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reflections

Reflections

Ramadhan Flew By…

Three days after Eid and I am sitting on my balcony where I can vividly see the sun setting and the moon taking it’s post in the calm skies. I see a commercial airline flying through the clouds at lightning speed; heading towards Pearson Airport; and it strikes me that the blessed Month of Ramadhan flew by in pretty much the same way.

Not too long ago we were preparing for, and subconsciously worrying about the long fasts and the hot days within which we would have to go without food and water for over 15 hours!
A part of me felt at that time, as guilty as it sounds, that it would be a relief to successfully complete the month and the fasts. But now, on the other side of those 30 days, my heart feels nothing but sorrow and grief.

The fasts were long, yes, and the days were tiring. There were moments one could only thank God that a feast awaited at the time of Iftaar, but Alhamdulillah there was focus and strength during the month that was a sign of His Power and Blessings in itself.

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20 July 2015
Reflections

The ‘Now’

What is so wrong about living in the ‘Now’? Over the last few days, since the beginning of Mahe Mubarak Ramadhan, I’ve heard several different opinions on how the fasts are going. Some people say they are long and tiring, while others say Alhamdulillah they are going well. I’ve personally noticed, if I don’t keep my eyes constantly on the clock (counting to Iftaar time), and keep myself preoccupied, be it with work, the recitation of Qur’an, spending time with family, or just taking a nap (which is Thawaab in this month!), then I am a more content person. Maybe that is why the older generation in our community can complete these fasts with such ease, because they have been taught contentment from a young age, which is an asset we have failed to understand in today’s day and age!

In reality, 18 hours does seem like a long time to go about without food and water. However, this wonderful month comes to us with its own strength, giving each individual who is willing to give it a chance, energy in abundance. I, for one, can attest to that!

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1 July 2015
Reflections

True Colours

Walking amidst the colourful autumn leaves left me thinking of quite an apt analogy. What if the autumn tree represented the standing of our social community? And what if every leaf that held to that tree, was somebody we knew? Would these fallen leaves then represent people who are no longer with us in this world?

This relativity feels so fitting of the thoughts that have been swimming in my mind recently as I think of the several times in the last month that I have heard of someone that I know, passing away.

But what seems most appropriate is the colour of these leaves; though fallen from the tree, they are bright and beautiful – just like the personalities of the individuals that we remember. It is their true colours that last as memories, like the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of these autumn leaves.

On Saturday 23rd August, a lady from Bathurst Community passed away. Though I was in London at the time, and I didn’t know her too well; memories of seeing her in Mahe Ramadhan with her elderly mother were quite vivid. I had spoken to her in passing since I moved to Canada, and knew her only by face. But something about her death triggered emotions.

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3 October 2014
Reflections

Welcoming the Blessed Month!

A cordial invitation, once again, to the House of Allah (s.w.t.)! How blessed are we? It is with great joy that we have been given the opportunity to accept the grand invitation by Allah (s.w.t.) for the Holy Month of Ramadhan. A banquet has been prepared, one we have witnessed time and time again, yet each year brings forth new ambitions.

Before us is a feast of opportunities – the ‘ever-so-distracting’ Shaytan is locked up, the treasures of Tawbah and Forgiveness are ample, and the chances to earn Thawaab and tally up our deeds for the Hereafter are endless! But more importantly, what did we bring to the table this time?

Only you can answer that question…

Ramadhan 1433 is the 3rd Ramadhan I am doing in London, England after having moved back from Orlando. The atmosphere in Orlando will truly be missed during these special days, and so will the atmosphere of my parent’s house, as it is my first Ramadhan as a wife, and in a new home.

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24 January 2014
Reflections

Ajeeb!

In retrospect; the Flag stood as a central pivot for the wave of black that circulated around it. My eyes closed, I could hear a unanimous beat, a sense that young and old in unison urged to revive their souls by beating their chests. Or did they?

Smiles formed on their lips, – gum-chewing, socially chatting, not a care in the world – girls jumped at the chance to be a part of that wave; but all for the wrong reasons. The flag, and the flag-bearer whose bravery we have constantly been reminded of was the central icon tonight – but I ask, was your pride to stand, to circle, to be a part of a ritual, such that you forgot why you were there? Whom were you mourning?

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26 December 2013
Reflections

A Reminder

From a bird’s eye view, the scenario was very much established, keeping in mind that it wasn’t the first time, and definitely wouldn’t be the last; it was nothing out of the ordinary.  Despite what you and I might have been feeling at that precise moment, the realm above us was accustomed to this procedure, and the decorum of its surroundings.

They looked down to where the lifeless being was. ‘Lifeless’, I chuckle at the irony of such a word. Was he not just full of life a few days ago? Walking as if he’ll live for years, engrossed in business affairs, the success of his family, accounting carefully for his wealth, and children, and so much more. Ah, but snatched from him in a split second, reminding him that what he lived off of, the soul that kept him going, was not his to keep anyway. What would have been of more concern is if it was being returned to its Maker the way it had been given as a loan in the first place, sixty odd years ago, or at least in a better condition.

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15 November 2010
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