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.