People We Lost In 2016 

To God Is The Return

2016, more than any other year in recent memory, seemed marked by “high profile” deaths. From saints to inspirations,  humanitarians to poets to cultural icons – every month brought news of another passing. People we knew of but really didn’t know and yet still felt the world changed by their absence.

And more poignantly, in and around these headlines, everyday, people we know and love bid farewell to their own parents, children, spouses and friends. Each a radiant star at the centre of their own constellation – to be missed even more than the sun would be, were it to go out.

We are fortunate to be part of an online community of Muslim mothers which is far reaching and diverse. It is a safe space which is often hilarious in its commentary, useful in practical matters and more than anything else, supportive and generous when there is mother who is struggling on any level.

Today we learned that a member of our online community lost her intense battle with cancer. A mother in her 20s, she leaves behind a family which includes her loving husband and toddler son. Throughout the past year, her thoughtful words, sense of humour and honest reflections reached out from the screen and into our hearts. We loved her so hard.

Of all the passings this year of people who we didn’t know, never met, locked eyes with or hugged, this is the saddest. There was another blog post intended for today but we just can’t seem to write it. Sometimes it’s okay just to be sad and say so. Sometimes there isn’t anything else.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
To God we belong and to God we return

Image: Detail of Chapter 36 of the Qur’an,  Surah Ya Sin