10
In the Footsteps of the Prophets (AS)
The depths of this journey should not be underestimated, and Umm Junayd tells you why.
Imagine the 29th of Shawwal. Muslims around the world anticipate news of the coming of the blessed month. Radios are tuned, satellite channels are constantly flicked through and the telephone line is checked several times.
The advent of Ramadhan brings about a change in many, some temporary while others aim for a degree of permanence. And it was my wish last Ramadhan to move away from the mundane and opt to pack my spiritual bags on a journey that reached back into the depths of history, yet stretched to the time of eternity. The journey required discipline and diligence; organisation and austerity; focus and foresight; it was one that caused a synchronised flutter of my heart and hand as I mapped out the path I would take. Doubt often plagued me, the slight whisperings that told me that I could never make it. Although it was a path that had been trodden by several of Allah’s (SWT) slaves before me, it was to be my first excursion through the wondrous tales of the days of old, thus I wanted to have my resting points well charted in order to pace myself steadily through the days and nights of Ramadhan.
As the month drew nearer, the nights leading up to Ramadhan became more purposeful as I concluded the route of my journey. It was dotted with mystery, depth and insight and all the while I knew that every aspect would help shape me once the blessed month had left. The goal was envisaged, and I anxiously awaited the confirmed sighting of the moon in order to cross the start line.
It was upon the sight of the thin crescent that I proclaimed the praise of my Lord, the one who created all things and the King in front of whom I would stand. I firmly asked for His Guidance on the straight path, protection from the crooked ways of those who earn His Anger and His curse.
The directions on my map plunged me into pages that are deeper than the ocean Yunus (AS) was thrown in, and I scurried past the destruction of Thamud, ‘Aad and the treacherous people of Sodom. The emotions were overwhelming - I batted back tears as I marvelled at the unfaltering strength of Ya’qub (AS), the heartbreaking patience of Ayyub (AS) and the superb bravery of Dawud (AS). While I journeyed, pangs of longing of companionship with the wife of Fir’awn and the conviction of Maryam (RA) overcome me.
I stopped by to once again praise the Owner of the Dominion and pondered upon how He causes birds to fly with nothing to hold them up but He. I trembled when I tiptoed through images of the fire and the torment that awaits those who reject Him; my eyes glazed over as I prayed for my supplications to be responded to on the Night of Power, and quivered upon mention of the convulsion of the ground that I know to be firm and stable.
Thirst beheld me as I envisioned quenching it with the sweet drink of Al-Kauthar, until I whispered with hot tears tumbling down my face: “Who whispers into the breast of mankind, from jinn and mankind.”
My thirty-day odyssey through the Qur’an was a steep and steady one, a dream that was once thought to be shallow, despite the many footsteps I had to trace. The journey through the Qur’an thrusts deep within the soul of the one who wishes to reflect – the one who wishes to retrace the steps of the faithful, and for you too it can be a dream that is not far off, and it begins upon the sight of the thin crescent.
This article was published in the Summer 2009 edition of SISTERS magazine.
20
A Convict’s List
Mashaa`Allaah, this was something imparted at a class I attended last week, and I think it’s a great reminder that we should all seek to fulfil the visions we set for our lives - assuming that you actually thought about your vision, that is.
So here’s the activity:
We all know that when people are locked up in jail, they tend to do things that they do not normally do, such as reflecting, meditating etc. For Muslims, it’s usual that more acts of worship and reflection takes place during such times.
So, imagine that you are a convict. What things do you think that you would actively do when inside prison (apart from trying to escape!)? Write them on a list - it can be as long/ short as you want. Now, take you list, and try to implement two items on the list… apply them to your life now, while you’re still free, and most importantly, still alive.
May you succeed to the highest level, aameen.
~ Umm Junayd.
p.s. Some may recognise that du’aa as being a frequent one made by Muhammad Alshareef from DiscoverULife. I love that du’aa, and if you actually join DiscoverULife, you’ll begin to understand why he makes that du’aa so frequently. Mashaa`Allaah.
12
Ramadaan 1428: Rise to the Challenge!
Alhamdulillaah, after successfully completing yet another AlKauthar Course - Month of Mercy - I feel obliged to share this essential checklist with you all, as I feel it is extremely beneficial, mashaa`Allaah.
By Allaah’s Grace we have witnessed many Ramadaans (and may we witness many more, aameen), but do you feel that they seem ‘the same’: no spiritual uplifting; no active striving… etc? Ramadaan does not have to be this way. In fact, it should not be this way! It is the 29 or 30 days that we should really put ourselves to the test, and this checklist is the very thing to help you do that, inshaa`Allaah.
Here’s the challenge: download the following checklist, print out FOUR copies (one for each week of Ramadaan), and stick them on your bedroom wall (though not essential, but useful). Then make sincere du’aa to Allaah - cry your eyes and heart out - and beg Him to allow you to make this Ramadaan a special one… more special than previous years. Thereafter, strive with all your might and zeal to have all boxes ticked by the end of each day… and by the end of the week… and by the end of the month, bi`idnillaah.
We can make this a formal challenge, if you feel up to it. You can leave a comment on this post, stating that you are IN. At the end of the week, we can see which boxes we are struggling to get ticked, then we work on those the following week, inshaa`Allaah. The great thing about the checklist is that it allows us to truly ’see’ where our weaknesses lie.mm
Let’s make this Ramadaan different - let’s make it special. Join the challenge.
~ Umm Junayd.
