In knowing her as a friend and organisational colleague there were many aspects of her personality that moved me very deeply: her passionate commitment and idealism which translated into a continuous activism for social justice, her constant transgression of religious and cultural traditions in critically constructive ways, her fundamental refusal to be taken as a second-class Muslim because of being a woman, her openness in engaging even the thorniest aspects of the women's struggle and her capacity to extend sisterhood to women very different in beliefs from herself, her wonderful laughter, generosity and hospitality (Shamima and Na'eem's home was an "open-house", always full of people talking, eating, laughing, arguing), her inexhaustible energy in both juggling motherhood, work, numerous political commitments and an active social life.

All of these things are what defined Shamima, but most distinctive for me were her incredible qualities of courage and spunkiness and it is with a multitude of both that she faced her meeting with Allah - she never faltered in the face of death, remaining true to her life commitments to the every end. Even in her death she made this manifest - she requested that her janaza prayers be lead by a woman. Very few of us can, at the age of 37, be able to stand before our Creator and be sure that we have fulfilled our vicegerency in this world with the totality of who we are. I believe that Shamima will be able to do so.

Dearest Sister Shamima, aluta continua. Go with the knowledge that you have touched this temporal world in the profoundest way. Salaam-u-alaykum wa rahmat-ul-allah wa barakatu.

Sa'diyya Shaikh

Shamima's Commemoration

On behalf of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, I wish to join our thoughts and prayers to yours at the commemoration of the passing of such a noble and brave lady. Her going is a great loss to South Africa but still moreso to the Muslim Community because of her work as a champion for Human Rights and Gender Equity.

Our sympathy and prayers are with her family and friends as well as the Muslim Community and we pray that Allah may bless and console them and inspire many to emulate her heroic example so that her spirit may be a living inspiration to all.

Sr Michael Doran
Secretary of the Department for Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue
Johnson Mkhabela (Mr)
DOCUMENTATION OFFICER

As Salaam-alaikum

I was deeply touched and saddened to hear of the passing away of Sister Shamima a short while ago. I received a distressed call from my niece Shehnaaz.

We would like to convey our condolences to the family of Shamima, and all of you at The Voice.

May Allah grant her high stages in Jannah, forgive her and shower Blessings on her grave.

To you at The Voice, you have been most favoured and fortunate to have known her, learnt from her and spent time with her. She will undoubtedly be a great loss to you.

My niece and I were fortunate to have met her only on one occasion. Despite her ill-health, her warmth, enthusiasm and energy were overwhelming. After hearing her on The Voice, her views, her strengths and passion for Islam, we were determined to meet her. I cannot explain enough in words the impact she has made on us. For me as a progressive Muslim woman, I was inspired and energised by Shamima’s vigour and conviction and recommitted myself to my religious values, behaviour and actions.

She has had a direct impact on giving sound direction to my life. May Allah reward her for that. I aspire to have her understanding and passion for the Qur’an and Islam in general.

My niece has taken a serious interest in the station after having met Shamima, whom she regards as a role model.

Although we have lost her, Shamima’s memory and spirit will live on within us and in our duas, and she will remain an inspiration to us.

Salaams

Haseena Rawat

Na'eem,

I just returned to South Africa a few days ago after several weeks away only to learn about Shamima's passing. I feel a sense of great sadness for her absence and for the struggles ahead for you and the kids. Rarely have I known a couple so clearly committed to each other and to a particular vision of living and work. What you actualised in your love and camaraderie far exceeds that which most couples can expect to experience in longer lifetimes.

Her dedication to ensuring the vitality of our din, without arrogance and with honesty, will continue to be a resource for us all. I am sure that with the suffering and emptiness that will surround you will also be the innumerable manifestations of the ways your life has been enriched by this love, by her and that knowing her, loving her has prepared you to take on new challenges and unanticipated pathways where you will continue to call upon her and to know her. My dearest brother, whatever I can, I extend to you, and may Allah be a reaffirmation for you of all that is abiding and strong.

Dr AbdouMaliq Simone
School for Public and Development Management
University of the Witwatersrand

Naeem

Assalaamu-alaikum.

