Hearts Connecting

10/04/2024

Eid Mubarak Believers 💛🦋💗

03/04/2024

When it comes to loss and pain: it forces you to grow without warning. It makes you more intuitive, sensitive, and empathetic.

When I experienced the death of my late husband and was going through the stages of grief on my healing journey, I needed an outlet to channel that pain, sorrow, and grief. I wasn’t seeking an award or acknowledgment; I just needed to turn pain into purpose so that others experiencing what I have could find some form of relief and comfort along their journey.

Here are five ways to turn your pain into purpose.

TrustInAllah

02/04/2024

28/03/2024

Ameen!

25/03/2024

I often tell the widows I work with that during their time of grief and mourning, they need to teach people how to treat them with respect and care.

Sadly, not everyone knows what’s appropriate to say during such a raw, vulnerable, and heart-wrenching period.

For a widow in the waiting period (iddah), it can feel like straddling two dimensions— one foot on earth, the other in a realm trying to hold onto their beloved.

Those who love you find it agonizing to witness your pain and may try to comfort you, inadvertently adding to the hurt. Then there are those who offer unsolicited judgments from afar.

I’ve lost count of the times loved ones, friends, and acquaintances have made comments like the ones listed.

What I’ve learned is that many struggle to witness us in pain, so they try to fix it instead of being okay with the discomfort.

Navigating conversations with widows, especially during the initial phase of their widowhood, requires a delicate approach filled with sensitivity and empathy.

This period, known as the Iddah Period in Islamic tradition, is a time of mourning and adjustment for the widow.

Here are 5 statements to avoid when engaging with a Muslim Widow during her Iddah Period.

Which one resonated the most with you?

21/03/2024

18/03/2024

Through experience, I’ve learned that we will miss our loved ones forever until we reunite with them in the next life, InshaAllah and that this life will be different without them physically here.

Although you will still have your moments of tears, heartache, sadness, and yearning for them, it does, however, gets more manageable.

Grief is indeed a process that affects everyone differently. It’s such a beautiful expression to cry for a loved one when we miss them. It can be painful. It’s not easy, but it’s a healthy and normal response when missing your loved one.

Tears are like ‘liquid prayers’ that release the heart’s burdens. While crying can be very therapeutic, we can ask Allah, The Most Kind to help us use the Month of Ramadan to channel our pain into ease and peace as the tears flow.

May Allah, The Most Loving, fortify our hearts with ease and comfort. Ameen!

13/03/2024

For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one this year, especially during your first Ramadan without them...

To those missing their mother, father, wife, husband, sister, brother, son, daughter, grandparents, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, dear friend, or any loved one who has transitioned...

May The Most Merciful grant you ease in your hearts. Ameen. May His Grace and Mercy continue to surround you. Ameen. May you find strength in His infinite love. Ameen.

May you fill that void in our hearts and replace it with hope, faith, creativity, inspiration, and intuitive strength. Ameen!

In this holy month, let us honor their memory by performing good deeds on their behalf. May these acts of kindness benefit them in the grave and on the Day of Judgment. Ameen.


Remember, even in the darkness there is internal light. Hold onto hope and faith, for they are eternal.

19/10/2023

In these heart-wrenching times, we witness the loss of countless civilian lives in the midst of unimaginable violence. Husbands, wives, parents, and children are being separated forever, in this life. Entire generations of families are being shattered by the devastating impacts of airstrikes. Each innocent life lost is a tragedy that touches the core of our shared humanity, regardless of the circumstances.

We understand the profound pain of losing a loved one and the devastation it brings. Now, consider the additional anguish of not being able, to allow family and friends to offer their traditional final farewells, all due to the constant fear of bombardment.

Amidst these trying circumstances, there is a call for humanity to step in and support a cease-fire. This cease-fire is not just about pausing the violence; it's about providing essential aid to the people of Gaza, ensuring they receive the basic supplies required for their survival. It's about giving survivors the time and security they need to give their loved ones the dignified and respectful burials they deserve.

We invite you to join us in supporting the demand for a cease-fire. Together, we can make a difference and every act of solidarity counts. Here is a link for you to learn more and show your support: AJP Action https://palestine.salsalabs.org/gazaceasefire2

Let's stand together in compassion, justice, understanding, and action during these difficult times. Our shared humanity unites us, and our collective efforts can bring hope in the face of despair.

