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After 6 long years of grief and ongoing healing, my sister and I decided to seek the services of The Muslim Bereavement Support Service located in Chingford, London.
This was a sisters only workshop.
We reserved our places to attend the Free Art Therapy Workshop, because talking about grief is not for everyone.
During the workshop which was 3 hours long we listened to a presentation about grief from an Islamic perspective and completed some artwork.
Some sisters were comfortable to talk about their loved ones while others were happy to complete the intricate artwork.
My paper heart says 'ease' is dedicated to my beloved parents
By the end of the workshop, my sister and I had completed a few book marks and a paper heart each.
The purpose of this workshop was to give those grieving an opportunity to share their experiences of loss, grief and journeys of connecting with Allah subhana wa'tala.
Yes! There were many tears and hugs!
Many thanks and dua'as (prayers) for sisters Farhana, Sofia and Nafisa for organising this workshop and laying out refreshments.
My dua'as for all those participating, May Allah Subhana wa'tala make it easy for your hearts and bless loved ones with a beautiful seat in Jannat-ul-Ferdose. Aaameen!
The Muslim Bereavement Support Service is a registered charity, founded in 2012. We are a non-profit organisation serving the Muslim community by supporting bereaved women who have lost a loved one.
We also work with other organisations, the NHS and hospices in particular, to give a spiritual context to the bereavement support services they offer.
Losing a loved one is an extremely painful experience and the range of feelings and emotions as well as physical reactions can be very confusing and further upsetting. For this reason we aim to help in any way we can during this difficult time. Our confidential service is provided by trained volunteers.
Our Team
Executive Committee
Shaykh Yunus Dudhwala– Chair
Mr Mohamed Omer – Director
Shaykh Zubair Baiyat– Imam/Advisor
Dr Sabina Patel– Chief Executive
Managing Committee
Ms Kulsum Patel– Operations
Ms Sofia Bhatti– Liaison
Ms Lubna Sharif– Publicity
Ms Farhana Mahmud– Children and Young People
Ms Nafisa Yusuf– Projects
The team can be contacted via the email address: info@mbss.org.uk
Source and Credit: The Muslim Bereavement Support Service
More World Cancer Day Blogs and Videos
For those interested I have posted links to my 2019-2023 World Cancer Day blogs at the end of this blog.
World Cancer Day 2023
My World Cancer Day 2023 Poster
I participated in World Cancer Day 2023 by posting an edited short gif in Urdu and English on my Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Profiles.
I have struggled with my right shoulder and typing this blog has been painful.
My name is Sabeena and this is my message for World Cancer Day 2022!
کینسر کا عالمی دن 2022
اگلے دو سالوں میں کینسر کے عالمی دن کی مہم نگہداشت کے فرق کو ختم کرنے پر توجہ مرکوز کرے گی۔
میرا نام سبینہ ہے اور یہ ورلڈ کینسر ڈے 2022 کے لیے میرا پیغام ہے۔
#مزید معلومات کے لیے براہ کرم ورلڈ کینسر ڈے کی ویب سائٹ کے نیچے دیے گئے لنک پر کلک کریں۔ World Cancer Day 2022
World Cancer Day Poster - English
World Cancer Day 2022 - Urdu
My beautiful mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer March 2012, she was 59 years old.
Mum courageously received 4 years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before she returned to her maker April 18th 2016, she was 62 years old.
My Amee (mother) enjoyed painting, had a passion for gardening and travel.
The blog below illustrates the precious time and memories I have of visiting Javed Manzil, Lahore, Pakistan with my mother before she was diagnosed with cancer.
I'd like to take this opportunity to offer prayers for all those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
May Allah azza wa ajal (God) bless all mothers with Paradise
(Jannat-ul-Ferdose), Aameen.
The Noble Quran - Chapter 89 Verse 29-30
My video for World Cancer Day 2020
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano my beloved mother
My mother in Lahore, Pakistan - 2011/12
This blog is a tribute to Mum and the precious memories my siblings and I have of her.
My mother was born in Shikarpur, India and was the 3rd eldest of 9 children.
She had a happy childhood and enjoyed studying and teaching.
