Ashurra - 10th Day of Muharram

It is Maghrib on Tuesday 6th January 2009. I have just broken my fast with some brothers are work, had a nice chicken shish from the local Kebab shop near my work. It was abs great, Alhamdullilah!

We now enter Yawm Ashura, which means the 10ths Day. This is unlike any other 10th day of the month and has many significant events taking place on this day.

On this 10th of Muharram,

• Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise;
• Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark;
• Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod;
• And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments.
• Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy);
• Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam);
• Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed.
• ‘Ashura is also the day when the kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored;
• Sayyidina Isa (Jesus) ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah (Paradise); and
• Sayyidina al- Imam Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Nabi’s, Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom

Fasting:

Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Qatada (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Huraira (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]

Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year is Muharram. In this month is an excellent day—the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram. The Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura. Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that when the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]


(Note: What the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.)

Pictures of Banbury Living ...

The Banbury Town Centre.....on the 25th....thus the deserted roads! Went on a stroll at lunch time to clear my head....though it was chilled and had to rush back for much needed chai....



The Brothers quarters at the Mosque, here we ate sleep and drank @ the Winter Halaqa 2008! To the left where the brother in white appears to be prostrating is where my I sleep! Through the curtain at the back to the right is where the Main Hall of the Mosque is situated.

After one of the the Question and Answer session Brother Omar asks Shaykh Samir Al Nass a question, think it was on "Black Magic"....with his helper to the left and the Banbury host "rude bhoy" to the right (not sure whos kid that is...)

Friday "Mafia" Night, suspects close in hand, Talhat, Shezzad out of the picture, with the others in the circle discussing suspects.

Traditional Halaqa - Banbury (20th Dec 2008 - 28th Dec 2008)

Traditional Halaqa Winter 9 Day course in Banbury was a very enlightening experience. http://traditionalhalaqa.org/ Words don't do justice to the vast experience and heightened knowledge this Halaqa has bestowed upon me, thanks to the Majesty of Allah (swt), I am ever so grateful for the shining light that has now stroke a cord through thee heart.

The trip to Banbury was a straight forward drive and the the road was like a beacon of light, on the Saturday of the 20th December 2008 one I will never forget. I made my intention on Jummah Day the previous day that I will attend. Having never stepped out of my comfort zone for a Halaqa of this magnitude, I had 100% faith in Allah (swt) that he would give me the strength and Sabr to get through the course. So A406, A40, M40 and from the virtues of Mr Thomas Thomas, I was in Banbury Mosque registering in the just before the time of Asr Salat (all in around 80 minutes).

After the Introduction from the organisers Ash-Shifa Trust http://www.ash-shifa.org.uk/ and then meeting the other Brothers that had already arrived. First and foremost met 2 reverts, and it did cross my mind then whether I did actually come to the right course. This doubt settled down once I saw the sub-continent submerge in their usual desi timing coming any time before night break! With the rear guard being taken by the Brothers later known as the "Lutonians" and given their attendance in recent events, they are known to be the late ones! So watch this space.

Shaykh Abdul Aziz opened the Winter Halaqa with an excellent speech and introduction and welcoming the students (some old and many new). Never met this Shaykh before but I tell you his face is so radiant with light. You see the light shining from a mile away and the smile is ever so encapsulating. Alhamdulillah. He had many stories to tell and all amazing you can listen to him all night and day. MashaAllah.

Shaykh Khaleed - He was a Leiceter man, and his looks are very deceptive, when he opends his mouth, the leicester in him comes out. He gave the Halaqa much to think about on the first day with Duas and Supplications and also covered the benefits of learning the deen and Aqeeda from the Hadith Al-Gabriel (Rules and regulations derived from the hadith) which covered the foundations of your imaan (qaid).

He noted a few Duas:

Al Ratib Al Shahir:
This consists of to name a few, Surah Fatiha, Last Ruku of Surah Baqara, Ayatul Qursi, Surat Falaq, Surat Nas and many others. The Halaqa group recited this every day after our Maghrib Salat which was great Masha'Allah. It was really inspiring and gave us much energy to continue though to the depths of the evening classses.

Ones to increase your knowledge (Ilm):

سُبْحَانَكَ لاَ عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلاَّ مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ

Subhanaka la 'ilma lana 'illa ma 'allamtana 'innaka 'antal-'Alimul Hakim

Glory be to you, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise [surah Baqarah; 2:32]

رَبِّ زدْنيِ عِلْماً وَ رْزُقْنيِ فَهْماً

Rabbi zidni 'ilman war zuqni fahman

O Allah! Advance me in Knowledge and true understanding

Tips from Shaykh Khaleed:

"...every knowledge you recieve never have pride in it; it is better to think you have no knowledge; as Allah (swt) in the one with all the knowledge"

"...never have pride with the knowlegde of the deen, when you get rid of this you will be elevated and this will increase your modesty"

How to do this:
-Remember that us humans have been made out of dirt/dust
-We will be raised up again
-Constantly ask Allah (swt) to remove the pride in us
-Serve the community of Allah (swt) by doing the jobs that no one wants to do; this will get rid of pride/arrogance and you will become endowed with humility.

In the evening I unpacked my mini-suitcase, consisted of the Quran, Arabic and English translation, Jubba, khaki pants, 3 t-shirts, 6 boxers, and the usual toiletries, and oh yes the all important sleeping bag and pillows.

The course officially started on Sunday the 21st December 2008 with the classes in full swing. With the time-table looking fully jammed between 7am - 10pm for all days. Mind you there was enough break in between to get the blood circulating around the legs which was muy necessario especially given we were crossed legged the first two days, not something you get taught in comprehensive UK schools I must add.

Course Content:
Hanifi Fiqh - Covering Water, Wudu, Ghusl, Salat, Jammat Salat, Eid Salat, Funeral Salat
Aqeedah
Akhlak - A Pure Heart
Seerah - Chronological Overview of the Life of our Beloved Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

Teachers include:
Shaykh Samir Al Nass, Shaykh Tanveer & Hussain Shaykh Thaqib

Highlights of the Course:

• Beloved Prophet Mohammed (SAW) Hair at the Banbury Mosque - the Mosque embraced the arrival of the hair from the Prophet (pbuh) on Thursday Night (Jummah Night). There was 3 hours of Mowlouds done over the course of the evening, it was absolutely breathtaking ended up in the car park trailing the car taking the Prophets (SAW) hair on my bare feet. It was later noted that there was no shadow when a torch was pointed to the hair, this is reconciled with the Prophet not having a shadow as narrated in the various Hadiths.
  

• Tajweed Lessons - Shaykh Samir Al Nass & Shaykh Tanveer - this only happened once for the men or rather boys of the group, as men became boys when they sat down to recite with a pedigree of Shaykh Samir person who has ijazah n 10 style of recitations on the narration of Shatibiyyah and Durra from Shaykh Muhammad Sukr. This was evident when a brother completely lost his words of Surat Fatiha just being in the presence of a scholar like Shaykh Samir. Shakyh Tanveer was no pushover either but compared to Shaykh Samir, it was much the better option. Good luck to the sisters that has the rest fo the week with SS I say.

• Seerha Lessons - Shaykh Thaqib - I recall when we went into the 10 year of Al-Hijra, this brought tears to the whole class. You can hear a pin drop when the Shaykh Thaqib recalled the account of Abu Talib and Khadijah (RA) passing away within days of each other, to leave our Prophet to (SAW) to send the message without two of the most favoured people that have helped him to date not there besided him.

• Surat Yaseen recitation after Fajr - with Shaykh Samir -This surat is to be recited each day preferable straight after Fajr. The Surah is knows as the heart of the Qur'an. It is to be recited when a new child enters the World, so s/he becomes a Saheeh child. To those that leave the dunya, it should be recited too them too.
  

• Question & Answer Sessions - Shaykh Samir Al Nass & Shaykh Abdul Aziz - these session were really good with Q&As on aspects as varied from Aqeedah, Fiqh, Dawah Issues, Struggles with our Deen, Temptations from our Nafs, and some very personal accounts too. Mind you the anonymity was an excellent idea and some Qs definitely need to be. Alhamdullilah.
  

• Closing Ceremony and Gifts: This was the students paying our respects to the Teachers for their time out and efforts.

Few notes from the course....:-)

(1) Blinds...
It was like Blind Date with the partitioning of the walls inside the Mosque during classes and Q&As, which was something I did not experience before in prior courses. This was at first weird for me given you can only hear voices, but as I grew more into the course it gradually saw the real merits of this practice, and the beauty of it both from a Male and Female Perspective. Alhamdullilah.

(2) Games...
Morning madness with all groups there are the 'weird' ones, the comedians they like to be regarded as, or more clown, no doubt I am one of thee! So a Brother who had a tune called "Its your Wife" belted this monstrosity from his mobilo into the ears of those laying in the cushions wakening well after the Fajr Azzan! Yes many a time I was on the receiving end of this albeit with the sub woofers sticking out of the top of the sleeping quarters were large enough to deafen you was not enough from the Azaan.

There was lots of wrestling going on with the younger folks in the Mosque quarters during the late evening right up to the morning, so lack of sleep was a product of this. No doubt the coke on tap at the Mosque was a direct source of this hyperactivity in them.lol

On the Friday night, we had an 'all nighter', not on the town but across the car park at the Ash-Shifa School. The sisters were out of sight and definitely out of mind, so the brothers got their Wii out and ordered Pizza. We ended up playing a group dynamic game of "Mafia" and this went on and got rather interesting into the early hours of 3am. 3 Hours later were up and brothers were feeling it on Saturday with sore heads!

It was really sad leaving the Halaqa met so many Brothers there and made lots of friends and contacts. This was a stepping stone increase my Ilm of my Deen Insha'Allah. Long road ahead May Allah Keep Us All on the Seeratul Mustaqeem. Ameen.

Knock Knock...

*When death knocked upon a bedroom door. Who is there? The sleeping one cried. I'm Malakul Mawt, let me inside. *

*At once, the man began to shiver,* *As one sweating in deadly fever,* *He shouted to his sleeping wife,* *Don't let him take away my life.* *Please go away, O Angel of Death! Leave me alone; I'm not ready yet. * *My family on me depends,* *Give me a chance, * *O please prepense! * *The angel knocked again and again, * *Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,* *This your soul Allah requires. I come not with my own desire. * *Bewildered, the man began to cry, * *O Angel I'm so afraid to die, * *I'll give you gold and be your slave. * *Don't send me to the unlit grave. * *Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said, Open the door; get up from your bed,* *If you do not allow me in,* *I will walk through it, like a Jinn.* *The man held a gun in his right hand,* *Ready to defy the Angel's stand.* *I'll point my gun, towards your head. * *You dare come in; I'll shoot you dead.* *By now the Angel was in the room,* *Saying, O Friend! Prepare for your doom. * *Foolish man, Angels never die,* *Put down yourgun and do not sigh.* *Why are you afraid! Tell me O man. To die according to Allah's plan? * *Come smile at me, do not be grim, * *Be Happy to return to Him.* *O Angel! I bow my head in shame,* *I had no time to take Allah's Name. From morning till dusk, I made my wealth, Not even caring for my health. * *Allah's command I never obeyed, * *Nor five times a day I ever prayed. * *A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,* *But no time had I to repent. The Hajj was already FARD on me,* *But I would not part with my money.* *All charities I did ignore,* *Taking usury more and more.* *O Angel! I appeal to you,* *Spare my life for a year or two.* *The Laws of Quran I will obey,* *I'll begin SALAT this very day. My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,* *And keep away from self-conceit.* *I will refrain from usury,* *And give all my wealth to charity,* *We Angels do what Allah demands,* *We cannot go against His commands. Death is ordained for everyone,* *Father, mother, daughter or son.* *I'm afraid this moment is your last,* *Now be reminded, of your past,* *I do understand your fears,* *But it is now too late for tears. You lived in this world, two score and more,* *Never did you, your people adore.* *Your parents, you did not obey,* *Hungry beggars, you turned away.* *Instead of making more Muslims,* *You made your children non-Muslims. You ignored the Mua'dhin Adhaan,* *Nor did you read the Holy Quran.* *Breaking promises all your life,* *Backbiting friends, and causing strife.* *From hoarded goods, great profits you made, And your poor workers, you under paid. * *Horses and cards were your leisure, * *Moneymaking was your pleasure. * *You ate vitamins and grew more fat, * *With the very sick, you never sat. * *A pint of blood you never gave. Which could a little baby save? * *O Human, you have done enough wrong,* *You bought good properties for a song. * *When the farmers appealed to you,* *You did not have mercy, this true.* * * *Paradise for you? I cannot tell. Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell.* *There is no time for you to repent,* *I'll take your soul for which I am sent.* *

The ending however, is very sad,* *Eventually the man became mad* *With a cry, he jumped out of bed. And suddenly, he fell down dead.* * * *O Reader! Take moral from here,* *You never know, your end may be near.* *Change your living and make amends* *For heaven, on your deeds depends.* * *

End of the Road -Ramadan & Eid-Ul-Fitr

It was a very sad time to see that the month of Ramadan was over. Insha'Allah I will see it in 11 months time.

