انا لله وانا اليه راجعون

"Beautiful Necklace" my mother said. I smiled and looked down at the gold embellished necklace. "It was a graduation gift from Himyan" I replied. My mother let out a sigh and said "Allah Yer7amha (May she rest in peace)." 


Certain people could only be described as angelic. Their sweetness, kindness and sincerity would just overcome you once you meet them. In a world where deception and envy is common, it is rare to find those angelic human beings. I was lucky to not only meet such a person, but to also have the honor to be related to her. My cousin Himyan was just that.. an angel. 


She was caring, generous and beyond sweet. Every time I would see her, she would welcome me with her smile and loving words. Himyan was filled with optimism and faith. She had been battling cancer for years and sadly, we had lost her to it. Even in her darkest days when she would be aching with pain, she was selfless. She never forgot a special occasion, she would give and give and never expect anything in return. 


I remember the countless visits to my Aunt's house when we were kids. My brother and I loved visiting and one of the reasons was her daughter, Himyan. She would take us by our hands and sneak us into our Aunt's room. She'd fill our pockets up with sweets and tell us not to tell our parents. She would joke with the young and care for the old. Not a single person would she leave out. She was friendly to all. 


I am reminded with the saying of Mohammed (PBUH) that states: 


قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: 
إن عظم الجزاء مع عظم البلاء، وإن الله تعالى إذا أحب قوما ابتلاهم فمن رضي فله الرضا، ومن سخط فعليه السخط. رواه الترمذي .


I couldn't find a direct translation but the basic idea is that if god loved a person he would afflict them with troubles or problems. In that way, it would be a true test of acceptance for god's will and a test of their faith. The worse the problem is, the larger the reward.  


(Note: I am in no way qualified to translate this, but I thought it would be nice for those who did not read or understand arabic to know the overall meaning. If I have interpreted it wrong, please do forgive me) 


Himyan, our angel, had passed away but her memory will remain engraved in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace and god bless her soul. 


رحلتي من الدنيا و لكن لن ترحلي من قلوبنا