A Day in Mumbai: Reflections and Insights
The Queen’s Necklace
10/4/2026
My second day in Mumbai dawned with the bright morning of Friday, April 10, 2026, enveloping a tapestry of diverse engagements, intellectual pursuits, heartfelt emotions, and delightful memories, as if time itself had transformed into an enchanting tale. This day was a beautiful blend of knowledge and action, invitation and companionship, and the observation of the beauty of the bride of cities, akin to various fragrances merging into a captivating perfume or different musical notes combining to create a soul-stirring melody.
In the tranquil moments of the morning, I had the honor of addressing the students of Saboo Siddik. These young minds, the architects of tomorrow, participated in the gathering with such earnestness as if thirsty hearts were in search of the water of life and had found a spring of solace here. In my speech, I highlighted the importance of time, describing it as the essence of life; a precious pearl that, once slipped from the hand, can never be regained. I stated that one who manages their moments effectively weaves their destiny, much like a skilled jeweler stringing scattered pearls into a necklace. I urged them to invest their time in knowledge, worship, service to humanity, and self-purification, as these are the treasures that guarantee success in this world and the hereafter. I also advised them to avoid the unrestrained pursuit of mobile phones, recreational activities, and desires, which, though seemingly attractive, are in reality silent thieves of time that gradually empty the treasury of life.
Before the Friday prayer, I had another opportunity to speak with the audience, where I shed light on the etiquette of living in a multicultural society. I mentioned that in a city like Mumbai, a vibrant garden of colors, languages, and beliefs, mutual respect, good conduct, and tolerance are the fragrances that make this garden bloom. I explained the rights of neighbors, stating that a good Muslim is one who treats not only their family but also their neighbors, regardless of their religion or background, with goodwill and kindness. Respecting the emotions, values, and traditions of others is an essential part of a civilized and religious life. I endeavored to make my talk more meaningful by drawing on events from Islamic history as guiding lights. During this session, a profound silence prevailed, as if the words were silently planting seeds in the soil of hearts, preparing to grow into trees of action in the future.
After the Friday prayer, a luncheon was arranged, providing an opportunity for exchange of ideas with the officials, teachers, and staff of Saboo Siddik. Several guest scholars were also present, including Maulana Taha Jounpuri, his brother Abu Zar, Maulana Zakir, Maulana Imran Siddiqui, Owais Sureshwala, some relatives of Hafiz Mahmood Kareem Sahib, and other learned individuals. This gathering was not merely a meeting but a lush garden of knowledge and love, where discussions on religious issues flowed like a river with softness and continuity, and the atmosphere of mutual brotherhood was binding hearts like a strong thread stringing pearls together.
In the afternoon, I returned to my hotel for a brief rest. This short respite was like a weary traveler sitting under the shade of a dense tree for a few moments to catch their breath, and then setting off refreshed towards their destination. This rest provided new energy and freshness for the evening’s activities.
After the Maghrib prayer, I set out with Zaid towards Mumbai’s famous VT Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). As we approached this historic building, its grandeur and ancient architecture captivated the heart as if an old story had suddenly come to life before our eyes. The towering domes, exquisite carvings, and walls bathed in lights seemed as if time had paused here to engrave its memories in stone. The surrounding crowd, the comings and goings of vehicles, and the flow of life resembled a river that never stops, always flowing.
Many memories are associated with this station. Once, when I was very young, I was searching for the ticket window for a journey when a policeman suddenly approached me. He asked for my ticket. I innocently replied that I was wandering around to buy a ticket. He responded that it was prohibited to be where I was without a ticket, and thus he fined me ten rupees. This incident remains fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday, marking my first formal introduction to the simplicity of childhood and the principles of the world.
From there, we proceeded along the seashore towards Nariman Point. This walk proved to be the most enchanting and memorable part of the day. The evening was slowly spreading its soft veil, with a gentle darkness descending on the sky as if a master painter was skillfully spreading colors, and the sea was playing a soft and continuous melody with its waves. The cool breeze coming from the sea touched the face as if a compassionate hand of nature was soothing the fatigue.
This seaside area becomes a recreational spot for Mumbaikars in the evening. In this era of decline and aimlessness, keeping the mind and heart at peace is akin to fetching water from a distant stream, yet the people of Mumbai have admirably managed to draw this water somehow. People, weary from the day’s toil, come here to free their minds from the shackles of busyness. Indeed, the search for peace is the greatest reality for which humans are constantly striving. It is a subtle and all-encompassing reality that manifests in different forms, sometimes appearing as love and affection, sometimes donning the attire of friendship and companionship, and sometimes taking the form of worship and devotion.
As we moved forward, the buildings standing along the seashore began to sparkle with their illuminated windows. This scene was as if a long necklace of lights had been placed around the sea’s neck, much like the “Queen’s Necklace,” as it is commonly known. The reflection of these shining buildings on the water made it seem as if stars had descended to earth and were dancing with the waves. We watched this scene in silence, for some beauty can only be felt, not described.
This coastal path was not merely a promenade but became a spiritual experience, like finding an island of tranquility amidst the tumultuous life. The gentle footsteps, the whispers of the waves, and the coolness of the breeze turned this moment into an eternal memory.
Throughout this day, a special mention of one personality is essential, and that is Hafiz Mahmood Kareem, who took time out of his busy schedule to transport me to various places and then brought me back in his car. His selfless service, sincerity, and love will always shine in my heart like a bright lamp.
It was quite surprising to learn that some people in Mumbai consider me detrimental to religion and faith. These individuals are perhaps perched on such high towers of religious understanding that everything below appears either flawed or suspect. It is as if they hold the key to the scales of truth and falsehood, and any scale in which they are not present is immediately deemed light.
The more intriguing aspect is that they reached this conclusion not through long companionship, deep study, or serious dialogue, but based on a few superficial impressions and hearsay, much like how today’s fatwas are quickly prepared like “fast food.” Sometimes it seems that, in their view, the most effective way to protect religion is to suspect anyone who does not fit their mold.
Their “well-wishing” brings a smile to my heart, for if this is the standard for serving religion, then perhaps many of the great righteous and pious figures in Islamic history would also be deemed suspect in their eyes. Nevertheless, these are the colors of the times, where a person is recognized not by their actions but by the assumptions of others.
We were neither wise nor unique in any skill,
Yet, without reason, the sky became our enemy.
Thus, this day became a beautiful tapestry of knowledge and invitation, observation and reflection, and companionship and love, etched in my memories—a day that was not only busy but carried deep meaning and charm in every moment, like a chapter in the book of life that one wishes to read repeatedly, finding new light each time.
