Sunday, June 7, 2026

Death

 can come at anytime 

Few days ago, my cousin died. He had a massive heart attack. His wife called 911 but they couldn't revive him. He was in his late sixties. Not that old. Wonderful human being, religious, caring, loved his family, always there when needed, sharing the family's joys and grief, yet always cherishing his solitude. 

He was a sailor by profession. He had spent many years sailing with the Merchant Navy. Now, he held a port job in Canada. 

On the day he died, it was nighttime in Canada, while it was daytime in Pakistan. 

Few hours before his death, it occurred to me to pray for his forgiveness. I did. 

In the morning, as I sat watching TV, there was a movie about an offshore oil rig that had some plumbing issues, and something went massively wrong. 

In the early afternoon, a friend of mine started sharing a post about how the angel of death can come anytime. She posted this on three groups on WhatsApp. I'm reading these posts, and wondering... 

Few minutes later, my husband comes and informs me of the news of our cousin having passed away in Canada. 

In hindsight, was I being prepared to receive the news? 

How wonderful is Allah's planning: he causes people to pray for the forgiveness of his believing slaves. He loved Allah, and he trusted Allah. My cousin used to talk about how everyone will go to their grave alone. He was conscious of death, and lived his life accordingly. May Allah surround him in His Mercy. May he rest in peace. May his grave be lit with Nur, and the breeze of Jannah make his stay pleasant, and on the Day we are raised up again, may Allah Almighty bless him with the highest levels in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. Aameen. 


   











Sunday, April 19, 2026

Straightforward conversation

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An old colleague was at a funeral. 

It had been over thirty years that we had worked as teachers at a school. 

As soon as she saw me, she was quite excited and immediately became friends. It was nice. She took my number and kept in touch. 

Once, she asked me to donate in her social work. I did. 

Then, she asked again. And again. ... 

Twice, I had reasons to wonder if the money / item was being used for the purpose requested. Yet, almost every time she asked, I did contribute a small amount. 

Eventually, I started trying to avoid her as much as politely possible. 

Recently, I was reminded of the edict that a Muslim should not stop talking with another Muslim for more than three days. So, I reconnected. So, she again asked for a donation. 

I asked Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى what to do. 

Later in the evening, while praying, it occurred to me to reply with 'I don't trust you'. It sounded rude. I wondered what to do. Then, I was reminded of 'يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًۭا سَدِيدًۭا ٧٠ ' [Q33:70].

I messaged, and added '..., so please do not keep asking me for money'. 

Alhamdolillah, she responded that she will never approach me in this matter.  

So, in a very civilised way, we have politely made our position clear. 

May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى bless her, and increase her in goodness and piety. 

May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى help us all serve Him in ways that He is pleased with us. 

May our hearts be clean and not carry the weight of unspoken burdens. 

May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى forgive us all.  



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