ألم في صدري

Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahamtullahi wa Baraktuh, Ya Ummahti!!!

For the non-Arabic speakers, the title to this piece translates to Pain in my Chest literally. I chose this title for two reasons. Firstly, because as a student of Arabic, I recall my teacher in-depth explaining the difference and similarities between Heart and Chest regarding their usage in the Quran. I don’t quite remember what she said but I think it was something along the lines of ‘Chest is broader than the heart, ‘ but I may be wrong, and Allah knows best. And secondly, because I am deeply sad and overwhelmed by the death of my brother Deah Barakat and his wife, Yusor, as well as Yusor’s sister, Razan Abu-Salha.

They were our Brother and Sisters. They were Muslims. I did not know them personal but when has that ever stopped us Muslims from sharing a mutual love for the sake of Allah and collective grief. And many can testify, yesterday wasn’t an easy day nor is today and tomorrow will prove to be yet another struggle for us as an Ummah. And Allah only knows the numbness that consumes their loved ones. Nobody can deny, we as an Ummah lost three beautiful souls at the hands of an American Terrorist but their loved ones something far much more. They lost a son, a brother and a sister and daughters or a friend. May Allah grant us all ease and beautiful patience.

Subhanallah, I would like us to note that as their time drew closer to an end, they gave their lives and souls for Islam to their communities and planted seeds in this life for the Akhirah. And for that, I like many, ask Allah to forgive their shortcomings and to accept them into Jannah Al Firdous.

I like many ask Allah to forgive and have mercy upon them, excuse them and pardon them, and make honorable their reception. Expand their entry, and cleanse them with water, snow, and ice, and purify them of sin as a white robe is purified of filth. Exchange their home for a better home, and their family for a better family, Admit them into the Garden, protect them from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.

To follow this story Al Jazeera will be documenting #ChapelHillShooting on #TheStream. Please follow the link to see when it will be aired with regards to your timezone.

Also, I recommend we rise to the occasion and spend in the way of our Lord and simultaneously invest in our brother’s akhirah alongside his wife and her sister with the intention of raising their ranks by donating today to Brother Deah Barakats’ Syrian Dental Relief Campaign.

Nonetheless, let’s make it a habit to collectively remember our brothers and sisters that are no longer with us in our sincere duaas.

Wa Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!!