I am preparing desperately for Ashara as the clock ticks. I must wrap up work and finish things that are due to clients before I close shop for two weeks. I don’t want to leave them in the lurch – I want to make…
Fatema A, bless her persistent young soul, sends me a reminder – please, please write something for Ashara, and I typically push back – why do you want me to write something, don’t auntify Mighzal, I say to her. But, like the essence, long…
That one time I didn’t go for Ashara with Maula His face brings tears His words build faith His voice shakes fears His nazar dissolves hate To miss that call Was my bad fate To miss that all I was too late I missed…
Big Girls don’t Cry Often during my adolescent years, the act of crying had been synonymous with showing weakness. Whether at school when in front of peers, or at home in front of siblings, it carried the label of ‘Cry Baby’ and I was…
Before taking a sip of water Remember the 7th of مهرم Remember the scorching heat of كربلاء Remember the hands raised towards the sky praying for a drop of water Remember the tear of امام حسين falling on the hot sand of كربلاء Remember…
JOURNEY FROM “NOBODY TO SOMEBODY” Ashara Mubaraka – an event of a lifetime. We wait an entire year just to observe ourselves indulge into ilme-aale-mohammad and acquire knowledge to purify our souls for Aakherat. Many years back, I got the opportunity or rather, toufiq,…
Innocent Heart Today, in Madrasah class, I asked my students “Where did Maula TUS declare Ashara this year?” All the students replied in unison, “Dar es Salaam, Africa”. There was immense pleasure in their tone. The happiness was obvious, everyone was eagerly waiting for…
I was in high school and wanted to take time off for Ashara. Most of my teachers were on board and gave me work to do while I was gone to help me keep pace. However, my Math teacher was giving me a hard time.…
Growing up in today’s day and age, a lot of emphasis and importance is given to education. Whether it be school, college or university, we are repeatedly told to sacrifice all else because only with a good degree can we get anywhere in life.…