I do have one regret about my uncle being overseas. There has been no closure for me. When my mother called me with the news, she said that he had already been buried. Muslim tradition holds that the deceased be buried as soon as possible. If he had died here, at least I could have attended his funeral and helped bury him. It would have helped me to properly say goodbye. It would have helped ease the pain of his loss.

But that will never be, and there is nothing I can do about it. It has taught me a valuable lesson: Never take anything for granted. We should seize every moment on this earth. Since my uncle’s death, I try to call my parents more often. Recently, in fact, I made a point of having lunch with my father even though I was pressed for time. I will try to call my other family members more often, and most importantly, spend more time with my own wife and children. Lord only knows how much time I have left with them.

The same goes with my deeds on this earth. My uncle’s death has reminded me not to squander any chances to do good work. Because any moment may be my last moment on earth.

It brings this verse of the Quran to mind: “And spend on others out of what We have provided for you as sustenance, before there come a time when death approaches any of you, and he then says, “O my Sustainer! If only Thou wouldst grant me a delay for a short while, so that I could give in charity and be among the righteous!” — Beliefnet.com