Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi

If you have come to this page, I request you to please recite Surah Al-Fatiha for 

- Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi Ibne Syed Nisar Ahmad Marhoom & 

- Bibi Hajja Umme Rabiba Binte Mukhtar Ahmad Marhoom.

Photo of Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi with Wife Bibi Hajja Umme Rabiba (1953)

Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi (2nd September 1932 – 25th Jan 2011) was a distinguished civil engineer, a passionate lover of literature, and a devout religious individual known for his gentle nature. His life journey encompassed many professional achievements and personal interests that left a lasting legacy.

Early Life and Education

Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi was born on 9 February 1932. He completed his schooling at Motihari Zila School, Bihar, India a notable institution in his hometown. Following his primary education, he pursued an intermediate degree in Science at Saint Columbus College.

Higher Education

After completing his intermediate studies, Zaidi enrolled at Patna Science College (Bihar), where he resided at the Cavendish Hostel. His academic journey progressed as he was accepted into the Bihar College of Engineering in Patna, where he specialized in Civil Engineering, earning a BSc in Engineering.

Professional Career

Upon graduating, Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi entered a rapidly growing field where civil engineers were in high demand. He began his career at the Damodar Valley Corporation in Dhanbad (Jarkhand, India). After a brief tenure there, he joined the Bihar Electricity Board as an Assistant Engineer, with an initial posting at the Patratu Thermal Power Plant in Hazaribagh district.

Later Career and Contributions

With the merger of the Electricity and Irrigation departments in Bihar, Zaidi was deputed to the Irrigation Department. He served in various capacities, making significant contributions to the infrastructure development in the region.

Personal Life and Interests

Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi was married to Late Umme Rabiba, who passed away in 2011. The couple is survived by six sons and one daughter. 

Zaidi spent his retirement life in Patna, where he was known for his religious devotion and oratory skill in Urdu poetry. A gentle person, he rarely had conflicts with others and was well-regarded for his calm demeanor.

He had a deep fondness for gardening and spent much of his retired life nurturing his garden. He also had a deep appreciation for food, particularly Mughlai cuisine. He always valued quality food but maintained a high standard.

Legacy

Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi passed away in 2011. His grave is located in AliNagar Pali, Jahanabad District, Bihar. His life is remembered for his professional achievements in civil engineering, his love for literature, and his gentle, conflict-free nature. His contributions continue to inspire those who knew him and those who learn about his remarkable journey.

Remembrance

From His Brother, Prof. Ali Mohammad:

My dear brother was very devout in his faith. For 30 years, he recited a Marsiya, a form of elegiac poetry, about Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Abbas every 8th of Moharram. After his passing, I took over the recital and continued the tradition for the next 10 years.

My brother once shared with me that while reciting the Marsiya, he experienced the ziyarat (a spiritual visitation) of Hazrat Abbas A.S., which was profoundly moving for him. I believe his deep devotion to the tragedy of Karbala granted him a special day for his passing.

Our hometown, Ali Nagar Pali, is a small village where people usually gather only for special occasions. If someone passes away outside of these times, many people cannot attend the burial. When my brother was in his final stages, his caregiver told me several times that his breathing stopped and miraculously returned over several days. However, on Chehlum (Arbaeen), a day of great significance that occurs 40 days after Ashura, he took his last breath and did not recover.

Because Arbaeen is such a special day, most people were present in the village, and nearly the entire community attended his funeral, which is very rare. I believe it was his devoutness to the tragedy of Karbala that Allah granted him this special day for his departure.

From His Daughter, Dr Nusrat Jahan

My name is Nusrat, but at home, I am lovingly called Mona. I was the only daughter among my father’s seven children—six sons and me. My father, Syed Sajjad Hussain Zaidi, was a man of immense love and compassion, not just for his family but for everyone around him. His love for his children knew no bounds, but being his only daughter, I held a special place in his heart.

Abba was a man who believed in kindness over discipline. He rarely raised his hand on any of us, choosing instead to guide with patience and understanding. On special occasions like Eid ul Zoha or Eid al Adha, he made sure I had the best clothes, and he always indulged my fondness for slippers. I still remember the joy of roaming the market with him, hand in hand, as he helped me pick out my favorite pair. Those moments of simple yet profound care remain etched in my heart.

