Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Grow Mama Grow

Home
About
Contact
All Posts
- Islamophobia and The Prophets: What We Can Learn
- Is Islamophobia a Reality at School? How to Talk to Your Kids About It
  - There’s a Used Condom on My Door Handle: Hate Crimes and the Burden of Proof

Home
Muslim
The Ultimate Gift

The Ultimate Gift

Last updated on: August 15, 2013 at 9:26 am by Admin GrowMama

The Ultimate Gift 2013-08-15T09:26:19-04:00 Admin GrowMama

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Growing up, I was a part of a big North Jersey Muslim community. There were Quran classes, sunday school, iftar parties, Ramadan and Eid prayers, and gatherings of all sorts at the masjid. On occasion, I would attended funeral prayers at our mosque. Sometimes it was for an older auntie or uncle I knew, but not too well. Sometimes it was for a stranger. In my carefree, unaffected, and apathetic youth, these funeral prayers were just another gathering. That all changed as I started to grow up.

Three years ago, I became a mother, and now have two little girls. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child- and I pray that Allah never gives me that great of a test. Our children have the right to life, as mentioned in the Quran, Allah tells us not to fear providing for them as He has provided us their sustenance. But we seem to forget that they ultimately belong to Him and He has the ability to take them away- at any given moment.

I have been at the side of friends going through the aftermath of miscarriages. I’ve stood near others as they attended funeral prayers for their baby, who passed away mere moments or hours after birth. Just watching someone going through the pain of losing a child was agonizing. I know knew what that child would have meant to them. He or she would have been the ultimate gift from Allah.

Just last week, I attended prayers for a six-year-old boy who passed away suddenly from a non life threatening disease. A few days prior, this boy was at summer camp with my three-year-old. He walked around, hand in hand, with his own baby sister, protective and guiding at every turn. My own daughter was incredibly drawn to the pair and looked forward to seeing them each day.

Ten days passed. I blinked. And he was gone. And all I could think was “It could have easily been one of my own. “Truly to Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return.” (Quran 2:156)

What power do I possess over my girls? Could my own infinite, protective love for them keep them from harm? No…. I knew in an instant that I am just like every other mother. We all love our kids, and are equally willing to lay down our lives for them. But Allah is always in control. It was a stark reminder that our young are a tremendous blessing and Amanah (trust) from Allah.

There are many claims we have over our children. However, we must not forget that they also have numerous rights over us, and if they are not fulfilled, we not only have our kids and perhaps society to answer to, but ultimately Allah, who will hold us accountable.

Allah has ordered us to give our children a proper upbringing by giving them necessary and relevant education, as well as moral, ethical and religious training. Such an enormous responsibility comes with an equally marvelous payoff- if Allah wills, Inshallah- a righteous progeny who continues to pray for us after our passing.

Any mother will agree with Allah’s words that, “Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward” (Quran 64:15). Our children are indeed a trial, whether in their presence or their absence. In the trenches of everyday motherhood, we are all quick to share our gripes with any willing ear but these mundane trials I will take any day over what I witnessed recently. The young boy’s story did not end with him. Rather, Allah showed His mercy in the most incredible way- the day of his funeral prayer, his mother gave birth to a baby girl.

“O Our Lord! Grant us Spouses and Children that will be coolness of our eyes and make us the leader of the Muttaqoon (those who have taqwa).” (Quran 25: 74)

Sameera Iqbal

Mother of two rambunctious girls under three. Went from producing network television to wishing there were two minutes in a day to sit down and watch it.

Connecting with Allah

Previous Post

August 13, 2013

Grow Mama Blast from the Past: A Gallon of Milk Means Love

Next Post

August 19, 2013 Begin with the Backyard

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book and Movie Reviews Community Connecting with Allah Counselor's Corner Environment fatherhood five stars GrowBaba Spotlight GrowMama Picks Growmama Roundup Health Light Fare marriage Motherhood Reflections moving Parenthood Photography Poems Schooling Self-development tragedy Tutorials Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 November 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Paul say is a mystery that has been hidden but is now revealed, which is Christ in you?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Eternal life The power of God The hope of glory Salvation