Today marks the final official working day at the university for my beloved teacher, the distinguished educationist and Islamic scholar Professor Dr. A. K. M. Abdul Qader (Hafizahullah), bringing to a close a remarkable and eventful professional career.
The thought that, from today, he will officially enter retirement leaves me with an inexplicable sense of emptiness. It feels as though a deeply cherished chapter of my life is coming to a formal close. Throughout the day, tears have welled up in my eyes, sometimes without my even realising it.
My relationship with Sir spans nearly three decades. Over the years, it has grown far beyond the formal boundaries of a teacher–student relationship, evolving into a profound bond of affection, mutual trust, heartfelt cooperation, and spiritual closeness.
At different times, he has been my teacher, guardian, adviser, and collaborator. At other times, he has been someone so close to my heart that I could speak to him without hesitation, knowing that his affection, encouragement, and reassurance could make even the most difficult paths seem easier.
The story of this relationship goes back a long way.
After completing his university studies, Sir joined Chunati Hakimia Alia Madrasa as its principal. At the time, I was a candidate for the Kamil examination. It was then that a close and enduring relationship began to develop between us.
What an immense blessing from Allah Almighty that, throughout Sir’s tenure at Chunati Madrasa, I too was granted the opportunity to serve there alongside him in an unofficial capacity.
I was a student then, and to me, he was much more than a principal. He was a teacher who cared for me like a guardian. His sincerity, affection, guidance, and support had a profound influence on my studies and intellectual development. Many of the notes he had handwritten or collected also became valuable resources for my academic work.
Later, at several important turning points in my life—including my university education, appointment as a university teacher, and entry into the world of writing and research—Sir’s contribution and affection remained deeply intertwined with my journey.
When Sir joined the university as a teacher, I was one of his students. Whenever I visited the university, I would often stay at his home. His warm hospitality, the way he made me feel welcome, and his affectionate manner never allowed me to feel that I was merely one of his students. Rather, I felt as though I were a member of his own family. Today, countless little memories from those days return to me with particular poignancy.
Through Sir, I was introduced to and developed relationships with several respected teachers at the university. There was no formality behind these connections; they grew out of the trust he placed in me. He knew me as a diligent student who loved reading and learning, while I knew him as a sincere, generous, and supportive teacher. This mutual trust and affection gradually deepened our relationship.
I can never forget Sir’s contribution to my appointment as a university teacher. In our country, securing a university teaching position is no easy task. Everyone knows how much effort, lobbying, and adversity the process can involve.
In my case, however, Allah Almighty made the path remarkably easy. I have no hesitation in acknowledging that Sir’s sincere support, confidence in me, and prayers were among the major reasons behind this.
Perhaps, without his support, it would have been even more difficult for someone like me to establish a place in the university as a teacher. Through his kindness, a door of opportunity seemed to open for me more readily than I could have imagined.
This is not merely a debt of professional assistance. It is intertwined with the genuine affection of a teacher, the blessings of a guardian, and the enduring memories of someone who has always been close to my heart.
Nor did his support end when I became a teacher. Rather, his affection and guidance continued to accompany me in various ways as I entered a new phase of life. Whether in beginning to write, taking my first steps in research, or advancing along my academic journey, I have repeatedly benefited from his encouragement, advice, assistance, and prayers. Even today, I continue to be blessed by his affection and goodwill.
What greater honour can there be for a student than to hear his teacher introduce him on different occasions as *“my disciple”*? Hearing Sir refer to me in these words is one of the greatest blessings of my life. It is more than a mere introduction; it carries the recognition, affection, and sense of belonging bestowed by a great teacher.
Standing here today, on the final official day of his professional career, and looking back, I realise that these three decades represent far more than the passage of time. Every part of this journey has been enriched by learning, affection, love, cooperation, trust, guardianship, and countless cherished memories.
I have no means of repaying all that he has given me as a teacher. The debt I owe him throughout my life can never truly be repaid. All I can say, from the depths of my heart, is this: Sir, my gratitude to you will remain undiminished for the rest of my life.
Retirement from professional duties does not mean retirement from relationships. I firmly believe that even though his formal responsibilities at the university are coming to an end, our bond of love, respect, affection, and spiritual closeness will remain unbroken for many years to come.
May this day not mark the end of an era for Sir, but rather the beginning of another beautiful chapter in his life—one in which he can devote himself to scholarship, writing, and service to the *Din* and the *Millah* with greater peace of mind, comfort, and well-being.
May Allah Almighty bless my beloved teacher with abundant blessings in his life. May He grant him good health, tranquillity, and a long life filled with righteousness. May his contributions to the service of the *Din* and the *Millah* continue for many more years and bear even greater fruit. May Allah allow his guiding presence to remain with us for a long time, and grant students like me many more years to benefit from his affection, love, and guidance.
**Dear Sir, today marks the formal conclusion of your professional career, but there is no retirement from my respect, gratitude, and love for you.**