When the Heart Hurts but the Tongue Still Says Alhamdulillah

My goodness. The end of 2025 and this year have not been kind. As a Muslim woman we are taught to always say *Alhamdulillah*, even in hardship. Still, the pain is real and the grief is heavy. I was just told that my father in law passed away a couple of days ago. Hearing those words stopped me in my tracks. From the very first day I heard about him, my prayers have been with this man. Meeting him and speaking with him was truly a pleasure. He had a warmth and kindness that made you feel welcome right away. Those memories will always stay in my heart. One of the things that saddens me the most is that my son never truly got the chance to know his grandfather. We left when my son was only two years old, and I wish they could have had more time together. That thought weighs heavily on my heart. In times like this we hold onto faith. We remember that Allah is the Most Merciful and the Most Just. My prayer is that Allah forgives him, surrounds him with mercy, and grants him the highest place in Jannah. May Allah bring peace to his soul, comfort to our family, and patience to all of us who are grieving. Alhamdulillah always. Even through the tears. Even through the loss.

My final whisper: Ya Allah, please forgive him and shower him with Your endless mercy. Expand his grave with light and grant him the highest place in Jannah. Bring peace to his soul and patience to the hearts of those who love him. Protect our families and ease the suffering of all those who are grieving and oppressed around the world. Ameen.