Ramadan emerged first to be my companion, as the each day went, it became a really good freind, then a brother and then it was routed into my heart and soul, I was finally breathing Ramadan.

I embraced Ramadan this time like no other, May Allah accept my Fast, Salat, Duas and Tawbah. It taught me a lot about myself and others around me, the temporal World we live in and the the World that we can only imagine. It brought me to be lot more patient not so much with others but more with myself foremost, as Sabr with others will come through the Sabr of oneself.

Reading the Qur'an, recitation and translation aided my understanding and love for the words of Allah (swt). My love for humanity and all that Allah has created grew, not just the things I know but also the things I did not know or was ignorant albeit subconsciously.

The fasting was not just a hardship for the stomach but one for the mind too, it was one of control for me. I rarely used energy to speak about things that did not concern me and that I did speak about, I had the intention for good cause. It was not just the speech, but everything, one hearing, their sight and limbs can also play a role, and my observation of my own actions and its affect on others and through observing other piuos people around me aided me.

These are all something which I have the intention to carry forward to my day to day life not for the one month of Ramadan. Ramadan for me was me training to become a better fighter, better man, one that can centre himself and think in a balanced frame of mind.

Ramadan - Day 29

The Penultimate Day perhaps for the end to this beautiful month for another year for now Insha'Allah.

Had 2 Jus to go to complete the Qur'an. I got up later than usual, though was prompted by the Docs appointment in any case at 11:10, which went like clockwork, she gave the eye, the all clear, back at home by quarter to 12. Chilled out for a whilst before embarking on reading the Qur'an leaving just one Jus left.

Went to Green Street (E7, Capital of Indian Fashion Wear suggested by some - so hey what am I doing there I hear your shout out...lol) ...well to buy Papa Ali and Mini Me some Eid garments (Mama and sis will get cash instead...me buying women outfits, thats dangerous!). Paps could not go so was on my own for the trip, which was like blind leading the blind...as was clueless as to where or what to get. All I knew was what I have seen Brothers wear in the Mosque, only found out what they were called just a week ago. So with that word, "jubbas" in my vocab I went on my conquest to purchase a few, well 2 hours later, I had 3 jubbas for myself and 2 for Dad plus a a waistcoat Denis Taylor would be proud of. I must confess I had a aid from a close friend who helped me through this experience, knew exactly where and what to get, May Allah help her and continue to guide her to the righteous path.

Green Street was roaming with peeps, they were like ants, weaving in and out of shops, girls getting their Hennas and threading done, guys in their Bimaz working their sub-woofers in what would be one of the narrowest road per capita in London, so surprised there were no causalities.
By 18:00 announcement was filtering through the Green Street "Bazaars" that Eid was tomorrow, was a shock to many folks inc. myself....that only meant one thing...peeps went Mad! Shop till they drop and eat till their hearts are content at Iftaari! Got out whilst the coast was clear, broke my fast in the car and headed to sisters.

With some Indian sweets visited my 2nd sister and duly rested for a whilst, I could not eat much there, think my body was going thrugh a crisis of some sort, just cant eat much anymore. Given that now I knew Eid will be tomorrow (for all this time as had not heard differently in my circle of friends and families).

I had to get back home to complete the Qur'an and making a long dua after. I took my time reading the last Surahs, it was a beautiful journey through the Qur'an in my own way. First and foremost went to all the 27 Taraweeh prayers to hear the recitation of the Qur'an from different Qaris in my local masjid and in Regents Park. Secondly, went throughout the Qur'an on the 4 day course to go through the translation of all the Suras (highlighting key Suras) and Finally read the Qur'an on my own to complete this during the month of Ramadan, in the month in which it was first revealed all 1400 +years ago.

Ramadan - Day 26, 27 & 28

With the busy Ibadat period of the last 10 days of Ramadan being in full flow, have not had much time to write up anything on the blogg...so here it is...

