God has been good to us. After 9 months of good medical care and God's grace, Najma, my wife is now completely under God's care and surviving with Allah’s grace, your wishes and prayers.

We are home since Thursday, 8th of May, and I have been sitting by her bedside praying for her well being ... knowing that she could go any moment is a difficult thing to do. I took some time out to share this message with you, my friends.

In the foot steps of Prophet Muhammad, as a Muslim, I draw inspiration from all faiths and share this beautiful precise expressive phrase from Jainism “ Michami Dukadam”, the essence of which is, on this day, let’s forgive and ask for forgiveness and start the next breath of life with a clean slate, free from guilt, free from anxiety, free from hate, malice, anger and all those enslaving emotions. This is also the essence of many religious festivals including Yom Kippur, Diwali, Paryushan and Ramadan.
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They say that both the forgiver and the forgived are blessed with the peace of mind and the freedom from negativity. It is indeed true salvation, mukti, moksha, nijaat, nirvana and other expressions to describe that freedom. The Qur'aan says that God’s favorite person is the one, who forgives and seeks forgiveness. It is also an idea central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. I want to thank every one who has participated and will participate in this heart and mind purifying process with Najma and I.
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Please say "Michami Dukadam", it will complete the transaction.

One of the most memorable times of my life is spending time with Najma in her last moments, blessed is she, she has been reciting the article of our faith several times a day with me, “ La Ila ha Illal Lahu Muhammadur Rasool ulla” that I worship the creator God and honor his messenger Prophet Muhammad. She had asked me to read Sura Rahman, as well as reciting Sura Fateha with me. Her words come out and sink but she is not giving up the recitation. Remembering God and seeking his blessings is considered auspicious in Islam as in every faith. We have done this many times since my brother in law Hamid Hussein initiated this practice on Wednesday. May Allah be pleased with us. Najma's whole family surrounds her showering their love and affection.

Alhamdu Lillah, (praise the lord), I am pleased that she has the luxury to close the loose ends of life and continue her journey in peace, just as my Mother did. It is a beautiful way to bring closure to living a fuller life with all the gamut of emotions and experiences. I wish this happens to me, you and every one.

There is a part in me that hopes for a miracle that she would get up and say let's have a few more years of life filled with a whole spectrum of experiences of Khatta (sour), Meetha (sweet), Pheeka (unsalted), Teekha (off), Khara (spicy) and Kadva (bitter) brim with caring and lots of loving.

I want to thank the Doctors, Nurses and the medical care personnel* (listed below) who were so kind and caring, indeed that was a greater part of the caring. Then my gratitude goes to our friends who called, wrote and visited to show their support.

The biggest source of one’s serenity and joy comes from volunteerism, and to inspire and encourage the volunteer in each one of us, Insha Allah (God willing), I plan to hold a two hour evening of memories for Najma to include interfaith prayers and her dear friends sharing her passion to serve.

Thanks for your friendship.

Jazak Allah Khair
Mike Ghouse

We are honored and blessed with the kindness of every one, and these women and men have been angels to us, and that is every one that has come across Najma.

 

When the fog clears in my mind or pda is recovered....

Our Doctors:

Dr. Amer Shakil, Dr. Khalida Yasmin, Dr. Sultan Choudhary, Dr. Shobha Rao, Dr. Jalil, Dr. Holt, Dr. Munoz, Dr. Parvez Rahman, Dr. Humera Choudhry, Dr. Chabra, Dr. Botone, Dr. Subhan, Dr. Radha Cherupuri, Dr. Nasir, Dr. Tamara McGreggor, Dr. Anil Sood, Dr. Dar,.
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The Nurses and Medical Professionals:

Crystal, Alberta, Liliana, Achamma, Mary, Suja (Insha Allah the list will be completed)