Umar – The Miracle

UMAR- THE MIRACLE

There is light at the end of every dark tunnel

~ based on a true story

(of a family that has inspired me)

 

 

“Your God cannot help you, it’s almost over,” confirmed one of the worthy doctors. ‘The condition is only getting from bad to worse so it is better you make arrangements for his burial.’ These words (still ringing in my ears) struck my heart like a sharp arrow but with tears rolling down my eyes, I kept praying to Allah, placing my complete trust and pinning my faith on Him.

Born at 25 weeks gestation, weighing only 680 g, Umar had a number of complications of pre-maturity. When his mother developed a dangerous high blood pressure, he was delivered by an emergency caesarean section and spent the first 93 days of his life in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) fighting to survive. Since the major organs were not fully formed at this stage, a breathing tube was placed to help keep his lungs expanded so that little Umar could breathe. Along with that, he suffered haemorrhage in the brain which was another prime concern. He was also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.

Hope against hope, I got a grip on myself only relying on our Maker. I believed that Allah the All-mighty can make wonders happen; but after numerous reports and indications from doctors, my faith was kind of fading away. The neonatologists were trying their best but thereafter determined that the therapy was of no use and wanted me to sign a document to discontinue the treatment which indirectly meant to end his life.

The situation was extremely intensified for me as I had two older kids aged 7 and 5 to attend to along with five of my wife’s sister’s children who were under my guardianship since their parents journeyed for Hajj- a once in a lifetime spiritual obligation. 600 kilometres away from home, Toronto was a city unfamiliar with no family around nor friends I could really turn to. So with much pain and struggle I had to travel in and out of the hospital daily to fulfil my duty at both ends.

On the other hand,, the doctors asserted that if fortuitously he did escape death, he would be severely handicapped and be a burden to everyone. But one thing I could bet for was that my beloved family, friends and relatives back in my country were all praying for Umar’s recovery . I personally was going through a very difficult period- witnessing my wife suffering on one side, my little preemie battling for his life and the responsibilities I owe to the rest of my children were all too much to handle, but I knew for a fact that Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

Dua is like a special connection that surpasses the veils of distance and time and goes directly to Allah and prayer is the means and the voice that Allah has given us to converse with Him, seek His forgiveness, help and wisdom in any situation that we are dealing with. And it works. It really does..

Allah tests more the ones He loves the most and with this belief in mind, I moved forward. Dua without Yaqeen (firm belief) is not dua. It’s just words you utter like a wish to come true without a magical spell. Belief is that magical element you are missing. Moreover, having Tawakkul (trust) is also a necessity. It is knowing that even if things go terribly wrong, Allah will set them alright.

My palms raised to the sky reaching out to my Lord, all I did was pray, pray and pray. My faith rekindled my hope- the hope of opportunity, bringing light that dispels the darkness.

Gradually, the situation seemed to be improving. Every breath I took was with His remembrance. I could then see the light at the end of the tunnel. Having growing pains, I’ve come to believe that my Creator has given me many sources to that blessed gift. If you believe in something with all your heart and mind, you bring it to life. Miracles happen everyday. They are hidden and Allah bestows them from His treasures on those who firmly believe and have complete trust in Him. Change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.

16 years gone by, and now Umar Alhamdulillah, is a healthy, talented youngster but unique unlike any other sensible child. Even though, his early childhood was hard-fought and he had so much learning difficulties, every change that occurred was simply astounding. As indicated by the doctors that he would be a burden to the society at large, Umar has become a source of inspiration to the people around him. Eager in participating in volunteering services, Umar fights for every individual’s rights and has a good rapport with anyone and everyone.

Having said that he would be blind, deaf and dumb, contradictorily, Umar has memorized almost one third of the Holy Qur’an by focusing, listening and reciting the Noble verses of God which itself is a miracle.

Recognize that every time Allah does choose to perform a miracle in your life, He is showing you His love in a tangible way, so be sure to thank Him for this amazing bounty.

“Verily, with every hardship, there is ease” Umar Mihlar is a living proof that there is hope even in the worst-case scenario and this ayah as well proves the Words of our Sustainer is undoubtedly true and perfect.

U-  Under the worst case scenarios he was born

M- My little preemie was soon to be gone

A-  Although that was what the doctors assured

R-  Right out I believed that he could be cured

T-  Time and again, I kept praying to God

H-  Hoping for a phenomenon that would make me feel awed

E-  Earnestly, I dedicated my service to Him

M- Mind you that is the power tool when you are dim

 I-  I could then see the light at the end of the tunnel

R-  Repeating my prayers even through a funnel

A-  Alhamdulillah, to my amazement he was recovering by the day

 C- Can you imagine how Allah’s Power works in a miraculous way?

 L- Lose not hope, believe and have complete trust

 E- Eventually you’d realize your Maker is never unjust