No single memory can fully capture the greatness of my aunt. I was fortunate to spend 22 years learning from her, each year filled with lessons and cherished moments that will stay with me forever.
Her faith was central to her life, and she brought us closer to Allah by supporting our Quranic and Arabic education. Thanks to her, I grew from a shy beginner into a confident Quranic reciter. She cared deeply about building good character, not just in me, but in all her younger relatives.
My aunt Bimpe believed in starting the day early. When we were children, she would wake us at 5 am for Fajr prayer. If we didn’t get up, she’d return with a bowl of water and gently flick it at us until we were awake. Those mornings often included seeing her run or jog. Ever-consistent and ever-focused on her health, even with a demanding banking job. That’s my Aunt Bimpe: a multitasker with the drive of an athlete and the heart of a fighter.
My aunt had an infectious personality; she made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Even the quietest person would find themselves opening up during a conversation with her. If you were feeling down, she would lift your spirits and help you see the good in yourself. Her encouragement touched everyone around her. She never allowed negativity or unkindness. She valued humility and treated her employees like family, inviting them to eat at her table. She listened to younger relatives with patience and respect, always making them feel heard. She never belittled anyone; instead, she celebrated people’s achievements and spoke highly of them in front of others. She was everyone’s biggest supporter.
My aunt was everything good that people said about her, which you will see and read in these tributes, and which you will hear from word of mouth. Not many people can say hundreds of people called to witness and participated in their Janazah prayer, and not many people can say a few more people left what they were doing, from near and far away, at the drop of a pin, to pay their final respects to you. Indeed, it shows the goodness of your character and the impact you have made on people. As they say, a good name is worth more than sIlver or gold. My aunt had a good name, and she was generous. Generous with her time, resources, attention, knowledge, and people network. My aunt always sought out people she knew within her circle who could help with a dilemma that I or anyone she knew faced. She had a sense of urgency second to none. She was the most intelligent person in my family, and she never hesitated to teach you new things. She was very knowledgeable and widely read to the extent that she read through the 3 bookshelves in her house. Always supporting you with tutors, new books, and sharing video links to broaden your knowledge.
I have a couple of conversations I would have liked to have with you about life, post-graduation, career, marriage, and a couple of questions that no one could have answered as well and with the same perspective as you. I will forever miss you and cherish your teachings. My aunt would hope we followed and practiced the good parts of her. For that is her legacy to us. Your spot and presence are irreplaceable. Thank you, my first aunt.
May Allah forgive and illuminate you, Adebimpe Saudat Adedoyin.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ
Allaahum-maghfir lahu, Allaahumma thabbithu.
O Allah, forgive her. O Allah, strengthen her.