Sara Qazi Rustami
“Everyone has to taste death.” – Al Quran
It’s a law of nature that we meet to depart. What matters for an individual are the actions or deeds he/she has done in their lifetime.
The writer attended the mourning of her relative. The deceased was an old lady, ill for the last 5 years. She was a very lively person in her life. She was always in a good mood and had the art of cultural embroidery on women’s clothes. She used to do embroidery for young girls on their wedding cushions and bed-sheets. This lady not only had the art but also a treasure of historical and cultural stories such as folklore. She made dolls for little girls and passed on cultural games to the younger generation, which is being lost with new advancements. She was a happy person, far from the harshness and cruelties of life.
She was a good human in her own simple way. Yesterday, she left the world; may Allah’s blessings be upon the departed soul.
A huge crowd attended the funeral. The whole home was full of women, and the same was the case outside. The good thing was that the village people had arranged a meal for the men. After the funeral, all men were distributed in different hujrahs and were served good meals by the villagers. The departed soul’s family also prepared dinner for the ladies at home. The villagers also sent meals to the home to serve their guests.
It was a very good tradition established by the villagers. They fully tried to ease the burden on the departed soul’s family, showing the epitome of hospitality and creating an amicable environment for guests coming from far distances. They gave the message of peace, love, hospitality, sincerity, loyalty, and brotherhood in the true sense. These characteristics are inherited from their ancestors, and they are strong practitioners of their elders’ teachings. They have a pleasant environment for the transfer of cultural values. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Those are not from us who do not respect their elders and love their youngsters.” This is a basic rule in their life. They are culturally Islamic, which is why they are called true Muslims.
Such practices must be recognized and appreciated to highlight the soft image of Pashtuns to the world. The stereotyping of Pashtuns as terrorists, illiterate, uneducated, and a wild nation should be stopped because they know the true values of humanity and tradition.
Pashtun tradition is rich in celebrating events, whether joy or sorrow. The practice of gathering in hujrahs allows for communal mourning and support, ensuring that no one grieves alone. This collective approach to both joy and sorrow is a cornerstone of Pashtun culture, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual assistance.
These traditions are not just about preserving cultural practices but also about fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. They remind us of the shared values and the strength that comes from being part of a close-knit community. Through these customs, the Pashtuns maintain their cultural identity and pass down their heritage to future generations, ensuring that even as the world changes, their core values of hospitality, respect, and unity remain intact.
As a poet says,
“Da pukhtu fitrat mi dumra islami de Ka Islam na we hm ba musalman um “