These are the summary of the events taking place on the such unexplained days to date:

Fri 26th - Work was rather a boring affair, and with Laylatul Qadr being my main focus in the evening and night, it was a worthy distraction to the day. Went home at the usual time of 18:00 to get home just on time for Iftar, and just before the Adhann went to my room and read Surah Khaf as a dear sister advised me to read this on this special night before Maghrib, May Allah reward her in abundance.

20:45 - Got to Regents Park Mosque, it was heaving with cars and peeps, it was difficult to just get in, there was an abundance of Muslim Bros and Sisters and children of all ages, Masha'Allah the Ummah was out and it was a beautiful thing. With RPM, you get all kinds of people, and this variety I am most endured to. Not simply a B-deshi or Pakistani cultural stance placed on a Mosque but a cross cultural dissection that gives its own flavour to the proceedings that is the night of Laylatul Qadr.

Got into gear to embrace the main event, the Taraweeh with Qur'an completion and dua on the night. This was absolutely beautiful and really a humbling experience. Read the Qur'an (has this in my backpack with the stand, water and lockets, yes this brother was prepared) in the mini breaks between the Tahajjud prayers which on the night were 3 (got to the 12:00 and 02:30 ones which on the latter was the most difficult lasting over an hour to complete 8 rakats).

Made sincere Tawbah (repentance), gratitude for all the blessing Allah swt has provided me and to pray for all my loved ones that have come into my life and those who are not here but in my hearts of hearts.

Brothers were so generous and were handing out food (rice, curry, dates, fruits) to all those around. Some brothers sleeping, others talking, performing Salat, doing dhikr, reading the Qur'an it was a real community, felt at ease and at peace with myself and those around me, the goal and spirit was there for all to feel in your heart.

By 05.45, after the end of Fajr prayers, met the Footy guys and departed the morning feeling well versed and tranquil and well a little tired too. Conditions on the road were very foggy and really was dangerous as you could not see more than 5 meters ahead....thus the drop back of my amigos took longer than usual. Got to my casa around 07:15, to crash out for the morning.

Sat 27th - Crashed out in my bed, little spells of getting up and sleeping back, and finally getting up at 15:30...well who can blame me it was one of those nights well spent, May Allah accept my duas and salat. A very close brother of mine called me from the far east, and we spoke endlessly until it was Iftar time for me and well sleep time for thee amigo. It was a refreshing perspective of life from the other side of the Atlas. Was definitely going to take a rest from late night today well if I could help it I said.

Sun 28th - Got up for Sehri and Fajr and read more of the Qur'an, with 6 Jus to go I was really getting close to finishing it, Alhamd. but needed to work hard to get there in 3 or less days. Had Golf to contend with two and after 2 rounds of this starting at the mid-day tee off, and then hit the flicks for some comedy on empty stomachs with the much awaited "Tropic Thunder", which was good not great nevertheless worthy of watching I felt on the big screen for the V'namers in you. The evening finished with breaking fast at "The Ottomans" at North Finchley which was a steal at a credit crunch price of GBP9.99 for a 3 course meal and was it good..oh yeah!

Rushed back to the local Masjid for Taraweeh prayers which now finish within the hour, now that the Qur'an has been completed. With Monday off, it felt good to wind down now, completed Jus 28 and now with 2 to go I was ready for the 3rd completion of the Qur'an in the month, Insha'Allah.

Ramadan - Day 25

This day was one of the hardest if not the hardest thus far for the month of Ramadan.
I did not feel well in the early hours of the morning, but thought nothing of it, did not want to stay home, as work will keep me busy and the time will fly....so had to rush into work, just about got in pre-09:00, and then headed for a day of battle with my hunger, tiredness and colleagues in the meetings...the joys of projects!

I also had a lot on my mind too, with Ramadan lots of things had been put on hold, and when the body is at its most vulnerable, all other things tend to follow suit, the mind and the heart feel weak and thus the backlog of thoughts.

It was a strange day, the infection my left eye was getting worse by the day, and by the time I got home just in time for Iftar at 18:55, vision in my left eye was slightly hampered. Soaked some tissue in hot water and dabbed it on the affected eyelid, which helped.

