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Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Some Things That Need To Change

In the name of Allah

Assalamu Alaikum! Allah says in the Qur'an that He does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. 

Here are some things that i feel need to change about us as a community.

# 1 - Racism
When Arabs think they are better than others, when Iranians think their culture is the best, when Pakistanis think everyone else's food is inferior... when people say Najaf is better than Qum only because they themselves are from Najaf and vice versa. When we feel so proud over something... that isn't an achievement. You didn't choose which country to be from. In the Qur'an Allah says that the entire earth belongs to Him and that those who are righteous will inherit it.

Also, when people look down on an entire people simply because of the politics of that country. So for example when we hate Americans because of what the government is doing. Very unfair.

And the real test comes when a person asks for your daughter's hand... and he isn't from your culture. He is pious - you are happy with his religion and his Akhlaq - but there is no way he can be part of your family... because his skin colour is black. Real religious.

# 2 - Taboo On Mut'ah
Parents. Either you speak to your children about it... or they will speak to someone else about it. Simple. It is your decision. And before you speak to them about it, know what it is and who permitted it. The Qur'an says that it is not for the believers to have a choice in their matter after Allah and His messenger (s) decree something. If we still feel we are entitled to an opinion, then our Iman is in question.

It is being misused? Okay, but why is it being misused? Is it because the youth are just evil... or is it because no one has bothered to explain it to them properly? Is the answer, in that case, to just not speak about it... or is it to address the topic head on? Is it to brush it under the carpet... or to educate ourselves and others about Islam, this most beautiful and complete way of life?

i know it can be difficult to see things from another perspective when you've had bad experience of it. But to be fair, many non Muslims associate Islam with terrorism and think that Muslim women carry bombs beneath their Hijab. What would you say to them? 'Look at the religion and not the people', 'be open', 'there are good and bad in every religion', 'don't judge Islam on the actions of some people' ...Then shouldn't we apply the same principles ourselves?

# 3 - Relationship Between Parents And Children
You have not had a relationship with your child for 18 years and now you are wondering why they did what they did? Why didn't they come to you? Why weren't they open to you? Why can't my children confide in me? Well, it is very simple: because you haven't been a friend to them. We will confide in people who have qualities of caring for us, loving us, thinking well of us i.e. friendship. This is human nature.

'But of course I love my children!'

Yes, there is no doubt about this. But loving them is NOT ENOUGH. You must SHOW THEM that you love them. Make them FEEL LOVED. From day 1, make a point of telling them how much they mean to you. Kiss them, hug them... without any reason! Not because they got an A on their maths test, not because they did something amazing... just because they are your children! Didn't the prophet (s) kiss Hassan and Hussain (a)? Didn't he play with them? Wouldn't they sit on his back and he would pretend to be their horse?! Don't say 'that doesn't apply because they are special!' In fact, i think i will make this the next 'problem' that needs to change: 'it doesn't apply to us because they are special'. 

Anyway, so if you are a friend to your children from day 1, then you will not face such problems 18 years later inshaAllah. Children, teenagers and human beings in general, are like flowers. We need to be showered with love. The early years of our lives are what really shape our personality. It is the time we are the most delicate and vulnerable. It is the time we need to be shown the most love. If you don't give your children that love, then how can you blame them for seeking it elsewhere?

# 4 - 'It Doesn't Apply To Us Because They Are Special'
'Yeah we have all these problems, but hey we're not special. We're not the Prophet (s). We are not the Ahlulbayt (a)' So basically, we won't change ourselves. All our mistakes, shortcomings, sins... they are all OK because 'hey, we are not special'.

Correction: you are special. Allah has blown of His spirit inside you. That's why He says that some human beings are more astray than cattle. Because they ARE special but choose not to be. 'We have honoured the children of Adam...' Allah says. Acknowledge your specialness and your ability to soar in the heavens... not because of your own self, but because of the One Who created you. You are His creation on whose creation He lauded Himself and said: 'So blessed be Allah, the best of Creators'. That is deep. Reflect.

