To my Floridian family and friends,
I’m really missing you all! (Especially during the month of Ramadhan)
The friendliness between young and old, even while fasting, greeting and meeting, asking after each other and each other’s families, sharing stories of the day, even when you don’t know someone that well, is something that is unique to Florida.
All those wonderful Iftaar get-togethers at friends’ houses. You know we’ve been out because we casually walk in at Dua time in large packs, holding Slurpies and a variety of chocolates after a short stop in 7-Eleven!
Those spur of the moment late night Daku’s when our parents keep reminding us as we are leaving mosque, to call them when we reach wherever the Daku is, when we are leaving the Daku, and to wake them up when we reach home!
Though undoubtedly fun, the endless stress of Youth Programs and trying to get young and old involved in Friday and Saturday night programs at the mosque! Memories in the youth group have been unique (because there’s no active girls youth group here!)
The mouth-watering smell of BBQ being prepared on Saturday nights, and then ordering the BBQ during the after-program fun and games!
The random days when friends and family make ‘plates’ for everyone’s homes! Not only do we see these people when they deliver plates to our home, but we also see them driving around the neighborhood! (Then we tell them at night that we saw them on Lake Mary Blvd!)
Frying samosas, pastries, and all other scrumptious (fried) food to take to mosque at night for Iftaar, where we sit with our friends and share the delights! Uniquely, with the community being small, we would move around during Iftaar time, to sit with different groups of friends and family and taste a little of what everyone brought!
With five minutes to go before Dua time, getting the mic and slideshows ready. And then indulging in my personal supply of tea and candy while ‘clicking’. And the endless memories that have been created with my Media P.I.C. (Partner in Crime) – Sabira Hudda-Ismail during the 9 years!
And all the youth madrasah teachers taking candy for the kids who’d proudly come running to tell them that they fasted (whether they were the whole day, half the day, mini-fasts, or the last 20 minutes!)
So for all of you that are in Florida, know that I am really missing you all, and I hope I can come back for another Ramadhan with all of you!
Cherish the warmth and hospitality that Orlando has to share, and keep me and my family in your Duas, especially during the upcoming nights of Qadr.
Iltimaase Dua…