Muqdisho, November 28, 2015—Throughout life, we, as human beings, learn and get inspired by others of all ages, genders, and indeed, affiliations. Occasionally people pen such experiences and attribute honor to those who may have directly or indirectly impacted their lives. I am compelled to do such a thing, and I must confess it is not easy when the person I am to talk about was a dear family member.
My sweet nephew, Guled Mohamed Aden, has returned to his Creator on Monday November 16, 2015 at 8:34am (EST). Guled was born in Mogadishu, but was raised in Virginia.
Though Guled has left this world and is no longer physically with us, I cannot help but smile, however, when I reflect on his life and on how he interacted with his family, friends, community and even strangers. He was not only a beloved son, but a father, a husband, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, and a friend to many. Guled’s contagious smile and his ability to make others smile, even those who did not know him, was a gift from God and a blessing and comfort to those who crossed paths with him.
Guled was the indiscriminate global friend. He loved people and passionately tried to learn different languages to keep his interest in people authentic. He always greeted others in their specific language. When he did not speak a given language, he would eagerly ask how one greets in his/her language. This helped him learn various languages such as Urdu and Vietnamese, in addition to his Somali, Arabic, English and Spanish. In so doing, he touched many lives and cultivated many meaningful relationships. His smile traveled across many lands, and his hand extended long before the handshake and the hugs that ensued.
Over the years, I have seen him break the monotony of the norms to make people happy. I watched him lift his mother off the ground with laughter, and turn her feelings into a sea of happiness that she could not control even when she tried to be serious. I remember his father trying to get to his car in the middle of a snowstorm in Virginia, barely able to walk, when Guled came up from behind and lifted him to safety; his Dad screaming with mixed laughter [shouting/] war ‘amaad iriddaa’ (what if you drop me)?
I remember him carrying our mother, his grandmother, during her last stage of Alzheimer’s, on and off the plane, and to her wheelchair as she made her last pilgrimage.
He was the one family member who reconnected and brought everyone from all corners of the world together. He managed to meet and develop personal relationships with his extended family in Somalia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. He was an inspiration to the youth and young adults. Guled’s energy, ambition, and compassion exceeded this world, and his departure leaves a large void in many indeed.
He will be sorely missed by family, friends, and acquaintances alike. Guled is survived by three beautiful children, and a pregnant wife. We feel great comfort in knowing that he has returned with strong faith and a sincere love for Allah, The Most Compassionate and Merciful, who blessed us by letting us have him in our lives. We pray that someday we will meet him again in a place that is much better.
The very last hours of Guled’s life, was completely fitting of his one of a kind demeanor. His last meeting with his mother illustrated his loving, grateful, always content personality.
He was extremely happy to suddenly awaken with his Mother by his side. He made sure to tell her that he loved her, as well as how happy he was to see family around him. He made sure to give her a hug and a kiss and quoted Ayats from the Quran encouraging mankind to be grateful and have shukur in times of tribulation. These were only a couple hours before Guled’s fate changed forever.
It is narrated by Jabir Ibn Abdulla, May Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said: “Whoever dies upon something (he/she) shall be raised upon that.” The Messenger peace and blessings be upon him also taught us deeds are by their final actions.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allah wills good for His slave, He sweetens him.” He was asked, “What is this sweetening?” He said, “Allah guides him to do righteous deeds before he dies, then He takes (his soul) whilst he is in that state.” Narrated by Ahmad
Meanwhile, we find solace in Allah’s words (and the multitude of people of various ethnic groups who participated in the burial).
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and the fruits of your labor, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones).”
Quran: Surat Al-Baqarah – 2:155
“Who, when disaster strikes them say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we will surely return.”
Quran: Surat Al-Baqarah – 2:156
“Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.”
Quran: Surat Al-Baqarah – 2:157
Oh, Allah, You are Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful, pardon Guled and admit him into Your mercy. Admit him into the Gardens of Paradise that You promised Your righteous servants in the hereafter. Indeed, Your promise is ever true. Ameen
By: Sadia Ali Aden, MD
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Xafiiska Wararka Qaranimo Online | Mogadishu, Somalia
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