# 5 - Hypocrisy
Brother, debating on Twitter to 'defend the truth' and then sleeping through Fajr... is not defending the truth. Truth is clear. It doesn't need me, you or anyone to defend it. If we accept it we benefit. If we don't then we lose out. Simple. Let's not delude ourselves into thinking the Ahlulbayt (a) need us to defend them. They don't. We are the ones who need the religion and the religion does not need us. It is the religion that protects and defends us and not vice versa.

Speaking about Islam in public... but behaving badly to your family.
Saying your faith is the most important thing to you... but the first thing to be compromised when it comes to 'important things' like weddings, is Islam.
Taking pride in your 'Islamic culture'... while you don't even know what Islam is because if you did you would know it is a culture of its own and a world of its own.
Saying 'you must learn Arabic because Qur'an is in Arabic'... but you don't even read the Qur'an.

The list is endless...

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i'll stop there but there are loads more things too. InshaAllah we can change ourselves. 

Barikallahu Fikum. 

Salaam - Peace.

Thursday, 21 November 2013

London

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Here in the civilised world, we don't have much time. We are just too busy. Too busy to spend time with those we love. Too busy to ask 'are you alright?' to someone who looks down. Too busy to think. Too busy to care. Too busy to feel.

We have more important issues that occupy our minds... and our hearts.

Yet, we are still not at peace.

All this rushing around after something we don't really desire for a reason we don't really know... it tires us. It wears us down. It robs us of all sense of meaning, purpose, tranquility... we are robots. Because we are civilised.

What has happened to the connection between the hearts? What has happened to the happiness that comes just from being? Where has it all gone...?

It hasn't.

It never goes away.
It is right here... within you, within me... and within every atom in existence.

But it is covered.
All this 'civilisation'... it covers it.
That beautiful spirit that resides within every son and daughter of Adam.

It is time we return... to who we really are. It is time to reclaim our lost humanity.

Peace.

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Question And Answer Session With Ayatullāh Ramadānī In London

In the name of Allāh, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

After Ayatullāh Ramadānī concluded his speech, he was asked some questions by some of the brothers and sisters present. The responses to these questions contain real gems from which those seeking that Divine light may derive benefit.


How do I know that I am ascending (towards Allāh)?

The Qur’ān and the Ahlulbayt are the guides for us throughout this journey. The very fact that you perform your obligations and refrain from the forbidden actions shows that you are on the path. The recommended actions and abstention from discouraged actions make the path more defined.

It is one matter to pray in order to relieve oneself of the obligation of praying and quite another to love prayer. Imām Al-Ḥussain (a) is related to have said that ‘Surely I love the Prayer’. This is a higher level: whatever we do, we must love.

Can you offer us some advice?

1.     Recite the Qur’ān every day, and read at least fifty verses. Do not read less than this.
2.     Tawassul: seek a means of nearness to Allāh. The best people to do this through are the Ahlulbayt. Scholars have said that the more danger you are in (spiritually), the more you should increase your Tawassul.
3.     Recite Du’ā Al-‘Ahd every day and the Salaam to the Imam of our time which is found after Du’ā Al-Nudbah in Mafātīḥ Al-Jinān
4.     Give Ṣadaqah each day
5.     Fasting is very effective. Try to fast one or two days of the week.
6.     Visiting the cemetery of the Muslims is also very effective. If you are able, then do this in a group. For example, this may be done every two weeks. This changes things within the soul. Ayatullāh Ḥassan-Zādeh Āmulī has said to “tread the path that people previously have tread”. Visiting the cemetery is one example of this. Ayatullāh Ramadānī related an incident from the Commander of the Faithful in this regard where the Imām (a) visited the cemetery and addressed the departed souls.

The ultimate objective is to achieve perfection. However, we also need to have short time goals. How should someone set a goal that is achievable but will also keep one moving towards the ultimate objective?

1.     Perform all the obligations and refrain from all the forbidden actions
2.     The goal is spiritual nearness to Him
3.     Don’t overdo it. Do not burden the soul with performing recommended actions when it cannot bear it.
4.     Once we enter this field of performing the obligations and refraining from the forbidden actions, Allāh gives us opportunities that we could not even imagine where they have come from.
5.     If feasible, then have study or discussion circles to increase your Ma’rifah of Allāh and the Imām of our time (a)
6.     Increase your contact with the Imām of our time (a). Increase in the recitation of the supplication, ‘Oh Allāh, grant me gnosis (ma’rifah) of Yourself…’

How should one control one’s anger towards people and control one’s lower self in general?