I am deeply moved by the two obituaries which reflect the strength of Shamima as believer, as woman, as mother, leader and revolutionary, both in life and in death. The way she passed on inspires me and I am sure so many others in a country painfully struggling to emerge from its shackles of the past, and a community as painfully battling to define its role and identity within this larger struggle.

Your own role as soulmate right up to the end, your own strength in dealing with the challenges on the many levels throughout this period, your unwavering commitment to the values and ideal you shared, your celebration of life and acceptance of death right to the end, for me not only strengthens my faith, but compels one to reflect more deeply about life itself and the many dark corners which we tend to evade all the time.

Thank you for the opportunity for having shared a brief moment in your life and relationship. I feel enriched by them. I make dua not only for Shamima but also for you. May Allah grant her Jannah and you the strength to continue the work which both of you and the many other Islamic comrades valued so highly.

My warmest greetings and salaams.

Ashiek

Ashiek Manie
Head: Information Highway & Governance Strategy
Technology Strategy Division
Telkom

On behalf of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our sister in the struggle, Shamima Shaikh.

Shamima was known to us as a valiant fighter in the struggle for freedom for women. When this world loses one of its fighters, we remain at a loss. But we take solace in the words of the Qur'an which says "Say not of those that die in the path of God that they are dead. No! They live on." The one way that we can make sure that Shamima's spirit does continue to live on is by making sure that the work she started is never allowed to die. The struggle for liberation of woman is far from over! So let us today rededicate ourselves to continue where she left off. Let us make sure that the goals that she strived for are fulfilled and her dreams are realised.

May the men and women of her community and all of Africa never cease the fight against injustice and oppression. And so may the spirit of Shamima prevail.

Patricia de Lille
Member of Parliament

Dear Brother Naeem

On my return from abroad I was shocked to learn of the sad loss of our dear sister Shamima. Please accept my deepest condolences on your sad loss. Sister Shamima was undoubtedly a rare gem in our midst and her relentless and courageous struggle for the oppressed people of this country and for the rights of Muslim women will be missed by all progressive minded people of our land. Our hearts go out to you and your children in your hour of grief and pray that ALLAH keep you and your family well.

With lots of Salaams

Ebrahim Ebrahim
ANC Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

Dear Naeem

It was sad to learn of the death of your dear wife, Shamima. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Keep strong.

Yours sincerely

A M Kathrada
Cabinet Secretary

LETTERS                                  Mail & Guardian January 23, 1998

It filled my heart with deep sadness to read Farid Esack's very moving obituary to Shamima Shaikh. This is such a tragic loss, not only to her family, but also to our country and to all humanity: that this fighter for gender equality has died so young.

What she has accomplished in her short life is absolutely astounding. One is convinced that many more will follow her brave and dedicated path. In these days of affirmative action in our country, one notices more and more people -- men and women -- are getting involved in the urgent issue of gender equality.

Longfellow's words are very appropriate here: "There is a Reaper, whose name is Death, and, with his sickle keen, He reaps the bearded grain at a breath, and the flowers that grow between."

Maureen Auerbach, Berea

Naeem

Please tell Shamima:

I love her deeply and that she had made a profound impact on me as a person. I feel privileged to live in her time. I pray for her comfort.

Ebrahim

Dr Ebrahim Moosa
Senior Lecturer
Dept of Religious Studies
University of Cape Town

Dear brother Na'eem,

Assalamu Alaikum.

Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May God bestow His grace and mercy on sister Shamima. We recently became aware of Shamima and her unfortunate passing in an article that was posted on the web about her life and her tremendous contribution to the cause of women's equality in South Africa. We, as well as many other women to whom we forwarded the article, were unbelievably inspired by her courage and her accomplishments. We regret that we did not have the opportunity to know about her sooner or meet with her...

In peace

Nahid Ansari
Muslim Women's League

Na'eem

Please accept from me and all of us at Yfm our heartfelt condolences at Shamima's death. Long live her spirit!

Regards

Dirk Hartford
Yfm

Assalamualikum wr.

Innalillahi wa inna ilahi raji oon..

Respected brother Naeem,

It grieves me to know about the passing away of your beloved wife. Shocking as the event maybe, nevertheless we can only praise Allah swt for His Infinite Wisdom and abiding grace which keeps us strong ever in face of such trying circumstances.

