My grandmother has left behind a legacy though, she did not
do big things in her life, she was not famous, nor popular outside of her
community, but her legacy is an important one, this is why I needed to share
it.
At 85 years old my grandmother had obviously lived a full
life. Don’t be mistaken, it was a life of trials and tribulations. Despite this though, she was always smiling, always happy and always
ready to make the next person smile. She forgave easily and never held grudges
and she had this talent for making every individual feel special. She genuinely
cared about the well-being of others. For many of us, we will remember her jolliness,
she loved telling jokes and singing old songs and rhymes. Most of all, she was
always positive about everything, she didn’t dwell on problems, or become
depressed, in fact she seemed to have mastered positive psychology long before
the discipline was even established.
My earliest memories that stand out was when she would stay
over with us and I would pray salaah next to her as a young child. I remember
her reprimanding me for jumping off the prayer mat quickly, and she would tell
me to sit a little while longer and make a small duaa (prayer). And still at the age of 85, she was concerned
about praying her salaah, she would get up in the early morning hours to make
sure she performs her Fajr salaah, even in the cold, on Fridays she would
stress out from early on in the morning to make sure that she had bathed and
got ready for prayers early, she was fortunate enough to understand the
importance of salaah, even when she became confused about what she needed to be
reciting, and I wish that if I ever reach that age, I too will follow this
example.
My grandmother's zest for life was remarkable, even when she was old and sick she looked forward to seeing people and socializing. She always wanted to look her best, and would always add some bling to her outfits. I remember when she was in hospital in Makkah a few years ago, she asked us to bring her eye pencil and joked that she didn't want to look like a sick chicken. I used to laugh at the fact that her social life was much more exciting than mine, and undoubtedly, my dressing and appearance was way too simple in comparison to hers. A woman full of life and joy, this was my grandmother.
My grandmother has passed away, but her strength and
positivity will live on, and the example she set as a strong an independent Muslim woman will
not be forgotten.
I pray that Allah Almighty grants her the highest stages
of Jannah (Paradise) and that she is in peace! Ameen.
Image from here
Dearest Zarina...firstly Ramadan Mubarak!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I want to say that I too pray that Allah grants your grandmother the highest place in Jannah.
Salma
ReplyDeleteAs salaamu alaykum my dear sister, and Ramadhaan Mubarak to you too, I hope that you are having a lovely month. JazakAllah Khayr for your duaa, may Allah reward you;-)
Salams dear Sis. Zarina. What a beautiful, moving post about a truly remarkable Muslimah. May Allah (swt) truly bless her with the highest level of Jannah. Thank you for sharing her inspiring story!
ReplyDeleteWas salaam dear sister Sheima, JazakAllah Khayr for your kind words and duaa, may Allah reward you and accept all of our prayers Insha Allah.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute for your dear Grandma!!
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a real character!
My Inner Chick
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes truly my grandmother was a "real character", can't help but smile when I remember her.
I am sure such a beautiful person is in paradise by now. It's a fabulous tribute Zarina and a great exemple for us to follow. May God ease your pain and heal your heart, with time.
ReplyDeleteLove and Light from France
Marie
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, your kind words mean a lot.
Stay well and in peace always;-)