1.     When you are angry, change the (physical) position that you are in. For example, go to a different room.
2.     Avoid being in a place where you will become angry
3.     Practice controlling the tongue for some time. This is a journey and it requires practice (training); monitor the self.
4.     Refer to verses of the Qur’ān and traditions from the Ahlulbayt regarding anger
5.     Anger is like a thief. Sometimes one accumulates much good during the day but in one moment of anger, it is all lost.
6.     Have an oath and a pledge (with yourself and with Allāh) that you will not be angry
7.     The Dhikr of ‘Lā Ilāha Illallāh’ is especially effective in this regard i.e. in helping to control one’s anger when one is angry
8.     Not all anger is a vice. If it is anger due to witnessing something wrong then this anger is Divine. Be on the middle path.

How does one love worship?

1.     By understanding the position of worship and its reality. By understanding what worship really is. ‘The prayer is the ascension of the believer’.
2.     Murāqabah: see what is entering and leaving your heart. Monitor the imports and exports of your heart.
3.     The heart of the believer is ‘the throne of the Ever-Merciful’ (so guard it!)

How does one seek true knowledge?
1.     The Qur’ān is the truth
2.     The innate nature of the human being confirms what is right and wrong
3.     The Ahlulbayt are the place of the truth
4.     As human beings, we are limited and deficient. But by connecting ourselves with Allāh, Who is limitless and Perfect, our limitations and deficiencies are made up for. We must have that connection with Him.

How does one who wishes to tread this path avoid being influenced by others?

By increasing one’s determination and strengthening it. Once this is done, then as mentioned in a saying related from the Commander of the Faithful (a), ‘even amongst the heedless ones, he is not affected’

How does one achieve the state of continuously remembering Allāh?

1.     At certain times, the human soul has a level of receptivity and at other times it does not. Sometimes the human soul inclines towards remembering Allah and at other times it contracts and does not wish to remember Him. At the times when your soul is receptive, remember Him; make the most of those moments in which the soul has a desire towards Dhikr. At the times of closure when the soul retracts and becomes tight, it should not be burdened.
2.     To be ‘always in remembrance’ is to see Allāh in everything you do and to perform every action for Him.

Ayatullāh Ramadānī's Speech In London

In the name of Allāh, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

On 22 September 2013, Ayatullāh Ramadānī delivered a speech in the Islamic Centre of England during his visit to London. He spoke in Persian and his speech was translated into English. This was followed up with a question and answer session, with questions and answers once more being translated. I was present throughout the gathering and was taking notes in English during the translation. What is presented here are the self-edited version of those notes. These are my personal notes from the event; they have not been checked or verified by anyone. Some points mentioned by Ayatullah Ramazani have been left out because my notes were inadequate in recording them accurately enough for them to be presented with clarity. Furthermore, I was unable to take notes during the very beginning or introduction of the lecture. These notes begin from where I began taking them, and I have added a little more detail to the story of Adam (a) mentioned in the beginning.

It is hoped that, despite the darkness of the veil, the luminosity of the light will still find its way into the hearts of those who seek it. Surely He is Oft-Returning to Mercy, Ever Merciful. All mistakes are exclusively mine. I seek His forgiveness and yours. And all praise is due to Allāh, the Lord of the worlds.

Haidar Al-Haidari

London, United Kingdom
1 October 2013
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In the name of Allāh, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allāh, the Lord of the worlds. Salutations of Allāh be upon His servant and messenger, Muhammad, and his household.

When Allāh created Adam, He announced that He wished to make him His vicegerent on the earth. The angels objected and said, “Will you place therein one who will cause corruption and bloodshed…?” In response, Allāh said, “Surely I know that which you do not know”. Then “He taught Adam the names – all of them” after which the angels replied: “Immaculate are You! We have no knowledge except that which you have taught us!” (Qur’ān 2:30-32)

Since the beginning, the issue has been that of knowledge. 
We, as human beings, should be seeking knowledge.

But what kind of knowledge are we after?

It is knowledge that brings about light. That is what we are after. We need to create that capability within ourselves for Divine light to enter.

