Her Final Thoughts: A Sister's Journey to Acceptance

Sister Rehab el Buri was just 26 when she passed away in March 2011 after a brave fight with cancer. In her last days, she shared some deep reflections that really hit home, and I wanted to pass them along. It took her around three days to fully accept that she was dying. First day, total chaos in her head. Second day, she felt kind of numb. By the third, her husband and mom helped her see things straight, and she had these big realizations: **1. We all have to face death sooner or later.** Whether people reacted calmly or panicked about her illness, they'll die too. Death is one of the few certainties in life, but we often forget and act like we're exceptions. **2. This world is just a temporary stop.** She was living as a Muslim-praying, fasting-but got distracted by stuff like picking out salad plates for parties or chasing online sales. The Quran reminds us, 'And this life of the world is nothing but a sport and a play; and as for the next abode, that most surely is the life-if only they knew!' [29:64] If we're truly focusing on the Hereafter, we shouldn't be so afraid of what lies ahead. **3. No one gets a free pass in life.** Our health, wealth, and families are amanah from Allah, and He can take them back whenever He wills. We claim to believe this, but in practice, it's easy to slip up. She thought she had years before worrying about death, but Allah could call any of us at any moment. We're all in the same boat-clueless about our time-so we ought to live each day like it's our last. **4. Every single day is a gift.** Getting this reality check made her see each day as a chance to do more good and fix past mistakes. Mornings were rough, waking up and remembering the disease, but she'd say, 'Alhamdulilah, I feel good today, what good can I do today?' With the love and support from her family, friends, and community, she didn't just get by-she tried to find barakah in her trial and sincerely accept Allah's decree.