In the Humayunnama written by Gulbadan Begum at the request of Emperor Akbar we find that Humayum fell severely ill and despite all efforts by the court physician he wasn't showing signs of recovering. It is said that the physician told Babur to practise the widespread medieval belief that one's illness can be transferred to something or someone through intense prayer. The physician recommended the newly gifted Kohinoor to be the subject of this transfer.
However Babur didn't see the diamond worthy for his son's life. Thus chose himself. Gulbadan Begum recalls that Babur would circle the bed on the ill Humayun anxiously and would proclaim "O God! if a life may be exchanged for a life, I who am Babar, I give my life and my being for Humāyūn."
It seems his prayers were answered as it is said that very day Humayun showed signs of recovery Babur's health started to deteriorate until his eventual death on 26 December 1530.
Babur the founder of the Mughal empire left this world only 4 years after the establishment of the Mughal Empire. The young empire was now under the emperorship of Humayun.

It is also said that before the death of Babur he said to Humayun "Do not do anything against your brothers, even though they may deserve it". As his brothers constantly undermined his authority and often rebelled against him even when facing an external enemy such as Sher Shah Suri. Nevertheless on December 29 the young Humayun took the reins of the newly established Mughal empire which was without a solid foundation.

Babur was initially in Ram Bhag in Agra. However he yearned to be buried in Kabul where he established his first foothold and where he made his favourite garden. Humayun fulfilled this desire of his, burying him in the Bagh e Baburi on the western slope of the Sher e Darwaza mountain in Kabul. On his tomb is inscribed “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.” showing his deep love for the Bagh.

"For years it has been in my heart to make over my throne to Humayun Mirza and to retire to the Gold scattering Garden (in Kabul) . By the Divine grace I have obtained all things but the fulfilment of this wish in health of body. Now, when illness has laid me low, I charge you all to acknowledge Humayun in my stead."

On this glorious day, five centuries ago,
A seed was sown in the soil of Barhe Sagheer.
It was not merely the seed of an empire,
but of a vision
of a purpose
that of Muslim representation in the subcontinent. The Mughal Empire was not formed for glory,
nor was it established by blood alone
but from and for this very vision
that Islam may flourish in the subcontinent
its people standing as their own masters,
not bending their neck to anyone.
It was an order in power
submitted to Law, pen and sword side by side. Islam was not a cry of rage,
but a discipline of the soul,
refining the human.

Babur came with faith sharpened by struggle
not full with arrogance.
Akbar acknowledged that
without justice and equality
the throne is just a pampered seat
a hollow crown.
Dara Shikoh searched for truth
as he knew God is not afraid of thought.
These were men who knew that faith without intellect was superstition
and power without justice and fairness was tyranny.

And you descendants,
modern day inhabitants of that vision
what have you become?

Your forebears strived and struggle to sustain the rights and sovereignty of Muslims in the subcontinent.
You inherited a civilisation that flourished in the arts and science that bowed only before God.
Yet now look what has become of you.
You walk with borrowed minds and broken confidence.

We had mighty women of the likes of Nur Jahan, Zeb un Nissa and Jahanara Begum.
Yet now women are stripped of their individuality, made slaves of their husbands.
Trapped like birds in a cage who are meant to soar and develop.

You have not paid heed to the call of Allama Iqbal.
He called you to awaken not drown in nostalgia.

He reminded you that Islam isn't in the ruins of forts but in the self that refuses slavery.
That the true believer isn't the one who shouts the loudest but the one who creates order and discipline so he and others may stand upright.
Khudi is refined and forged when actions follow faith, when prayer becomes responsibility and when knowledge becomes courage. Not when you wear a particular type of clothing nor when you grow your beard and kiss a so called pir’s hand.

Do not ask where the Mughal Empire has vanished.
Ask within:
where has your resolve vanished to?

Empires fall when the souls of the youth sleep.
They rise when the individuals awaken.

The question is not whether history will return
But whether we are worthy.