Neighbour's passing brings life and death into focus

I reflected with fondness the good times I had as a child and teenager growing up as this lovely person’s neighbour. It made me realize just how much this lady was a part of ‘the shaping of me’.

On becoming an adult, whenever I had the pleasant opportunity to meet her it was always so uplifting … she always made me feel so good, and it would cause me to think back on those wonderful days when she was my neighbour.

In Islam the neighbour is very important, and the late Mrs. Marion E. Johnston exemplified that of a perfect neighbour; one could not ask for better.

I’ve watched this wonderful lady go through many challenges in her life; sickness and death over and over within her family.

It was a time when it was like her family was under siege. But despite all of the challenges, she always remained steadfast and encouraging; always smiling and inspiring.

Sometimes she would tell me that her pain was so agonizing and she would say, “Linda, let’s continue to pray for each other”, and I would respond, “absolutely!”

We would always part with a smile, a hug and a prayer!

At her celebration of life ceremony, the true extent of the beauty of this lovely lady was fully manifested … though she was well into her senior years, her home-going service was overwhelmingly attended. 

In Islam, the true value of a person’s life is revealed at their death, meaning by the love and respect the people show in responding to one’s death is a measurement of how beloved the person was. Another indicator is the numbers attending their funeral.

Well, I can say with a surety, this also goes for the life of Mrs. Johnston, a kind and wonderful woman.

There was standing room only as the many people who were inspired by her and those who loved her came to show their final respects to a most honourable lady.

To the Johnston family; Robert, Marilyn, Denise and Susie — what a gem of a woman; what a treasure of a mother —God indeed blessed you with the best. 

Rejoice that your Mom is at peace — no more pain, no more illness and no more worry.

What a victory! Allah, in His mercy and kindness has granted us the ability to remember our loved ones and what beautiful memories you have. Be thankful for your Mom’s time on earth and her beautiful spirit.

Praise God for giving you such a wonderful mother.  What a legacy for you and her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to follow. May God give you peace and contentment in knowing that all is well!

Mystery

Death however is still such a mystery. Even though in reality, it is the only reality. We don’t know how long we will live, but we know that every one of us will surely die.

Allah states, “Every soul shall have a taste of death. And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense.” (3:184)

We pay so much attention to our worldly pursuits; ensuring that we live a goodly life here on earth that the remembrance of death does not occur to us.

We prepare for this life on earth as if we will be here forever; we think only of living — what a miserable mistake!

The Holy Prophet of Allah (pbuh) has said, “The most intelligent person is the one who often remembers death. Constant remembrance of it prevents one from evil and sin and motivates him towards good morals”. 

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) went on to say, “The remembrance of death defeats joy.”

We must accept that we are in this world for a purpose and not just for pleasure and entertainment.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) says, “Live in the world as though you are a way-farer.” Prophet Esa (Jesus) (as) has said, “This world is like a bridge, cross it and do not build on it.”

Life in this world is very short. Allah says, “For every ‘Ummah’ (community or nation) there is a term appointed. When their term is reached, not an hour (nor a moment) can they cause to delay, nor (an hour nor a moment) can they advance (it).” (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi 10-49) 

We know for a fact that this earth is a temporary abode; significant only in that it is the testing grounds; the marks we obtain here determines where we will spend eternity. 

If we pass the test, we are duly rewarded. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Be sure, We shall test you through fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” [Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 155].

God is telling us that it will not be an easy test. We will face many challenges, but if we persevere and do not succumb to disbelief and wickedness, our reward will be great — and we all know that Allah’s promise is true.

What is death? Some say it is a punishment — but I would prefer the following explanation of death: that indeed death is a gift.

It was reported by Sheikh Jalaluddin Suyuti (ra) that the verdict of the Ulama states that death is not mere annihilation or destruction or end but a type of metamorphosis where the soul (rooh) is separated from the body like the movement from one dwelling to another. (Sharhus-sudoor).

A believer’s death has been explained by some Ulama as a natural and systematic occurrence as the transference from a world of hardship to that of peace and luxury.

Surely death is the opposite of this life — where hardship, injustice, sickness, pain abounds. But death transcends all of that and leads us, if we have submitted to the will of Allah, to eternal peace and luxury.

May Allah grant us such a death – certainly a wonderful gift of eternal life! Ameen.