In A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Jalil, Mariam’s father, dies from an illness. The exact nature of the illness is not specified in the book, but it is mentioned that he had been sick for some time before his death. Jalil’s death is a significant moment in the story as it marks the end of Mariam’s hope for a relationship with her father, who had largely been absent from her life.
Jalil’s death is also a turning point for Mariam, as it forces her to confront her feelings of abandonment and the harsh realities of her life. Despite his absence and the pain he caused her, Mariam still feels a deep sense of loss when he dies, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.