Gemma Zaman

A Silent Goodbye

In Loving Memory of My Dadu ( Paternal Grandmother)

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un – Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.

Today, I write with a heavy heart but a deep sense of love and gratitude for the life of my beloved Dadu (grandmother), who has returned to her Creator, Allah (SWT). Her journey was not easy – she battled dementia, a disease that slowly took her away from us in mind before it did in body. But her strength, love, and the memories she gifted us will remain forever.

May Allah (SWT) grant her the highest rank in Jannah, shower her with mercy, forgive her sins, and reunite us with her in the eternal gardens of peace, Ameen.

A Silent Struggle: Understanding Dementia

Dementia is not just memory loss. It's a slow fading – of stories, smiles, personalities, and moments. For anyone who has watched a loved one suffer from this condition, you’ll know it’s not just heartbreaking – it's soul-wrenching. It's the pain of seeing someone you love become a shadow of who they once were, while their body remains in this world.

There were moments when Dadu forgot our names, our faces – even who she was. But even then, in her quiet moments, we saw flickers of the strong, loving woman who raised generations with wisdom and compassion. We held onto those glimpses like precious treasures.

We Need to Do More

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are still not widely understood in many of our communities. There is stigma, silence, and sometimes even shame attached to it – when what we really need is compassion, education, and more research.

We owe it to our elders, our future, and ourselves to raise awareness. To speak about it. To learn. To support families who are struggling silently. And to fund research that might one day give us better treatment, better care, or even a cure.

A Small Act of Sadaqah

In memory of my Dadu and to those who have lost and are suffering, I humbly ask you to consider making a donation – whether big or small – towards dementia research, patient care, or any charity that supports those suffering. Even a little can go a long way. This is a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) – and we pray that every donation brings light to my Dadu & those we have lost due to dementia/ Alzheimers  grave and earns their reward in the Hereafter.

If you’ve lost someone to dementia, my heart is with you. If you’re caring for someone now, I pray for your strength and patience. And if you’re just learning about this illness – thank you. Awareness is the first step toward change.

May Allah (SWT) heal the hearts of all those who grieve, and may our loved ones who have passed find peace and mercy in the arms of Ar-Rahman.

Ameen.