeply anchored in our faith, alongside an education that would help shape them into responsible, compassionate citizens. Arshad’s early milestones, from his first steps to his first words, filled our hearts with immeasurable joy. Every moment, no matter how small, was celebrated with love, and the bond of affection that surrounded him grew with each passing day.
In 2014, on April 30th, the arrival of Arshad’s younger sister, Syeda Sarah Gilani, brought even more light and happiness into our lives. From the moment I saw her, I knew that she would be a source of peace and joy for our family. Just as I had done for Arshad, I recited the Azaan in Sarah’s ears immediately after her birth. This religious tradition ensured that she was welcomed into the world with the same faith and love that had embraced her brother. I named her Sarah, meaning “purity” and “brightness,” and as she grew, it became clear that she was destined to be a source of tranquility in our home. The memories of Sarah’s early days are vivid and precious to me. Prof. Dr. TasneemGowhar helped bring her into the world, and I will always be grateful for the safe delivery of our beloved daughter. I recall with great fondness the anticipation in our home as we awaited Sarah’s arrival, and the moment her first cry filled the room—it was as if the heavens rejoiced with us. I remember thanking Allah for this priceless gift, a moment of deep gratitude and prayer. As was our tradition, after Sarah’s birth, I made my way to the KhanquahMoulla Shrine to offer Nimaz-e-Shukrana, a prayer of gratitude to Allah for her safe arrival. This act of thankfulness was a spiritual moment of profound significance, reaffirming our devotion to Allah and acknowledging His blessings in our lives. As our family grew, so too did the bond between Arshad and Sarah. They became inseparable companions, their laughter and energy filling our home with light and joy. The love they shared only deepened over time, and I felt a sense of fulfillment watching them grow together.
Then, in 2019, on October 23rd, Syed Murshad Gilani was born, completing our family. Murshad’s birth was another moment of pure joy and serenity. Just as with his siblings, I recited the Azaan in his ears immediately after his birth, fulfilling our religious practice. I named him Murshad, meaning “the already guided,” believing that Allah’s guidance would accompany him throughout his life. The name reflected his serene presence—a calm, peaceful soul who, even as a baby, radiated a sense of tranquility and love. I recall holding Murshad in my arms, and feeling an overwhelming connection to him. He brought new light into our home, just as his siblings had.
Each of my children, with their unique qualities, had transformed my life in ways I never could have imagined, and Murshad was no different. Through all these moments of joy, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the traditions passed down through generations. I think often of my late great-grandfather, Moulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a venerable saint, Islamic scholar and a spiritual personality of bygone era, whose teachings of wisdom, faith, and devotion continue to guide me. The foundation upon which I seek to build the lives of my children. I feel immense pride in how Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad are growing, each of them embodying these values in their own unique way. With Murshad’s arrival, our family truly felt complete.
While each of my children had their own distinct path, their shared foundation in faith, love, and family has created a bond that is unbreakable. The journey with them—through their first steps and their school days—has been nothing short of beautiful. There have been, of course, moments of hardship, but they have only served to strengthen our bond and deepen our gratitude for each other. Throughout our journey, our connection to the divine has been central. We have offered prayers together, visited sacred places like the Hazratbal Shrine, KhanquahMoulla shrine, Dastgeer Sahib shrine,and made supplications for one another. These moments of spiritual connection have created a deep foundation for our lives, and I pray that they continue to guide us in the years ahead. Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad, you are each a reflection of Allah’s light and guidance. I am constantly amazed at how you grow and evolve into incredible individuals, each with your own unique qualities. Your laughter, your smiles, and your love continue to give me strength, and I am deeply grateful to Allah. Yet, as with all children, there have been moments when you have been unwell—those inevitable coughs, colds, and stomach aches. In those moments, I have always been sure to consult with a pediatrician, ensuring that you were well taken care of. By Allah’s grace, you have been spared from frequent illnesses, but whenever the need arose, Prof. Dr. Wajid Ali, your pediatrician, was always there with his compassionate care and prompt treatment. His expertise ensured that you all healed quickly and gently, and for that, I am forever grateful. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at Tawheed Medical Hall, Alamgari Bazar, who administered your vaccinations and boosters with such care. They made even the necessary injections a “cry-free” experience, which helped me keep you three healthy, strong, and happy.
As I look back on these moments— both big and small — I find solace in knowing that, they have shaped my journey as a father. The memory of those fleeting, precious moments is etched into my soul, carrying with them the essence of love, devotion, and unwavering faith. The most important journey of my life has been the one I have shared with you three—Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad. Each of your stories is a thread in the beautiful tapestry of our family, woven with joy, sacrifice, and hope. This journey is a shared story of faith, love, and devotion, a tale I now recount as one. The final chapters of this journey have yet to be written, and I look to the future with both anticipation and humility. As each of you grows, I see the lessons of our past shaping the paths you walk. Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad, you are the continuation of a legacy of faith, wisdom, and love that has been passed down through generations. You embody the values that I hold most dear, and I am filled with pride as I watch you become the people you are meant to be.
While the future may bring its share of challenges, I am confident that the love, faith, and guidance we have shared will carry us through. Every day with you is a blessing, and I will continue to cherish each moment, knowing that the most important journey I will ever take is the one I walk with you. With each passing year, the foundation of our lives—our connection to Allah grows stronger. I pray that we remain steadfast in our faith, our commitment to one another, and in the traditions that have shaped us. For it is this love and devotion that will guide us in the years to come.
Syed Majid Gilani is a writer and works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be mailed at [email protected]