Let me share your grief for the great loss with prayer for Allah's Guidance and Blessings for the departed soul, May she rest in peace in the sacred atmosphere of Jannah.

Innallaha ma as sakirin.

Wassalam

Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman
Angkatan Bela Islamia Malaysia (Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia)

Dearest Naeem,

This is just a short note to say that you have been in my thoughts for the last couple of days since I heard about Shamima's passing away. I remembered with fondness the night I spent with you when you told me about her health. I regret so very much that I did not get a chance to visit you both in your home before now. Please know that there are many of us whose thoughts of love and kindness are with you and your children now. I hope you will be able to take thanks and comfort from knowing that you had the privilege of sharing your life with a most remarkable woman. I will be attending the commemoration service on Saturday.

With much love,
Kumi

Kumi Naidoo
Executive Director
South African National NGO Coalition

Dear Mr Jeenah,

I have just read Dr Esack's eulogy of your late wife in the MSANEWS, and was very impressed to learn about her, her activity and her courage. Her struggles reminded me very much of the struggles that I and my friends have, as Orthodox Jewish women. It is very encouraging to learn about the existence and actions of Muslim women in this direction.

I hope you will have the strength to pass these difficult times, and continue raising your sons, with the teachings and memory of their brave mother. May Allah send you His consolation.

Dvori Ross
Israel

Dear Na'eem Jeenah

Greetings from Manila. My name is Chat Garcia Ramilo and I work for ISIS International-Manila. My organisation is an active member of the APC women's program and I am on the WCW email conference. Yesterday Marie Helene posted a tribute to Shamima on the conference. While I do not know Shamima personally, I was moved and inspired by the tribute that showed her strength both in life and in death.

I am writing to ask if we could print the tribute in our magazine, Women in Action. I think it will be equally inspiring to share her story with other women. Would it also be possible to have a photo of Shamima?

In doing this, we hope we can contribute to keeping Shamima’s spirit living on.

Chat

Thank you for posting this, Marie-Helene. I never had the honour of meeting Shamima, but her husband Na’eem worked at Sangonet and we met him during the APC council meeting in South Africa. At that time they had decided to stop doing chemotherapy and radiation because it was so painful for Shamima. I had no idea of the level of work and commitment that Shamima had achieved.

Thank you for sharing this.

Erika Smith
Programa de Apoyo a las Redes de Mujeres
LaNeta
Mexico

From: Anne Murray <afmurray@igc.apc.org>

Thank you so much for sending the story of Shamima. I appreciated it for many reasons. I will be sharing it with others. Thank you so very much again.

Anne
USA

Heartfelt condolences on the passing on of our sister Shamima. We never met but we shared similar goals in the struggle for the emancipation of women and a just society.

Strength to family, friends and comrades.

Aluta Continua

Maria Van Driel
SAMWU (South African Municipal Workers Union) Head Office

Thank you, Farid, for your memorial piece about Shamima Shaikh, whom I had never heard about. I found it very moving and inspiring. She was clearly a wonderful, living example of how we all can be. I am printing it off and passing it round the office.

Yours in friendship,

Peter Willis
Environmental Monitoring Group

Dear Farid Esack

Thank you for sharing this obituary with so many of us.

I (allow me to say a male Christian) found it inspiring and deeply moving.

Stiaan van der Merwe

Dear Naeem

Assalaamu 'Alaykum

Iinnaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon

We were saddened to hear of your loss. May the Almighty shower her with His mercy & forgiveness and reward her with Paradise. May He also grant you sabr and compensate you with what is best for you in this world and the Hereafter.

Abu-Bakr Asmal

Nuran 'ala nur

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

AminaWadud

Dear Na'eem

I receive today the very sad new about the passing away of your wife. Please receive here my warm compassion and expression of sorrow for the loss affecting you and your children. I pray that she will rest in peace and that you will find the way to overcome this hardship.

With warm regards

Marie Helene Mottin-Sylla
ENDA SYNFEV
SYNFEV - Synergie Genre et Developpement - Synergy Gender and Development
ENDA - Environnement et Developpement du Tiers Monde - Environment and Development in the Third World
Dakar, Senegal

And thank God for Shamima. She is already in my classes. She continues to inspire. And humble. Her gifts are innumerable and expanding. Thank you.

