Death, Life’s Tests, Faith, and Moving Forward

The last four months have been a whirlwind of trials that tested my resilience, patience, and faith in ways I never anticipated. It’s been a journey of loss, reflection, and rediscovery, and now, as I write this, I’m ready to share my story. Not because it’s easy, but because I hope it inspires others who may be facing their own struggles to find strength, hope, and purpose.

The Loss of My Father

Everything began with my father falling ill. Watching someone you’ve always seen as strong and invincible grow weaker is a pain that’s hard to put into words. he had dementia the last 2-3 years and he lost his mobility, ability to swallow and memory issues. He had forgotten our names which hurts a lot but he knew who we were. Despite our best efforts, prayers, and the love poured into his care, my father passed away.

Losing him wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a parent—it was like losing a compass. Mum passed away in 2022, my Mother in law in 2021 and my Father in law in 2020. Papa was my guide, my support, and my moral anchor. In the days following his passing, I found myself navigating a world that felt foreign and uncertain. Grief is cruel that way; it strips away the familiar and forces you to face a new reality.

Yet, grief came with responsibilities. Funeral arrangements, family support, probate processes, and financial matters became my focus. Each task was a painful reminder of the void he left behind. It was also a stark lesson in preparation. My father, like so many of us, had not left a detailed plan for what should happen after he was gone. This made an already emotional time even harder. I am and blessed that I have my faith, Islam and the protection of Allah (God). I have my wife, children, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. All are a great support.

In Islam Allah tells us that everything was created by and belongs to him. So my parents, wife and children don’t belong to me, they are given as a gift and blessing from Allah. My test is how I treat them, love them, provide for them etc. So when someone dies we say, “We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return”. We are also promised to be with them forever in heaven, providing we get there! So, there is always hope. Ameen

Lesson Learned: If there’s one thing I would urge everyone to consider, it’s this—talk to your loved ones about the future, no matter how uncomfortable it might feel. Planning isn’t about anticipating loss; it’s about ensuring those you leave behind can focus on healing rather than scrambling to piece things together.

When It Rains, It Pours

As I was grappling with my father’s death, life decided to throw a few more challenges my way.

I received a notification on the ring door bell from my parents house. I saw that a car had crashed into my parents’ house side wall. The driver had lost control, destroying the wall that separated their home from the neighbors’. Seeing the home I grew up in, now partially in ruins, was surreal. And just like that, my days became filled with insurance claims and dealing with an insurance company based in Romania—a headache I wasn’t prepared for.

But life wasn’t done yet. My car was vandalised, the wing mirror kicked in, leaving me with a £465 bill to fix it. It was a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but in moments of overwhelm, even small setbacks can feel insurmountable.

Professional Setbacks

As if the personal challenges weren’t enough, my professional life took a hit too. I lost my job in Qatar—not because of my performance, but due to organisational changes. My manager was sacked, and the new leadership had different priorities. As a contractor, I was one of the first to go.

It was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of contract work. One moment you’re secure, the next you’re facing the reality of unpaid bills, mounting expenses, and the pressure of finding a new opportunity.

But even in the face of uncertainty, I found a sense of resolve. “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity,” Albert Einstein once said, and I chose to believe it.

Faith: A Lifeline in Darkness

For those looking from the outside, it might seem like life has been relentless. And it has. But my faith has been my anchor.

As a Muslim, I believe life’s challenges are tests from Allah. These tests are not punishments but opportunities to grow, refine our character, and draw closer to Him. They remind us of what truly matters.

One of the most comforting teachings in Islam is the belief in eternal life. I hold on to the hope that one day, I’ll be reunited with my father and loved ones in a place where pain and sorrow do not exist. This belief strengthens my resolve to live with purpose and patience, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

Lessons from the Storm

The past months have taught me some powerful lessons that I want to share:

1.Gratitude in All Circumstances: Even in hardship, there are blessings. I’m grateful for my family, my faith, and the strength to keep moving forward.

2.Preparation Is an Act of Love: Discuss the uncomfortable. Plan for the unexpected. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.

3.Challenges Are Opportunities: Every trial has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of turning to faith.

4.Community Is Everything: Leaning on family, friends, and even your faith community can be a source of strength in tough times.

Moving Forward

Now, I’m ready to take the next steps. My TikTok shop affiliate journey is back on track, and I’ve started creating portfolio videos again. My blog is alive, and I’ve begun tweaking my email sequence to reconnect with my audience.

There are exciting things on the horizon: new books, offers, and courses that I can’t wait to share with you. And while I continue my job search as a Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Consultant, I’m committed to building a community that aligns with my values.

A Message for You

If you’re facing challenges of your own, I want you to know this: life’s greatest lessons are often found in its toughest moments.

Turn to whatever gives you strength—your faith, family, or community. Remember that these tests are temporary and that they hold the potential to shape you into a better, stronger version of yourself.

Thank you for being here, for reading my story, and for sharing this journey with me. Let’s move forward together—wiser, more resilient, and with faith in the brighter days to come.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Here’s to taking that step, no matter how hard it feels.

Thank you for reading, I hope it helped you in some way.

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Until next time, take care.

Atif

#Atif’s Academy