The Dupatta

In Islam, we use a lot of fabric.  The long, soft and flowy fabric used by muslim women to cover the chest area is called a dupatta.

The dupatta is both feminine and protective.  I find it very fashionable.  It is my favourite piece of garment.  It can be worn in so many ways, for so many purposes.

There is nothing more pleasing than the warmth of a dupatta on a chilly morning, drawn around one's shoulders to keep out a sudden nippy wind.

Let a dupatta wrap you in its arms, let it arch over your head like a glorious monument, let it softly frame your frame.

In its simplicity may you glow.

The Honoured Lady

There is such sweetness in Islam.  Subhan Allah. 

Here's one exquisite story of the life of an honoured lady.

He stepped inside his home, and He was overwhelmed with fear
An angel came with words from God, things were still unclear
Saying read - read, but he could not read,
Amazing words he heard
A trembling deep inside his heart, confused by what had occurred

And there was only one who could comfort him
And help him see the light
To ease his fears, to reassure It was Khadijah, his wife...
He said Zamilooni, Zamilooni, Dathirooni, Dathirooni,
A mighty task has come before me... I need you here with me...by my side...

She was a woman of nobility, successful in all her trade
Many wealthy men had asked for her, she had turned them all away
But when she saw Muhammad, a shining moon, may peace be on his soul
He was a light for her -- so right for her -- her life will now be whole

But she had never seen him so distressed, as he was there that day
She would comfort him, and hold him tight, and chase his doubts away
He said Zamilooni, Zamilooni, Dathirooni, Dathirooni, A mighty task has come before me... I need you here with me...by my side...

We look for stories of love, in places dark and cold
When we have a guiding light, for the whole world to behold
But were so selfish in our ways, and to the ones we hold so close
Our own pleasure and happiness is what we value most

But she sacrificed all her wealth and everything she had
and he honoured her and gave her faith, when the times were bad, when times were bad

Now years have passed, times had changed, since Khadijah breathed her last.
and the message of the one true God was spreading far and vast
But then he came across some jewellery, that Khadijah once had worn
His eyes began to swell with tears, his heart again began to mourn
Cause she was there for him, when times were rough, and his enemies were cruel
Was the first Believer, so keen and eager, to comfort Al-Rasool
when He said: Zamilooni, Zamilooni Dathirooni, Dathirooni A mighty task has come before me... I need you here with me...by my side...  

Simplicity

The simplicity in Islam is something that I particularly like. 

Take prayer for instance.  All that is required is that you bring a clean inner and outer self and a sound heart on a prayer mat.  Nothing else is required.  Simple.

Cup your two hands and raise them to the sky.  While you look at the lines in them, you can be sure that Allah Most High is witnessing all your tears, fears and sorrows.  Simple.

Let your soul find its home.  Sit on your Mussallah and bow your head. Simple.

A Gentle Lord

Reading the Quran generally and today, reading Surah Ta-Ha (20), one cannot not be moved by the way Allah Most High refers to his Prophets, in particular Hazrat Musa AS (Moses).

In that Surah, repeatedly, through a series of "Ya Musa", the Lord gently consoles Moses (AS) and reassures him, almost like a loving father would to his timid insecure child.  Preparing him for a brutal confrontation with the world (pharaoh).  Strengthening his heart with His love.

Whenever, I encounter references to Hazrat Musa (AS), I tend to recall the movie "The 10 Commandments" and especially the scene where the sea is parted to let through the children of Israel before closing in on Pharaoh and his army  ( I grew up watching this movie.  It is etched deep in my subconscious for some reason!).

Now, in (late) adulthood, it is not so much the parting of the sea that amazes me. I know that Allah Most High does whatever He Wills and His Might and Glory is written large in all creation.  It is more His gentleness towards His Prophets that moves me.  Him, the Most Kind, the Most Loving.

This very gentleness saw Moses' triumph over mighty Pharaoh, a victory of good over evil.  Yet another beauty of Islam.

Iron Comfort

There is so much comfort in the words of Allah (SWT).  His Wisdom provides absolute serenity, sakina to the heart.  In our human trial and tribulations, it is easy to forget the bigger picture.  Hence the need to remain connected with the Holy Quran.  For it provides all answers in the most beautiful of ways.


One of my favourite passages is from Surah 57 Al-Hadid (Iron) - verses 22 and 23:


"No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before we bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah; In order that you may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours bestowed upon you".


Him who has our forelock in His hands has already written our destiny.  This knowledge brings a most heartening feeling to the spirit. It calms it. 


That does not mean you cannot grieve or be joyous.  It simply means that you need to know where it is all coming from.  Once you know that, you are free.  Free to cry and laugh.  Not out of despair or exultation.  But out of relief.  Relief that there is one place where it all makes sense.  That place is with Allah. 


Such is the beauty in Islam.

Ramadan

Ramadan.

The month when doors are opened, when the lattice of sins are untied to let in forgiveness and mercy.  A sublime favour from the One Most High.

With eagerness does a believer's heart wait at the door of Ramadan.  Fortunate are those who see it.  Blessed are those who are drawn near by it.

Oh our Lord, You brought us Ramadan.  May our fasts be for Your pleasure only.

Marhaba Ramadan.




Picture courtesy of the Sunshine Family in Doha, Qatar

Mother

One of my first connections with Islam was a sentiment.  A sentiment that events and people 1400+ years ago were not far either in time or distance.  That history was not restricted to the past but that in fact, it had a door with a direct access to the time and context when Arabia would see the Revelation of the Holy Quran.

The first woman to witness the birth of Islam in Arabia was Lady Khadija (RA).  My favourite lady. 

She stands for all that a woman should stand for: strength, beauty, compassion, fidelity and honour. 

She was older and richer than the Messenger (SAW).  Yet, neither age nor money stood in the way of her union with the Messenger (SAW).  She forsake every luxury to be with him in poverty and hardship. 

She is my admiration.