It’s been more than a few days now since Fatema Khimji, 22-year-old graduate of Georgetown University passed away in a tragic car accident that took both her life and her fathers. Although I was not one of those fortunate enough to have spent four years with Fatema, I struggle to write this.

n2202022_37132084_3720.jpgA month and a half ago Fatema was leaving messages on my Facebook wall, asking me when I’d be ready to hop over to Saxbys Coffee Shop. We were getting Mocha Frolattes. As we walked from Lauinger library to the corner of 35th and O street, we talked about life, marriage, graduation, and the good things to come.

A day or two later we were taking a stroll around the River Front in Georgetown. Fatema shared with me just some of the anxiety she was having over what to do with her life, while I stared back at her in avid fascination. She was an individual of remarkable accomplishment, and my mind puzzled how she could ever worry which of the many doors available to her was the right one to walk through.

I could never have imagined those final few encounters to be the last I would see of the beautiful, the bright, and the radiant, Fatema Khimji. I had mailed her an invitation to my wedding celebration. And I had half-expected her to show up.

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If any good has come from an otherwise hopelessly tragic incident, it is in that everyone close to Fatema has become more conscious of the time we have left, and how well we use it. Insh’Allah she and her father are in a far better place. And Insh’Allah our prayers for her and her family are answered by the Almighty, Allah(SWT). May they rest in peace.

Innalillahi wa Innalillayhi Raji’oun. To God we Belong, and to God we Shall Return.

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