With love and empathy,

Tahirah J. Taalib-Din

13/10/2023

Losing someone we love is never easy, but the healing process can be made easier with the support of family and friends. Hearts Connecting offers a unique and special way to commemorate the life of your loved one. With our virtual celebration of life service, you and your loved ones can come together from all over the world, without the need to travel. Our team specializes in creating special slideshows that showcase the best moments of your loved one's life in pictures. It's a service that will be remembered for a very long time and help you in the healing process. Let us help you remember and honor your loved one in a special way.

Losing someone we love is never easy, but the healing process can be made easier with the support of family and friends. Hearts Connecting offers a unique and special way to commemorate the life of your loved one. With o...

06/09/2023

Love Transcends
by: Ameen Phillips

Though She is moving on, she remembers her love lost.

Not lost to the heart but lost to a world of pain and strife.

For we know pain can shape us,
But love gives us life.

Oh, Tahirah be strong and remain sincere,
For Allah has given you love again because you were patient and persevered.

Remember your Prophet (pbuh) after he lost Khadijah (ra),
Though mourned the loss of his love, Allah granted him with Aisha (ra)
So, rest easy in your heart for our beloved Antar

Because he wants you to move on and still loves you from afar
Seek the wisdom in new beginnings and pray for the success,
Of a new marriage and a new union that Allah will truly bless.

For those who’ve watched you heal we know the journey has been real
An inspiration to us all and to this day we admire still.

Tahirah the pure, the chaste and the pristine,
Be good to your new husband and hold tight to your deen.

May Allah truly guide you give mercy and give you grace,
For it was written you’d find love again, indeed this was no mistake.

As we scream takbir for this marriage we still remember,
That the goal and priority is to make it into Jannah.

So may Allah bless you both with true friendship and true love,
And rain down the barakah from the heavens up above.




}WidowsLifetoWifeLife



(This poem was recited at my virtual wedding by brother, Ameen)

18/07/2023

https://conta.cc/44BxKsQ

Celebration of Life     Hello Tahirah, We understand the profound impact of honoring the life and memories of your loved ones. Everyone deserves a heartfelt tribute that brings people together, regar

14/06/2023

Check out our latest blog on permanently installing virtual access as an expectation for events.

As a valued member of our community, we are excited to share with you about virtual event services that promise to be an experience like no other.

13/06/2023

Creating a safe and supportive space for widows to come together and share their experiences and emotions was a dire need in our community. Until Muslim Women and Women of Faith Widow Support Group was founded. Losing a spouse can be one of the most difficult and isolating experiences a person can go through, and it's essential to have a supportive community to help us through it.

Registration for the Summer 2023 session is now open for widowed women to register at no cost, thanks to generous sponsors.

Click link at https://heartsconnecting.com/widow-support register.

Be a blessing of ease and relief to a widow moving through her healing process by sharing this message.

26/04/2023

We are honored by CA Capital to feature Hearts Connecting on Big Day of Giving! Thank you so much CaCapital.

22/03/2023

https://heartsconnecting.com/blogs/f/the-year-of-first-your-first-ramadan-after-their-transition

I wrote a blog titled "The Year of First: Your First Ramadan After Their Transition." It's dedicated to believers experiencing their first Ramadan after the transition of a loved one.

In this blog are five ways to help you with your first Ramadan after the transition of your loved one. InshaAllah, I pray that it benefits the reader.

May Allah comfort your heart and ease your mind during the test and trial of moving through your healing process. Ameen!

May Allah have mercy on their soul. Ameen! May their graves be spacious and filled with light. Ameen! May they be among the righteous and those foremost in faith in the next life. Ameen! May you reunite with them in the next life. Ameen!

Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan Mubarak!

06/02/2023

Death is inevitable, but being prepared can bring peace of mind to ourselves and our loved ones. Here are a few things to consider when planning for the end of life:

1. Write a will and make sure it's updated regularly.

2. Make sure your loved ones know your final wishes, including funeral arrangements and organ donation.

3. Consider getting life insurance to help cover end-of-life expenses.

4. Keep important documents, such as your will and power of attorney, in a safe and accessible place.

While it's not a pleasant topic to think about, preparing for death can bring a sense of comfort and control in an uncertain time.

05/02/2023

Grief is a personal and unique experience, and it is important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way. Some may cry frequently, while others may bottle up their emotions. Some may find solace in friends and family, while others may prefer to be alone.

It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It's a journey that takes time, and it's important to allow people the space and time they need to process their emotions.

It's also important to not judge someone's grieving process. It's a natural response to loss and should be respected. Instead, try to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or simply be present.

Let's be kind and understanding during this difficult time. Grief is a reminder that we are alive and have loved deeply.

03/02/2023

Stepparenting is a challenging role to assume. But when the children have lost a parent, their surviving parent’s remarriage can add a layer of devastation and tests to an already challenging situation.