She married my father at 19 years old and migrated to the United Kingdom in 1971.
She devoted her life to her children and family.
She loved, gardening, travelling, wearing hand stitched Pakistani traditional clothes and spending quality time with her mother my Nani and her siblings.
She loved Manchester and is buried there.
May Allah subhana wa'tala, (The Almighty) bless my beloved mother and all mothers with Jannat ul Ferdose (Paradise).
Aameen Suma Aameen!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as a tribute my beloved mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano and the priceless time we spent in Lahore during 2012.
As I end this blog I'd like you to take a minute to make a prayer or dua for my mother and all the beautiful mothers who have returned to their maker.
'MY PARADISE I MISS YOU!
Love you forever!!!
Sabeena
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, 1952 - 2016
Loss, Grief and Bereavement
It has been 6 years since I last saw my beloved mother.
Its been a roller-coaster of emotions as I cope with my loss, grief and bereavement.
Etched in my memory forever, I still remember when she took her last breaths and how distraught my siblings and I were.
The photograph below is a beautiful reminder of how I remember my mother.
She was a strong independent, happy, healthy woman with a beautiful smile.
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, Edinburgh Castle
May 2014
Grief, Bereavement and Healing
My grief journey has been painful and challenging.
This is a wonderful poster and resource titled
'BEREAVEMENT - How People Can Help' has been designed by the Care For The Family Organisation.
Bereavement - How Other People Can Help -
Credit and source Care For The Family UK website
Healing
6 years on I'd describe my healing journey as lonely, sudden and hopeful.
Healing Can Feel - Credit @Spoonie_Village
Since Mum's passing I have continued with my fair trade campaigning and work.
Mum was a fairtrade advocate and supported fairtrade producers.
Recording videos like this is also part of my healing process.
I also purchased books about healing.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course 'Talking About Cancer' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
During early January 2017 I found a lump in my left breast and immediately made an appointment to see my breast consultant. Luckily, my lump was a cyst and it was removed successfully.
Due to a history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family my consultant advised that I take the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic testing.
My results were normal and I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 genes. I am very relieved.
Self examination is the key to early detection of cancer and survival.
Women who have a history of cancer in the family should attend their annual mammogram and pap test.
As I mentioned earlier self-examination is the key to successful treatment and survival.
Below is a poster designed by the World Health Organisation about recognising the symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms - World Health Organisation
Visiting the Doctor
Once again I would like to reiterate that the body goes through hormonal changes and not all lumps are cancerous.
If you notice any abnormalities in your body please make an appointment to see your General Practitioner.
If you are uncomfortable about attending your doctors appointment, mammogram or pap test alone ask a family member or friend to go along with you.
However hard it may see at the time, talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Worrying never achieves anything and knowing that you've opened a conversation about your health is a step closer to making you better and healthier.
Before you attend your appointment make a list of all your symptoms and talk openly with your doctor about your worries and concerns.
Cancer and the South Asian Community
I am hoping that by recording the video blogs over the years and continuing to raise awareness for cancer I can reach out to other ladies in similar situations and Pakistani/Asian carers who would like a listening ear and some moral support.
It is my aim that the Pakistani and Asian community talk openly about cancer and support those instead of giving them a death sentence.
Cancer is a taboo subject and it's so important to dispel the myths surrounding it.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course ''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
After 6 long years of grief and ongoing healing, my sister and I decided to seek the services of The Muslim Bereavement Support Service located in Chingford, London.
This was a sisters only workshop.
We reserved our places to attend the Free Art Therapy Workshop, because talking about grief is not for everyone.
Translation in Urdu
اردو میں ترجمہ
چھ سال کے طویل غم کے بعد، میں اور میری بہن نے چنگفورڈ، لندن میں واقع مسلم بیریومنٹ سپورٹ سروس کی خدمات حاصل کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا۔
یہ صرف بہنوں کی ورکشاپ تھی۔
ہم نے فری آرٹ تھیراپی ورکشاپ میں شرکت کے لیے اپنی جگہیں محفوظ کیں، کیونکہ غم کے بارے میں بات کرنا ہر کسی کے بس کی بات نہیں ہے۔
I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
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