“The Tears in Her Eyes Reminded Me of Every Word of Prayer”

Nisar Banbhan

The relationship between a brother and sister is an unparalleled miracle of love, trust, and sacrifice—a bond so profound that words fall short of capturing its depth. In a world filled with fleeting connections, this bond remains constant, resilient, and selfless. It is not just a relationship of blood but one of unconditional devotion and companionship. Sisters and brothers are the architects of each other’s worlds, the keepers of their secrets, and the silent guardians of their dreams.

In the innocence of childhood, this bond radiates joy. A sister becomes the pride of her father and the darling of her brother. Her laughter fills the house with life, and her tears become her brother’s greatest torment. Brothers, on the other hand, grow into silent warriors, teasing and protecting their sisters in equal measure. They show love not through grand gestures but through small, heartfelt actions—hiding her doll, pulling her braid, or buying her a treat with their meager pocket money. Sisters, in turn, pour their love into acts of care—shielding their brothers from reprimands, tidying their messes, and cooking their favorite meals with unmatched devotion.

The beauty of this bond lies in its simplicity. It thrives in shared joys, whispered secrets, and even petty quarrels. They fight over books, clothes, and toys, only to reconcile moments later. A sister’s doll becomes her treasure, while for a brother, his sister is his most precious doll—one he holds in his heart, protecting her from every sorrow and harm.

But then, time steps in. Childhood gives way to the responsibilities of adulthood. Brothers become protectors, their love turning into a shield of honor. Sisters step into new roles, embracing marriage and motherhood. The once-frequent laughter and shared moments fade into rare meetings and hurried conversations. Yet, the love between them remains untouched, like an ember glowing silently in the depths of their hearts.

The memories of childhood become a bittersweet refuge. The days when a brother couldn’t bear to see his sister cry, or when a sister would sit beside her somber brother, asking him again and again what was troubling him, linger like fragments of a beautiful song. The love they shared was pure, free from the blemish of selfishness. Sisters, after all, are living prayers for their brothers—a sanctuary of blessings, wishes, and dreams.

For me, this bond found its purest form in my sister, Tamsila Nazir. She was more than a sister—she was a second mother, a guardian of my soul, and a beacon of love and sacrifice. Her warmth, her prayers, and her unwavering faith in me were gifts I could never repay. Though she was younger than me, her presence carried the comfort of a mother’s embrace, and her absence has left an unfillable void in my heart.

On December 24, 2018, the earth embraced her in its eternal womb. That day, I felt as though the light of my life had been extinguished. She, who had hidden her sorrows behind a gentle smile, left this world with hands full of prayers for her brother. Her departure was like a storm within me—a tempest that scattered every memory into shards of longing.

Even today, six years later, her absence weighs as heavily on my heart as it did that fateful evening. The memories of her laughter, her prayers, and her unconditional love remain alive, but they now carry a sharp edge of pain. At times, I find myself calling her name in a moment of forgetfulness, only to be met with the deafening silence of her absence.

My sister was not just a sibling; she was a sacred book of prayers, a guide, and a source of endless love. Without her, our home feels incomplete, as though a bright lamp has been extinguished forever. Her love was the kind that transcends time, the kind that even death cannot diminish.

To those of this generation, who may overlook the beauty of this bond in the distractions of modern life, I urge you to cherish your siblings. Time is relentless; it takes away moments and loved ones alike. Do not let the rush of life rob you of the warmth and depth of this unparalleled relationship. Your siblings are your truest companions, the keepers of your childhood, and the silent protectors of your future.

I pray to the Almighty to grant my sister the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and to bless us all with the wisdom to value these sacred bonds before it is too late. Ameen.

“Sisters are treasures, so dear,

A brother’s joy, a companion near.

You bring fragrance to life’s bloom,

Filling hearts with your gentle perfume.

May your face forever shine with cheer

And may your brother sing your melodies here.”