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In Memory of Mohammed Yahia, My Mentor

In the textile of life, he was the vibrant thread that wove through the fabric of my existence.

“That is what friends are for“; that is what he would always say to me. His words were like a soothing balm for every ache in my heart. Each time I sought his wisdom, simply the solace of his brilliant mind to untangle the knots of my troubles, Mohammed would always be there, as my steadfast friend. And that continued to be the case for over 15 years.

Through the retreat and flow of life, we weathered the storms of separation: my relocation to different cities, his demanding and active schedule, the tango of family commitments. But never did our bond fray; it remained unbreakable, a lifelong stretching across time and distance. He was my confidant, a guardian of my secrets, guiding me through life’s maze without a grain of judgment.


The year 2007 painted an ordinary day with extraordinary shades, as my relationship with Mohammed transformed from being mere colleagues into trusted friends. Initially, this posed some challenges on a personal level, from my side, perhaps because his words used to resonate differently, etching meaning into every syllable.

Yet, within the span of a short time, my relationship with Mohammed and his soulmate Ola evolved into kindred spirits, colleagues, and friends whose paths refused to diverge, even as our professional avenues shifted. He possessed the gift of wisdom, seasoned with a sprinkle of humor and vulnerability.

He embraced life ardently, embracing its myriad hues. Fear was foreign to him; he courted risk,
like an old friend, entertained multiple solutions, and embraced the unknown with open arms and an even more open heart.


“What is the loss?” he’d question whenever doubt clouded my decisions. What indeed, I now wonder. He sailed through life’s crests and troughs, never faltering in public view.

Though I am certain moments of vulnerability graced his soul, he navigated them with a serene mind, for he was a master of harmonizing chaos, forever dancing on the edge of settlement.

His passing is a testament that he attained his desired horizon. If prayers were whispered, he must have yearned for a departure as peaceful as the one he embraced—airborne, flying over the skies.

He soared, not bedridden or landlocked, but free as a bird, soaring towards aspirations, and perhaps the dawn of a new dream in a realm beyond our reach. I can almost feel the quiet exhalation of his soul from its earthly body, a departure met with tranquil acceptance, an essence of his character.

After about two decades intertwined with Mohammed’s essence, the hourglass of his time on Earth ran dry. From the contours of his life that I’ve traced, I harbor a belief that he now resides in a realm more amazing.

In his 41 years, he orchestrated a symphony of accomplishments—woven from dreams of career pinnacles, a family’s warm embrace, hearts touched by his light, a legacy etched into the pages of time. I pray for his connection with God was equally profound, and full of mercy.

As our paths now diverge temporarily, until we meet one day again. Mohammed leaves behind a treasury of moments, a trove of lessons, a mentorship that transcends the bounds of mortality. His encouragement fuels my journey; and his gentle nudges steer me away from false hopes.

If you never had the privilege of knowing him, allow me to introduce him, as he once did on LinkedIn:


“I am an editorial and publishing director with over 10 years of experience in producing
science-related publications aimed at different audiences. I have demonstrated experience
in people management and leadership and producing bespoke products for clients. I also
have expertise in media and communication on both social media and traditional media.
I currently lead the Springer Nature editorial operation in the Middle East and work closely
with the VP of Editorial and VP of Publishing as we produce several new science
publications both in English and Arabic.


I am also closely involved with the science journalists community, both regionally and
internationally. I am one of the founding members of the Arab Science Journalists.
Association, and am the past president of the World Federation of Science Journalists
(WFSJ).”


Beyond his titles, he was an extraordinary soul, a gem that life graces us with infrequently.

The post In Memory of Mohammed Yahia, My Mentor appeared first on About Islam.



source https://aboutislam.net/family-life/special-coverage-family-society/that-is-what-friends-for-in-memory-of-mohammed-yahia/
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