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Assalamualaikum.

Last monday, the father of a friend of mine in Leeds has passed away. The sad part is, he couldn't manage to reach Malaysia on time before his father departed. Hopefully, his father will be among the believers and he will face this challenge smoothly. Amin.

When this such situation happens, I would always remember this one story of a father and a son. At that time, the son was in his last year in school and he will undergo an end-year exams in which this exam will more or less determine what and where he will be doing in the future.

One day, the father and his son were in a car and on the way to a supermarket. Since there were only two of them in the car, so the father took the opportunity to talk to his son. First of all, he talked about his other sons and daughters and their education. Then, he talked about expenses; daily expenses, education expenses etc. The son listened and understood the situation.

Next, the father asked his son, "what if I'm no longer here? What if I pass away tomorrow? What will happen to you, your mom and your other siblings?". These few sentences have made the son silent and made the son ponder and think. He was really affected by those questions. At that time, he even imagined what will it be like if it really does happen tomorrow.

Since then, the son was really determined and do what ever it takes to do his best in the exam. For that, he will be well prepared for what will (and certainly will) happen in the future.

Wailalliqa' maassalamah.