Remembering Najma: A Beloved Soul
Seventeen years ago, my late wife, Najma, passed away due to cancer. She was one of the most beloved individuals in Dallas, admired by both the Desi and mainstream communities. Her burial took place on Friday, May 23, 2008.
A Janaza Like No Other
The Janaza funeral prayers for Najma were held following the Jumu’ah prayers. In accordance with the Fire Marshal’s regulations, 2,200 people attended the service inside the hall, with several hundred more gathered outside, as they were not allowed in per the fire code. Most attendees participated in the burial, and our Hindu and other friends poured soil on her grave as part of our tradition.
Interfaith Harmony at the Janaza
Imam Zafar Anjum and I decided that I would prepare our friends for the service. People from diverse backgrounds attended, including Atheists, Bahá’ís, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians of various denominations, and Muslims from all groupings, as well as Wicca, Jains, Jews, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, and two friends from the LGBTQ community.
Spiritual Reflections and Forgiveness
I asked everyone to stand in rows. While standing, they could forgive Najma’s shortcomings and trespasses, just as she had forgiven their trespasses against her before she took her last breath. They could quietly offer their religious blessings or non-religious wishes—nothing more, nothing less. This moment of prayer was also an opportunity to reflect on life and death.
A Message of Mutual Forgiveness
I invited everyone to repeat a Jain phrase: “Michami Dukkadam,” which means, “We forgive you, and you forgive us, and let us live with clean slates.” I was grateful that everyone repeated it with me three times. Some of my Hindu friends added, “Om Shanti.”
Closing Prayers and Personal Reflections
Then, Imam Zafar Anjum led a short prayer. Those unfamiliar with the prayers could choose to stand and reflect on their own lives.
Najma and I were actively engaged with various communities, ranging from Atheists to Zoroastrians and everyone in between. As Muslims, we believe that we belong to the Aalameen, which encompasses the entire universe, just as God, the prophets, messengers, and peacemakers belonged to all of humanity. Our role as Muslims is to help mitigate conflicts among our fellow humans and to foster goodwill, following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Mike Ghouse
Who is a Muslim?
What is my role as a Muslim?
Dr. Ghouse is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. He is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. More on- Google