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I remember exactly where I was when I heard that Michael Jackson had died. My mouth was full with a piece of salmon sushi when I received that sms. Just a few hours ago I was watching all the hype associated with his upcoming concert tour on TV, he can’t be dead!

Disbelief is such a common reaction when we hear of someone passing, and I always wonder why? As humans we are so quick to adapt to and evolve with the world around us, and yet so reluctant to accept the one certainty that has been around since the creation of man! Why could I not believe that Michael Jackson was dead? Because he was young? So what? Because he was famous? So what? Whatever because I try to rationalize my reaction with, the answer is and will always be SO WHAT? Death has no criteria that it follows, and we are so involved with our lives that we are oblivious to its impeding certainty.

Those who know me will attest to the fact that I talk about death. I will often say things like, “when I die”, or “who knows if I will be alive.” A friend of mine constantly asks me, “how do you talk about death so casually?” followed by “please let’s change the subject it’s too depressing.” Although I do talk about it and think about it, applying that knowledge is an entirely different matter.

Nearly a year ago, during one of our Quran Club meetings, Faith MD asked us to write down three things we would do if we knew we had six months to live. I think about it everyday but sadly, a year has passed and I have still not done the first thing on my list. Now THAT’S depressing!

Last week I watched Michael Jackson’s movie/documentary “This is It” recounting his last days while rehearsing for his tour. Of course it was sad watching him, knowing what I now know, but throughout the two hours, above the music and the loud noises, there was only one thought that kept repeating in my head.


بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(23) وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَيْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ غَدًا

(24) إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ ۚ وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ وَقُلْ عَسَىٰ أَن يَهْدِيَنِ رَبِّي لِأَقْرَبَ مِنْ هَـٰذَا رَشَدًا 

سُوۡرَةُ الکهف

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Nor say of anything, "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow"― (23)

Without adding, "So please Allah!" And call thy Lord to mind when thou forgettest, and say "I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer (even) than this to the right road." (24)

Al-Kahf