I just got the call that Aman Mamu passed away. The news has immensely saddened me. He was my favorite uncle and was the younger brother of my mother. He was a role model in the family – one of the smartest guys in the town. He was about 73.
From the creator, we come, and to the creator, we go. A beautiful verse from the Quran that everyone recites upon hearing the death of an individual. The death and burial methods are very organized among Muslims, making it easy for loved ones and friends. Especially if we don’t know what to say, say the sentence, “Inna Lillahi o inna Ilaihi ur rajeoon.” From God, we come, and to God, we go.
I was close to him, and he was a role model, he knew just about everything. He was very talented and wrote our names in the tiniest letters possible on the fountain pens. The ballpoint pen had not made it at that time. He also developed the knack to fix wristwatches.
One of the things I cherish is the fountain pen he gave me, and it was the tiniest fountain pen I have ever seen. He wrote my name on it, and I cherished it for many years.
He went to 18th Cross High School in Malleswaram, a suburb of Bengaluru. A few years later, I went to the same school. At that time, in our town, Yelahanka, we did not have English Medium classes, so we had to go by train or bus and then walk, yes, walk about a mile to the school.
Thanks to my Grandfather, (his father) who single-handedly rode the bike 10 miles each way to the Department of Public Education and finally got the English Medium classes in Yelahanka High School.
My Grandfather had the habit of visiting my mother every Wednesday and, thanks to Aman Mamu, and he saw my sister frequently. Today, she is hurt, a significant loss for her and me both.
I wish I had talked to him a few days ago, who knew he will pass away. My suggestion to all of you is, speak with your loved ones now, rather than postpone.
May God bless his soul and rest in peace and give patience to his family members.
Mike