Hello, Assalaam Alaikum, peace and blessings,
My name is Sabeena and this is my message for World Cancer Day 2021!
My beautiful mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer March 2012, she was 59 years old.
Mum courageously received 4 years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before she returned to her maker April 18th 2016, she was 62 years old.
My Amee (mother) enjoyed painting, had a passion for gardening and travel.
The blog below illustrates the precious time and memories I have of visiting Javed Manzil, Lahore, Pakistan with my mother before she was diagnosed with cancer.
I'd like to take this opportunity to offer prayers for all those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
The Noble Quran - Chapter 89 Verse 29-30
My mother in Lahore, Pakistan - 2011/12
This blog is a tribute to Mum and the precious memories we shared when we visited Javed Manzil, Lahore, 2012.
I was blessed to accompany my beautiful mother during a visit to Multan and Lahore, Pakistan, December 2011 and January 2012.
We began our journey in Multan where my Mamu (Mums younger brother) lived.
We then travelled to Lahore where we visited Badshahi Mosque, Javed Manzil and Shalimar Bagh.
This blog was originally posted on Tripadvisor my alias little miss sunshine.
All the photographs featured are my own and were taken between 6-17 January 2012.
Portrait of Sir Mohammad Alama Iqbal
Where do I start? Magnificent and humble.
I will always remember the visit to Javed Manzil with great fondness because I knew very little about Pakistan's National Poet and have a acquired a great respect for the man.
Javed Manzil (Urdu)
Amee (Mum) standing outside Javed Manzil
Amee (mother) wanted to visit Javed Manzil, Sir Mohammad Iqbal's home before she flew back to the UK.
Located on Alama Iqbal Road in an old district of Lahore. The house remains as it was when the poet lived there nearly 80+ years ago.
The museum opens at 12pm and closes in the evening. Timings were accurate at the time we visited.
Beautiful well maintained gardens with colourful blooms wrapped themselves around the house.
Alama Iqbal Museum sign
Entrance to the Alama Iqbal Museum
Beautiful gardens of the Alama Iqbal Museum
There was no entrance fee (although all donations are welcomed, 200-500 Pakistani rupees should be sufficient).
The two caretakers will take you on a personal tour and show you all of Alama Iqbal's house and possessions.
Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any access for wheelchair or pushchairs.
There were no toilets, cafes/vending machines at the museum at the time we visited.
Drinking water is not available. Please remember to take mineral water, snacks and small denominations of Pakistani rupees with with you.
Visitors arrangements and facilities may have changed since our visit.
The house was Sir Mohammad Iqbal's last residence and he purchased the land in 1934 for 20,025 PKR and spent an additional 16,000 PKR for its construction, fixtures and fittings.
The house is named after his son Javed Iqbal. In 1935 Sir Iqbal issued a court deed in favour of his son and paid Javed rent for the four rooms he used til his death.
The entrance walls were covered with large engraved silver panels illustrating Mohammad Iqbal's life and achievements.
Dr Alama Iqbal's prayer mat
His prayer mat, clothes, hats, passport, bank log, manuscripts and first editions of his books, certificates, gold medals and especially the coveted Lincolns Inn doctorate have been preserved in glass exhibits.
It was fascinating to see all of Alama Iqbal's personal affects preserved with such tender loving care.
Dr Alama Iqbal's sherwani (coat)
Dr Alama Iqbal's passport
Dr Alama Iqbal's University of Punjab Certificate
Lincoln's Inn doctorate
We walked through his living room, dining room and saw his arm chair and bed where he died. The clock on the wall tells the time he died 4.03, 21st April 1938. We weren't told whether this was am or pm.
Dr Alama Iqbal's bed
The clock on the wall tells the time he died 4.03, 21st April 1938.
We weren't told whether this was am or pm.
A national treasure and a fabulous short introduction to the life and works of Sir Mohammad Alama Iqbal.
Please remember to write your comments in the guest book (located at the entrance) when you have finished your visit.
Iqbal is known as Shair-e-Mushriq (Urdu: شاعر مشرق) meaning Poet of the East.
He is also called Muffakir-e-Pakistan ("The Inceptor of Pakistan"), and Hakeem-ul-Ummat ("The Sage of the Ummah"). Pakistan has officially recognised him as its "national poet". In Iran and Afghanistan he is famous as Iqbāl-e Lāhorī (اقبال لاهوری Iqbal of Lahore), and he is most appreciated for his Persian work.
One of his great masterpieces is titled 'A Dua' or translated 'A Prayer.'
I've attached a link below.
A beautiful portrait of Dr Alama Iqbal
Alama Iqbals personal possessions displayed for all to see
The house was Sir Mohammad Iqbal's last residence and he purchased the land in 1934 for 20,025 PKR and spent an additional 16,000 PKR for its construction, fixtures and fittings.
The Living Room
The Dining Room
Mum thoroughly enjoyed her visit and this day remains for etched in my heart.
I'm so blessed to have spent this quality time with my beloved mother.
Highly recommended to all who have a genuine interest in poetry, Pakistani culture and arts.
I look forward to reading his poetry in English, Urdu and Persian and sharing my photographs with all my family and friends. :)
Amee with my cousins at Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
Timeline of Badshahi Mosque
Information about Badshahi Mosque in Urdu
Badshahi Mosque official signage
Information about Badshahi Mosque
Badshahi Mosque was built by Muhghul Empreror Alamgir in 1673-74 AD.