’Unwān Al-Baṣrī had a lot of ‘knowledge’… yet his heart was not at ease. He was after something else: knowledge of a different kind. A knowledge that would bring peace to his heart and end his restlessness. He had heard of a person called Ja’far b. Muḥammad (a). He went to the Imām (a), hoping that the thirst of his heart would be quenched through his blessed hands. The Imam reportedly asked him, “You have studied a lot. What is it that you are after?”

Understanding that ’Unwān was seeking a knowledge that would bring tranquillity to his heart, the Imam is related to have said:

“Know that knowledge is not acquired by studying. Knowledge is a light that He places in the Heart of whoever He wishes”

We have been invited into this sphere, to embark on this journey toward perfection. We have been invited to seek that knowledge which is Divine light.

But what do we need to do?

All we have to do is “hold on to the rope of Allāh”. You don’t need to make a rope yourself. You don’t need to throw a rope up. You don’t need to pull yourself up. All you have to do is hold on tightly to this rope… and He will pull you up. We only have to want it. We only need to have that deep desire within ourselves to tread this path.

In a narration it is stated that ‘whoever wishes and strives hard towards something will certainly achieve it’

In a sacred tradition (Ḥadīth Qudsī), Allāh says:

“Oh My servant! I am the One Who says to a thing ‘Be!’ and it is. Obey Me in what I have commanded you and you will say to a thing ‘Be!’ and it will be”

In another sacred tradition, Allāh says:

“Oh Adam! I am the Rich Who is Needless and you are the dependent and needful. Obey Me in what I have commanded and I will make you rich and needless”

A human being who becomes an ’Abd of Allāh, a servant of Allāh, will not extend his hand to anyone: he is needless of anyone besides Allāh.

To begin the journey, one must remove ‘I-centeredness’ from within oneself. Being ‘God-centred’ and being ‘I-centred’ are mutually exclusive. If one is present, the other is necessarily absent. It has to be either Him or me.

When the human being places Allāh in the centre (of his heart and life), whenever he looks, his look is divine. Whenever he speaks, his speech is divine. Whenever he sits, his sitting becomes divine. Everything about him becomes divine.

Imām ’Alī is related to have said that Shaiṭān is speaking with the tongue of the human being and looking with his eyes.

We should have an aim in this universe, a goal. The human being should direct his striving and effort towards that aim he is trying to achieve.

“Oh mankind! Surely you are striving toward your Lord, a hard striving, so you will meet Him” (Qur'ān 84:6)

Imam Imām ’Alī (a) is related to have said:

“Do not be a servant to other than Allāh. Allāh has created you free”

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Keep On Treading Your Path

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

People will always try to influence you with their own ideas and understandings of how things ‘really are’, how things ‘aught to be’ and – of course – how you ‘should be’ living your life. Not only through their words; even through their very being. You pick up vibes from them. This is inevitable.

Sometimes it feels that no one wants you to shine your light. No one wants you to tread your path. No one wants you to sing your song. It feels as if everyone wants you to be something or someone for them. No one wants to leave you to be yourself.

I know that some who read this will label me as a ‘pluralist’ and as being ‘Westernized’. But you know what? That’s OK.

But I want you to know why. I want you to know why it is OK for people to think they understand you when in reality they don’t have a clue about who you really are.

People often say that this world is a test. And I guess that is kind of true. Until recently, whenever someone said this I would get annoyed. Because I thought of exams at school and how I hated them. So Allah, Who is supposed to be my closest friend, is in reality just a teacher who wants to ‘test me’ to He can ‘find out’ how good I am? Thank you for ‘showing me the light’ and bursting my bubble – I was obviously in some kind of dream world where concepts such as love, intimacy, trust and light actually existed! Lol.

I had to withdraw from people for a while to do some soul searching. I knew the answers wouldn’t come from them… they would come from within me.

Now I believe that yes, the world is indeed a place of being tested. But not the way it is usually made out to be. You see, a ‘test’ is not like a school exam that you sit so your teachers can see if you have studied. A ‘test’ is, in reality, a means for you to go higher, to become more perfect, to take the next step on your journey. It is Allah reaching out to you and saying ‘Come closer to Me’. And it is Allah Who gives the tests in this world, not people. Everyone’s journey is different. Because Allah knows you better than anyone else. He puts you in situations that are perfect for you at whatever stage of your life you are at, for you to gain nearness to Him.

