As we take steps to return to our normal posting schedule, in lieu of a traditional episode, we are offering a special dedication to Nafees, our cohost, his sister Yasmine and every single one of our listeners who have lost a parent. Nafees & Yasmine lost their father Omar Hassan last month. This was a tremendous loss not only for Nafees, but to Omar’s entire family, his friends, and community who remain behind. We pray that God has mercy on Omar’s soul, that he is granted paradise, and that his memory lives on forever. Ameen.
We’ve given this dedication a special title, “Five before Five.” That comes from a hadith that reads, “Take benefit of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death” *For our listeners who aren't’ familiar with hadiths, they are collections of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad (Peace & blessings be upon him) with accounts of his daily practice, or his sunnah.
I asked a few close friends and family to share with our listeners advice including any ways their view on this hadith may or may not have changed for them in their process of healing after losing a parent. I hope these words serve as a gift towards healing and are received with love.
It is so very important that we make space in our conversations after this type of loss. Even if it is a simple check-in daily or every other week to check on each other, doing so can do wonders to assist in healing our hearts. It is a form of therapy that we all deserve, and I pray that we receive this type of support. Ameen.