Muzzaffar Hussain Sarmad Koka, Foster Brother of Aurangezeband than Governor of Punjab supervised its construction which took 3 years to complete the work and under expression of the Mosque is bolt vast and Mosque like the character of its founder.
On the contrary the interior is vivid delightful and highly refined because of its rich embellishments with stone carving, marble inlay and stucco tracery. Walls in their core are built in small kiln bricks laid in kankar lime mortar, while marbel of the exterior and domes are veneered with red sand stone and while marble from India.
Venegrated marble, Sang-e-Abri has been used to finish plinth and floor the prayer chamber. Mosque is square in plan and covers area of 567x567 square feet. main entrance is through a big gateway. (Deorhi) situated in the east.
About 60000 persons can offer prayer at one time inside the Mosque. During the Sikh and British period it was used for military purposes, which inflicted damage. Comprehensive conversation work was carried out from 1939 AD to 1961 to restore damaged portions.
Official Shalimar Bagh signage 2012
Shalimar Bagh outbuilding
A view of the gardens from the outbuilding
Mum walking through the outbuilding
Shalimar Gardens
Excuse my weak Urdu - Bait ul Khala
Beautiful blooms at Shalimar Gardens
Mum walking in the vast gardens
Water feature at Shalimar Gardens
Official Signage for the Moor Croft Building
The Moor Croft Building at Shalimar Gardens
The Moorcroft Pavilion built by Ranjit Singh
Mum admiring the views at Shalimar Gardens
Beautiful water feature
Another picturesque view of Shalimar Gardens on a cloudy day
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as a tribute my beloved mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano and the priceless time we spent in Lahore during 2012.
As I end this blog I'd like you to take a minute to make a prayer or dua for my mother and all the beautiful mothers who have returned to their maker.
'MY PARADISE I MISS YOU!
Love you forever!!!
Sabeena
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, 1952 - 2016
It will be 5 years this April since I last saw my beloved mother.
Its been a roller-coaster of emotions as I cope with my loss, grief and bereavement.
I still remember hours after Mum took her last breaths how distraught I was.
The photograph below is a beautiful reminder of how I remember my mother.
She was a strong independent happy, healthy woman with a beautiful smile.
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, Edinburgh Castle
May 2014
My grief journey has been difficult and challenging.
This is a wonderful poster and resource titled
'BEREAVEMENT - How People Can Help' has been designed by the Care For The Family Organisation.
Bereavement - How Other People Can Help -
Credit and source Care For The Family UK website
5 years on I'd describe my healing journey as heavy, over whelming with outbursts of hopefulness.
Healing Can Feel - Credit @Spoonie_Village
Since Mum's passing I have continued with my fair trade campaigning and work.
Mum was a fairtrade advocate and supported fairtrade producers.
Recording videos like this is also part of my healing process.
I also purchased books about healing.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course 'Talking About Cancer' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer
During early January 2017 I found a lump in my left breast and immediately made an appointment to see my breast consultant. Luckily, my lump was a cyst and it was removed successfully.
Due to a history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family my consultant advised that I take the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic testing.
My results were normal and I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 genes. I am very relieved.
Self examination is the key to early detection of cancer and survival.
Women who have a history of cancer in the family should attend their annual mammogram and pap test.
As I mentioned earlier self-examination is the key to successful treatment and survival.
Below is a poster designed by the World Health Organisation about recognising the symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms - World Health Organisation
Once again I would like to reiterate that the body goes through hormonal changes and not all lumps are cancerous.
If you notice any abnormalities in your body please make an appointment to see your General Practitioner.
If you are uncomfortable about attending your doctors appointment, mammogram or pap test alone ask a family member or friend to go along with you.
However hard it may see at the time, talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Worrying never achieves anything and knowing that you've opened a conversation about your health is a step closer to making you better and healthier.
Before you attend your appointment make a list of all your symptoms and talk openly with your doctor about your worries and concerns.
I am hoping that by recording this video I can reach out to other ladies in similar situations and Pakistani/Asian carers who would like a listening ear and some moral support.
It is my aim that the Pakistani and Asian community talk openly about cancer and support those instead of giving them a death sentence.
Cancer is a taboo subject and it's so important to dispel the myths surrounding it.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course
''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer
This World Cancer Day support a cancer research organisation by volunteering your time and raising awareness about cancer.
Love and best wishes to all cancer patients past and present, their families and carers.
I wish you a speedy recovery and a happy healthy life.
Love and prayers for those who have lost a loved one!
Sabeena
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano with Sabeena Ahmed
celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai, UAE - 2015
Lab pe aati hai - YouTube link
Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer
Talk About Cancer - Future Learn
This month my right shoulder is still very painful and I have struggled to record this vlog and type this blog.
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
Here is my Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Fairtrade Bananas Recipe which I baked for Fairtrade Fortnight 2024.
I have tried my best to translate this recipe in Urdu.
یہ ہے میری ایزی فیئرٹریڈ کوکو اور فیئر ٹریڈ کیلے کی ترکیب جسے میں نے فیئر ٹریڈ فورٹ نائٹ 2024 کے لیے پکایا تھا۔
میں نے اس ترکیب کا اردو میں ترجمہ کرنے کی پوری کوشش کی ہے۔
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
Sign up to get the latest on fair trade fashion.
I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
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