The inevitable journey (A true life story)

             THE INEVITABLE JOURNEY

She entered the class shy, silent-an attitude a newcomer gives.
As time goes on, few classmates were not comfortable with her, such is life never expect everyone
to love you even if you are as clean as a slate. As a curious one, I questioned her one day "Why do
these people dislike you?" She chuckled and said "You see the ones who dislike you are definitely
jealous of you because probably there is that unique thing in you they lack in themselves, seeing it in
others would definitely put them in discomfort". I smiled nodding in agreement with her statement,
so we became friends from that day - "BEST FRIENDS EVER"

We (HER CLASSMATES) jokingly do call her "olowo iru". After completing our secondary school
study, everyone departed but I still keep in touch with her as always.
Then one day she called "Dear friend, I am coming to Ilorin to do certain things and will be staying
with you for awhile". I was so happy that particular day knowing I was going to see her again.
On the day she was to arrive, I eagerly waited on my street. My niqobite friend arrived in her usual
joyous mood. During this time, we spent so much time together, having lots of memories that got
me smiling anytime I remember them.
When she returned, I asked her "What is the next thing going on in your life", she explained her
ordeal and I encouraged her saying my favourite words "It is all going to end well, persevere more
friend"

Later she informed me of her engagement I was so happy for her. Sadly, I could not make it due to
academic commitments. Towards the end of exams, I heard she was having her wedding ceremony. I
could not attend either and wished her all the best in the marriage life.
Upon my return for the break, I saw her after jumat prayer on a particular day. I happily called her "olowo
iru". She came towards me and chuckled "I heard what you said earlier" and I happily repeated "olowo
iru''. We spent time together and when it was time to go home, I was still all over her. We parted with me
telling her to take care of herself. She smiled and replied, "Don't you trust who you have?" I nodded
happily in agreement.

Little did I know, it will be the last time. I saw a social media post that read "Ruqayah is gone''. I asked
hope it's not someone I know? I was told it is Olowo Ruqayah. I was devastated as I couldn't believe what
I heard. I won't get to see my friend again - reminiscing all the lovely moments, I started shedding tears.
She was a confidant, sister, friend and a blessing in my life. I love you always Ruqa and will always
remember your impact.

May Allah grant you Al-jannatul Firdaus and a peaceful Barzakh.
A friend is gone forever.

According to Muhammad mustafa al-jibaly "We inevitably go through a journey starting with this life and
extending into the grave, before our final abode in the hereafter. in this process, we pass through stages
of sickness, death and the intermediate life in the grave (Al-barzakh).

Just like the word '"inevitable journey" implies,it is a journey impossible to avoid or prevent, death is
a natural phenomenum every mankind irrespective of gender, status, race would experience.

What are you preparing ahead for the hereafter, start doing good deeds, speak kind words, have
mercy on the orphan, observe your prayers daily, fast in the month of Ramadan and other voluntary
fast allowed in islam, ask for forgiveness from whoever you might have offended whether
intentionally or not as death could come anytime, anyway, anyday.

Oh you who believes(The Muslims), prepare for your final abode as it is an inevitable journey every
human being must pass through.

     ABDULKAREEM TAOHEEDAH KEHINDE
         DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
                   UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN.