Omar Kamali - rahimahullah

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raajiun.

Omar Kamali, aged 26, journeyed to his Lord tonight (Dec. 19th) before 9pm. I remember Omar as a smiling, friendly and very helpful brother who had a fire in him for Allah and the Deen. May Allah (swt) reward him for all of his good actions, and meaningful intentions. After the tragic death of his good friend Omar Khairallah, about 4 years ago (may Allah have mercy on his soul) Omar dedicated his life for Allah and made a firm intention to increase in all good. Omar was generous in donating whatever money he had, his friends abroad would see him praying the tahajjud prayer in his room, and he never missed a prayer due to his firm resolve and high level of sincerity. From what I was told by his beloved mother (may Allah grant her the best of sabr), while studying in medical school in China, Omar was able to convey the message of Islam in the area he lived to the Chinese inhabitants and in response, more than a dozen people entered into the fold of Islam. Allahu Akbar! May Allah (swt) accept all of Omar's good actions and enter him into the highest levels of al-Jannah. Ameen!

Before he fell and went into a coma that he never awoke from, Omar was actually on his way to the bank to get money for the masjid that he himself was building for the Muslims in that locality. Subhan'Allah! The masjid is halfway complete, and I pray that Omar will see the house that Allah (swt) has ready for him in al-Jannah. Imagine that - Allah (swt) promises a house in Jannah for the person who builds a masjid -- even if it be a very modest sized building (the hadith mentions a "bird's nest" to indicate the humble size that qualifies -- showing the immense reward in the act).

May his soul rest in peace and tranquility in al-Jannah and may his grave be expanded and made into a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Ameen.

Omar's Janazah will be held in Lodi tomorrow (Sat. Dec. 20th) at 2pm and those who would like to meet and pray for him and his family, and offer support and comfort to his loved ones, may come to the Stockton Islamic center (downtown Stockton) at 11am tomorrow.

May Allah (swt) grant patience to Omar's family and allow this to be a means to draw closer to our Lord. After reading this, please recite Surah al-Fatiha for Omar. JazakumAllahu khayrun.

A beautiful du'aa sent in by Sister Penny:

اَللَّهُمَّ [ إِنَّ فُلاَنَ بْنَ فُلاَنٍ ] فِيْ ذِمَّتِكَ، وَحَبْلِ جِوَارِكَ، فَقِهِ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَأَنْتَ أَهْلُ الْوَفَاءِ وَالْحَقِّ. فَاغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

O Allah! Surely Omar Kamali is under Your protection, and in the rope of Your security, so save him from the trial of the grave and from the punishment of the Fire. You fulfill promises and grant rights, so forgive him and have mercy on him. Surely You are Most Forgiving, Most Merciful, Ameen.