According to the U.S, Bureau of Census, 50% of the 60 million children under the age of 13 are currently living with one biological parent and that parent's current partner.

When you decide to marry a widow or widower and take on the role of the stepparent, your stepchildren become your extended family. Stepchildren enhance your life just as you are there to benefit them in theirs.

Stepparenting is a unique opportunity for you to become half of a parenting team that rears your stepchildren into wonderful, conscientious, wholesome members of society. You're helping raise the next generation of children, which is a huge blessing and gift. It is also a major responsibility.

Over time, you'll better learn how to navigate your role in this new family dynamic and adjust your actions to fit the needs and expectations of the family unit.

01/02/2023

Small business owner check

If you are new, my name is Tahirah J. Taalib-Din, CEO/Founder of Hearts Connecting, LLC. 1st place National pitch contest winner of Operation HOPE Pitch Contest, BeYouInHD Build Your Boss Biz Pitch Contest and California Capital Pitch Contest.
Hearts Connecting is a professional virtual Janazah, an online funeral and memorial facilitation company.

We help funeral homes, directors, and families seeking our virtual funeral and memorial services connect family and friends in paying their respects from the comfort of their homes.

Since April 2021, we’ve connected the hearts of nearly 4,000 families and friends globally in paying their respects from the comfort of their homes.

We also provide an innovative and first-of-its-kind support group for Muslim Widows and Women of Faith in our 6-Week Grief Recovery Workshop held quarterly.

Lastly, we are a monthly columnist in the Muslim Journal Publication.

You can find me online here on Facebook Hearts Connecting or at our website www.HeartsConnecting.com

If you or someone you know need help planning a virtual funeral or an online memorial, please leave a comment or share this post.

31/01/2023

Preparing a will is an important step in protecting your assets and ensuring that your final wishes are carried out. Here are a few things to keep in mind when drafting a will:

1. Make a list of all your assets, including real estate, personal property, and financial accounts.

2. Identify the beneficiaries of your will and make sure they are aware of their role.

3. Consider appointing a trusted person as executor of your will to handle the distribution of your assets.

4. Review and update your will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

It's also worth noting that there are different types of wills and it is important to consult with an attorney to make sure you're creating the right will for your situation.

Don't put it off, having a will in place brings peace of mind not just for you but for your loved ones.

29/01/2023

Are you looking for a way to pamper yourself while also supporting a good cause? Look no further than Care Filled Essentials (CFE) LLC! Not only is it a woman and black-owned business, but it's also run by the extremely generous Denica Abdur-Razzaaq, who is a consistent sponsor for the Muslim Widow and Women of Faith Support Group. By providing gifts to widows in the past, CFE has shown their dedication to giving back to the community.

But that's not all, CFE also offers a wide range of top-grade, all-natural body care products that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and smelling amazing! Their best seller and personal favorite, the Whipped Lavender Body Butter, will transport you to a state of total relaxation.

And that's not all, CFE also provides "thinking of you" gifts to families who use their virtual funeral and memorial service. Their signature gift, the "Try Me Collection", is a thoughtful way to offer comfort and support during a difficult time.

So, why not treat yourself and others by visiting CFE's website today? Not only will you indulge in some high-quality self-care, but you'll also be supporting a business that gives back to the community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference, shop now at Care Filled Essentials LLC!

https://www.carefilledessentials.com/

27/01/2023

In Islam, there are several prayers that can be made for the deceased.

Salat al-Janazah: This is the funeral prayer that is performed by the community for the deceased. It is a collective obligation and it's highly recommended that Muslims attend the funeral prayers of their deceased Muslim brothers and sisters.

Surah Al-Fatiha: This is the first chapter of the Quran and is considered to be the most important chapter. It is recited for the deceased as a means of seeking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.

Du’a for the deceased: There are several supplications that can be made for the deceased, such as asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy for the deceased, asking Allah to grant the deceased a place in Jannah (Paradise), and asking Allah to grant the deceased peace and tranquility.

Giving Sadaqah (charity) on behalf of the deceased: Giving charity on behalf of the deceased is considered a means of seeking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.

Making dua for deceased in the family: It is recommended to make dua for deceased family members regularly, particularly on Friday, after the Friday prayer.

It's important to remember that the ultimate goal of these prayers is to seek forgiveness and mercy for the deceased, and to ask Allah to grant the deceased a place in Jannah (Paradise).

23/01/2023

Online funerals and memorials, also known as virtual funerals, are funerals that are held over the internet rather than in person. They allow family and friends who are unable to attend a traditional in-person funeral to participate and pay their respects remotely through live streaming or pre-recorded videos.

