Gaining Loss

The only time I have dealt with REAL loss was about 2 and a half years ago when my great uncle passed away. A great man, which I looked up to as my grandfather when me and my dad would pay him a visit each Thursday at his work place. His brother, my grandfather, passed away in 1990; and I really do not have any actual memories of him, hence the respect I had and still have for my great uncle.

I would assume that the guys especially can relate to the fact that you have this immense respect for the man whom you share the same family name with and is renowned for his modesty, his sticking to his word, and all that is virtually a rarity these days while you were growing up. The men who have already set the standards for you.

My grandfather from my mom's side can never stop talking in admiration of my great uncle and his late brothers. And people who know my grandfather from my mom's side can never stop talking in admiration of him and his elder brother (mom's dad and uncle if you're confused).

Basically, that translates into people expecting lots and lots out of you. I am appalled by those who disregard the importance of their family name; yet also appalled by those who think they are special because of it. I think of it this way: it is a legacy and I have every reason to be proud of it. Why I am proud, however, is the real question. When it is not about power, when it is not about money, when it is not about position, when it has nothing to do with the social reality we live in: then I have every single reason to be proud.

That way, it does not matter who you are, or what you are worth. All you are left with is setting an example. Power comes and goes, so does money, so does position; so does every single thing you can think of. Except for faith, ethics and morals. Yes indeed, I see no where one can learn those things other than religion. Prove me wrong.

I'm really not sure now what this post is about. Is it death? Is it family? Is it religion? Is it reputation? Is it striving to live up to all that which has been set already for you and is imposed?

All I know is this, death puts things back into perspective. It reminds oneself that you are not here to have fun and cease to exist. You're not here to 'make a difference' with your degree or how much you make. You're here to live by a certain code, namely, an Islamic one, which would ultimately make you live forever. Il wa7ed mo makheth men hal denya gair kherja baitha o a3maalah, lakenah emkhalif waraah a3az ma yamlek.. his name.

All greatness comes from true loss, and what greater loss is there than that caused by death?

(Kol mann 3alayha faann wa yabga wajhu rabuka thul jalaale wal ikraam)

Allah yer7omek ya bo s3ood, allah yer7omech ya om 3abdallah. Il fat7a 3ala arwa7 el mu'mineen ya jema3at el khair. (Ina lilaah wa ina elayhe raji3oun)