In memory of Yusra

Yusra Jinaan Waqar, our beloved 4 year old daughter returned to Our Lord on 8 March 2022, following a sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest.

 

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By all accounts Yusra's life was miraculous. 

She was diagnosed with Joubert’s Syndrome before she was even born - an extremely rare genetic condition in children that affects their development - and given uncertain odds of surviving birth.

 

But survived she did. Yusra was born on 26th September 2017 and despite frequent medical involvement, she was thriving! She attended a wonderful additional needs playgroup, making good progress with all her therapies, demonstrating her strength and tenacity, and expressing her vibrant personality with increasing clarity and assertiveness.

There were tough times too, with long hospital admissions, numerous appointments and being reliant on support from a number of healthcare professionals. As her parents and primary carers, we strived to give her our very best and shaped  our lives around her.

 

We named her Yusra because it means 'ease'. We wanted to affirm that no matter how many tests would come her way she was never anything less than an absolute joy in our lives. As she grew, so did we. Our families and friends embraced her with love, cherishing her smile and her cheeky character.

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This week we buried her. Our tradition says that children like Yusra who pass away upon the fitrah, the state of natural innocence, are Children of Heaven, and parents who are bereaved in this manner are rewarded with Paradise.

We are consoled in the knowledge of her being in the company of our Prophet ﷺ, joyous and playing in the Eternal Gardens. Her middle name, Jinaan, means the Two Gardens, as such is our conviction in this promise.

 

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But her part in this world is not done. If you met her you knew. She changed every life she touched. We are creating this fund as a small testament to her memory in a way that can benefit so many more lives.

 

Whilst we are strategising a longer term legacy, possibly through a separate charity or endowment, we endeavour to put the funds raised here to work with existing organisations and directly support families that are going through similar trials. We hope, in Yusra's name, to be able to bring some 'ease' to those who need it.

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Allah decreed that He would raise Yusra into His Heaven at the tender age of four. We are beyond heartbroken as our beloved, beautiful and brave daughter has left us. But we are content in the knowledge that this is His decree, and we Praise Allah in all our affairs. For it is Allah to whom we belong and to Him is our return.

 

We have been greatly fortified and strengthened by all the prayers and good wishes of family and friends, thank you.

With love,

Alaa' and Salman