Adamu S Ladan
Innalillahi wa inna illahirraji’un. Allah SWT says “Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be paid your full recompense.” At another place, the Quran urges mankind: “And die not except in a state of Islam” (3:102).
Althou¹gh often forgotten about or guiltily pushed away from our thoughts, the fact remains that this world is but temporal. Death is the only thing certain for us all, and is the only thing truly guaranteed in this life.
But Islam teaches us not to fear death, and to embrace our fate with the next world. While it is easy to fear the pain of death or the unknown, it is in fact our lives here on earth today that we must fear the most. For those who truly believe in Allah, death is a welcome passage.
To this end Allah commands us to prepare for the death specially in order not regret when the ultimate time comes. ‘And spend [in the way of Allah ] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous’. But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Quran, 63:10-11)
The Quran reminds us time and time again to never take this life for granted – and to never overestimate how long we have on this earth. We must continously strive towards becoming better Muslims, lest we regret it when it is too late.
“Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Quran, 31:34)
To truly understand tawheed, the Oneness of Allah, will be a lifelong journey – and this verse is a powerful reminder of how much at mercy we are with Allah. None of us can know when our time with death has come, and we must truly believe, accept, and embrace whatever Allah has Planned for us.
When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward.” (Quran, 16:61)
Here again, we are reminded of our fate with death – none of us can change it. As much as we like to believe we are in control of our lives – even our health, we must submit to Allah’s Will at all times and accept death as a blessing and a preordained end to our life here on earth.
We are this Monday 9th October, 2022 awakened by the shocking news of the death of our dear friend, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Kurami, Member representing Bakori at Katsina state House of Assembly. When
we heard that he was no more we were shocked and saddened. Death has taken away a genuinely warm individual, more importantly a loving husband and father and deprived so many others, including us all, of a good friend. Neither of us have the inkling that the end was near when we spoke last Thursday night hoping to see next day. Seen that never be.
While we mourn the loss of a friend we pay tribute and celebrate a life that was
well lived. A life committed to the cause of his own people and the country at large.
A Vet. Doctor Kurami as popularly known was an epitaph of true love for peace, Concord and harmony. Not many leave behind a legacy of such dedication and accomplishment as did Dr.Kurami.
According to a family source, Kurami died after a brief illness in Madinah, Saudi Arabia at around 2:00 am Nigerian time after he had gone to perform a lesser Hajj otherwise called Umrah.
The deceased left behind two wives, 11 children, and three grandchildren.
Kurami was elected into the Katsina State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a by-election conducted on Saturday, October 31st, 2020 following the death of his predecessor
He was professional to the core in all issues he came to deal with. He had served the state ministry of agriculture before venturing into politics in 2003. As accomplished vet doctor with successful poultry business, Kurami was at hand helping poultry and other livestock farmers whenever the occasion arose.
A true representative, the deceased was always at hand demonstrating uncommon dedication to deal with issues regarding his constituency and his legislative duties.
Although his stint at the House of Assembly was not too long, he has left a lasting impression in the minds of his acquaintances at the house. Colleagues whom I met with at his Kurami country home Monday morning to consoled with the family members described him as an affable, cooperative, helpful and dedicated member. Despite his established
background and position, Kurami was a modest man; a real gentleman, not reluctant to organize and execute his own responsibilities.
He faced a challenge to his life with great courage. This was seen when he suffered intractable banditry instances affecting himself, his immediate family and members of his extended family all within a short span of time. others in his circumstance would have given up. But Kurami fought till the last. His
determination to carry on despite trying personal circumstances demonstrated his
commitment to duties and responsibilities. In his own quiet and calm manner, he showed how to work through challenging times and to carry everyone along.
Life can be fleeting. But a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories. Kurami
through his decorum and grace endeared himself to many.
This is particularly a difficult and painful time for his family and us as friends. In extending my sincere heartfelt condolences, I pray Almighty Allah to give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. It is also my Prayer that may Allah repose his soul in jannnatul fiddaus. As Allah says:
“O soul that are at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with him), well-pleasing (Him), So enter among My servants, And enter into My garden.” (Quran, 89:27-30)
Finally, to us left behind, it’s instructive to know that despite our innate fears around death, we must be assured that to embrace death is perhaps the only true comfort we have in this world – we are finally returing to Allah and inshallah, will be blessed with His Glad-Tidings. All we can do is pray for the strength to welcome our death as the last of Allah’s blessings here on earth.
Adamu Ladan is a veteran Journalist,wrote this from Kano
