Losing Life or Limb, which is worse.....?

Be Truly Thankful

Alhamdulillah! All Praise to Allah SWT for our daily blessings. I can walk, I can talk, can see, can speak and can think. I can eat and laugh, love and cry. All these are truly blessings that we take for granted. We may be aware but at times we forget.

Early Call

Last week an old friend passed away. I got a phone call early in the morning. We made more calls but it was fated that we had to miss joining the family to send him off on his last journey.

Farewell

Rest in Peace dear brother in Iman. May Allah forgive all your sins and accept all your good deeds. May He give you a place in the highest Jannah/Paradise, to be reunited with your friends and loved ones in the Hereafter.

Successful and Extremely Wealthy

This brother had been a very busy and successful businessman. He was a kind and generous man and often helped the needy.

Hospitalised Overnight

Suddenly this brother was hospitalised for a heart ailment. It must have been so serious that in order to save his life, the doctors had to put him into induced coma. While in coma , it was reported that his leg developed a serious blot clot . Upon doctor's and specialist advice, they did all they could to save him.

When he woke up, he discovered someone had amputated his leg, right up to his hips. It was a very traumatic shock for him, someone who had been battling for his life while under coma.

We had no idea he had been going through this ordeal. Once we were informed, we invited a group of friends and well wishers to visit him

A Shadow of His Old Self

When we met him he looked frail and weak. His voice was soft and gentle, patient and humble. He looked a shadow of his old self. I was very touched by the drastic change in him. Though he looked weak, I really liked the way he looked, the way he spoke and the far away look in his eyes. He looked very peaceful and strong in iman.

"I was very disappointed and could not accept what had happened to me. It took me a long time to accept Allah SWT's decision".

Borrowed parts, borrowed time

Everything belongs to Allah. We must all return to him one fine day. He can take anything He wishes. It is easy for Him.

His home was specially designed and was colossal. It had the necessary recreational facilities like a lift, large halls, badminton and tennis courts, open spaces and perhaps swimming pool. I remembered he once mentioned he wanted to build a pool so his son could swim. What a loving father. When we are sick all the worldly pleasures mean nothing to the person. I am sure he could have considered giving all all his wealth in exchange for his good health.

Tough to Lose a Limb

It is of course not easy for anyone to lose a limb or even the little finger. We need every part of our body. Even if our wrist or hand is hurt, we are unable to work, write or even drive properly. Its obviously painful and difficult to move about without help. Its really uncomfortable and tiring to sit too long with one leg gone.

He had to go for physiotherapy regularly and the long journey was long and bumpy. Everything took extra effort and it was lonely because everyone else would be working or doing other things.

Truly Thankful

He however slowly added something like "I'm now thankful for what happened to me. If I still had my good health, I would still be busy making money and more money. Now I spend my time reading Al Quran, I do my dzikir."

Impression in my Mind

His words stuck in my mind and I was thankful to Allah that this brother finally grew to appreciate Allah's decision and accept His destiny with humble patience and wisdom.

My heart went out to him and I really admired him for his patience and humility. I liked the new man I saw before me.

Wisdom

There is always good and wisdom behind anything that happens to us. This brother was tested and he made daily effort to increase his iman (faith). He was protected from trials and tribulations of the business world. Allah is Most Merciful.

Seeing beyond the obvious

People may have felt sorry to see him so different from his healthy days but sometimes what we see is just an illusion. We have to wake up and learn to see beyond that. He had found something more valuable spiritually and not everyone can see that.