Allah says in the Qur'an: "And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirun (the patient)" (2:155) "Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: 'Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.'" (2:156) "They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones" (2:157)

8^th January, 2009

SAHL OZMAN, BLESSED BY ALLAH

I thought of putting together this experience of mine, hoping that someone somewhere could benefit from this, Insha Allah...

How would you feel when you are told by the doctor during the fourth month of pregnancy that the child might not be born alive or would live only for few hours???

This is the same thing what I was being told...

Nine months of my pregnancy and the 8 hours I spent with Sahl before he was returned to Allah are the best moments I would always cherish in my life. I enjoyed each and every moment spent with him. I washed him, clothed him, held him in my hands, slept along with him... I never expected that I could spend so much time with him, but Alhamdulillah, Allah gave us 8 hours to admire his little feet’s and hands.

Sahl started growing in my tummy always listening to the words of Allah (QURAN). He was listening to Quran till his last breath while I was delivering him.

My husband's support, love and care during my entire pregnancy and his words of comfort during this trial (from Allah) are just indescribable. He was always there for me when I needed him. Even during my delivery, holding my hands and comforting me... May Allah reward him immensely (Ameen)

When I delivered, the doctor told "the baby has passed away"...

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajioon ("To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return.") Sahl was wrapped in a cloth and given to me immediately. Tears rolled down my eyes, that Allah chose Sahl among the blessed ones.

The Nurse, Firoz and I started to wash Sahl.  My parents then came into the room and saw their blessed grandchild. We took many pictures together, which we can cherish all throughout.

My parents along with Firoz and I dressed up Sahl in all white, Masha Allah, He looked so adorable.

Sahl was so peacefully lying on my arms; looked exactly as he was enjoying the warmth of his mother's arms.  As time passed by, he was glowing more and more and looked more adorable, Alhamdulillah.

In a while all our friends started to come. All held him and admired him. Our friends supported us a lot in every possible way they could. May Allah reward them all immensely.

Alhamdu Lillah we got incredible support and love from our family. Their soothing words of wisdom helped us a lot. May Allah reward them all.

The hospital staff and doctors were just amazing, Alhamdulillah. We couldn't expect anything more from them. They respected our religion so much, Alhamdulillah that they gave us everything what we had requested for.

Sahl's Dad was busy making arrangements for the funeral. And still managed time in between to come and be with his son and his wife and give words of courage. All arrangements done, it was time for Sahl to be returned to Allah as prescribed in Islam.

I hugged him, kissed his eyes, nose and lips and told him silently "We will meet soon in heaven".  I then handed over my son to his Dad who would carry him all the way to the cemetery. 

Sahl which means Easy, left this world and went to Heaven Easily, Peacefully and Happily.

It was indeed a day I would never forget in my life. 

Even though we knew that our son was suffering from a severe abnormality, we accepted it as a test from Allah which everyone goes through in some or the other form. We are thankful to Allah that He bestowed on us extreme patience Alhamdulillah. We lived our life as normal as possible without letting anybody know our feelings because everything is from Allah. Crying and feeling sad will make us ungrateful to Allah because Allah really chose 'us' to have a son who belongs to heaven Insha Allah.

Once a Companion narrated that he said to another Companion, Abu Hurairah: "Two of my children have passed away, so can you tell me a hadith that gives me calmness and solace?" Abu Hurairah said: "Yes, the little ones are the birds of Paradise. Each one of them will meet his or her parents, take hold of their clothes, and will not stop until Almighty Allah allows him and his parents into Paradise." (Muslim)

We tried to always reflect upon verses from the Quran and Hadith which spoke about those who are patient. Words of Allah and firm belief in the Hereafter helped us to be strong to overcome this loss (gain in fact) very patiently.

Allah says:

"O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirun (the patient.)" (2:153)

“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning." (39:10)

May Allah bless us all with righteous children who will benefit us in this world and in the hereafter.

Please include us in your prayers.