Tamara Sonn
Professor and Graduate Director
Department of Religious Studies
University of South Florida

Dear Na'eem,

Having known Shamima, I really feel sad! I did not know. I feel sorry for you and the kids, please accept my condolences. Reading the obituary I have the impression that she is standing right in front of me. We shall all pray for her tonight.

Moussa

Moussa Fall
ENDA-TIERS MONDE / ENDA THIRD WORLD
Dakar, Senegal

Dear Na'eem

It is with sadness that I received the news of Shamima's passing on. Although we did not maintain contact, I have continued to think of you both and was happy when I saw Shamima on TV, heard her on the radio or read about her work in the newspapers. I recently saw Dr Digby in Cape Town and wondered how she was doing, since it was you who recommended him to me. When I think of my mother, I also remember with gratitude the effort you both made to come and recite at her khatam. So although we do not maintain regular contact, you have been, and continue to be, in my thoughts.

I pray that the endurance which Shamima faced, which you shared as her husband and which your children had to experience has not been in vain. I believe, and I'm sure you do too, that the ability to endure through adversity is the challenge which life presents us. My prayer, therefore, is for your (and your children’s) continued ability to face those challenges with your characteristic strength and character. I also pray that the blessings of the Almighty shine upon Shamima's soul and that what she lived for continues to inspire us.

Best Wishes

Ashraf Adam

Dear Naeem

Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear wife. Farid had often spoken to us about her and her strength and courage. We will pray for the progress of her soul tonight.

Novin & Juliet Doostdar
Oneworld Publications
Oxford, England

Dear bro. Naeem

Assalaamu alaikum wrt.wbt.

I just received the very sad news of the demise of our beloved sister Shamima.

While her demise may be a great loss to you, it will be an even greater loss to the ummah, since she has always been very active in so many projects. Hence at this time, we can only pray that Allah, in His infinite Mercy, grant her Jannah. Please accept my deepest condolences, and please convey same to her family.

Wassalaam

Your brother in Islam

Shamsoodien and family
International Islamic University – Malaysia

My very dear Na'eem

I was deeply saddened by news of the passing of Shamima. I will of course never know your and the kids' pain and grief. But Shamima was a tremendous fighter and seems to have taken everything in the greatest of spirit. I wish I had seen more of you and her, especially as the fantastic partnership you were and will always be. We pray so that you and Minhaj and Shir’a go well during these trying times.

"Due is to Allah that which He has taken away and His is whatever he has given. With Him, everything has an appointed term; so have patience and seek reward from Him."

Dr Shamil Jeppie
Department of History
University of Cape Town

Brother Naeem Jeenah

A Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

I have just returned from abroad to learn of the sad passing away of your beloved wife, Shamima. I personally believe that we have lost a great mujahida, and a thinker and strategist of the Islamists. The Ummah, especially in South Africa, will be poorer at her untimely death.

We pray that Almighty Allah will grant her Jannatul Firdaus in the Akhira.

Yours in Islam

Dr Ebrahim Dada
Islamic Da’wah Movement of South Africa

Thank you for sharing this beautiful message. As an African-American living in South Africa, I have found peace and joy in many people from different backgrounds and cultures here. Although I did not know this lovely spirit that God loaned our world, I am encouraged by her legacy. The struggle for equality requires leadership and sacrifice; she appears not only to have achieved these two objectives, but also was able to keep her family together. May God Rest Her Soul, Let Her Spirit Live On...

Douglas Motusi Guy

Dear Naeem

It was with great sorrow that I came across a cross-posting which you wrote on the demise of your wife, Shamima. I was very moved by your obituary and I know you and your sons will miss her immensely. I just wanted to pass my condolences to you and to let you know that I understand what you are going through and it is extremely difficult. One may think that one can prepare oneself but you never can for this kind of eventuality. My prayers are with you and your children at this very difficult time.

Sincere Regards

Thandi Mbvundula
Epsilon & Omega
Malawi

Assalaamualaykum

Please accept our deepest condolences on the sad departure of Shamima from the life of this world to the eternal life. May Allah grant her Jannatul firdose and may He grant the family sabr.

