The first cry
As I sat beside the main theatre of the hospital, my mind wandered to the fragility of life and the intricate design of the world. My wife, an ophthalmologist, was scheduled to undergo a cesarean section, performed by my doctor friend.
I couldn't help but think about my own birth, 33 years ago. My father must have experienced similar emotions, anxiously waiting for my arrival. Back then, cesarean sections were not as common, and women typically gave birth at home with the assistance of a village woman, known as a "Daei."
As I sat in the adjacent room, lost in thought, I pondered the miracle of human creation. How does God bring life into being? How does life evolve from a tiny embryo to a fully formed human being? This process is truly a marvel, a testament to the greatness of Allah.
It is said that Allah mentions life and death as the greatest signs of His existence. Yet, we humans have a tendency to forget the blessings of our Creator. We often search for signs of His existence, seeking miracles to happen, but the process of human birth itself is the greatest miracle one can ever witness.
As I delved deeper into my thoughts, I marveled at the development of a foetus through various embryological stages. I wondered how the Almighty creates ways for its development in the womb and how sonography allows us to witness this development. The fact that a baby is born on term, after a precise period of gestation, is truly awe-inspiring.
Just as I was absorbed in these thoughts, I suddenly heard a faint, weeping cry of a baby. It was as if time stood still. I felt an inexplicable connection to this tiny being, and my heart swelled with emotion. It was the first cry of my son, who had just emerged from his mother's womb.
As I gazed upon his tiny form, I felt a mix of emotions: joy, gratitude, and a sense of wonder. The Azan, the Islamic call to prayer, was recited near his right ear, and all I could see was the divine craftsmanship of the Almighty. It was a reminder that every life is a unique and precious gift, crafted by the Creator Himself.
In that moment, I knew that my life had changed forever. The first cry of my son had unveiled a new reality, one that was full of promise, hope, and joy. It was a reminder to cherish every moment, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to acknowledge the greatness of Allah, the Creator of all things.
Dr Mohammad Younis Dar, Department of psychiatry GMC Anantnag
