“A
fast is not necessarily something we offer God, but it assists us in offering
ourselves” ― Jen Hatmaker
Every Ramadhan, I learn
something new. Last year, I learnt about sisterhood and simple blessings. I
survived yet another ‘buka puasa’ at the mosque behind my house and enjoyed every minute of it.
It warmed my heart to learn that even though I am just an occasional visitor to
the mosque, the ‘regulars’ still greeted me like I was one of them.
There was one incident, where a tiny ‘tiff’ broke out in the women’s section. That
night, my girls and I were sitting quietly in the second saf (row), waiting for
isya prayers. The women section was filling up fast as it was almost time for
prayers. A lady (not a regular either) came from behind and told my 8 year old
daughter to leave her spot and pray at the back of the room. My daughter called
out to me and repeated what this lady said to her. I looked up and asked the lady
calmly, “what is the problem?” This lady insisted that my daughter is too young
to be praying in the same row as the adults and the word she used was “tak sah”
(it’s not valid). You can imagine my irritation but I kept reminding myself
that I was in a holy place hence I need to control my temper. I silently
repeated my mantra ‘anger is a tool of satan’ then, I simply looked at this
lady and told her flatly, “NO”.
I can see that she was taken aback by my
answer. She kept telling me that it was wrong and not allowed so I asked her, “not
allowed by whom?” She then made the mistake of saying “our religion said so”.
Now, I am NOT an expert on Islam but if you want to use the religion against me
or my family, you better be well prepared to be interrogated. Lesson #1, never
quote religion unless you are absolutely sure of the verses or hadith to
support your argument. Lesson #2, never mess with a heavily pregnant mother
bear with her cubs.
So, I asked her to quote me the verses of the
Quran or hadith which say that children are not allowed to pray in the same row as
the adults. She couldn’t. By now, the regular ladies were already behind me.
I told this lady that as far as I know,
children are allowed to pray in the same row as the adults. Furthermore, it is
good training for my children and I can keep an eye on them. So, until she can
come up with a more concrete excuse, I suggested that she leave us be and concentrate
on her prayers. I heard a chorus of agreement behind me. As much as I wanted to
smile out of happiness for the support that I received, I kept a stern face.
Seeing she was out-numbered, the lady grudgingly retreated to the back of the
room.
“The Similitude Of The Believers In Their
Compassion, Mercy, And Affection Toward Each Other Is Like A Single Body. When
One Organ Ails, The Whole Body Suffers And Reacts.”
(Bukhari)
“The Faithful Are Like A Single Body: If His
Eye Suffers, Then His Constitution Will Suffer; And If He Has A Headache, Then
His Whole System Will Suffer.”
(Muslim)
Somehow, a bond of sisterhood of the masjid was forged that night. The sisterhood consisted of the veterans as well as the young. The ladies didn't know me that well but that didn't stop them from coming to my aid. Their unconditional acceptance of me, touched me to the core. I felt humbled.
This year, however, my schedule is being dictated by a very bossy 7 months old toddler. Bringing her to the mosque is not an option as her cries can be heard from two blocks away. I think that even the strong bond of the mosque sisterhood can’t save me from the wrath of the other ladies if I were to bring my baby. Hence, this year, I sat quietly at home .
This year, however, my schedule is being dictated by a very bossy 7 months old toddler. Bringing her to the mosque is not an option as her cries can be heard from two blocks away. I think that even the strong bond of the mosque sisterhood can’t save me from the wrath of the other ladies if I were to bring my baby. Hence, this year, I sat quietly at home .
Feeling rather blue, I decided to speak to the Wise Owl about not being able to the join the terawih prayers at the mosque and my
inability to do other ‘extra’ things during the holy month of Ramadhan. The
Wise Owl told me, “Sister, don’t worry too much because God wants you to
concentrate on other things this Ramadhan. He is the best Disposer of affairs”. The Wise Owl said that instead of getting all
stressed out about not being able to do the ‘additional’ things, it is better
for me to try to perfect the things that I have been doing all these while. The
Wise Owl also added that taking care of my bears cubs is also a form of worship
since I’m doing it for the sake of God and it is even more meaningful in the
month of Ramadhan.
Narrated
`Aisha رضى الله عنها: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your
deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to
Allah’s is the most regular and constant even though it were little.” …
Sahih Bukhari
Hurrmmm....the Wise Owl does have a point. This year, even though I miss the company of the
sisterhood of the masjid, my heart is at peace. I learnt that it's not the quantity of the worship that counts but rather the quality. As mothers, we do what we can with the time that we have. Like the Wise Owl said, God is the best Disposer of affairs. I no longer feel like a lesser
Muslim. I still have the opportunity search for the night of power……InshaAllah..