I am sure that the movement is going to feel the loss of her contribution.

Sincerely,

Zeinoul, Amina Cajee and family
Lenasia, South Africa

My heart felt condolences go out to you and your family over the loss of your wife, Mrs Shamima Sheikh. From what we have read about her, she seemed to have a zest and fighting spirit in her so lacking in many women today.

May Allah bless her and give her Jannat. AMEEN

Mohammed and Aisha Chishty
United Arab Emirates.

Hi Na'eem,

Anriette forwarded to me Shamima's obituary. I am deeply saddened by your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Jeff

Jeff Cochrane
AfricaLink
USAID
Washington, USA

Dear Na'eem,

I read with deep regrets the passing away of your wife, in the last posting to the Africanlink-l list by Jeff Cochrane.

From Cameroon, I wish to send you and your sons my condolences, as well as prayers for God's Guidance and protection, now and in the years to come.

May Her soul rest in Perfect Peace.

Amen.

Derek Ajesam Asoh
Cameroon

Dear Na'eem:

I read the news from Jeff Cochrane's e-mail message. I am VERY sorry to know about. I wish you all the courage necessary.

Koffi Kouakou
EIS Program
World Bank

Dear Na'eem,

I learnt about you beloved wife through Farid's message.

As a Muslim man I am deeply saddened by her physical departure from this world. Souls like hers contribute to the well-being and enlightenment of men and women alike, Muslims or non-Muslims alike.

In her life she has acted for the cause of good. The respect women rightly deserve to pray beside their brothers, fathers, sons or husbands is a simple and yet powerful right that all women should possess. It is a sad commentary on Muslims that there are not enough men and woman who do not see the grave injustice caused by such practices.

She will live in the hearts of people not only by name but by her action.

My prayers for her departed soul, and for your family!

Karim-Aly S Kassam
Director
Theme School in Northern Planning and Development Studies
Arctic Institute of North America
University of Calgary

Dear Na'eem,

I hope you will remember me, and this message will not disturb your days as it came from a stranger... Mo and Marie Helene from Enda told us (the APC women's programme) about your wife.

I remember you talking about her and your work together, explaining to me things about Muslim religion and traditions. I remember how bright were your eyes talking about her, and I hope that brightness will not disappear. I hope you will preserve it in your heart and in your life as the best way to remember her...

All my love and support are with you and your family, and don't doubt to write to me just if you need some stranger to listen...

Sylvia Cadena
Colombia

As salaam alikum Br Na'eem:

I have just read the posting on the MSA News (USA & Canada) by Dr Farid Esack about the tragic loss of your wife, the late sister Shamima Shaikh. Inna lillahi wa'inna ilayhe raje'oon.

I was moved by what I read of the struggle conducted by Sr Shamima to release the ummah from the shackles of unIslamic cultural practices that are oppressing Muslims all over the world. Her example should be an inspiration to generations of Muslims - male and female. I will do what I can to circulate Dr Essack's moving obituary to as wide an audience as possible so that her example may be known.

May Allah grant to you, your children and your family sabr and strength in the face of your immense loss. We pray that a place of high honour is reserved in Jannat for departed Sr Shamima.

Was salaam.

Mohamed Bhabha.
Oakville, On.
Canada

Dear Na'eem,

Assalamu Alaikum,

May Allah help you in these difficult times and for the loss of your dear wife Shamima. And may he give you in Minhaj and Shir'ah the strength to stand and raise them in the manner mom wanted them to be.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

MSANEWS Editors

Assalamu Alaikum wa rehmatullah,

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.

We in the USA did not know her. It is sad to learn about people and their contribution only after they pass away. But thank you for your obituary. It indeed inspired me to learn more about her.

What will be the best contribution to her memory but to share her writings with others? What goes on in the South African Muslim community is hardly known here in the US. I think English speaking Muslim minority communities need to share their thoughts and experience with each other.

I know almost all the editors of Muslim magazines here in the US and am also in contact with sister's groups who might be partners in struggle with sister Shamima. If you send me the material, I promise I will share with you.

Wassalam

Abdul Malik Mujahid

Dear Na’eem

Because our paths had not crossed for some time I only heard of Shamima’s passing after it happened. I would have wished to attend the memorial service had I known of it. The moving tribute in the Mail & Guardian and the Sunday Independent prompted me to write to you.

