‏السلام‏ عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

On Friday, October 31st, we lost a beloved brother in our ummah, our beloved Ahmed Esmael, to bone cancer. He was the best father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend anyone could ask for. Subhanallah, his passing touched so many hearts because he had made so many personal memories with many people in the community. He was someone who would make you laugh when you had a bad day or call you when he was bored just to have a quick chat/catch-up moment that would turn into hours. He was so hardworking and lead such a great example to his family and would always put others before himself, was always so giving, and always stood up for what was right; he would never sit silent. Alhamdulillah, he has gone back to his maker, and by the will of Allah, may his grave be big and filled with light, and may he be accompanied by his good deeds. May all his sins be forgiven, and may Allah give him the highest of Jannahs. Allah says, "Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die."

Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." (Quran, 31:34) and "O soul that are at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with Him), well-pleasing (Him), So enter among My servants, And enter into My garden." (Quran, 89:27-30). May we all be people of Jannah, and may Allah take us when He is most pleased with us. Let us take this time to reflect upon ourselves and turn back to Allah because wallahi, we never know when our time is; it could be tomorrow. Don’t doubt the power of Allah and think you’re not going to be next tomorrow. Live your life to the best of your capability in a way that Allah would love most because Allah truly only wants what’s best for you. Once you realize and understand that, and even get a taste of it, you will always want to do better to feel and get better and, inshaAllah, secure your spot in the akhira because wallahi, one of us could be next.

‏السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته