Syed Majid Gilani
When I reflect on the people who shaped my early life, one person stands foremost in my heart and mind—my late grandmother, Syeda Sakina Gilani. Born in 1930 at Yarkand House, Malarata, Srinagar, she was the daughter of S. Syed Ahmad Gilani. He had left Srinagar to join his father, Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani, who had settled in Yarkand, Central Asia, and was successfully running a carpet business. Besides being a prominent businessman, Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani also served as a political representative appointed by the British imperial government in Yarkand.
Tragically, my grandmother never met her father, as he passed away in 1964 due to a cardiac arrest in Murree (now in Pakistan) and could not return to Srinagar. At a young age, she married her cousin, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani, the son of her elder maternal uncle, Maulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, in Khanqah Moulla, Srinagar.
Amma was a graduate of Punjab University, Lahore, and belonged to the first generation of educated women in Kashmir. Despite having numerous employment opportunities, she chose to dedicate her life to her home and family—a decision she made with grace and conviction.
For me, writing is not just 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 a cardiac arrest on June 12, 2001, at the young age of 50. His passing left me and my two sisters, Yasmeen and Sabiyah, orphaned. However, our grandparents, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani (“Abaji”) and Syeda Sakina Gilani (“Amma”), ensured we never felt the pain of that loss. They enveloped us and 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, respectful, and deeply religious environment, for which I remain forever grateful. Amma was one of the most disciplined, educated, and God-fearing women I have ever known. The secret to her graceful and fulfilling 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 was a source of inspiration. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, an affectionate grandmother, and, above all, a kind and supportive mother-in-law. She constantly encouraged us to uphold her values with gratitude.
Her daily routine began before dawn with Tahajjud (pre-dawn prayers), followed by Fajr Namaz (dawn prayers). She then devoted herself to Zikr-o-Azkaar (remembrance of Allah), Tilawat-e-Qur’an (recitation of the Holy Qur’an), and reading Aurad-e-Shareef, Kibrat Shareef, and Qaseedah Shareef. Even after these spiritual commitments, she never remained idle. She actively assisted my mother with household chores, firmly believing that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith should not be confined to recitation but should be practiced in daily life, embodying the true spirit of divine guidance.
When we were in primary school, Amma personally tutored us. She had a remarkable command of Urdu and spoke it with elegance. She instilled in us the values of hard work, honesty, self-discipline, and dedication, teaching us that success comes only through perseverance. She always encouraged us to stay focused and committed to our studies.
I cherish fond memories of Amma’s surprise visits to our study room—gentle reminders of her care and concern for our education. Those thoughtful gestures shaped our learning habits and commitment. Spiritually, she left a lasting influence, often taking us to Dargah Shareef 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 today.
Despite leading a simple life, Amma found immense joy in her family, relatives, and neighbors. She taught us that true happiness lies in nurturing strong, loving bonds within one’s family and community.
On January 1, 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 with us, her memories, life lessons, and unwavering faith continue to guide me and my sisters, Yasmeen and Sabiyah.
The love of a grandmother is unique, and we consider ourselves blessed by Allah to have had such a caring, educated, and compassionate grandmother. She played an irreplaceable role in our childhood, and I fondly recall the warmth of her kitchen and the lovingly prepared dishes we shared.
Amma was not only our grandmother—she was our mentor, friend, and greatest inspiration. The deep and lasting bond we shared was rare and special, for she was truly an extraordinary woman with remarkable qualities.
I will always cherish her memory, holding a special place for her in my heart. This tribute to Amma, Syeda Sakina Gilani, would be incomplete without honoring her noble and pious soul. 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.
(Note:Syed Majid Gilani writes on themes of human relationships, personal narratives, moral values, and heartfelt emotions. He can be reached at syedmajid6676@gmail.com.)