I did know of her illness – that much our contacts had taught me. But I did not know her well, nor of her wonderful work of which I have now learnt at least a little. I am sure her example and memory will inspire many others, and not only women, to continue the struggle for gender equality.

Let me end by again expressing my profound sympathy with you and your children and family, and the hope that you will derive some consolation from the many tributes paid to Shamima. It is a Jewish custom, at a time of death, to wish the mourners "Long Life". So I wish you "Long Life".

Sincerely Yours

Franz Auerbach
Jewish Board of Deputies &
World Conference on Religion and Peace

As Salaamu Alaikum

It is fitting that at this moment Brothers and Sisters have gathered to commemorate the passing over and celebrating the life of a personality that has made a great contribution in the debates around Muslim issues in South Africa.

It is a pity that some of us, myself in particular, cannot be with you at this moment, due to some constraints. But be assured that we are together in spirit . May Allah reward Shamima generously and grant her Jannah. Insha Allah.

By her successor

Simphiwe Sesanti
Al Qalam

BISMILLAHIR RAHMAN NIR RAHIM

I seek refuge from Allah against a cursed devil, peace be upon Nabi (saw) and his progeny.

I write about the person who was not only a Muslim activist but a visionary in the struggle against colonialism and any form of injustice perpetrated by anyone, whether Muslim or non-Muslim in this country. As it is a human thinking to pause a little and think about the past in events like this, let me remind us what this woman has done for me and my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in the Free State. She visited my region not for material gain but because she was concerned about the growth of the Muslims in this part of the region. They left Johannesburg as a family to Bloemfontein and most unfortunately they were involved in a car accident. Most of us will recall how they suffered from injuries for our spritual development and how they tried to uplift us as a nation in the region.

Hopefully Na'eem is not going to abandon the dream they had as a family, for today I proudly stand as a liberated Muslim and the president of the Muslim Youth Movement out of what I learned from that couple.

There are other regions that need your help in this country; keep up the good work. Her role is not going to be easily forgotten by the MYM as an organisation and its National Executive. We recall all the projects she ran for this movement as an executive member and as an individual. As a visionary she led the MYM in championing the women’s struggle in this country, leaving the men of knowledge shivering with fear as women took over their positions in the masjids both in the so-called Indian and African areas.

She was challenged several times by the media and articulated our positions as an organisation quite well, even if sometimes it meant discrediting her as an individual. The MYM again became vocal on the Muslim Personal Law Board because of the effort she made in representing the organisation. She also put Al-Qalam at the top as editor of the paper. The radio station called The Voice could not get off the ground if Shamima was not part of the process that led to its establishment.

The MYM was even more honored when this strong young woman came to the ITP in KwaZulu-Natal at a critical stage for her last year. She was a real soldier in the path of Allah willing to sacrifice even the last of her breath for us all. No one will replace this gallant fighter and we pray that Allah grants her Jannah.

Ma assalaam

Salman Letlatsa
(President - Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa)

The ITP women

The dawn left the sky on that Saturday morning

And the birds stretched their wings in praise of Allah the almighty

Trees swaying in all directions confirming His greatness

I saw the worshipers coming out of the holy house

Blessed were the children of Africa at the ITP

As they drink from the new Zam Zam in the lips of Issa

There in front of me moved the women

So beautiful like the blue African sky

Tiktenkie singing courage in the hearts of the cowards

Women in Africa as beautiful as they were

As much strong as the machines of the far West

Women and virgins of my country

I saw them coming

In hijabs the cloth of the wise old

All I could say was "Ya Allah! Ya Allah!"

So difficult to understand the creation

And the wisdom behind the making of a woman

Among them all I noticed Maletsatsi

The maiden so beautiful and strong

Still on her wheelchair but smiling

Allah has given men gifts of life

The name was never rich in English

It symbolised hope in the speech of my people

Shamima, Maletsatsi, Shamima, Maletsatsi

I wish I will not forget the ITP

from Salman Letlatsa
Dedicated to Shamima Shaikh

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot destroy peace,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot suppress memories

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot steal eternal life,

It cannot conquer the spirit