RayZak Posted November 19, 2002 Ramadan in a Muslim Country, by Altaf Bhimji A new night of the sacred month the thin slice of the moon; the crescent visible only a few minutes to the naked eye A sight beautiful signaling new, fresh Greetings one to the other: Ramadan Mubarakh And a few hours later sounds of drums Wake up! Wake up! have a meal, a simple glass of water! Before the first light, before you begin the fast, make the intention Wake up! Wake up! And the day progresses, a slowing down; restaurants closed, coffee houses empty. And workers begin their trek home early Late afternoon, the speciality stores open selling the special once a year snacks, crowds flocking and moving hurriedly collecting their Iftar (break fast) And mothers prepare the traditional meals taking extra time for the fasting family Only an hour before the sun sets city streets empty, as in a curfew, And now only a few minutes, family and friends gather around the table making small talk awaiting the moment...silence... Allah-hu Akbar Allah-hu Akbar Allah-hu Akbar Allah-hu Akbar (God is great) Ash-hadu an la illaha illal-lah Ash-hadu an la illaha illal-lah (I witness that there is no God except Allah) Ash-hadu anna Mohammadan rasoolol lah Ash-hadu anna Mohammadan rasoolol lah (I witness that Mohammad is the Prophet of Allah) Hay-ye alas-slat Hay-ye alas-slat (Hurry up for prayer) Hay-ye alal falah Hay-ye alal falah (Hurry up for prosperity) Allah-hu Akbar Allah-hu Akbar La illaha illal-lah La illaha illal-lah (There is no God except Allah) And the siren, signalling the sun dipping below the horizon And together, some with dates, some with a pinch of salt "We take this food in the name of Allah, most gracious, ever merciful" Prayers given and later friends and family mill around, some content others tired, but all happy on this day of Ramadan... Peace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nuune Posted November 20, 2002 thanks Rayzak,i really like the poem. RAMADAN KARIIM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ibtisaam Posted November 21, 2002 Nice poem It reminds me of my days back in Saudi Arabia... Wallahi if there is one thing i missed about that country hearing the Adaan it was so.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hibo Posted November 21, 2002 Well done, Rayaz. This signature is gr8: "Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none" Ramadan Mubarak to all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
