In the profound tapestry of Muslim faith, the proper burial of a beloved soul weaves an intricate thread of spirituality and sanctity. It is an occasion both simple and profoundly beautiful, a tribute to a life lived in devotion. My journey to pen this booklet was ignited by a deeply personal experience, the heart-wrenching transition of my dear friend, Sister Leah Henton, into the realm beyond. What should have been a dignified and moving farewell transformed into a heartbreak, leaving indelible scars on her family, especially her grief-stricken parents. This poignant incident unfolded due to a decision made by Leah's husband, a decision that would forever alter the way their daughter, a devout Muslim, would be laid to rest. With unwavering dedication, this booklet is conceived to shine a light, to lend a helping hand, and to provide insight to Muslims and their non-Muslim counterparts in the intricate process of preparing and orchestrating the Janazah, the sacred funeral rites of our dearly departed Muslim loved ones. May the divine grace of Allah smile upon this humble endeavor, guiding us all toward a more profound understanding of the sacred rituals that unite us in the eternal embrace of faith.
Author Biography:
Meet Mrs. Jamella A. Jihad, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a true force of inspiration. She wears many hats as a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother. Her remarkable journey began with a strong educational foundation, graduating from J.E. Brown High School and pursuing her passion for archaeology and theology at Clark College. However, her quest for knowledge didn't stop there. Mrs. Jihad went on to graduate from Draughns Medical College in Atlanta, Georgia, earning her medical assistant degree, demonstrating her unrelenting pursuit of excellence. In 1985, she embarked on a new adventure as an entrepreneur, opening her first venture, "Ummies Place," a charming children's clothing store. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to establish a certified home daycare, a convenient drop-in weekend service for children, and a delightful summer camp known as "West End Summer Camp." Additionally, she initiated a program catering to the needs of teenagers, "Teens of Georgia Temp Services," all while managing and operating her own business, D&J Demolition, LLC, for thirteen years. Mrs. Jihad's dedication to her community is truly commendable. She founded the Islamic Crisis Emergency Response System (ICERS), now recognized as SHARE ATLANTA, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping those in need. She is also the visionary developer behind Imam Siraj Wahhaj Productions, LLC. Currently, Mrs. Jihad and her son Muhammad Jihad are the owners of Springreens, LLC known as SPRINGREENS at Community cafe where she is determined to serve healthy Soul Food in the community. Mrs. Jihad is the Founder and CEO of "The Halal Businesses, Inc.," where she continues to make a significant impact.
