My father left this temporary world in his final journey on Friday, the 24th of Shaban, 1428 AH (September 7, 2007), by the will of Allah (swt).
Alhumdulillah that Allah (swt) gave us such a wonderful and amazing person as my father – generous, kind, wise, always forgiving and ready to accept his own faults – a man, who dearly loved Allah (swt) and His Messenger (sa). Every time he went somewhere, he would bring something for me – Islamic books, copies of the Quran and Tafseer. Those are the gifts I cherish most of all. It is difficult to pick the best times – I owe something to him for every moment and all good things. He loved Fridays, and every Friday he would recite verses from Surah Al-Jumuah and explain (as he knew Arabic very well), how we must leave our worldly matters and rush towards Dhikr, when the call for Salah-ul-Jumuah is made. Alhamdulillah, he died on a Friday.
He was suffering from a painful and prolonged heart disease for about two years, yet Allah (swt) let him be mobile, mentally alert and independent till the end, for what He (swt) gave him was an unusual will power and a positive attitude.
Alhumdulillah, one of my sisters and I were with him, when he was leaving this world to meet Allah (swt). It is said in the Quran: “And it will be said: ‘Who can cure him and save him from death?’” (Al-Qiyamah 75:27) Shortly before he passed away, he asked: “Is there any medicine that can help me breathe comfortably?”
Allah’s (swt) Deen is the biggest Rahmah. One often realizes it when facing a trial. The Hadeeth which tells us that ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ are from Shaitan is such a blessing; otherwise, we would keep going over what we could have done to save him. The Quran tells us that every trial and every joy is from Allah (swt). No one can benefit or harm us, unless He (swt) wills.
When a single thorn pierces a Mumin, only Allah’s (swt) mercy helps us wash away sins. Rasoolullah (sa) also suffered the pain of Naza, and we will also have to go through it.
We can hope to meet our father in Jannah, Insha’Allah, if Allah (swt) forgives us in His (swt) infinite mercy. We can help him with our Duas, Sadaqah and other good deeds that we perform as his children.
Although we have settled down and have a wonderful mother, we still experience sadness and emptiness like never before. Besides, Rasoolullah (sa) wept, when he lost his dear ones. This pain is only natural, and Sabr has its reward.
However, I am still thinking what I should have done. I am thinking about instances, when I failed in my duty as a daughter. It’s never enough, no matter what you do for your parents. When you lose someone, you suddenly grow up. You start realizing what you’ve lost – their quiet backing, support, selfless love and Duas – and you know nothing can ever replace that.
May Allah (swt) shower His Rahmah on our parents and forgive the Muslimeen, Ameen. Do remember Abba in your Duas.
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