Online funerals can take different forms, such as live streaming a traditional funeral service, hosting a virtual memorial service, or creating an online tribute page where family and friends can share memories, photos and videos.

Online funerals can also be helpful in situations where it's not safe or practical to gather in person, such as during a pandemic. They also offer the convenience of being able to participate from anywhere and at any time, and in some cases, it can be a more cost-effective option.

It's important to keep in mind that online funerals are not for everyone and some people may prefer a traditional in-person funeral or memorial service. But it's a good option to have, especially in these difficult times.

If you are considering a virtual funeral or memorial for your loved one, we invite you to schedule a free 30 minute consulation with our event specialist, just click the link at the bio.

21/01/2023

Dear Beloved Widow,

I see you, I know what you are going through. You will be okay, with time, my heart goes out to you. Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences one can go through and the journey of grief and healing is a long one.

I want you to know that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a community of people who understand what you're going through and who care about your well-being.

I want you to know that it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions and that you don't have to hide them. Cry when you need to, laugh when you can, and take the time you need to heal. Remember, healing is not a linear process and there will be good days and bad days.

I want you to know that it's okay to lean on others for support. Whether it's friends, family, or a support group, never be afraid to reach out for help.

I want you to know that it's okay to celebrate your loved one's life and memories. Keep their memory alive and honor them in your own way.

Remember, you are strong and you will get through this. You are loved and you will heal.

20/01/2023

We have 7 days left for our widows support group fundraiser, and we ask you to reach into the generosity of your heart and contribute to this fantastic cause that’s changing our dear sisters’ lives through healing in community.

Our goal over the next 72 hours is to raise our final $10,000. Donate any amount you are able by clicking the link.

Thank you so much for your help in supporting such a noble cause. https://heartsconnecting.com/widow-support

https://youtu.be/QoqU4wCCgmw

As Salaam Alaikum and Greetings of Peace!When I lost my late husband a little over 2 years, I did not have the will to live. It was by far the biggest test o...

19/01/2023

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate and can be a time-consuming and costly process. However, there are ways to avoid probate and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Use a Living Trust: A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee during your lifetime. The trustee then distributes the assets according to your instructions, bypassing probate.

Beneficiary Designations: Many financial accounts, such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, and insurance policies, allow you to name a beneficiary. These assets will pass directly to the named beneficiary upon your death, bypassing probate.

Joint Ownership: Owning property with another person, such as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or community property with right of survivorship, allows the surviving owner to take ownership of the property without going through probate.

Gifting: Gifting assets while you are still alive can also help avoid probate.

It's important to keep in mind that probate laws vary by state, and it's always a good idea to consult with an attorney to make sure you have the right plan in place.

Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, but by taking the right steps, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

17/01/2023

To all the caregivers out there, thank you. You play an important role in the lives of those you care for. Your dedication and love are deeply appreciated.

I know that being a caregiver can be a challenging and demanding job. It can be emotionally, physically and mentally draining. It's important to remember to take care of yourself as well. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself each day, whether it's for a short walk, a relaxing bath, or simply some quiet time.

It's also important to seek support from friends and family, or to seek professional help if you need it. Remember that it's okay to ask for help, and it's important to take care of yourself so you can continue to take care of others.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and you are making a real difference in the lives of those you care for. You are appreciated and respected. And, we see you!

Seek your reward from The Creator of the heavens and earth.

13/01/2023

Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, and it can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Taking care of yourself during this time is important, and there are many self-care practices that can help you to cope with your grief and find some sense of peace and comfort.

Here are 3 self-care ideas for getting through grief:

1. Take a relaxing bath or shower: Taking a warm bath or shower can help to relax your muscles and reduce stress. Add some Epsom salts or essential oils to the water to enhance the relaxation effects.

2. Practice deep breathing or meditation: Deep breathing and meditation are simple but effective ways to calm the mind and reduce stress. There are many guided meditations available online that you can follow along with from the comfort of your home.

3. Get some exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. There are plenty of home workouts that you can do with minimal equipment, or you can go for a walk or run around your neighborhood.

Remember to listen to your body and do what feels best for you. Self care is all about taking care of yourself and doing what makes you feel good.

12/01/2023

Only 9 spaces available for 6-week Grief Recovery workshop for Muslim Widow and Women of Faith.

Registration for the Winter 2023 session is now open for widowed women to register at no cost, thanks to generous sponsors.

To my widows click link to learn more and register https://heartsconnecting.com/widow-support

Be a blessing of ease and relief to a widow moving through her healing process by sharing this post.