In memory of 7aboba Sumaya & Alshaffa صدقه جاريه لحبوباتي

There will never be enough words to express my grief at losing my grandmother, the amazing women they were, and what they meant to me. Anyone that knows me, has even met me briefly, or is familiar with my poetry and writing, has heard me speak about my grandmothers. 7aboba Sumaya and 7aboba Alshaffa were the kindest, most loving, most compassionate people I've ever known. Growing up in Omdurman, they were like mothers to me. When my mother left to the United States before us, 7aboba Sumaya raised me, took over my education and the education of all the grandkids. She would accompany me to all my school events where I was given achievements, and my biggest achievement was always to see how proud she was of me. Anytime we were sick, she would take care of us and treat us. She didn't have biological children of her own, but we were all her children, and she put so much love into each and every one of us.

7aboba Alshaffa didn't go a day without mentioning us all in her prayers and Duaa's. If I ever mentioned a food I liked or was craving, I would find her making it for me the next day. She had the most gentle and warmest of souls, her embrace always felt like coming home.

They had such a strong relationship with Allah, they were so God-fearing and loved to pray right on time, would constantly hold a sib7a in their hands and taught us the importance of loving God and being God-conscious in every aspect of our lives. They loved people immensely, they loved to do good and visit the sick and had such loving relationships not only with family members, but everyone around them. I've never once heard them speak ill of anyone or fight amongst themselves or with others. At both of their funerals, people from all over came to mourn them and had so much love for them and grieved them. I was always in awe of their capacity to hold so much love, to extend so much kindness, help and support to those around them. They taught me the importance of living a life in service of others.

Everything good that is instilled in me, comes from them and what they've taught me. All the good that I do in this world, is inspired by the immense goodness I've seen from them. They loved to give back to those around them. And I want to help them continue doing that, even in death. I want to do this Sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity) for them because their whole lives revolved around giving to others, caring for those around them. And now that they've passed away, I want to continue their love for giving back and give back in their name.

I kindly ask you to donate what you can, this is the best way I know to honor my beautiful grandmothers. To continue their legacy and to try to repay them for all that they've given me. They left me and took with them a big piece of my heart. I ask that you please keep them in your prayers and donate to a beautiful cause in their name.