Eid Al Fitr: preparations

Alhamdulillah today is the last day of the Holy month of Ramadan. It pains me to see it go, but all good things must come to an end, and if it’s true that “with hardship comes ease” (and we know that it is!, the converse is also true: with ease comes hardship.

During Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are opened, and the devils are chained, their whispers quieted. Once they’re freed, they’ll be back with a vengeance, calling us to all the wrong things, trying to pull or pry us away from worshiping God.

May Allah keep us steadfast, and may we stay reminded of His Judgment and His Mercy.

Tomorrow is Eid Al Fitr, one of the two major Muslim holidays. It is a celebration of the end of Ramadan, a sort of send-off if you will, and a reminder of the blessings and freedom Allah has given us.

One of the major parts of Eid is going out to visit neighbors and friends, of rekindling bonds and forging new ones.

In that spirit, while my darling wife was busy cooking a wide variety of fried sweets and savories, fresh yoghurt, and other traditional Bengali foods, I whipped up a batch of Granddad’s #1 Chex Mix.

Al Andalus won’t know what hit it InshaAllah.

20140727-192710-70030147.jpg Continue reading “Eid Al Fitr: preparations”

Al Baqarah 187 (at the fabric shop)

…they are a garment (protection) for you, and you are a garment for them…

Al Baqarah, 187

This morning found Hana and I at Golden D’Or Fabric outlet out on Harry Hines. InshaAllah I’ll get up the courage to pop into some more of the warehouse stores down there one day. For now, it all seems a bit scary to me.

Alhamdulillah, this was an experience. One that rivaled That Basement (one of you out there might remember it…). Continue reading “Al Baqarah 187 (at the fabric shop)”

Ash Sharh 5-6

20140724-194422-71062612.jpg

For truly, after hardship comes ease,

Truly, after hardship comes ease.

Ash Sharh, 5-6

When things get difficult, remember that God only tests those whom He loves, and say “Alhamdulillah!” (All praise and thanks to God!).

And after that, when you experience a period of ease, say “Astaghfirullah” Forgive me God!), for ease is in itself a test—and you never want to seem ungrateful or haughty—and then say “Alhamdulillah,” because it’s always better to give thanks.
Continue reading “Ash Sharh 5-6”