A Mother’s Prayer
Dr Mohsin Hassan Khan
Islamabad: This is the blessing of a mother’s prayer, See the light of dawn in the midst of darkness.
My beloved Mother, this story is yours a testament to your unconditional love, selfless sacrifices, and unwavering prayers that shaped my life. You always used to say, “Son, I dream of a day when my head is held high because of you.” Those words didn’t just inspire me; they became the purpose of my life, fueling every effort and ambition.
While I was pursuing my dreams, life in the village had moved on. My peers had already secured jobs, gotten married, and were settling into their lives. You would often say, “So-and-so has joined the army, another has become a teacher, and another has built a home.
I wonder what my son will do.” Your concern became my greatest motivation. Those words echoed in my mind during countless sleepless nights and strengthened my resolve to create a day when everyone would speak of your son with pride.
My academic journey was a blend of hard work, your prayers, and Father’s sacrifices. From grade one to my Master’s degree, I topped every class. The day I received a gold medal from the Governor at the end of my Master’s was a proud moment, but I knew it was just the beginning. My ultimate goal was still far ahead.
My beloved Mother, the road to my PhD was filled with challenges. Your illness, Father’s declining health, and family responsibilities weighed heavily on me. There were moments when the path seemed impossible.
But Allah blessed me with Uncle Bashir, who became a guardian angel. His words still echo in my heart: “Son, this is not the time to give up. Your hard work and our prayers will lead you to success.” His unwavering support gave me the strength to persevere.
With Allah’s grace, I secured admission to Malaysia’s top university, the University of Malaya. Entering this new environment brought its own set of challenges, but I was determined to make it through. The Malaysian government supported my studies, and with endless prayers from you and Father, I overcame every obstacle.
The day I completed my PhD was nothing short of a dream. The University of Malaya honored me with the Best Performance Award and the Award of Recognition. These accolades were precious, but my real success was seeing you and Father at the airport, beaming with pride and joy. That moment will forever remain etched in my heart.
Returning to the village was a beautiful chapter in my life. People showered me with petals, placed garlands around my neck, and came to congratulate us. Elders in the village said, “This is all because of your mother’s prayers and your dedication.” Those days, filled with admiration and warmth, were some of the happiest of my life.
My beloved Mother, your prayers continued to pave the way for me even after my return to Pakistan. I was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore.
Within a short time, your blessings elevated me to the position of Acting Dean. Later, I took on the role of Head of Department at Kohsar University Murree, and today, I serve as a Senior Assistant Professor at Bahria University, Islamabad.
I received offers from prestigious universities abroad, but your love and prayers kept me grounded. No honor or position could ever outweigh the warmth of your presence and the joy of serving my own country.
Today, when I visit the village, people call me “Doctor Sahib.” Parents bring their children to me, asking for advice on their education and future. Watching them place their trust in me fills my heart with gratitude. This respect, this admiration—all of it is because of you, my beloved Mother.
Although you are no longer with me, every success, every honor, and every accomplishment is a tribute to you. Your prayers remain my greatest strength, guiding me at every step of the way.
A mother’s prayer is a river that never runs dry,
Her love is a flame that never fades.
Dr Mohsin Hassan Khan is a Senior Assistant Professor at Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
