Tribute to my Dad

 TRIBUTE TO MY DAD ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Time may pass, but the legacy of my beloved father, Tuan Hameem Meedin (2/4/1913 – 6/6/1996), remains firmly rooted in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born into the home of Ajjone Meedin. a dedicated Police Sergeant, and Devinona Inga, he was raised in a family where discipline, tradition, and service were paramount. His brothers—Tuan Deenon, a distinguished Inspector of Police, and Tuan Jamaldeen, a steady presence in the mercantile world—mirrored the strength and resilience that defined their lineage. His sister, Gnei Noor Mohamed, created the warmth and unity of their family, ensuring that the bonds they built endured beyond generations.  

During World War II, when Ceylon stood under British rule, Hameem answered the call of duty. Enlisting in the Royal Ordnance Force, he joined the Allied campaign against invading German forces, fighting in the arid expanse of North Africa.  

"War is an intense conflict between nations" he would often say, distinguishing its nature from the civil strife that followed in later decades. He had witnessed history firsthand, traveling through Egypt, Palestine, and Jordan, long before these lands became familiar to most. With eloquence, he painted vivid portraits of ancient cities, allowing his children to glimpse distant worlds through his memories.  

Returning home, he carried both wisdom and quiet resilience, sustaining only minor ailments from the hardships of war. The Sterling pension granted for his service was, to him, a lasting token of appreciation—one he embraced with gratitude. "Even today, my bowl of porridge comes from the Queen," he would chuckle, a gentle nod to his enduring loyalty.    

Hameem built his post-war life on a foundation of integrity and diligence. His mastery of English, refined at St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia, secured him a distinguished career. Over 26 years at Walker & Greig, he earned admiration for his precision as a Stenographer, his unwavering commitment to excellence a hallmark of his professional life.  

In 1949, he married Gnei Fareena Jayah, the accomplished daughter of Tuan Arifin Jayah and Sulaiya Packeer. Their marriage was one of deep respect and shared principles, blessed with a daughter and a son, his greatest joys.  

Beyond his many accomplishments, gifted with 'green fingers' Hameem Meedin found fulfillment in cultivation in the Wattala land. His hands, once steady in war and meticulous in professional duty, turned to gardening and agriculture, where he labored to transform his home into a sanctuary of abundance.  

The towering Jak and breadfruit trees, the swaying coconut palms, and the flourishing orchards of edible fruits stood not merely as vegetation but as living reflections of his patience, foresight, and  dedication. The nourishment they provided was more than sustenance—it was a testament to his perseverance, a legacy that continues to flourish today.  

Even in retirement, his devotion remained steadfast. He embraced the rhythm of daily life, helping his beloved wife with household tasks and family obligations. These were not acts of mere routine but expressions of love and responsibility—gestures that demonstrated his enduring commitment to his family’s well-being.  

He was a voracious reader, had an endless thirst for knowledge and information never missing the English weeklies. As time passed, he became a source of wisdom and quiet encouragement for his four grandchildren. Though fate did not allow him to witness their greatest milestones, his blessings shaped their paths and his guidance has helped a third generation succeed in the demands of both worlds.  

 

From Fountain House Lane and Vauxhall Lane in Colombo to Akbar Town, Wattala, where he resided from 1973 until his passing, each home carried the imprints of his devotion. In the later years of his life, faith became his sanctuary with his desire fulfilled to settle in an area that had mosques and  burial ground at close proximity. His punctual prayers in congregation never wavered, his observance of Ramadan till his fading age remained unbroken, and his recitation of the Quran was constant. Frequent Dawah gatherings deepened his understanding of his religion.

More than a practitioner, he was a protector of heritage, a man devoted not only to his own spirituality but also to the preservation of his people’s identity. Hameem Meedin was a  member of the Subud Movement a multifaith, international spiritual group originating from Indonesia. Through his involvement in CEMRO, a Malay research organisation, he strengthened the cultural fabric of Sri Lankan Malays, ensuring that traditions remained vibrant for generations to come.

.

On Thursday, 6th June 1996, Allah called him to eternal rest. The following day, before Friday prayers, his Janaza was solemnly conducted, and he was laid to rest at the Akbar Town Muslim Burial Grounds—his final resting place in this world, though his presence lingers eternally within the hearts of his family.  

Though 29 years have passed, his memory remains unshaken. Through prayers, almsgiving, and Quranic recitations, his progeny continues to honor him, ensuring that his name is never forgotten. His legacy exists not just in stories but in the very trees he planted, the faith he strengthened, and the love he instilled in his family.  

May Almighty Allah accept his righteous deeds, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him Jannatul Firdous.  

May his grave be a garden in Paradise… Aameen, Ya Rabbal Alameen!