Dr Qazi Rahmat : An Eulogium

Born in politically conscious and economically prosperous family on 21 May1940 Dr Qazi Rehmat got two basic traits on a platter. One  to speak against injustice come what may and other to live a royal life in any circumstance. And these traits shape his personality. Balanced diet,  dry fruits, decent dress, exotic Karakul,white socks, shining laceless shoes ,sense of humour, some rooms to live in, some rich books on shelf and discussion with the chosen lot was all what he loved in his life. He would often murmer :

In the words of Jafar Ali Asar ,President Civil Society Forum Delina ”  It is said that cleanliness is next to godliness, Dr Qazi Rehmat was compliant to this saying. He would always keep himself profoundly clean. Qualitative scent was his weakness. His shoes would be always shining”  His robust style of speech is known to all. He would prove his point with Quranic verses, Hadith, relevant poetry and logic. He would first quote verses from holly Quran then Hadith and then strengthen  his argument with the couplets of Allama Iqbal and Sheikul Alam RA. Notwithstanding his stormy style of speaking it was always a treat to listen to him. His favourite urdu couplet was :

He was intelligent from childhood. After matriculation he competed degree in Unani medicine and pursued graduation simultaneously. He had studied Arabic and Deeniyaat from Srinagar. He got appointed in health department and retired as medical officer. He served people in different districts of valley. But his contributions in Bandipora are noteworthy, where people still recall his people friendly approach. He had been instrumental in starting weekly Jummah Prayer at many places including Hygam Sopore.

Due to his eloquence and hold on different languages he was elected as General Secretary Unani Doctors Association many a time. He would raise issues of his association without fear and favour.

Dr Qazi Rehmat was a best poet too. He was an important member of Daira Adab Delina (a literary forum) during its initial days. One can find his literary works in old newspapers, magazines and issues of local  literary periodical Partav. His poetry is always thought provoking. His various interviews on different aspects of Unani system of medicine have been broadcast from Radio Kashmir. I remember an occasion. The producer of the programme asked Dr Rehmat Sb as to which topic he can speak on. To this question Dr Rehmat replied with a beautiful smile that on any topic under sky. This was the level of his knowledge.

In his personal life Dr Qazi Rehmat had suffered a lot. He lost his loving father when he was just 12,lost his mother in youth and lost his elder brother in a tragic road accident. His wife died of tumour and Qazi Rehmat became alone. His well wishers advised him to re marry but he sacrified his youth for his children. In early1990s his loving son Qazi Farhat migrated to Pakistan. The  father and son would weep on phone but couldn’t meet in person. His most intelligent daughter Qazi Bilal Aishia died at the age of 20. Such a tragic background would pierce him within.  In his words :

Notwithstanding these tragic instances in his life the strong man go on with his life bravely and never let anybody to had an inkling of  inner pain.Dr Qazi Rehmat had a revolutionary mindset. He would tackle his problems head-on and keep living like a king. He was master of his own life. When he would speak no body could dare to interrupt him. I have seen seasoned speakers shivering while speaking in his presence. They would acknowledge that it is extremely difficult to speak in front of a learned scholar like Dr Qazi Rahmat.

Unlike his contemporaries he had a strong hold on various languages the prominent ones being Urdu, Persian,Arabic ,Kashmiri and English. Quotations of prominent Western thinkers and couplets of distinguished poets were on the tip of his tongue. His memory was so sharp that he would recall exact and relevant couplets as per the situation and topic of his discussion.  Although he was angry from outside but inside he had an affectionate heart. He always wanted to do something for the society. Anjuman e Islahi Muslameem was perhaps the first socio religious association of Delina and Dr Qazi Rahmat had the distinction of being its first elected president. The primary job of this extraordinary association was to organise religious programmes and discussions. Further it would do environmental awareness campaigns in Delina. Under Dr Qazi Rehmat’s presidentship this association did lot of commendable works.

As far his political ideology is concerned he believed in radicalism. He would emphasize on fundamentals and would strive to implement them on ground . For him practice was more important than hollow knowledge and lofty ideas. As mentioned earlier he would call spade a spade come what may.  He was one of the important personalities to establish Jamati Islami unit in Delina. Due to this he got associated with Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The duo had a lot of meetings and interactions.

In conclusion what I can say about Dr Qazi Rehmat is that he was a man of mettle. He would never bow his head before anybody. He was robust yet humble,stormy yet good-humoured. He would analysis And due to such traits he was the inspiration for youth.

He was indeed an institution in himself. The man of principles said good by to this thankless world on 11th of August 2020. He is survived by three sons and two daughters. All are well settled. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.