Readings particularly suitable for death of a Muslim child (multi-cultural assembly)

[hub2dee]

Hi Wise MNers,

Wonder if anyone might suggest any suitable readings / parables / stories / poems that respect a Muslim pov regarding death of children / young people.

A teacher I know needs to prepare materials for a special assembly / ceremony within a multi-faith school for a teenager (killed by a vehicle).

TIA for any advice / suggestions (I think they only have today to put together some materials, so I won't be able to pass on the advice beyond today's posts). Will also be in and out today so apologies if I can't acknowledge your posts straight away.

Hi, hub

This is from a book about Muslim and other alternative funerals, by Kate Gordon - it was quoted at the end of a summary of the book here :

"End Page" by Clare Crossman

Keep that which would deny life cornered.

Let there be a place at tables for all those that mourn.

May earth, sea, and sky

always be remembered, blessed.

May love never have to justify its name.

My cousin is a teacher and an 18-yr-old in one of her classes was killed last week - he crossed the road behind his bus and was hit and killed instantly. It's never happened to her before - the empty chair in the classroom - she's finding it very hard.

Thanks JanH,

V. useful for background reading. Thanks for the link.

The empty chair sounds horrible.

Can't think of a reading, Hub, but this might be of help.

I know in advance that this link isn't going to work, because I can't work out what I'm doing, but the early part of this document may be useful for its useful summary of the Islamic attitude to death.

Perhaps this ruling might help, (the answer not the question) here .
I'll have a think, when is the assembly for ???

Thanks very much for the diverse input.

It is interesting the Muslim angle appears to be you can neither advance nor delay death, it will happen when Allah has pre-determined it to happen....

A tough concept (although perhaps comforting) at the best of times, really quite hard for young hearts to grasp perhaps in situations like this?

I know this concept of 'Almighty Fate', with certain tweaks, is shared throughout different religions though....

Interesting. I'll pass your links on and thanks again for taking the trouble to 'scratchy head'.

Just to let all posters know that the readings / talk went v. v. well for the children, other teachers and the family of the deceased kid.

Thank you for all your ideas.