February 26, 2015 – The past few weeks we have been enjoying our hearts out; today we are reminded that we will one day return back to our creator. It’s a subtle reminder for all of us to keep our feet on the ground and remember our purpose, our responsibility and our creator.

On our the last day in Labunishta, we were invite to Jenazah Prayer where we pray for the one who left us in this world. It was an unexpected invitation and something we can’t refuse; an experience we won’t miss. To see how they do it half way around the world.

After afternoon prayers (zohor), we waited in front of our host house not knowing where to go and whom to meet. Left alone under the snow our body slowly absorbs the cold and freezes ours fingers and toes. Just when we taught we might have missed the ceremony, we saw a group of men walking down the hill with a casket on their shoulder.
It’s being lifted by a wooden pole crossed underneath the casket; each of them swap places every now and then exactly as it has been done since ages ago.

As we walk along the street, we saw other people standing by the street reciting Al-Fatiha as a prayers to the deceased. Once we arrive, they proceeded with prayers at the square in the middle of the cemetery.  The atmosphere was soothing and the snow fall brings dramatic elements to the situation.

Despite having minor differences, the principle of the ceremony was done exactly the same as we did back home. It was truly an honour for us to experience this event and it became a reminder for us that life goes on and it has to go on to the fullest.

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs