Tribute Book

A Tribute to My Father-in-Law, Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi—Whom I Called Phuppajan My first vivid memory of Phuppajan goes back to when I was about 12 years old. He had come to our home for life-saving surgery, paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair due to a spinal condition. I remember seeing him in such a difficult state—facing an enormous surgery—yet he met it with remarkable courage. In the months that followed, I watched him slowly recover, eventually regaining the ability to walk. Over the years, he returned for further surgeries, including on his knees, and during that time, I had the privilege of sitting with him and having the most profound conversations—about life, philosophy, literature, math, and everything in between. He was incredibly intelligent and insightful, with a depth of thought that is rare. He would often sit quietly, writing poetry or working on complex calculations, keeping his mind sharp as his body continued to heal. One of my most vivid memories of him might seem simple, but it has stayed with me forever. I was driving him to the mall in Milwaukee so he could do his daily walk. Hiba was just a few months old, sitting in her car seat in the back, and it had begun to snow. As we drove through the snowfall, he looked out the window and said, “This place is a paradise compared to Pakistan. Even the snow here is more beautiful.” Ever since that day, whenever it snows, I think of Phuppajan. Sometimes I catch glimpses of him in my son’s eyes or hear echoes of his spirit in my daughter’s laughter. He is forever in our hearts and memories. May he rest in peace. Ameen.

Assalamu Alaikum to all participants, Today, words feel so small in front of the immense respect, love, and admiration I have for my beloved father-in-law, the late Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi. I am not just proud to be his son-in-law, I truly feel I was like a real son to him. He gave me the love, guidance, and support that only a father can give. He was a man of immense strength, grace, and deep principles. A role model not only for his family but for everyone who had the honor to know him. He lived his life with dignity and fulfilled every responsibility with quiet determination, never once placing his burdens on anyone else’s shoulders. In every moment, he stood like a pillar for his family and for me. One of the greatest gifts he gave me was his daughter, my wife, Nudrat Saadat Khan, who has been the support and light of my life. Through her, he gave me love, comfort, and a lifelong companion. His absence leaves a void that no one can fill. I will carry his memory in my heart forever and miss him deeply every single day. He was blessed in this life with a devoted life partner, Mrs. Nusrat Zaidi, and with pious, loving children Dr. Azhar Zaidi, Mrs. Nudrat Zaidi, Dr. Adeel Zaidi, and Dr. Muddasir Zaidi, who continue to reflect his values and teachings. InshaAllah, he is now resting in eternal peace. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannat and shower His mercy upon his soul. Ameen!

Beloved cousin, friend, and light in my life.Athar Bhai’Sahib’s passing leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his memory will forever be a beacon of love, laughter, and warmth. Athar Bhai Sahib was more than family; he was a kindred spirit. His smile could brighten the darkest days, and his unwavering kindness touched everyone he met. Whether through his quiet wisdom, his infectious humor, or his ability to make even strangers feel like friends, Athar bhai Sahib had a rare gift for bringing people together. Will miss him always. "Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day." With lots of Duas for his maghfirat. Saleem Qureshi( Cousin brother )

A Piece of What I Carry in My Heart There’s so much I could say about my father — enough to fill a book. Even then, I don’t think words could truly capture who he was or what he meant to me. But here’s a piece of what I carry in my heart. My father was a quiet man, but his silence spoke volumes — full of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support. He didn’t need to say much. He simply showed up, again and again, in the ways that mattered most. My very first memory of him is from when I was very young — maybe just a year or two old. I remember having a dream that he was falling, and I was desperately trying to catch him. I woke up repeating the words “Abu” and “Adeel’s life,” over and over again. It’s strange, but I’ve always felt like that moment marked a bond between us — something beyond just father and son. Maybe that’s why, when he passed away so close to my birthday, it felt like a kind of full circle — a reminder of the cycle of life, and of how deeply our lives were always intertwined. When I struggled to get into any elementry school, he somehow got me into one — an army school, no less. I still don’t know how he made it happen, but he did. That quiet determination was just part of who he was. He once took me all the way to Faisalabad for the Cadet College entrance exam. On the night before the test, someone offered us a chance to see some of the questions in advance. He didn’t even consider it — he refused, firmly and without hesitation. He believed in doing things the right way.
I took the exam and failed. Looking back, I know I hurt the trust he placed in me. But that failure became a turning point in my life. It taught me the value of preparation and integrity — and I promised myself that from then on, I would never let him down again. He never tried to steer me toward a particular future. His only advice was simple: “Do what you love.” And he truly meant it. He encouraged my creative writing and even once took me to meet the editor of Bachon Ki Dunya — a memory that still means the world to me. I still remember the day we went to a studio to have our pictures taken, and our visit to Quaid-e-Azam’s Mazar, where we had a Polaroid photo captured together — one of those simple father-child outings that stays with you forever. Small moments, now timeless treasures. And then there was our Baqai Medical College interview — where they called both father and son in together. I was nervously trying to answer a question about black roses, while he sat beside me, calm and reassuring, just as he always was. That moment perfectly captured our journey — me, learning and growing; him, always right there by my side. In his illnesses, he showed tremendous courage — from being almost paralyzed to undergoing multiple surgeries, he faced everything with open hands and unwavering bravery. As a doctor, I always thought: if I ever had a perfect patient, it was him. The way he faced his continuous medical challenges — with patience, dignity, and without ever letting it weigh down those around him — it’s a lesson for all of us. He never complained. He just kept going. Quiet strength, always. Although he has passed away, I believe a part of him still lives and walks this earth through my son. While I may not have inherited my father’s unique talents — his unusual mastery in linguistics, his brilliance in mathematics, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his extraordinary intelligence — I truly believe he passed those gifts on to my son. And in that way, his light continues, strong as ever. Even now, I feel his presence. In my choices, in the values I hold, and in the quiet strength I try to live by — just like he did. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, envelop him in His infinite mercy, and grant him the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous. His legacy lives on — not just in the milestones, but in the gentle, steadfast way he lived and loved. Ameen.

