AS a mother of two lovely sons, I was passing a wonderful and happy life until Nov 4, 2011 when my life was totally changed and shattered. My younger son, Zainul Abideen, was targeted and shot dead while he was leaving to offer his Friday prayers.

For me it was a doomsday. I felt there was nothing left and life had ended for me.

Then I had an opportunity to go for Umrah and I reached Makkah with a heavy heart. Even during the circumbulation, I was crying for Zain and wondering why.

After Umrah, before leaving for Madina, I went for a farewell visit to the Grand Mosque at night and while sitting there facing Ka’aba my husband saw something glittering coming towards us.

When it came nearer, I saw that it was a pearl as big as a pea, and it rolled under my chair and stopped. I screamed that this was my Zain and I picked it up in my palm and kissed it and put it back.

I again looked under my chair, and it was still there luring me to pick it up again. Just then a voice inside me said: “You cannot take things away from Allah’s house”.

It was a very unique pearl which I had never seen before in my life. I request all scholars who read this letter to enlighten me whether it was a pearl coming all the way for me.

I thank all my friends and relatives who stood by me and gave me strength.

SHAHEEN ABIDEEN Karachi