I still remember the knee length hair of my grandmother. She used to wash them with amla (gooseberry) and reetha (soap nuts). I even remember that green plastic bowl in which she used to put those herbs soaked in I don’t know what; the fragrance of that mixture is still vivid in my memory.
She is the one who taught me to recite Quran, I, not knowing this by doing so she made it sure that one day I will be reciting it for her.
It’s been 18 years since she got a first paralysis attack. Her death was not unexpected as she was severely ill from past six months but the fact that one day she will leave the world never occurred to me. Her demise was my first encounter with death. And I came to realize that death is not an end of life but it is a start of a new eternal life; where the value of food, clothes, money cease and all you need is your good deeds (of the mortal world) and the prayers of your loved ones (after your death).
When my aunt asked me, “Would you like to come with me to give her final bath?” I replied in affirmative. Standing inside Edhi Morgue, I first time tremble with the fear of death. I saw my grandmother coming out of cold storage not as a living human being but as a dead body. I never ever have thought that one day I will look her wrapped in a white cloth. Seeing a dead body or touching it always sounded creepy to me. However, performing the final rites of my grandmother made me realize that I know so little of it. Being a Muslim, I did know about the Judgment Day but I have not pondered over it. Admitting and accepting something is different and having a firm belief and faith in something is entirely a different entity.
The death of my grandmother not only left me mournful but taught me some very big lessons of life.
- Today, she is lying there in a sink being washed by her loved ones. Soon, one day, I will be lying there too. And people will be performing my final rites.
- No matter how much money I spend on my clothes and shoes, on my final journey, I will be wrapped in an ordinary five-piece shroud.
- A big chunk of property which my grandfather had left for her was of no use when she was struggling for breath. All the wealth that my grandmother had was left for her heirs. All the stuff which I am hoarding will be of no use for me too. I will go empty handed.
- On returning to our Lord, only our good deeds will be with us. I have wasted my whole life after running the worldly goods and if death comes for me right now I have nothing in store for the eternal journey.
- Descendants are Sadqa-e-Jariah (the charity that is a permanent source of Divine reward for the giver). Invest in the religious education of your children so that after your departure they can pray for your forgiveness.
- Death should not be a hush-hush topic, it should be discussed so that we must not forget that this life is ephemeral. It not only brings people closer to the Almighty but also the faith on the Day of Reckoning becomes stronger. Try to attend the funeral of the persons known unknown so that when you die in return people attend yours, and pray for your forgiveness.
- Life is too short; love all, hate none.
It’s not 24 hours yet till we buried her under tons of dirt, and I am in my office pouring my heart out; already have busied myself in the daily routine. Staying at home and mourning will not going to make any difference to her. The only good I can do for her is by asking the mercy of Allah upon her and praying for her forgiveness.
I request all the readers who by any chance come across this writing, please remember my grandmother in your prayers.
Under Green Wood Tree 