Morning Lights: On love, loss, and coping
Today we talked about the importance of remembering the opportunities and responsibilities of life by reflecting and remembering the lives of loved ones who have passed away. It is important that our children are able to navigate the waters of emotion in their life. There will always be ebbs and flows. From the life and example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and in fact many Prophets, we find that this lesson–on love, loss, and coping–was often learned early on. It is best learned within the context of an enveloping love and support system. This too we learn from the example of the Prophet.
At Sanad Prep all our students are surrounded by this concern. So on days like today, Jan. 11, I am able to remind myself and them about the right of loved one’s loss. Fourteen years ago today my father, Shaukat Mirza (Allah have mercy on him), suddenly passed on. I shared that I could easily tell them my exact emotion in every minute of those days. However, the greatest thing I could share with them is the responsibility I feel towards my father with the opportunity of life that I continue to have.
Those of us who are left behind in the wake of loss must take advantage of life not only for ourselves but for them. We have such opportunity to continue to serve them and benefit them. This by means of our good deeds, charity, and prayers, but more than that even, is the life we lead. Our parents and grandparents greatest achievements can (and should) be us–their children and grandchildren. This same week in which I remember my father every year, I received news of the passing my aunt (his elder sister). Among her greatest legacies are her children and grandchildren, both with such immaculate character and adab. They were in service of their mother in life and will continue to be so after her death no doubt.
It is this message, our role in a loved one’s death, that we left our students with. No doubt they will experience loss near and far in their lives; however, it is what we do with our life in the wake of death that can mean the most for us and our loved ones.
So be inspired and be inspiring! Show the world who your loved ones are by showing the world your true value. Do not linger too long reflecting the shadows of their death, but rather spend a lifetime reflecting the light of their life. In this are some of the secrets to the lessons on love, loss, and coping.
May Allah have mercy on my father and all our loved ones who passed away. May He not have let them pass but in a state in which they are pleased with Him and He is pleased with them. May He not have let them pass but in a state in which they will be given peace in the grave and Jannat Firdous in the akhirah. May He unite us and them under His shade, in the company of His Habib (peace be upon him), receiving His Ridhwan. Ameen.
Peace to you and yours,
Rehan Mirza
PS: Please share this with a loved one who has lost a loved one.
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