A Lifetime For Jannah

The one whom I wished never to meet.

Tuesday, 18th Aug 2015.

"Unluckily, the father was so obstinate and stupid. He didn't listen to his son and he insisted on his opinion and his bad behaviour. He ignored his prophecy and got angry with him. He even belittled him and threatened him that if he did'nt leave him alone and if he didn't abandon the things that he follows, then he will stone him. When Abraham (peace be upon him) didn't listen to his father, he dismissed him of his house and asked him not to return to him because he is no longer able to bear him and his advice."

I silently went into the living room and saw grandaunt reading from a book to a little girl covered in a long lemon green Hijab. I sat down on a comfortable cushion and waited patiently for her to complete her story telling.

"Because he was so good and righteous, Abraham welcomed the saying of his father. He said: 'Peace be upon thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides God: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest.' [Maryam, or Mary: 47-48]. [1].

"So what does this story teach us? That respect and obedience to parents is very significant. Look at Ibrahim (peace be upon him) how, even though his father remained adamant on his conviction, he still welcomed his father's saying and said he will make du'a for him.'And we have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years is his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." [31:14]. 'Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." [17: 23-24].' But in the case of Ibrahim (peace be upon him), his father was one who joined partners with Allah. And Allah says. 'We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; but if they strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not.' [29:8]. Let's stop here for today. I hope you learnt a great deal from this. We'll continue tomorrow ko? (Alright?)"

"Yeah grandma. I can't wait for tomorrow!" The little girl cheerily said.

"Good morning grandaunt" I interrupted. It was the day we were going shopping for Faruq's upcoming birthday. Point of correction, I was forced into escorting grandaunt. I basically forced my self out of the comfy soft bed. I mean, grandaunt should have weighed, we arrived just yesterday.

"Morning. Have you eaten?"

"Yes. It wa..."

"Oh good!" She cut me off "because we're leaving right now. This is khadija. She's my granddaughter."

"Hi!" She squealed in delight.

I bent my knees to reach her height. One thing about me is that I'm a sucker for kids. Even though things are completely different from how they once were, there are just some things that can't be altered.

"Well hello" I said with a soft smile plastered on my face. "Nice to meet you Khadija. I love your name."

"Thanks! Mum gave it to me" and I couldn't help but chuckle at that. I looked up to grandaunt and found her laughing as well.

"Alright now go find your mum and tell her we're anxiously waiting." And so she ran off dragging her long lemon green Hijab behind her.

"Seriously mum? 'anxiously'? Assalamu Alaikum" said a gorgeous middle aged woman. Fully dressed and prepared. She looked ravishing in her silver scarf and long purple dress. She must be Zainab.