Monday 22 July 2013

Fasting

A dandelion in my sitting room

It's a long day when you're not eating or drinking and praying a little extra. We start our fast here about about 3.20am and we break it at about 9.20pm. I'll leave you with all your fingers and toes to count how many hours that is.

The boys are trying their hardest to fast in the afternoon. I'm very impressed with them both.

Then about forty minutes before iftar we gather together to do dhikr. Without fail the midget will announce 'this is my favourite time of the day'. Just like last year.

Gone are the years of silliness and house-wrecking that sent me into a tail-spin at this time; now we have two boys who will sit with their prayer beads and pray, waiting for sunset prayer and iftar, quietly, with concerted effort.

And just like that, hardship turns to ease.


8 comments:

  1. :) We enjoyed the book you recommended (I waited to read it). It's good to hear there is now some quiet (those early years can be hard and loud!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for that beautiful insight into your family togetherness at this special time. I imagine this is a very difficult time of year for ramadan to fall, especially with this heatwave.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It does make it a teeny bit tougher! Although its amazing at how strength comes when you need it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Debbie, I was thinking about this in a completely different context. Reading about the dambusters I was struck that they were all so young - early twenties. While in no way condoning war in general, nor the dambusters mission in particular, it got me thinking about young men I know today - one who recently dropped out of uni, another who rarely leaves his room - and wondered if these young men would rise to such an occasion if required. And having boys myself (aged 10 and 8) whether they will find a (good) place to demonstrate courage and strength. Your faith will give a taste of that to your boys from a young age - something I'm not sure how to offer my own.

    I wish you very well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd like to think that we are trying to raise men who think about the needs of others. For sure, one thing fasting does is give you compassion for the less fortunate. I hope when it is their turn to take the reins of responsibility and vice regency that they do so with some of their ego firmly kept in check. Xx

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.