Muslima…
A perfect daughter, a supportive wife, a proud mother of seven (she always counted her niece brought up in her house as her real daughter), an encouraging sister, a loving mother in law, a very helpful neighbor, the greatest chef, the most wonderful grand mother ever; all in all a great example of a person with perfect relationships! Loved and remembered by all with words of praise. Muslima – my belated mother.
The literal meaning of her name is “a female who submits (to Allah)”. She in true essence was a perfect Muslima. A woman by nature upright and a true devotee, she prayed a lot and practiced every ritual with her heart and soul, but she also made every effort to understand the true essence. She was an ambassador of positive change in all aspects of life.
She was a very supportive wife, always stood right beside Abbu, ready to face all challenges of life. She looked after us all alone when Abbu was posted out of station. She accepted life’s challenges with a positive attitude.
She was a symbol of love, with no element of hatred in any tiny corner of her heart. She would avoid the use of negative expression even against those who hurt. She would easily forgive and forget.
She would be the first to share the joys and sorrows of those around her. She would be there for everyone whenever needed. Be it a neighbor’s or a relative’s wedding arrangement, or providing comfort and care to anyone staying at our place. I still remember, our house once seemed like a rest house, a relative who wasn’t well had come over to stay with his family. She would happily look after all of them. With limited finances, she would manage the entire house hold.
Weak at heart, she wept a lot, be it a moment of happiness or sorrow. Yet a symbol of strength when in time of need, she would stand up when others would fall, and would make the loved ones rise and shine. Abbu’s hospitalization, a tough time for all of us. She herself was not too well during those days. Yet, she would actively be with him, make him eat like one would do to a child. We would find it funny how she handled him, but it really worked! A very strong willed woman.
So much outward strength, yet a very sensitive emotional heart apparently created havoc within her. Her body weakened, she was consumed by the life taking pleural effusion. Her nerves fought till the very last, the doctors also called her a brave and a strong willed woman. But she couldn’t continue the fight and she surrendered. She left us all on the 21st May 2007.
Her loss has changed all of us. Our hearts are always touched by the tinge of pain, missing her each and every moment of our lives. Yet her loss has taught us, made us purer than before. Made us realize the true essence of our being. To forgive and forget is the focus of our lives. Being a Muslima is our aim.
She was a perfect saint, so pure at heart, a perfect woman, a pure Muslima indeed! She will always be remembered by the lives she touched. We will never be able to overcome her loss, but she will live within our hearts
This article brought back old memories. My beloved mother-in-law, an example of love personified. May Allah rest her soul in peace and open all the doors of Jannat for her… Aameen!!!
Very well written Shazia !! May Allah (SWT) rest her & Abbu’s(Uncle’s) souls in peace & grant them a high place in Jannah (Aameen). May He bless their children & grandchildren oppurtunities to follow their footsteps in all walks of life.
The pain she had gone through during her illness always terrifies me.The path of Muslima was very tough..infact the path of righteousness is never easy.I wonder why is it so that if we love Allah we have to be prepared for tribulation! She struggled all her life and was thouroughly used up when she was on death bed..lead a purposeful life which is the real essence of life. I now understand what that note meant on which she wrote to me in ICU ” Shaheed Kaun Hua ?” ” Sub salute ker rahay thay ! “… Ammi you died a martyrs death!