My dad's legacy

Assalaamu'alaykum

The past month has shown me once again that our plans are fragile at best. 

We meticulously plan our days, weeks and sometimes even the months and years ahead – but in reality, the next moment will only unfold according to the superior plans of Allah ‘azza wajal.

With open and trusting hearts, we must surrender to them, for they are planned in a divine realm with wisdom none of us can truly comprehend.  

Quite unexpectedly, my father fell very ill during the last nights of Ramadan and sadly drew his last breath on the 23rd of April. We performed his janazah just eight days ago. 

As I grieve the loss of my beloved father, my heart is equally filled with awe and immense gratitude for what Allah allowed me to witness in the final stages of his life. 

Beginnings and endings (and everything in between) are significant in our faith, as we are told matters are judged by their endings. Allah knows best, but I believe my dad’s last days were filled with beautiful endings reflective of the life he chose to live. 

My family and I saw his legacy come to life in front of our eyes during the last few weeks of his life.

As I process this, I’d like to share two ways it unfolded before us…  

1. A life of khidma (service)

In his later years, my dad withdrew from society, choosing to live a more quiet and isolated life.

However, as he lay in the hospital in his final weeks, his room was anything but empty. 

By the mercy of Allah, he had a constant stream of friends and family visiting him every single day. 

Brothers he knew from his masjid and others he’d never met before would selflessly come and visit him in pairs, sometimes in groups, reciting the Quran tirelessly over him. 

They encouraged him to say the shahadah, which he did over and over again. 

We watched as one group left and almost immediately another entered.

We were amazed by the loyalty and love he had from his close circle, something we were not fully aware of before. 

But I wasn’t surprised. 

My dad lived a life of khidma (service). 

Throughout his life, he helped countless people who were struggling to make a life for themselves.

Indiscriminately, he would take in friends, family and even strangers into his home, providing them with a warm bed, food, money and assistance in finding jobs to help them get back on their feet. 

He knew the struggles of starting over, having experienced them himself when he first came to this country. 

When he saw someone in need, he wouldn’t hesitate to help, without expecting anything in return. 

As a child, I remember seeing the generosity of my father towards strangers and in his last few moments in this life, I saw how that kindness came back to him in profound ways.

2. A Life of Quran 

As my dad withdrew from the world, he centred his life around reading the Quran and living prayer to prayer.

He’d sit in his swivel chair next to a laptop, eagerly awaiting the next adhan to call him to prayer.

He meticulously planned his daily activities around his prayers and adhkar, even asking us to schedule our calls and visits outside of those sacred times so as not to disturb him. 

He spent countless hours reading the Quran and then pondered over its meaning and would love to share his reflections with his children and grandchildren. 

He would remind us always that the Quran is a treasure trove of guidance that we must read and contemplate. 

His final moments in the hospital were illuminated by the constant recitation of the Quran, either read by family or visiting friends or playing on a device. 

As we witnessed him take his final breaths, our hearts found comfort in the fact that he passed away quickly and peacefully with the sound of the Quran in his ears.   

There’s much more to say, but that’s all I’m able to share for now. 

Alhamdulilah, I’m eternally grateful to Allah ‘azza wajal for the gift of being by his side during his last stages, something I wouldn’t trade for the world. 

We can never underestimate the inner joy and peace that’s found in giving comfort to our parents. 

Grab every drop of opportunity to do Birr Al-Walidayn (being dutiful to parents) while you can, as once their souls leave this earth, the door to see their eyes light up in delight, is sealed tight. 

Reflection of the Week
If you're fortunate to have a parent still with you, make it your mission today to bring a smile to their face.

Dua of the Week
 رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was a child.