It was such a treasure to have finally gone to the Darussalam Bookshop. I was browing through various book titles and I kept thinking of the people who would insha Allah benefit and learn from some of the books.

I came across an Urdu book that described death and the prescribed manner to go about the subsequent funeral and mourning. Although it was in a dialect that I could have easily understood I felt that by giving it to Nanhi Baji would mean for both of us to understand, since her way of relating to deen is alhamdo lillah easily comprehendable.

Then I thought that to give a book on death to anyone is usually considered a bad omen and the giver is perceived to be either rude or impertinent, when in actuality dead is not brought on by a bad omen nor a seemingly rude intent. Death is the biggest and most constant truth that everyone must inevitably face, and yet we tend to shut our eyes to it all the while that we can.

In essence, we are neglecting Rasool Allah SAWS' words to regard this life as a mere journey.

The entire time I was skimming through that book I kept in mind that Nanhi Baji would appreciate such a gift and actually discuss its content with me. Yet I didn't buy the book. Just not yet.

When I came home to tell her about it, she expressed her keenness to read the book as well. I think of all the times that I tell Ami where some things are kept, and whether I owe money to anyone and she passes it off as it upsets her.

If only we realized that by keeping death in mind for ourselves and our loved ones, we will truly prepare ourselves and actually help the ones we love so much, before and after death.

Alhamdo lillah for people such as Nanhi Baji whom I can discuss my death with the realness that it is shrouded in.