To say that harakaat was an intelligent guy would be an understatement; he really struggled to live out his intelligence and be as rational as possible. But I witnessed a conflict within him that reminded me much of myself; his romantic side would always show its head. He was a very poetic guy, a guy who truly knew how to express himself. His unparalleled confidence and openness were inspirational.
He had a deep love for the Arabic language, and it really reignited my love for my culture. He was a true embodiment of someone leaving faith but embracing his culture. But he loved all languages and cultures, and I was amazed at how many languages he sought to learn. He was a truly cosmopolitan guy, as evidenced by his love for Esperanto. He sought to unite all cultures and peoples, and in a way, he did it within himself.
Whatever harakaat was going through in his life, I knew he longed to escape. He was really looking forward to going to university and experiencing the student life. He had applied to programs in Montreal and was really looking forward to moving to the city. I was astounded at how obsessed he was with it. He would consistently ask me about life in Montreal, and he seemed to want to know every aspect of everything in this corner of the world. I think to him it was a form of escape, something to look forward to.
He was also very intrigued by rave culture. I think that, too, was a form of escapism to him. He was a person who really felt music deep within him, and I think he longed for a time and place when the pure bliss of sound would take over him and make everything alright.
I don't think many people can understand the bond harakaat and I shared over music. He was an artistic person who really knew what it meant to have your being moved by music, and one of very few people who could relate to me and my experiences. He had a special place in his heart for Classical music, and one of the last conversations we had was about music that moved us. These are the pieces he shared with me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEnfZjqMSy0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAx_IQydxEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfjD-DQ5REk"And of course," he said,"the masterpiece of masterpieces:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSulR9FymgHarakaat, I didn't know you for very long, but you quickly came to be one of my brothers. We had a deep and unspoken bond. I knew you had my back every time I needed help, whether it was relationship advice or anything else. And the conversations we had were very enlightening and gave me a different perspective on life, truth and the universe.
Harakaat, I have no idea what's on the other side of this absurd existence, but I hope that you've found the peace you yearned for, and I hope your ashes blossom into a bright flower in the desert of Arabia. My friend and brother, you will be dearly missed.
Topic: Remembering Harakaat (R.I.P.)