Question of the Month: Can You Explain the 40-Day Grieving Ritual

Such rituals are thousands of years old and help humanity successfully navigate the tough spots in one’s lives such as the death of a loved one. In the Ismaili faith we are taught to grieve for 40 days after the passing of a loved one, as his or her spirit resides in the close proximity of loved ones during the 40 days of the grieving period. You are not supposed to cook or clean house, and support is provided by the community at large who bring food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are similar grieving rituals in other faiths. For example in the Jewish faith there is a 7-day grieving ritual called sitting Shiva. I was counseled by my spiritual teacher that 40 days after Tariq’s death, his soul would transcend to a higher consciousness in preparation of the soul’s forward journey.

Souls as we all know are immortal and never die. Excessive grieving by loved ones and family after the 40 days impede the departed soul’s journey into the next world. Instead of continual grieving, I was inspired by my spiritual teacher to do good and compassionate deeds in the name of the departed. This would create spiritual currency for the departed soul as well as provide high-octane fuel for the soul’s journey. Thus the inspiration for me to start the Tariq Khamisa Foundation – which every day, by its good and compassionate deeds, creates spiritual currency for Tariq. I am in a similar introspective mediation seeking divine guidance to similarly honor my Mama.