My little daughter

By Khadejah 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

My little daughter

Little Sarah (pronounced the Arabic way Sar – ra – h with emphasis on the 'h') Vachor was with us for 1 hour and 4 minutes this morning. She was hugged and loved by her brothers and sisters, spent some quality time in her parents' arms, and as everyone was leaving she was placed in my arms where she died peacefully.

Imam (our religious leader) came to the hospital to wash and shroud her, then the Janazah prayer was prayed for her in Marion mosque, with her brothers (Zakariyya 11 and Omar 7) there to farewell her.

She was finally put to rest in the cemetery at Al-Khalil Mosque this afternoon.In accordance with her rights in Islam she was buried as quickly as possible so she receive her glad tidings of Paradise from the Angels

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It was the day she was meant to arrive, even though it has been planned for weeks. Sarah was ready today because when I got up this morning her little toes were presenting from the cervix. We were blessed with this sign so we can be relieved of any doubt that we chose the right time to have her.

My dear husband, Ali, was beside me the whole time telling me beautiful stories of the Prophet SAW and the Sahabah RA to distract me from what was happening in the operating theatre. The Qu'ran (our Holy Book) was being recited in the background. And when Ali had our daughter in his arms for the first time he said the Adhan (the call to prayer) in her right ear and the Iqama (the call to line up and pray) in the left ear. It was a moment that all in the theatre felt a tear in their eyes.

She arrived in this world with her ears filled with the sound of the Qu'ran and her father's call to prayer.

When I was cleared to return to my room, my children Zakariyya, Omar, Soukaina (5) and Thoraiya (20 months) were waiting with their grandparents to meet her. My parents were wonderful, they made it so easy for me, knowing the children were being looked after in the best way emotionally and physically. They played a very special role today, one that I am so grateful for. All the children had a cuddle and photo with her. Thoraiya was getting restless and it seemed time for Mum to take the kids. Ali handed Sarah to me so he could comfort Thoraiya as the family was leaving the room. 

She held on by the Will of Allah for everyone to have their turn, and once she was in my arms again, it was as if she knew she was back with mum now and she could quietly slip away. It was hard to tell she was breathing the whole time but I knew in my heart the moment she closed her eyes that she had breathed her last breath. The moments of her life were so perfect, and her passing so peaceful. She never cried once.

Ali then juggled all the arrangements for Sarah's burial, time with his precious little girl and still managed to be so supportive and caring towards me. He is a very special person, the best husband and dad. I held her while arrangements were being made and her colour and look deteriorated. I truly saw the wisdom in hastening the burial, to preserve the memory of her beautiful face. After Imam had washed her and before the last piece of shroud was placed across her face my husband brought her to me for one last look, she was so peaceful surrounded in white and smelt so beautiful of the perfume they bathed her in. Then she left for her final journey to her grave.

The hospital staff were amazing and really made today a very special day. I cannot think of a single thing that any of the staff could have done differently! Not only did they take into consideration all our religious needs, they were extremely patient and understanding, without hesitation, for every request we had. They did go beyond the call of duty and with the greatest respect towards us and our faith. Today has been a very special day. She was so beautiful. I do not regret a single moment of suffering or anguish of the last months of knowing how unwell she was, because that few moments she was with us were so precious and gave us all so much.

When a child dies at a young age she goes straight to Paradise, and on the Day of Judgment she will call from the Gates of Paradise for her parents to be allowed to join her. From Allah we come and to Him we return. We have truly been blessed today with a beautiful daughter, who in her short presence has been a gift and a source of so many life lessons.

Alhumdu Lillah (Praise be to Allah)Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'oon. (From Allah we come and to Him we return)

The biggest lesson from today is placing our trust in Allah SWT. When you choose the path pleasing to Allah SWT, stand up for what is right no matter what the personal sacrifice, Allah SWT blesses you with more than you can ever dream of! Allahu Akbar.