When a 62-year-old Russian expat in the UAE, Liodmila Shtshebynia, passed away just two days after converting to Islam, the community came together to ensure she received a proper funeral. With no family in the UAE, her death was announced on the Instagram account @Janaza_UAE, urging people to attend her funeral as she had no one. The funeral was held at the Al Shahaba mosque in Sharjah, where residents gathered to pray for her.
Abdulla Hussain Almarzooqi, the founder of @Janaza_UAE, played a crucial role in announcing Liodmila’s funeral. He has been running the account for ten years, making sure that no one is buried without prayers. His posts on Instagram and other platforms have garnered a massive following, with thousands expressing their condolences for Liodmila. The messages spread viral on WhatsApp, calling on residents to attend the Janazah prayer and keep her in their prayers.
In another case in March, Daria Kotsarenko, a 29-year-old Dubai resident, also passed away shortly after receiving her conversion certificate. Daria had shown a genuine curiosity about the local culture and religion during her visit to Dubai three years ago, leading her to convert to Islam. Her sudden demise, believed to have been caused by a heart attack, brought sadness to the community. Still, there was a sense of hope as she had passed away during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Faris Al Hammadi, a Dubai Imam and Islamic content creator, highlighted the significance of Daria’s conversion and passing. Her story resonated with many residents, both Muslim and non-Muslim, who attended her funeral prayers at Al Qusais cemetery mosque. The community came together to pay their respects and remember Daria, emphasizing the unity and support present in the UAE during times of loss and sorrow.
The role of social media platforms, such as Instagram and WhatsApp, in spreading the news of these funerals and calling on residents to attend reflects the power of technology in connecting communities during times of need. The outreach and support provided through these platforms have enabled individuals like Liodmila and Daria to receive a proper funeral and prayers, ensuring that they are remembered and honored by the community.
As more cases like these arise in the UAE, the importance of coming together as a community to support individuals in their time of need becomes increasingly evident. The stories of Liodmila and Daria serve as reminders of the unity and compassion present within the UAE community, highlighting the bonds that connect residents regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. In times of loss and sorrow, it is essential to stand together, offering comfort and support to those who need it most.