Abba’s love wasn’t just about indulgence; it was about giving us freedom and trust. He never imposed unnecessary restrictions, and because of this, we never took unfair advantage of the liberty he gave us. His belief in us taught us the values of responsibility and gratitude.

One incident that stands out in my memory happened during my Intermediate exams. Science was my chosen field of study, but I struggled with Physics. In my first semester, my low marks disheartened me, and I confided in Abba about my challenges. Without hesitation, he found a tutor willing to come to our home, which was no small feat at the time. The tutor’s fees were high, but Abba ensured I got the help I needed. With his support, I went from struggling to excelling, scoring the highest marks in Physics. That achievement, and the pride in Abba’s eyes, is a memory I will cherish forever. 

Whenever I shared my problems with Abba, he would always find a way to solve them. There are countless such incidents that can be recounted. Many such incidents occurred, each becoming a part of the larger story. One such moment was in 1994 during my brother-in-law’s engagement. My in-laws had come to our house to board a train from Patna, and there was a lively buzz of preparations. But amidst the joy, Abba suddenly experienced chest pain. The atmosphere in the house turned somber as we feared it was a heat attack  Amma was distraught, and everyone was at a loss.

I knew I couldn’t leave Abba in that condition. When it was time to board the train, I informed my in-laws that, given the circumstances, it would not be possible for me to go. I told them the engagement could proceed without me, but if something happened to Abba, I would never forgive myself. Though it was a difficult decision, it brought me a deep sense of peace. I spent the next day preparing food for him and taking care of him, putting my heart into making sure he felt better. The doctor examined him and confirmed that it was not a heart attack, but just a slight chest pain. This brought immense relief to all of us.

In the evening, a close relative visited us, and upon seeing me, he was shocked. "You didn’t go? Weren’t you supposed to attend your brother-in-law’s engagement?" he asked.

Before I could respond, Abba looked at me with compassion and said, "There’s a saying: A son remains a son until he gets married, but a daughter always remains a daughter. Mona canceled her plans because of me."

I looked at Abba in surprise. I had never imagined that he would appreciate my decision in this way.

Abba’s compassion and selflessness shaped me in ways words cannot fully express. He taught me the meaning of unconditional love, sacrifice, and the importance of family. As children, we can never truly repay our parents for their love and care, and perhaps that’s why Allah places such importance on honoring them.

Abba’s presence in my life was a blessing, and his memories are a treasure I will hold dear forever.

From His Son, Dr Shamshad Hussain:

My father was a voracious reader with a deep fondness for English and Urdu literature. His literary genius shone through his writings, and he loved writing letters to us. As an avid reader, I learned a great deal from him. When I walk down memory lane, I must confess that whatever little I know about English literature is because of his passion for the language and his efforts to pass it on to the next generation.

He was also a brilliant badminton player and was part of the Bihar Engineering College team. Unfortunately, due to a shoulder dislocation on the right side, he had to give up badminton as a sport.  

He led his children toward intellectual pursuits, giving us the freedom to read and write. He had seven children: six sons and one daughter. Out of the six sons, two became doctors and three became engineers. His daughter pursued a PhD in Urdu literature.

From His GrandSon, Syed Baquer Rizvi:

I was fortunate to spend five years of my life with Nana Abba and Nanna. Those years were transformative and helped shape who I am today. Despite many challenges, they always supported me and took care of me in every possible situation.

Every time we ordered takeout, my preferences were always considered. If Nana Abba saw that I was feeling down or in a bad mood, he would take me out. I remember the countless masala dosas we shared, which always cheered me up. 

He never pressured me about my studies but always inspired me to excel in my career. There was a time when I chose Sanskrit as an extra subject. Although I started with enthusiasm, I soon struggled with it. Observing this, Nana Abba arranged a teacher to help me understand the basics, which eventually helped me secure good marks. When I wanted to buy a computer to learn programming, he supported me, even though internet usage back then blocked the phone line and resulted in high bills. He never asked me to be frugal.

Before I left for Delhi, he promised to give me 5,000 rupees if I passed the engineering exam, creating positive reinforcement for me to work hard. True to his word, he happily gave me the money when I succeeded.

I met him the day before he died. Even in that difficult situation, he was full of compassion and prayers for me. Looking back, I wish I could have done more for him while he was alive and struggling with health issues. I feel a part of him lives through me, and I will always remember him in my prayers.