A tribute for my late father on Father's Day.

This post is a tribute to my late father, who passed away in Oct 1984.

My father ( رحمة الله عليه ) died of heart failure. I will never forget that particular day he passed away. It was on a Sunday, just after the maghrib prayers and he was sitting having dinner with my mother and my husband. It was really an unusual evening because the kids were crying endlessly and were so cranky that immediately after cooking dinner, I had to give the maid a hand to keep the kids calm.  I was then married with 2 kids and heavily pregnant with my third. It happened so fast but during the meal, my father collapsed and as I dashed in after hearing my mother screaming for me, he breathed his last. A silent shahadah ended his life in my mothers arms and we were all by then ... on the floor around this still and lifeless body. It's been so long ago but this particular incident will forever be etched in my mind. Everyday I pray that Allah swt forgive all his sins, showers him with His Endless Mercy and place him in the highest heavens amongst the Companions and Prophets. Amin.
Today, is special. It has been 29  years since my father left us and I have definitely changed. I have grown, matured and definitely increased in numbers.
My father was one of  the most kindest. His tall stature and gentle giant demeanor was but a figure to be reckoned with. His opinion matters whatever the reasons. I remember vividly when I first put on my hijab and that proved a problem especially for my mother. I don't really blame her for her reactions because at that time and era, covering the aurat was for the elderly and she was really worried I would not be able to socialise and will end up a spinster. But Allah Taala knew best. My mother could not bring herself to talk to me and snubbed me for days until my father called me to sit with him to discuss the problem. That was my father. If you have a problem you would have to sit with him, face to face to discuss whatever the problems or issues.

My father had an astonishing influence over me in ways that I myself could not have visioned. My time with him felt so brief as I was only 25 when he passed away. I felt as though I hardly knew him unlike my other siblings who had spent more time with him. And with a large family it was difficult to get his attention. He was such a busy man. Being in the Police Force and holding a high position made him spend less time at home and with the family. I may not have really known him, but the little I do, I love him dearly and will always want to make him proud.
I live my life always still trying to seek his approval. In anything that I do, I always ask myself if he was still living.... would he approve? Will he be happy to see what I have become and accomplished with my family? It makes me want to try harder and live the best I can. And I figured, that is the best I can do for him. Be the daughter he can be proud of . In this world and the next. With Allah's blessings and grace, this will help him to achieve that highest level of heavens, Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

With this tribute, I include also some hadith to reflect upon. Deeds to help our fathers in this world and the next. ~

Narrated Abu Hurairah ( رضى الله عنه) :

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Verily, Allah raises the grades of His righteous slaves in Paradise." So, he asks Allah, "How did I attain this (high position)?" Allah says, "Because of the supplication of your child for your forgiveness." (Ahmad)

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ، عَنْ عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ‏:‏ تُرْفَعُ لِلْمَيِّتِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِ دَرَجَتُهُ‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ‏:‏ أَيْ رَبِّ، أَيُّ شَيْءٍ هَذِهِ‏؟‏ فَيُقَالُ‏:‏ وَلَدُكَ اسْتَغْفَرَ لَكَ‏.‏

Abu Hurayra ( رضى الله عنه) said,

 "The dead person can be raised a degree after his death. He said, 'My Lord, how is this?' He was told, 'Your child can ask for forgiveness for you.'" [Adab Al – Mufrad – Imam Bukhari]

My daily prayer for, my dear Daddy....

Abu Hurairah ( رضى الله عنه ) reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "When a person dies, all action is cut off for him with the exception of three things : sadaqa which continues, knowledge which benefits, or a righteous child who makes supplication for him."

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الرَّبِيعِ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَنَا الْعَلاَءُ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ إِذَا مَاتَ الْعَبْدُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ ثَلاَثٍ‏:‏ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ‏.

... and here's a story to break your heart. 

Happy Father's Day ...  to all fathers. 
And may Allah subhnallahu taala forgive my father his sins and with His Mercy, bless him with Jannatul Firdaus.
Ameen.