Tribute to Mma Fāṭimah!

Innā lillāhi wa’innā ilaihi rājiʿūn!

I just received a sad news. On this day, 30 April 2014 (1 May 2014 in Singapore), one of my godmothers, Hajiah Fāṭimah, has just returned to the Most Merciful.

We called her Mma Fāṭimah and she was known outside as Hajjia Fāṭimah. She was the first wife of Alhaji Seidu Kyeswin Seda, of Old-Tafo, Kumasi.

I remember Mma Fāṭimah as a person who was Allah-conscious, and had never taken her ṣalāh duties lightly. She had many foster children and her own grandchildren to take care of. This is one of the traditions in Africa. Unfortunately, it’s fading out, as people like Mma Fāṭimah pass on.

I remember; in the year I knew Mma Fāṭimah, I topped my class in the end-year exams. I was also awarded the Exemplary Student Award. This news reached Mma Fāṭimah before I reached her. To my surprise, the late Hajiah Fātimah cooked special food, bought Coca Cola and sent them to my house.

As long as I remember, that was the first time I was honoured and celebrated for my success, that way. An honour I shall live to remember and pray for Hajiah Fātimah, for. Perhaps, that was also the first time a non-blood-related individual told me “You are important to me… and I’m proud of you.”

That was an example of how Mma Fāṭimah was to me. How she was to me says it all, about how she cared for all those in front of her.

The late Hajiah Fāṭimah has left behind 5 children, all of whom are older than me. She had dozens of grandchildren.

If you are reading this, I humbly request that you join me in praying for the soul of the late Hajiah Fāṭimah. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her his Mercy and Ultimate Pleasure. Ameen.

Innā lillāhi wa’innā ilaihi rājiʿūn!

Allahu Hafiz :’(