Tuesday 05th March 2013. 2:57 PM. – The text message that changed my perspective forever. 168 days since a selfless and bubbly natured youth left this world, the soul of a free spirited individual, also departed. For some people, shadows of grey seem to cloud the heart; not quite sure what to feel, and for me? For me, it was the same shadows of grey.
Such an incident can be perceived in many ways, and with many thoughts.
Human nature beckons the soul to feel an overwhelming grief for the families of the individuals, and even those who never knew the individual shed a tear. I say this, because I cried. Both individuals, I knew only by face and their vivid smiles; which will now remain etched in my memory forever.
The grief is heavy for all, and one might even sit back and think of the trials that the community is facing, as a whole. If that were the case, then several incidents so recent in our community timeline leave us with much to ponder over: – What kind of individuals make up our community? Are we flowing in the right direction? Are we flowing at all? Or is the reality that we are masked behind a name that makes us proud, yet that is exactly what it is; a mask: concealing much of what really requires a change.
Which brings me to my perspective…
Deep down, my conscience brings me to admire these two young ladies; whose souls must have, at a time before being sent to this world, stated that they would sacrifice themselves, for others to take heed in this materialistically attractive world. To say that these particular individuals had already shown a sign of selflessness, before being born, only left the world to recognise their personalities.
I, as an individual, can only speak for myself. This seems to be a silent yet powerful reminder to review my life, and the qualities and characteristics that reside within to see if I am really in line with the ultimate goal. Are the day to day tasks overtaking my conscious stride towards the Almighty? What am I saying to those around me, how am I speaking? Am I being considerate of others? Am I putting myself in harm’s way spiritually with the commitments I take on?
As a member of the community, one that should stand as a wave of strength in the Shi’a Ummah, there is a lot we need to step-up towards. We need to remain a united strength, and not atoms of weakness that look powerful just because they congregate. No, rather each atom alone should hold such strength not to wither and feel ‘lost’ on its own.
Remember…ultimately…you walk the path alone.