Skip to main content

Elegy For Beloved Mother

By Syed Shams Uddin

The passing of one’s mother is an unfathomable sorrow, an agony that transcends the limits of expression. It is a wound that never heals, an emptiness that no earthly presence can ever fill. The departure of a beloved mother not only marks the severance of an unbreakable bond but also leaves behind a void so profound that the heart, no matter how resilient, struggles to bear its weight. It is the kind of grief that lingers indefinitely, an ever-present ache that time, despite its unrelenting march, fails to diminish.

The loss of a mother is unlike any other bereavement. While all deaths are heartbreaking, the transition of one’s mother from this ephemeral world to eternity is a loss beyond measure. It is the end of a sanctuary, the disappearance of a source of boundless love, care, and warmth that once enveloped one’s existence. The moment she departs, the shelter crumbles, leaving her children orphaned in a world that, without her presence, feels bleak and unwelcoming. The infinite blessings she bestowed upon her children vanish in an instant, and what remains is a lifetime of yearning for the solace she once provided.

There is no mourning, no lamentation, no ceaseless wailing that can ever undo this irreparable loss. No amount of remembrance can bring back the touch of her hands, the gentleness of her voice, or the love radiating from her eyes. A mother’s love is unparalleled—sacred and irreplaceable—and once she is gone, life is never the same.

The grief of a mother’s passing is compounded when it follows the loss of a father. The presence of a mother serves as a balm for the sorrow caused by a father’s absence, but when she, too, departs, it feels as though both pillars of life have crumbled, leaving one exposed to the harsh winds of fate. The world, which once seemed secure under their protective gaze, suddenly appears barren, desolate, and uncertain. It is akin to losing the very foundation upon which one’s existence was built, an experience so tormenting that it leaves one feeling utterly abandoned.

Yet, death is an undeniable reality, a certainty decreed by the Almighty. As it is written:

"Wherever you be, death will overtake you, even if you are in towers strong and lofty." (Qur'an 4:34)

"And for every people is an appointed term; so when their appointed term comes, they shall not remain behind an hour nor can they go before." (Qur'an 7:35)

Such is the decree of life—each heartbeat brings us closer to our final moment. Life and death are two inevitable events, inseparably linked. The moment we take our first breath, we begin our journey toward the last. Death is preordained, an unalterable fate that must be accepted, no matter how excruciating it may be.

My beloved mother, a woman of grace and fortitude, lived a long and fulfilling life of around 90 years. On the fateful night of January 30th, at 10:00 PM, after enduring a prolonged illness and spending twelve days on a ventilator, she breathed her last. Her passing followed years of suffering, as she remained bedridden for nearly four years, speaking less and less, until she fell into a coma two weeks before her final moment. Despite all medical efforts, she could not be revived, and her luminous presence was extinguished forever.

Her interment took place at the H-11 Graveyard, a painful farewell that left us utterly shattered. The pain of losing her is indescribable, the grief immeasurable. In these moments of sorrow, I humbly beseech my friends and loved ones to offer prayers for her departed soul. May she be granted eternal peace, and may her soul find solace in the boundless mercy of the Almighty. Ameen.

A Poetic Tribute

In this mournful hour, I find solace in the words of Wali Nagri, whose poetry captures the depth of loss, the irreparable void left by a mother’s departure:میرا آنگن تھا

میں اس آنگن میں بہت شوق سے کھیلا کرتا
ایک سکوں تھا میرے آنگن میں، کوئی خوف نہ تھا

پھر بھی ماں کی یہ صدا گونجتی
بیٹا ! بیٹا ! جان مادر تو کہاں ہے
ادھر آ ! دور نہ جا !
مجھ کو اوجھل کبھی نظروں سے نہ ہونے دیتی

مجھ کو جھولے میں جھلاتی اور سناتی لوری
اس کی لوری میں دعا، اس کی دعا میں برکت
ایسی برکت کہ مقدر کے ستارے چمکے

اس کی گودی میری جنت، بخدا جنت تھی
جانے کیوں مجھ کو نکالا گیا آدم کی طرح

میرے ماتھے پہ محبت کا جو بوسہ ہے ثبت
یہ میری ماں کی نشانی ہے، ولی تا بہ ابد

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Episode 1: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin   Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...

Episode 4: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan part-1

A window to Northern Areas-IV, The Muslim dated July 7, 1997 Author: Syed Shams ud Din    The word providence in Sheena language equates with ‘bagharo’ and in this sense, it may safely be implied that the term Bagrote emanated from this word as the valley once famous for its agricultural produce, wildlife and richness in fruits hence the people living there were used to be called ‘bagharoos’ – those distributing basic necessities of life. This attribute seems to have later degenerated into Bagrote – the land of ‘bagharoos’ (distributors).  It has been noticed that the famous mythology of Gilgit is all in Brushiski which also includes that of Kirak Prince. The attribution of all the names to almost all places of what was formerly called the Brushal are a pointer to the firm hold of this kingdom in the past as a reality. The people of these areas, prior to Islam, all embraced ‘Shamanism’. A cursory glance over the ancient history of India may abundantly reveal the fa...

Honoring the Legacy of Late Muhammad Hashim: A Life of Compassion and Service

By Syed Shamsuddin A Facebook post last year (2023),by Mummad Ghazi Khan Lone, featuring a poignant photograph of the late Muhammad Hashim, a former colleague of his, stirred vivid memories of the extraordinary life led by this remarkable individual. Hashim’s life was a testament to tireless service, dedicated to the welfare of the public. Every endeavor he undertook reflected his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him. His legacy is one of altruism, resilience, and an enduring desire to uplift the community. I first had the privilege of meeting him in the 1990s at the district court in Gilgit, where I would often represent my department. From our very first interaction, I was struck by his humility and his deep-rooted compassion. Over the years, it became clear that he was not merely a man of words but of action, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in distress. At that time, I was residing in Khomar, Gilgit, and I vividly recal...