Remembering My Uncle Bashir Ahmad Khan (Al-Hadeed)

Remembering My Uncle  Bashir Ahmad Khan (Al-Hadeed) 

Dr Basharat Khan

It was a sunny day in late July 24 when I returned home after a long day of duties and found my maternal uncle, Bashir Ahmad Khan, known to many as Alhadeed, engrossed in tending to the garden. The serene tranquillity of the scene struck me: his hands deftly working the soil, his face a picture of calm determination. After changing into my home attire, I made my way to the garden, nestled just beside our house. Beneath the broad, shading boughs of a pear tree, we began a conversation that would leave a lasting impression on me.

As the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground, he shared with me a story from his youth; a narrative rich with the lessons of morality and courage that defined his character.

He began:

"In my twenties, during a visit to Bombay (now Mumbai), I found myself wandering near the iconic Taj Hotel. It was a bustling area, alive with the clamour of tourists and the hum of street vendors. Amidst this lively backdrop, my attention was drawn to a group of Middle Eastern men, their laughter harsh and mocking. They were ridiculing a young beggar girl; a sight that stirred a deep discomfort within me.

Without hesitation, I intervened. I walked up to them and, in no uncertain terms, rebuked their behaviour.

You hail from the lands of the Prophets,’ I said, and your actions should reflect the dignity and respect they exemplified.’ My words seemed to pierce through their bravado; their faces turned crimson with shame, and they hastily apologised to the girl before retreating.

As I turned to leave, a woman dressed in an elegant abaya approached me. She had been observing from a distance and now commended my actions. Introducing herself and her father, she extended an invitation for tea at the Taj Hotel. I was hesitant at first; tea at such a prestigious establishment seemed an extravagance beyond my modest means. Yet their insistence won me over. The cost of the tea, ₹100 per cup, was staggering for someone like me at the time, but the memory of that encounter, the warmth of their hospitality, and the affirmation of standing for what is right have stayed with me ever since."

It was a lesson I have carried with me: the importance of speaking out against wrongs, however small the act may seem, for it can ripple outwards in ways we cannot always foresee."

This story, narrated in his calm and measured voice, encapsulated the essence of who he was: a man of unyielding principles, fearless in the face of adversity, and deeply compassionate.

Bashir Ahmad Khan, popularly known as Al-hadeed, was born in the idyllic village of Madian Chogal, nestled on the serene banks of the River Pehru. His early life was rooted in simplicity, but even as a child, he exhibited an extraordinary depth of character.

Raised by his father, Late Shams Uddin Khan;  a man revered for his honesty and devoutness he imbibed the values of hard work, humility, and a commitment to justice.

At High School in Chogal, he distinguished himself not only through his academic pursuits but also through his unwavering resolve to uplift those around him. Whether it was sharing his meagre resources with deserving classmates or advocating for fairness, his actions reflected a maturity beyond his years.

Though his formal education ended after the 11th grade at     Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar, his quest for knowledge knew no bounds. He immersed himself in an eclectic array of subjects; religion, literature, philosophy; and emerged as a self-taught scholar. His conversations were marked by an intellectual vibrancy that left a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to engage with him.

In the early 1980s, he established a hardware and glass shop near Old Jamia Masjid Road in Kupwara, naming it as "Al-hadeed Hardware." The shop became a cornerstone of the community; a hub where all his friends, intellectuals and people from all walks would come and listen to him and share their thoughts. It was not merely a place to purchase tools and materials; it was a gathering spot where discussions on religion, politics, and social issues unfolded with spirited fervour.

His mentorship extended beyond the confines of his business. Young men flocked to him, eager to learn the craft of glass cutting. Under his patient guidance, many of these apprentices established their own businesses, perpetuating his legacy of hard work, innovation, and integrity.

Life, however, dealt him a formidable challenge. Diagnosed with seminoma; a form of cancer that had metastasised: he faced the diagnosis during mid forties of his age with a courage that was almost transcendent. His faith in Almighty Allah became his solace and strength as he underwent rigorous medical treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

What set him apart was not only his physical endurance but also his intellectual engagement with his illness. He delved into medical literature, often astounding doctors with his nuanced understanding of his condition. To him, knowledge was not just a tool for survival but a means of empowerment. His victory over cancer was not just a personal triumph but a source of hope and inspiration for many. 

Even in the mid-seventies, he remained remarkably active, defying age with his unwavering energy and sharp intellect. He found joy in the simple pleasures of working in the orchard alongside labourers, embodying the humility that had defined his life.

His life was a tapestry woven with threads of courage, wisdom, and compassion. His words were not mere advice; they were beacons of hope and moral clarity, guiding those around him toward lives of greater purpose and meaning.

On the morning of 19th July 2024, we shared our final telephonic conversation; a heartfelt exchange marked by his calm and reflective voice. Little did I know it would be the last time I would hear him speak. By the dawn of 20th July 2024, he had departed this world, leaving behind an irreplaceable void

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, envelop him in boundless mercy, and grant him a place among the righteous in Jannah. Āmīn! 

Dr Basharat Khan is a writer, columnist and critic and author of the book Literary Beats. He can be reached at chogalwriter76@gmail.com/devnalwhispers.in