What Death Has Been Teaching Me About Life
My faith constantly reminds me that death is inevitable and this life is temporary, yet the desire to live this life as it will never end does not fade.
On December 29, 2020, I lost my uncle to COVID 19. I loved him dearly. The loss for my family and I has been tremendous because my Uncle was an amazing human being. He was righteous and humble. He was a man of faith and led his life accordingly. Spending any free time he had in prayer and the remaining in helping my aunt with household chores. He loved YouTube - not for entertainment but because he could learn the Quran on his fingertips.
My Uncle’s death has taught me a profound lesson. The purpose of life is far greater than immersing yourself in life’s pleasures and luxuries. That’s not the true purpose. As a Muslim, my faith teaches me that this life is a test. Nothing more. Nothing less. Every experience, every encounter, every opportunity in this life is a test. Growing up, I saw my Uncle pray five times a day. When he was able to, he’d offer them at the mosque. He’d walk with his head and shoulders bowed down because he never wanted anyone to think he was proud or arrogant. Uncle was soft-spoken. He spoke only when needed. In gatherings, he would sit quietly unless addressed and only spoke words of positivity. His character and personality beamed rays of perfection.
I think one of the most admired personality trait of my Uncle was the ability to avoid conflict. He never engaged in arguments and made sure he was never the cause of one. He kept away from that which did not concern him. In family gatherings, when anyone would speak argumentatively, he kept quiet. I’ve observed this growing up. And I think it’s a trait I’ve embodied in my personality as well. I understand there is wisdom in staying quiet.
I’m sharing the instances of my Uncle’s life because it is after his death that I have realized what life truly is. My Unlce lived a tough life. He lost all of his family except his mother during the India-Pakistan partition. He lost three of his children. Yet, he remained a model of patience. When you experience death so closely, you realize the way in which this life is meant to be spent: in the servitude of others, with humbleness and with words of kindness. I hope this is the sort of life everyone achieves to live. The legacy you leave behind does not entail the fame or monetary gains but rather the way you treat others and the positivity you spread.