Contemplations on a rainy day

Taraweeh sessions are one reason I look forward to the month of Ramadan. Of course for its other benefits too, e.g. the reward for good deeds getting multiplied many times over, but mostly for the taraweeh. Getting to pray in congregation, listening to the translation of the Quran from an established speaker and learning the contexts in which the verses were revealed are the highlights of these sessions. I don’t think I can learn much if I try to read the translation on my own. Thus to make the most of it, I take notes during the sessions for future reference and also as a support to my poor memory. Perhaps I’ll put up some of the notes I’ve taken here for the benefit of those who read this blog. (For friends that ridicule me for my unused notebooks, see what good use I put them to? :D)

When it rained on the eve of Independence Day, I couldn’t help but think of the different nations about which the Quran mentions and how they were destroyed for not following the prophets sent to them. The way the storm began so suddenly with the howling winds and the heavy downpour, followed by the complete blackout (thanks again KESC!) it seemed to me as if this was a means of punishment of us. Stricken with fear, my tongue began to pray for repentance as if on its own. And it made me wonder how it is only at times like these, when fear transcends, that we think of seeking forgiveness for our sins. Death is inevitable; it may come at any time, any place, but are we prepared for what is to follow?

The five questions we all will have to answer; how was our life spent, how was our youth spent, from where did we earn, where did we spend our earnings and how much did we act upon the (religious) knowledge we acquired. Will our answers to these questions please Allah?

What is saddening that such serious thoughts only arise during the month of Ramadan, when our activities are more focused towards our religion. The rest of the year is spent in the same hoopla each preceding year is spent in. Other things settle on our minds and any intention there may have been of following the teachings of Islam takes a back seat. One can only pray that the good habits we develop in Ramadan (of praying on time, reciting the Quran regularly, exercising patience and rushing to do good), may Allah give us the strength to continue them the rest of the year around. Ameen.