Hero. I hear this word so much. Heroism! Sounds so big and un-doable for a mortal being. My own children play super hero and bad guy games. In those games it is absolutely necessary for someone to be poked or banged or kicked. Be it the good guys or the bad guys. They are still young so they have not yet discovered the more extreme ways of hurting a “bad guy”. They are my off spring so, they will learn all of it fast and soon whether I want them to or not.
If you asked them the definition of a superhero or even just a hero they will tell you that it’s a person that”saves” you or “protects” you. They’re correct about that.
I’ve met heroes in my life. Heroes to me are people who make you smile, people who give you a reason to get up in the morning. Although by this definition even they are heroes just because they exist.
That sun. The sun shining: That is certainly another hero wouldn’t you say? Or it’s a bad guy, depending on the kind of minute you are having.
We were talking about people though. I have come across so many unsung heroes lately. The definition of heroism has changed for me. Maybe it hasn’t changed. I’ve just realized it’s important to honor those who are worth honoring before they’re gone from our presence.
Also, sort of hint people…get to it, why don’t you?
We had a great tragedy in the family recently. Anyone and everyone who knows us even a little bit knows all about it. We lost our very beloved son, nephew, brother, cousin and everything else. In his wake we found courage, never-ending bonds and heroes. Oh so many strong and such beautiful heroes.
People talk at length about him and what a beautiful soul he was. He surely was. He is. He is that. He is our wonderful, beautiful Zayd and he will always be that.
But this is not a tribute to him. This is a tribute to his beautiful companions who grew up with him. Who watched him and played with him. Had their lives tied with his. They spent their days and nights with him. They were hoping to grow old with him. They had mapped it all out. They had already imagined their kids playing in the backyard together. They were planning on living together as friends, siblings, and colleagues.
They were planning his wedding. Excited about meeting his new bride, their sister-in-law. His death turned everything upside down not just us but for them too. We focus on the parents but the burden they bear is probably greater if not the same.
Those young adults saw themselves through their parents’ eyes probably for the first time as young boys and girls.
For the first time they probably realized what it’s like to be so fragile and mortal yet they stood strong for everyone else. They stood like mountains in the face of waves crashing on them. They stayed. They cried, mourned, screamed, yet they stayed because they knew that this is what all of us needed.
The strength they showed gave their elders (that’s us) strength, and believe it or not, a certain peace. We knew that they could do it. If they can handle today, if they can cry, and smile, and hold our hand, and hug us today while standing tall for each other as well?
Then, well I think that is it. I think they have made it in this world. Because that strength is the key to making it in the other world and this world comes and it goes, real fast. But you already knew that.
We tell stories of Bilal Mustafa and his wife Anam Qadri. What they did when they lost their little brother. However, the stories of heroism started when he was born and they will go on until he lives. He has been strong-willed and gotten his way in a world that did not make it easy for him. He has turned into a kind young man who does not turn away from a challenge and he does not leave his family behind. When I think of that boy I think of strength, courage and loyalty.
We all wondered about the person he was marrying and we worried because, “oh gosh, the boy is bringing a girl home, am I right?” No. This woman in her own right has taught us all what it means to love and support an entire broken down family. I don’t know if I would have been capable of doing it.
Hafsa Mustafa, she hates the spotlight. Yeah she’s hiding behind the couch right now reading this. She hates it but I also know how hard it is to give it up. Yet, she gives it up every time we have to welcome a new member of the family. Every time we have to let a young one grow up and make room for them to be an adult and her space is taken over a bit. She welcomes everyone with a smile, and an open heart. She’s the quiet guide, and caretaker who never get’s noticed. Like the background music that calms and soothes, however you can never put your finger on what’s really putting you in such a pleasant mood. It’s not the drugs she’s putting in your drink. I promise!
When Hasan Mustafa got married that was the biggest example of her being a welcoming host and a wonderful sister-in-law to Hasan’s new bride.
Although Hasan doesn’t really need the spotlight: He’s happy lurking in the shadows, mostly because he’s pretending to be Batman. Bilal would like to claim that status and would be annoyed if his name doesn’t get mentioned somewhere where Batman is mentioned, so there you go buddy. Back to topic…Hasan is NOT Batman. He likes to be there for people and do things for people solely for the sake of God. We comprehend life through our experiences. Through what we have seen and understood about it. He has understood that people need to be love and taken care of. He is a better man than I is all I have to say about that.
Oh and Ayesha Belal that exceptional young woman he’s married to, is beyond words. First of all; because she has to live with my nephew obviously; second and more importantly because she came into our family and that was it, she stayed there. It was not a, “hi nice to meet you, now we have to go home.” She came and rested in our hearts. She is not just a part of him she is a part of this family. She laughs with us and she grieves with us. She holds us together like any family member would.
All and all those two crazy boys did well. Like heroes would. I don’t eve know if Batman has such good luck with women. Doubt it.
And then there was one. One, right? Yeah but she doesn’t impact like just one so I have to count. Is there only one Hamna Mustafa? She knows what people need and when they need it. She can read peoples hearts. It’s a quality only a few posses. And even fewer use like she does. She has ignored her needs many a times to tend to others. I am sure you have seen those scenes from super hero movies where the hero says, “I have to go my people need me” and then they fly away? Yeah that’s her. That’s Hamna, only, way less dramatic and without the flying, and coolness. Bottom line: she’s super girl.
This post happened only because Zayd Mustafa is always talked about and honored. I needed everyone to realize that we have heroes among us who are doing heroic things every day, and they are going to keep doing them whether they get the praise or not. I hope we get to tell each and every one of them how great they are. I hope we get to encourage them and help them achieve more. I know they are capable of so much more.
Some day when we are not with our loved ones we depart without any guilt that we didn’t tell them those superheroes have got nothing on you. Also, that we can be proud of ourselves for a bunch of badasses. I am not completely there yet; mine are still cooking. Nevertheless, I would still like to take some credit for these wild creatures too.
Fly Safe you guys and don’t smash too many buildings!
To Whom It May Concern 