The Epitome of Compassion: In Memory of Khush Daman Sahiba
The fragrance of your breath will keep coming
✍ Jaleel al-Qasmi
Naib Qazi & Professor Madrasa
Badar-ul-Islam Begusarai, Bihar
Time kept moving at its own pace, caravans of days and nights passed, but some dates are such that they come out of the pages of the calendar and are forever etched in the hidden chambers of the heart.
January 10, 2025, corresponding to 9 Rajab al-Murajjab 1446 AH—Friday—is one such date, which, when remembered, brings a silent sadness to the heart, the eyes begin to moisten, and the soul begins to feel an unspoken void.
That day was seemingly ordinary. Eating, drinking, conversation, smiles, prayers—everything as usual. The sun set and greeted the horizon, the night spread its black blanket, but in this silence, fate extinguished the lamp whose light illuminated not only a house but an entire circle of women.
That same night, the epitome of compassion, the embodiment of modesty and piety, the figure of sincerity and loyalty—Khush Daman Sahiba—left us all on the shore of lamentation and appeared in the court of her Lord.
The time of death is fixed, but its arrival always feels sudden. Man lives on the support of hope, and we were also under the impression that this shadow of mercy and blessing would remain over our heads. But alas! The pirate of death took back the trust, the value of which was felt even more intensely after it was snatched away.
76 years of life; but not just age, a long story of goodness, reform, compassion and training.
She did not go empty-handed; she left behind such memories, such examples and such imprints that do not fade with the dust of time.
Khush Daman Sahiba was a living picture of modesty and chastity. Simplicity was her ornament, humility her identity, and Sharia and Sunnah her way of life. Generous in hospitality, a refuge for the needy, and a complete mother for children.
Whether it was a daughter or a daughter-in-law, a student or a guest—there was never any discrimination in her affection. She was far away from artificial distinctions and pride in lineage and relationship. Her heart was a river, which equally irrigated everyone, whether they were her own or strangers, rich or poor.
The training of boys and girls was not just a responsibility for her, but a religious duty. Her keen eye was on everything, from dress, conversation, sitting and rising, to even the choice of words. Her corrective grip was strong on immoderation, Westernization, shamelessness and obscene language, but the tone was always loving, the style wise and the manner compassionate—that is why her words penetrated hearts and left a lasting impression.
Her tongue remained moist with the remembrance of Allah, her heart illuminated with the recitation of the Qur'an. Despite the weakness of old age and physical weakness, she did not abandon prayer, remembrance and gratitude. Saying "Alhamdulillah" in every situation was the achievement of her life, and this gratitude became a message of encouragement for others.
She was an angel-like woman; in whose heart there was no place for malice, envy, spite, jealousy and backbiting. Slander, defamation and accusation were intolerable for her assembly. She not only saved herself from these impurities but also kept her gathering clean from them. She believed that if a women's gathering is empty of remembrance and goodness, it becomes the beginning of decline, not reform.
Her heart was restless at the decline of religious values. Assemblies for the reform of women, patronage of Madrasat-ul-Banat and heartfelt attachment to religious institutions—these were all bright titles of her life.
She knew that if a woman is reformed, generations are reformed, and if a mother is spoiled, the home and society are shattered.
She was rightly proud of the religious, educational and reform services and activities of her daughter Saadia Haideri Noori, Principal Jamia Tayyiba Lil Banat. Jamia-tus-Salihat and Jamia Tayyiba Lil Banat were the beat of her heart. Staying informed of the affairs of these institutions was a source of joy for her.
She used to say that
Education is meaningful only if it strengthens faith, and knowledge that does not change character is just an empty certificate. She wanted daughters not only to be educated but also to be righteous, modest and virtuous. She used to say: "The real beauty of a woman is not knowledge, but faith; and without faith, knowledge becomes a burden."
Today, a year has passed since her death, but it feels like she left us just yesterday. Her words, prayers, advice and silent smiles are still alive in hearts.
The fragrance of your breath will keep coming
The garden of your memories will keep blooming
In the end, we pray with our hands raised in the court of the Lord of Glory that Allah Almighty may forgive Khush Daman Sahiba completely, grant acceptance to her pure life and reform services, grant her a high position in Khuld-e-Bareen, and bless us, the family members, including all the bereaved, with patience and great reward. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds, by the dignity of the Master of the Messengers.
May the sky shower dew on your grave
May the fresh greenery protect this house