And, funnily enough, one way in which Allah ‘tests’ you is through other people!

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And We made some of you to be a test for others: Will you be patient? And your Lord is Ever-Seeing!” (25:20)

Wow. Isn’t that amazing?!

A point to mention here is that ‘patience’ does not mean putting up with suffering. ‘Patience’ is that light within you that says ‘keep going’. It is like a mountain climber trying to reach the summit of a mountain. On his way he faces obstacles. Some of these obstacles are outside of him – wind, wolves, thieves – and others are within himself: fear, uncertainty, lack of belief. That force that tells him to keep going and gets him to the top of the mountain: that is called ‘Patience’.















Now let’s look at the verse again:

“And We made some of you to be a test for others: Will you be patient?”

What do you think?

And remember that while it is true that people usually want you for themselves, there is one friend who wants you for your own self:

“And your Lord is Ever-Seeing”

This is an example that some of my closest friends have given me, and it’s something that really helps me:

There is a bird perched on the branch of a tree. It is singing. A person comes along and begins shouting at the bird: ‘ Be quiet! Stop making such a racket! You think you can sing? Huh, you’re voice sucks! You’re a loser! You’re stupid!’

The bird keeps singing.

After the person leaves, another person comes along and stands beneath the tree. They speak to the bird, saying: ‘Wow, what a beautiful voice you have! I could listen to you all day long! You are the sweetest little bird I’ve ever seen!’

The bird keeps singing.

















Remember the verse? Both people were a ‘test’ for the bird. Because, as the bird kept singing through curses and praises, it became more determined, stronger on it’s own path, and ever-more indifferent to what others think of it’s song.

Brothers and sisters. Be that bird.
Keep on shining your light. Keep on singing your song.  Keep on treading your path.

“And surely the one who travels to You is close to his destination”
-Imam Al Sajjad (a), Du’a Abi Hamza Al Thumali


Thursday, 11 April 2013

How We See The Ahlulbayt - Time To Delve Deeper...?

In the name of Allah, the Ever Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Salamun Alaikum dear brothers and sisters! How are you all..?? i love you so much...

i think that sometimes we begin to see the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) in a very materialistic and secular manner. What do i mean? Well, i mean that we sometimes see them as 'teachers' who gave lessons and then died. Their lessons have been written in books, and we still benefit from them today. Just like a really really really good school teacher, but on a much higher level.

But i feel that there is something more. i feel there is something much much much deeper about the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) and all the Auliya in general. Something much much deeper...

You see, a person can cross the ocean by boat and get to their destination. When the people ask him: 'So what did you see in the sea?', he replies: 'nothing, there's just loads and loads of water'.
But another person dives into the ocean. He goes deeper and deeper, and discovers the endless wonders therein. Maybe he will never reach his original destination, maybe he will become so captivated by the wonders in the sea that he doesn't wish to leave. But if he continues his/her journey and reaches the destination, when people ask him/her: 'what did you see in the sea?', he will speak of the wonders and miracles he has witnessed, leaving the people in absolute awe and amazement. Some of the people will laugh and say: you are crazy! Such things do not exist! They will call him a madman and turn away from him. After all, the first person traversed the same sea and said there was nothing. The first person is obviously much more educated and intellectual. You are just emotional and easily excitable...

But...

There will be some people who respond to this second traveller like buds that were just waiting for a touch for them to open into flowers. They were thirsty for this deep wisdom that no one had ever given them previously. They are captivated by this traveller and attach themselves to him, asking him to tell them more, and eventually to take them with him into the depths of the oceans that they may also witness those wonders for themselves.
That sea is Islam. Some who speak about it, they speak about Allah, the Qur'an, the prophet (s) and the Imams (a) the way in which the first sea-traveller spoke of the sea.

But there are others who are very different. When they speak, the image you receive of Islam is very different. It is exciting, mysterious, and wonderful.

i guess we can say that Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) are those divers who have come to the land. They have witnessed the wonders present in the oceans of Divine love and radiance. They themselves are the very channels to that endless ocean of light. However, they speak to every person according to each person's level of understanding. For some, speaking about the existence of anything more than the surface waves of the ocean may put them off altogether. However, there are some hearts which are thirsty for wisdom, love and light. It is to these hearts that the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) reveal secrets and mysteries. Indeed, any one of us can be from amongst these hearts. If we choose to be. The only person stopping you... is you.

