In these verses lie a subtle truth that touches the heart of our core being. In addition to the wonderment of beauty and splendor in creation, the world can also be filled with separations, trials, and losses. In our minds, we know death is as certain as life, and none of us can escape its grasp when our time comes. However, our hearts are not always ready to live with this inevitable end, especially not of the loss of one close to us. When the human heart grieves, the greatest consolation comes from Allah; for God is both the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, of all that is seen and unseen from whence the source of patient waiting for relief comes.

Sufism says this world is a foreign land. We are all strange travelers in this world seeking return to our homeland—return to God. The illnesses, separations, and deaths we encounter on this journey are like thorns hidden among the roses. Each painful experience leaves a mark on our heart; but also brings us closer to God, our true and eternal friend. In these times, “Our only desire is to breathe the scent of the rose, deep into our lungs.” (The Light of Rumi) The fragrance of the rose comes to us as we pray our way through the thorns and endure the pain patiently.

Death is one such thorn. It separates us from that which we loved and comes as a painful prick to our heart. It is a reminder that this life on earth is mortal, and reunion is reserved for eternity. The news of such loss may come to us in many forms; some from a distant call and some quite near. Suddenly, the thorn of loss tears through our heart and the pain of grief casts a shadow over our life. Those close to us may hear our pain; but it is God, alone, who consoles us at the greatest depth. This pain purifies us, polishes our hearts, refines our souls, and transforms our tears into prayer.

“What a wonderful guardian God is.” In the wake of our losses, we can only say this: “I entrust to God what is, what is not, what is gone, and what is left behind.” Our trust in this God will not be betrayed. (Psalm 121, adapted)

With these feelings, I pray to God for consolation in these times of sadness. We leave the pain of not being able to embrace, and support that which we loved dearly to a God of unconditional love. We know that this too shall pass. For this world is temporary; what remains is God, and every separation that grieves the heart brings us a little closer to our eternal friend.

May God grant relief to our sorrowful heart, mercy to those we have lost, and eternal reward to those of us who pray for a patient heart.