Misfortune

Today brings heavy news. Last night, while at work, I saw Irfan going in and out several times to make phone calls. Initially, I thought it was just his way of fighting off sleepiness. I almost wanted to call him out, but decided to leave him be.

This morning, I found out that his mother had been in critical condition throughout the night. And at dawn, his mother passed away. I was shocked because there was no sign or indication, as I felt completely fine at dawn, as if everything was normal.

I admire Irfan for being able to control himself, despite clearly holding in a deep sadness. He had just returned from his hometown, but his visa renewal at immigration meant he couldn’t be by his mother’s side in her final moments.

This isn’t the first time I’ve witnessed such a tragedy. As expatriates, we feel deep sorrow when the people we love leave us forever, and we can’t be by their side during their last moments. Besides Irfan's mother, who passed away today, I also recite Al-Fatihah for my family members who passed away while I was away: Pung Hamo, Pung Rohani, Pung Jauna, Pung Haminan, Mama Syamsiah, Pung Juma, Ust. Passeway, Bapak Saleh Bangka, Pung Ismailsyam, Nenek Titti, Pung Haro', Pung Harrang, Pung H. Abbas, Kanda Jufri Padong, Pung H. Mursalim, and Pung Bokok.

They are all people who left this world while I was far from them. May Allah grant them peace in their graves and accept their good deeds. Al-Fatihah.