Salman (peace be upon him) dissolved himself in the light of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), as they dissolved themselves in the oceans of Allah's love and mercy. When those who knew only the surface of the ocean said: 'Salman is from Persia', the beloved of Allah (peace be upon him) replied with a very profound and deep statement: 'Salman is from us'.

May Allah (swt) grant us that we, too, like Salman (a), dissolve in the light of the Ahlulbayt, as they dissolved themselves in endless oceans of Allah's love, light and mercy. Ameen!

And when that happens, we, too, will become channels for others to enter into those oceans. InshaAllah.

Please remember me in your du'as

Your brother,
Haidar


Tuesday, 26 March 2013

The Flower Returned To The Garden - Part 1

In the name of Allah

Assalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters! hope and pray that you are in the best of Iman and health! i'd like to thank you for being such beautiful stars; you have always supported me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. Friends like you are a blessing i can never show thanks for. But...thank you. You mean so much to me. My life would not be the same without your presence (physically or digitally!) <3

Last time i wrote my marriage experience.. but now i'd like to share another story, but it is different.

Three years ago, on 22 January 2010, my sister Maryam left this world. She was less than a year younger than me. i was fifteen and she was fourteen. She would have turned fifteen nine days later.

The reason i share this story is not to gain sympathy... but because death is a mercy, a blessing and a reminder... and mercies, blessings and reminders should be shared. Out of love for my brothers and sisters, i'd like to humbly share my experience. But first, i humbly request you to recite a Surah Al-Fatihah for all our brothers and sisters who have left this world, especially those who were oppressed. Al-Fatihah.

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The plane landed in Germany. It was night time. Friday. About 19:30. Winter. As soon as the plane arrived at the terminal, before the seatbelt sign had been switched off, an announcement was made. They called the name of my dad and my name, saying 'that is father and son traveling together, please come forward'. We were rushed off the plane before anyone else. Rushed through passport control. i've never been through an airport that quickly!

Then, a lady who was speaking anxiously to my father, told us that our taxi was here. The taxi driver seemed really nice. He was an older gentleman. He walked quickly to his taxi with us following him. He drove like crazy. i had no idea why all this was happening. Why had we been rushed off the plane like that? Why was he driving so so speedily? Of course, this did stir a feeling of excitement within me! It is kinda cool being driven at 100 mph on a dark motorway at night lol!

We had come to see my sister Miryam who had been in hospital for a few days now. My mother had left for Germany with Miryam and my little baby brother Hamza to visit my grandmother (my mum's mother). During this time, we had found out through telephone, that Miryam had been taken sick in hospital. However, this didn't strike me as strange. Because all her life she had been in and out of hospital. When she was just 2 years old she had had open heart surgery. After that things deteriorated. No one really knew why. She had a weak body. She was in a wheelchair. She couldn't communicate in the 'normal' way. But my parents understood her. They had had a new house knocked down and built up especially for her needs. She was still their daughter. Every person is unique, right? My parents didn't love her any less because of her disabilities.

Anyway, because i had always seen her in and out of hospital, it was saddening that she was in hospital in Germany now... but it didn't seem like a big deal. i remember the days when i was a primary school kid, every day my mum would pick me up and take me to the hospital to see Miryam, as she had to live there for quite some time during her infant years. Some months, i believe. My mum would sleep over beside her daughter's bed many nights, looking after her, caring for her, loving her. A mother's love...

So now we arrived at the hospital - the taxi took us straight there. We went to the reception, and my dad  found out where we needed to go. We walked really quickly in the cold dark Winter night, from one wing of the hospital to the wing Miryam was in. Then, and this i remember as vividly as it was yesterday, we came to the entrance of the building. There was my mother, wearing her plain black veil and Abaya as she always does, her brother (my uncle) beside her. Her face was red, and i could tell that  it was because she had been crying. It seemed that my uncle had been crying too. Hearts completely open...

She smiled at me from the depths of my heart, and said:

'She has gone. She has gone to a better place'