Book: For Those Left Behind
Author: Omer Suleiman
INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to our latest blog post on A-Z of inspirational reads for Muslim Women. In this post, we’ll explore “For Those Left Behind” by Omar Suleiman, a compassionate guide to grief and loss. If you’re looking for a book to help you navigate the challenges of losing a loved one, this might be the one for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Omar Suleiman is an American Muslim scholar, speaker, and author who has dedicated his life to spreading knowledge and compassion to people all over the world. He is the founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and has authored several books on Islam and Muslim life.
BOOK SUMMARY:
“For Those Left Behind” is a guide to navigating the difficult terrain of grief and loss. This book is meant to provide guidance spiritually to those who are grieving, while also covering the rulings associated with death and mourning for practical purposes.
REVIEW:
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS & CONCLUSION:
On March 14, 2023, our beloved aunt passed away and returned to her eternal abode. إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ
Our family’s grief after her passing is immeasurable. I think of her constantly, and tears flow during sujood, during duas, and with every memory that comes to mind. Every morning, I wake up with a heavy feeling in my heart.
But my husband’s words gave me pause. “I am not negating or minimizing your grief, but I am also reminding you that, with passing days and time, your grief will lessen. However, for the first-degree relatives – children, spouse, parents – that pain, heaviness, shock, grief, and sometimes anger never go away.” I know he spoke from his own painful experiences, and it gave me a new perspective on the depth of the loss and the effect it has on a person even decades after the loss.
As I think about my aunt and everyone she has left behind – and everyone she never got to meet – my heart is heavy.
I pray that Allah gives strength to those who are dealing with grief after the death of their loved ones.
May Allah make it easy for them and reunite us all again in His Eternal Blissful Gardens.
Please make a dua for my aunt and my friend for their Maghfirah and Marhamah.
This book, “For Those Left Behind: Guidance on Death and Grieving” by Omar Suleiman, is on my reading list, and I hope it brings comfort to everyone who is grieving.
If you prefer visual aids, the book is based on the Ramadan Series by Imam Omer Suleiman, which you can access here.