Chapter 17: A Shared Bond.

 

The thirteenth day of Ramadan dawned clear and bright.  Naasir awoke with renewed hope and a determination to make things right. There was still the nagging fear of the unknown but Ummu Sulaym’s visit last night made him optimistic.

 

He also tried to push to the back of his mind,  thoughts that could result from his actions yesterday. He wasn’t scared of what The Rebels would do. It was Sholape who worried him. 

 

Perhaps he should have followed Nusrah’s advice about breaking it to her face-to-face but the deed was already done. As soon as the text was sent he’d muted and archived messages from her number and the rest of The Rebels.

 

In order to not court temptation, he resolved to buy another SIM card. That way he could at least suppress the guilt that threatened to eat him raw. He also didn’t want to waste his energy worrying about them, instead of being there for his father. It was his father who needed him the most now. 

 

Confident about the idea, Naasir began his routine for the day with enthusiasm.

 

*******

 

Mr Philips called Naasir to his office and informed him that he would be absent at the time of Zuhr and that Naasir would lead the Zuhr prayer.

 

“B-but sir… what about your deputy?” Naasir stammered.

 

“We will be attending the important programme together.”

 

“I’ve never done this in front of a congregation this size before.” Naasir said shaking his head. 

 

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine, Naasir. Remember how you almost rejected teaching the classes? Well, the students sing your praises all the time. They tell me you are patient  and thorough. So I think leading this prayer will be easy for you biidnillah.”

 

Naasir was pleased to hear that his students felt that way about his classes. However, leading the congregation was another matter entirely. It was a huge responsibility. 

 

It seemed he had no choice though. Mr Philips had already made up his mind.

 

Ya Allah, please see me through.

 

He stood up straighter. If Mr Philips believed in him, then he would believe in himself too.

 

“I’ll try my best sir.” 

 

Mr Philips beamed. “Jazaakallahu khayran, Naasir. I knew I could count on you.”

 

*******

 

Naasir did as well as could be expected leading Zuhr. 

 

After Solah, the congregation had asked him for a short admonition and he talked about the issue that was at the forefront of his mind. He channelled his Ustadh, Muneer and began to speak:

 

“Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

 

Bismillah,

 

Dear brothers and sisters, today I want to talk to you about the fickle nature of life. Life is a gift from Allah, and we should always be grateful for it and remember that it is temporary and will end one day. This is a reminder that we often forget, especially when we get caught up in the busyness of our daily lives.

 

Allah says in Quran 3 vs 185, “Every soul shall taste death.”

 

This verse serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from death. No matter how rich or famous we are, we cannot escape death. This is why we must always be mindful of our actions and strive to do good in this world so that we can be rewarded in the hereafter.

 

We should also remember the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who taught us to remember death frequently. He said, “Frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures,” referring to death (Tirmidhi). By remembering death, we are reminded of the temporary nature of this world, and we are motivated to work towards our ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and earning paradise.

 

Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health before you fall sick; your wealth before you become poor; your free time before you become busy; and your life before your death.” (Al-Hakim)

 

This hadith emphasises the importance of taking advantage of the blessings that Allah has given us before they are taken away. Our youth, health, wealth, free time, and life are all blessings that we should use wisely, knowing that they are temporary and will not last forever.

 

In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, let us always remember our return to Allah. We must make the most of our time in this world by striving to do good and taking advantage of the blessings that Allah has given us. May Almighty Allah guide us all and grant us success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.

 

Jazakumullahu Khairan, Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.”

 

********

 

He met with Bushrah after Zuhr. She handed him a package of fruits.

 

“Ummu Twins insisted I give them to you when I informed her you were under the weather.”

 

“Subhanllah. I must thank her tomorrow then.” Naasir was touched by the unexpected gesture

 

“How are you feeling now?” 

 

 

“I’m fine, Alhamdulillah. Although I wasn’t sick per se.” 

 

“Oh?” Bushrah said this in a questioning tone.

 

“Well, I discovered some devastating news yesterday and it busted my morale.”

 

“I see.  I pray that Allah uplifts your spirits soon biidhnillah.”

 

“Aamen. Actually. I need you to remember my family in your du’as. You see what I found out was that my dad is terminally ill.”

 

He heard her gasp. “Subhanallah. I’m so sorry to hear this. May Allah grant him complete cure”

 

“Aamen.”

 

“I understand your lack of morale better now.”

 

Naasir sighed. He felt better talking about it with someone. “He has less than a 50-50 chance of survival. My fear is losing him. I lost my mum when I was 9. I don’t want to bury my dad too.”

 

“I understand the way you feel, Naasir. I lost my mum and dad in the same year. They died within months of each other.” 

 

Naasir couldn’t believe his ears.  He listened as she continued.

 

“I know you must be feeling like you are drowning in fear and uncertainty. You hate that this happened and you can do nothing to control or stop it. I was young then but my older brother helped me. He taught me to focus on the things that I could control. I advise you to do the same. You can make du’a. Make sure to be there for your dad. Support him emotionally and physically. Spend more time with him. Lean on friends and family for support whenever you need it. You’re stronger than you think, Naasir. And you have the power to be there for your dad and to make a difference in his life. You just have to take it one day at a time, biidhnillah. May Allah guide you.”

 

Naasir listened intently as Bushrah shared her experience. He realised that he wasn’t alone in this struggle and that there were others who had gone through similar experiences and come out the other side. Stronger and all the better for it. 

 

He only wished her story had a happy ending, just as he hoped his would.

 

“I’m sorry about your parents, Bushrah. You are very brave for sharing this with me. Your words gave me a much-needed boost and I appreciate that.” He meant every word.  

 

“Don’t worry about it. Know that you’re not alone in this. I’m here whenever you need to talk.”

 

At that moment, Nusrah appeared. She said a brief hello to Bushrah and addressed Naasir.

 

“Ace abeg, we will meet at home niyen o. I have an important appointment to catch.”

 

“Okay see you at home, then.”

 

After Nusrah hurried out of the premises Bushrah cleared her throat.

 

“Can I ask you something?” She spoke hesitantly.

 

“Sure. What is it?”

 

“I’ve noticed that your sister only calls you Ace. What’s up with that?”

 

Naasir chuckled. “It’s a nickname my mum gave to me. It’s really special to me and Nusrah’s like the only one I allow to call me by it.”

 

“Oh, okay. I understand. Anyway, I have to go now. I promised to help my brother with something. Assalamu alaykum.”

 

“Waalaykumsalam warahmatullah.”

 

Bushrah turned to leave as well. She had only taken a few steps away when Naasir, out of pure instinct, called out to her.

 

“Hey, Bushrah!” 

 

She turned back.

 

“Yes?”

 

“You can call me ‘Ace’ too.”

 

“Alright. See you tomorrow…Ace.”

 

© Hafsah bint Nurein

2023