My grandfather, Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi, was a truly remarkable person. Although I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as I would’ve liked, the moments we shared are incredibly special to me and remain close to my heart. His life, filled with accomplishments and beautiful poetry, continues to inspire me deeply. I often find myself wishing I had more time with him. I miss him a lot. He was not only a wonderful grandfather but also a role model for everyone around him, including me. His memory lives on in me, and he will forever hold a special place in my heart.

In Loving Memory of Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi (Dada Jan) Dada Jan—a name that resonates with love, respect, and warmth. Just the thought of him brings a smile to my face, even as my eyes fill with tears. He was so much more than just my grandfather, he was my compass, my anchor, and the steady light that guided me through life. As a chief engineer Dada Jan embodied the values of hard work and dedication. He built his life, both literally and figuratively, brick by brick, an enduring testament to his unwavering spirit and perseverance. Through every challenge he faced, he taught me that strength comes not from avoiding difficulties, but from confronting them with courage and determination. The lessons I learned from him weren’t found in textbooks. They were gently imparted in everyday conversations, quiet moments, and his steady presence. His integrity, his resilience, and his deep sense of purpose left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Some of the most treasured moments of my childhood were spent in his embrace. Whenever Baba or Mama got upset with me, I’d run straight to him and he’d immediately get upset with them, saying, “How dare you get angry at my grandchild?”. Whatever I wanted, he made sure I had it. When I was sad, he’d go out of his way to bring a smile to my face. When I fell ill, he took care of me like no one else could, ordering food to tempt me to eat, hugging me, kissing my forehead, and giving me a kind of warmth that no one in the world can ever replace. Even in his own illness, when he was suffering quietly, he still found ways to make us laugh. His joy, his energy, and his love for life never faded. I have never seen such a lively person in this world. Though he is not physically present now but, his spirit is ever present. In every decision I make, in every challenge I face, I hear his voice calm, encouraging, and wise. He reminds me to strive for excellence, to live with purpose, and to carry forward the values he so firmly believed in. I miss him every single day. But in my heart, he lives on as a memory, a mentor, and a source of endless love. Dada Jan, your legacy is a treasure I will forever cherish. Thank you for shaping my world with your kindness, strength, and that unforgettable warmth. May Allah bless you with jannat-ul-Firdous, Ameen ❤️

In Loving Memory of Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi (Nanajan) Remembering Syed Athar Hussain Zaidi, lovingly known to me as Nanajan, feels like opening a book filled with warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. He was not just the grandfather I adored, but the anchor of our family—steady, strong, and always there to keep us united. Nanajan was a man of great success and deep humility. As a Chief Engineer, his professional accomplishments spoke volumes, but it was his gentle nature, loving heart, and unshakable values that truly defined him. He carried his achievements with grace, never once boasting, always giving credit to faith, family, and hard work. Some of my fondest memories are of him sharing stories from his childhood—funny, insightful, and full of life. He had a way of turning every moment into a lesson wrapped in laughter. He showered my brother and me with endless affection, making us feel like the most special people in the world. With him, even the smallest things—like sitting together in quiet or listening to him talk—became treasures I’ll always hold close. His presence brought comfort, and his absence leaves a space no one can fill. But in every story he told, every lesson he taught, and every act of love he gave, Nanajan lives on—in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we carry forward his legacy of love and unity. I often find myself wishing that my kids could have met you, Nanajan. They would have loved you deeply, and I know you would have adored them just as much. I can only imagine the stories you’d tell them and the love you'd pour into their lives—just like you did in ours. We miss you deeply, Nanajan. Thank you for being ours. ❤️

A man devoted to this family! You set such a loving example for everyone. Thanks for leading with strength, wisdom, and love. You've raised a great family—I'm lucky to be part of it. My only regret is that I didn’t get to spend more time with you!! May Allah swt bless you with the highest levels of Jannah Ameen