Reflecting the people who have shaped and influenced my early life, one person stands at the top in my mind Syeda Sakina Gilani, my late grandmother. Born in the year 1930 at ‘Yarkand House’, Malarata, Srinagar to S.Syed Ahmad Gilani, who had left Srinagar to join his father Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani, already settled in Yarkand (Central Asia) for carrying on the carpet business. Despite being a top business man Syed Ghulam Mohammad Gilani , was also appointed as a political representative by the British imperial government in Yarkand.

S.Syed Ahmad Gilani, my grandmother's father could not return back becausehe died at Muree, (now Pakistan) due to cardiac arrest in 1964 .My grandmother never saw her father in her life. At a very young age, she was married to her cousin (elder mamu's son) Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani at Khanquah Moulla, Srinagar .
Syeda Sakina Gilani, Amma, was a pass out of prestigious Punjab University, Lahore and was among the first generation of educated females of Kashmir. She preferred to take care of her home, and didn't opt for any employment despite ample opportunities.
For me, writing articles is not just a hobby but, a powerful tool to express my emotions and enabling me to put my thoughts onto paper. My father Syed Iftikhar Gilani (1950-2001) unfortunately too died of a cardiac arrest on 12th June, 2001 at a young age of 50 years turning me and my two sisters Yasmeen and Sabiyah, as orphans, but our grandparents Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani 'Abaji’ and Syeda Sakina Gilani, (Amma) never made us feel that we were orphans. They treated our grief stricken mother Shahida Chishti not only as their daughter- in-law, but also as their daughter. They took care of me, my siblings and our mother with love and affection. They brought up us in a disciplined, descent and religious environment for which we are highly grateful to them. Ammawas one of the most disciplined, learned, and God fearing women, I have ever known, and her key to happy and graceful life was her being truthful and straightforward. I write this article as a tribute to her memory. She always remained positive and optimistic. Her unwavering commitment to helping others was truly inspiring. Throughout her life, she had been a good wife, a good mother, a good grandmother and above all, a very good mother-in-law, encouraging us to preserve her memories with a spirit of gratitude. .
Amma's day usually started at pre-dawn hours, at “Tahajud Nimaz” ,Fajar Namaz (dawn prayers), and she used to spent a good time on the prayer mat doing “Zikr Azkaar”,(praising Allah), “Tilawati Qurani Pak” (recitation of Holy Quran) reading AuradiSharief, Kibr at Sharief, and Qaseedah Sharief. After that, she never used to sit idle, but used to help my mother in the kitchen. She believed that one should not keep the Holy Quran and Hadith confined to recitation or reading only, but should practically abide by the Quranic commandments and worthy sayings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and serve the basic purpose of divine teachings. She was a devout Muslim
When we were in our junior classes, she used to teach us. She had a command over urdu and her accent was fabulous.
Amma,mygr and mother was a firm believer in the power of hard work and prayers, and taught this lesson to us at a young age. She showed us that success does not come easily, and sheer dedication is required for anything. She taught us that there is no substitute for hard work, self-discipline and honesty. She possessed a positive outlook on life and was very much optimistic I feel it truly heart-warming to recall the fond memories of our dear grandma's surprise visits to our reading room during our study sessions, a testament to her care and concern for our education. Her thoughtful gestures and visits served as a gentle reminder for us to stay focused and dedicated to our studies.
Furthermore, her spiritual influence on us, particularly the visits to Dargah Sharief shrine for Friday prayers, has significantly shaped our spiritual beliefs and practices to this day. The reverence and love for Auliyai Kiram instilled in us by her have continued to inspire us and we do often pay homage at various shrines. These experiences not only reflect the deep bond between us and our Amma but also highlight the enduring impact of her guidance and teachings in nurturing us
Despite living a simple life, Amma found great joy with her family, relatives and neighbours. Her wisdom showed us that the true happiness lies in living a life where your bonds with your family, relatives and neighbours are very strong.
She passed away on 1st January, 2009 at the age of 78 years. She was an extraordinary woman who lived a life full of wisdom and discipline. Her memory will continue to inspire and motivate us for years to come.
Even though she may no longer be with us, her memories and life lessons continue to guide me, my younger sister Yasmeen and Sabiyah. The love of a grandmother is unique and we are grateful to Allah for having been blessed with such a caring, polite and educated grandmother. She played a significant role in our childhood and we have countless memories of sitting in the kitchen savouring the dishes she prepared with love and warmth. She was not just our grandmother, but also our our friend and inspiration. It is unique for a grandparent-grandchild relationship to be so special and long lasting, but Amma, Syeda Sakina Gilani was an exceptional person with remarkable qualities.
I will always love and keep a special place in my heart to hold her close. This story of my grandmother could not be complete without paying homage to her noble and pious soul.
Her teachings will forever be a part of memories for our family and relatives. She has left a lasting impact on our lives, making us well rounded individuals. May Allah elevate her status in Jannat ul Firdous. Aameen

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