By : Farooq Mirza
NEW YORK: A large gathering for prayers and tributes was held at ICLI Westbury Mosque in Long Island on Thursday for the departed mother of prominent Pakistani-American community figure and businessman Saif Nagra, owner of the popular Dera Restaurant.
The event drew a significant number of attendees from the Pakistani-American community, including leading personalities, representatives of various organizations, women, and youth, who offered prayers for the forgiveness and elevation of the deceased’s spiritual status . Renowned Islamic scholar Molana Tasawar Gilani led the Dua, while famous Naat khawan and singer Amjad recited heartfelt poetry in a unique style paying tribute to the sacred status of his mother.- Prayer
“This is a clear proof of Mr. Saif Nagra’s warm and excellent relations that a large number of friends and well-wishers from all walks of life are present here today.
I rise to make a humble prayer that may Allah grant His mercy and forgiveness to his respected and departed mother.
Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji’un.
I have recited a verse of the Holy Quran in front of you. Its translation is that those who come later pray for those who have gone before them.
O Allah! Forgive those who have departed from this world with faith — those whose souls have flown from the cage of the body. Grant them Your forgiveness and mercy.
We also pray for all Muslims: O Allah, forgive our parents.
It is mentioned in a Hadith Sharif that on the Day of Judgment, when people will rise from their graves, mothers and fathers will meet their children with great joy and overwhelming emotion. The children will wonder why their parents are so happy to meet them, even though while living in this world — with all its distractions, businesses, and affairs — no one can truly claim to have served their parents as they rightfully deserved.
They will be told: “The prayers you continued to make for them after they left this world kept reaching them. These prayers elevated their status in the grave, which is why they are meeting you today with such joy.”
It is often said and I have heard it many times myself that when someone’s mother passes away, they should be extra careful. It is narrated that when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) spoke to Allah, he was told, “O Musa, be careful now your mother is no longer there.”
Parents’ shade of mercy and blessing does not end with their death. This connection does not get disconnected even after they enter the grave. Please understand this point carefully.
Those who are unfortunate and disobedient to their parents receive no benefit even while their parents are alive. But those who remain connected to their parents with love, respect, and service — Allah bestows His special mercy and blessings upon them through the honor of their parents.
In the end, I will recite a Hadith and conclude with prayer.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose father passed away before his birth and whose mother also left this world at a young age, would often say with deep emotion:
“I wish my parents were alive today. When I would finish my Wudu and stand on the prayer mat ready to lead the Isha prayer, my mother would call me. I would immediately stop the prayer and rush to serve her.”
Parents are such a sacred relationship!
Respected and conscious brothers and sisters! You all know very well that hurting or displeasing one’s parents causes the displeasure of Allah. The Holy Quran and Hadith clearly state that if you want to know whether your Lord is pleased with you or not, check whether your parents are pleased with you.
May Allah elevate the ranks of all those whose parents have passed away, and grant long, healthy, and blessed lives to the parents who are still with us.
Ameen.”
Molana Tasawar Gilani made people cry on his passionate way of praying .
Saif Nagra is a prominent businessman running very successful dining restaurant “DARA “ a traditional Pakistani American in heart of Queen New York . He is also a community activist loves her mother very much . He was bemoaning and lamenting like a child missed her mother . His friends and close associates were there to support him . After the prayer and “Namaz “ food was served to almost 500 people came to pray from different parts Tri – State . His mother was buried with full religious spirit in New York .