There was no stopping me though, battled the day light hours and was prepared to fight the evening and night, had 100% faith in Allah that he will guide me if I call to him. It was a low point,

I was searching inside, real hard, to fight my thoughts and physical and mental fatigue, and thus went to get some spiritual enlightenment from the evening Taraweeh Salat.

This time I really needed salvation. The first half of my Salat, the Musallah (prayer mat) was perched on the edge of a incline (was praying outside the Mosque as it gets packed by 09:00), had to contend with a 1.4 tread incline in the first 4 rakat (it was hard adjusting the feet at sajdah (prostration)), moving onto a 1.2 for a further 4 rakat and then on the flats indoors away from the weather! My mind was weathering, was trying to keep focus on a point on the mat and ignore all other pain and just simply listen to the Qari reciting the Qur'an. It was hard and body was not getting any better, then after the 12 rakat, a call to nature pit stop was on the abode and with the forthcoming wudu that followed this was the salvation I required. Fresh wudu and a new lease of life, I felt much better. Alhamdullilah.

I intended to take a rest that night given there was enough for me to contend with during the day.

Thoughts of the Day:
Just when everything is pulling you under, have faith in Allah swt and the blessing will come in one way or another, immediate blessings we all sometimes cry out for, however Allah swt knows best and is the best of all planner, we much have much Sabr (patience) and for sure the blessing will come.

Ramadan - Day 24

Had really good sleep, can't remember the last time I felt this well in the morning, Alhamdullilah.
Day worked like this:

Slept at 01.00 - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
....to get up for Sehri at 04.45 - eat (consuming special K, yep watching my figure!), Salat
Back to bed at 05.50 - more zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
...got up at 09.05 - Not late for work, had a Dentist Appointment
Dental Appointment at 09.30 - No drilling, toothpaste, or water going down, the mouth was open the throat was closed for action, it was a Brother Beyond who was checking my teeth, so hey he knows when the mask comes in handy when a fasting brother hits his chair!
...Back to work at 10.35...and ground hog day as far as work is concerned, emails, meetings, more emails, more meetings, testing, walk to the Mosque, emails, testing, oh hey its 18.00!
By 18.25, packed my desk to be out of the work, mind you been mentally out of work mode by 17.00! Suppose thats what Dolly Parton means by "working 9 to 5", its mental not the physical.

Read more of the Qur'an when I got home from Taraweeh, was really not feeling as motivated but once I opened the Al Furqan, motivation flowed like the the Aguazu Falls! Was rather disappointed as I missed the time to perform Tahajjud prayers (pre-Fajr) as got up late a few minutes before Fajr Adhan.

Completed Jus 20, in the early morning of Thursday. Masha'Allah, 10 to go and in 5 days or less....the heat is on....

Ramadan - Day 23

It was the 23rd night - yes and that means, it could be Laylatul Qadr tonight. So had to be psyched up for this so can stay up read the Qur'an and perform Tahajjud Salat.

Slept at 01.00 after my usual routine of, Tarweeh salat , reading the Quran (* 1 Jus), eating some rice or other forms of carbs followed by tea, watch Channel S with mum. Mum loves this programme during Ramadan and is an avid follower of the charity programme which starts at 18:00 and goes on until 05.00 (upto Fajr). Yes mother stays up for all of this, and each day she comes to me to say need to give money to this charity, Alhamdullilah she has a heart of Gold. Also Rizwan Hussain is on which make her viewing so much more pleasurable as she thinks he is abs great, I always say Mum hey you only have one son and its me, so lay off trying to adopt another one from the Tv set...lol

Got up again at almost 05.00 so made a quick entrance into the kitchen for some cereal which I drowned very quickly, read my Tahajudd salat and waited a few moments before reading Fajar prayers which followed with another Jus from the Qur'an. By that time it was 06.30 so thought with a Physio appointment at 08.30 cant go to bed, so stayed up.

The day went well, considering I had 4 hours of sleep, no gymming as got a right ticking off from the physio for my exploits with the weights at the lowest point of my energy body clock, so will leave this to rest for another week. Got home right into the call for Maghrib prayers, just like clock work I said to myself, have trust in Allah and he will see that you get your Iftar on time.

I finished the day reading more of the Qur'an, now on Jus 19. - with 12 to go, can I do this by the 27th Night...well watch this space....

p.s. The picture is of the Badshahi Masjid in Pakistan, totally unrelated to my day, nevertheless a beautiful Masjid you must admit.