Founding Mother Returns Home with Honor
“One surrounded by angels uniquely sublime… The invitation is open for all who desire…”
It was a beautiful Tuesday morning in the hospital room of Hazrat Hafizah Begum –Umm Layla (Allah’s mercy be upon her). Her hymn “One Surrounded by Angels” was sung for her. A short time later, her eyes opened -eyes that had not opened in two and a half days. Umm Layla (Allah’s mercy be upon her) lifted her arms, smiled and took one last breath.
On April 13, 2010, Umm Layla’s worldly life of illnesses, pain and suffering, ended.
Hazrat Hafizah Begum (Allah’s mercy be upon her) was one of the first followers of El Sheikh Gilani. Umm Layla (Allah’s mercy be upon her), a highly esteemed and devoted student of His Eminence, is referred to by El Sheikh as his companion.
For over 40 years, Hazrat Hafizah (Allah’s mercy be upon her) emulated abounding courage, generosity and love. Umm Layla (Allah’s mercy be upon her) gave shelter to homeless families and fed anyone who needed a meal. She gave spiritual counsel to those who needed a reminder or to those who had lost their way.
Umm Layla will live in the hearts of her friends, family and community, to whose hearts she gave her kindness and love.