Sitting at the Place of Death

This is where my husband and I normally used to drink zamzam and snack after performing Tawaf. This was our chill-spot at Masjid al Haram. We would relax and take a break here before going for Sa'i. Little did we know that this was actually the area where the deceased are brought for Salah al Janaza (funeral prayers). So as I was enjoying the crisp cold taste of zamzam with my cheese croissant, the funeral procession coming towards me gave me a sudden jolt. I not only lost my appetite but jumped to me feet, mortified. Let's face it, we live in a death-denying culture. When we are having fun we forget that death even exists. How many young people have died whilst chilling or doing their favourite things!
Generally we think death is something that should not happen or that it only happens to those who don't take care of their health or foolishly put themselves in harm's way. So when we suddenly see death, we are are taken by shock and surprise.

When I saw the funeral, the first thing I said to myself was, "this is going to happen to me!" I am going to wear a shroud, not a dress; I will return to dust, not a party. I could have been the one who is being prayed over but Allah is giving me the opportunity to stand and pray for the dead. I need to value the time I have left; try to take an inventory of how I lived my life and how I want to be remembered. Try to make amends for anything I regret and to make towbah/istighfaar to Allah and apologies to anyone whom I have hurt.