the performance of a Sunnah (the ways of the
Prophet ). There was an inexplicable serenity
about her that somehow caressed the heart with
genuine care and gentleness.
here for an invariable purpose – to worship Him
as needy slaves. Those who have gone onwards
in the incessant journey leave behind a trail, a
reminder that we will follow any moment.
She was an exemplary wife – always in the service
of her husband, rolling out rotis (a flatbread
integral to sub continental cuisine) and serving
them hot from the griddle for him to savour.
She would shyly brush him away at any subtle
attempt by him to make her look special in
our presence. She would wait on him day after
passing day, moment after lingering moment,
never passing a chance to be of service in his
presence.
There she lay on a stretcher, her body being
given ghusl (ritual bath), fresh and dewy, her
wrinkles miraculously vanished into the pure,
radiant skin, her eyes serenely closed, almost as
if she had just moments ago lined them with kuhl
and lied down to a peaceful slumber, younger
than ever before, more beautiful than she ever
could be, embarked on the inevitable voyage to
her Lord, Most High. She passed away a couple
of months ago by the command of Allah ,
and with her departed the peaceful soul of my
dearest Grandma.
She was an avid reader. She would patiently
explain to us the depths of `Allamah Iqbal’s
reflective poetry.
I remember her painting a bed sheet and two
pillow cases with trailing vines of colourful
flowers and bright, green, fresh leaves, holding
her brush in caring hands moving against the
fabric in a slow, steady motion with a purpose.
She gifted it to me as a wedding present.
Life, as we know it, is but a scurry of fleeting
moments; there when commanded by Allah ,
gone when He wills it to be. We were placed
َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُّ ُ
ك من عل ي�ا فان
ٍ
Everyone who lives on it (the earth) has to
perish (55:26)