Questions

Why is it that sometimes it’s easier to admit your mistakes to God, to ask His Forgiveness, and to swallow your pride in front of Him; than it is with other people? Why are we sometimes more reluctant/ afraid to say or do something in front of other people than we are in front of Allah?

Is it a sign of lack of emaan, shedding light on our pathetic state of affairs; or is it just “one of those things”?

Inna Lillaahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji'oon

My granduncle passed away early this morning, of the stomach cancer he was diagnosed with a month or two ago.
May Allah forgive him, grant him an easy time in the grave, and elevate him to the status of shaheed (martyr), ameen. And may Allah grant my family patience and strength of emaan (faith) to pull through this difficult time, ameen.

Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said:
“While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.”
Then the Prophet (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said, “Five are martyrs:
1. One who dies of plague,
2. One who dies of an abdominal disease,
3. One who dies of drowning,
4. One who is buried alive (and) dies
5. And One who is killed in Allah’s cause.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith no. 624.)
...

I still can't believe it, though.
Even though I saw him suffering the effects of the cancer, the strongest memories I'll have of him are the numerous happy ones of my childhood: going to his house to pick cherries from the massive cherry tree in the garden, our many summer family barbecues, his loving teasing and jokes, his special smell as I'd snuggle up with him...
SubhanAllah. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah.

-Mouse