Mourning the loss of Sister Marwa El-Sherbini

This is something that has been on my mind for a long time and I’m sure there is not one Muslim in the world who hasn’t been affected, moved, touched, saddened and angered by the events surrounding the tragic loss of this daughter, wife, mother, mother-to-be and Sister in Islam. Every time I think about this and the circumstances surrounding her murder, my heart aches - aches for her, for her husband who will no longer feel the comfort, tranquility a wife brings, her young son who will have his mother’s presence and guidance as he moves thorugh life’s difficult stages and for the unborn child that was still growing inside her, who was robbed of ever feeling the warmth, gentleness of it’s mother whose body had nurtured it for months and of course the gentle kisses and all the wonderful feelings that can only be shared between a child and his/her mother. Recently, Sister Marwa’s killer was finally brought to justice, as he was sentenced to life in prison, though, as I’m sure you will agree, too late for those just mentioned and of course, for all of us as well. For all that she endured recently - hate-filled words by a bigot as others tried to dissuad him though to no avail; then taking this man to court who then refused to accept the fine that was imposed on him. Again, she appeared in court to make her statement. Then, as she was leaving the room, the fatal moment as her life was brutally taken by the man who had so insulted her with his words. In further insult, both her husband, Elwi Ali-Okaz, and her son were present, having to see their beloved wife and mother respectively killed in front of their eyes. While her husband did his best to shield his wife as she was being killed, sustaining many stab wounds in the process, what did the police do (once they got there, as there was no security present)? They shot the husband; they mistook him for the suspect. Even her son was hurt in the process of being taken away from the scene.
In the end, for us who didn’t know her personally, the events and its circumstances were not in our control. Yet, its the growing concern of Muslims, in Europe in this case and of course, in America, with the recent shootings, that Islamophobia is seemingly going to be around for some time. Each nation has its own battle with its public in this regard, which is an entirely different discussion, in which the case of Sister Marwa is only one talking point; yes, the brutal manner of these events have both saddened us and angered us no doubt. Maybe I’m being naive, but on top of the sadness on the human level that we all feel in this case, the manner in which it occurred (though I do understand the legal issues, in that security was, by rule, not needed in the room that day) has made the issue of anti-Muslim sentiments that much more of a concern on top of what has already has occurred and been endured in the years since Sept. 11.
On a personal level, I can say that my local community as made great progress in bringing people of different faiths together and having that trust develop between organizations and their leaders - something I’m very proud of in all honesty. I hope that both this horrific event, as well as that at Ft. Hood, can somehow, in the long-term, bring about some change and a real solution. Yes, I do understand in the immediate future, there will be many challenges to overcome and the road will be a difficult one for those on both sides.I certainly just hope that the loss of Sister Marwa is not just a source of sadness for us, but also with time, in some way, become a source of strength and unity that we should use to bring about positive change, insha’allah.
***O Allah (swt), may you grant the soul of our Sister Marwa peace, Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon her in the next life, as you did in this life; forgive her for anything that may have displeased you and grant her a place in Jannah-al-Firdaus, along with and among those who were truly Victorious in this life. Also, in their time of sorrow, Grant her beloved husband and son with patience and perseverance as they mourn the loss of someone who was so dear to them.Heal their hearts in time and lighten the burden which they feel and make it easy for them as much as it is possible. For the unborn, innocent being that resided within her, who had not even taken one breath since you had given it life and who now returns to You so soon, Grant that Creation peace in the Best of manners. Lastly, help all those who feel the pain of this loss, both near and far. We only know what you have taught us and what I and others have no knowledge of, we leave to You. Ameen.***