Remembering Abba Jan: A Divine Gift

A divine blessing like fatherhood is a protective canopy, a defense and a true support from above. My beloved father Mohammad Yaqoob Magray, lovingly known by all of us as Abba Jan was a beacon of guidance, a heavenly gift and a blend of upbringing, affection, wisdom and marvelous legacy. His departure from this world on 14^th of May, 2024 not only left us profoundly shattered but laid an indelible imprint on our hearts.

I recall it was May 13^th, 2024 when I got a phone call from Noor Biya, saying that Abba is not feeling well. As I was on way to home, some invisible powers inside made me realize that something is amiss. Because very often when we receive a phone call regarding the hospitalization of a patient the first that comes to our mind is that perhaps the person is no more. However, in my Abba’s case, there was nothing like getting worried. No sooner I reached in the premises of District Hospital Kupwara than I saw my father, looking quite normal. Who knew that Abba is going to leave us, having a few hours’ sojourn with us that too in a hospital. Pangs of separation are killing us every moment.

Abba was my protection and a true pillar of strength. He had instilled in me the deep love for books. It was he who had nurtured me like a flower in the garden. His choicest blessings, hard work and prayers for me, of course, took me out from the far off village of Doursa, Lolab and introduced me to a new academic world at university levels. It is obviously because of him, today I stand here.

My Abba Jan’s habits were unique in itself. Waking up early, offering morning prayers in the Masjid, reciting holy Qur’an loudly at home, working very diligently in fields, offering namaz five times a day and helping the family in the domestic chores, etc; it had no match. Not a single day would go by when he would not recite noble Qur’an. His attachment and love with Qur’an was praiseworthy. He would immerse himself not only in its recitation but would go through the translation of each Surah, he recited. I vividly remember, one chilly evening of winter I got home with an English translation of noble Qur’an in my hands. The very next day, he told me to show him the English version of the holy book. An immense love Abba had with the Quran.

Abba Jan’s contribution especially in my life is so great that I can’t even count. But how sad! I never had a chance to thank him for all that he did for me. Whatever, I have today, it is all because of my Abba. I have had the privilege to learn from him the little bit of Persian, though I couldn’t absorb the richness of this wonderful language.

Abba was an epitome of strength, kindness, and an unwavering pillar of support for me. His very presence infused every space with indelible warmth, and his counsel served as the steadfast compass guiding my journey through life's myriad trials. His melodious voice still reverberates in my ears, especially his morning recitation of Holy Qur’an. At night, he would often recite Persian couplets filled with wisdom and wit, and would frequently share with us the anecdotes that his father had shared with him especially, his chanting of Aurad-e-Fathiyya at morning in the village mosque.

His blessings made my path smooth while I navigated life’s twists and turns. Now, when I leave for my work in the morning, I yearn to seek blessings from him, but alas… he isn’t there! He has flown beyond time and space. His loss has stripped away a semblance of control over our lives, leaving us floated in a sea of sorrow. His sudden departure echoes not just within our family but resonates with an anguish felt across-a testament to the depth of impact on all who knew him.

No words can encapsulate the enormity of what Abba’s presence meant to us. Each day serves as a stark reminder of the void left behind, evidence to the irreplaceable bond we shared. With his departure, the very essence of our conversations has vanished, leaving us struggling to engage with the world around us.

May Allah Almighty grant him highest place in heaven.