Memoir for a close friend who passed away recently

There are times in our life when time stops in front of us. We would be stuck in a position unable to move, talk or believe what we've just heard.

One such time was when I heard the heart-breaking news of the passing away of brother Abdul Aziz Sahib (Kalamassery) in March 2009. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon (To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return).

He left for home from Ajman where he was running a business upon hearing the news of the hospitalization of his ageing father. However, fate has something different in stock for him. May Allah forgive his sins and enter him in His eternal paradise. aameen.

I remember Abdul Aziz saheb as a very lovely and enthusiastic person, full of optimism and a pious heart. He held no grudge towards any one. Such was his remembrance of akhirah (the life after death) that he had told his eldest son, who is studying in Santapuram Al Jamia Al Islamiya, to deliver a lecture on the topic at a family gathering, which was supposed to be held the week after his death. The son had even prepared some notes for the same by referring books from his university library. A non-Muslim person, whom Br. Abdul Aziz was regularly contacting to impart the true message of Islam, embraced Islam immediately upon hearing the news of his death. What would you need in this life?

Both of our families had gone for a trip to Ezhattumugham near the famous Athirapally-Vazhachal waterfalls, last year. It was his plan which was made while we were travelling together to India during the summer 2008, immediately after I dropped my first relocation plan to Qatar. He had been to Ezhattumugham before, along with his father who was not going out regularly due to his poor health. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly, especially his and my children. The picturesque scenes at Ezhattumugham mesmerized all of us. We had had a nice lunch (with kappa and beef) and the evening snacks together. I cherish those sweet memories now with tears welling up in my eyes.

I can do only one thing for you now: May the Almighty join us together in His eternal paradise, aameen.